Perry Mason was on his way on a vacation. His family had not been on a true vacation ever. They had chosen a cruise so that they could spend time together and there would be things for everyone to do . Jennifer would be there to help with the care of Sally and Perry Jr. and they couldn't wait. The ship was going to be leaving from Galveston TX and the ride in the airplane was going to be a long one.
Sally had her headset and was playing with one of her hand held games, but Perry was very anxious. He was now asking the twenty questions. He was a smart little boy who had such big eyes and everything was new to him. It was a good thing that they were riding in the first class because they were the only ones there that day.
Finally they arrived at the airport. Della breathed a sigh or relief when she saw the people from the cruise lines standing there holding up signs. As Perry and his little family went over to one of the people who were holding the signs they were directed down an escalator. From there they met another greeter who showed them to a line. The line went to buses that would take them to the Cruise ship.
Sally was looking around and was now very excited. As they got onto the bus she tried to help her mom and dad with the papers that had to be filled out and Jennifer kept a keen eye on Perry Jr. The two of them were busy looking for the ship out of the bus windows.
Della heard the familiar shriek of her son's voice as he called out "Mommy daddy the boat. See." He was now jumping up and down on the seat and was nearly jumping through the window. Jennifer was having all she could do to stop him from getting off the bus right then and there.
But somehow the family managed to get on the ship and as they were shown their suite of rooms they all took a deep breath. The sliding doors to the large balcony made the suite wonderful. The suite had three bedrooms and they had their own private maid. The maid insisted on doing all of the unpacking and Sally wanted to go up on deck.
"Daddy there is a going away party. I want to go. Come on Perry." Sally told everyone as she grabbed her brother's hand. They rode up the elevator and were indeed met by the large going away party. All five of them had a great time and danced and waved as the ship left for their seven day cruise.
They ate a hearty supper together that night and after the children had gone to bed Della took out the brochure with the information on what was going to be happening on the ship while they were there. The next day would be a day at sea and there were lots of things for the children and them to do. Sally and Perry Jr. would have a play group where the children would swim and play games. Perry would be with the youngest group and Sally with the oldest. But the activities looked like a lot of fun for the both of them.
This would give Jennifer some time for her to do things that she wanted to do and time for Perry and Della to enjoy the time together. Della wanted to try out some shopping on board. There were lots of shops on the ship and they were duty free. That would save a great deal of money. Della knew that Sally would want to go shopping with her and that was fine. But she wanted to go shopping with Perry and no children at least once while they were on the cruise.
So after soaking in the sun for a couple of hours on their private deck Della and Perry headed out to do some shopping. The stores were the elite and Della found a pocketbook that she really wanted. It was a Gucci and Perry didn't even blink as she paid for the three thousand dollar purse with a charge. Della thought to herself "it is so strange to not worry about money."
The cruise was something that the Mason family had badly needed. Work had kept Della and Perry busy and each day they got to spend most of the time with their children. By the end of the seven days they were ready to go back to work once again. Each and everyday had been filled with fun and sun and lots of good food. Everyone at the office was going to get a bonus and no one had talked business in a week.
But when Della and Perry got back to the office there as a case waiting for them. They had not been up on the local news, but there always seemed to be a murder someplace in the city. There was always someone in trouble and they were always in need of a good lawyer. Perry Mason was the best and everyone knew it.
As Gertie came into the inner office to update Della and Perry on what was happening she told them about a lady named Harriet Barker. "She and her friend Makayla say that they need to get hold of a good lawyer. Harriet and Makayla were involved in a minor car accident with a man. When he called her to come and talk to her about the accident she found him murdered. She is a prime suspect but has not been arrested yet. She has an appointment for one this afternoon. I hope that is all right with you."
Perry Mason looked at Della and smiled "Yes that is all right Gertie." He then turned to Della and told her get me what you can for information on this Harriet Barker and the murder please."
With that Della went out to her laptop to read up on the case for her husband.
