“Yes. Emergency shoring is already under way.”
“And the cost?”
Nicholas gave him the figure.
Walter considered.
Then nodded.
“Continue.”
Graham turned sharply.
“Walter—”
The older man raised a hand.
“We have an obligation to keep our property safe. That's not a matter for debate.”
He looked toward Nicholas.
“The final proposal must be ready by the end of the month.”
“It will be.”
“And if the figures don't work?”
Nicholas met his father's gaze.
“Then the board will make its decision.”
Walter nodded.
“Good.”
For the first time, Nicholas felt he was approaching the problem with the honesty Maggie had demanded.
He did not know whether it would save the theater.
He did not know whether it would save their relationship.
But he was no longer willing to confuse control with responsibility.
A week later, Isabelle Laurent appeared at Tessa's clothing shop.
Maggie was sitting behind the counter, examining photographs of the western wall, when the bell above the door rang.
She looked up.
Isabelle stood beneath the doorway wearing a camel-colored coat, dark sunglasses, and a silk scarf.
She looked like the kind of woman who had never experienced an inconvenient zipper in her life.
“Maggie?”
Maggie rose.
“Isabelle.”
“Hello.”
The blond woman smiled.
“I hope I'm not intruding.”
“No, of course not.”
Isabelle glanced around the shop.
“How lovely.”
Tessa emerged from the back room.
She stopped.
Then looked at Maggie with an expression of immediate curiosity.
Maggie introduced them.
Isabelle examined a blue evening dress hanging near the counter.
“Did you make this?”
Tessa brightened.
“Yes.”
“It's beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
Isabelle smiled.
“Would you mind if I tried it on later?”
Tessa looked delighted.
“Not at all.”
Maggie cleared her throat.
“Isabelle, what brings you here?”
The woman turned.
“The Starlight.”
Maggie's expression became guarded.
“Oh.”
Isabelle removed her sunglasses.
“I sit on the advisory committee of a small arts foundation. We sometimes support projects combining performance and community education.”
Maggie looked at her.
“And?”
“And I've been reading your proposal.”
“You have?”
“Frances sent me the public summary after I asked about it.”
Maggie nodded slowly.
Isabelle continued.
“I think the educational program is particularly interesting. But I'd like to see a more detailed operating plan.”
Maggie's professional instincts returned immediately.
“I have one.”
“Excellent.”
She opened her handbag.
“Could we arrange a meeting next week?”
“Of course.”
Isabelle smiled.