Part 3 (1/2)

Jonathan was soon joined by others in brightly colored or richly black gowns. Peac.o.c.ked with the educational badge each had attained and crowned with a mortar board which got its name from a board used by masons to hold cement. How appropriate that it is worn on the head.

Commencement--a colorful, glorious grouping traditioned by time.

All nicely covering the decay and tarnish of some of its stewards.

THE HEARING - DAY 1

Chapter 4

”The hearing? Oh yes, that is being held in this room right here,” advised Lorraine Debeau, head custodian of Howard Hall.

Diana Trenchant and her witnesses had arrived early. One of the witnesses asked Lorraine where the group might wait.

”There are two rooms I was told to open. This is the best one right opposite the hearing room,” she offered, walking ahead of them into the room, proud as a general leading the troops to battle.

I'll give you guys the best one since you are here first and because of what you are doing.”

As she turned to leave the room, she put her hand on Trenchant's shoulder.

”Hey, good luck. You know, you are the only person that ever tried to help us custodians get a fair shake. When you were head of the Staff a.s.sociation, you made those guys in administration treat us decent.”

The six witnesses and Trenchant spread themselves out comfortably on the plush sofas and soft rug as individual preference dictated.

Good feelings washed over them, mixed with pride and determination.

It was as if their cause, their righteous quest, had been anointed by a high priestess.

”It's nice to have friends in high places,” commented Andrea, looking around appreciatively. They were in a large, rectangular room outfitted as a lounge. At the front facing the entrance hall, the walls gave way to gla.s.s, so it was something like being in a fish bowl.

Someone suggested shutting the curtains but Helen objected.

”No, don't. I want to watch for them to come in. I'm going to take their pictures.”

There was general laughter at this and Andrea slapped her on the back, ”go gittum, Helen.”

Roz advised the other witnesses not to be intimidated by the panel.

”Hey, I've known most of them for years and they are no better than we are.”

She had held a full time job at Belmont for nearly two years. Roz had been around and was no spring chicken so the group nodded and took comfort from her.

She, like some of the other witnesses, was also taking courses in the nursing school. One of these courses was taught by Diana Trenchant.

”Look, here they come now,” Helen yelled as a group of men came into the hall through the open front door.

She grabbed her camera and shot out of the room.

One of the men broke from the group and came into the witness room saying loudly, ”Who are you and what are you doing in here?

This room is reserved.”

”We were told this was a witness room and we are witnesses,”

said Roz, flatly. ”Who are you?”