Sierra Village

The hot summer sun beamed down on the crowd lining up on the sidewalk. The people in line patiently waited to enter the convention center.

A banner outside the plexi-glass hung in big bold letters, “Free Virtual Tour!” People held their yellow cards of information as beads of sweat dripped from their heads, the wait was worth it. They chatted in line with others, the rumor was to take the virtual tour, give your opinion and receive a pair of tickets to a tropical destination.

People moved a step to the right as the wheels from a rusted shopping cart were heard coming up the street. They waved the card in front of their nose or held their breath. A homeless man limped pushing his cart filled with dirty belongings, going about his day.

His prideful calico cat stood on its owner’s belongings. The cat itself had dirty, matted fur, and wore a small helmet. The homeless man took notice of the mixture of men and women in their casual clothes. He looked up and down the street, seeing the line wrap around the corner. He approached a friendly looking man to ask questions.

“Hey, what’s dis line for?” His index finger pointed up and down the street.

Wearing his black Rayban sunglasses, a man in line made no hesitation to answer. “We take this virtual tour, answer some questions and we are given free tickets to locations around the world. All for free, my man.”

The homeless man glanced up and down the line again, chuckled with his three teeth shaking his head continuing his journey. “Doesn’t anyone remember the old saying? Notin’ good ever comes for free.” He gripped his cart, heading North on the sidewalk.

Inside the convention center on the second level, black mirrored glass overlooked the busy scene of vendors, and wandering customers.

The employer stood observant and firm at the scene below. The door opened behind, he didn’t bother to turn and look. The homeless man appeared with the calico cat in arms. The employer wrinkled his nose.

He thought it was time to share some wisdom. “Desperation for something free makes people reveal their true feelings, share secrets.” He breathed carefully through his nostrils. “Why don’t you undress before you enter?”

The homeless man transformed. He pulled off the dirty beard from his face, eyebrows and took off the layered jacket to set on the couch. Opening a closet filled with suits, he dressed into one.

“It’s a bit hot today. I couldn’t be down there long. Plus, I think Shadow might overheat with her coat and helmet.” He removed the velcro matted fur from the cat and helmet.

Shadow meowed at her owner and rubbed her head against his hand. He was pleased and scratched at her weak spot, the back of her head. He set her on the countertop and tugged at one ear. The cat paused, shutting down and logging the video footage.

“I don’t understand why you pet that thing.” Employer saw the footage from earlier on his cellphone, the line of the crowd made him smile. Clearing his throat, his employer waited for more information.

Facial wipes were on the counter. The assistant swiped one to remove the dirt, sweat and grim. His long, sharp clean-cut chin shined when the makeup was removed. He couldn’t help but notice his employer didn’t move, didn’t bother to turn around.

He kept an eye on his employer, he was meticulous with this process. On the table, he picked up his tablet and signed on to see the results of the virtual booth.

Standing next to his employer, gazing down at the booths below, their men were recognizable in green polo shirts and khaki pants. He was pleased with their appearance, they were warm and welcoming.

Inside the exhibit tables was information on time shares, vacations, get rich quick schemes, health and beauty. The employer scanned at the line wrapped around inside for the virtual tour. This made him satisfied the plan would work.

The tapping on the tablet made his teeth clench, he would prefer a quiet moment as he gazed down. “Anyone promising yet?” His sharp and pronounced acquisition waited patiently for the right answer. “Remember, I need those who under thirty-two and most importantly, they have nothing to lose. Is everyone being asked the last question?”

“Of course.” The assistant flipped through his tablet.

“Read it again to me.” He walked away and mouthed when his assistant read aloud. “If you had the opportunity to start your life over, would you leave everything you have now, to start fresh, a new way of life?”

A picture of a female dropped into the assistant’s inbox in his tablet. “Sir, we have our first female candidate from this location.” He walked over to show his employer.

The young female’s warm and friendly smile showed her personal information. She was twenty-seven years old with long light brown hair and brown eyes. Her features were soft and narrow.

“Not one yellow or red on her answers.” The assistant was content about the information.

The employer removed his hands from his pockets. “I trust the system I created. No need to show me. Make the call.” Confident, he left the window to walk over to the bar and poured himself an old fashion.

“Of course.” The intern was nervous and did not want to disappoint. His dialed the phone number from his tablet and in his blue tooth, a sweet voice answered quickly.

With the sweet eager voice, the intern cracked a smile. “Hello, Amara? I am Dave with Sierra Travel. My associates informed me you just received your show tickets? Yes? Well of course…how about I make an exciting offer to you for an all expense trip to Europe.”

The sweet voice on the phone shouted with excitement.