“But it shouldn’t.” Peggy couldn’t help interrupting, and Richard agreed with her.
“No, of course, it shouldn’t. Our theater could even help their business by exposing more people to entertainment and thereby drawing them to the movies, too. However, the Slade brothers don’t see it that way.”
“The Slade brothers don’t see much of anything at all,” commented Aunt Hetty brusquely. “Not even their own movies, from what I gather. If they used better judgment in selecting films, they might have better business.”
“Why, I’ve known Max Slade for years,” said Howard Miller, coming over to Aunt Hetty. “I realized that he didn’t exactly approve of the summer theater, but what’s all this about our not being legal?” He ran a hand through his handsome, graying hair, frowning.
“Read it and weep, Howard,” Aunt Hetty responded. “Apparently they’ve found a loophole.”
“The article claims that a high school cannot legally be used by a profit-making organization such as a summer theater,” Richard explained.
“But we’re helping the school by paying rent to them,” Chuck protested.
“Sure, but the Slade brothers aren’t concerned about the school,” Richard continued. “They’re thinking of themselves and are willing to use any means to get us out of town. This article says that we will be taken to court if we don’t suspend our operation.”
“Can they?” asked Chris Hill. “I mean, wouldn’t the case be thrown out?”
“No,” Richard answered seriously, “I don’t think it would be thrown out, because there’s a chance—a good chance—that they’re right!”