TCOT Garrulous Gambler Chapter 2

On this absolutely glorious Saturday afternoon, the big ferry made its way across the San Diego Bay, its destination, the city of Coronado. Chugging slowly, it not only carried passengers who would be staying for the day, but overnight guests as well as their luggage and cars. The large Double Decker boat afforded space for all it transported while still allowing comfort for its visitors as well. Both the top and bottom decks contained bench seating while the bottom deck also featured a snack bar. A cabin of sorts, sat over in one corner and was used, if need be, by some people requiring that little extra bit of warmth. The cabin was cozy, holding eight sets of tables and chairs and a few benches. Large picture windows allowed the passengers who made use of the compartment, a chance to view the amazing picturesque scene of the bay as did their 'outer deck' counterparts.

Perry Mason and Della Street needed no such cover. Standing at the railing of the immaculately kept ferry, Della's hands were on the balustrade of the Cabrillo, even as she snuggled up to Perry. For his part, the handsome attorney was having a hard time keeping his eyes on anything or anyone else but the delectable Miss Street. He had wrapped his strong arms around her and even at this moment nothing but being so close to his companion mattered. Perry kissed the top of her head, then softly kissed her on the cheek while at the same time trying to brush a few strands of windblown hair away from her lovely face.

Della felt his touch and immediately turned into him. With her voice full of excitement and smiling her brilliant smile, she was almost breathless as she spoke. "Oh Perry, isn't this just gorgeous? I mean the water and the sun and the boats on the bay. Look how everything sparkles. It's like looking at diamonds. It's simply spectacular….just breathtaking….don't you think?"

Perry looked at this stunning creature in his embrace. He returned a smile of his own, the one he held only for her. With his gaze locked onto her and in an almost reverent tone he said, "Yes darling, I believe the sight in front of me is the most spectacularly breathtaking view in the entire world."

Della's perfectly arched eyebrows rose and she looked a bit puzzled as she cocked her head to one side. Finally understanding the true meaning of Perry's statement she rolled her eyes as a warm blush began to creep up the sides of her face. Laughing, she said, "I think this trip came at the perfect time."

"Oh and why would that be, Miss Street?" Perry was already picking up on her little game

"Because, Mr. Mason, you're either delusional or you've had your head stuck in those law books and briefs of yours just a bit too long." She then placed her hand on his cheek and said softly, "but thank you for the compliment sweetheart. You really know how to win a girls heart."

Perry bent down and left a gentle kiss on Della's lips. You're welcome baby, but I'm only telling you the truth. Now, why don't we continue to watch this beautiful scene? We should be docking soon. Are you sure you don't want anything to eat or drink? Maybe just some hot coffee or hot chocolate?"

"Uh Uh… I'm fine my love, really." Della leaned back against Perry's massive chest, reveling in the way she felt in his arms. "All the warmth I need is right here."

Perry placed his head next to Della's. Murmuring low in her ear, his voice was but a whisper but it definitely held a promise of things to come.

"Alright sweetheart, you know I'll do anything to make you happy."

A deep sigh of contentment escaped from Della's lips as the couple stood together waiting for the boat to dock…each lost in their own thoughts and each looking forward to the days ahead with great anticipation.

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Driving through the streets of Coronado, Perry and Della were once again taken at the beauty of the city. Although small in comparison to its larger neighboring town of San Diego, this beach community boasted a definite island feel and had every amenity one would need. Even though the couple had been here before they were always taken with the beauty of this lovely town. Riding down Orange Avenue, the main thoroughfare, the attorney and his secretary marveled at the sights that passed them by. Trendy shops and fine restaurants as well as art galleries, museums and even a theater stood on almost spotless cement sidewalks on either side of the street. Running the entire length, along the middle of the asphalt was impeccable landscaping. Palm trees dotted the main drive and lush plants and flowers surrounded a grassy knoll.

Della, snuggling close to Perry as he drove with one arm around her, pulled back slightly, giving her a better look at her handsome lawyer.

"You know Perry,every time we've come it's like the first time. It's so gorgeous and peaceful here. It feels like we're a million miles away from everything and everyone."

"You're right about that honey." Perry gave Della's arm a gentle squeeze. "It is beautiful here and although we've only been here a few times, it never ceases to amaze me how truly wonderful it is. That's why when Ben called and extended this visit to us I jumped at the chance. We've only stayed with Ben and Julia at their home and for some reason have never been in this part of town. Ben did give us the choice of staying at his home or the hotel but since he took ownership only eighteen months ago and has just completed the renovations I opted for the hotel. Besides, like I told you, every princess deserves a castle. I hope you won't be too disappointed."

"Perry, don't you know by now that I don't care where we are as long as we're together. I love it when we just go to the movies or the beach or have Pizza as much as when we get all dressed up and go to a party or a Bar Association Dinner or a charity event. I wouldn't even care if we stayed in a shack. I'm just a simple girl who loves simple things."

At that moment, Perry pulled over and stopped the car. Turning to Della, his eyes held an all encompassing love and the tone of his voice was that of wonder. Taking her face in his hands he said, "My dear Miss Street, you, my beauty are many things, but simple is not one of them. Exquisite….yes…..intelligent…yes…alluring…yes….intriguing….yes…caring and loving and funny yes…but simple….no my love, simple is definitely something you will never be. Drinking her in for a long moment, he then took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly but so deeply that when he pulled away he was breathless but Della was witless.

In a soft voice Perry asked, "Well my Princess, are you ready to see your castle?"

Della's thought and speech patterns were at this point, pretty much incoherent. About all she could mange was a barely audible…"uh…uh huh."

Perry chuckled lightly. With his arm still around his beautiful companion, he turned back to the wheel, started the car and drove the last four blocks to the hotel and to the start of their island paradise vacation.

With its red turrets piercing an azure California skyline, the Hotel Del Coronado radiated a gracious Victorian beauty. Called the 'Del' for short, the hotel offered a unique combination of modern luxury with the charm and grace of a fairytale castle.

Benjamin Kramer had bought the hotel eighteen months before and had undertaken an expansive renovation. With his keen mind for business and his wife Julia's knack and flair for fashion and design, the changes were major but subtle. There were new coats of paint, hardwood floors and new carpets. The best furniture, constructed of solid woods, that were rich with deep colors and the finest of textiles and fabric for the drapes, bedding, sofas and chairs had been brought in solely for the comfort and pleasure of guests. Elegant mirrors and beautiful paintings from some of the most famous artists graced the walls and lush plants and flowers could be found in the lobby and the other rooms as well. In the center of the lobby suspended from the ceiling was the focal point of the room…. a magnificent chandler. The shape and the glow given off from the many crystal prisms gave it almost an ethereal look and it truly made one think they were in the middle of a fairytale.

Ben Kramer and Perry Mason had met in college sharing some classes and a Fraternity. Although a year apart in age with Ben being older, they had become friends very quickly. Their friendship was born out of a mutual respect and many common interests and had lasted all these years.

Ben and Julia Berger also met in college and just as years later, Perry would fall in love with Della at first sight, Ben was immediately smitten with Julia. They dated all through college and married the summer right after graduation. Julia knew she would never be able to conceive a child and when she told Ben, there was fear in her voice and tears in her eyes. Ben held her close and told her it didn't matter….they could always adopt. That hurdle past them, the plans for the wedding continued. Two years later with Ben having received his masters in business and working for his father and Julia working for a design company, a beautiful baby daughter came into their lives to complete their family. Ben and Julia were ecstatic and when the subject of Godparents came up, there was no discussion. The young couple chose Julia's sister Janet and for the Godfather, the choice was simple. Ben asked his best friend, the handsome young man who was, at the time in law school and who some years later would be known as the one of the most prominent criminal defense attorneys in the state of California if not the country.

Perry maneuvered the big Cadillac up the large circular drive that led to the main entrance of the hotel. Stopping the vehicle in front of the valet booth, the attorney got out of the car, went around to the other side and extended his hand to his secretary. After turning the keys over to the parking attendant, Perry put his arm around Della and led her into the hotel. Approaching the counter, he smiled at the desk clerk.

"Good afternoon Miss. My name is Perry Mason. I believe I have a reservation."

The pert young woman behind the desk returned the smile and her voice was genuine in its welcome. "Oh yes Mr. Mason, we've been expecting you. Mr. Kramer wanted me to call him the minute you and Miss Street arrived. Just give me a minute and…."

"There's no need to call Mr. Kramer, Gloria." A deep friendly voice could be heard from behind Perry and Della. At the sound of it, they both turned around and greeted the attractive couple who were there.

"Perry!" Welcome! It's so good to see you my friend. Ben shook Perry's hand, his eyes matching the excitement in his voice. He then turned to Della. "Della! As beautiful as ever, how are you honey and is this guy taking care of you the way I told him to?"

Della laughed her deep throaty laugh and reached up to leave a kiss on Ben's cheek. "It's lovely to see you too Ben and yes, Perry always takes wonderful care of me." Della then went over to Julia and the two women embraced and began catching up with each other's lives.

Laughing, Perry and Ben observed their girls and waited a few minutes for the thrill of their reunion to die down a bit.

"Alright ladies, I'm afraid I have to break this little party up. Julia, sweetheart, let's show Perry and Della to their suite and let them get settled and give them some time to themselves. We're meeting them for dinner and dancing and I want them to be rested."

With that, Ben gave instructions to the bellman where to deliver the luggage, went around to the desk and took two room keys from Gloria and with Julia by his side, led Perry and Della to the elevators and up to their suite.

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Della Street stood in the center of the Royal Signature Suite with her beautiful hazel eyes glistening with happiness and surprise. She turned slowly, looking around the well appointed rooms.

Perry Mason watched the woman he loved as she surveyed her surroundings. Smiling, he walked over to Della and tugged her to him.

"I take it you approve of the suite." He tenderly caressed her face with the back of his hand.

"Oh Perry, it's fabulous! Absolutely fabulous! Just look at everything…..the furniture….the bedding….the space….the view. It's…..It's just wonderful."

Perry brought Della closer into his embrace. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her softly but sensually on the lips and felt her responding as she deepened the kiss. Pulling away, they both began to lose control as their desire began to build. Perry's voice was husky. "We don't have to meet Ben and Julia for dinner for a couple of hours. Remember what he said about giving us some time to ourselves."

Della put her hand on Perry's chest and began to rub it lightly. She then snaked her arms up and around to the nape of his neck where she proceeded to brush it with her delegate fingers and heard Perry suck in a deep breath. Her voice was low….sultry and seductive. "Yesss, Counselor, I remember exactly what Ben said. I just have one question…..whatever are we going to do with all that time?"

Perry didn't answer her. Instead, he effortlessly picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. She felt weightless in his arms and he gently put her down on the soft bed that was covered with a fluffy white quilt. Della was helpless in his grasp but couldn't care in the least. Deep purple and gold pillows were cast aside as well as shoes, outer clothing and finally undergarments. Perry once again pulled Della close to him and began to make love to her. He caressed her, kissed her and spoke endearing words. He heard Della gasp and moan and felt her whole body shudder under his touch. He continued to tease, tempt and tantalize until she could stand it no more and became senseless, letting herself slip into blissful oblivion. As Perry continued to take her to their own private world, the sun began to set, its brilliant colors matching the brilliance and heat of the lovers passion.

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Late that evening, Perry and Della along with the Kramer's were sitting around one of the tables in the hotel's nightclub, The Babcock Room. Its round tables were graced with small softly lit lamps and low lighting around the room set off an illuminating glow. The red tablecloths and a three man jazz band added to the ambiance, making it the perfect place to go for an after dinner drink or just a quiet place to talk.

The two couples had enjoyed a delicious dinner in the Crown Room and now were having drinks and doing some late night dancing in the after hour's club. Perry held Della in his arms, feeling the wonderful warmth of her body and caressing the bare part of her silky skin where the smooth black velvet material ended at the small of her back. He led her flawlessly around the floor and the beautiful brunette easily followed his lead as Ben and Eve smiled watching how well they danced together. They seemed to glide over the dance floor as if they had been doing it forever.

When the music stopped, Perry kissed Della lightly on the forehead and led her back to the table. Pulling the chair out for her, he left a soft kiss on her shoulder. He was rewarded by a brilliant smile and a light touch on his arm. Sitting down himself, he grinned as Julia paid the couple a compliment.

"You two looked absolutely spectacular out there. Are you sure you haven't missed your calling? Just think, if you ever decided to give up the law you could take this show on the road. You would be the talk of the town."

Della was slightly breathless as she answered their friend. "Oh Julia, thank you for the compliment. You're right, Perry's a wonderful dancer and he always makes me look good but he's even a better lawyer." Della turned and looked at Perry, her eyes full of love. Then, turning back to Julia, her voice held pride and wonder. "In fact, he's the best lawyer in the state….wait that's not right. He's the best in the country. You should see him with his clients, he's amazing. He always goes the extra length,he takes their problems and makes them his own. He does whatever he has to so that justice is served….and you should see him in the courtroom…he's …he's remarkable."

"Della,honey." Perry brought her hand up to his lips and gently kissed her delicate fingers. "Now let's not get carried away." Then, with his attention to their hosts, he spoke quietly, his voice holding the same incredulity as Della's. "Truth be told, it's the other way around. While it's true I've had my share of luck in the courtroom, I can't take all the credit. It really belongs to Della. I could never accomplish half of what I do if I didn't have her by my side. If you want to talk about being remarkable, all you have to do is look at her." Perry put his arm around Della, tugged her to him and kissed her temple.

Ben Kramer looked at the couple in front of him and smiled. "Well it's nice to know that some things never change. Perry, you've been singing Della's praises from the first time you saw her…..and as for you young lady, now I know the secret behind that beautiful face. It's love for sure."

Julia, noticing the soft blush beginning to creep up Della's face took the conversation in another direction. "By the way darling, I forgot to mention that Suzanna and Max will be stopping by after the party is over. Suzanna wanted to see Perry and finally meet Della. She said she couldn't wait until tomorrow"

As if on cue, a very attractive young couple walked through the door and scanned the room. The woman's eyes, finding the people she was searching out, all but ran over to the table where her parents and guests were seated. The happiness on her face was evident as she flung herself into the attorney's arms.

"Uncle Perry, you're finally here. I can't believe it! It's soooo wonderful to see you." The girl's excitement was evident in her greeting.

Perry laughed as he pulled away to get a better look at the young woman standing before him. She was a natural beauty with dark brown wavy hair that she wore to her shoulders. Her complexion was flawless and her hazel eyes held a mysterious twinkle

"My, my, my, now where did my pigtailed, freckle faced little God Daughter go? You wouldn't happen to know where she is….hmmmm?"

Suzanna dissolved into giggles and reached up to give Perry another kiss on his cheek. Then breaking away, she took his hand in hers and gave him an admonishing look. "You know, I should be really upset with you for not coming to my graduation or my party but I am so happy to see you that I forgive you."

"I'm sorry sweetheart. You know that Della and I would have loved to have been there. It's just with the last trial and all. We just couldn't get away."

"Well you're here now and that's all that matters." Suzanna then turned to Della. Taking her hands, her greeting was warm and genuine. "Della, it's so wonderful to finally meet. I've heard nothing but the most wonderful things about you. Now my day is complete. I not only spend time with my favorite Uncle, I get to have a beautiful Aunt as well. What could be better?" Suzanna suddenly felt a slight nudge on her arm. Realizing what was wrong, she looked up in the direction it had come from and spoke with love and fascination. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry…I don't know where my manners are. "Uncle Perry, "Aunt" Della, allow me to introduce my fiancé, Mr. Maxwell Taylor.

While the introductions were made and Perry, Max and the Kramer's continued to talk, Della's attention was drawn to Suzanna. There was something oddly familiar about this young woman. Della couldn't put her finger on it but it was there just the same. Even as goodnights were said and Perry led her to the elevators and back up to their suite, Della could not stop thinking about it.

Sometime later, Della lay snuggled up in the warmth of Perry's arms as he lovingly and tenderly lured her to sleep. Her last thought as she completely relaxed against Perry and slumber claimed her was Suzanna…..Suzanna and her beautiful hazel eyes.