I could hear the sickly sweet smile in her tone and picture her rolling her eyes at a colleague or a visitor standing by the reception desk. ‘I’m sorry, caller, but that’s the same thing. I can’t confirm or deny anyone works here.’

‘That’s ridiculous.’

‘There are many very sensible reasons why we have this policy to safeguard our staff. Can I help you with anything else?’

‘Yes. What would you have done if I’d asked straight out to be put through to Scott Hastings?’

‘I’d have put you straight through if there was a Scott Hastings working here.’

‘Then can you put me through to Scott Hastings please?’

‘I’m sorry, we don’t appear to have a Scott Hastings working here.’

‘So why didn’t you just say that in the first place?’

‘Because I’m not permitted to give out staff names and you—’

I hung up. What a stupid, pointless conversation. But I’d learned a lesson. I brought up the next website and dialled the number.

‘Hello, you’re through to Atkinson and Associates, how may I direct your call?’ It was a man this time.

‘Hi, yes, erm… please can you put me through to Scott Hastings?’

‘Scott Hastings?’

My stomach lurched. Was that a hint of recognition in his voice? ‘Yes. Scott Hastings.’

‘How are you spelling that?’

‘Is there more than one way to spell it?’

‘I don’t think so, but I thought I’d better check. We’ve got a Scott Harris. He works out of our Dubai office. Is that who you’re looking for?’

‘No. Thank you anyway.’

I’d only called two companies and I was already losing the will to live. I owed Drew big time for getting through eight. I logged onto the next company website.

‘Good morning… sorry… afternoon,’ giggled a female with a Welsh accent. ‘It’s been a long day! The Kelshaw Group. Tegan speaking.’

‘Hi. Can you put me through to Scott Hastings please?’

‘One moment.’ Some hideously tinny hold music started and so did the racing of my heart. Did that mean Tegan was about to put me through? Was I about to speak to Scott? What if he refused to take the call? What if he cut me off?

The music stopped. ‘Sorry, what was that name again?’

My heart sank. ‘Scott Hastings.’

‘Bear with me a moment.’

I stared at my laptop as various photos scrolled on the company’s website: buildings, pylons, waves, machines, tools, engineering drawings. Yawn!

The music stopped again. ‘I’m sorry to keep you. I’m having a bit of a trouble finding a Scott Hastings, but I’m temping here. It’s only my first day. Does he definitely work here?’

I hesitated then crossed my fingers. It was easier not to explain. ‘Yes.’