TCOT Sunbather's Diary Extended

by Michelle Weiner

There is definitely something wrong with Della. Will Perry figure it out before it's too late? Will they or won't they? Now that Della is safe and sound is this the end of the story or is there a surprise yet to come? Feedback welcomed

10. Chapter 9

TCOT Sunbather's Diary Extended Chapter 9

Perry Mason sat in the lounge just outside the operating rooms of Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. His white tee shirt, which he now wore underneath his suit jacket, was stained with blood… Della's blood. His tie and shirt, along with her clothes she had worn, were lying on the floor downstairs in the emergency room where she had first been taken. The doctor and nurses had worked on her for almost an hour in order to stabilize her for surgery. Perry had ridden in the ambulance with her, holding her hand, bringing it up to his lips and tenderly kissing it. Gently he caressed her face, brushing the hair away as he did so. He talked to her, his voice soft and loving, telling her she would be alright…everything would be alright. It was more to convince himself than her and as the ambulance sped through the mid day traffic, it's lights flashing and sirens wailing, Perry continued to talk to Della. He let her know how much he loved her, how she was his heart and soul…his life. She was everything to him and he was so proud of her. He told her how brave she was and that as soon as they got to the hospital, the doctors and nurses would take care of her. He was there, he said. He was right there and he wasn't going to leave her. He would stay with her the whole time. Although the ride to the hospital had been very short, only about seven minutes, it seemed an eternity to Perry. From the time she had been stabbed in the office, to the drive to the hospital, Della had been drifting in and out of consciousness. During one of those times, she had tried to talk to Perry. Noticing this, he again put his finger to her lips to quiet her. Her face, having lost it's color, was pale and there was confusion and fear in her eyes. Perry bent close to her again as he whispered calming, loving words to her, telling her not to be frightened. They had arrived at the hospital then and the paramedics quickly but gently removed her from the back of the ambulance and briskly, urgently… too urgently wheeled her through the emergency room and into one of the cubicles.

Perry had run alongside the stretcher as she was being taken inside. When they reached the small room, the doors closed, leaving Perry standing outside. At that moment, all the energy seemed to have left his body and he looked like a deer in the headlights…almost like a little boy who had lost his best friend. He was scared and shaken and all the strength he had tried to give to Della was gone. His face became pale and that sick, angry feeling that had come over him earlier had returned. He had been running on adrenaline and now that they were here at the hospital and Della had been taken to surgery, the realization of what had occurred finally hit. He had only been allowed a brief moment to see her before the elevator doors had shut and he was left with only the taste of her on his lips and her jewelry in his hand. One of the nurses in the emergency room had recognized him. Wanting to help without being too intrusive, she approached him and asked with concern if he would like her to show him where he could wait for word about Della. He nodded, too upset to speak and she quietly ushered him into the elevator and up to the surgical floor. Guiding him along the corridor, it struck her how different he seemed from his public persona. Here he was, this big man, who seemed larger than life and so complex and who at times could be so fierce and so unstoppable in all his pictures and news snippets. Now he appeared to be just the opposite. She was taken aback at his demeanor. His only concern was for Paul and for Della.. The nurse knew that if there was any way that would have allowed him to be with Della, she now wouldn't be taking him upstairs to wait. When they finally reached the lounge, Perry had thanked her for all her kindness. He asked her to please thank the ambulance medics who had taken care of Della, not having a chance to do it himself. The nurse assured him she would, gave his arm a final pat of encouragement and quietly turned and left him alone…alone with his pain and worry for Della…and for Paul.

Perry was now on his third cup of coffee in at least as many hours. His thoughts went back to that afternoon and to the second the attack on Della had taken place. He would never forget the scream that she had emitted the moment that insane lunatic had jabbed the knife into her. In that instant Perry realized how a person could want to commit murder…to take another human being's life. He had wanted to run after him…to catch him and beat him into unconsciousness, but there was Della…Della, the love of his life was lying on his office floor, bleeding profusely from her side. Trying to keep her calm, he had fibbed, telling her it wasn't too bad…there was just a little bit of blood. Della had looked up at him with those beautiful hazel eyes and although she said very little Perry knew that she didn't believe him. Perry thought too about Paul….Paul, whom he loved like a brother and knew that feeling was returned. Paul was his best friend and he trusted him with his life…and with Della's. He had dropped everything and gone out of his way to help them and now Paul lay in a bed downstairs in the telemetry unit on the third floor. When he heard that thud outside his door, he had moved quickly and cautiously. Thinking it may have been the assailant, he stood silent and still for a split second, before opening the door to see who or what was there. He had discovered Paul unconscious and bloody as well and after quickly assessing his wounds called for a second ambulance. Although there seemed to be a good deal of blood, Paul's wound was not serious. It had been small and superficial and although painful, it was fortunately easily repaired. Given something for the pain, Paul was now sleeping, a policeman guarding his door. There would be one outside Della's door as well, once she was moved to a regular room. Perry was still anxious to speak with Paul but that would have to wait. His recovery was the most important issue right now, as was Della's … Della…his beautiful, wonderful, sweet, loving Della. She had been in surgery for over three hours and still there was no word. Neither one of them had deserved this Just as Perry thought he would go out of his mind, the operating doors opened and a man dressed in scrubs, his face expressionless walked toward him.

As the man approached Perry, he extended his hand and smiled. "Hello Mr. Mason. I'm Dr. Weber, I'm the surgeon who operated on Miss Street." Noticing Perry's face, the surgeon quickly continued. "I'm happy to tell you that Miss Street is out surgery. Everything went very well and she'll be fine…just fine. She has a few sprained ribs from falling after being attacked. As far as that goes, even though there was excessive bleeding, thankfully none of her vital organs were involved. Also she's young and strong and in good health which will speed her recovery along that much faster….and if I may say so without invading you're privacy too much you will be the most important part of her recovery. Some of the doctors and nurses recognized the two of you when Miss Street was brought in….myself being one of them." The doctor then lowered his voice and continued. "You know, from time to time we see your pictures in the paper and sometimes there are articles that accompany them." Dr Weber then smiled at Perry as he said, "If I might add one more thing, You're Miss Street is really amazing. They had given her a prep sedative down in emergency and she was very groggy. Right before the anesthesiologist put her under, he explained what he was going to do…that he was going to put her sleep. She shook her head and said "Perry…have to tell him how much…how much I love him…takes care of me…safe….have to tell him I'm…OK….worries…always worries about…about me. Doctor Austin told her he was ready and she tried to pick up her head. Linda, my nurse went over to her to see if there was something wrong. She looked at her and us and said, Perry…only Perry…knows how to make me …go…go to sleep….want him…please…want Perry." Your name was the last thing she said before she went out and it was the first thing she said when she woke up. Yes indeed, she is really something. None of us thought she still had that much fight in her. She was trying with all her might to get to you and I think if she hadn't been so out of it, I swear, she would have gotten right off the table and walked right out of the operating room."

Hearing that, Perry's eyes filled with tears and he breathed deeply as he tried to calm himself. He smiled at the Doctor and shook his hand. In a voice, not quite steady he said, "Thank you, Doctor Weber…Thank you…Thank you for taking such good care of her and for saving her life. You don't know what this means to me. You're right , my Della is something…something spectacular." Perry stopped, too emotional to continue. He gathered himself momentarily and then asked, "can I see her now?"

"You certainly can. She's in recovery and just coming around. She'll be pretty out of it for a few more hours and she'll probably sleep through the night. They'll be taking her up to her room in a little while. I left orders to allow you to stay the whole time she's here. I had them put her in a semi private room, which we'll change to a private one. I thought you'd be more comfortable in a bed then a cot. She should be able to go home in a few days. Of course she'll have to rest at first and she'll have to come back for a checkup, but as I said she'll recover completely . Come on, I'd better get you back to her. Something tells me that if I don't she won't be too happy with either of us." The doctor smiled and a slight blush flushed his face, "Oh and Mr. Mason ?"

"What is it Doctor?" Perry asked, still somewhat apprehensive.

"You're Miss Street…You're Della… she's a lovely young woman…and she's very beautiful."

Still overcome from the events of the past few hours, Perry could only nod as he followed the Doctor back to Della.

Perry sat at Della's bedside holding her hand and watching her as she slept. When he had first gone back to see Della in recovery, she had fought to keep her eyes opened. Perry had bent over her, smiling and leaving a sweet kiss on her lips. She looked up at him and he very gently rubbed her cheek and brushed the hair away from her face. She had started to talk but he stopped her, kissing her again and putting his finger to her lips. He then put his face close to hers and whispered "It's alright Darling. Everything is alright. The operation is over and you're going to be fine…just fine. I'm right here. I'll be here all the time. Just rest now. Sleep my sweet baby. Close your eyes and sleep. Sleep and have beautiful dreams. Shhh… Shhhhh. I'll see you in a little while….Sleep now sweetheart …I love you…I love you more than anything." Seeing Perry and hearing his calm, loving voice was all that Della needed. She looked up at him, giving him a small smile and in a barely audible voice whispered, "love… you… too." Then closing her eyes, she fell into a deep peaceful sleep.

Now Della lay sleeping in the bed in her hospital room. She had woken up a few times, but they had each been for the briefest of moments. Each time she had awaken Perry had been right there, taking her hand in his, gently rubbing her arm, caressing her face. She was asleep now and Perry continued to stare at her. He couldn't stop…it was as if he couldn't get enough "She looks so beautiful and peaceful," Perry thought to himself. "It's as if nothing happened. …but that's not true….plenty happened and now…and now I have to end it. Don't worry Darling, we'll get whoever is behind this."

The door opened and Suzanne, Della's nurse entered. She walked over to the bed and began to check Della's vital signs. Quietly and deftly she moved about, making sure all was well. Finished with her patient, she gave her a gentle pat on her shoulder and made sure she was covered. She then looked up at Perry and smiled. In a low voice she said, "Della's doing fine Mr. Mason. She's sleeping pretty deeply and should sleep through the night. I'll be here all night so if Della needs anything just let me know…and that goes for you too. Don't hesitate to ask. Oh, by the way, there's a Lieutenant Tragg and a Mr. Burger here to see you. They're waiting for you in the lounge, just down the hall. I'll sit with Della and I promise if she even stirs I'll come and get you."

Perry smiled at the nurse and said gratefully, "Thank you Suzanne and please, it's Perry."

"Alright, Perry" said Suzanne. "I'll keep an eye on your beautiful lady here. Go on and talk to those gentleman. I recognize Mr. Burger so I know it must be important."

"It is important Suzanne…very important." Perry then bent down and softy kissed Della on the lips. With his voice in just a whisper, he said lovingly, "I'll be right back Darling. Suzanne is going to stay with you. I'll be right down the hall. I won't be far baby. I love you." Perry gently put his hand on Della's face, looked at her for a moment, then turned, walked out of the room and down the corridor to where Burger and Tragg were waiting.

When Perry walked into the 5th floor lounge, Hamilton Burger and Lieutenant Tragg immediately stopped talking and looked at Perry. Although they had been deep in conversation, the minute the attorney had entered the room, the two men approached him with great concern. Burger put his hand on his shoulder and quietly asked, "How is she Perry? How's Della?"

"She's fine Hamilton, she's fine. She's going to be alright. She'll make a complete recovery. Thank God it wasn't any worse. I …I could have lost her." Perry suddenly turned pale and took a deep breath, realizing what he had just said and the two older men both put a steadying hand on his arm.

"Come on Perry, come on over here and sit down," said Tragg solicitously. The men sat down on the comfortable, homey furniture, Burger sitting next to Perry on the sofa, Tragg taking his place in one of the soft dark brown chairs opposite them. For a moment, there was silence in the room, as if to let everything…the days terrible events disappear and bring back some semblance of normalcy.

Perry looked from the Lieutenant to the D.A., anxious for any information he asked, "Are there any new developments? What did you find out? What about the lunatic that stabbed attacked Della and Paul?"

The Lieutenant, knowing that Perry normally was impatient when he wasn't getting information he wanted , held his hand up to interrupt him. Looking him straight in the eye, but keeping his voice calm, he said "We caught the louse that did this, Perry. My men were parked down the street from your building, remember? They were waiting for him to call so it could be traced and then they were going to pick him up wherever or they would have gotten him if he had come to your office. Anyway, they were in the car and they noticed this guy…they knew something was up…It was suspicious because he was wearing a hat a little too far down on his face. He didn't have a coat on and he kept wiping his hands on his pants…he was also walking just a little too fast and he looked funny when he was walking…like he was trying to hide something. My men waited till he came closer. Then they got out of the car and started to approach him. He saw them and turned and tried to run, but couldn't run fast enough. Thankfully, they caught him. They saw the blood and the knife slipped out of his pants. Then they heard the sirens. Collins handcuffed him and stayed right with him and Andrews ran over to find out why the ambulances were called. They put two and two together and took him in right then and there. He was already processed….been booked and everything. He's sitting in a cell downtown as we speak. Isn't happy….squawking about his rights… wants a layer…wants to make a phone call." Tragg then laughed and said, "Poor guy, I feel sorry for him…wait, on second thought I don't…Think I'll just let him sweat it out for a while."

Hamilton then spoke up. "The lieutenant called me in after he was booked. I talked to him for a while. I offered him a deal. I told him that if he came clean and told us everything, we would go easy on him… reduce his jail time. He kept saying that it wasn't his idea…there was someone calling all the shots…making all the decisions. He refuses to tell us who it is. At first , he wasn't going to do it but he needed the money. They were going to cut him in. " Burger hesitated just for a minute and Perry knew there was something else. He looked at him and asked calmly but in a no nonsense manor, "what is it Hamilton, what is it that you're not telling me."

Burger and Tragg glanced at each other then the D.A. looked down at the floor. Picking his head up and looking directly at Perry and keeping his voice calm and controlled he said, Perry this guy's name is Burt Winston. He's a two bit thug. …a small time gambler with big time habits. He likes cards and the ponies. He likes how the other half live but he's angry because he can't be like them. He said that at first he was only suppose to scare Della. Then that changed and he was told to ask for the money. Finally, when things were not happening fast enough, he was told to threaten her life and then..." Burger then stopped and took a deep breath as if to prepare himself for what he had to say next. In a manner which was unlike him, his voice was shaky as he said, "Perry, he stabbed Paul just so he would be out of commission and couldn't do anything to help…and as for Della…you being there saved her life…when he saw you, he panicked and ran…he wasn't …he wasn't suppose to leave her like that …he was suppose to finish…"Burger couldn't continue. He stopped, too shook up to continue.

"Della…Oh my God Della…Della," was all Perry could say. He repeated her name twice more and with such anguish that Burger and Tragg both now became very worried. Perry's face turned deathly pale and he began to shake so badly that Tragg asked him if he wanted a doctor. Perry waved a hand in a dismissive manner. Putting his head in his hands, he bent over and breathed deeply, running his hand over his face. Collecting himself, he sat back up and looked at the two men sitting in the room with him. Although what they were telling him was one of the most terrifying things he would ever hear, he was grateful…grateful that they caught the attacker…grateful that they were honest in their telling of what had occurred and most grateful for their concern and understanding…and for their friendship.

Finally, when he felt that he could speak, he looked again at the both of them and asked quietly, "Is that everything?"

The Lieutenant spoke again. "That's everything we know at this point Perry. I know you were waiting for that report from Paul. How's he doing by the way?"

"He's fine…it wasn't serious thank goodness. He'll probably go home tomorrow or the next day. I am anxious for that report but that will have to be put on the back burner for now. All that matters is that he gets better…both he and Della." Perry stopped for a moment, then continued. "I really want to thank the both of you for everything…really. You both have been great, just wonderful and I appreciate it and I know that Della and Paul do as well.

"Perry," said Hamilton, extending his hand, "we're just glad they're alright. Even though you and Paul give us a hard time and really give us a run for our money he's alright…he's a good guy…and you know how we feel about Della."

"That's right, Perry," said Tragg, once again taking on the fatherly tone he had used with Della earlier that day. "You just take care of Della like you always do and we'll do everything possible on our end to finish this up. All we ask is that you tell us what's in Paul's report so we can speed everything along. Oh and tell Mr. Drake and your sweet Della that we'll be up sometime tomorrow just to see them and see how they're doing. It will be purely a personal visit…if that's okay with you."

For the first time since everything happened Perry gave both men a genuine smile. " Of course it's alright. They will both be very happy to see you and yes, of course Paul and I will let you know what he found out. You can have a copy of the report. It will make things easier."

As the men were saying their goodbyes, Suzanne walked into the room. She smiled at all three gentlemen and said, "Perry, Della is stirring a little. I think she's trying to fight off the sedation. She whispered your name a couple of times and I thought it best to come and get you."

Perry introduced the men to Suzanne. Then Burger and Tragg said goodbye to both of them and walked out of the lounge, heading to the direction of the elevators. Perry, with Suzanne walking beside him, went off in the other direction to see the only woman he had ever truly loved.,

Perry walked into Della's room and quietly sat down once again in the chair by her bed. He was exhausted himself, but there was no way would he give in to sleep. Della wanted him ..she needed him…even if it were just for a few minutes and until he could look into those breathtaking eyes and see that spectacular smile, even a small one, he was not ready to sleep.

"Mmmmm, Per..Perry" Della called out to him, her voice in a whisper, still sleepy from the sedation.

"I'm right here Darling," Perry said softly as he got out of the chair and sat beside her on the bed.

Della blinked her eyes open, trying her best to come out of her groggy state. She opened them and smiled up at Perry, at the same time trying to reach for him. Realizing what she was trying to do, he bent down and softly kissed her lips. In a low, gentle voice he said, "I'm here sweetheart…I'm right here. Do you need something? "

"Y…yes"

"What baby? What do you need?"

Della looked at him again, her eyes now barely able to stay opened. In a voice that was but a whisper she said, "You, I need you. Please…please hold me."

Quickly and quietly, Perry went around to the other bed and pushed it next to Della's, He then slid into it, and as gently as he could, so as not to cause her any more pain or discomfort, he slowly and tenderly took her into his arms, settling her in as close as he could. Making sure she was covered completely, he then began to speak to her in a very soft, calming, soothing voice. "You're safe now Darling…I'm right here….No one is ever going to hurt you again. It's OK my sweet baby, let's just rest now. Go back to sleep. You're in my arms and you're warm and safe. I love holding you close to me." As he continued to talk, Perry caressed Della's face and stroked her hair. "Shhhh ,shhhh, shhhh, I'll be here, I won't leave you. Go to sleep. I'll see you in a little while. I love you"

"I love you Perry", Della whispered. Knowing she was in Perry's arms and feeling safe and loved as always, Della closed her eyes once more. He assumed she was already back to sleep.

Relieved that Della was alright, and happy to just be able to hold her in his arms, Perry was about to finally gave in to slumber himself. Leaving a soft, tender kiss on Della's forehead and another on her lips, he snuggled into her and closed his eyes. Just before he drifted off to sleep he heard a soft mumble. "We should get married." Perry sat up, trying to keep his thoughts and emotions in tact. Della was asleep again. He wasn't even sure that she hadn't been talking in her sleep. He tried not to let his hopes soar. He reasoned with himself that even if she had been awake she didn't know what she was saying. She'd had too much medicine. But maybe, just maybe… He wasn't going to wake her tonight though. Settling back down the last two thoughts he had before sleep took over was how whether or not Della would remember her 'suggestion' in the morning and who was the person that really was behind this whole mess.? Hopefully tomorrow would bring the answer… to both questions.