Again my thanks to Rachel for being my beta and for all her suggestions.
Beyond The Velvet Claws Chapter 1
"As per your request on the 23rd, my client will be available for deposition on the 15th of next month. Please request any documents you wish to examine no later than the 1st of August. We will attempt to have those documents present at the deposition.
Please note that the audit of the partnership records has been started by the firm of Anderson and Jones and should be completed no later than the 15th of the month. We will discuss a date for the deposition of your client at that time. Sincerely, etc, etc. Just close out the letter the usual way."
As his secretary closed her notebook, Mason leaned back in his chair, his eyes sweeping over the stunning brunette seated across from him.
"Well Della, that about does it. What do you say we close up shop and I'll take you to dinner? Then we can go home, just relax and have a quiet night all to ourselves…. hmmmm? The handsome attorney gave his gorgeous secretary a mischievous look accompanied by a boyish grin.
Della rose out of her chair and walked around to where Perry sat behind his desk. Perching herself on the corner of the heavy mahogany table as was her custom, she flashed Perry her own brilliant smile. "I'm with you counselor, and I must say, I'm very impressed."
"Oh you are, are you?"
"Yesssss, I most certainly am"
"And just why would that be?"
"Look at your watch"
"It's seven o'clock"
"Exactly, now to me that constitutes a decent hour. We haven't had an early night like this in months.
"That's exactly why I want us to leave now."
"Alright, just let me straighten up my office and I'll be ready to go."
"That's my girl." Perry reached for Della's hand, brought it to his lips and gently kissed the inside of her palm. Just that slight touch made her shiver. Giving Perry a sultry look but without saying another word, she walked out of his office and into her own.
Perry watched Della leave. He loved to watch her move. Classy and elegant, she carried herself with the grace of one who had been born into royalty or had the fluidity of a prima ballerina. At the same time she was genuine and sincere. Della embodied real beauty...true beauty...the kind that comes from within, beyond the surface. Her style was a mix of exquisiteness, simplicity, wit, charm and something else. Maybe it was her stubborn nature, her strong, independent side. Della was like a gift...a wonderful surprise. You would unwrap this incredibly beautiful package and be amazed at what lay inside. Expecting something glittering, you would find instead something simple, but warm, vibrant and brilliant in its own way. Her smile was always spectacular and her eyes sparkled so brightly she could light up a room whenever she entered.
Perry leaned back against his desk and smiled to himself. Closing his eyes, he thought about the first day Della came to work for him. Calm, cool and confident even at the beginning, Mason knew he had found his match...professionally and personally. From that vey first day, they had become a team, although it did take a few months until he managed to finally break through the wall she had put up. He had fallen in love with her the day of her interview, but it had taken almost a year of them working together before he worked up the nerve to let her know...and that was only because of the accident. It had been raining and Della's car was in the shop. Perry needed to get a paper filed at court and Della offered to go, freeing Perry to finish a brief. On her way back, a driver who was more interested in his passenger than keeping his eyes on the road, skidded into Della, sending her and the car sliding onto the curb, hitting a corner newsstand. Thankfully no one was on the sidewalk at the time and Della suffered only minor injuries. Perry would never forget that phone call. He ran down the hall to Paul Drake's office. The handsome detective was on the phone with one of his operatives. The conversation was brought to a halt as Perry grabbed his friend and they took off for the hospital. When they finally let Perry in to see Della, she was sleeping. All he could do was sit by her bed, hold her hand and caress her face. With tears in his eyes, he whispered how sorry he was and the way he really felt. Hearing his whispered confession, Della opened her eyes, let out a deep breath, smiled and told him she felt the same way. They kissed then, a sweet, soft kiss, their tears mixed together, matching the drops that fell silently on the window of her hospital room.
Two days later, Della was released and Perry drove her home….to his apartment. She protested that she was fine, and could go to her own place and return to work but Perry would have none of it. He closed the office for the rest of the week and spent the time taking care of her. He waited on her hand and foot, spoiling her and treating her like china doll. Della pronounced the treatment heavenly and they both realized in those few days they spent alone together exactly how deep their feelings for one another were.
Perry was brought back to reality by the alluring fragrance of Della's perfume and the light touch of her hand on his arm. Opening his eyes, he smiled and said quietly, "I guess you caught me."
A smile began to play at the corners of Della's mouth as her eyes held their own mischievous gleam. "Yes, it would appear that way, Mr. Mason. Care to tell me what has you so preoccupied?"
Perry's voice was soft as he reached out and brought Della into his embrace. Gazing into her eyes, he gently caressed the face of the woman he loved. "I was thinking of someone who has made me happier than I ever thought possible and even though it means letting her out of my arms, I don't want to waste another minute standing here talking about it. So, if you're ready gorgeous, let's turn out the lights, lock the doors and get out of here."
Della's voice was low and seductive. Placing her arms around Perry's neck, and bringing his face down to hers, she uttered only three words before pressing warm lips to his….."You're the boss."
Della stood on the balcony of Perry's apartment. Leaning over the balustrade, her eyes took in the lights of the city before her and the twinkling stars that sparkled against the soft black pallet of the evening sky. The night was brilliantly clear and as Della continued to enjoy the scene, she suddenly felt herself being drawn back against a massive chest. Strong arms held her tenderly around the waste and a soft gentle voice, sounding nothing like the one that usually boomed out in the courtroom, whispered in her ear.
"Enjoying the view?"
"I always do, Counselor, especially when we're together. Isn't it beautiful?"
"Yes it is." Perry turned Della into him and gazed intently into her eyes. Smiling, he pulled back. "Oh, you mean the lights?"
A soft blush appeared on Della's face as she realized the real meaning of Perry's statement. Sighing contentedly, she lay her head on his chest and slid her arms around his waist.
"Mmmmmm, I could stay like this forever…..just like this…..right here in your arms."
"Perry laughed and kissed the top of Della's head. "While nothing would give me greater pleasure darling, don't you think we'd be a little cold?"
Della raised her head and looked into the handsome man's deep blue eyes. "You know what I mean." She sounded wistful
"Yes baby, I know what you mean. I was just teasing you."
"Perry?"
"Hmmmm?"
"Promise me something?"
"Anything, you know that."
"Promise me….promise me it will always be this way for us."
Perry, recognizing something serious in Della's tone, nestled her chin in his hand. Softly caressing her face, his voice was low….caring.
"Della, sweetheart, what brought this on? Of course it will be this way. It will be like this forever. Don't you know by now what you mean to me? How you've changed my life? I love you so much. I look at you and I am amazed that you love me….that you want to be with me. I feel so incredibly thankful that you are in my life …so yes, angel, it will be like this always." Tender fingers wiped away tears as warm lips met and softly kissed.
When they parted, Perry's voice was quiet as he asked, "Now, are you sure nothing happened to make you ask me that question?"
Della shook her head. "No Perry….nothing happened. I guess I was being silly. You know, I love our life…it's so perfect. I just get scared sometimes….like something's going to happen to ruin it. I know that's crazy and I must sound foolish."
"You don't sound foolish at all but just the same, will you do something for me?"
"I'll do anything for you Counselor. What is it that you need?"
"The very next time you feel like this, I want you to come to me and I will show you that you have absolutely nothing to worry about, OK?"
"What if we're in court or with a client?"
Perry threw back his head and roared with laughter. "You see, that's one of the things I love about you. You think of everything. Well, we'll just have to think of something, won't we? But, in the meantime is there anything I can do now for you now?"
"Della didn't hesitate. "Just hold me tight and don't let me go."
"I think I can do better than that." Effortlessly, Perry picked Della up in his arms, kissed her sensuously on the lips and carried her into his bedroom. Closing the door with his foot, he walked over to his bed and lay her gently on top of the covers. Turning out the lights, Mr. Perry Mason then went about the task of showing Miss Della Street just how pleasurable and easy it was to keep his promise.
The city was just beginning to wake up. The sounds of motors from cars, taxis and buses could be heard as they weaved through the streets of L.A., their horns already blaring loud enough to waken even the soundest of sleepers. Newspapers being dropped off at the corner stands and vendors selling on the run breakfasts of coffee and rolls or doughnuts helped bring the city to life.
In Apartment 814 of the Madison Arms, Perry Mason watched Della Street as she slept in his embrace. Her face held a peaceful smile and her breathing was low and shallow indicating that the very beautiful Miss Street was fast asleep.
Perry smiled to himself as he continued to stare at Della. Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing Della in its warm glow making her look, Perry thought ethereal. He reached out tracing his fingers ever so lightly over Della's back, then bending over and taking the same route with tender kisses. She stirred a bit then, and as she felt the familiar loving touch she became more awake. Opening her eyes she looked up at Perry giving him a still sleepy smile, followed by a soft drowsy voice.
"Mmmmm… "Good morning Counselor, what are you doing?"
"I'm kissing a sunbeam and good morning to you too baby. How did you sleep?"
"Perfectly wonderful as always when I'm in your arms. So what are you thinking about so early this morning?"
"Perry grinned and brushed Della's soft curls away from her face. "Lunch"
Della reached up and pressed her lips against Perry's. Then breaking away she looked at him and laughed."
"You…..Mr. Wonderful Defense Attorney are a liar. Imagine what Lieutenant Tragg or Mr. Burger would say if they could hear you. I'll bet they….."
Della's words were silenced by a passionate kiss that left her witless. Breathless himself, Perry broke away and said, "For your information Miss Street, I was really thinking about lunch. I want to take you to our favorite Mexican restaurant. What do you think?"
Della appeared somewhat abashed. "I'm sorry sweetheart. I promise, the next time you tell me what you're thinking, I'll believe you."
Perry smiled and thumbed Della's chin. "That's alright. I forgive you….this time." Perry tried to refrain from smiling but gazing down at the beautiful creature in his arms made it impossible.
"So how about it? I'll call and make the reservation later this morning."
Della caressed Perry's rugged face with her delicate hand. "I'll be very happy to go with you any other day sir, but I am afraid it won't be today. Did you forget about your lunch meeting with Steven Marks? You're meeting him at the Block and Cleaver at one o'clock. I have the contracts all ready to go. They're in today's pile of paperwork along with the other contracts and briefs I have to finish typing and whatever has to be filed. Look, I have an idea. Why don't I just grab a quick bite to eat at Clays? Then I can go back to the office and take care of everything. That way, by the time you get back, it will all be finished, you'll meet with your two afternoon and early evening appointments and we can leave early…just like last night. I'll even cook dinner. My apartment or yours…your choice…..and if you're a good little boy and get all your work done, I might even have a surprise for you. How does that sound?"
Perry's answer was to gently pull Della closer to him and begin a series of kisses that made her forget all about lunch, contracts or anything else that required a coherent thought…
Gertie smiled warmly and said only a pleasant "Good Morning" when her employer and his lovely secretary walked into the reception room from his private office…..forty-five minutes later than their usual arrival time.
Della Street walked into Clay's grill and waited patiently in line behind a group of lunchtime patrons. Dressed beautifully but subtly in a dark brown two piece suit with a crème colored blouse beneath, the green eyed beauty attracted her fair share of attention as the line shortened and she was next to be seated. Suddenly, Della heard a familiar voice behind her. Turning her head slightly to the left, she rewarded the speaker with one of her brilliant smiles.
"Well, well, well. This is my lucky day. First breakfast with my beautiful wife and then a lunchtime visit from the loveliest woman in the Brent Building. To what do I owe the honor and by the way, where is that legal eagle of yours?"
"It's nice to see you too Clay." Della's voice was warm as she greeted the proprietor of the popular eatery.
"Perry had a lunch meeting with a client so I thought I would just have a quick bite and then head back to the office. If I'm lucky, I'll have all my work finished so Perry and I can leave after his last appointment which happens to be at five-thirty. We left early last night and it was wonderful. If my luck holds, we'll be able to make it two nights in a row. I promised Perry I would cook dinner for him tonight. Plus, its Friday, tomorrow is Valentine's Day ….and"
"And you have the whole weekend planned, don't you Miss Street?"
A warm blush appeared on Della's face but her eyes held a mysterious gleam. She laughed slightly as she answered the man standing in front of her.
"Let's just say I have a little something planned for Mr. Mason. By the way, I'm starved. What's the special today?"
"Roast beef and mashed potatoes. Why don't I escort you to "your booth" and then I'll put the order in."
"Thank you Clay. I'd love it if you would show me to the booth, but I think I better have something lighter for lunch….maybe a salad."
Clay took hold of Della's arm and led her back to a corner booth in back of the restaurant. He spoke as they walked. "Alright but a salad is not a proper lunch for a busy working girl. Besides what will Perry say when he finds out that's all I let you have? He'll take me to task for sure. You know, you women are all alike. What do you do? Get together and become members of the-I'll-just –have-a-salad-club?"
"As they reached the booth and slid into the comfortable seats, Della laughed her silky throaty laugh. "Well we women have to keep our girlish figures besides salads are healthy."
"Clay shook his head and sighed. "I know, I know, Nancy tells me that all the time. I still think you should have the roast beef for lunch but I will acquiesce to your wishes. What kind of salad would you like?"
I think I will have the grilled chicken salad with Balsamic Vinegar on the side please."
"You got it honey….and to drink?
"Just hot tea with lemon. Thank you Clay"
Clay gave the order to Perry and Della's favorite waitress. "Amy, here's Miss Street's order. After you put it in, would you please bring her a pot of tea with lemon and I'll have some coffee. Clay smiled and winked at Della. "Oh, and I'll have the special"
"Amy smiled at the secretary and her employer. I'll give this to Henry and be right back with the coffee and tea. By the way, I really like your outfit Miss Street. It's lovely"
Della returned the smile. "Thank you Amy." The waitress turned and walked towards the kitchen and Clay turned his attention back to Della. Removing something from his pocket, he handed it to Della and said, "I want to show you something. I bought this for Nancy for Valentine's Day. Tell me what you think.
Della opened the small velvet box and gasped. Inside, sitting on the soft lining was a beautiful silver heart shaped pendant held in place by a delicate chain. The pendant was the perfect size and as Della turned the necklace over, she noticed an engraving on the back. Examining it closer, she read the words of the poet, Robert Burns.
O my Luve's like a red, red rose As fair art thou, my bonnie lass, Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear, And fare thee weel, my only Luve,
That's newly sprung in June;
O my Luve's like the melodie
That's sweetly played in tune.
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry:
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare thee weel awhile!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho' it ware ten thousand mile.
Tears brimmed in Della's eyes as she gently fingered the lovely gift. Looking at Clay, she said softly, "I think Nancy will treasure this always. I didn't know you were such a romantic guy."
Clay laughed as he put a finger to his mouth. "Shhhhh….I keep it a secret….under wraps. Actually, I had some help with this gift. I was really having a problem deciding what to do for a gift. Perry stopped in one morning a couple of weeks ago for coffee. He said the two of you had been up practically all night working on a case and that you were exhausted. Somehow, he'd convinced you to just rest for a little while in the law library. That was around five in the morning and he came in for the coffee around eight. Said he didn't have the heart to wake you but he figured you would need the coffee when you did finally get up. I told him if he could wait a few minutes, I would get some breakfast together for the two of you as well. After all, I couldn't have my favorite attorney and his lady go without sustenance. While we were waiting, the topic of Valentine's Day came up and I told him about my predicament. He asked me some questions about the kinds of things that Nancy likes and then I came up with the idea of the locket." Clay paused and looked at Della. His voice turned quiet. "Perry's the one who suggested the inscription."
For a minute Della couldn't speak. Carefully she returned the necklace to its rightful place and closed the box. Handing it back to Clay, her own voice was low. "I'm not surprised by this. Perry always thinks of ways to make everything better…..gifts, dates, surprises…..he always knows what to do and what to say. He's always so considerate and loving and caring. I'm very lucky and I know it. I never want to take him or anything he does for granted."
"Clay reached over and put his hand on top of Della's. "I don't think you have anything to worry about. Perry loves you very much and according to him, he's the one who's lucky. I've known that man a long time dear and let me tell you, I have never seen him happier or more contented since you came into his life. Even if he hadn't said anything to me, I would have known. Yes ma'am, you've made quite a change in that man." Clay, seeing Della begin to tear up once more, changed the mood with a lighter question. "Now, are you sure I can't interest you in something besides that salad for lunch?"
Della laughed and was about to answer when she noticed Clay's face taking on a surprised expression. Della heard the voice before she saw the woman. She breathed in deeply as a knot formed in her stomach. Trying to remain calm, she steeled herself as she smelled the strong odor of the perfume and heard the heavy clanging of the charm bracelet on her wrist…..the perfume and the bracelet she hated because that's what the woman was wearing the day she had slapped Perry in the face….right in the office, not caring who was around. Della turned her head slightly as the woman approached and smiled her fake smile at her and Clay. As if she were dreaming, a terrible dream, she heard the woman speak in her supercilious, condescending manor.
"Oh Miss Street….Della, I am soooo glad you are still here. I was just upstairs and Gertie told me you were having lunch here but I wasn't sure I would catch you. You see dear, I must, absolutely see Perry I just neeeeed to see him right away. It's of the upmost importance. I just can't wait another moment. So if you would be so kind as to tell me where he is and I will go right over and see him. Perhaps you would call him and tell him I am on my way so he doesn't leave. I can't waste time waiting. I MUST, just MUST see him right now!"
Della kept her voice even as she began to speak to this woman…..a woman who made her blood boil and who by her very presence could anger Della like no other client ever had. The woman standing before her was the one person she and Perry had believed to be out of their lives for good…the woman was Eva Belter