The maps and other paperwork were distributed and they were told to line up by the ballroom door. Then, with her hand in the air, May opened the door.

Ready, Steady – Go!

The graduate trainees set off at a run. Bewildered, Tom jogged after them. When he was outside, he realized Scott was not there and turned to look for his partner.

Scott was standing by the hotel door, lighting a cigarette.

Come on, Tom said. We’re going to be last. And it seems it matters.

First, Scott said. It doesn’t matter. And second, we won’t be last. We’ll win. But let me explain how over a fry-up. There’s a greasy spoon up the way.

His plan was simple: a leisurely and restorative breakfast, then a taxi ride around Galway to the addresses on the list to find the answers. It was a good idea, and led to a pleasant morning. When they had completed the treasure hunt, Scott directed the taxi driver to drop them off around the corner from the hotel, and they walked into the ballroom, first to return.

A few minutes later the next two arrived, sweating and panting hard. Their eyes opened wide when they saw Tom and Scott.

Did you – did you do it? one of them asked.

Tom nodded and showed them the paper with the answers.

But you’re hardly out of breath?

Scott winked. Work smart, not hard, he said.

They knew, of course, that Tom and Scott had cheated, but did not dare accuse them. That would have been being sore losers.

So had he left the company – or more likely, given how useful he was at the moment, been fired – he would not have kept in touch with any of the others. Scott, though, he would have seen again.

‘How much sleep are you getting?’ Scott said.

‘Couple of hours here, couple there,’ Tom said. ‘It’s brutal. I feel like I’m the walking dead. Had I known it would have been like this before I’m not sure I’d have gone through with it.’

‘Could you have a chat to Karen?’ Scott said. ‘She’s after having a baby and I’m trying to stave her off. But if you explained what your nights look like we may get away with a bit of a delay.’

‘She could talk to Alice, too. She’s not getting much more sleep.’

‘I’ll get her to call you.’ He stood up. ‘How about a beer after work? You look like you could do with one.’

‘I’m not sure. I have to get home.’

‘We could leave here early? Get you back on time.’

‘It sounds good, I have to admit,’ Tom said. ‘But I don’t think I can.’

‘Come on,’ Scott said. ‘Just the one.’

It did sound good.

‘OK,’ he said. ‘Just the one.’

Alice