Galvez Stadium

CHAPTER ONE

DESPITE THE INSTABILITY OF a looming revolution the government of General Antonio Galvez de Montoya in Santiago, Chile, was determined to maximize the opportunity provided by FIFA to host the World Cup Finals and build a state of the art football stadium. This allocation of resource came at the sacrifice of a host of other domestic needs which drove the opposition to the point of insurrection.

Late one afternoon a jet black limousine turned the corner off the main boulevard and proceeded down the side street towards a newly completed building. It pulled to a halt in the cul de sac in front of the building’s main entrance. From the passenger side a man in a military uniform got out to open the rear door. Out popped a short man with a gray beard in a white dress military uniform replete with rows of medals, gold braid, and five stars on his epaulet. Surrounded by his security escorts the general made his way through the entrance into the building’s main rotunda.

Alvarez was nervous. The perspiration on his slightly balding forehead gave away his bottled up anxiety as he peered through a window in the building. Then with the nation’s leader walking into his creation he pulled himself together and took a step forward.

There’s Alvarez now, Your Excellency, one of the general’s aides said. Before he could get any closer Alvarez found himself being frisked by two bodyguards.

Senor Alvarez, the general said extending his right hand for a handshake.

Your Excellency, I am honored to make your acquaintance. He clasped the general’s hand for a firm handshake. Allow me to show you your new office building and headquarters for the Ministry of Agriculture.

I’d be delighted, of course, the general replied.

I have named the complex ‘Galvez Plaza’ in your honor, Alvarez said. I hate those sterile names that often are given to government buildings.

I hate sterile names, too. Galvez’s attention was then snared by a gentle sound of splashing water. What’s that gurgling noise?

A waterfall, Your Excellency, Alvarez replied.

A waterfall? Inside this building?

It’s right this way. Alvarez led General Galvez and his entourage to the center of the ground floor rotunda. There he showed them an equatorial display of flora with a four-foot high waterfall splashing into a small pool.

Marvelous, Galvez declared as he inspected the display.

It’s visible from the front entrance, Alvarez explained. The idea is to create a pleasant yet dynamic atmosphere for those who come to do business at Galvez Plaza.

General Galvez spent a moment admiring the display and its surroundings. And pleasant and dynamic it is, he finally said.

Excellency, one of his aides spoke up. You do have a schedule to keep.

I am aware of that, Mendoza. Then turning to Alvarez he said, I would like a short tour of the building showing just the highlights.

Of course, Your Excellency, Alvarez replied. Right this way.

They ducked into the doorway of one of the office suites. So this is where the Bureau of Cattle Production will be headquartered, Galvez said. I think I like it. Where will the Bureau Chief’s office be?

Straight through here, Excellency, Alvarez replied leading them in double file through the suite to the Bureau Chief’s office.

Galvez looked around. I’d like to see the minister’s office next.

Allow me to take you to the fifth floor and show you the penthouse. Alvarez rendered an unflinching eye contact as he spoke.

In spite of the lengthy security measures there was one unaccounted for individual on the premises. A man dressed in a maintenance worker’s uniform carrying a tool kit opened a door on the fourth floor and stepped into the hallway. He shut the door behind him and walked down the empty hallway past some closed office suites until he reached the fourth floor rotunda. He then unlocked another door near the elevator and stepped inside. As he heard the elevator rumble past in the shaft next to the room, a wry smile crept across his face. He bent over and flipped a switch on a box that lay on the floor. Then he picked up his toolkit, checked out the hallway, and walked down to the end where he unlocked another door and stepped inside.

When the elevator reached the fifth floor, Galvez and his party stepped off directly in front of the Minister of Agriculture’s office suite that occupied the entire rotunda area. As the procession marched forth in ranks two by two they wound their way past the reception area, through the minister’s private secretary’s office, and into the spacious office quarters reserved for the minister himself.

So you found out that the minister has a fancy for colorful fish! Galvez said as he scrutinized the 100-gallon fish tank separating the two offices. Only that his secretary can see through there. He better learn to behave himself! This remark brought a few chuckles from his aides and escorts.

This fish tank and the paintings on the wall are designed to give the impression of windows to the outside, Alvarez explained. The only natural light that comes into this, the center of the building, is from the skylights above.

I’m impressed with the job you’ve done here, Alvarez, the general said. I want you to know that I’m looking for a builder for Chile’s new national football stadium.

Alvarez listened keenly for the general’s next remarks.

I like this desk, Galvez said. He was running his fingers along the smooth, polished finish when a thunderous explosion came up from below the reception area ripping through the penthouse suite.

Reacting swiftly Alvarez wrapped his arm around the general and stuffed him underneath the desk just as the skylight glass came crashing down around them along with most of the ceiling.

It was over quickly. The blast smashed the fish tank and ripped apart the entire wall between the offices. In addition to the skylight glass a heavy ceiling beam broke and crashed down on top of the desk. The roof opened up to the bright midday sunshine.

For nearly one full minute while the dust settled no one left alive moved. Then Alvarez got up from underneath the desk, General Galvez! Your Excellency! Are you hurt?

No… no, I’m all right, Galvez replied, panting slightly as he spoke. My God what has happened! As he stood up he brushed against the heavy ceiling beam. My God! This is a disaster! he cried. I was standing right here, and… and… He determined that the beam would have crushed him. A moment passed as he got a hold of himself. Then he said, I would have been killed! It was you who saved me, Alvarez.

Actually, it was the desk that saved us both, Your Excellency, Alvarez replied, not willing to glorify this accomplishment.

Galvez dusted off his dress whites. I do not take such matters lightly. I intend to see that you are rewarded for this. I will forever be grateful to you for your swift action today.

I am so sorry for this mess that is here, Alvarez said. The years it took me to build this—I wish I knew who did this, I’d…

Oh, I know who did this. I know damn well who did this, Galvez declared. It was some communist bastard who thinks this will intimidate me. Facing the middle of the damage he yelled, So you think you can scare me! I’ll kill every damn one of you. I’ll mop the streets with you—all of you. The rats will drink your blood! What’s left of you won’t be fit for dogs to eat! Do you hear me! Do you hear me!

In the months that followed the attempt on his life General Galvez made the necessary political moves to position himself as president for life in Chile. President Galvez then made good on his pledge to reward the builder who saved his life. He summoned Sergio Alvarez and his family to a formal ceremony at the palacio in central Santiago to announce Sergio to the news media as the builder of the new national football stadium.

In the palacio’s hall of mirrors (a smaller, less ornate replica of its namesake at Versailles) the Alvarez family waited for President Galvez along with four cabinet ministers, a dozen members of Congress, a sundry group of staffers and security, and several members of the news media.

Finally, in a spectacle resembling a royal debut, the door at the left end of the hall opened and Galvez with his personal entourage of security and cronies made their way inside. He bypassed all the customary formalities and went directly to the Alvarez family.

Senor Alvarez. Galvez began as he clasped the builder’s hand. I am very happy to see you again.

Thank you. Senor Presidente. Needless-to-say I am very happy to see you again, and to see that you are well.

I am well, thanks. And this is your beautiful wife. He extended his hand to Veronica Alvarez clasping it gently.

I am honored to meet you, Senor Presidente, she said.

And your daughter and sons, Galvez remarked shaking hands and exchanging greetings with each.

You are a model family for all people in Chile to admire, Galvez said. After dispatching with the salutations he strode directly to the podium.

Addressing the audience and the TV cameras Galvez began by saying, "It has been eleven years since my ascent to the pinnacle of this great nation. Since that day we have made tremendous strides in demonstrating to the world that we are an advanced, progressive peoples. It is my intention to continue this progress by proving that our country is a happy place to live as well as a prosperous one.

"Our national fortunes have brought us the rights to the World Cup Tournament. The finals will be held here in Santiago in a brand new, state-of-the-art football stadium that will be built specifically for that purpose.

Today I want to introduce to you my special friend Sergio Alvarez, whom I have chosen because of his skills as a builder, to be the general contractor for the new national stadium.

There was a brief round of polite applause as the focus of attention shifted momentarily to Sergio.

And further, Galvez continued, because of his organizational abilities as a businessman I am appointing him to be chairman of the Stadium Commission which will manage the new national stadium during the World Cup Tournament, and for all events held there afterward.

Although he beat odds of 300-1 to land this huge project, he realized that his efforts to save Galvez from death or injury played just as important a part as all his skills and resources as a builder. But that was how Galvez did business—rewarding people he trusted.

CHAPTER TWO

SERGIO TOOK HIS NEW appointment and assignment with him on a trip to the Caribbean city of Cartegena, Colombia, to attend the Ninth Annual Pan American Building Designer Awards Convention. His intentions were to seek out some ideas for his newly acquired project. Through aisle after aisle of the massive convention center he wandered until he came upon an exhibit that impressed him so much he couldn’t take his eyes off it. A young architect from the San Francisco Bay area set up a complete working model of a football stadium. It was so meticulously built and accurate in detail Sergio thought that it could win the top prize.

Hello, would you like to see the stadium in operation? the architect asked him finally.

You mean… it works? Sergio asked. His curiosity was stimulated. A few other passers by also stopped in interest.

Sure, let me show you. The slender architect was about Sergio’s height and bore an irrepressible smile.

But, of course, Sergio said. He watched intently as the young man reached over to the control box and pressed a button. A clear plastic dome slid up across the top of the stadium covering it completely. Now it’s completely covered enabling football, soccer, or any other sport to be played indoors in case of bad weather.

He pushed a toggle switch and then pressed the button again. The dome slowly opened back up.

The playing surface can be switched from a football layout to tennis, for example, by shifting some of the grandstands. Watch.

The smiling architect with curly sandy-colored hair pressed another button and a portion of the seating structure of the model popped up in the middle of the playing field creating a smaller lateral playing surface with one of the end zones which could be configure for tennis, basketball, volleyball, or other indoor sports.

And there’s one last thing to show you, he said. He pressed another toggle switch near the base of the control unit and the miniature lighting system went on. The crowd of onlookers that formed up to watch the little demonstration let out with a spontaneous applause.

This is amazing! Sergio exclaimed. Do you actually think that you could build such a stadium as this, with the dome moving back and forth like that?

Maybe. What’s needed is the right type of material for the dome which would be tough enough to stand up to severe weather, but still light enough to be moved from side to side.

Sergio sized up the model trying in his mind to bring it up to scale. How big would this be if you built it?

The seating capacity would be about 75,000 for football and about 35,000 for the short end configuration for tennis or basketball. By the way, my name is George King. He stuck out his right hand for a handshake.

Oh, of course. I’m Sergio Alvarez, and I am very happy to meet you. He reached into his shirt pocket for a business card and handed it to George.

Thank you. Here, let me give you one of my cards.

Sergio pulled out a pair of half-glasses which he needed for reading. Ah yes, you are George… Anthony…

That’s George Anthony King.

Yes. I see. I would be honored if you would join me for dinner tonight, George Anthony. I would like to talk with you further about your stadium. Ah, where are you staying in Cartegena?

I am at the Caribbe Hotel.

Perfect! I am staying there also. Then can I meet you in the hotel lobby for dinner at, say eight o’clock?

Yes, I’d like that very much. I’ll look forward to meeting you there. Thanks a lot.

It’s my pleasure.

The hotel lobby was the most luxurious one in the city. An exquisite multifaceted crystal chandelier hung over a sunken conversation sofa arrangement that surrounded a mahogany coffee table that had a marble inlay. The registration desk itself was solid marble fitted on top of hand carved mahogany. The area was surrounded by a Roman style colonnade with statues strategically placed for effect. George arrived in the lobby at precisely eight PM. Sergio met him only a few minutes later.

Well, how are you my friend? Sergio said extending his hand for a shake.

Fine, thanks, George replied. I’m just enjoying the lobby of this hotel. It looks as though they spared no expense when they put it together.

It is like that throughout the entire ground floor. I know the people who built it. There is a fine restaurant down this way past the little shops.

They walked under the entranceway to the gift shop mall and down to their right towards the Italian restaurant at the far end. The mall itself resembled a quaint European village complete with street lamps and a fountain that adorned a small plaza area.

The waiter took their dinner order. Tell me something my friend, Sergio began as the waiter walked away. What makes you want to build a stadium like the one you have in the design festival?

My firm wants to expand the scope of our work to include things such as office plazas, hotel-condominium projects, and other jobs on a bigger scale than what we’ve been doing.

Have you designed anything big like a stadium before?

There was a twin 20-story office building complex in the Century City section of Los Angeles. Not quite like a stadium, but still a major job.

The waiter poured their first glass of wine. Well, I propose a toast to you and your stadium display. I hope you win first place.

Thank you very much. They poised their wine glasses towards each other without clanking them together and took a drink.

Now, another question if I may, Sergio continued. Are you married?

No, not yet anyway.

Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter. You are still young. I would guess… thirty-five.

That’s a very good guess. Actually I just turned thirty-four.

Yes, I can see the youth in your eyes. You are also a very sturdy person—able to work long hours.

As the waiter began serving salads Sergio sipped from his wine glass and said, Tell me how you got started in architecture.

George stared off in the distance momentarily as he began his answer. I always wanted to be a builder of giant buildings ever since I was a little boy. If I’d have lived in ancient times I would have wanted to build the Parthenon, or the Roman Coliseum.

Sergio clasped his hands together and set them down on the table in front of him. George could plainly see his Rolex watch on his left wrist and a gold bracelet on his right.

What do you dislike most about your current position and situation? Sergio asked.

George picked up his knife and fork but then hesitated for a moment. I guess it’s the pressure involved in the bidding and awarding process. Sometimes we’ll have the lowest bid but still lose.

I have something interesting to tell you, Sergio began. "My country is playing host to the next World Cup Tournament. My government is planning to build a 100,000-seat football stadium especially for this event. I have just been appointed as the general contractor for this project.

I’m looking for technical people to join me in this undertaking. I like the work you did for this festival. You are a source of new ideas for me. What I want to know is would you like to come to Santiago and work on this project?

George’s jaw dropped. He was so astonished he set his half empty wineglass down on the middle of his plate. Well, I’m really very flattered, he replied, nearly at a loss for words. But, are you sure you want someone like me? I mean, I’m an outsider.

Because you are an outsider is all the more reason I want you, Sergio replied. He established and maintained a firm eye contact as he spoke. The stadium is to have the latest state of the art technology in its construction. I want someone who has high tech ideas such as you have. It’s hard to find someone like that in my country. In addition I’m told that you have won the prestigious ‘American Designers Award’ for the work you did in Los Angeles. Forgive me, but I took the liberty of consulting a colleague of mine in California. He has a high opinion of your work. It appears to me that you are exactly who I’m looking for.

Still dumbfounded George was searching for an answer. The truth was he came to the festival looking for new business for his firm. In all his wildest dreams he never thought he would actually be building a football stadium.

Well, may I ask then what are you offering? he finally said.

Let’s say, $2,500,000.

Whew! That’s a lot of money. How long do you expect the project to take?

We’ll begin as soon as possible. The stadium must be ready two years from this May.

And the only thing you’ll need from my firm is me? George said.

Just you. You’ll be a guest in my house. You’ll have full use of my engineering firm staff which includes three architects.

"I, I, I don’t know what to say. It’s a very generous offer. It’s very agreeable to me, but I’ll need some time to think it over.

I see. Well, the evening is still young, Sergio suggested. After dinner I think we should go over to the casino for awhile. Our luck must be good.

George’s head was still spinning. I’d love to join you, but I really don’t have enough money with me to lose it in the casino.

Oh, that’s no problem at all.

Although George did much of the talking at dinner he made mental notes about Sergio’s speech and mannerisms. He hadn’t stepped up to ask him about his background but he suspected Sergio was a successful builder in Santiago.

As they walked back along past the gift shops Sergio pulled a roll of banknotes out of his trousers pocket. He plucked off thirty crisp new bills and handed them to George. It amounted to nearly $2,000 in local currency.

Good Christ! George exclaimed. I couldn’t go in there and throw your money around. I’m not even that good a gambler.

Forget it. Here, have yourself a good time.

Are you sure?

Of course. Besides, I want you to have a good night tonight. You are going to win a prize tomorrow.

I wonder if you’re right, George said musing about his near-term future.

The two men strolled back through the hotel lobby and into the casino’s front door. Casing the place momentarily Sergio finally suggested that they take up two seats at one of the blackjack tables. You see, Sergio said, some card playing will help you relax so you can make a good decision about your future. He checked his two cards and left them on the table.

George held an eight and a seven. He decided to take an additional card, which was a nine putting him over the limit. I’ve still got my doubts, he said.

Tell me about them.

We had to walk through a barbed wire perimeter to get into this hotel from the street. Yesterday, I went to visit the mission. There were several armed soldiers with automatic rifles guarding it. As the tour bus went past a bank I saw more heavily armed soldiers out in front. Hell, I even saw cops walking around with automatic rifles strapped to their legs.

The next hand was dealt. So it looks like they are at war here. Is that what you’re thinking? Sergio asked. He received a jack and a seven.

And then there was the shooting I heard outside just before I met you in the lobby, George answered. He was dealt a ten and a four—another loser.

Another round was played and Sergio was dealt a nine and a six. He took a card that turned out to be a jack putting him over twenty-one. I knew I shouldn’t have taken that hit. he muttered. He increased his bet for the next round. Then he said, I think you believe that all places in South America are the same. Nothing could be farther from the truth. This is Colombia, my friend, not Chile.

George also lost his hand. I don’t want to be a burden for your family.

Another hand was dealt and Sergio turned over a blackjack. You’ll be no burden at all. My house will be your house. You’ll have your own quarters and office in the guest wing. My servants will manage your needs as if you were one of the family.

If this excursion to a casino was intended to overawe George, it accomplished its purpose. Sergio was on a winning streak that would net him two out of every three hands dealt. George on the other hand was losing. He didn’t appear to be able to last very long.

But, I don’t speak Spanish that well, George said. He was dealt two kings and doubled his bet.

You can learn. We’ll teach you. Besides, as you know I can speak English.

Sergio continued to win. His upbeat mode and his dashing good looks (for age fifty) began to draw more than just causal glances from some of the women in the casino. His sport shirt was opened down midway to his belt revealing a powerful, tanned chest with curly black hair garnishing a large, solid gold medallion. By contrast George was much more conservative. Although trim and neat in every respect he did not shine nearly as brightly as Sergio in comparison.

I don’t think you’re a big risk taker, George, Sergio said. His own chip supply resembled the columns of the Parthenon. Two neatly made-up Latin ladies sauntered up next to Sergio, one on each side. When one of them asked George why he wasn’t winning he answered in his heavily accented Spanish that he just wasn’t as lucky as his friend seated next to him.

Sergio turned and looked at him eye to eye. Your Spanish isn’t so bad. In fact, I think it’s very good. And so do these ladies. I think maybe we should take them into the lounge for a drink.

There are some side benefits for working with me, Sergio said alluding to his female companion. As time permits we will take a few of these entertainment breaks to enjoy ourselves. And when we finally finish the project I’ll have the biggest bash of all. Bigger than anything you can imagine.

George appeared as though he were lost in space. Are you… okay? Sergio asked without being facetious.

Oh, sorry. I was just running some numbers through my head.

Sergio sensed that maybe George would accept the job in spite of his reluctance. I want to meet you tomorrow for breakfast before you go over to the convention, he said. With that he rose from his seat and his companion locked her arm around his waist. We can talk some more about this opportunity.

That sounds great to me. I’m sorry if I seem distant. It’s just that when I’m confronted with a major decision I have a tendency to be analytical.

I can understand. See you tomorrow.

Just as George walked through the door to his room the phone rang. It was Phillip Defore, one of his partners in Santa Clara.

Georgie, what cha’ doin’? Defore said.

Well, it’s 10:30 at night, I just blew nearly $2,000 gambling, and I’m ready to jump in the sack!

Georgie, we haven’t heard from you. What’s goin’ on?

The judging’s over with tomorrow and they’ll hand down the prizes.

Are you gonna win?

Hell no!

In a more serious tone Defore said, What about business, Georgie, did you find us any new business?

Maybe.

After a pause Defore said, Well, aren’t you going to tell me about it?

I met a guy from Santiago, Chile, who’s building a football stadium down there for the World Cup Games.

A football stadium! How do we figure into that?

He wants me to be his lead architect.

Great! Ah, how much is he paying?

$2,500,000.

$2,500,000! You told him ‘yes’ didn’t you?

Not yet.

Georgie, what’s the matter with you. We need money like that.

Everywhere I go I see heavily armed troops or police. I might have to wear combat boots to get the job done.

You mean, you don’t think it’s safe? Aw balls. Take the damn job, Georgie. You always wanted to build a football stadium anyway.

It’s a different world down here, Phil. It won’t be any piece of cake since I’m an outsider and not wise to their ways of business.

Our whole firm is behind you.

Actually, he’s putting his staff at my disposal.

That’s even better! What the hell are you waitin’ for?

I’m meeting him again tomorrow. I can work out the rest of the details then.

So, you will take the job, then?

Yes, I believe so.

CHAPTER THREE

IT WAS JUST AFTER three in the afternoon when George’s plane landed at Santiago’s International Airport. There to meet him were Sergio and his chauffeur, Eduardo. George was impressed with Sergio’s limousine. It added to his presence of mind that Sergio was truly a big success in Chile. As they made their way through the city streets Sergio explained to him the set up at this house.

When they finally arrived at the hacienda George was overwhelmed. The mansion itself was built in Spanish Colonial style architecture laid out in the manner of a Roman villa. There were two wings that extended towards the edge of the property overlooking downtown Santiago. Between them was a peristyle garden with a pond and fountain in the form of a maiden pouring water.

Eduardo, a short but rugged man with curly black hair and a kindly face, handled the luggage. For many years he was a fisherman until his late wife begged him to give it up. His job with the Alvarez family supported his elderly mother and his sister.

Sergio brought George through the foyer and into the living room where his wife was waiting to meet him.

And now I want you to meet my wife, Veronica, Sergio said.

Welcome to our house, she said while extending her hand. We have all been interested in meeting you.

The pleasure is mine, Senora, George responded.

We have two sons who are away at school, Veronica said. But, there is one more family member you must meet. Turning her head towards the hallway she called out, Cecilia.

A moment later the silhouetted figure of a young woman darkened the hallway and moved casually up to the foyer. When the light from the chandelier reached her face, she stopped momentarily to gaze at George.

This is our daughter, Maria Cecilia, Veronica said. Cecilia, I would like you to meet George King, the stadium’s architect.

I am happy to meet you, Senor King, she said, maintaining her bearing, but keeping her eyes at work.

As George looked upon her face, time seemed to stand still. It was one of those little interludes that people of the opposite sex are subject to experience upon first impressions. The pleasure is certainly mine, he finally said. Sergio didn’t tell me he had a lovely daughter.

Cecilia accepted the flattery, but didn’t move any closer. Instead she returned his stare with equal intensity.

Then Veronica said, Cecilia, why don’t you walk George over to the guest wing and show him his room. Then bring him back to the dining room because it will be time for dinner.

Si, Mamacita, she dutifully replied. Will you come this way please, Senor King.

As George walked over to her he said, Please, call me George. Nobody ever calls me ‘Senor King.’ It makes me nervous.

Cecilia led the way for them with George following behind her. She sauntered along with her hips swaying her perfect figure as she walked. Her chestnut hair draped neatly across her shoulders. She was fairly tall for a female, George thought, probably five feet seven or eight inches. When they reached the library she stopped and turned to face him. It was at this moment that he could see how truly beautiful she really was.

George’s understanding of Spanish was fairly good for a layman, but he was not fluent. He figured he’d need a little help on occasion. To his wonderment Cecilia spoke to him in English.

And this is the library, she said looking intently for his reaction.

George’s eyes lit up. So you speak good English, he marveled. Did you learn English in school?

Yes, and in college also. I have been waiting for the chance to have someone to practice my English. My mother does not speak English and she does not want it to be spoken in the house.

Well, I’m happy to speak English with you. But I don’t want to get into trouble with your mother, George said with a smile.

She won’t say anything, she replied with a trace of defiance. "You’re a guest. If you need some