Music added to the din of afterwork chatter, and the rich aroma of brasserie food mingled with the pungent smell of espresso and beer. Precocious young men clustered in twos and threes to peer into smoke-filled windows, feigning interest in the plat du jour as they steeled themselves to journey deeper.

As night shadows darkened the alleyways, the air grew thick and cloyed with desire. Crazy-colored neon beckoned the walkers and gawkers, and the light haloing around black-curtained doorways led into temptation.