Page 103 of Possession Under the Southern Stars

She sucks her bottom lip and looks at me mutely.

“I asked her to,” Whina says. “I thought that, in the cold of light day, if Hallie had the time to explain that we would treat the letters and paintings with respect, Isabel might just concede. And apparently Hallie was very convincing.” She smiles at Hallie. “In fact she was absolutely glowing about the way you constructed your argument. She said you were respectful and knowledgeable, and she was very impressed. She told me there was absolutely no way I could let you leave the museum.”

“Goodness,” Hallie says, looking startled.

“And as for you,” Whina says softly, looking at me. “Obviously, things could have gone better when you were in Tauranga, but you still managed to impress Isabel with your determination and resourcefulness. She knew that her father admired you. And she’s made it clear that she doesn’t hold anything against you, and she’s willing to work with you both to make the exhibits successful.”

“I don’t believe it,” I whisper.

“As to your relationship,” Whina says. “Isabel said it was very clear that you were both in love with one another. Andyou’ve both told me that, too. Lastly, Fraser, I spoke to your father yesterday.”

“Dad called you?”

“Yes. We met ages ago, through the church. I respect Atticus both as a deacon and as a man.” She sighs. “I’ve always seen workplace relationships as a liability, but we talked about your dedication, both to each other and to the museum, and it changed my perspective. He said that rigid policies don’t account for genuine, life-changing relationships, and he’s right.”

I glance at Hallie, whose eyes widen again—she can’t believe it, either.

Whina continues, “He said that he thought you were reckless when it came to love and that you made choices without thinking about the consequences, but this time he’s seen something different in you—that you were standing up for a woman you loved. And it made me think that if we punish people for finding something that rare, we’re the ones who have it wrong, not them.”

Hallie presses her fingers to her lips. I look at her, at her shining eyes, and put my arm around her. She rests her forehead on my shoulder, and I kiss her hair.

“Workplace policies do exist for a reason,” Whina says gently. “But your father reminded me that public opinion matters too. From a purely practical point of view, you’re both valued employees who bring many things to the table, and if the board were to force one of you to leave, it might reflect badly on us. So with that in mind, I’m going to suggest that we grant a case-by-case exemption, as long as you follow certain guidelines. We would like you to report your relationship to HR. And to do your best to keep your personal and professional lives separate.”

“Of course,” I say, and Hallie nods.

“That means no snatched kisses in the stationery cupboard,” Whina scolds, and we both chuckle. She smiles, thencontinues, “And of course it means using common sense when it comes to promotions and other developments at work. We need complete transparency. So come and see me if you have any queries, at any time.”

“So I still have a job?” I say, struggling to believe it.

“Yes, Fraser,” she says softly, “you still have a job. Your achievements go way beyond the renovation of the museum. Your enthusiasm and drive have inspired many people to get involved in archaeology and in the history of our country. Many Maori have commented on the respect you’ve shown them for their culture. And personally, I love the way you’ve done your best to get young people involved in the discipline.”

“Thank you.” I’m touched at her compliments.

“Hallie has mentioned some of the ideas the two of you have discussed to bring money in, and I’d like to have a meeting with you both to talk about these, but personally one thing I’d like to see is the new educational program you mentioned, and more contact with schools and universities.”

“I’m very keen for that,” I say, my heart swelling.

“Now,” she continues, “I met with Jennifer for lunch yesterday.” Jennifer took over as the Director of Development and Fundraising after I became Museum Director. “And we had a long talk about crowdfunding. She’s obviously gutted with the way a lot of the grants have fallen through, and she’s keen to start a Kickstarter campaign. We both think that if we come at it from the right angle, it could be very successful. We think that if we were to target it at preserving Maori heritage, you’d also get support from the localiwi, which would go some way to repairing the problems we’ve had with Taonga.”

“Yes, that makes sense.”

“She knows your degree is in Cultural Heritage Management,” Whina says, looking at Hallie. “And when I mentioned some of the ideas you’d come up with, she was veryexcited. So we discussed the possibility of you working in her department for a couple of days a week, if you were up for it.”

Hallie’s eyes light up. “I’d love to.”

“Would you need to advertise the position,” I ask, “bearing in mind what you’ve just said about transparency?”

“No, I don’t think so. We’re talking about Hallie helping in an advisory role, initially, anyway, and with full support from the board. And there’s nobody at the museum that I know of with Hallie’s experience and knowledge. If we were to create a new post, then of course, we’d have to interview for it, but one step at a time, eh? I told Jennifer you’d meet with her this week, both of you, and discuss it in more detail.”

“Okay.”

“We’re going to make this museum the best in the country,” Whina says, eyes shining. “And I have no doubt that you are the man to do it, Fraser. I’m depending on you to prove me right.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She nods and rises, and Hallie and I get up, too.

“Thank you so much,” Hallie says, and she gives Whina a hug.

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