6. February 2024
6
February 2024
V aughn had said he would meet with Nigel Thompson, so when the director phoned him to organise a time, he kept his word.
Vic Ballet’s offices were located above Star Theatre on the same level as the dance and Pilates studios. Vaughn looked through all the windows as he followed the receptionist to Nigel’s office. He saw a number of dancers on the short walk, but there was only one he was looking for: Willow Hayes.
‘Just in here,’ the receptionist said, rapping her knuckles on the door before opening it. ‘Mr Gallo is here.’
A grin split Nigel’s face as he came around his desk to shake Vaughn’s hand. ‘Good to see you. Please, take a seat.’ He closed the door before returning to his chair.
Vaughn looked around at the photos, certificates, and awards hanging on the walls. There was enough history on display in that one room to fill a small museum.
‘I appreciate you making the time,’ Nigel began. He picked up a jug of water and poured some into a clean glass, placing it down in front of Vaughn. ‘Been keeping busy?’
‘Busy enough.’ That was as much small talk as Vaughn could stomach for one day. ‘I got the proposal you sent through. That’s quite an ambitious project you have planned.’
‘It is, but a necessary one, as you know. Bringing this place back to its former glory will completely change the game for us.’ There was genuine passion in his voice. ‘The Star is more than just a building. It’s an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.’
That was overselling it somewhat, but Vaughn didn’t disagree aloud. ‘Tell me about this equally ambitious timeline of yours. I’m particularly interested in the part where opening night is three weeks away.’
Nigel linked his hands on the table in front of him. ‘Performances are Friday through Sunday, so we have Monday through Thursday to chip away at the listed projects. Obviously, carpet and seating inside the theatre will need to be done when the season ends.’
‘Finding flexible contractors who can work within your budget and parameters will be the challenge.’
‘You of all people know it’s possible. You’ve completely gutted venues and opened them mere weeks later.’
‘This venue is much bigger, as you know.’
Nigel reached for a folder and placed it in front of Vaughn. ‘No structural repairs are needed. I’ve been told “she has good bones.”’
‘Don’t they all?’ Vaughn said drily, looking down at the folder.
‘These upgrades are purely aesthetic.’
Vaughn leaned back in his chair. ‘The bar needs to be completely gutted. No amount of paint will fix what’s wrong with it.’
‘Then the bar will also have to wait until the season ends.’
‘Or you put up a false wall while it’s being done and place a pop-up bar in the centre of the foyer. The right contractor can put that in before opening night.’
Nigel was silent as he mulled that idea over.
‘You got the budget for all this?’ Vaughn asked, already knowing the answer. ‘Commissioning local artists to restore the murals can’t be cheap.’
Nigel cleared his throat. ‘We’re looking for financial backers, as you’re likely already aware. No bank will lend $500,000 to a company with declining profits.’
Vaughn let out a long whistle. ‘Half a mil. Your investor would really need to know that money is coming back to them.’ Dust motes danced between them in the shafts of light pouring in through the skylight.
‘Of course,’ Nigel said.
Vaughn searched his eyes. ‘I can see you’re committed to this project, and I know you want my help, but there’s risk in this proposal. I need to weigh those risks carefully.’
Nigel’s foot tapped under the table. ‘I understand.’
He leaned forwards, maintaining eye contact as he did so. ‘Listen, I know how much this company means to you and your dancers, and I like the idea of playing a part in its success. So, I’ll fund the renovations.’
Nigel’s eyes widened, and his mouth went slack. ‘You will?’
‘But I have one condition,’ Vaughn added.
Nigel’s brow furrowed. ‘Go on.’ His tone was wary.
He should have known that Gallo deals always came with strings attached. ‘DeLuca Construction gets the building contract.’
Nigel shifted in his chair. ‘Vaughn?—’
‘I can guarantee they’ll get the job done in the timeframe you’re proposing at a fair price.’
‘You know I can’t agree to that. DeLuca Construction have been all over the news this past year. We can’t be doing business deals with the Merit Group. We have our other patrons to consider.’
‘Are those other patrons prepared to loan you half a mil?’ Vaughn asked.
He was met with silence.
‘Surely you understood that if you’re doing business with me, then you’re doing business with the family.’ The Merit Group was like any other family. They were a unit whether they liked it or not. They fought, they fell out, but they had one another’s backs until death. There were times he resented being a part of the larger family and times he was overwhelmed with gratitude for it. ‘You wouldn’t have asked me to be a part of this if you didn’t trust me. That trust extends to everyone I work with.’
Nigel rubbed his forehead.
‘I understand your concerns,’ Vaughn said—and he did. They were the same concerns that had plagued him ever since the roof collapsed at Silver Spoon. Four people had died at the restaurant that night, two of them children. He could still see their lifeless faces and hear the devastated cries of their families outside the courthouse. He would likely see and hear them for many years to come. ‘My brother runs the company now. He only uses quality subcontractors.’
Silence settled over the room as Nigel weighed his options. ‘I need to know that we won’t have any problems, that everything will be aboveboard—and safe. ’
Willow’s smiling face flashed in Vaughn’s mind. A handful of encounters with her, and he already knew that he would never let her step foot in a building that was not 100 percent safe. ‘You have my word.’
‘We can’t afford any controversy. We’re barely keeping our heads above water as it is.’ Nigel’s throat bobbed. ‘In fact, I’d prefer to keep details of the contract as quiet as possible. We still need the support of our other patrons. People talk.’
Vaughn nodded slowly. ‘I understand. We can be as discreet as you like.’
Nigel studied him for a long moment, as if searching for any hint of deception, then rose. ‘All right.’ He extended his hand. ‘Let’s make Star Theatre shine again.’