Losing It

by Michael E. Lloyd

Amy: They’ve just come through the door. Give them a big wave!

Jenny: Okay .....

Roy: Well good evening, ladies. Were you perhaps waving at us?

Amy: Of course we were! Remember us from the tour bus?

Craig: Yes, I do.

Amy: I knew you would. You gave us a lovely smile as you walked past!

Jenny: You certainly did. Would you care to join us for dinner?

Roy: Well, we were going to discuss a little business .....

Craig: Oh, come on, Roy. Can’t turn down a fine offer like this. And anyway, it would be impolite to refuse!

Amy: That’s the spirit! And what’s your name?

Craig: I’m Craig.

Amy: And I’m Amy. And this is Jenny. Do sit down. Waiter!

Roy: Please let me do this. Would you care for another glass of something?

Jenny: Thank you, Roy. We’re both drinking Prosecco.

Amy: Well, I’m .....

Roy: Two top-ups for the ladies, and another gin and tonic for me, and .....

Craig: Just a sparkling water for now, thank you. And two more menus, please.

Amy: Well, isn’t this nice.

Roy: Delightful!

Jenny: So, did you enjoy the afternoon’s tour?

Craig: Yes, I did, Jenny. Some lovely beauty spots, and so many fantastic views.

Amy: What about you, Roy?

Roy: It was fine, I guess. Not exactly my thing, but the other option was golf. We both hate golf.

Jenny: Oh ... you had to choose one or the other?

Roy: Craig will explain. He’s good at that.

Craig: We’re here on a three-day business trip, Jenny. Hoping to win a major new contract with ... well, let’s call them XYZ Corporation. There are two other companies in the running, and we’re all having to jump through the final hoops before they make their decision tomorrow.

Amy: Oh, how exciting!

Craig: Not really, Amy, it’s actually very hard work! Most of the time. But they have given us some breaks. We arrived late yesterday morning, and we were the first team to make our pitch after lunch. Then we were free to work privately on their reactions and feedback, and revise our proposals, while the other two companies did their own presentations and so on. Last night each team had separate buffet meals with a couple of their executives, so that was “best behaviour and business talk” all evening, of course. And this morning we each had a second round of separate presentations to make, with all the necessary follow-up.

Amy: Phew!

Craig: Yes, that’s more like it! Then after lunch the XYZ people retreated to discuss everything they’d heard, and we were “free” for the afternoon ... but not really. They’d asked us last week to choose between golf and a scenic tour. Both of the other teams went for the golf, and the company sent another couple of junior goons to “host” us all the way.

Roy: Language, Craig!

Craig: Sorry, Roy ... senior goons. Anyway, we put up with them for most of the time, but we contrived to sit apart from them on the final leg of the trip. That’s when I returned your smiles, as we walked back down the bus.

Amy: That was so nice!

Craig: And the company had even reserved a table for the two of us here tonight. But we don’t need it now.

Roy: There, I told you he was good at explaining things. Not brief, but good. Ah, the drinks at last! Cheers, everyone. Now let’s have a proper look at the menu, shall we?

Jenny: Good idea.

Jenny: The lobster is ridiculously overpriced!

Roy: The Boeuf bourguignon sounds very good.

Craig: I fancy the battered cod with fries and peas.

Roy: Fish and chips? You can’t order that! What will people think?

Amy: Hey, leave him alone, Roy!

Craig: It’s okay, Amy. I’m used to humouring him. I’ll join him in the beef stew.

Amy: Coward.

Craig: Anyway, my new-found guardian angel, what are you going for?

Amy: I think a nice feta cheese salad would be safest.

Roy: Oh, I’m sure it’s all very good quality, Amy.

Amy: It’s not that, Roy. I’m just very careful about my diet.

Roy: Of course. So have you decided yet, Jenny?

Jenny: The lamb seems to be a very good value. Yes, I’ll have the lamb. And perhaps we could all share a platter of mixed hors d’oeuvres?

Roy: Good idea. And I’ve changed my mind — I’m going for the lobster.

Craig: Right. Fine. And how about some wine, everybody?

Amy: Not for me, thanks. Just an orange juice.

Craig: Jenny? Red or white with your lamb?

Jenny: I don’t mind.

Roy: In that case ... yes, we’ll have this excellent red Burgundy. That’ll go very well with your beef, Craig. Waiter!

Roy: So you know all about us now. What do you do, Jenny?

Jenny: I run a small investment company. With my business partner Joe.

Roy: That’s interesting. So this is time out for you, eh?

Jenny: Only a little. Joe and I met up at the airport this morning and then looked at several properties we’re interested in buying. He had to fly back for a late afternoon meeting, but I’d decided to stay on till tomorrow and see the local sights. First break I’ve had in months. Time is money!

Roy: Good for you. And very pleasant for us.

Jenny: Well thank you, kind sir. Ah, here come the drinks and the starters. I’m glad the service is so quick ... I’m starving!

Craig: Me too! Are you going to risk the hors d’oeuvres, Amy?

Amy: I might just nibble one or two.

Craig: Good! So what about you? Are you here on business too?

Amy: I’m on a four-day package at the hotel’s health spa. It’s the only holiday I allow myself each year. I have to save up for it very carefully. And they always offer something special on the third afternoon. This time it was the scenic tour ... and that’s when I met Jenny, while we were waiting for the bus to arrive. We got chatting, and then of course we sat together ... and here we are. My last night of freedom!

Roy: So presumably you don’t work full-time, if the finances are a bit tight?

Craig: Roy!!

Amy: It’s okay, Craig. I know he meant it kindly. No, Roy, I have to spend most of my week looking after my elderly father. He needs a lot of care every day, and we have very little money. At least the house is paid for, but I can only do the occasional part-time commission when one comes my way.

Roy: I’m so sorry to hear that, Amy. You have all my sympathy and admiration. Your father is a lucky man to have such a devoted daughter.

Amy: That’s really sweet of you, Roy ... thank you. But it’s not as bad as I’ve probably made it sound. And at least my brother can help us out from time to time, and his family comes to stay at our house when I take this little break each year, and he drives me down here and collects me, so I don’t have any travel costs .....

Craig: That’s all very good to hear, Amy. So what sort of work do you do, when it “comes your way”?

Amy: Oh, just small research projects ... fact checking, background investigations, that kind of thing. I usually just tell people I’m a spy.

Craig: Ha ha ha!

Jenny: That’s exactly what she told me on the bus this afternoon!

Roy: Hah! No real spy would ever say that.

Jenny: Exactly. And she wasn’t even wearing a gabardine suit or a bow tie! But it’s a very good line, wouldn’t you say?

Craig: Yes it is. And I’ll bet it’s what you tell all the boys, Amy ... as well as the girls!

Amy: Now who’s peddling a good line?

Craig: Touché, ma’am.

Roy: Ah, here comes the main course. You were right, Jenny ... the service is very quick.

Roy: Hmmm. This lobster is a little undercooked for my taste.

Craig: That’s a pity. The beef is excellent.

Jenny: So is the wine, Roy. Well chosen! Can I pour you some more?

Roy: Yes please. Oh, do be careful you don’t spill it on your phone! This table’s rather small for four people.

Jenny: How considerate. More for you, Craig?

Craig: I’m fine, thanks.

Jenny: Will you try some, Amy?

Amy: No — I’m still on my first Prosecco! Right, bon appétit, everyone.

Roy: Cheers!

Amy: So what happens tomorrow?

Roy: Final proposal sessions at the Gressan HQ for each of the three bidders ...

Craig: That’s too much information, Roy.

Roy: Nonsense. Amy’s very interested, aren’t you ... in fact you said you found it exciting, didn’t you? So, the Gressan board is then due to make their decision and inform each team privately in short send-off meetings before lunch. Sudden death for the losers! And whoever wins the contract is expected to get the ball rolling next Monday. You’re right — it is exciting! And we’re very confident. We have what they call the Rolls-Royce solution — top price, top quality. The other two are also-rans!

Craig: Let’s leave it there, shall we, Roy?

Jenny: That seems a strange way to speak to a superior.

Roy: I’m not Craig’s superior, Jenny. We’re in different departments. I’m a senior salesman and he’s the senior contracts manager. If anything, he outranks me. But it doesn’t work like that, does it Craig?

Craig: No, Roy.

Amy: Look, I’m sorry, guys ... I don’t think I should have asked about your business.

Roy: Not at all, my dear. It’s a very different world from yours, isn’t it? More wine anyone? No? Okay, I’ll finish it up ... we can order another bottle later if you like.

Roy: Well, the lobster wasn’t too bad after all. Rather hard to handle, though. Please excuse me ... I need to go and wash my hands.

Jenny: Be our guest.

Amy: Free at last, Craig!

Craig: No, no, no! Roy and I are good friends and very good colleagues. Seriously. But it’s all a game really. And that reminds me — I do like playing golf.

Amy: Oh, you crease me up, Craig! But you’re so different from each other, aren’t you? Roy’s still in his immaculate business suit and collar and tie, but you’re wearing this nice shirt and casual trousers .....

Jenny: Pardon me for interrupting you lovebirds, but I’m wondering whether Roy and Craig would prefer to have some time alone now, to work on their final presentations.

Craig: Oh no, Jenny, that’s really not necessary. We haven’t even ordered the desserts or the coffee yet. And Roy and I have already finalised all the details of our offer. He was just being his usual self when he said we had more to discuss. And we’re all having far too much fun to break up the party this early, right?

Jenny: Well, I’m not sure you and I would quite agree on the definition of “fun”, but I’m certainly enjoying your company and I shan’t say another word.

Craig: Bravo! And the wanderer returns .....

Roy: Hope you haven’t sold the farm while I was away, Craig!

Craig: I sold both of them, Roy. And these ladies each drove a very hard bargain.

Roy: Hah! Now, let’s get the waiter for the dessert menu.

Craig: Good move.

Roy: So, I was thinking ... maybe we could all go out to a club later? First dance with me, Amy ... and the last, eh?

Craig: Steady on, Roy. Amy might have other plans. And Jenny, of course.

Amy: Let’s just enjoy the meal for now, Roy.

Roy: Whatever you say, my dear. Ah, here’s the waiter .....

Roy: So what shall we talk about now?

Amy: Well, you remember I said I take on the occasional part-time commission?

Roy: Of course. Except when you’re on your well-deserved annual break at the spa.

Amy: Ah, we sometimes have to combine business with pleasure, don’t we, Roy? And as it happens, I’m in the middle of a little job right now.

Craig: That’s fascinating. Can you tell us any more?

Amy: I can if you like. I think you’d be quite interested.

Roy: Of course we would. You’re a bit of a mystery so far, young lady.

Amy: I’m not that young, Roy — and you know it! Anyway ... I’m presently under contract to Brannall Hobbs Incorporated.

Roy: Brannall Hobbs! That’s amazing! They’re our main competitor in this bid!

Craig: Roy .....

Roy: What a coincidence! But you’d better not say any more after all, Amy. There’s a huge potential conflict of interest here already ...

Amy: I think it would certainly be in your interest to hear what I have to say, Roy ...

Craig: Ah, excuse me, my phone’s vibrating ... Hi Dave ... No, I’m rather tied up at the moment ... Okay, let me check my e-mail ... Hang on ... Yes, nearly there, hang on ... No, nothing yet, but there’s no rush — I’ll get back to you in the morning ... Thanks for letting me know ... Ciao!

Jenny: Not a problem, I hope?

Craig: No, it’s actually good news, Jenny. Sorry to interrupt .....

Roy: You said “in your interest,” Amy. I’m not sure I quite follow you.

Craig: Roy, I really think we should drop the subject straight away. No offence, Amy, of course, but as Roy said .....

Roy: No, Craig, we should give the lady a chance. Any intelligence is useful intelligence. We didn’t initiate this, did we? And we don’t have to do anything we don’t want to. Please continue, my dear ...

Craig: But what about Jenny? She should not be involved in this!

Roy: Yes, you’re right about that. Jenny, I think .....

Jenny: It’s okay, Roy. Let’s just hear what Amy has to say.

Craig: But .....

Amy: Listen, gentlemen. Brannall Hobbs are well aware that you’re bidding the “Rolls-Royce” solution.

Roy: How?

Amy: It may have been “leaked” at last night’s buffet, but more likely during this afternoon’s golf match — because they know your final bid price as well.

Craig: What??

Amy: Yes. And they’ve been planning for this all along, as you may now have guessed.

Craig: Roy, are you really sure you want .....

Roy: But why in heaven’s name are you telling us this?

Jenny: Just let Amy finish, Roy.

Craig: So you’re part of this too?

Amy: Yes, she is, Craig. We’ll come to that in a moment. Please just keep listening for now.

Craig: Okay .....

Amy: You know very well that Gressan want a top-quality solution and are willing to pay for it. And that they insist on a rapid and trouble-free delivery and implementation.

Roy: Of course. They need our Rolls-Royce solution. And I’m sure you know we’ve taken them on excellent reference visits to clients who have been completely happy with what we have supplied, on both those counts, over many years.

Amy: Indeed. And we’ve also learnt that the other company bidding for the business has a poor offer all round, and is already out of the running.

Roy: As we expected.

Amy: And you are well aware that Brannall Hobbs are Gressan’s existing supplier, and intend to keep it that way.

Roy: Of course.

Amy: And you have probably guessed that the “final” price that Brannall Hobbs proposed this morning undercuts yours by some way.

Roy: I’m not at all surprised. You get what you pay for. Brannall Hobbs does not enjoy our reputation, and Gressan will have their own opinions on the quality and reliability of their previous products and services. And of course Brannall Hobbs will be willing to prune their profits a little to keep their bid below ours. Nothing new under the sun, Amy. But I still don’t understand why .....

Amy: Because Brannall Hobbs intends to make a further dramatic reduction in their bottom line price. They’re offering it right now over dinner with Gressan executives in their own hotel.

Roy: What??

Craig: That’s not in the spirit or the letter of our agreed bidding protocols, Amy.

Amy: That’s as may be, Craig. But it’s happening. They’re talking another two or three million off their current proposal.

Roy: That’s just crazy! Financial suicide. They’ll make a big loss on the whole deal, and they’ll have to cut corners on skills and product quality. The whole project will fall apart.

Amy: But here’s the thing, Roy — Brannall Hobbs has made the judgment that such a big difference in your offer prices will actually make theirs very hard to resist.

Roy: In that case Gressan would be equally crazy to accept it! But I still don’t understand why you’re telling us all this. If what you say is really true, Brannall Hobbs will get the stupid decision tomorrow morning, and we’ll just have to grin and bear it. More fool everyone except us!

Amy: I’m telling you, Roy, because Gressan warned Brannall Hobbs over golf this afternoon that if they were to decide to reduce their price tonight, you would have to be informed and given the chance to reconsider yours.

Craig: Aha! At last we have it.

Amy: Yes. And we fully expected them to do that, Craig — they’re a company with very high ethical standards, as I’m sure you know. So Brannall Hobbs made their preparations with us, well in advance.

Craig: Preparations??

Roy: But why tell us this now, Amy? It’s completely counter-intuitive. Why should Brannall Hobbs want to give us extra time and space to consider dropping our own price a little?

Craig: I suspect I can see what’s coming here .....

Amy: Can you, Craig? Yes, perhaps you can.

Craig: You’ve been very quiet, Jenny ...

Jenny: Well, I did promise I wouldn’t say another word.

Roy: Come on Amy, get on with it.

Amy: Brannall Hobbs would like you to keep your proposal exactly as it is, Roy. They do not want you to feel tempted to reduce the price at all, let alone such that it becomes financially competitive again. They are extraordinarily keen to win this business.

Roy: Well screw them! Who do they think they are to go calling the shots over us? I’ve a good mind to .....

Craig: Roy, keep your voice down.

Roy: Yes. Sorry. Lost it there for a minute. Well, young Amy, you can tell your temporary lords and masters that we’ll do whatever we please, thank you very much, once we’ve received any new information from our respected prospective client. And I think perhaps it’s now time to ask for the bill.

Craig: I have a feeling Amy has not yet finished, Roy .....

Amy: Thank you, Craig. It’s not always easy being the messenger. But in fact it’s Jenny who needs to complete the picture now.

Jenny: Yes. And clearly Brannall Hobbs do not expect you to give up the fight just to please them, Roy. But they really do want you to maintain your offer unchanged, once Gressan have invited you to reconsider. After all, you will not lose face with your bosses. They will never know of that last-minute opportunity to change your bid. They will be satisfied that your proposal was sound and well-priced — they have no doubt already signed it off, right? — and that you did not compromise your company’s fine name or its financial position by any ill-judged last-minute price reductions.

Craig: And so .....

Jenny: And so Brannall Hobbs would like to make it worth your while. They will supply each of you, this evening, with a quarter of a million in used banknotes which will be in your possession within five minutes of your agreeing to the deal.

Roy: You have to be joking!

Craig: What a cliché!

Amy: No, boys, it’s now-or-never time.

Roy: Let me handle this, Craig.

Craig: Well, you can say your piece first, but then I’ll say mine.

Roy: So, time out. Waiter!

Craig: Roy, this is no time for more .....

Roy: Right, a cognac for me, please. A large one. Ladies? No? Okay. Craig? No? Just the cognac, then. Here, take this for yourself ... and bring it pronto, understand?

Craig: Roy .....

Roy: Let me think ...

Craig: Look, I don’t ...

Roy: I said let me think!

Craig: There really shouldn’t be any .....

Roy: Ah! You took your time! What do you think that huge tip was for?

Craig: Take it easy, Roy. We need to close this down quickly.

Roy: Wait a minute. I’m still thinking.

Craig: Well I’ve done my thinking now. Jenny, do you seriously expect us to believe that Brannall Hobbs has just magicked half a million in banknotes out of some Finance Department slush fund?

Jenny: No, Craig. That’s where I come in. My partner and I hold a lot of liquid cash in all sorts of places. After Amy called me up, it didn’t take long to get this particular little package together before I flew in today. Joe has it ready and waiting for you, here and now. And Brannall Hobbs will be receiving invoices from us for sundry “consultancy services” over the coming months, and we’ll be making a fine profit on the whole deal.

Craig: Hah! All very neat.

Roy: Right, I’ve decided. I’ve kept the faith for nearly thirty years, and look where it’s taken me. Senior salesman, pah! While you breeze in with your fancy economics degree and get to be top dog in Contracts before the age of forty. No justice! Well, they can keep their damned reputation. I’ll take this nice little “bonus” and find another company that will really appreciate me. What do you say, Craig?

Craig: I say you’re making the wrong decision, Roy, and I want nothing to do with it. I have no intention of reducing our final price, so for me nothing has changed. But I know you’d be tempted to do so, if you stayed with it, so the Brannall Hobbs game is obviously still on. You must now do whatever you like.

Roy: I thought that’s what you’d say. So, Jenny, I assume the full half million can be shared between us in whatever way we choose.

Jenny: Of course. So long as you agree to stick rather than twist tomorrow morning. And of course if you were to betray Brannall Hobbs after taking all that money, you can imagine their displeasure .....

Roy: Don’t worry, I’m no fool. Okay, I agree, and Craig is out of it. You said “five minutes” just now. So what’s the plan?

Amy: Just go straight up to your room, Roy. Wait inside for thirty seconds. Then you’ll hear a gentle tap on the door. Wait another thirty seconds. Then open the door and you’ll find a large bag there. Take it inside and have a quick look, then lock it in your suitcase and come straight back down.

Roy: Okay.

Craig: This is not good, you know.

Jenny: All’s fair and all that, Craig. I’m sure you’re no stranger to such things. But I’m sorry it had to be you.

Craig: I was thinking all along about the different ways I could be handling this, you know. Whether to make a loud fuss right here, or call the police, or get hold of someone at Gressan, or ... well, you know.

Jenny: Yeah. But who would have believed you? They set it up well, wouldn’t you say?

Craig: Yes, I think they probably did.

Amy: I’m sorry too, Craig.

Craig: So am I. Not much more to say, is there? Let’s just wait for Roy .....

Craig: Well?

Roy: I waited in my room for three whole minutes. Nothing happened! What is this?

Amy: Don’t worry, Roy. There must have been some mistake. I’ll just .....

Craig: Don’t look now, people, but Phil Davis just walked through the door.

Amy: Gressan’s Director of Purchasing?

Roy: Yeah. Wasn’t expecting to see him here this evening.

Jenny: Maybe that’s why he came .....

Craig: He coming over to our table.

Roy: Jeez! What does he want?

Craig: Can’t you guess?

Davis: Good evening Craig ... Roy ... ladies. I do apologize for disturbing your meal, but I need a brief word with you right now.

Roy: That’s no problem, Mr Davis.

Davis: Oh, please call me Phil.

Craig: Shall we adjourn to the lounge for a few minutes, Mr Davis?

Davis: I don’t think that’s necessary, Craig. I’m sure your companions can talk amongst themselves for a while.

Craig: I really think ...

Roy: No, it’s fine, Craig, if the ladies don’t object. Would you like to pull up a chair, sir?

Davis: I’ll remain standing, thank you. So, I just wish to take this opportunity to say how much we value your company’s proposal. Although we have not worked with you before, we are confident that your products and services are of the highest quality, and that you would implement the complete solution rapidly and on time.

Craig: That’s exactly what we intend to do, sir.

Davis: We also recognize that for these very good reasons your total price is considerably higher than those of you competitors. As you would probably expect.

Craig: I understood, sir, that any discussion of our offers and prices was strictly limited to our formal meetings. So I do believe we should leave any further debate to tomorrow’s final presentation.

Davis: Yes, those were the terms of our Request for Tender, Craig, but things have changed. Let me explain .....

Roy: Perhaps we really should adjourn now, Mr Davis .....

Davis: We decided today that we were comfortable with your relatively high price, in view of the overall quality of your offering. But there was one thing still missing from our equation. We are a company of very high ethical standards, and it is imperative to us that those of the suppliers with whom we choose to work are equally high — so that we may place in them our complete faith and trust. We are of course well familiar with our existing operational partner, your main competitor, so that evaluation has been easy. But we have done no previous business with yourselves. So that risk has of course had to be factored into our considerations.

Roy: Naturally, sir. However, we sincerely hope our reputation will suffice. We do not expect to make any reduction in our bottom line price.

Davis: But I have made no mention of any such reduction, Roy. No, we chose to mitigate the risk by means of observation. Which is why you — and both of the other teams, of course — have been closely accompanied for much of your time here with us.

Roy: I can appreciate the value of such a tactic for you, sir.

Davis: Indeed. And you will equally appreciate that in your particular case we needed to make a somewhat closer assessment.

Craig: Mr Davis, I really feel that we should now ask the ladies to leave us for a while .....

Davis: That will not be necessary, Craig. Please do not make any big fuss, here and now — that would be very bad for all of us, I think — but I must advise you that Amy and Jenny are previous employees of Gressan Corporation, and are operating here under my personal direction.

Roy: What? I don’t believe this!

Craig: Roy, stop talking right now! So what exactly are you trying to tell us, Mr Davis?

Davis: That Brannall Hobbs have in fact made no proposal of any further price reduction. That Amy and Jenny have never had any dealings with that highly reputable company. That there will be no cash “bonus” waiting for you. And that we are extremely disappointed.

Roy: Disappointed? What a joke! We’re the ones who should be disappointed! You may have instructed these women to say such damnable things, but you have no idea how either of us responded.

Davis: That’s where you’re wrong, Roy. Remember how you warned Jenny not to spill the wine on her phone?

Roy: How do you know about that??

Davis: Because she called me just before you went through from the bar to the restaurant, and she left the line open until I came by just now. I’ve been listening to your entire conversation, and it was simultaneously recorded for the benefit of my fellow directors. We also observed your short and hungry visit to your room just now.

Roy: Oh my god! Where’s that phone gone?

Jenny: It’s safely in my purse now, Roy. And I trust you’re not going to try to get your hands on it in front of all these people.

Craig: No, he’s not, Jenny. He’s not going to say another word, are you, Roy?

Roy: But .....

Craig: No, you’re not. But I’d like to say something now, Mr Davis.

Davis: I’m not surprised, Craig. Remember, I overheard everything you said too, and I must admit I was most impressed with your own integrity and your avoidance of the temptation placed before you. It’s a real pity it has had to end like this.

Craig: Well that’s extremely gracious of you, Mr Davis, and I suppose I should be most grateful. But enough of that. I wonder how well you were listening in? Do you remember another little interruption halfway through our meal?

Davis: One moment ... do you mean that phone call from your friend? With some good news, I think.

Craig: That’s it. Except there was no vibration, no phone call. As soon as Amy started to say she was working for Brannall Hobbs and wanted to tell us something of great “interest”, all the warning signs lit up for me. So while I was apparently talking and searching my email for some new message, I was actually switching on the phone’s Voice Recorder function. It’s still sitting in my shirt pocket, and it’s still running. And just like Jenny said, I do trust you’re not going to try to get your hands on it in front of all these people.

Davis: For the first time this evening I don’t believe you, Craig.

Craig: Don’t you, Mr Davis? Well, I’ll just get up and stand off a little, for my own security — and now I’ll stop recording ... I think I’ve got enough. So, let’s go back to the start first ... and then a few seconds in ... let’s see ... “Listen, gentlemen. Brannall Hobbs are well aware that you’re bidding the “Rolls-Royce” solution.” ... Right, let’s move on a bit ... ah, yes ... “And so Brannall Hobbs would like to make it worth your while. They will supply each of you with a quarter of a million in used banknotes, this evening” ... It’s excellent quality, isn’t it? Let’s go towards the end ... “I must advise you that Amy and Jenny are previous employees of Gressan Corporation, and are operating here under my personal direction” ... And now to the very end ...“Well, I’ll just get up and stand off a little, for my own security ...”

Davis: Craig, I think ...

Craig: Yes, you have a good little think, Mr Davis, while I deposit this in the hotel safe. I’ll be straight back. And nobody touches their own phone .....

Roy: You’re all despicable.

Jenny: All except you, eh, Roy?

Roy: Huh. So you’re not really a businesswoman .....

Jenny: Oh yes I am. Amy and I run a very successful little operation. But those are not our real names, of course. And we’ll be on our way as soon as Phil has finished with us.

Roy: That’s the last time I trust .....

Amy: Best not to say it, Roy.

Roy: And your “poor elderly father” ..?

Amy: Actually, that part is largely true. But he doesn’t need me during the daytime.

Roy: He’s the one who has my sympathy now.

Jenny: Don’t be too bitter, Roy.

Roy: Why not?

Roy: All sorted now, Craig?

Craig: Yes. And I’ve memorized the unique access code.

Roy: Good. And ... ahhh ... well done.

Craig: Have any of them touched their phones?

Roy: No.

Craig: So, Phil — I think I shall call you Phil now — I believe it’s time for me to put forward a little extracurricular proposal of my own.

Davis: I’m listening.

Craig: Good. Now, it’s very clear to me that Gressan truly does want our solution and is quite willing to pay our asking price. Otherwise you would not have wasted so much time and money on this stupid little charade. I’m also sure that everything you have seen and heard should persuade you of my personal commitment to our mutual success. You may have decided, as you closed down your phone call this evening, that you were reluctantly going to recommend rejection of our proposal, in favour of Brannall Hobbs. But I don’t think that’s what you really want to do, is it? You just want to remove the rotten apple. I hate to see my old friend go down in flames in this way, but it’s of his own doing and, as you are well aware, I am not allowing him to take me or my company down with him. It is my belief that you would actually be delighted to go ahead with our planned implementation team under the direction of Alan Stevens, whom you have already met and who has an impeccable record in such a role. And that you would be satisfied if a new responsibility were found for Roy, within or outside our company, with the assurance that he would have no further contact with you or your corporation. Am I largely right, Phil?

Davis: You’re probably not far off, Craig.

Craig: But the recording on my phone surely seals it, doesn’t it? If I make a commitment to you, here and now, that no-one will get to hear that conversation unless something you or Gressan do in the future merits its release, will you agree the same about your own recording, and recommend us to your board tomorrow morning?

Davis: How can I be sure you won’t actively use your recording against us?

Craig: I could ask you the same question, Phil. And you know the answer, of course. It’s simply a matter of trust.

Craig: Well, this is a shame.

Amy: Yes.

Craig: I don’t think I could handle the deceptions, you know — past, present or future.

Amy: I understand.

Craig: So ... goodnight, Amy.

Amy: Goodnight, Craig.

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