She had worked as a call centre operator making cold calls for time-share vacations.

See, in America cellphones work a little differently. There are very few "pay-as-you-go" plans, so most people sign a contract for a six-month or one-year plan.

The operator suggested I speak with her supervisor, who hesitated for a moment, then said, "Well, there is a phone listing at that address, but I can't give you the number.