”Hello,” he introduced himself to the first prospect, extending a hand to a tall, robust man whose tan and fair hair said “California tycoon.” “Please allow me to introduce myself. Malcolm Moore, freelance guide.”
The man shook his hand warily, then glanced at the business card he’d proffered. It read:
Malcolm Moore, Time Guide
Rome AD 47 3 London 1888 3 Denver 1885
Other Destinations Available upon Request
Experience Adventure without the Hassle of a Tour Schedule!
Private Side Tours and In-Depth Guide Services for
Individuals, Families, Students, Business Groups
Best Rates in Shangri-la
Contact: TT-86 Room 503, #111-1814
The tycoon scanned his card and glanced back up. “You’re a freelancer?” The tone was more dubious than ever.
”My specialty is ancient Rome,” Malcolm said with a warm, sincere smile. “I hold a Ph.D. in Classics and Anthropology and have nearly seven years experience as a guide. The formal tour,” he nodded toward uniformed Time Tours employees taking tickets and answering questions, “includes the Circus Maximus chariot races and gladiatorial combats, but Time Tours is bypassing the extraordinary experience of the…”
”Thank you,” the man handed back the card, “but I’m not interested.”
Malcolm forced the smile to remain. “Of course. Some other time, perhaps.”
He moved on to the next potential customer. “Please allow me to introduce myself…”
Begging never got any easier.
Given the chill of this crowd, Time Tours had been poisoning their customers against freelancers. Skeeter Jackson, drat the boy, seemed to be doing fine, whatever he was up to in that far corner. His smile glowed brighter than the overhead lights.