Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, and no profit is made from these stories. (But I do have fun writing them: )
Summer 1975
Ben perused the buffet, not quite believing that he was here; functions such as these were usually reserved for the elite of the New York legal community.
Despite being nominated for one of the awards to be presented this evening, he felt out of place. He was just an ADA, a humble public servant; it never mattered to him if he got on the six o' clock news or had his name mentioned in the papers. All he cared about was serving the interests of the People.
Looking around the ballroom of the Waldorf, he realized that he was actually disgusted by half the people in his midst; he could almost bet that their phony smiles and superficial mingling concealed crooked dealings.
He had been watching one of them, a city councilor, when interrupted by a well-worn voice next to him.
"You do fine work, Mr. Stone."
He turned around, stunned to realize that he was looking down into the face of a man whose briefcase he wasn't fit to carry; a legend who had done so many good things for the city – and the state – that Ben couldn't even count all of them on both hands.
And he thinks that I do fine work, he thought to himself in disbelief.
"Thank you, sir," he responded after a long pause; he'd had trouble finding his voice.
With twinkling eyes and a slight smile, the man extended his hand.
"Adam Schiff," he said.
As though Ben actually needed an introduction.
finis
