129 Torridian   The Trainer 130
#17 - Vancouver Training - 05/01/99 SAT

Sea-Tac Airport Terminal - 1:25 p.m.

Robert walks through the crowd, toting his roll-about suitcase and a computer bag on top. He makes his way through the airport terminal to an open seat in his gate area. As he sits, several women casually check out the urbane businessman and his attire — light, wool dress slacks, a buttondown shirt with a silk tie, and comfortable leather shoes with a tan trench coat. Purchased in Vienna, Paris, Shanghai, Venice, and London, respectively. From the pocket of his trench, he pulls a cell phone and a small piece of paper, then dials the number written on it. The phone rings only once.
“Hello, Robert.” Jacquelyn’s voice is quite matter-of-fact.
“Hi. Listen, I just have about five minutes before they start boarding my flight.”
“Have you reached a decision regarding my proposition?”
“If I took this job so that I could spend time with you and placate my, ah, ‘complacent routine,’ it would be for all the wrong reasons. But when Mr. White made me realize that I would be preserving freedom for my children, it made sense.”
“So you’ll do it?”
“Yes, but only if you can guarantee there’s no way I’ll be putting Angie or my kids in harm’s way.”
“I will personally guarantee their safety. They will never fall in harm’s way.”
Just then a voice comes over the loudspeaker and Robert takes notice.
“Attention passengers, the Air Canada flight from Seattle to Vancouver will not be boarding because of a mechanical problem. We are waiting for that aircraft to leave the gate so that a new one can take you to your destination. We appreciate your patience and apologize for the inconvenience.”		 Robert scowls, shakes his head in frustration, and groans.
Hearing his grumbling, Jacquelyn inquires, “Robert, what’s the matter?”
“Jacqie, I have to let you go. You can tell me the details later. I need to get to Vancouver and my flight’s been delayed, so I have to talk to the gate agent. Sorry. Bye.” Robert hangs up abruptly and makes his way to the agent standing next to the door that leads to the Jetway. As he approaches her, she begins to speak before he can get a word in.
“Are you Robert Wade?” she asks.
“Yes.”
“Can I see your boarding pass, please?”
“Yes, here it is.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wade. Special transportation arrangements have been made for you because you are our première, exclusive, platinum, corporate executive, frequent flier miles card-holder. Please proceed down the Jetway.” And with that explanation, the gate agent opens the Jetway door for Robert. Furrowing his eyebrows, he gives the agent an inquiring look as he passes through the door.

Jetway Surprise — 1:35 p.m.

As Robert reaches the doorway of the jet, he sees the figure of a very attractive stewardess in the hallway, but he can’t see her face because she is leaning into the cockpit door. Nevertheless, she motions for Robert to come in, somehow detecting his presence. As Robert walks up to her, she leans out and stands straight — it’s Jacquelyn! She leans toward Robert and gives him a big hug followed by a spirited kiss on the cheek.
“Sir, if there’s anything else I can do to make your flight more comfortable, please let me know,” she says with a sultry smile.
Despite the luxuries of first-class travel to which Robert is accustomed, this is the first time a flight attendant has provided him with such an exciting level of passenger accommodation. Robert smiles broadly and, tuning in to her sarcasm, he replies, “I’ve got some greenbacks in my pocket. Maybe we could forgo the in-flight movie and you could do a little dance? I’m a big tipper.”
Jacquelyn licks her lips seductively, then smiles in earnest again. “I’d fix you a martini, James, but Q is waiting for you in the next room. You’ll have to settle for coffee instead. Starbucks?”
As Robert peeks down the gangway, past the galley, into the first-class cabin, he sees that all of the chairs have been removed

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