All Is Forgiven Chapter 1, a perry mason fanfic

I have worked on this story for the past two months and had a lot of fun with it. Hope you enjoy it as well.

With a HUGE THANK YOU to Rachel for all her help and wonderful suggestions….and for being my second pair of eyes!

All is Forgiven Chapter 1

It was late when Perry Mason pulled up in front of the hotel and brought the car to a stop in the valet area. Stepping out of the car, he handed the keys to the young man and then walked around to the other side of the rented vehicle. Opening the door, he extended his hand to his secretary and the love of his life…the most beautiful and charming Della Street. Once out of the car, Della looked up at Perry. Normally, her breathtakingly beautiful eyes would be filled with happiness or maybe a teasing glance, even at times a seductive one…and as always, they would be filled with something else…an all encompassing love. She would smile at him then, that smile that would steel his breath and paralyze his lungs. Between the two of those, that look and that smile Mason would have to stop whatever he was doing. It would be impossible for him to concentrate on anyone or anything but her. Depending on the situation and where they were at the time, one of two things would happen. If they were involved in any legal proceedings, or somewhere in public, Perry would have to breathe deeply and momentarily shut his eyes. He would have to quickly remember where they were and pull himself together. It would take but only a minute for him to come back from that trancelike state and deal with whatever or whoever needed his attention. If the other occurred…if they were alone, then he would gather her up in his arms, pulling her into his embrace so tightly that sometimes he feared he was crushing her. He would breathe in her scent, then slowly and methodically begin his descent. Starting at the top of her head, he would leave soft kisses in her hair then work his way down to her eyes, ears, neck, throat and her shoulders. His kisses, though still tender would become more passionate as he worked his way back up to her lips. He would kiss her with a desire and a hunger that always left Della weak and dizzy and hot. She would return those kisses, leaving Perry in his own dazed world until finally they would separate, both breathless.

This would always happen if everything was fine…which it usually was. Except for tonight. Tonight had been different. Tonight had been very hard..Tonight, for the first time since being together Della was very frightened and very worried for them. Tonight for the first time since being together Perry too, was scared and felt helpless. Tonight for the first time in both their professional and private lives something had gone wrong …very wrong

Ten days before

The party was in full swing when Perry and Della had arrived. They were supposed to have been there at seven for cocktails but they had been delayed. Walking up the path to the front door of the spacious home, Perry put his arm around Della. Pulling her closer to him he spoke in a low voice but his tone was full of the devil.

"You know Miss Street, it's your fault that we are late."

"Oh is it now, Mr. Mason?"

"Why yes, it is"

"And that would be because?"

Perry stopped and turned to Della. Putting his hands on her face he looked down at her. In a voice filled with wonder he quietly said, "because my darling, you are so beautiful and so amazing and so…" Perry stopped for a minute then continued, "I love you Della Street and I just couldn't help it. You just looked so gorgeous and then you smiled at me and I was gone. You see what you do to me?"

"Well counselor, I could say the same about you…and I think I will… you are so handsome that when I look at you I can hardly breathe. So I guess you can say that we're both at fault here."

Perry glanced down at Della and smiled. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." Kissing her on the forehead he put his arm around her. "Come on, we'd better go inside before Lucas and Gwenn send out a search party to look for us.

As Perry and Della entered the house, Lucas Matthews came over to greet them. Tall, handsome and charming, he was as close to Perry in character as anyone could be. The difference in the two men was their physical appearance. They were both handsome yes, but where Perry had dark hair, Lucas had a head full of shocking red curls. His green eyes were just as mesmerizing as Perry's blue ones. Lucas was a born and bred Arizonian. He had grown up in Tempe coming from a hard working ranch family. Using a small inheritance from his Grandparents, he had attended Arizona State and graduated with a degree in business and accounting. Intelligent, with a sharp mind and keen insight for the financial and real estate markets, Lucas had worked his way up the ladder and finally opened his own firm. He did business the right way, establishing a rapport with his associates and treating them with honesty, respect and dignity…much like Perry did with his clients and staff.

On a business trip to Chicago eight years before Lucas Matthews walked into the financial firm of Taylor, Morgan and Kramer. He took one look at the lovely and gracious head of acquisitions and mergers, Gwendolyn Harper and he was gone…hook, line and sinker…much the same way Perry had fallen for Della. What he didn't know then, was that Gwenn and Della were the best of friends, having grown up together since they were seven years old. Having gotten Miss Harpers attention, Mr. Matthews managed to court her and by the end of his two week stay in the windy city, it was clear that they had fallen in love. As soon as she could Gwenn called her best friend and told her all about the new man in her life. By that time Della had been living in California for two years and had been working for Perry for eight months. Della was thrilled for Gwenn and as she hung up the phone from having that conversation Della smiled to herself. She knew all too well what Gwenn was feeling because she was having those very same feelings about a certain lawyer. The only difference being, that Della wasn't quite sure about this certain lawyer's feelings for her. She needn't have worried though. Six months later, walking down the aisle in a pale pink chiffon dress as Gwenn's maid of honor, she passed that certain lawyer, sitting at the end of the pew. The looks that passed between them said it all. There were just a few people at that wedding that weren't aware of something that already had been brought to light. That very handsome attorney and his very beautiful secretary had become an official couple three months earlier.

Upon returning from their honeymoon Gwenn and Lucas settled down in Phoenix. By the fifth year of their marriage, they had two children, a boy and a girl and were living the American dream. Della and Gwenn's friendship remained strong and they were as close as always. They spoke on the phone at least once a week and managed to get in a visit whenever time allowed. Having gotten to know each other well, Perry and Lucas's friendship was born out of a mutual respect and admiration, and over the years, the two couples became very close. So when Lucas decided to give a party for Gwenn's birthday, Miss Street and her Mr. Mason were at the top of the list.

After shaking hands with Perry and giving Della a light kiss on the check, Lucas led them into the living room. Looking around Perry again took notice of the well appointed room. Gwenn's taste was the main influence and the room held a combination of elegance and simplicity. Perry smiled to himself. He thought how similar Della and Gwenn were in so many ways and that the beauty of this room was much like the beauty of the two women themselves. Perry's smile quickly faded as he noticed something else. Lucas's usually affable greeting had seemed forced and his eyes held a worried look.

Lost in thought, Perry didn't hear Della's whispered comment until he felt a light pressure on his arm. He turned his attention back to her and gave her an apologetic glance.

"Perry, is something wrong?"

"No, why do you ask?"

"You looked so far away and you didn't hear me. In case you haven't noticed counselor, we are at a party and….if I am not mistaken, wasn't it your idea to turn this weekend into a week's vacation?"

"I'm sorry sweetheart, I just…Perry was about to say something but thought better of it. Instead he looked down at Della, his eyes traveling the lines of her trim figure, then coming to rest on her lovely face. Softly, he said. You my beauty, are right as usual. Pulling her close, he kissed her temple and whispered in her ear, "When we get back to the hotel, will you remind me again…hmmm?"

Della gazed up at Perry, giving him a brilliant smile.. There was a twinkle in her beautiful eyes as she said demurely, "I will be happy to remind you, Mr. Mason. Now, if you will excuse me, I want to find Gwenn. Why don't you see if you can track down Lucas and I will meet you back here in a little while."

Tenderly brushing away a wisp of hair that had fallen in her face, Perry said quietly, "I have a better idea. Will you meet me on the patio in about a half hour? That band sounds too good to pass up and besides, I want to hold you close while we dance,"

Della's voice was slightly seductive. "You've got yourself a date counselor" She stood on her tiptoes and left a soft brush on Perry's lips Then, leaving him wanting more, Della went off in search of her friend.

Gwenn Matthews stood in the center of her large kitchen, talking to the caterer. Upon entering, one could tell that it was the focal point of the home. Although modern and filled with all the latest amenities, the room held a charm and warmth all its own. The walls were painted two shades of yellow, the top half just a bit lighter than the bottom and were divided by a wood chair rail that had been painted a glossy white. The blue speckled counters wrapped around the room, complementing the light wood cabinets and in the center stood a large island, complete with a butcher block top. Gwenn had papered the wall behind the oven in a pale yellow and blue flowered pattern and had brought red into the room as the accent color. Against the back wall sat the white tile and wood table and chairs and one wall held a large cork board filled with school messages, daily notes, appointment schedules and the children's art work.

Walking into the kitchen, Della found Gwenn deep in conversation. While waiting for her to finish, Della's thoughts drifted back to the talks she and her friend had over the years. She smiled to herself as she realized that both of them had the life they had always wanted. A small chuckle escaped Della's lips as she thought too of the many times Gwenn would ask about her and Perry. She and Gwenn would be having a conversation and somehow Mrs. Matthews would quietly and skillfully bring up the subject of Miss Street's relationship with Mr. Mason. Della would smile, a twinkle would come into her beautiful eyes and she would tell Gwenn what she always told her…she loved Perry more than anything else in the world…she was happy and contented with her life and she couldn't see it changing. Perry was amazing…she always felt safe and protected…he spoiled here and he took wonderful care of her. Gwenn would smile and give Della a hug. She would tell her that she was happy for her but she just knew that one day Della would be calling her with exciting news. The girls would then dissolve into laughter and the conversation would go in another direction, usually about the children and daily life.

Finished with the caterer, Gwenn turned her attention to her friend. Looking at her, Della knew how Lucas had fallen in love with her so quickly. Just an inch or so taller than Della, Gwenn was a natural beauty. Her warm, honey blonde hair fell in a soft natural curl to her shoulder and her blue eyes sparkled with humor and warmth. She was sweet, witty, smart and genuine and whenever anyone met her, they were immediately taken with her beauty and charm. Baring the physical difference, it's as if she were a mirror reflection of her best friend.

Gwenn walked over to Della and the two embraced. Breaking away, Della said, "Oh Gwennie, you look absolutely stunning. I'll bet Lucas wishes everyone would just leave so he could be alone with you."

Gwenn laughed . Giving Della a smile and a wink she said laughingly, "talk about looking stunning, my God Della, it's a wonder Perry let you out of his sight"

Laughing herself, Della said, "actually, Perry and I have a "date" on the terrace in about twenty minutes….for dancing"

A mischievous look came into Gwenn's eyes. With a teasing tone in her voice she said, "for dancing, hmmm?"

A warm blush crept up the side of Della's face. Softly she said, "yes, my dear Gwenn for dancing. Now come on, I want to see the children before they go to bed and I don't want to keep Perry waiting."

With that, the two women walked out of the kitchen, down the hallway, and climbed the stairs to the second floor.

While Della and Gwenn had been talking in the kitchen, Perry had gone in search of Lucas and found him in the library. He was staring out the window that overlooked the terrace. His face held the same look Perry had seen earlier and as Perry came into the room, Lucas turned and gave his friend a rueful smile. Perry walked over to him. Putting a hand on his shoulder, he asked, "how are you Lucas?"

Lucas went behind his desk. Dropping his tall body in the large, comfortable leather chair, he rubbed his hands across his face. Looking straight at Mason he said, "I don't know Perry…I don't know how I am."

.Although Perry had suspected there was a problem he was momentarily taken back at Lucas's candor. He didn't like the way he looked and he thought he sounded tired…older. Perry sat down across from him and in a concerned voice asked, "Lucas, is there anything I can do?...anything I can help you with?"

Lucas's voice was so quiet that Perry almost didn't hear him. "There's trouble with my business Perry, I think someone is doctoring the books."

Perry sat forward in the chair. "Embezzlement?" he asked, his voice serious but calm.

"Maybe, but there may be more to it than that. I wanted to call you this afternoon to see if we could meet privately but with the preparations for the party and all…." Lucas stood up, walked around and leaned against the desk. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Perry, can we keep this between us…just between us?"

"I take it Gwenn doesn't know?"

Lucas shook his head. "No she doesn't and I want it to stay that way. She has enough to deal with, the house, the children…and me. Not to mention her charities and the other activities she's involved in." Lucas rubbed his hand over his face and sighed deeply. "God Perry, I love her so much. I would do anything for her. I want to protect her and take care of her. I don't want her to have anything extra to worry about."

Perry smiled to himself. Lucas's words echoed his feelings about Della. He had those same exact thoughts every day since she'd come into his life.

Perry's voice was kind as he spoke to his friend. "Lucas, you know that as an attorney, anything you tell me is confidential…and as an attorney and your friend, I will keep that confidence. Now, as an attorney and your friend, let me give you a piece of advice. Don't keep anything…and I mean anything from Gwenn. She's your wife and while I know that you want to protect her, believe me it will be better in the long run if you're honest with her right from the start. She's intelligent and intuitive. She can help you in ways, you can't imagine and most importantly, she can be your greatest comfort. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. You know how I feel about Della and while we may not be married in the eyes of the law, I feel just as much married to her as you do to Gwenn. I love her, respect her and I can't see my life without her. I always want to protect her and take care of her and I watch over her the best as I can. I also don't keep anything from her. I trust her implicitly and I value her opinions. She is my greatest comfort and my greatest joy."

Even though he was worried a smile came over Lucas's face. Chuckling, he said, "you know Perry, for someone who's not, as you say, "legally wed" you really have this whole marriage business down pat. By the way, why aren't you?"

"Why aren't I what?"

"Married…legally that is. You know, a wedding… the girls crying… flowers… rice and orange blossoms… rings… a house in the suburbs… kids….the whole nine yards."

Perry sighed. "Lucas, nothing would make me happier my friend. I've asked Della to marry me more than once. I'm sure I will ask her again and again and again…probably until she says yes."

"Why the resistance? I mean it's simple isn't it? You love her…she loves you…she's perfect for you in every way…you said it yourself. So, what's the holdup?"

"It's a bit more complicated than that. Anyway, if I remember, we were talking about you." Perry paused a minute then continued, "let's get back to your problem. I'll be happy to meet with you and I'll try to help you in any way I can. I do think that you should also contact your own attorney and fill him in. Above all talk to Gwenn….and do it as soon as possible…tonight after the party or tomorrow at the latest. Trust me, the sooner you do, the better you'll feel." Perry rose from the chair and placed a reassuring hand on Lucas's back. " Look, I know that we are going to be together tomorrow. Della said that she and Gwenn have something planned. From what she told me, it had something to do with us and the kids. I have an idea. When we received the invitation to Gwenn's party I decided to surprise Della and make a vacation out of it. We'll be here for another week so how about if we meet Monday morning, either at your office or my hotel. We'll have the time to talk and maybe we can find a solution to your problem or at the very least, find something that will give us a clue."

Perry noticed the relief on Lucas face as he smiled and said, "thank you Perry. I'm so glad you're here…both you and Della. I think Gwenn's going to need her best friend. Oh and about tomorrow…just to prepare you….We're going miniature golfing with two professionals. Personally I think they cheat but Gwenn says that their naturals. I think I'll just let you be the judge."

Perry laughed and said, "It will be my pleasure. You know that Della and I always love being here with you and Gwenn and the kids….and Lucas, try not to worry. We'll find the answer. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a very important date with a very beautiful woman. She's waiting for me on the terrace and I don't want to keep her waiting a minute longer." Then giving Lucas a wink and a smile, Perry turned and walked through the French doors that led out to the terrace….and to Della.

The soft sounds of the orchestra drifted through the terrace, complimenting the warm Summer night. Handsome men in dinner jackets and beautiful women in cocktail dresses stood around, some talking in groups, some couples by themselves, and some dancing to the wonderful melodies of the band. Silver trays with a myriad of h'dorves and glasses filled with wine and champagne were being passed around by caterers wearing simple, crisp uniforms. Green plants, interspersed with small twinkling lights were encased in clay pots and surrounded the perimeter of the terrace The sky had just begun to bid the day goodbye and the night hello and the orange, red and golden hues of the sunrise meeting the top of the majestic mountains made for a magnificent view. At the very moment when the sun began to set behind the mountain, a gentle breeze passed over the terrace, settling on its occupants. The sound of a nightingale could be heard in the distance and the stars were getting ready to make their dazzling appearance in what would become a brilliantly clear night sky.

Della was standing in one corner of the terrace, her back to the crowd. Slightly leaning against one of the pots she didn't see Perry approaching. Walking up behind her, he wrapped his strong arms around her waist. Feeling warm breath on her neck, Della shivered slightly. Perry nuzzled her behind the ear and then gently turned her around, pulling her closer into his embrace. Laying her head on his broad chest she said softly, "I missed you, counselor"

Perry's voice suddenly took on a husky tone as he said, "I missed you too sweetheart. I had to take care of something and I guess I am a little late. Can you forgive me?"

Della raised her head. Her eyes met Perry's and the look she gave him, stole his breath. Her own voice was low and held a promise of things to come. "You weren't that late darling and besides, you're here now. That's all that matters."

"Yes, that's all that matters," repeated Perry, his voice now just a whisper. He bent down and left a soft, sensual kiss on Della's lips. He felt Della pressing closer to him and then felt her returning the kiss…stronger…hungrier…as if she didn't want it to end. When at last they parted, both breathless, Perry looked at her and said, "I…I believe I owe you a dance, Miss Street."

"Yes you do Mr. Mason."

Without saying another word, Perry gently guided Della onto the movable dance floor that had been placed in the center of the terrace. He took her in his arms, once again reveling in the nearness of her. As Della melted into him, she sighed, feeling the way she always did when Perry held her. It was as if she were being covered with a warm blanket…a warm blanket that held safety, protection and complete love.

As he and Della danced, Perry put his face next to hers and softly hummed along. They seemed to be in a world of their own, slowly swaying to the song being played by the orchestra…...mesmerized by the silky sounds of the bands beautiful vocalist.

Love is a many splendored thing
It's the April rose
That only grows in the early spring
Love is nature's way of giving
A reason to be living
The golden crown that makes a man a king

Once on a high and windy hill
In the morning mist
Two lovers kissed
And the world stood still
Then your fingers touched
My silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's
A many splendored thing

Perry drew Della closer to him, leaving small soft kisses in her hair. He then kissed her forehead and eyelids, finally settling his lips on hers. When the song ended, it took another moment or so for them to break apart. Pulling back, Perry brushed the hair away from Della's face. Tenderly he caressed her face and said, "Do you think it would be in poor taste to leave without saying goodnight to Lucas and Gwenn?"

Looking up at Perry, Della's face held a small pout. Slowly she moved her hands up his arms, snaking them past his shoulders and finally bringing them to rest behind his neck. Perry felt a feather light touch on his skin and as Della wound her fingers inside the silky fabric and playfully moved them around, he sucked in a deep breath.

Della's voice was low and sensual. "Tell me something Mr. Mason, did you really intend to leave after only one dance? It would be such a shame to waist all this…ambiance." Della's eyes held a mischievous twinkle and her voice a wistful tone.

"Della…."

"Is something wrong? I mean you look like you have something on your mind. Is that why you want to leave? You know, if you tell me what the problem is, I might be able to help."

Perry eyes locked onto Della's. He brought her hand up to his lips. Kissing it tenderly he said, "I do have something to tell you but it can wait until morning. It has nothing to do with my wanting to leave. The only reason I want to go is because I cannot wait to be alone with you. Perry then put his hands on Della's face and pressed his lips to hers, kissing so passionately that Della felt dizzy and week. Putting a bit of space between them, Perry continued. " You know, Miss Street, while I am very happy to be here, I do have plans for the rest of the evening which requires the presence of only two people…namely you and I. It would make me very happy if you would indulge me so….."Perry didn't have a chance to finish. Della stood on her tiptoes and left a soft kiss on Perry's lips. Quietly she said, I would do anything to make you happy counselor. I can't wait to find out what those plans are." Laughing softly, Della picked up her evening bag from a nearby table. Putting his arm around her, Perry led her down the path, around to the front of the house and their waiting car.