Laura smuggles into the Hotel and finds an ally

While the workers were distracted, I hopped inside one of the boxes. It was filled with thousands of mini soap bars. It was a little bit slippery, but not a bad place to hide. Plus, it smelled really nice.

I didn’t have to wait long. The workers soon carried me into the building. I could peek from a small opening in the crate. They left me near the service elevator. I checked three times to make sure that the coast was clear before I decided to climb out of the crate and enter the elevator.

It was a short an uneventful ride. The doors opened and a hallway stood before me. I exited and began my search for room #203. The hotel seemed very elegant. Everything was clean and sleek. The plump carpet ticking my feet was a welcome change compared to the rough pavement outside.

I found the door and swiped the card. Nothing happened. A nearby sign warned that the reader was out of order. Figures. I would need a real key to open the door … if I didn’t know how to lock pick. I crouched, took out my hairpin and got to work.

“Oh my gosh. What are you doing?” I froze. Someone had caught me red-handed! My heart skipped a beat. I turned around. A maid was towering over me. She was a young and pretty brunette with long hair. The look on her face was one of confusion, rather than anger or alarm.

“Err…”

“I know you…” Oh great, it got worse. “You are that girl, the activist that did the naked stunt at the San Pablo pier…” I gritted my teeth. That was a memory I rather forget. The maid smiled. “I’m a big fan! Someone had to stand up to those greedy fishermen. You are so brave! Is this part of another stunt?”

“…Yes. The woman who rents this room is a big animal abuser. I’m here on a mission.”

“Oh really? What did she do?”

“You know the Lucky shelter downtown?”

“No?”

“Well, she went there and kicked every single puppy they had.”

The maid gasped. “All of them?!”

“… Yes.”

“Why?”

“… For fun.”

“That’s horrible! We have to do something!”

“We do. That’s why I’m trying to get inside her room.”

“All right. That’s a good cause. Plus, you smell really nice. I’m going to help you.” The maid pulled out a keyring and opened the door. Bingo.