Hidden Destinations

By Jon R. W. Thomas

"Selecting the right travel agent can lead to good travel experiences especially if your agent has unusual abilities."
Claire wanted to ease her way into the travel industry, but her supervisor made her training experience dreadful. What seemed to be a simple request resulted in profound transformations for Claire. How will she use these newly discovered abilities?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312239760

Book preview

Thomas

Copyright

Hidden Destinations

Copyright (c) 2014 by Jon R. W. Thomas

Cover design by Jon R. W. Thomas

Book design by Jon R. W. Thomas

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise including information storage and retrieval systems, without prior permission written permission from the authors. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

The information in this is distributed on an 'As Is' basis without warranty. This is a work of fiction.

Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors' imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The content also contains adult fiction and is suited for mature audiences only.

First Printing, May 2014

ISBN:978-1-312-23976-0

Printed and bounded in the United States of America

Published by Miravenar

Forward and Acknowledgments

Jon, who earned a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems, works as a developer in an aerospace company in Southern California. In addition to writing, Jon composes music, draws, and enjoys traveling.

It was a great experience to create this work of fiction. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I delighted in creating its contents.

Hidden Destinations

Copyright

Forward and Acknowledgments

1. Time to Travel

2. Appearances Aren't Everything

3. What's Happening to Me?

4. Tests and More Tests

5. What's Next?

6. Travel Time

7. Are You Here or There?

8. Fall Out?

9. Far, Far East

10. Phuket

11. Planning in Paradise

12. On to Phi Phi

13. On to Krabi

14. Returning Home

15. Appearance, Reappearances

16. Remember Kathy?

17. A Visit with Kathy

18. Awakened Dreams

19. Caretaking

20. Team Allison, Claire, and Kathy

21. Safely Working

22. Human?

23. World Domination or a Business Transaction?

24. Agony and Relief

25. Cold Places

26. Always Remembering

27. Feel Like Dancing?

28. Can We Hide?

29. The Following Day

30. Exploring, Examining, and Concealing

31. A Road to Various Destinations

32. An Unpleasant Journey

33. An Interview

34. A Harmless Light

35. Routines?

36. Pending Choices

37. Punishment or Playful?

38. Cautiously Watching

39. Plans?

40. What the … ?

41. A Surprising Inquiry

42. Instantaneous Travel

43. Where is Shelly?

44. Flying without an Aircraft

45. Hide and Seek

46. Kathy's Family

47. Claire's Family

48. Building a New World

Appendix: Reference

Major Characters

Minor Characters

1. Time to Travel

Eddie Sands, a 58 year old owner of TravelTime travel agency in Brentwood, California, struggles to keep his agency profitable. His agency is not doing well and he does not want his agency to fail. He thought of continuing as an independent travel agent without employees, but he loves to travel and uses the agency for personal travel discounts and deals. Eddie's father, Michael Sands, owns several resorts in California, Hawaii, and Florida. When he was young, Eddie frequently accompanied his father on his business trips and his family often embarked on extended global vacations during the summer. As a result, Eddie acquired the desire to travel, but it was not enough for him to be a travel agent because he wanted travel on his schedule so he decided to form his own agency.

Eddie has a reputation for being a difficult boss. He consistently berates his agents providing them inconsistent instructions and continually threatens them with termination. Additionally, to keep his agents from leaving, he withholds training opportunities from them so that they lack the necessary experience to relocate to other agencies. For example, he does not allow them to use Sabre or Apollo to book reservations and never allow his agents to attend seminars regarding latest trip options and services provided for the travel agent community. His agents are afraid to leave his agency because many of believe his berating messages that they are not good enough or that they will never become experienced professionals.

Surprisingly, Eddie does not realize that his agency is failing because of his management practices. He is unable to believe that he has a reputation for being a difficult person. He is unaware that many customers have heard him berating his agents - word spreads, especially on social networks. Allison Tilden, his lead agent, attempted to explain this to him several times, but he was unable to listen to her.

Because of Eddie's difficult personality, new agents do not stay long at TravelTime. Again and again, Eddie has to hire and train new agents. Claire Michelson saw a job opening for an agent at TravelTime in an online job listing and applied. Claire, a beautiful 27 year old woman with

blonde-brown

hair and blue eyes, wanted to work in the airline industry in order to get flight benefits and to travel, but there were no openings. She recently completed a travel program through a local community college and thought that accepting an entry level travel agent position was a logical professional next step.

Her interview with Eddie was pleasant, but she did not think he was interested in hiring her because he did not ask her about her experience or why she wanted to work at his agency. Eddie only asked her if she knew how to use word processing software and if she had any phone experience. She wondered if he was just looking for a receptionist.

A surprised Claire received a call from Eddie indicating that she was hired. When asked why he selected her, Eddie said that he thought she seemed to be very trainable, had a good attitude, and also had a lot of potential. She believed these characteristics about herself as well. In the first month, Claire learned a lot about how to book airline and hotel reservations, how to review and discuss several travel options for a destination with clients, and how to effectively research destinations.

There was no time for her to get to know her fellow agents because everyone was always busy. This did not bother her, for she was happy that she was working in the travel industry. She felt comfortable on the job, but began to feel confused. For she often saw various agents called into Eddie's office and when they left his office after speaking to him, they appeared to be stressed out and distraught. When she asked several agents near her work area, if there was a problem in the agency, no one responded. This puzzled her because to her there clearly was a problem.

After several months, Claire's work environment changed. Suddenly, Eddie who always smiled at her when she came to work started calling her into his office as well. He started to criticize her work. When she tried to explain, he did not listen to her and would abruptly and rudely cut her off telling her

to return to her desk. Again, she asked others around her if there was something wrong at the agency, but no one responded. Additionally, she found herself placed on email distribution for content she did not previously view. She found that Eddie began to frequently criticize her among her peers through email and found out that he did this to others as well.

Eddie's criticism became more frequent. Claire didn't understand how someone who seemed to be so kind and understanding at first, turn on her. She met her best friend, Kathy Meyers, in a coffee shop to talk about these changes to her work environment.

I don't understand. He used to be so pleasant towards me. What did I do wrong? Claire asked. I don't think that you did anything wrong, but just ask him! Kathy responded.

Hmmm, that seems so simple. I asked him once, but he didn't listen. Why am I so reluctant to ask him again? Claire asked.

Maybe you suspect that he won't tell you what is going on no matter how many times you ask? Kathy replied.

You're probably right. That's one reason why you are my friend, Kathy. You are so aware of these things, Claire responded, as she gently placed a hand on Kathy's hand.

Claire, however, you should talk to others as well and even go into counseling about this because you're so stressed out right now. It has been years since I've seen you like this! Kathy suggested.

You're right, Kathy. I think I'll pray as well, Claire replied. Good idea! Kathy replied.

After leaving Kathy, Claire went home to her apartment in South Redondo. After she threw her keys and purse on the coffee table, she sat down and thought, It was been so long since I've talked to God verbally. I'm sure it won't hurt. Here it goes.

God, please help me! You know what is going on at work. Help me understand and tell me how to respond. Please help me!

After her prayer, Claire quickly turned on the television and thought no more about work for the rest of the evening.

2. Appearances Aren't Everything

The following day, Claire received an email from Eddie indicating that he wanted Claire to come to his office immediately. She anxiously walked towards his office, slowly opened the door, and entered standing there as if she was awaiting a death sentence.

Don't look so glum! You used to smile all the time. I want you to smile – all the time! Eddie said to her with a tinge of anger and a glare. After a pause, he spoke again, Hey, Claire, you're not smiling – I said smile! Claire then briefly closed her eyes and prayed.

Suddenly Eddie responded, Hey, where did you go? What the F…? Eddie frantically looked around his office for her. Claire watched him as he passed right through the spot she was standing and did not say a word. She suddenly realized that she was invisible to him. Stunned by his response, Claire opened the door of his office, departed, and walked back to her desk. Eddie did not notice that the office door opened and closed because he was frantically searching for Claire from the other side of the office.

As Claire slowly walked back to her desk, she looked down and noticed that she could not see her hands, her feet, or her body. She tried to remain calm as she slowly sat in her chair. Once she sat down, she could see her body again.

Eddie continued to frantically search for Claire and then departed his office and walked towards her work area. Once he saw Claire at her desk, he yelled, Did you give me some kind of drug?

Claire then stood up and asked Eddie, Why did you say that, Sir? Don't f**n call me, Sir! Eddie yelled and walked back to his office.

Terry Walton, an agent who sits in the cubicle next to Claire asked her what happened. I don't know! Claire replied, but Claire did know and was so numb from the experience

continuing to doubt what transpired between Eddie and her.

Eddie did not bother Claire for the remainder of the day as she took calls, scheduled trips for clients, and offered travel information and advice.

The following day, Eddie called Claire into his office again through an email message, but this time he was joined by Allison Tilden, his lead agent. Other agents resent Allison and Laura Stanley, because they don't have to complete daily activity longs. Laura became one on Eddie's favorites because she snitched on other agents identifying those making personal phone calls because part of Laura's job is to track all agent phone calls.

You're ffff….. You're tttt…., Eddie shouted stumbling with his words holding his head at the same time.

Is there something wrong, Mr. Sands? I'm sorry, but I don't know what you are trying to tell me, Claire replied.

I think he is trying to say that you are f…., Allison replied, however she was unable to articulate either.

If there isn't anything else, Mr. Sands, I have plenty to do and want to get back to work, Claire replied. Eddie then lifted his hand as if to strike Claire, but then experienced debilitating pain crouching down on the ground holding the arm that he raised.

Oh, Mr. Sands, should we call for an ambulance? Claire exclaimed, as she knelt down next to

him.

Get away from me you, b**ch! Eddie shouted.

Claire then slowly stood up and replied, You should not talk to me that way, Mr. Sands. That is a rude, sexist remark!

Just go back to work, Claire. He understands, Allison replied, as she helped Eddie to his chair. That b**ch! I'm gonna f**kn kill her! Eddie snapped back.

Hey Eddie, calm down and quit shouting that you're going to kill someone! Allison replied, as she lightly held his shoulders trying to calm him down. Allison then wondered why she also had problems articulating certain words. Eddie's pain subsided and he quickly forgot that he had called

Claire to his office.

3. What's Happening to Me?

I can't believe this! What is going on? Claire nervously asked herself, as she drove home. God, is it you? Did you answer my prayer or am I just going crazy? Claire exclaimed.

She then decided to call her friend Kathy who happened to be home already and asked her to join her for a trip to the emergency room.

As Kathy entered Claire's car she asked, What's wrong, Claire? Tell me? Did Eddie hit you? "No, No, but something very strange happened. Let me tell you. I was in his office and suddenly

he could not see me!" Claire explained.

Wow! Maybe he had a stroke! Kathy replied.

I don't think so, because on my way back to my work area, I couldn't see myself either, Claire

replied.

Oh, how weird, Kathy replied. She did not know what to think about Claire statement. She didn't believe that she was crazy and thought there must be a reasonable explanation. Claire and Kathy waited about an hour before Claire was seen by a physician. Claire was first interviewed by a nurse.

What brings you here tonight? The nurse asked. Something strange happened at work, Claire said. Go on - what happened? The nurse asked.

My boss yelled at me and suddenly he could not see me. He panicked looking for me all around his office while I was still there. He even walked through me. When I left the office and as I walked back to my work area, I noticed that I could not see my body, but when I sat down, and then I could see my body again, Claire explained.

Oh – Uhhh - is there anything else? The nurse replied with a worried look.

No, that's it - that is why I'm here, Claire stated.

Claire was shuffled to another room and met with an older female physician who looked at her suspiciously.

Claire Michelson, yes? What is today's date? The physician asked.

Claire provided the correct date and then said, You probably think that I am seeing things and perhaps I am. That's why I'm here!

Can we call your supervisor at work in order to obtain additional information about this experience? The physician asked, after she confirmed the experience with Claire.

Yes, of course. Here's my business card with our office phone number. My supervisor's extension is 3345. You can call him now because he stays at work as late as 10 p.m., Claire offered.

The physician went to another room to call Eddie.

Mr. Sands. This is Doctor Patricia Williams at Memorial hospital. One of your employees is with us right now. I need to ask something for clarification. Do you have a moment? Dr. Williams asked.

Yes, who is it? Is it an accident? What happened? Eddie asked.

Sir, there hasn't been an accident, but is it true that you had an unusual experience with one of your employees? Did Claire Michelson disappear in front of you when she was in your office? Dr.

Williams asked.

Oh - her - that bah - yes - how did she do that? Eddie asked.

We don't know, but Claire also mentioned that as she departed from your office, she could not see herself as well. Do you know if anyone else may have seen the door open and close as she left your office? Dr. Williams asked.

Hey Allison! shouted Eddie. Did you see Claire leave my office yesterday?

"I didn't see her leave Eddie, but I saw the office door open and close on its own. At first I thought it was you while you were jumping around moving things there, but you were on the other side

of the room when the door moved. What I saw seemed strange to me. I thought I was just seeing things because I was tired," Allison explained.

Dr. Williams, there was one person here who saw the door to my office open and close, but no one saw Claire leave my office. Is Claire studying to be a magician? Eddie asked.

"So, you are saying that you did not see Claire even though you were in the office with her. No one saw Claire leave the office, but someone saw the office door open and close by itself, and then

Claire was later discovered to be at her desk?" Dr. Williams asked.

Yes, that seems right. Is Claire returning to work? What's wrong with her? Eddie asked. "I can't answer that right now because she hasn't been thoroughly examined. I called for

clarification. Thank you for providing this information, Mr. Sands," Dr. Williams said and then she hung up the phone.

I think that I might have to hire someone else, Eddie shouted to Allison. Why, is Claire really sick? Allison asked.

Well, I can't have someone disappear on me every time I call her to my office, Eddie replied. "It's not her fault. You probably scared the sh**t out of her with your shouting so that she

shrunk so small that no one could see her," Allison responded with a laugh.

Hey, that's not funny, Allison. That girl disappeared right in front of me – like poof! The doctor said that she could not even see herself. Now, tell me, isn't that weird? Eddie replied.

You sure know how to hire them, don't you Eddie? Allison replied.

4. Tests and More Tests

After a psychiatric examination and several lab tests, Claire was given a MRI of her head and the results were shared with Claire.

"We didn't find any anomalies. We think this might be a case of

hypnotically-induced

hallucinations. Your supervisor was aggressive towards you placing you under a lot of stress. Others around you were stressed as well because of your supervisor's disposition. Additionally, your supervisor was also stressed. He responded with selective blindness and when he shouted out that he could not see you - that was an unintentional hypnotic suggestion that affected everyone around the area. This is why no one saw