Helena, this is Bette Porter, said Franklin with a smile and a gesture intimating that the two women should shake hands.

Bette looked at the beautiful brunette standing in front of her. She imagined the toned arms holding Tina, the well-defined mouth with the plump red lips kissing Tina, and she had to swallow hard and remind herself to breath. She stepped forward with her hand extended.

Yes, right, we should begin, said Helena brushing past Bette and taking a seat at the head of the conference table.

Bette, her insincere smile fading quickly from her face as she pulled back her hand, turned to take her seat on one side of Helena while Franklin sat on the other side.

So this is how you want to play it Ms. Peabody? Bette thought and quickly put on her game face.

Right, the third quarter projection is of concern, as is the trajectory of your expense lines vis–vis your revenue, began Helena, passing out the spreadsheets.

But you see the revenue from visitors to the CAC is at an all-time high, interjected Bette.

And expenses are at an equally alarming high, countered Helena.

Well, you have to take some creative risk in order to attract more visitors to the museum, if you dont youll just stagnate and continue pandering to the same crowd, said Bette.

Risk is not a word investors like to hear very much, Ms. Porter, stated Helena.

But Helena, said Franklin, the CAC has received national attention and acclaim since the Provocations Exhibit

An exhibit that my mother put in your lap because you were in deep trouble, said Helena in a matter-of-fact manner. The overall trend over the past several fiscal years has been a downward spiral with a few blips.

Ms. Peabody, I have only been here since the start of this fiscal year so I cannot speak to the past performance, but I think if you look at the month-by-month began Bette.

Ms. Porter, are you not the director of the CAC now? interrupted Helena.

Yes, said Bette with a confused expression on her face.

Then I expect you to speak to the past performance of the CAC. It is dangerous for the head of an organisation not to understand the recent history.

Thats not what I said, defended Bette.

Right, said Helena dismissively. Going forward I will need to approve selections for the shows chosen for the CAC. For example, the most consistent performer for the past five fiscal years has been Impressions of Winter. Why dont I see that on the schedule for the future Ms. Porter? Helena looked sharply at Bette.

Because it is the artistic equivalent of vanilla ice cream, said Bette with an exasperated sigh.

People like vanilla ice cream, people buy vanilla ice cream, retorted Helena. People who sell vanilla ice cream become very rich.

Well we may as well put up a Thomas Kincaid watercolor display and call it a day, said an annoyed Bette.

Have you looked into that? questioned Helena seriously.

Are you saying that my decisions are no longer relevant to the direction of this museum? asked Bette angrily.

I would have to say that I question your decision-making abilities, Helena said pointedly. I believe you have made some very poor decisions, havent you?

***

TBC