(R = Receptionist; J = Jack; N = Nina; K = Kim)

R: Excuse me, have you got your security pass?

J: Sorry?

R: Can I see your security pass, please?

J: Ah, no. I’m afraid not. It’s in my other suit.

R: Then I’m afraid you can’t go in.

J: Yeah, I’m a bit late this morning. I’ve been away on holiday and only got back last night, my flight was delayed.

R: I’m sorry, but it’s the new regulation. What’s your name?

J: Jack, Jack Brown.

R: And who’s your manager?

J: Nina Miles. No, don’t call her, I’m really rather late.

R: Oh, hello. Sorry to disturb you. I have a Jack Brown in reception. Yes, apparently his flight was delayed. OK. Here’s your temporary pass.

J: Thank you.

N: Good morning, Jack.

J: Nina, I’m terribly sorry, I tried to call …

N: I haven’t got time for explanations. Did you arrange this morning’s meeting before you left for your holiday?

J: Meeting?

N: With the Accounts Department.

J: Oh, yes.

N: It’s extremely important.

J: Oh, don’t worry. I’ve fixed everything. It’s for eleven o’clock.

N: That’s in ten minutes.

J: Oh, yes, of course. You see, my plane arrived terribly late.

N: So did you.

J: Jack Brown. Yes Nina, I’m coming.

N: So, did you have a nice holiday?

J: Yes, it was lovely.

N: Where did you go?

J: South of France. The weather was fantastic. We went swimming in the sea every day and er … er, we had a swimming pool too …

N: It’s half past eleven. They’re not coming, are they?

J: Maybe not.

N: Are you sure you invited them?

J: Of course I did. I sent an e-mail and um …

N: Could you show me a copy of your e-mail, please? In my office after lunch.

J: No problem.

J: Jack Brown.

N: Have you found that e-mail yet?

J: Not yet, I’m still looking for it.

N: Well, don’t take all day. And can you get me the Australian sales figures?

J: Sure.

K: Hi Jack! Butter-fingers.

J: Oh no!

K: I’ll see you later.

N: Come in. Have you brought that e-mail, Jack?

J: Er, no, Nina. But I’ve got the sales figures.

N: What are these?

J: The sales figures for Austria.

N: I can’t believe this, Jack. I asked for the sales figures for Australia!

J: Sorry!

N: Jack.

J: Nina!

N: Have you finished those sales figures?

J: Nearly.

N: And have you found that e-mail for the meeting?

J: I’m sorry, Nina. I think I deleted it by mistake.

N: You haven’t had a good day, have you, Jack?

J: Not really.

N: Well, I’m going home now. Could you leave the figures on my desk before you leave?

J: Absolutely.

N: What is it?

J: What?

N: On your screen.

J: Nothing.

N: Could you move? Move, Jack!

J: Nina … er …

                             

(A = Alex King; S = Sarah; W1 = Woman 1; W2 = Woman 2; D = David; M = Man; Sp = Mr Spielberg)

 

A: It’s a fantastic opportunity. A really big film. A blockbuster.

S: And is he going to be there?

A: Oh yeah. Steven Spielberg, the man himself. He’s at the studios now.

S: That’s amazing.

A: Listen, can you call me back? I’ve just got to call a cab.

S: Sure, go ahead.

W1: 123 Taxis.

A: Hello. Can I have a cab for … Belsize Park, please? I’m outside the delicatessen.

W1: What name, please?

A: King. Alex King.

W1: And where are you going?

A: To Ealing Studios.

W1: Is that the film studios?

A: That’s right.

W1: And when would you like it?

A: As soon as you can. I’ve got a very important appointment.

W1: OK, I’ll just check to see if we have any cabs in your area.

W1: Mr King?

A: Yeah?

W1: It’ll be five minutes. Moscow 205.

A: OK, but don’t be late, I don’t have much … time.

A: Hello, Sarah.

S: So you’re really going to meet Steven Spielberg?

A: Uh huh. He’s attending all the auditions. I’m in the running for the main character.

S: When’s your audition?

A: In … an hour.

S: Where are you now?

A: Don’t worry. It only takes 45 minutes to get there. Hold on, I’ve got another call. I’ll get back to you. Hello?

D: Could I speak to Alex Keen, please?

A: King.

D: I’m sorry?

A: It’s King. Alex King. You said Keen.

D: Oh, I’m sorry, Mr King. My name’s David Antonucci. I’m ringing from Ealing Studios on behalf of Mr Spielberg.

A: Oh, right.

D: I was wondering if you could be here a quarter of an hour earlier? Mr Spielberg has another engagement and then he has to leave immediately for the airport.

A: No problem. I’ll be there. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.

D: Thank you very much. We’ll see you soon then. Goodbye.

A: Bye.

A: Come on, come on.

M: Hello?

A: 123 Taxis?

M: Er, no. I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong number.

A: Right.

W1: 123 Taxis.

A: Hello, it’s Alex King. I booked a cab over ten minutes ago.

W1: We’re doing all we can, Sir, but I’m afraid we’re rather busy this afternoon. A cab should be with you …

A: Can you speak up? I can’t …

W1: … the cab should … in about …

A: Hold on, you’re breaking up. Hello?

W1: Can you hear me now?

A: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

W1: I was just saying that the cab should be with you any minute now.

A: You’re sure? This is very urgent.

W1: We’re doing everything we can, Sir.

A: Wait a minute!

W2: Ever Ready Cabs?

A: Hello, could I have a cab for Belsize Park, please, it’s urgent.

W2: No problem, Sir. We can have a car with you in just … fifteen minutes.