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“Making a public nuisance,” Stone replied.
“I’m afraid they’re standing on a public sidewalk. They can do anything they like there, including making a public nuisance of themselves.”
“Have you recently graduated from law school and passed the bar?” he asked her.
“No, but someone has,” she replied, nodding at Eddie Jr.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Eddie said, “I have recently takenand passed the bar exam and am now an attorney-at-law, licensed to practice in New York State.”
“Oh, come on, Eddie!” a reporter shouted.
“I refer you to page twenty-four of this morning’sDaily News,” Eddie said, “where you will find my name on the long list of those who passed the bar exam.” He handed them the newspaper, and they passed it around for everyone to see.
“I suggested that to you only yesterday,” Stone said. “Did you bribe someone to add your name to the list?”
“I took the exam ten days ago,” Eddie said, “in the expectation of someone suggesting that I might seek employment in a law firm. I’m smarter than you think I am, Mr. Barrington. They’re just getting around to announcing it.” Eddie took an envelope from his inside coat pocket and handed it to Stone. “Here is my curriculum vitae and particulars. I wish to be employed by Woodman & Weld.”
Stone handed it back to him. “Personnel is just around the corner in the Seagram Building. You may submit your application there. Please give me time to call them and instruct them to deny your application before you submit it.”
“That is highly prejudicial,” Eddie said. He turned back to the crowd. “Do you see how I’m being treated? I am a graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, and I am fully qualified for employment as an attorney.”
“You have no experience to qualify you,” Stone said. “Now, please go away.”
“I worked at Woodman & Weld for four summers as an intern,” Eddie said.
“In what department?” Stone demanded.
“In eight departments, two a summer. Check with Mr. Grady, the director of personnel.”
Stone leaned over near Joan’s ear. “Call Grady and check that out,” he whispered.
Joan disappeared into the office. She returned shortly. “He’s not lying,” she said.
“Well?” Eddie demanded.
“You are temperamentally unsuited to work at Woodman & Weld,” Stone said to him.
“Says who?”
“Says a senior partner of the firm. Now get out of here and take this passel of ink-stained wretches with you.” Stone took Joan’s arm and propelled her back into the office. “Call Grady and tell him that Edwin Charles Jr. is temperamentally unsuited for employment at Woodman & Weld.”
“Yes, sir.”
Stone went back into his office, hung up his jacket, and addressed the little pile of mail and messages on his desk.
“Excuse me, Stone,” Joan said. “Mr. Grady would like to speak with you.”
“Did you tell him what I said?”
“Yes, that’s why he wants to speak with you.”
Stone picked up the phone and pushed a button. “Ellis, it’s Stone Barrington. What can I do for you?”
“Stone, you can explain to me why you don’t want Eddie Charles to work at Woodman & Weld.”
“Are you telling me that you do?” Stone asked, amazed.
“Why? I’ve heard he’s bright, hardworking, and has a prodigious memory for cases. He’s a walking, talking Lexis,” Grady said, referring to the legal reference service.
