TCOT Missing Statue Chapter 11
This is the last chapter of my story. Again my thanks to Rachel for all her help. Thank you as well to all of you who left me such wonderful comments either here or at the group site. It is very much appreciated.
One Month Later
Perry Mason and Della Street sat in their booth at Clay's finishing breakfast. Today would be their first day back at the office since the night of the explosion. Perry and Della had met with Captain Wells the following day and had seen firsthand the damage the bomb had caused. Although they were overwhelmed at the sight, they were thankful that it had been contained mostly in Perry office. Apparently, the bomb had not been as strong as everyone first thought. The explosion knocked out the glass on the slider and destroyed his desk and the shelf and cabinet behind it. The round table and chairs were ruined as was the couch and there was dust and debris in Perry's office and Della's. Luckily that was the extent of the damage. Perry and Della had returned the next day as well to take inventory. That task accomplished, Della set about ordering a new desk for Perry along with a new unit to replace the one behind it and the other needed furniture. She also called a cleaning crew and ordered a new glass door, and a table and chairs. Ever the efficient secretary and not one to do things half way, Della also contacted painters and ordered new carpet and drapes. Perry watched this and as always was amazed at her ability to handle anything and everything with such ease and competence. She informed Perry of everything she ordered but when it came to the desk, she remained tightlipped. "That," she said was a secret. "It was going to be a surprise." Perry just smiled and nodded, letting have her way.
Perry and Della also met Lieutenant Tragg and with him, went to Jack Hunter's apartment. The manager had let them in and sure enough the missing statue was there. Perry's eyes lit up when he saw it and Della was thrilled that once again "Mr." Blackstone would be back safe and sound in his rightful place. Everything seemed to be falling into place. The renovations were moving along right on schedule and the missing money had been found in Jack's business accounts and had been transferred back into Perry's. Della appeared to be getting back to herself. At first, Perry noticed she would be fine but would stiffen or cringe if she heard a car backfire or the wail of a police or ambulance siren. Then there were the nightmares. She would awaken each time from the same dream, crying out in the night, filled with panic and dread, shaken and trembling. Perry had taken her into his arms, holding her, calming her, helping to clear away the confusion and fear brought on by the terrible dream.
Eventually Perry insisted that he and Della get away. Truthfully, after the whole situation with Hunter, he was looking forward to a brief vacation himself. More importantly, he wanted to do something for Della…..to take her some place where she could rest and relax and forget about the office, the details of the repairs and those horrible dreams. Della said it wasn't necessary and she wanted to stay in town to make sure everything was getting finished on time. Perry finally convinced her, telling her that he had spoken to Gertie and Paul and they had of course agreed to oversee the renovations until they returned.
Four days later the attorney and his secretary were on a plane bound for Bermuda. Perry had rented a private villa steps away from the beach. It was beautiful and secluded, complete with its own swimming pool. Upon seeing it, Della pronounced it heavenly, jumped up into Perry's arms and proceeded to thank him for talking her into coming. She smothered him with kisses and held on as if she didn't want to let him go. When he could finally breathe, he laughed and with Della still in his arms, carried over to the large, white plush sofa. Sitting down he cradled her in his lap and asked her if she wanted to unpack, then maybe do a little exploring. Della shook her head and with a sultry voice and eyes filled with desire told him she had something else in mind. Before Perry could say another word, Della slid off his lap, stood and taking him by the hand, led him into the bedroom. It was some time before those bags were unpacked and the couple finally toured the island.
During their two week stay in Bermuda Perry and Della spent their days outdoors, warmed by the sun and the soft Caribbean breeze. They swam in the clear cerulean ocean and their pool, lounged on and walked the pink sandy beach and explored a number of historic and tourist attractions including the Aquarium, the museum, zoo, the Botanical Gardens and the Crystal Cave….and to Della's delight and Perry's patience made time for shopping. At night after dining at one of the local restaurants, or in their villa, there was always dancing either inside the establishments or outside on terraces and pergolas under the stars. Perry spoiled Della every chance he got, whether it was with a gift or a surprise he had planned for a special day or evening.
There on the beautiful island, the couple had the chance to really relax and forget about the office and the hectic pace they led. There was no talk or reminders of the horrific event and Perry finally had his Della back mainly due to his loving and gentle care and attention. There were no photographers, no press, no prying eyes or gossip mongers. The handsome attorney and his beautiful secretary were alone in a world of their own and loving every minute.
Late one night, as they were returning from dinner a light rain began to fall. Perry tried to hurry Della along but she was in no rush. Suddenly to Perry's surprise and delight she let go of his arm and began to dance in the rain outside their villa. Perry indulged her for she was clearly enjoying herself. Then it began to rain harder. The sky opened up and it started to pour. Perry picked Della up in his arms and ran for cover. They were only fifty feet or so from their cottage so they didn't have to go far. Once inside, Perry put Della gently down and got a large, soft terry towel and robe from the bathroom. When Della was dry and bundled up in the robe, he poured them both a brandy and lit a fire. Sitting on the sofa, wrapped in the big man's embrace Della snuggled up as close as she could.
Perry rubbed her arms up and down and kissed her forehead. "Did you have a good time out there, my beauty?"
"Uh huh…..Perry, thank you"
"You're very welcome sweetheart but for what?
"For everything….for bringing me here to this beautiful paradise…..for always taking care of me….for spoiling me…for everything….especially for loving me."
"That baby, is the easiest thing in the world. I'm glad you like it here and I'm glad you're happy. That's all I want you know. I just want you to be safe and happy."
"Oh, I definitely am that Counselor." Della maneuvered herself so she could crawl up into Perry's lap. Taking his face in her hands her voice was soft. Her spectacular eyes glistened with love.
"You know, It feels like we've been together forever. I can't even remember what my life was like without you."
"Me either."Perry's eyes swept over Della. His voice held amazement and love. "Look at you, look how beautiful you are….my sweet beautiful girl. Perry's large hand rested on Della's face. He caressed it lightly with his thumb, his fingers softly rubbing under her ear and neck. As his thumb brushed over her lips Della kissed the pad and gave him a look that smoldered with desire, silently conveying her needs. Perry bent down and kissed her softly, then passionately leaving her weak and dizzy. Breaking away, he whispered, "come with me angel, let's make some more magic."
Della put her arms around Perry's neck and he stood up from the sofa while still holding her. Without saying a word, he carried her into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed all the while kissing and caressing her. Outside as the rain continued in the cool of the night, inside sounds of intense pleasure could be heard and the heat was not coming from the fireplace alone
As they were finishing their breakfast, Clay stopped by their booth to chat with them. The restaurateur shook the attorney's hand and gave the secretary a kiss on the cheek. He told them how happy he was to have them back and let them know that breakfast was on the house. The couple thanked him, said they would see him later and made their way out of the eatery and to the elevators. The car was packed with others who were about to start their work day so Della and Perry only had a minimal conversation speaking in low tones. When the elevator stopped on the 9th floor, the duo exited and walked down the hallway to Perry's office. The lawyer had requested his staff come into work an hour later than their usual time. Perry wanted he and Della to have some time alone in the office before they were bombarded by the staff, Paul and the start of what promised to be a very busy day. Also, knowing Della as he did, he thought she might be somewhat emotional and wanted to give her time to gather herself. When they arrived at his office Perry removed his keys from his pocket and opened the door. Before allowing Della to enter, he looked around to see if anyone else was in the hallway. Not seeing another person, Perry gently put his hand on Della's arm. With a twinkle in his eye and a wide smile he looked at Della and spoke softly.
"You can't go in yet Miss Street. There's something I have to do."
"And that would be?"
Without speaking, Perry pushed the door open a little further. Suddenly Della found herself in his arms and being carried into the reception area.
"Perry Mason! What are you doing? I know you have finally lost your mind. Now put me down. Someone could walk in here at any moment. What would you say then?"
"I would tell them that this is the first time in weeks that we are back to work and I thought you deserved this. I would also tell them that I am practicing carrying you over the threshold so someday when I ask you to marry me I will have this down pat."
For the first time that he could remember, Della had no answer. Eventually she said quietly, "I think you won't need any practice Counselor and as for marrying you…well, let's talk about that another time. Right now, could you please allow me to be vertical because I have something I want to show you."
Almost reluctantly, Mason put Della down and tugged her to him. "Alright my love, you're back on solid footing. What is it that you want me to see?"
Taking Perry by the hand, Della led him to the door of his office. In a teasing voice she said, "you have to close your eyes and let me guide you."
"Alright Miss Street, I guess I am at your mercy. Lead the way." Perry closed his eyes and walked the few yards with Della. She stood him in the middle of the office and said, "you can open your eyes now."
The attorney did as he was instructed and a smile of delight and surprise crossed his face. His office had been completely redone and although he had left the ordering of everything to his secretary, he had not seen the colors or fabrics she had chosen. The room was completely different but reflected Mason's personality and position. The walls were a soft beige, the carpeting a dark brown, plush but not overly so. The long sofa had been covered in a solid lighter brown suede and another glass table and leather chairs as well as the large comfortable client chair had been replaced. A new sliding glass door had of course bee installed and the drapes that hung from the brass rod were a weave that blended together all the colors in the room. The cabinet had also been replaced but it was the desk that grabbed Perry's attention the most. It was almost a replica of the one that had been destroyed but this one held a slightly darker richer tone. Della had made sure to have the top finished with a clear coating, Not only did it give the desk a smoother look, it would serve as protection from food and drink spills.
Perry took in everything around him, then turned to Della and looked deeply into her eyes.
"Della…..It all looks wonderful…Everything is perfect….just perfect. The whole room….especially the desk…and the statue."
Della gave her attorney a brilliant smile, pleased that he was so happy. "You know Counselor, it's very hard to surprise you….to keep anything from you."
He put his arms around her and pulled her close to him. "You, my love are something else." He turned and looked at the desk then turned his attention back to the woman in his arms. Hi grinned that boyish grin and his eyes were full of the devil. "You know, Miss Street, when you buy something new, it's always a good idea to try it out. As I look around this room, it's safe to say that there are at least two things I think we should try out. We probably could make very good use of them. What do you think?"
Della looked up into her employer's mesmerizing blue eyes. Her voice held its professional tone but there was a mischievous look in her gorgeous brown eyes. "I think counselor, that we have an extremely busy day ahead of us. It may, however, take longer than just eight hours to get everything accomplished so we just might have to stay here longer this evening. Would that be amenable to you?"
"Whatever you think is best. After all I always leave the scheduling to you."
"Alright then, if you would excuse me, I believe I hear Gertie in the reception area. I need to go see her and pick up our messages and mail. Do you think you'll be alright in here by yourself for a little while?"
Perry sighed deeply. "I suppose so. As long as you don't go too far away for too long."
Della's voice was low and she caressed Perry's cheek. "I'll always be where you can find me….always. What about you?"
The attorney nestled his secretary's chin in the palm of his hand and left a soft kiss on her lips. "I'll always be where you can find me too….always"
As Della opened the door to her own office, she glanced back over her shoulder one more time. Their eyes met across the room. He smiled at her, his eyes communicating everything he felt. She knew that even in good times and bad they would get through anything and everything together. In the coming years they would celebrate the highest highs and endure the lowest lows and their love would remain strong…always.