TCOT Bedeviled Doctor Part 10
The door to cabin 598 opened and Perry Mason stepped to the side, allowing Della Street to enter. Closing the door, he turned his attention to Della who at that moment, had a questioning stare on her face. She was holding a large manila envelope with Perry's name written on the front. Perry went to her and took the envelope out of her hand. Suddenly a sickening feeling came over him. Not wanting to upset Della, he bent down and kissed her softly. Speaking in his quiet, gentle voice, he said,"why don't you go shower and change. I'll take care of this and when you're through, come back out here and we'll plan our day.
Della looked at the envelope and then up at Perry. She began to speak but something stopped her. Instead, she placed her hand on his face and said, "Now there's an idea. I won't be long."
Perry smiled and brushed the hair away from her face. "Go on baby, I'll be waiting."
As soon as he heard the water running, Perry went over to the couch and sat down, opening the envelope. Removing its contents, he began to look at what were 8 x 10 glossy photographs. Included with these, was a smaller envelope. The pictures were of Della and himself, mostly taken on the ship, a few taken in Mazatlan. The photographs…..very intimate photographs, showed them at meals, dancing, walking on the deck, Perry carrying Della into their cabin the night she had been inebriated and finally the last one…..the one of them taken that day in the pool when Perry had held her so close to him and the touches and looks they shared clearly spoke of their feelings and their relationship.
The minute he saw the photos, he knew what the note would say. This was clearly a blackmail scheme and he knew where they came from. He also knew what the price would be…..An interview…..an interview with that arrogant, brash, smug, annoying reporter. Perry's pulse was racing and he breathed in deeply, trying to calm himself. His next thoughts were of Della. "My God, what will she say when she sees these? I can't keep them from her, she knows something was in this envelope. She'll be so embarrassed…..so upset." Perry opened the note. It was short and to the point.
Maybe now you'll be willing to talk to me. There are more. You know where to find me. You left me no choice.
Perry was seething! It took everything he had not to go find Daniel and punch his lights out but he knew that wouldn't help. The most important thing was to get the pictures and the negatives. A physical confrontation would serve no purpose. A thought came to Perry and he got up and went to the desk. Opening the draw, he pulled out a file and read it over. It was the report from Paul. The one about Daniel. Although Perry had spoken to Paul on the ship to shore call, the detective had promised to send the report to Perry so that he could read it in detail. The report had been waiting for him when they had docked in Mazatlan. He and Della had picked it up from the tiny island Post Office the first day. Perry had given it a cursory glance, then put it away. He thought he would have time to read it once they were headed for home. Now, Perry looked at it more thoroughly. As he read it over, he began to understand what made the young Harrington tick. He was almost finished when the bedroom door opened and Della walked toward him. Fresh from the shower, with her hair still damp and her makeup flawless as always, her beauty lit up the room. She was wearing a yellow sundress with a small floral pattern, bronze sandals and a touch of the perfume Perry had bought her in Mazatlan. She looked as bright as the sun itself. Watching her, Perry felt his heart beating a little faster and a lump form in his throat. Every time he looked at her it was as if he were seeing her for the first time. He had told Della that one night over dinner some months back. All she could do was leave a soft gentle kiss on his lips as their tears mingled, unbidden. He'd held her and when her tears had stopped he had picked her up and carried her to his bed and shown her gently…tenderly…. just how much she was loved.
Perry was brought out of his momentary trance by Della's hand on his arm and her soft voice.
"Perry? Perry? What's the matter? You look like you're a million miles away."
"I'm sorry honey, I was just looking at you. You, Miss Street, look like a million bucks."
"Why thank you Counselor. Now, how about telling me just what was in that envelope."
"Della…..I"
"Perry, evidently, there is something that you don't want me to see. I am not a child and it is safe to say that I can handle most anything. I want to see what you have and I want to see it….NOW!
Perry knew that look and that tone. He knew keeping anything from her would be senseless. He was going to have to show her all of it. Taking Della by the hand, he led her over to the couch. Sitting, he gently pulled her down with him and turned her face to his. Holding her small, delicate hand in his large strong one, he took a breath, steeling himself for what was to come.
"Sweetheart, you know that I had a feeling that there was something going on with Daniel Harrington."
"Yeeesssss."
"And you know that I had Paul investigate him, check him out?"
"Yeeessss."
"When I spoke to Paul he told me some things but he also sent me a file that he'd put together. That was what we picked up in Mazatlan."
"Did you read it?" Della, sensing a problem, put her hand on Perry's shoulder.
"I just finished looking it over. It's very interesting. I'm not surprised to learn that he graduated from Harvard with honors. He's smart alright and a real go getter. Doesn't waste any time. Doesn't let the grass grow under his feet or let anyone or anything stand in his way, if you know what I mean."
Della smiled. "Hmmmm…..sounds like someone I know….very well." She gently nudged him in the side with her elbow.
So engrossed was Perry with the information in front of him, it took a minute before he caught on to Della's statement. He returned the smile, dismissing her comment with a wave of his hand. Then he went on with his explanation.
"Anyway, there's something in here about him having trouble with his family. Apparently, they're very well heeled, old money and family lineage. Seems they weren't thrilled with Daniel becoming a writer. They wanted him to come into the family business. The grandfather set them straight. Told them to leave the boy alone and let him make his own career choice. They did, but the damage was done so to speak. Daniel moved away, clear across the country. He has an "I'll show them attitude." He's very aggressive and somehow thinks that's the only way to be. You know, if he wasn't so damn infuriating and obnoxious I might like him. I understand him a little better now but that doesn't give him a reason to think he can get away with this…..to play with people's lives.
A strange feeling came over Della. She was almost afraid to ask.
"What about the envelope? Come on Perry, show me."
Perry squeezed Della's hand and inhaled deeply. Alright, I'll show you but please, please try to stay calm." He handed her the envelope and the note and steeled himself for her reaction.
It came in less than a minute. Perry heard a gasp, followed by a punctuated cry. He put his arm around her and pulled her close. She moved away and stood, her face pale but the fiery side of her coming through…those beautiful hazel eyes flashing in anger.
"How can he? Who does he think he is? See, what did I tell you? This is how it's always going to be! People will always talk! Don't you see, it will always be this way! I knew we shouldn't have come but I let you convince me that it would be alright. We'd be far away and no one would care. It would be the perfect vacation." Della began to cry and tried to talk between her sobs. "I….I….want….wanted to….to…..be….believe you. Every…everyone on…..the trip….has been so…..so nice. Especially the Captain…and…..and Emily….and meeting David and Judith was wonderful. I…..wanted to be alone with you so….so…badly. You planned all this for me….for us and now….now it's all…..ruined."
Della stopped and looked at Perry, making a half hearted attempt to wipe her tears away. She was drained. Perry held out his arms and Della stepped into his embrace. Strong arms held her close, gentle hands rubbed her back in circles,a soothing voice calmed her. Della felt herself being picked up and carried into the bedroom. Perry sat down on the bed with her still in his arms. He pulled away slightly and tenderly wiped away her remaining tears with his fingers, brushing the hair out of her face.
Keeping his fury in check for Della's sake, he spoke softly. "Shhhh…shhh….shhhhh. Don't cry darling, please don't cry. It's going to be fine. It's all going to be Ok. I'm going to take care of everything, I promise. I'm going to find Mr. Daniel Harrington the 3rd right now and have a nice little talk with him. Are you alright if I leave you alone for a little while? I'll be back as soon as I can"
"I'm fine now Counselor, really."
"You're not fine, Della. You're obviously upset, and -."
"Just go, Perry." She took a deep breath. "I'll fix my makeup and brush my hair and by the time you come back, I'll be ready."
"You don't have to fix anything, sweetheart. You're perfect just the way you are." Perry pressed his lips to Della's leaving her with a soft and sensuous kiss. Then, lightly brushing his hand across her face, he stood up and walked out of the room, his anger rising with each step.
Perry walked down the passage way and turned the corner that led onto the deck. With purpose in his bearing, and his long powerful strides he reached Captain Grant's cabin in just a few minutes. After knocking and be admitted by the captain himself, Perry requested a short private meeting with John Henry. The Captain, of course, agreed and showed Perry into his private office. Offering the attorney a seat and some refreshment, Perry politely declined, saying that he preferred to get right to the point. "Della", he said "was back in the cabin and he wanted to return to her as soon as he took care of a personal matter. To accomplish this task, he told the Captain he needed the cabin number of Daniel Harrington, the young man who dined with them, the third night of the cruise. John Henry, a man who was as intuitive as his guest, realized that there was a problem. Looking directly at Perry, the older man's voice was kind as he asked, "Mr. Mason, is there perhaps something that I can help you with?"
Perry half smiled. "Thank you, but no, Captain. All I need to know is the young man's cabin number. I just have to speak to him."
The Captain waited for Perry to offer some more information. When none was forthcoming, the Captain went to his desk and retrieved a large binder. Shuffling through, he quickly found what he was searching for. Taking a piece of paper from the top of his desk, he wrote the number down and handed it to the man standing in front of him. Perry thanked him and looked down at the paper in his hand. Surprise registered on his face as he saw the number. It was 596…the cabin right next door to his and Della's. Taking a deep breath and gathering himself, he thanked the Captain again and told him he would see him later that day. Turning ,he walked out of John Henry's cabin, closing the door behind him.
Perry was determined. He would take care of this situation the same way he faced any problem he encountered, either professionally or personally..…..and this was as personal as it could be because it involved Della.….. He would put an end to this trouble before it got out of hand and turned into a real crisis. Yes, Perry would fix everything and fix it now! He had promised Della and promises were to be kept….always.
The knock on the cabin door was much like the man himself…powerful…..forceful….unrelenting. The door opened and the young man came face to face with the towering figure. Daniel, smug and satisfied, looked at Perry standing in the doorway.
Mason was livid. Controlled rage brewed inside him, fueled by the whole deplorable situation and made worse by Della's reaction. He waited a moment for an invitation to step inside. His patience gone, he looked Daniel squarely in the eye and said, "Mr. Harrington, we need to talk."
"Daniel stepped aside and Perry walked into the cabin. Turning to the reporter, his face was granite hard as he began to speak. Assuming his courtroom posture and composure, his voice boomed. He looked and sounded completely opposite from the man who'd been so tender and gentle with Della only a short time before. "Alright Mr. Harrington, you have my attention. You wanted to talk to me. So talk. Suppose you begin by telling me what this is all about. Why did you feel the need to stoop so low? Why are you so desperate for an interview that you felt the need to try to blackmail me?"
Daniel's smiled was sardonic. His voice dripped of sarcasm. "Well, well, well, finally, if it isn't the great Perry Mason himself. Nice of you to stop by, Mr.-high flying-holier than thou- attorney…..but then you didn't have a choice did you? At least you're here now. I knew I could get you to change your mind. You thought you could get rid of me….not talk to me….ignore me. Well, we're about to see who's going to talk now! I want this interview and this is the only way to get it. I have everything I want on you and your lady…and now I 'm calling the shots. You're going to have to do what I ask. So I take it you're here to do the interview, although I don't see the beautiful Miss Street with you. We can do it without her but where is she by the way?
At the mention of Della's name, Perry went wild with fury. His stomach clenched, his breathing quickened and his pulse raced. His eyes darkened and when he spoke, his voice was eerily quiet but ice cold. "Wrong! So now I won't do it! You don't know anything about me but know this. I DO NOT give into threats. I never have and I never will, especially to a young inexperienced little punk….that's right a punk. That's what you're acting like…..and if you want to survive the next five minutes, not to mention the rest of this cruise you'll do as I tell you."
Suddenly, Daniel's confidence left him and he very much resembled a child about to be reprehended by a parent. The sight of the younger man trembling before him cooled the lawyer's ire slightly. "You have a lot of growing to up to do. You know, if you had come to me right from the start, I might….and I mean I might have thought about it. I would have talked it over with my secretary and knowing her as I do, I am sure she would have been the one who would have convinced me. However, by doing it this way….this underhanded, sneaky, way….you cut your nose to spite your face, so to speak."
Daniel now became nervous and afraid. His cocky attitude was fast disappearing. "But….but….Mr. Mason…..all I was trying to do….was...was." Daniel was sputtering and Perry held up his hand to quiet him.
"I know what you were trying to do and in one way I admire your tenacity. I understand wanting to get ahead and I'm all for it, but young man, there are ways to go about it. While 'freedom of the press' is an inalienable right, blackmail is not. In fact, blackmail is an offense…..a federal offence and you could wind up in a whole lot of trouble. What do you think your family would have to say then? I imagine they would be none too happy…and your boss…..your mentor? …..I'm sure he would be very disappointed in you. Not to mention the disgrace all of this would bring to the paper and everyone connected with it." Perry paused for a split second, then continued. "You had no right to do this and you have no right to play with people's lives, whether it's someone famous or just the guy down the block. Let me tell you something. You won't make friends or get ahead in your career with this kind of behavior. So, here's what's going to happen. You are going to very quietly give me ALL of the pictures AND negatives you took of Miss Street and myself and also any that you might have taken of Mr. and Mrs. Harris. Along with these I want ANY notes, handwritten, tape recorded or otherwise. I want them now. I am not walking out of here without them. One more thing, if you do not turn everything over to me immediately, then I suggest you get yourself a good lawyer….you're going to need it…..for the lawsuit I am going to file…..against you and your paper."
For a minute, there was silence in the cabin. Daniel realized he was now in trouble and he didn't have a leg to stand on. He also knew that Perry meant every word and if he didn't turn all of it over, his career would essentially be finished. Harrington turned away and then turned back to Perry, defeated.
"Alright, Mr. Mason. You win. I'll give you everything only…..only what do I tell my editor when I get home? How do I explain about screwing up…about losing the interview?"
"First, it's not about winning or losing. It's about doing what is morally and ethically and consciously right. I hope you learned a lesson from this. As for explaining why you didn't get the interview, that my friend is something you will have to figure out yourself. Now, I believe, you have some things that belong to me."
Perry watched as Daniel turned away again. Very quickly more photographs, negatives and notes found their way into Perry's hands. Without saying another word, the lawyer walked out of the cabin, leaving the young reporter stunned and vanquished.
Perry stood on the deck, his body leaning backwards against the railing. In his hands were the photos and negatives that he had confiscated from Daniel. His breathing and pulse rate had returned to normal and his anger was slowly fading away. Perry stared at the pictures for some time. The pictures, he had to admit to himself, were beautiful. In fact they were perfect. They were clear, bright and completely in focus. Della had never looked more beautiful. She was radiant. Her smile was brilliant and her eyes sparkled so brightly Perry swore he could see the smallest of diamond facets glistening in them. In one of the pictures, they were in Mazatlan, holding hands, just enjoying having this special time together. Even though he was still angry at Daniel, Perry was definitely impressed with his photographic skills. He had captured Della perfectly….her beauty…her sweetness….her essence. As he looked at the photographs, tears formed in Perry's eyes. Tears that spoke of the love he had for this incredible woman and tears because of the guilt he felt. Perry was heartsick. All he had wanted to do was to spend time alone with the woman he loved in a place that offered obscurity and anonymity. The cruise, with the stop in Mazatlan, he'd thought, would afford them just such an opportunity as it was an ideal vacation….paradise at its best. Everything had been perfect….until now. Perry began talking to himself. "Great job Mason, can't even take her away for a couple of weeks without something happening. I love her so much. I just want to take care of her….to spoil her and make her happy. I'm surprised no one needed a lawyer or there wasn't a murder on board. It happened before. Now wouldn't that have been something. So there was no murder but this was just as bad. I try to protect her and I can't even do that. No wonder she doesn't want to marry me. Although, I can't understand it." Perry's voice took on a slightly sarcastic edge…..unusual for him. "Gee, look at everything I can offer her… late nights that sometimes go into the next morning, running here, there and everywhere chasing down witness's that don't want to talk and clients that sometimes lie, clues that don't always pan out, blackmail, murder and mayhem, not to mention too little sleep and not enough time and to top it all off, a police lieutenant and a D.A. who just love to make our job harder. Now tell me Mason, what girl wouldn't give her eye teeth to have a job and a man in her life like that?"
"This girl." A soft voice brought the lawyer out of his pique. Perry picked up his head and looked into the spectacularly beautiful eyes of the love of his life.
Della moved closer to Perry. Placing a hand on his arm, quietly, she asked "sweetheart, what are you doing?"
Perry quickly turned away from Della, wiping his eyes as he did so. The last thing he wanted was to have her see him so upset. Always in tune to her handsome Mr. Mason and never missing a trick, Della put her hand under his chin and slowly….gently…. turned his face back to hers. Hearing Della repeat her question, Perry answered with one of his own…..a bit gruffer then he intended and for which he was immediately sorry for.
"Why are you out here, wandering around on the deck? You know how I feel about you walking around by yourself."
Della placed a hand on his chest. Her voice was low and caring. Her smile, brilliant, warm and loving. "I'm a big girl Counselor. I can take care of myself. Besides it's morning, not late at night and this is not some dark, dangerous road….and this is not about me. I was worried. So let me ask you something. Why are you out here talking to yourself, instead of back in the cabin with me? If memory serves me, I remember you telling me you wouldn't be gone too long…..and Perry…that was over an hour ago."
Perry, realizing that he had become so distracted by all of this, smiled at Della. "I'm sorry baby, forgive me. I should have come right back to you. It's just that I was so angry after speaking with Daniel, I thought it best to come out here and cool down. I guess I must have lost track of the time. Perry then looked at the pictures once more. He sighed deeply and, as he began to tear at them, Della stopped him.
"No Perry! Don't!" Hearing Della's raised voice Perry stopped in mid motion and gazed at her. Now it was she whose eyes brimmed with tears. Before he could say or do anything Della held his face between her hands and spoke softly.
"Oh Perry, I'm the one who's sorry. I need you to forgive me. After you left to find Daniel, I thought about all of this. I over reacted. No, I wasn't happy about the way the pictures were taken and some of them….most of them are pretty private but it could have been worse. I mean he could have gone back to the paper without the interview and just printed them anyway. You know how it is. Sometimes these reporters are so desperate to get information, they write stuff that's not even true. He could have taken these pictures and written a fake interview but it doesn't appear that's going to happen so at least give him some credit." Della moved in closer and put her arms around Perry's waist. Looking up at him from under long lashes, she continued. "Anyway, I looked at the pictures and all I saw was this wonderful, handsome, amazing, man who is always so strong yet so gentle and tender…. so caring and loving and who only wanted to give me a magic dream. Well let me tell you something my wonderful man, that's exactly what you did. I will never forget this. You know, maybe giving this interview wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. Then I could let everyone know about the real you…..the real Perry Mason. The Perry Mason that no one sees. Hmmmm, come to think of it, maybe I should go and find Daniel myself and…"
Della never finished. With one hand holding the pictures, Perry pulled her into him with the other. Bending down, he kissed her softly, then deeply. Breaking the kiss, but not releasing Della from his embrace, he looked at her lovingly. His voice was as soft as Della had ever heard it.
"Della...You know you're right. I think we'll keep these pictures. They'll be a permanent memory of our trip and every time I look at them, I will see the beauty and perfection that they hold…I will see only you." Gentle fingers wiped away the tears that had begun to fall on Della's face.
"Come on, let's go back to the cabin and put these away with the rest of the pictures for safe keeping. Then we can either order room service or head to the dining room. I'm not sure if they are still serving breakfast or the mid morning snacks but I am sure we can fine something that you will like…and after that…"
Perry was silenced by Della who had pressed her lips to his. When she had finished the kiss, her voice was so sultry and so seductive that Perry suddenly felt very warm…. This warmth he knew, was not caused by the rays of the morning sun.
"After that, Counselor, Della purred, "the possibilities are endless."
The sun was just beginning to set on what had been a wonderful day. Perry and Della had spent the last few days on the ship enjoying all the activities they had missed. It was the last night of the cruise. In the morning, the enormous ocean liner would dock in L.A. and the attorney and his secretary would be home. Within a few days, their life would return to normal. They would be busy in the office or in court, Perry defending a client, Della as always, by his side. They would return to their hectic, everyday life and this cruise would be a beautiful memory….an incredible memory. For now though, they would have this one last night to add to their reminiscencesof this unforgettable vacation.
Perry, looking as handsome as ever and dressed in a white dinner jacket, white shirt, black bow tie and black trousers was standing on their private balcony looking out at the sea. Waiting for Della, his thoughts drew him back to the morning of his confrontation with Daniel. While it had begun as something so unpleasant, it ended very happily indeed. Perry's talk with Daniel had, almost single handedly, given the young man a new perspective. Daniel had even sought out the couple and apologized, especially to Della for any unhappiness he may have caused. Perry smiled to himself as he thought about the pictures. The pictures he would treasure always. Without realizing it, Daniel had given him an amazing gift and for that Perry would always be greatful.
An alluring fragrance and a soft rustle made the lawyer turn around. Perry couldn't move. So struck was he by the dark haired beauty in front of him, he could neither speak or breath. Della was exquisite. She was wearing a crème and pale pink fitted ankle length dress. A tasteful slit went up one side of the dress and it had very thin straps. The diamond studs in her ears and the small, diamond heart locket around her neck, both gifts from Perry, glistened as they caught the sun's final rays. On her wrist she wore the bracelet Perry had given her at the start of the cruise. Her feet were shod in clear backless open toed sandals. The effect was breathtaking but more than that was the expression on Della's face and the look in her eyes as she gazed intently at the man standing in front of her….the man she loved more than anything else in her life. It told the story of a woman who was completely contented and deeply in love.
Perry, finally being able to breath, went to her and took her in his arms. Meeting her gaze, he looked at her with wonder as he gently brushed a wisp of windblown hair away from her face. His words were spoken in a hushed, almost reverent whisper. "Della, my God….look at you. You are always beautiful but right now, at this moment you are beyond beautiful. I…I can't even put into words how breathtaking you look and how much I love you."
Della placed her hand on Perry's chest. Her voice was soft. "I'm glad you approve Mr. Mason. I did it all for you and I must say you look quite dashing yourself this evening."
"Why, thank you Miss Street." Perry's eyes twinkled and he smiled that winning charming smile. Then, becoming somewhat serious, he asked,"you know, darling, tonight is the last night of our cruise. Are you sad to see it come to an end?"
"Della sighed deeply then smiled brilliantly at the man who held her….the man in whose arms she always felt safe, protected and loved. She answered him quietly. "I am little sad, but then again who wouldn't be. I mean I have to give all this up." Noticing the look in Perry's eye, she laughed lightly and said, "Counselor, as beyond incredible and wonderful as this vacation was, believe it or not I am glad to be going home…because that is my real life….our real life together and I wouldn't want to change it for anything else in the world….even this magical dream. So yes, I will miss being here with you but I know we can always come back someday. As long as we are together, it doesn't matter where we are. Now, why don't you take me to dinner and then I will show you how thankful I am for giving me the most thrilling time of my life."
"That, my angel would be my greatest pleasure, but first….." Perry turned Della around so she could look out onto the water. Then standing behind her, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against him. Putting his face to hers and nuzzling her ear, he whispered, "the sunset my darling, we can't miss the sunset."
As the ship sailed slowly on towards home, the lovers watched the sun set as it disappeared behind the horizon and knew that the magic and the wonder of this trip would remain with them forever….as would their love.