Disclaimer: I own nothing. These characters belong to Earl Stanley Gardner I am just borrowing them to play with for a small while.
This is my first fan fiction and I am sorry to say that this has not been Beta. So please read and review. I welcome any constructive criticism that could help me improve this story (that has been rolling around in my head for some time).
His head shot up and quickly scanned the office. Seeing nothing he just chalked it up to being tired. He had been working late, again. This was the fourth night in a row that he had stayed past eleven to work. There was nothing that required his immediate attention but he did not feel like going home to an empty apartment.
He had planned on being with her. He was just waiting for things to calm down a bit. He had everything planned. He would ask her out to dinner, a casual meal between friends. If the dinner had gone well, which he knew would have, and then the following night it would have been dinner and a movie. After the second night he would let her rest but ask her out for the following night. That third night would have been a bit different then the first two. On the third night he would have seen how she felt about pursuing a romantic relationship with him. At least that was how things were suppose to have gone. In reality things had turned out very differently.
Just as the case had ended and they were wrapping things up there was a knock at the office door. When they looked up a smile had graced her face as she quickly left his side and started walking toward the stranger in the door. The stranger ran out to reach her and immediately enveloped her into a hug. She hugged him back just as hard. "I missed you!" she said to him. "Not as much as I've missed you. God you're a sight for sore eyes!" he told her. Finally their hug ended but she did not leave his arms. Lt. Tragg came in after the mysterious stranger. "What did Lt. Myers do to deserve such a welcome? Maybe I can do it too." Lt. Tragg said while looking at the two. "Lieutenant?" she looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Yes Lieutenant. Just five months ago." He answered her with a smile. "Wow. Guess we have a lot to talk about." "Let us start with how Lt. Tragg knows you so well? I just mentioned your name and he knew where to find you. Why?"
Tragg just turned and stared at Perry. Perry smiled. "That would be my fault. In the pursuit of justice for our clients has led to develop, let's say, a "Friendship" with the police and the D.A..." Della and lt. Myers looked up and Della smiled. "Where are my manners? Will this is my boss Perry Mason. Chief this is an old friend of mine from back home, Lt. William Myers." Perry stared as Lt. Myers only half released Della to shake hands with him. "So Lt. what brings you to Los Angeles? Business or pleasure?"
"Business mainly but the time to spent with Della will be nothing but pleasure."
Perry frowned at that answer. It meant that this man knew to appreciate his time with Della. Something that he had been taking for granted lately.
"Now if you folks will excuse us I need to show Lt. Myers to his hotel." Tragg said the fatigue evident in his voice.
"You haven't checked in yet?" asked Della.
"Not into my hotel. I went straight to headquarters and then came to you." Lt. Myers answered looking shyly at Della. Della just smiled. "Lt. Tragg if you want why don't you go home already I'll be more than happy to take Lt. Myers to the hotel. Gives us a chance to start catching up with one another."
"Why thank you Della. That would be great. I know you don't mind, do you, Myers. You know how the job takes its toll on you. Besides, who could mind spending time with such a beautiful woman?"
Perry was just standing back watching the entire spectacle taking place in his office. In less than ten minutes his plans for the night had changed dramatically. He hoped things could be salvaged, instead of a quite dinner for two maybe drinks for three and he could learn more about Della when she was younger. Mason was so lost in his thoughts on how to save the night that he barely noticed when Lt. Tragg was saying good bye. "Night Lt." he said as Tragg made his way out the door. Then Della came over and to his side. "Chief you don't mind if we leave soon do you?" Inside Perry was thrilled. She still wanted him by her side.
"Of course not Della. In fact I was just about to suggest we leave this for tomorrow. I know it's late and everyone in here has had a long day." Della smiled, "Thanks Chief." With that Della left the office to go get her coat, leaving Lt. Myers alone with Perry.
The two men quickly glanced each over. Instantly there was an undeclared war. In the other's eyes they could see a twinkle where Della was concerned. As Della walked back in with her coat in her hand Lt. Myers quickly made his way over to her and helped her with her coat. From his spot at the side of his desk Perry decided he better act quickly. "Lt. Myers, why don't you and Della let me take you both out for a night cap? I would love the chance to get to know more about Della in her youth."
"That's really nice of you Mister Mason but I think I would prefer a rain check on that. I'm sorry but I'm exhausted." Myers said while moving his arm to Della's lower back.
"Thanks chief but maybe another night." Della smiled at him.
"Another night then. Goodnight you two." Perry just smiled at the two as they left his office. All the while thinking, that should be my hand on her back.
That had been four nights ago. Since then Della was always with Lt. Myers. Each night as soon Perry and Della decided to call it a night there would be Lt. Myers waiting for Della. It was Lt. Myers that was now escorting Della to dinner, to home, or where ever the two were going. While it had only been four days it was plain and simple Perry missed Della. He still worked with Della and things were running like always. Together the two still operated like a well oiled team. Perry just missed Della on a personal level. Perry felt the need to do something. He was scared he would lose his chance to be with Della before it ever began.