The Intern(13)

“I went to Harvard undergrad, too. Were you a Gov major?”

“Social Studies.”

“No kidding. Same. We went to the same schools, had the same major. And the personal journey really resonates, too. Madison, I can’t tell you how much this sounds like my own story.”

“Really?”

“Word for word. I’m from Southie, from a modest background, too. And I had hardships growing up.”

She never would’ve guessed. South Boston had gentrified a lot recently, but its history was as a tough, working-class neighborhood, mainly Irish, at least in the old days.

“I’m surprised. I would’ve thought your ancestors came over on the Mayflower.”

“I get that a lot. Whether it’s how I look, or the way I talk. And you, your heritage?”

“Puerto Rican from East Boston, though my mom recently moved to Revere. Rents are higher there, but the neighborhood is better. I’m glad for her. She has a good job now and is finally back on her feet. Things were tough after my dad passed.”

“I know just how that is. My mother wasn’t well, either. She had leukemia when I was a kid, and eventually passed away.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you. I get the sense you understand the loneliness of it. The responsibility. Were you an only child, too?”

“Yes.”

What the hell? In the heat of the moment, the lie just fell out of her mouth. She was supposed to come clean about Danny. Instead she got caught up in their conversation and claimed he didn’t exist. Why? To seem more like the judge? She was an idiot. Now it was out there. She had to take it back. But how? The judge was leaning forward, her face aglow with emotion, going on about how alike they were.

“I knew it. You remind me so much of myself, Madison. I even had someone in my life—a family friend, but I called him Uncle—who supported my education when my mother couldn’t. Like you said, it wasn’t her fault. She was just ill, like your mom. Without Catholic Prep, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It made all the difference. The structure. The resources. Forget about Harvard. It’s our shared high school experience that convinces me you’re the right person for this job. And to think my Career Day talk all those years ago influenced you to become a lawyer. And brought us here, to this moment. That’s very meaningful to me. I want you on my team, Madison. You’re hired.”

Crap.

Instead of being thrilled, she felt trapped by her stupid mistake. It was too late to correct the record now. What could she do—say she forgot she had a brother? How would that look? The judge would start to wonder. She’d probably get suspicious and investigate. She’d find out about the drug case and think that Madison concealed it intentionally. Madison would look dishonest—exactly what she’d been trying to avoid.

Oh, God. She’d screwed up royally.

Maybe she should turn down the job.

But no, that would look bizarre, too, declining a position she’d just applied for after acing the interview. It wasn’t credible to say she’d had another offer. Nobody would believe that. Besides, after their conversation, she didn’t want to say no. She felt closer to Judge Conroy than ever before. The judge saw Madison as a younger version of herself. She could become an important mentor. They might even be friends one day. Was she really going to turn down this incredible opportunity because of Danny? That would be too unfair.

Of course, she’d have to tell eventually. She would tell. This just wasn’t the right moment.

The judge stood up and stuck her hand out for shaking. It was hanging there, becoming more awkward by the second.

“Thank you, I’m thrilled to accept,” Madison said, and shook her hand warmly.

“I’m so glad. We need you to start right away. See Nancy on the way out. She’ll give you the employment forms to complete. I’m so looking forward to working with you. Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you, Judge. I won’t let you down.”

The veteran of many practice interviews and numerous real ones, Madison recited those parting words automatically. But as she walked from the office, her smile faded. The truth was, she’d already let Judge Conroy down, and not in a small way. She lied to her face about having a brother. And not just any brother—a drug defendant in the judge’s own court. Not only did she feel terrible about it, but once the judge found out, the consequences could be severe.

They’d fired the last intern. What would they do to her?





6


Nancy, the case manager, sat behind the receptionist’s desk.

“She offered you the position, didn’t she?” she asked, eyeing Madison narrowly as she exited the judge’s office.

“How did you know?”

“She likes the Harvard kids, and you were the only Harvard kid.”

Gee, thanks. This lady was not warm and fuzzy, that was for sure.

“Take a seat, there’s paperwork,” Nancy said, coming over to the waiting area, a folder in her hands.

They sat side by side on the sofa. Settling her glasses on her nose, Nancy spread the forms across the coffee table.

“Here we go: employment form and NDA. They’re quite detailed. Would you like to sit there and read all the fine print? Or I can just walk you through.”