Ben and Chloe turned their heads in unison, each respecting the other’s confusion. She seemed particularly entertained by it all, giggling as though Sparling just landed some top-notch stand-up. Since his graduation, Ben hadn’t been the perfect candidate for any job. His history master’s had yet to open any doors that didn’t lead to a retail shop floor. And those doors could be soldered shut for all he cared.

‘Ms Coogan,’ the doctor continued, ‘I’ve heard wonderful reports of your work. There is even talk of expanding your research into a PhD next year. Your study on the archaeology of indigenous communities in the nineteenth century is coming along quite nicely, yes?’

‘Yeah,’ she casually replied, sitting back, ‘it’s coming together.’

‘And Mr French,’ he said, placing a palm flat on his thesis, ‘you’ve done sterling work here. Interviewing is no easy feat. You obviously have a knack for it. Very promising,’ he said, almost to himself, ‘very promising indeed. And now, before we go any further, I’ll need you to sign these.’ Here he produced two pages, presenting one in each hand.

‘And what are they?’ Chloe asked bluntly, cocking an eyebrow.

‘Non-disclosure agreements,’ Sparling replied as if it should have come as no surprise. ‘It is my wish that your findings be kept between us for the time being, until I’ve had opportunity to study them.’

Ben needed a job. He needed money. This sounded like an internship – experience that would bolster his supposed employability but leave the lint in his pocket undisturbed. Judging by the pout of Chloe’s lips, her reservations had also been raised.

‘Are we getting paid for this?’ Ben asked, frowning at the man.

‘Yes, of course, Mr French. How much would you like?’

Ben’s throat felt dry. How much would you like? No words came to mind and certainly no fee. He heard Chloe tittering to herself beside him. Did she think the man was joking? Sparling didn’t strike Ben as the type to indulge in a sense of humour. Not with a smile like that.

‘Tell you what, Mr French,’ he said after a moment of no response. ‘Sign this, and after I explain the project’s various ins and outs we can discuss payment. How does that appeal to you? Time is precious and I’d rather not waste any.’