Knowing You

Chapter Twelve - THE MYSTERIOUS SPONSOR

That unexpected call from Mr. Gibbs has caused Louis so much distress. Questions have started popping into his mind, trying to figure out the reason that would have forced that descpicable man to make that move. He wasn’t even able to fully enjoy the party at all. He tried many times to call Mr. Gibbs but his calls were left unanswered until the other line could no longer be reached. It is quite apparent that Mr. Gibbs has become annoyed by his attempts to return his call, he thought. Perhaps he knew Louis would be quick to tease him as to where his arrogance could have gone that he decided to make such an invitation.

The celebration ended as soon as the clock turned one o’clock in the morning. Most of Louis’ students have already left earlier since most of them were still too young to party all night long and too young to join a gathering of people who have already gone past the stage of innocence. Maggie was the last one to leave while Louis, Tom and Carlyn decided to take a short drive by the sea wall to watch the sunrise. Watching the sunrise can be quite therapeutic, pointed out Louis. Since they left the party, Tom and Carlyn have noticed how Louis has become tensed. Specifically since after he received that mysterious call. He never told them who the caller was. Upon arriving at their destination, Tom and Carlyn found it a waste to spoil the perfect moment so they've decided to save the interrogations for later. The three of them found a perfectly comfy spot just by the sea wall and they silently waited for the rising sun while wearing their sunglasses. The waves were already glistening when Louis finally spoke, unexpectedly.

“Wanna know who called last night?” He asked no one in particular.

The two leaned in excitement to hear what Louis has to say. They didn't need to squeeze it out of Louis. After a moment of pause, Louis revealed.

“It was Mr. Gibbs.” he said.

“Mr. Gibbs?!” asked Carlyn in disbelief.

“You mean the nasty old man who owns the old theatre?” seconded Tom.

Louis leaned on his side to look at Tom who caught his attention by his witty remark.

“Nasty old man? Where did that come from?” Louis asked.

“Ask the woman beside you. It seems she felt harassed when Mr. Gibbs almost kissed her hand.” Tom gave a little laugh.

She shook her head and said in defense, “I will never get used to those old ways.”

“Mr. Gibbs is pretty old fashioned that is why.”

As Louis said so he seemed as surprised as the two to hear it from himself. He did spend some of his younger years under his leadership or rather ownership so he did know some of the old man’s ways.

“Anyway, he called to invite us for a dinner meeting tonight at exactly seven sharp. And you know what else he said? With a heavy emphasis, he said that if we are to come late, the deal is over.”

“Wait…what?! A deal? I thought it was already over when we left his office? He wanted it to be over so why is he calling now about having a deal that is going to be over if we did not come on time? He is such a demanding prick! And its weird how he changes his mind all of a sudden.” exclaimed Carlyn.

“When he called there was a tone of urgency in his voice. He even told me that if it was not a pressing matter he wouldn’t even bother calling. So, I take it that he had a very good reason to change his mind maybe even against his will.” He added.

“Is that why you were all squirmish last night? I mean do you even believe what he is saying about this deal?” asked Carlyn who is clearly annoyed by the idea of meeting Mr. Gibbs again.

“We’ve got nothing to lose, don’t we?” Louis said.

"I don't know Louis, it just seems fishy. I'm cusious but I've this gut feeling that he is up to something not good."

"We don't need to worry Carlyn. We've faced him before. Let's just hear him out for now."

And they waited till the sun was halfway on the horizon before going to their homes to rest and prepare for the meeting with Mr. Gibbs.

True enough, Mr. Gibbs was already waiting for them on the table when the two arrived together. The old man is rather off compared to his dignified and proud gestures the last time they met. It’s as if he is in a hostile environment and was rather in a hurry to end the meeting yet he has to stay. For whatever reason, no one knew. He politely greeted them and he shook Louis’ hand. To Carlyn’s puzzlement, he no longer reached to kiss her hand. As his two guests sat, he immediately gestured for the waiters to serve the food he already ordered for them.

“Before we proceed with the meeting it is only proper that we have dinner first.”

The two did not protest to this yet still they are left with confusion. They went along and observed if the old man is brewing something unpleasant. They ate awkwardly and silently. Soon as the plates were taken, the wine is served. When the waiter turned and walked away Mr. Gibbs shook his glass a little and instantly poured the entire content into his mouth to which the two were completely left amazed. They were just holding their glasses staring at Mr. Gibbs devour his wine. When he was done he looked at the two spectators and said, “What?! Haven’t seen an old man do bottoms up? Well, go ahead and drink your wines so we could get this over with.”

The two indeed lifted their glasses together and poured their wines into their mouths just as Mr. Gibbs did. This time it was the old man who was left to marvel at their act.

“That was refreshing!” exclaimed Carlyn.

“This wine tastes good.” complimented Louis.

“You didn’t have to mimic me when I said drink up.”

The two just gave him a laugh and he smiled, for the first time, a really amused smile. But it was just fleeting for as always he came for business. He pulled out a black suitcase from below and carefully placed it on top of the table.

“As you both know, I have already put up the Burrow Theatre for auction. And I have made it clear to both of you that I don’t have any intentions of negotiating with anyone anymore, most especially you.” pointing again to Louis. “But as it is, let us cut the story short. That didn’t work out and I had to ultimately change my decision and concede to a negotiation thereby ultimately cancelling the auction.”

He opened the brief case and pulled out a folder containing several documents inside. He takes one piece of the document and gives it to them. To their surprise it was a deed of sale.

“What is this all about? Is this a joke?!” snapped Louis.

“That is no joke! As you can see that is an official Deed of Sale and it is named after you, Mister Louis Travis. A generous patron of yours offered me a great sum of money to ensure that the property is going to be sold specifically to you. I don’t wish to go further with the details of our encounter but this is what they asked me to do. This sponsor wishes to remain anonymous and I shall keep my words and keep my mouth shut.”

“Did I hear you say sponsor?” asked Carlyn.

“Yes, indeed because this generous patron of yours wishes to become a permanent sponsor to your theatrical company. I must say the odds are completely at your side.”

“And what does this mysterious sponsor want from us in return? Surely he or she would not spend millions just to satiate his or her fad for live entertainment.” demanded Louis.

“In all truth dear boy, I do not have the slightest idea. And believe me, my inquisitive nature has tried to argue for answers but it was futile. Your sponsor is not just anyone to meddle with. However, I was instructed to tell you that a letter is inside for your information. Take the suitcase. The theatre is all yours. Just sign the Deed of Sale and off I go.”

After he received his copy if the document, he stood and offered his hand to Louis who is still going through the details of the deed of sale. Louis noticed his hand and shook it.

“Congratulations!” Mr. Gibbs said before he grabbed a bottle of wine and hurriedly left.

Carlyn and Louis were left in a daze still wondering how everything is happening so fast. Carlyn noticed the shimmering blue envelope and opened it. It was indeed the letter from the mysterious sponsor. It said:

To the Renaissance and Mr. Travis,

I have been watching from afar. I have witnessed how each of you have grown and nurtured each other. I have thus heard of your struggles and have been made aware of your aspirations and I am fully committed to be right behind you in your endeavors. As an initial gift, I give to you a home. Accept these documents of ownership to the Burrow Theatre from Mr. Leonard Gibbs and truly own it. I know how important the Burrow Theatre is for you and I could see how it is indeed a good home for The Renaissance.

As a way of nurturing this partnership you have to also do you part and grant me of my conditions if you wish to continue our good friendship. My first condition is that before this year ends, after you have done the reparations to the theatre and have completed your ensemble, organize a grand opening night presentation and choose your production wisely. I will be among the audience but do not try even once to identify me or everything will be over. I shall reveal myself to you at the right time. Give your best in this opening night and do not disappoint me.

- Your Patron

“Ooh…this sponsor is morbid. Whoever he is, or she is, it’s giving me the creeps. But generous indeed and I think I’m gonna like him…or her in some way.” commented Carlyn.

“The request isn’t quite bad nor is it extremely difficult. But you’re right there is a certain air of morbidity in it. Which means that we must take this seriously and we should not waste anymore time. We must gather everyone tomorrow for a meeting.”

“I can’t wait to tell them the good news!” said Carlyn excitedly.

Louis puts everything back to the suitcase and closes it. Unbeknownst to them, as they had their attention on the letter from the mysterious patron, Mr. Gibbs stood outside the restaurant when a black Mercedes slowed down and pulled over by the side of the road where he was standing. The window slowly rolled down and the old man peeked through before he was allowed to step inside. As he did so, he found himself sitting in the comfortable back seat beside a person whose face is utterly shadowed due to the deliberately turned off light.

“It is done. They have all the documents now. The deal is sealed then?” He said to the shadowed person.

The mysterious person whispered something to Mr. Gibbs to which he replied, “Thank you so much for your generosity. I’m sure the theatre will be in good hands. I shall take my leave then.”

He flings the door open and gets off the car. He waves to the sponsor as the car drives away. He walks across the street towards a parked vintage Cadillac and hits the road.