Due to major complications while trying to post the next chapter of my story it was necessary to repost all the chapters. I want to thank everyone for their kind reviews and comments and their continued support. It is much appreciated. Again, thank you to Nora, Rachel for their ideas and support and a special thank you to Diane who talked me through this and was a huge help.

TCOT Unexpected Corpse Chapter 2

Both a residential area and a desired vacation spot, Lake Tahoe was truly one of the most beautiful places in the country, offering activities for everyone, no matter if one chose the quieter North Shore with its mix of elegant hotels and quiet private cabins, or the more exciting South Shore where the nightlife was electrifying and thrilling. Sparkling lakes with pristine sandy beaches were abundant and perfect for fishing, boating or swimming in the summer, and the snow-covered Sierra Mountains made winter sports accessible. Shopping, sightseeing, and ornate casinos for gambling and shows almost guaranteed year-round crowds.

It was here, to the North Shore that Perry brought Della. The mere fact that it was secluded and away from the roar of the crowds was the main reason Perry had chosen it. Added to the peace and quiet was the beauty and fragrance of cedar and pine trees, the colorful flowers native to California, and the pleasant chirping of robins and endless variations of sparrows.

As Perry extended his hand to Della, helping her out of their rental car, she gasped as she took in the sights and sounds around her. Convinced they had landed in paradise, she looked up at Perry with utter happiness. He never ceased to amaze, constantly spoiling her with dates and gifts and surprises, and if that wasn't enough, he was the most handsome, charming man she had ever met. He took wonderful care of her and she had never felt so secure in her life.

A contented sigh escaped her lips as Perry interrupted her lovely thoughts. "What do you think, sweetheart?"

"Oh Perry, it's absolutely beautiful….just breathtaking."

"I'm glad you approve. Come on," he said taking her hand. "Let's go check in, get settled, and then we'll do whatever you'd like."

Together attorney and secretary climbed the wide wooden steps to the entrance of main building. Perry had made reservations at the Firelight Lodge, which was actually a number of individual cottages surrounding the main building, set back and far enough apart for complete privacy. The Lodge was rustic in design and construction and each cottage, though modern and containing every amenity, was designed with the old West in mind. Perry and Della walked up to the rough-hewn reservation desk and a young woman dressed in an attractively fringed western outfit smiled at the attractive couple.

"Good afternoon, may I help you?"

Perry readily returned the smile. "You certainly may, Miss…"

"Nelson, Abigail Nelson, but please call me Abby." Her smile was practiced, not quite friendly, but she extended her hand in greeting.

Perry took Abby's hand and gave it a gentle shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you Abby. I'm Perry Mason and the lovely lady beside me is Della Street. I believe I have a reservation."

"All right Mr. Mason, let me check on that." The young woman reached down behind the counter and brought out a large book marked RESERVATIONS. Flipping through the pages, she stopped when it appeared she had found what she was looking for.

"Here it is Mr. Mason. We have you in the Silver Tip cabin, the one in the corner of the clearing. I believe you asked for the one farthest away from the Lodge and that's it. I'm sure you'll like it. Just follow the road all the way to the end. You can park your car in front of the cabin. Now, if you'll just sign the register, I'll get the key."

Perry signed the register with a flourish and accepted the key from Abby.

"If there is anything you need, just let us know," Abby continued her slightly stilted welcoming patter. "We're happy to have you here, and we hope you enjoy your stay."

"I'm sure we will, dear. Thank you for being so helpful." Della flashed Abby her natural, spectacular smile.

"Della's right Abby, I know we'll have a great time." Perry took Della's elbow, and turned away from the desk.

As the couple walked away, Abby's smile turned to an immediate scowl. She reached for the phone, dialed hastily, and spoke rudely, "Yeah...it's me. We got a problem-a big one."

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Perry opened the car door for Della, then walked around to the other side and got behind the wheel. He followed the dirt road and a minute later pulled in front of cabin 12, a.k.a. The Silver Tip. He helped Della from the car, opened the trunk, grabbed their bags, and they walked side-by-side up the wooden steps to the door of the quaint cabin. Perry set the bags down on the porch, slipped the key into the lock, opened the heavy door, and stood aside to allow Della to walk in ahead of him.

Her eyes widened with wonder at the impressive, slightly masculine interior of the single room. A leather couch and two chairs faced a stone fireplace, in front of which laid a huge rag rug in muted, earthy tones of brown and rust. In the farthest corner of the room stood an enormous four-poster bed made virtually of thick tree branches and covered with a patchwork quilt in the same colors as the rug. In another corner a screen made from branches and tanned deer hide partially obscured a small but adequate bathroom, behind which held an oval ball and claw-foot bathtub as well as a pedestal sink and modern commode. Another authentic Old West touch was the wooden rail placed beneath a large window between the bed and the bath area, over which spare blankets and quilts had been draped. There appeared to be no electricity in the cabin, as several oil hurricane lamps were scattered about the room.

Perry came up behind Della, wrapped her up in his arms and pulled her back against him. In a gentle quiet voice, so different from the one that boomed out in the courtroom, he nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear. "Do you like it, baby?"

Della turned into him and put her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. She looked up, her eyes shining with happiness. "Mr. Mason, this is by far one of the nicest surprises you have given me. I can't believe you planned all this without me finding out."

Perry brought Della's hand up to his and kissed the inside of her wrist. She shivered from the small gesture. "Believe me, it was all my pleasure. Now, what do you say we unpack, change, and then take a walk and explore the area? There's a beach right off the lake and there are boats to rent. I think there's even water skiing if you want. I'd love to see you in that black and gold bathing suit. I love that little number…very nice…and very skimpy." An impish grin spread across his face.

"I'm glad you like that bathing suit, but as for water skiing, nothing doing, buster. I'm not crazy about giving everyone a show. That bathing suit is for a certain lawyer's eyes only – strictly for a private performance."

"But you wore it in January when we went to Mexico." There was a slight whine to Perry's voice.

"That's because there weren't a lot of people around. Sorry Counselor, I packed another suit and I'll stick to swimming and boating, thank you very much."

"Alright, Miss Street, objection sustained. I'm sure I can be happy with you swimming or in a boat. By the way, I could help you change right now if you'd like."

"You're incorrigible, you know that don't you?"

"I guess I probably am, but you still love me, hmmm?"

Della's answer was to take Perry's hand and lead him into the bedroom, where to his delight she allowed him to help her change and proceeded to show him exactly how much she loved him.

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Perry lay in the bed looking at the beautiful woman curled up beside him, thanking God as he did every day that this exquisite creature shared his life, let alone loved him….and he loved her–fully, deeply, fiercely. His love for her was so pervasive, so encompassing that at times he feared he was smothering her and she would decide she couldn't stay with him. But here they were, four years after he'd hired her, three years after they had become lovers, and she was lying next to him, one arm around his waist, one arm around his neck, her curls silky soft and ticklish on his skin. He thought of the night he would never forget–the night they had declared their love to one another-the night his life truly began. They had gone to dinner after a long day in court, and afterward Perry had driven Della to her apartment, escorting her to her door as he always did. He was prepared to leave but she had invited him in for a drink almost shyly. He had secretly hoped she would because the truth was he didn't want to leave her. He never wanted to leave her at the end of the day and so had happily accepted her invitation. He had been fighting his feelings for weeks, and avoiding the topic of their relationship just as long. He could tell she was battling her feelings as well, but he could also tell that something was different that night. Perry couldn't exactly put his finger on it but it was there, just under the surface, smoldering like a flame waiting to ignite. Della had poured him a scotch and poured a glass of wine for herself. As she was bringing the drink to him, she accidently turned her ankle and Perry reached out to steady her. That was all it took. The simple touch shot through both of them like an electric current and seconds later Perry took the drinks from her shaking hands, picked her up in his arms, and carried her to the bedroom. Gently he put her down on the bed, sat next to her, and tenderly examined her ankle for injury. Then, all of a sudden their clothes were scattered over the floor, their bodies were kissed and caressed, all while whispers, endearments and delicious moans were uttered. Perry loved her passionately and thoroughly, yet so gently that Della was left whimpering, incoherent, and begging for more. That was the night that Perry Mason knew he would love Della Street forever. He would take care of her, protect her, and spoil her until his last breath. It was also the night he realized why all his other relationships had never lasted for very long or held much importance. It was because Della was the one he'd been waiting for – the one who completed his life.

Now Perry leaned down and left soft kisses in Della's hair. Ever so lightly, he ran his fingers down her jaw line, under her neck, and onto her collar bone. Della's eyes were closed but she wasn't asleep, a lazy smile playing at the corner of her lips.

"This is very nice, Counselor, but if you keep it up, we'll never leave this cabin."

"That would suit me just fine." His lips followed the route his fingers had just traversed.

Della raised her head and giggled. "I'm sure it would, and while it's very tempting, I would like to see that lake you talk about so much, not to mention everything else."

"All right, darling, you win. I know when to give up. But there is just one thing I have to do first."

"And just what would that be?"

There was no answer as the famous attorney pressed warm lips to those of his secretary's, and who, a second later, emitted a contented sigh, giving herself up to his roving hands and mouth, all the while realizing that they probably would not be leaving the cabin – at least not until the morning.

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It was indeed the next morning, after a leisurely breakfast, when at last the couple left the privacy of their cabin to explore the area. They strolled hand and hand taking in the sights and sounds around them. Not far from the cabin the trees and bushes were left behind as the path widened, winding down to the sandy beach and the expansive lake beyond.

Perry wrapped Della up in his arms and she snuggled close to him. They stayed that way for some time admiring the pristine beach and the clear, sparkling water, happy to have this time alone together away from their hectic daily lives.

Della's voice rumbled softly as she buried her face in Perry's massive chest. "It's so beautiful and peaceful here. I could stay here in this very spot forever…..as long as you were with me," she amended.

The big man tugged Della even closer to him, engulfing her in his embrace. "I feel the same way, baby."

Long moments passed before Perry turned to Della, his eyes traveling over her slim but curvaceous body. She met his gaze and raised warm supple lips to his. The kiss lingered, a wonderful mix of passion and gentleness. Breaking away, both struggled to regain composure and breathe normally.

Perry spoke first. "Where to now, Miss Street?"

"How about we walk on the beach a little?"

"An excellent suggestion. Let's go this way," he said, pointing to the left. The couple removed their shoes and walked along the shoreline where water met sand. Further down, they came to a building supported by enormous posts that jutted out into the lake. As they drew closer they discovered a sign that read

NORTH SHORE BOAT RENTAL - WATER SKIING * FISHING * CANOEING

SKIS * BOATS * FISHING POLES FOR RENT-BAIT AND TACKLE

Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 A.M. – 4 P.M.

Sunday – closed

Douglass Frazier – Owner/Proprietor

"Oh honey, this is perfect for you! You love to fish and you'll be able to rent a pole and everything. I'm sure you'll be able to find one you'd like to use."

"I'm sure I will but what I really want to do is see if we can rent a boat for a little trip around the lake. Then again my dear, we could rent skis for you. I could pilot the boat and you could…."

"I told you Mr. Mason, no water skiing for me, but a boat ride sounds heavenly. I bet the Lodge cook would pack us a picnic lunch. I'm sure this Mr. Frazier or Abby or whoever is at the desk this morning will tell us the best place to have one."

Perry looked down at Della and smiled. "If boating and a picnic is what my beautiful girl wants, then boating and a picnic is what she gets." Putting his arm around her, he said, "Let's go talk to the owner and see what he has available."

A bell jangled as they walked through the wooden screen door, letting the owner know someone had come in. From the back a voice called out, "Be with you in a minute!"

Perry and Della looked around and noticed the many fishing poles against the wall as well as water skis for both adults and children. There were also tanks and chests which held the various types of bait and tackle. A painted sign with the words BOAT SHED and an arrow pointing to the rear was suspended from the ceiling.

A stocky bearded man emerged from the back room and eyed the attractive couple. "Well howdy there folks. What can I do ya for?"

Mason spoke up. "We're staying at the Firelight for the weekend and we'd like to rent a boat and go on a picnic, Mr. …."

"Frank, Frank Nelson."

Della spoke up, "We met an Abby Nelson when we checked in. She's very pretty and polite, very helpful."

Frank smiled, "She's my daughter. All them good qualities she got from her Mama. So, you want to take out a boat and go on a picnic. All righty then, we'll go out back and the Missus here can pick out the one she wants. Then I'll show you the map and where the best place for that picnic you want will be."

"Thank you Mr. Nelson."

"Just call me Frank. Nobody's called me Mr. Nelson in many a year. People round here are very friendly. It's a small town and everybody knows everybody else, know what I mean?"

"I certainly do Frank, I certainly do."

"Say, if you don't mind me askin', where you folks from?"

"Los Angeles. It's definitely not a small town." Perry grinned.

Frank chuckled. "What do you do there in Los Angeles, if you don't mind me askin' again?"

"I'm a lawyer."

"Well I'll be…a lawyer huh?" Frank looked at Della. "You must be mighty proud of your husband ma'am. Him being a lawyer and all."

There was something about Frank Nelson and his affable curiosity that tugged at Della. "I am proud of him. He's one of the best lawyers in the state, maybe even the country. But, he's not my husband. We're not married, Frank. He's my….my…." her voice trailed off.

Perry came to the rescue. "What Miss Street…what Della means Frank, is that she's my secretary…..and well, we have a relationship outside of the office as well. In L.A. we work very hard at keeping our relationship private. So we try and get away every so often so we can have some privacy and be ourselves."

There was silence for a moment then Frank said, "I see. Listen, Mr.…"

"Mason….but up here, I'm just plain old Perry."

"All righty then plain old Perry, as I was sayin', we're just simple folk up here, on this side of the lake. That South Shore is a different story – all that hootin' and hollerin' and goin's on with them casinos and shows and stuff. Up here people mind their own business and leave everybody alone….well for the most part….there's one thing though…." Frank stopped in mid-sentence as if he had said too much, his friendliness suddenly guarded.

Both Perry and Della were curious about Frank's subtle shift in demeanor and it was Della who spoke. "What thing, Frank?"

"Oh it's nothing really. Sometimes my mouth runs on and on. Millie, she's my wife...she's always sayin' that one day my mouth is gonna get me in real trouble."

Della started to speak but Perry put his hand over hers and squeezed it gently. Taking the conversation in a different direction he said, "We saw on the sign that a Mr. Frazier owns this place. Do you manage this place for him?"

"Heck no, I'm retired now for five years. I was in construction for thirty years. I fell and broke my hip on a job so I retired early. I'm gettin' money, though, and my wife still works. She's a bookkeeper over there at the Lodge where Abby works – where you're stayin'. I just help Doug run this place. Right now though he's…." Frank stopped speaking again and a tenseness overtook his stocky frame. "All righty, how about we get you and your lady a boat and I'll show you the perfect spot for that picnic. Wait till you see it. You're gonna love it. There's just one thing though, if ya don't mind. Every month or so, we give the boats and skis a good going over. Ya know, paint and checking for holes and splinters and such…gotta keep everything spiffed up. I've been working on it for the past few days and I'm almost finished. So, if ya don't mind waitin till tomorrow I'll have everything ready to go. I'll even have Millie tell the chef to put in an extra special desert in that picnic basket."

Perry smiled and chuckled. "No problem Frank, I'm sure Della and I can find something interesting to do."

"That's mighty understandin of you, Perry. Tell you what, let's go out back and Della can pick out the boat. That way, I'll make sure it's all ready to go." Frank turned and headed to the door toward which the painted arrow hanging overhead pointed. After a split second of hesitation, Perry and Della followed.

They picked out a boat and paid the rental fee. Frank gave them a map and explained how to get to the spot he thought best for a picnic. He also called the Lodge and spoke to his daughter, who assured him she would speak to the chef and would have a picnic basket ready as well. Those things taken care of and with Frank's promise again to have the boat ready to go in the morning, Perry and Della bade him goodbye, telling him they would be back at eleven o' clock. Leaving the shop, Della and Perry gave the other a knowing look. Both had the same thought, that while Frank Nelson seemed friendly enough, he was definitely hiding something. However, neither imagined that Frank's folksy charm was nothing more than an illusion masking an evil monster.

Meanwhile, inside the shop Frank Nelson was busy with his own thoughts. Mr. Perry Mason and his Miss Della Street definitely were not merely a plain old couple. Although they had bought the story about the boat repairs he would have some 'cleaning up' to do. They were much too astute not to notice things out of the ordinary-and the set of large brown books now laying on the wooden table in the back room certainly fit the bill. He hadn't had time to put them away before the couple had come into the shop and he held his breath in hopes that they wouldn't notice. He was lucky-this time. He picked up the phone again and furiously dialed a number. "Millie? Yeah...I just met them and Abby's right. Meet me in half an hour and bring my gun...and some rope."