Tina passed by all the new
exhibits and made a path through the maze of corridors that led to Bette’s
office. James wasn’t at his usual post to greet visitors. Tina thought that was
odd, but didn’t think more of it. She walked down the last corridor to Bette’s
office – she stopped in front of Bette’s door – raised her hand to knock – but
then she hesitated. This was a defining moment in both of their lives. Tina
took a deep breath and knocked. There was no answer. She waited a moment and
then knocked again. There was still no answer. Tina decided to open the door
and peek inside. She glanced around Bette’s office but Bette was nowhere in
sight. Tina then looked at her watch and remembered something that Amanda
O’Brien had mentioned – the board of directors was assembling for a meeting.
Tina let her mind try to process the information.

Tina: (Thinking it all
out) Bette had let Tina have the house and some of the savings account. Somehow
Kit and Amanda O’Brien were involved – most likely monetarily. Bette didn’t
procure funding for the next art exhibit. Bette’s job would most likely be in
jeopardy. (Out loud) I got it!

Tina found her way to the
boardroom where she happened upon James eavesdropping just outside the doors.
He was so enthralled with what was transpiring inside the boardroom that he
hadn’t noticed Tina walk up beside him. She found his tactics for gaining
information about what was happening behind the closed doors quite humorous.
Tina didn’t want to startle James, but also didn’t want to alert the board as to
what was taking place on the opposite side of the doors.

Tina: (Clearing her
throat) Mhmmmm

James startled anyway for
he knew that he had been discovered.

James: (Slightly blushing)
Uh Hi Tina. (Pause) What can I what are you uh doing here?

Tina: (Broad smile) It’s
okay James. I’m here to see Bette. I promise that I won’t spill the beans about
you and your “curiousness”.

James let out a sigh of
relief and swallowed hard.

James: Uh, Bette’s kind of
busy right now Tina. I don’t think the timing’s quite right for a visit.

Tina: So she’s in there
with the board, right?

James: Yes. She’s making a
presentation.

Tina: James, if you value
your life no wait if you value Bette’s life in any way, you’ll let me into
that meeting.