“Ron Kendall does not have the authority to permit your use of the center.” Nessa’s officious tone made Vaughn want to ask her to leave.
“If the center’s director doesn’t have that authority, who does?”
Nessa’s smile broadened. “The Trinity Falls Town Council, of course.”
Vaughn’s sense of foreboding heightened. “How do I petition the council for approval?”
“I can save you the trouble.” Nessa folded her hands on her thigh. “The council cannot sanction the use of the town’s community center for your musical.”
“Why not?” What was Nessa’s game?
“I’ve heard your performance includes paranormal elements.”
“That’s right.” Vaughn kept his expression blank, but his unease grew.
Who were Nessa’s sources? He’d only discussed his work with a handful of people, and very briefly. Whoever had given Nessa her intel had armed her with more details than he remembered sharing.
“As a public facility that provides services to the community at large, the center cannot be seen to condone such hedonistic messages. It would offend Christians.”
“Seriously?” He sounded like his students. But he couldn’t help it. Nessa had caught him completely off guard.
“Oh, I’m very serious.”
“Nessa, I’m a Christian and I’m not offended.”
“Then I would remind you of the scriptures. Galatians specifically references witchcraft.”
Nessa probably had never read any of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. A pity.
“Very good.” Vaughn inclined his head. “I always go back to Matthew and the caution against judging others.”
Nessa flushed a bright red under Vaughn’s direct gaze. “Even the title of your play, Mystic Park, evokes images of evil.”
Vaughn stared at the council president. She must be joking. “The play isn’t evil. It’s a romance.”
“Isn’t it based on Caribbean culture?”
“Caribbean lore and folktales.”
Nessa frowned. “There are a lot of strange religions in that culture.”
“You shouldn’t automatically fear what you don’t understand.” Vaughn forced himself not to be offended on his family’s behalf. But it was a struggle. “Does Ron know you’ve decided the center can’t host the play?”
“There’s no need for me to consult with Ron on my decision.”
“What about professional courtesy?”
Nessa practically vibrated with displeasure. “The fact of the matter is that the center is supported largely by tax money from the town, making it a public concern.”
How would Benita handle this? He glanced at his phone. If only he could call her to ask.
“Shouldn’t the entire council decide whether my musical offends the public sentiment?” Vaughn was coming to the end of his patience.
“That’s not necessary.” Nessa gathered her purse as though signaling the meeting was coming to an end. “The council cannot give even a hint of supporting alternative religions.”
“You’re making this change the week before the audition. It’s scheduled to be held next Wednesday at the community center. I’ve already bought the ads.” Vaughn tried to reason with her one last time.
Nessa stood. “I can’t imagine that good people would want to be involved in your production.”