A walk on the wild side Chapter 1

You want me to WHAT now? Said Bette incredulously

Now Bette explained Franklin patiently. You yourself said it would be an amazing coo to showcase this work in the CAC. In fact I distinctly remember you saying that you were so passionate about bringing this artist to the CAC that you would go to the ends of the earth to make it happen..Or did I imagine that part of the conversation?

Franklin lowered his glasses to the edge of his nose and peered over the top of them at his brilliant, if highly strung, art director. well? Franklin persisted

Of course not huffed Bette, But I didnt expect you to take me quite so literally! Really, Franklin, my work load right now is heavy enough as it is, without you expecting me to travel half way across the world chasing shadows!

 Bette Franklin persisted did you or did you not say that you want this artist for the centrepiece of the Winter exhibit?

well. Stalled Bette

So youre prepared to let this opportunity slip through your fingers, and what Bette? Settle for second best?

Its not that simple Franklin, and you know it replied Bette. God, why did she have to be quite so vocal in her insistence of this artists work. Bette rubbed the bridge of her nose as she sighed deeply, remembering the presentation she bought to the board the previous month. Good one porter, youve really dug a hole for yourself this time she thought. Bette looked up at Franklin, noting the determined set of his jaw and the slight flush of his cheeks as he readied himself for the forthcoming argument.  Bette knew she would have to use all of her negotiation skills to get out of this one. Normally Bette Porter looked forward to her forays in the name of CAC business, after all, having to stay in top hotels in Major Cities whilst she wined and dined prospective artists or investors wasnt exactly an ordeal, now was it. Of course, the by now infamous Porter charm, coupled with her well respected knowledge of the arts world, and passion to succeed had already bought in some pretty impressive successes to the burgeoning arts centre, and was the very reason the CAC made it their no 1 priority to bring her on boardand yet now, it seemed her undoing.. Look Franklin, we dont know exactly where she isHow on earth am I going to find her? Bette looks at Franklin with pleading eyes.

Well thats already taken care of Bette, She is currently working on a commission for the Peggy Peabody foundation, and Peggy herself has kindly arranged for you to meet up with her on route.

But, But Spluttered Bette, who paused to regain at least some of her composure. She took a deep breath, and let the air out slowly, claming her by now, frazzled nerves. Franklin Bette said, showing her best professional smile. How can I devote any time to this, when we have the summer collection opening in less than a month?

Franklin leaned forward in his chair as he contemplated his next move. A hint of a smile gracing his features as he realised that possibly for the first time since his art directors appointment, he actually had the upper hand. Now for the killer blow he thought Bette?

yes Franklin? Bette replied somewhat pensively

How would you describe your organisational skills?

I dont understand replied Bette

well, the preparation for the summer exhibit is under way I assume?

Franklin, the exhibit is less than a month away. Are you seriously asking me if we have started the preparations? Bette asked incredulously

Humour me here Bette. Talk me through the process Bette straightened her back and took a deep breath before answeringThis was it, this was the moment she had steered him towards.Franklin didnt seriously think he could do without her skills so close to the opening did he?

 Well Franklin, Bette began, Firstly we looked at the availability of the art work, and the available dates the CAC had to exhibit it. Then we looked at the amount of time we had available to install and remove the show.

Bette leaned forward, warming to her task. Then we looked at which rooms would showcase the work most effectively, and which artworks we wanted to show. We looked at various removers to ship the artwork to us, and used Sanders fine arts removers for this task. We chose parkers installations to hang to pieces to our specifications.

Bette paused for a moment to gauge Franklins reaction. Bette had noticed him nodding as Bette ran through the intricate preparations she had been working on for the last 3 months, and was satisfied that Franklin was paying attention.

The centrepiece for the show, as you know requires sound, so we were aware that we would have to bring in the necessary audio equipment and specialist to operate it for the duration of the show. Of course the necessary promotion for the show has all been arranged, and agreement has been made with the artists for the use of copyright of their work in order to promote it effectively.

The programme for the event, has been approved, we have obtained biographical information and a foreword from the artists to be included, and the first proof arrived last week.

I have agreed our requirements with the caterers, and the serving staff have been arranged. And of course the guest list has been completed and the invitations sent.

So as you can see, I have left no stone unturned, which if I recall, Franklin, is the precise reason you spent 6 months persuading me that the CAC would be the perfect canvas for me to practice my art! Bette finished with a flourish.

Bette sat back in her black leather executive chair. Resting her elbows on the cushioned arms she bought her hands together resting the tips of her slender fingers together. She studied Franklins face with a feeling of victory. Bette Porter knew that Franklin was well versed in her talents as an arts director, after all he had been determined in his efforts to bring her on board..whether she wanted the job or not!

Franklin noted Bettes body language, and the satisfied smile on her face, and realised that Bette thought she had the upper hand in the conversation. Franklin leaned forward in his chair, deciding it was time to bring this meeting to an end.

Then as ever your preparation has been suitably thorough?

Of course

And the artwork?

 Arrived two days ago, as you know. Franklin, I really fail to see where you are going with this.

Well Bette, where I am going with this, is that you have completed all of the pre exhibit preparation, the art work is here, the installers are already on site, your assistant is handling all of the press enquiries, and the gala opening has been arranged.

Bette nodded her head yes, the self satisfied smile curling the corners of her mouth.

 So you see Bette, your preparation has been SO thorough that we CAN afford for you not to be here for the next two weeks!

WHAT?! Bette couldnt believe it. Franklin had blindsided her, and now she had no idea how she was going to talk him round.

Franklin pushed a large A4 envelope onto Bettes desk. I think you will find everything you need in here. Theres a list of essential items that you will need to pick up before your flight leaves, which is in 2 days time by the way.

Oh, and Bette? Bette looked up from the still closed envelope, a look of resignation on her delicate features. Yes Franklin

I dont think there is anyone more qualified than you for this. If anyone can bring this off its you.

Thank you Franklin" Bette responded without enthusiasm.

Franklin stood from his chair, and paused before leaving Bettes office. I appreciate I am not giving you much notice of this Bette, so I do not expect to see you back here until after your trip, ok?

Fine muttered Bette as she turned the envelope over in her hands.

Franklin left Bettes office and made his way out of the entrance of the CACDamn, he thought, looking at his watch they will have teed off without me. If I get a move on I may just be able to catch them up before they get to the 3rd hole.

Back in her office Bette picked up the envelope and impatiently ripped it open. Out fell her flight tickets, a map, and a checklist.What the hell thought Bette as she started to read the list

Medical:

Malaria pills

Motion sickness pills

Oral rehydration tablets/sachets

Aspirin

Immodium

Insect repellent

The list fluttered gently onto Bettes desk, as she sat frozen, as a feeling of total disbelief slowly washed over her. Bette rose from her desk, and dived towards her office door which she flung open with a strength her slender arms belied.

FRANKLIN!!!!!!!! she screamed

TBC