Absent

Carter Sutherland is a think tank executive living near D.C. His world is precise and analytical; his demeanor, reserved. Because he is partially color-blind, his black-and-white perspective is both literal and physical—until he meets client Tracee Green—a synesthete who sees words as colors.

When she offers to take him on 4 sensory-rich, cerebral journeys to improve his perception and emotional intelligence, he readily agrees, not sure what to expect. What he encounters is far more astounding than he could imagine.

With the power of suggestion and exotic beverages, Tracee guides him to pivotal eras in time where he assumes the personas of Arturo, Arthur, Kar, and RT. With each journey (both sensual and gut-wrenching), he learns about himself and the world around him—insights he applies to a camouflage project at work.

There’s no denying that Carter is attracted to his vision guide, and the feeling is mutual. Tracee delights in teasing him with innuendos and temptations, leaving him unsure about what is real and not. One thing is certain: his wife, Sarah, isn’t thrilled with his visits to the Green Light Foundation.

But the storyline changes from an innocent quest of self-discovery to something more ominous when Carter notices suspicious activities in the grand Victorian where he is treated. Convinced their operations are a front for something else, he starts to poke around. Dangerous. With the help of his son, an investigative reporter, a subplot is revealed.