... and the worst part of things like this, is that if Jimmy had gotten the information in writing from the first person, the woman only would have needed to say, "Well, I'm looking after it now and unfortunately can't help you."
Sounds like you did all you could... I've run into the identical situation AND had it in writing, as above. I was fortunate though, was able to get a booking the same date that paid about 50% higher :-)