Being a romantic at heart, my stories always have love and romance in them. Sometimes I throw in a little mayhem and a murder into the mix but in the end Della and Perry go off into the sunset hand in hand ready for their 'next case'

This story came about after I received some requests for a sequel to my Holiday story and while it contains mayhem and involves a murder, there is the ever present romantic angle, which I am sure some of you will not like and will like the ending even less.

That being said, I'd like to share my thoughts with you on this business of writing Fanfic.

First, let me say that I too, have been a Perry Mason fan since I was a kid and used to watch the original episodes with my parents and my best friend (we both had a big crush on Raymond Burr) I was always fascinated with Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale and thought that they played their parts very realistically. I thought they made a wonderful couple and could never understand how it was that nothing was done to show this. I also read the books and am now reading them over. In the books, Della and Perry did indeed have a 'romantic ' relationship but just like the show, it was left to the imagination (although it was more defined in the books) In the series, their relationship is defined by subtle looks and touches (he holds her elbow, opens the car door, and she's always with him)

I have always been a frustrated writer and even though my major is education, I did minor in Journalism and always thought that one day I might work in the field. That did not happen so, when I found this site by accident five years ago I was in heaven. I began to write and had great betas. They all gave me encouragement and support and I will always be grateful for that and for their friendship.

Now for those 'thoughts'

Writing is good…having a beta is better and having a beta that becomes a lifetime friend who you can laugh with, who encourages and supports you and has faith in you even when you don't have it in yourself is the best!

Each story is the author's personal choice. They take the time to write it and use their imagination to entertain us. The story is theirs and it's the way they perceive the characters to be. The reader doesn't always have to like it so my advice is this—whether you like a story or not and want to leave a review, constructive criticism is a good thing and always welcomed…personal attacks are not.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That's true, but remember, that story belongs to THE PERSON WHO WROTE IT! If you want to borrow a word or two, or a line, or a character's name from a story, ask the author for permission. They will be thrilled that you think so much of the story and usually they will happily oblige.

So there you have it. Just some of my personal opinions.

I hope you will take what I've said in the manner in which it was intended…and happy reading.

And now, here is TCOT Long Range Repercussions. With many thanks to Diane, who is not only the best editor but the fastest and who, while writing her own story took the time to edit mine. I will forever be grateful for her support but more importantly her wonderful friendship.

Michelle

TCOT Long Range Repercussions Chapter 1

To: Jefferies and Williams

2700 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, California, 29

June 16 1957

Gentlemen:

Be advised that I have been retained on behalf of Jeremy Nelson, the Chief Engineer for the Bonita Plaza Shopping Center currently under construction at the corner of Lankershim Boulevard and Doheny Drive in the City of Los Angeles, proper.

As chief engineer, Mr. Nelson is responsible for bringing the project in on time and has recently been made aware of certain discrepancies in the project accounts. The original budget for this project was sufficient for the purchase of all construction materials and labor costs in my client's experience opinion. However, as of this date the budget has been all but depleted while the project is still in the early stages of completion.

Documentation of expenditures has not been provided despite repeated requests made by Mr. Nelson. As a result of this, Mr. Nelson has contracted with Jensen and Sawyer accounting firm to audit the project. Please be advised that an audit will be necessary and will take place no later than ten days from the date of this letter. You are hereby directed to have any and all documentation and finances on hand. You will be notified of the time of the meeting by my office. I trust this will be the only letter necessary…

The attorney stopped in mid sentence and began to pace as he always did when something important was on his mind and he was searching for an answer. Sometimes his hands were fisted in one another, other times they were thrust in his pockets. Tonight the choice was pockets; the head bowed, the dark eyes holding a pensive, serious expression. The lines in his ruggedly handsome face were deeper and whenever this occurred it seemed to Della that he would age right in front of her.

[Della - Della Street….the woman he'd hired as his secretary seven years before…the woman he'd fallen in love with almost immediately and loved fiercely and with all that he was. The woman he would do anything for….give anything for…the woman who loved him just as deeply and knew him better than he knew himself. As Perry paced, Della sat in the leather client's chair, with her feet curled under her and her pad on her lap, her quiet presence deeply felt. Three inch black mules had long been discarded and were now lying on the floor in front of the long couch. She had been taking dictation for the better part of two hours and took this opportunity to stretch her long lithe body. Watching Della was like watching a ballerina in movement or a sleek beautiful cat. She moved with a natural elegant, unaffected grace that she wasn't even aware of.]

"Perry, we've gone over this one letter for a half hour and you're no closer to a conclusion." She moved over to him and gently put her hand on his arm to stop his pacing. "Every time you get to this part you stop. Look, I have an idea. Why don't you take a break and have some coffee or something to eat? You didn't finish your dinner but I can heat it up or call and order something else. Clay's is still open or if you prefer I can call somewhere else."

It took a minute for Perry to absorb what Della was saying and respond to her words. He turned and met her gorgeous hazel eyes with his deep blue mesmerizing ones and smiled the intimate smile that was hers alone. His voice, though a bit hoarse and somewhat tired, was loving as he brushed an errant curl from her face. "I'm fine Della. We really have to finish this so you can type it up in the morning. I want you to call Harry and tell him to send over one of his boys. The only way we'll get it to Sawyer on time is by messenger. Oh, and I'll need a copy sent to Mr. Nelson as well."

"Are you sure it's only this business with Mr. Nelson that's bothering you?"

"Sure I'm sure. Why do you ask?"

"Because I know you and this type of problem usually doesn't rattle you. You're just a little more distracted than normal. Is there something I can do to help...something you want to talk about?"

Perry sighed deeply and momentarily let his thoughts consume him. 'How the hell does she do it? It's as if she has radar. I don't want to tell her now because I'm not sure how everything will play out. Besides, once she finds out who's involved she'll be so upset and then all those doubts and suspicions that she had…that I helped her work through…that we worked through will come roaring back.' The lawyer looked upward and rolled his eyes knowing that he would have to tell Della the truth and soon. He prayed he would find a way to cushion the blow so it wouldn't change her mind about their future. Hoping he could hold off at least until they were away from the office and it wasn't so late at night, Perry was brought back to earth by Della's voice.

"Perry, I asked if there was anything I can do?"

Perry smiled and nestled Della's chin in his hand. "I'm fine darling really. Let's just finish this, shall we?"

"I don't mind staying until we finish the letter and of course I'll do what you ask, however Counselor, I will not put one more mark on my pad until you take a break and eat something."

"I suppose I don't have a choice in the matter."

"No, you do not so why don't you tell me what you want and I will get it for you."

"What I want baby," Perry said, his voice becoming ragged, "is something you can't order from a restaurant." He took hold of his secretary's hand and pulled her closer, kissing her soft curls and continued his descent to her forehead, her delicate eyelids and her warm cheeks.

"I see, Mr. Mason but I…I…don't th…think that this…this is su…such…a good...good idea." Della was finding it hard to concentrate, let alone speak.

"My dear Miss Street, did you not tell me that I needed a break?"

"I did indeed."

"Does it matter what kind of 'break' I choose?"

"Noooo, it doesn't but I think that if we just stick to business and you have something to eat we'll get finished that much sooner and then…"

"And then?" asked Perry, giving Della the look she could never resist.

"And then, you can take me home and…"

"And have my way with you."

"I suppose," Della sighed, purposely feigning disinterest. "Now, let me get you some food and then it's back to work for us."

"You drive a hard bargain lady, you know that don't you?"

"That's why you pay me the big bucks mister." Della extricated herself from her employer's arms and walked over to the telephone. Watching her, Perry laughed to himself. She had done it again—gotten her way as only she could and he let her. He almost always let her have her way. She had him wrapped around her little finger and he could care less. He went behind his desk and picked up the contract. A smile crossed his face as an idea suddenly came to him. He knew what he wanted to say…how he would dictate the remainder of the letter. Dinner break be damned. There was only one break he wanted and it wasn't going to be in his office.

PDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPD PD

Propped up with pillows behind him, Perry leaned back against the headboard of his king size bed which was well suited to its occupant. At present, the lawyer was holding Della in his embrace, and who at the moment was sprawled across his massive chest appearing to be fast asleep. Her soft luxurious curls were spread out, tickling his skin. Perry's arms were around her lovingly and protectively and he was tenderly caressing her face and running his fingers through her hair. Della stirred a bit and Perry left a brush of a kiss on her lips and quietly hushed her back to sleep. She sighed and moved even closer to him, feeling safe and content as always when she was in his arms.

Mason momentarily closed his eyes and breathed deeply. As much as he wanted to stay in bed with his beautiful secretary, he knew he had to make a call. Then he would wake Della and over that dinner she wanted him to have, would quietly and gently tell her the news…the one thing he'd been dreading since he found out himself. His body arguing with his mind, the attorney finally relented and slipped out of bed, thankful that he didn't wake the stunning brunette. He pulled on his boxers and pants and walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone. It rang a few times before a woman answered. Perry made pleasant small talk for a few moments then asked for the person he needed. He didn't have to wait long.

"What gives Perry? I don't talk to you for two weeks then you call three times in one day. What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry to bother you Max. I know you're busy but this is a matter of utmost importance…it's personal."

Max Stein knew his friend and knew he didn't panic – except when it came to Della. It was only if something happened to Della or she was sick or sad and he didn't know how to help her. Max was almost afraid to ask the next question.

"Perry, you know you can call me anytime. I'm here for you buddy, for whatever you need. But…"

"But what?"

"Uh, this doesn't have anything to do with Della or you and Della does it? I mean everything is all right between you—she…that is…she still is wearing that gorgeous rock you gave her…?"

Perry almost laughed as he answered his friend. "Yes Max, everything's fine with Della and me."

"I thought so. When Judy and I were with the two of you Saturday night the girls couldn't stop talking about September."

"I know. We had to change the date four times. Between Della's father's heart attack and her nephew's broken leg from the skiing accident we were starting to think that there was a black cloud hanging over our heads but thankfully everyone is fine now so it's full steam ahead."

"So why the cloak and dagger tone to this call?"

"Listen Max, can you meet me for lunch tomorrow around twelve-thirty or one? I'll call Clay's and make a reservation if that's okay."

"Make it one and you've got a date. Plus seeing the lovely Miss Street always brightens my day."

"Sorry Max but this time you're stuck with only me."

"Oye Perry, you haven't told Della have you? That's what this is all about?"

"No, not yet but I can't put it off much longer. She already suspects something's bothering me. I better take care of it now or they'll be hell to pay." The lawyer was about to say good bye and hang up when he realized that his prediction was about to come true. Turning around he was met by flashing dark eyes and a stern look. Before he could offer an explanation he heard just four words.

You've got that right!