Wild Justice | Page 8

we have just time enough to get ready. Use the facilities if you
need to." He pointed in the direction of an adjoining washroom, then
opened a closet door and removed his cap and gown which he laid
across the table. Jonathan opened the case he had brought with him.
As both men donned their robes, Jonathan asked, "why is the Trenchant
hearing being held so soon after graduation?"
"We wanted to wait until the students left, of course. They've been
pestering us with petitions in support of her and we sure don't want
them around during her hearing. Also everyone wants to leave as soon
as possible for summer vacations, Jonathan. We want this mess cleaned
up before we leave."

"Well, my station for the grand march is west campus. Yours?" Fully
garbed in medieval academic splendor, Jonathan paused by the open
door.
"My department forms up in front of the library. See you next week."
"Right."
The two men left the office together then separated at the founder's
statue to reach their appointed destinations.
What a farce, ruminated Jonathan as he made his way between the
colorful plantings bordering the walk. Shakespeare would have loved it.
Much ado about nothing and a tempest in a teapot. What a hoot,
making all this fuss about seven student feedback forms. Nobody ever
pays any attention to them yet suddenly they are so important.
Hard to figure a valid reason for such violent reactions from the Vee.
Just a couple of years ago, Professor Beand was convicted of child
molestation. He was suspended for a few months but they took him
right back with no loss of pay or position.
And then there was that dean in the History Department who altered
faculty promotion papers. Nothing happened to him. I remember one of
the Vee's saying at that time that he shouldn't be disciplined for it
because other faculty had done far worse things and were not punished.
That's sure true. I remember several incidents involving students,
alcohol, drugs. . .all swept quietly under the rug.
It's obvious what is going on here. Lyle needs to pull the chestnuts out
of the fire for those two new faculty he took on so they can be
reappointed and tenured. If he can pin some of their negative critiques
on Diana Trenchant, he can argue that all the years of bad critiques are
suspect and nullify them.
And, of course, Henry and the rest are going along with it out of
revenge--they are just plain pissed off because they couldn't win her
over with snob appeal. She scorned them, their exalted positions and

their offerings. That's it, I bet anything that's it. Silently apologizing to
William Congrave, Jonathan paraphrased, "Heaven has no rage like
love to hatred turned nor Hell more fury than a good 'ol boy scorned."
The medical student that wrote the open letter to The Pope was
right--this hearing is an administrative gang bang.
Jonathan was soon joined by others in brightly colored or richly black
gowns. Peacocked 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 Association, 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
glass, so