First, the hack is surprised to learn that said contact had left his former employer some months before.
Then he spies an invitation to attend a briefing and drinks party at a swish venue in the City of London for the firm he has become a partner in. "Come along and find out what my new venture is about. I’ll fill you in on the details when I see you."
Journalists get many invitations to briefings and although the opportunity to consume free drink is always tempting, such requests are often turned down during print week. However, the contact’s business card – in addition to a company name – has the intriguing slogan "Love Business", triggering all sorts of unusual thoughts.
The journalist harboured a mischievous notion that Nick Medd – in his past life, a senior corporate bond originator – had gone for a very different career path. When, upon entering the venue, he spotted former boy band member, Dan Bowyer of Worlds Apart, the intrigue levels were raised even further.
However, hopes of a scandalous exposé were dashed when it became apparent that Medd’s new employer – Shirlaws – exists to make people love their business and love their clients.