Image Carriers. Genel Anthony

      Things died down for a while and Adam continued working with his clients. He was running an Assertiveness Training class when his receptionist called him from the office. Adam was in another part of the city teaching a group of about eleven people, all managers. Carol sounded strange on the phone, as she didn’t know what to make of the call she had just received. She told Adam that a strange gentleman called and he sounded sort of menacing in a way, asking questions about why they placed that advertisement a few weeks back. Carol had actually forgotten about the ad and had to think quick and hard when he brought it up. She told Adam that he wanted to know who worked in the centre, how many people were employed; he wanted names and qualifications and wanted to know if anyone was working on any esoteric projects. She told him that she would take his name and number and get the manager to call him, but he did not want to leave his details and finally hung up.

      A few days later, while Adam was in session, the same man called and wanted to speak with the manager. Carol reminded the caller that Adam was in a meeting, and that she would take his contact details and have the manager call him back, but again, this strange-sounding man did not want to leave any details. Later that day, Carol raced into Adam’s office as he was working on his notes and quickly whispered that the same man was on the phone again. Adam was fed up by now, as he didn’t want to see Carol so worked up from this man’s constant calls; he thought he would be firm with the caller and put an end to this once and for all. He had it all planned. But the caller sounded hesitant and nervous at first, unlike what Adam was expecting. He asked if he was speaking with the manager. Adam advised him that he was, and that he also spoke to his receptionist, Carol, and wanted to know why he was ringing all the time. However, the caller wanted to know how big the centre was and how many staff were employed there. Adam reminded him that it was only him and Carol. After a pause, this mature sounding man said his name was Thomas Garrett, but told Adam to call him Tom. He asked if he could have a meeting with Adam.

      Carol came into Adam’s office and asked what happened with the caller. Adam told Carol that it was a strange call, but agreed to meet with Mr Garrett the next day. Carol looked anxious and asked if Adam was doing the right thing, as she got weird vibes from his calls. Adam reassured Carol that the meeting would be fine.

      Adam arrived home and, as per usual, Joey was watching television, playing on his laptop and listening to music all at the same time. Adam sometimes wondered why he took Joey in, but then remembered when Joey went to stay with his mother for two weeks during his holidays, the house felt empty and lonely. Over time, they had become close, like best friends. Joey was growing up very quickly and maturing into a responsible young man.

      The next morning, right on time, an elderly well-dressed gentleman in his late sixties or early seventies, entered Adam’s office and went over to Carol. He told her he had an appointment with Adam. Carol gave him a clipboard with a personal details form to be completed. He didn’t say much and sat in the corner chair, reading the forms. Carol sent an email to Adam letting him know that his odd client had just arrived, and that he did not look scary at all.

      Tom Garrett walked into the office with Carol. Carol gave Adam a curious look as she handed him Tom’s paperwork, gesturing down at the forms she had just handed to him. Adam noticed that Tom had not filled out all the information and had left out his personal details, only writing in his first name. He had left the other areas blank. Adam politely reminded Tom that he must complete the forms; otherwise the session would not go ahead. Carol closed the door behind her as she left the room. Tom seated himself and told Adam that he wasn’t there for a counselling session, and that he wouldn’t be staying long. He just wanted to meet Adam and have a quick chat about something. Adam asked how he could help the old man.

      “It is nothing serious,” the man spoke in a friendly way. “It is in regards to your ad in the local paper.” He pulled out a neatly cut-out advertisement of Adam’s ad and showed Adam.

      “Yes, how can I help you with that,” asked Adam, not sure where all this was heading.

      “I may be interested in what you had to say in your advertisement?”

      “In regards to…” Adam sat forward.

      “Not sure. What have you got to offer?” The old man responded, looking expressionless. Adam thought his behaviour was a little odd and respectfully decided to bring the meeting to an end, as he wasn’t really getting anywhere and realised that this vague old man may be lonely and perhaps looking for some drama in his life.

      “Mr. Garret,” Adam spoke, keeping a polite tone, “I think you have made a mistake coming here, as I don’t really know what you want and I am not sure how I can help you.”

      The man with the balding, short silver hair smiled gracefully and stood up. He thanked Adam for seeing him and left as quickly as he came. Carol then came into the office and gave Adam another inquisitive look. “What was all that about?” She said looking a little suspicious.

      They were used to strange people visiting Adam’s rooms because, after all, they were a counselling and coaching centre. Yet, what took place just then was one for the books. Adam had a nagging suspicion about this man. Something wasn’t really right, and he felt that there was more to the story than this elderly man was letting on. He appeared full of secrets or was hiding something. Meanwhile, Carol came in and told Adam that the lady from the local paper called again and asked if they wanted to re- advertise for a discount. Adam decided to let the ad run again, but this time, change it to bold print to hopefully capture more people’s attention.

      Three days after the ad appeared, a radio station called. A heavy, masculine voice was on the other side of the phone. He wanted to speak with the manager or the person who placed the advertisement. Adam spoke briefly with him and soon realised that he was being sarcastic and disrespecting Adam.

      “So you looking for people who see dead people, is this correct?” the radio announcer sniggered. “What’s this all about?” He quickly added.

      Adam explained that it was a research assignment, nothing ground-breaking or sinister. He further explained that it was routine from time to time to embark on transcendental work as research projects. Adam pointed out that students are looking for people with the ability to see visions they feel are vivid and carry messages. He heard the announcer chuckle in the background, but suddenly realised that he was live on air. The show was broadcast across the state and in nearly half of the country. Adam decided to use the situation to his advantage and continued promoting his advertisement and the name of his practice, irritating the announcer, as it was not going according to the radio announcer’s plan. Before the broadcaster realised that he was no longer in control of the conversation and that he was giving Adam free advertising airtime, he abruptly terminated the call.

      After hanging up from the radio station, Adam sat back in his chair and secretly smiled to himself. He wondered if this would do the trick and envisaged thousands of psychic people swamping his office to be part of his new venture.

      Carol then buzzed Adam on the phone, “Kim on hold for you. Can you take the call?”

      Kim was one of Adam’s earlier clients. She was definitely a sensitive, a medium, if you like, but took a long time to come to terms with this fact. She hated being a medium and wanted medication or psychological strategies to remove her vivid and uncontrollable images that seem to engulf her at all the wrong times. It took many years for Kim to manage her mysterious and mystical experiences, and to this day, she continues to shy away from anything to do with the supernatural.

      Kim had heard Adam on her radio while driving home from the shops. She had nearly driven off the road when she heard his voice. “Oh my God!” she said excitedly. “What’s going on with this psychic stuff?”

      “Calm down, Kim. It’s okay,” Adam reassured. Kim was fearful Adam may implicate her somehow, as she was a deeply private person and still somewhat in denial regarding her own abilities. Kim believed that her psychic talents were the cause of her anxieties.

      “The first thing I thought was ‘please don’t mention my name,’” she spoke quickly.

      Adam interrupted her. “No names. Just trying to locate