So there we were, just me and Mike Munro enjoying a bit of quality time.

Actually it was me, Mike Munro and almost a dozen journalists, cameramen, photographers and other hangers-on enjoying a bit of quality time but I like to drop names of important people into my column.

He’s a bit of a legend, the old Mike. He used to be on 60 Minutes and more recently he’s been hosting Missing Persons Unit.

In between, he was the frontman for This Is Your Life, which brings me to the crux of my story.

Call me egotistical, but I smelt a rat when the boss told me I had to cover Mike’s visit to meet Bruce and Denise Morcombe prior to their story appearing on Missing Person’s Unit.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big supporter of the Morcombes and their search for answers about Daniel’s disappearance, and I’ve interviewed them a few times.

But the moment my boss mentioned Mike Munro’s name, I knew I was being set up.

I was going to find the whole scenario was fake and Mike was going to announce: “Damian Bathersby, this is your life!”

My God, I was excited.

I rushed home to change into my best shirt (yes, I have two), gave the nasal hairs a quick trim and packed a bag in case I had to make a quick trip to Sydney or Melbourne to film the show.

“I wonder who they’ll have there for me,” I thought.

“Just wait until I see my wife. The little minx must have been keeping this a secret for weeks.”

The photographer and I arrived at the appointed place and, sure enough, there was a crowd of people, including the Morcombes.

“Very realistic,” I thought. “These guys go to a lot of trouble.”

I said hello to the Morcombes and the rest of the crew, carefully avoiding any mention of This Is Your Life and preparing myself to act surprised. (“Oh no, what are you doing?” “No, you can’t mean me?” “Oh, you tricked me, you sneaky things.” “All this fuss for little old me?” Etc, etc, etc.)

Mike emerged from the car and I braced myself, but he walked straight past me and shook hands with Bruce and Denise.

“Very professional,” I thought. “Trying to pretend he doesn’t notice me.”

After a few minutes of small talk between them, a PR girl approached me.

“We’ll do the interview over there, if that’s all right,” she said, pointing to a nearby spot.

“Fine with me,” I said, almost chuckling. They obviously had no idea I was awake to them.

“Do you want me standing in the shade or the sun?” I asked.

“Buggered if I know or care,” she said. “You can stand out in the traffic if you like.”

I figured she was insanely jealous of my celebrity status and ignored her barbs as I took my place in front of the cameras.

“Is this my best side, do you think?” I asked the cameraman.

“Buggered if I know or care,” he said. “Your best side is probably the shot of your back as you get out of the way.”

Call me sensitive, but I was starting to see a pattern emerging.

“Mike!” I said, as Mike Munro headed for the camera set-up. “Where would you like me?”

“Buggered if I know or care,” he said. “Anywhere away from the cameras would be fine.”

So I swallowed my pride and interviewed him about his upcoming show and I had a good yarn to Bruce and Denise about their ongoing campaign.

Before long, the Morcombes and film crews moved on and it was just Mike and I standing together in uncomfortable silence.

“So …” I said. “They keeping you busy with This Is Your Life these days?”

“Nope,” he replied. “Not recently.”

“So … any big names coming up?” I pushed.

“Not sure,” said Mike, edging away like a man trying to avoid stepping in doggy-do.

“I’d better be off then. Nice to meet you, ah, Darren.”

“That’s Damian,” I said. “What should I do now?”

“Buggered if I know or care,” said Mike.

“But I think your photographer just drove off without you.”