There were, however, no shortage of distractions on campus. Parties nearly every night, good looking guys hitting on her constantly and a myriad of extracurricular groups and societies wanting her to join. But she remained steadfast and resolute in her objective. She would be too busy taking classes for her double majors in philosophy and economics to allow any disruptions.
Meredith’s social activities were limited to seeing movies in town with her girlfriends on the weekends, working out five days a week, study groups and being President of the Legal Society. The Legal Society was a student group that she helped start and was the only school-related extracurricular indulgence she would allow herself. She started it with several other students who shared a similar interest in the law. They would conduct mock trials and attend actual court hearings at the local courthouse, then critique the cases afterwards.
One Saturday night, after seeing a movie, Meredith and her best friend Cynthia Sanders were driving back onto campus. Their route took them by the football stadium, where the Panthers had just relished in another victory. Although Meredith was very athletic, she took no interest in football or any other sport as a spectator; she just had no time for it. While she was driving, the campus police stopped them at an intersection to allow a large group of players and fans to cross the street.
They were a large, raucous bunch. There was one, in particular, a mammoth, boisterous beast wearing a number fifty football jersey who stopped in front of her car, leaned over onto her hood with both hands, then tapped on the hood like he was playing bongo drums. The brute proceeded to shout, “WOO HOO BABY, PANTHERS KICK ASS! WOOOOOH! WE’RE NUMBER ONE! FUCK YEAH!!!”
Another man, maybe a player, but instead of wearing a jersey wore a tight-fitting Panthers Football t-shirt that accentuated his rippling arms and chest, grabbed the behemoth and cried out, “C’mon Moose, leave the pretty ladies alone!”
The gorgeous blonde-haired Adonis made eye contact with Meredith and mouthed, “I’m sorry,” then shrugged his broad shoulders. The two animated figures continued on their way as the bigger one continued hooting and hollering.
Meredith said, “Why are football players so crass?”
Cynthia giggled and said, “I don’t know. I think he was kind of funny.”
Meredith smiled. “I suppose so. His friend was gorgeous, don’t you think?”
“Uh, yeah, they both were.”
“Ew, gross! The big one he called Moose?”
“What? I thought he was adorable! He seemed funny to me. I like a big man.”
“Whatever sicko, but his friend was definitely cute.”
Cynthia was two years older than Meredith and a freshman; however, Meredith and Cynthia shared similar ambitions and remained lifelong friends.
June 1994. Meredith graduated with her double major degree in philosophy and economics. Because of her outstanding academic endeavors, she graduated summa cum laude and was class valedictorian. She, of course, presented the valedictory speech. In attendance were her parents and her best friend, Cynthia.
“And lastly, let us remember those who have encouraged and supported us through the years. Whether they be outside mentors or family, give thanks. Most of us would not be in this room were it not for their encouragement and support. To my mom and dad, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. To my fellow graduates, go forth with the knowledge that this fine institution has imparted on you and use it to better your world.
“When I look around this auditorium, I see an incomplete puzzle; thousands of individual pieces all thrown together into a box in random chaotic order. Individually, I am just one piece of this puzzle. Alone, I can’t finish the picture. But like a puzzle, if I am connected with another piece and we then are joined with other pieces, eventually when we are all connected the way we were meant to be, we can create a lovely image. I challenge us all, as individual pieces with limited influence, to unite with the other pieces in this great hall to complete that image. Let the positive influence we have on this world be our beautiful finished picture. Citizens of the world, be forewarned that the graduating class of 1994 is coming and we will not be overlooked. Go forth, my fellow graduates, and be excellent. Thank you.”
“That was quite a speech, don’t you think honey?” Meredith’s mother, Rebecca, asked her father.
Her father, Henry, pretending to be asleep, opened his eyes and said, “Huh? What? Oh—oh yeah, great speech, and short, too.”
“Oh Henry, honestly!” Rebecca said as she slapped his arm.
Henry laughed.
Rebecca asked, “So Cynthia, this will be you soon I hope?” “Unfortunately, not for two more years. I’m so proud of Meredith. She is amazing. I wish I had half her ability.”
“You’re a brilliant young lady, Cynthia. You’ll do great things. I just know you will.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Porter.”
During her senior year, Meredith had applied to, and of course was eagerly accepted, into law school. She spent that summer at home working with her mother as an assistant and helping her in preparing cases for trial. She would observe her mother in court, studying her every move. She would try dreaming up ways she could beat her. Of course, she never let her mother know what she was up to. Meredith would often ponder, “If I ever have to face this woman in court, how could I defeat her?” She could not have envisioned how handy this training would be to her in the future.
August 1994. Meredith started law school at FTU. She and Cynthia had moved in together again and shared an apartment off campus. One Friday evening as she was trying to study, she heard a howling from outside. It sounded like a wolf howling at the moon, “WOO HOO! C’MON UP LADIES, IT’S PARTY TIME!”
Frustrated, she went to the living room and told Cynthia, “I can’t concentrate with all that racket outside. Do you want to go out for a while?” She couldn’t help but think to herself, that voice sounds so familiar. I just can’t place it, but it sure is aggravating.
Cynthia laughed, “Maybe we should go find the party; it could be fun.”
Meredith stared at her in disbelief and said, “Ugh, I’m in no mood. I really want to get this paper done. Besides, it sounds a little too rowdy for me.”
Unbeknownst to Meredith, the gorgeous Adonis was staying in his old apartment in the building across from hers, and “The Moose” had come over to party, as he often would.
Cynthia laughed and said, “I knew you would say that. Come on, girl. Let’s go de-stress at The Chablis Cabaret.” This was a quiet jazz club, with a soft atmosphere where many upscale residents would go to unwind. Cynthia and Meredith would often go just to relax from their intense studies, and it was a place where no self-respecting college football player would be found dead. Being too young to drink, Meredith would sip on a ginger ale, while Cynthia would have a glass of wine.
By the time the girls had returned that night, the cops had already been there and broken up the party. Meredith could once again concentrate. She worked long into the night and completed her paper, which freed her up for the rest of the weekend to unwind.
June 1996. Cynthia graduated with her degree in engineering. Meredith and her parents went out with Cynthia and her parents to celebrate. That evening at home, Meredith said to Cynthia, “I can’t believe you’ll be moving out. My best friend is abandoning me.”
Cynthia told her, “Well, maybe not. I have an opportunity to work with an engineering firm here in town. Do you think you can stand having me around another year or so?”
Meredith squealed with excitement. “Oh my God, that’s so awesome! I thought you were going to work at your cousin’s firm in Philadelphia.”
Cynthia said, “I was, but the man I was going to replace decided to stay on for one more year. They offered to let me start at another position, but then I heard about this opportunity here in town. I wanted to stay around here a little longer. The job in Philly is mine when he leaves, so here I am and we get at least one more year
together. Now I can watch
you graduate law school.”
Cynthia stayed, and during that year their friendship grew even stronger. Each of them was an only child and they had become as close as sisters.
June 1997. Meredith graduated law school with honors, of no surprise to anyone who had ever met her. That night after the ceremony,
Rebecca asked, “So honey, are you still planning on moving home?”
Meredith said, “That’s the plan, as long as I’m still welcome.”
Rebecca asked, “Can I count on your expertise in the office?”
“Of course, Mom. Where else would I be?”
“Then of course you’re still welcome. What are your long-term thoughts?”
“Well, I would like to try something different. I was thinking that after I pass the bar, I’d like to be a prosecutor, at least for a while. Maybe I could get hired by the District Attorney.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea. You know I’m good friends with Allen. I could put in a good word for you. You really could develop a deeper appreciation of the law by experiencing it from the other side for a while.” Laughing, she said, “I suppose I’ve always been too much of a bleeding-heart liberal to be a prosecutor.”
“Yes, but if I ever needed a lawyer, Mom, you’d be the one I want in my corner.”
Henry chattered, “Hear, hear!” as he raised a glass of wine to toast. “To the three beautiful ladies in my life.”
On the last night in their apartment together, the two best friends were discussing their futures.
“So, now it looks like you’re the one abandoning me,” Cynthia said.
“You’re leaving this Saturday. Don’t make me feel bad, girlfriend.”
Cynthia giggled, “I’m just kidding. Say, are you up for one last drink at the Cabaret?”
“Sounds great.”
The ladies, now both of legal drinking age, would regularly go to their favorite spot to unwind. With their glasses full of a delightful Pinot, Meredith proposed a toast.
“To our futures!”
Cynthia echoed the sentiment, “To our futures. I’m gonna miss you, girlfriend.”
“I’m gonna miss you, too. Thank you for all your encouragement.”
“Thank you for getting me through advanced calculus. I never would have made it without you!” Cynthia replied.
The two girls laughed and enjoyed their last night of college life together in their favorite watering hole.
Meredith and Cynthia would stay in touch and remain best friends for the rest of their lives. They would regularly visit each other, and rarely a day would pass when they didn’t talk at least once.
Meredith returned home and was working for Rebecca. She was set to challenge the bar exam the following month, at the end of July.
Every evening after work, Rebecca would help her prepare for the exam.
One afternoon while eating lunch, Rebecca told Meredith, “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited a friend to join us. He should be here in a few minutes.”
“Oh really? Who is it? Are you cheating on Daddy?”
“Oh Meredith, stop. Here he is now . . . Allen, over here! Meredith, this is Allen Markowitz. Allen, this is Meredith, my daughter.”
Meredith stood up and nervously shook Allen’s hand. “Mr. Markowitz, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Please Meredith, outside the office call me Allen. And the pleasure is all mine. Rebecca, it’s always a pleasure.” The two old friends hugged and the three sat down to lunch.
“So, your mother tells me you want to try the other side for a while?” “Yes sir, Mr. Markow —.”
“Allen.” He interrupted.
Smiling, Meredith said, “I mean Allen. I would work tirelessly for you.”
“Of that I have no doubt, young lady. I’ve been following you for some time. I have many friends up at FTU. Not sure if you knew this, but I’m also an FTU alumnus. ‘Go Panthers!’”
The three laughed, and Meredith said, “No, I never knew you went to FTU.”
“Absolutely, and I stay in touch with the staff. I’m always looking to recruit bright new talent. Throughout your time there, your name constantly came up as a top candidate. Your mother informed me that you were hoping to come to work with me, so I figured recruitment wouldn’t be necessary. Frankly, I’m a bit surprised. You know I can’t pay you much. Working with your
mother, you could definitely make much more money.”
“Mr. Ma- I mean Allen, I’m not as concerned about the money as I am about the process of law. I want to experience all aspects of the law. I love the legal process, and I want to get a taste for it all.”
“That’s a good plan. As I’m sure you know, I’ll have to start you out in misdemeanor crimes, and you can work your way into felony after you prove yourself. As soon as you get the results of that bar exam, I expect to see you in my office, young lady.”
“Oh Mr. Markowitz, thank you! I mean Allen! Thank you so much!” Laughing, Allen said, “Thank you. I look forward to you working with us. We can use a bright young talent like yourself. I do expect results, though. Just because your mother and I are old friends doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you. You’ll start at the bottom and move up if you can show me you’ve got what it takes. What are your long term goals?”
“One day, I want to sit on the bench.”
“Well, well. A judge, eh? That’s very ambitious. I raise a glass to Judge Porter.”
Rebecca responded, “That’s my girl. I told you she’s an ambitious one.”
“Well, from everything I’ve learned about you from the school and what your mother tells me, I have no doubt that one day you will be a Supreme Court Justice.”
With a confident smile, Meredith said, “Thank you, sir.”
“Now, enough business. Let’s get back to lunch. I’m starving.”
After ordering their meals, Allen continued, “You know, your mother and I met when I was a young, wet-behind-the-ears prosecutor and she was a ruthless public defender. She embarrassed me on more than one occasion. If you’re half the lawyer she is, I’m getting quite a catch.”
Rebecca smiled and said, “Ah yes, those were the good old days.”
“Sure, good for you. I’m glad I’m a politician now. I don’t have to face you in court.”
Meredith joked, “That’s my Mama, The Queen of the Courtroom.”
Allen laughed and said, “Young lady, you have no idea how accurate a statement that is.”
October 1997. Meredith finally got her results from the state bar. At dinner, she revealed to her parents the big news.
In a solemn voice, Meredith spoke. “Mom, Dad? I have something to tell you.”
Henry and Rebecca looked at each other with concern. They asked in unison, “What is it, sweetheart?”
Suddenly, Meredith’s countenance changed and she screamed, “I PASSED! I PASSED, I PASSED! I GOT THE RESULTS THIS AFTERNOON WHEN WE GOT HOME FROM THE OFFICE!”
Henry cheered, “Hey! That’s my girl! I never had a doubt!”
Rebecca replied, “So, you’re a lawyer now. Congratulations, darling. I guess this means I won’t be seeing you around the office as much.”
“Maybe not, but you might see me in court.”
Two weeks later, Meredith was starting her first day as an Assistant District Attorney.
In Allen’s office, Meredith stood quivering with excitement, anxious to get started.
Allen asked, “Are you nervous?”
“No sir, Allen. Oops, I mean Mr. Markowitz.”
Allen winked and smiled at the beautiful young prosecutor and said, “That’s good. I’m going to have you shadow Jill here for a few weeks until you get your feet wet. Jill, this is Meredith Porter. She’ll be starting with us today.”
“Jillian Strowesky, but call me Jill. Nice to meet you, Meredith.”
“Nice to meet you, Jill.”
“Okay, you two. Get the hell out of my office and put some bad guys in jail for me, will ya? I have an upcom
ing election. I need these clowns off the street!”
Laughing, Jill said, “C’mon, let me show you to your office.”
After two weeks, Meredith was released on her own. She worked zealously for the next six months and enjoyed an astonishing ninety-one percent conviction rate, while her counterparts averaged about sixty percent. Meredith had quickly earned quite a name for herself in the court system. Allen had taken notice, as well.
One afternoon, Allen called her on the intercom. “Meredith, can
I see you in my office?”
Meredith rushed to his office. “Mr. Markowitz?”
“I just wanted to say thank you. I asked you not to let me down, and you have not disappointed me yet. Keep this up, and you’ll be a judge by the time you’re thirty. I see great things in your future.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Okay, that’s it. Go put some more bad guys away for me.”
Smiling, Meredith walked away saying, “That’s what I do, sir.”
Her next case was seemingly simple, open and shut. A nineteen-year-old was caught shoplifting, on camera, with a clear shot of his face as he exited the store. Meredith received notice that he would be represented by the most powerful defense attorney in the tri-county area, Rebecca Porter.
Meredith was a bit unnerved as she realized that her dream of facing her mother in court could become a reality.
That night, at her condo, Meredith received a phone call. “Well, counselor, seems like you are trying to put away my poor, innocent client. I hope you don’t expect me to go easy because you’re my
darling daughter. Just so you know, I don’t like to lose.”
“Oh, I know Mom, but I don’t like to lose either, just to let you know.”
Epistle of the Damned Page 19
