The morning sun peeked through the hospital room that was colored with pale blue walls and settled its warm rays on the woman lying in the bed. Della was sleeping peacefully after the previous day and its horrifying events. Perry, although tired, felt much better. The day before had been the worst of his life and his mind went back to sitting alone in that empty lounge and waiting for news about Della. He had blamed himself of course…it was his fault that his best friend and the woman he loved more than life itself, were in this place. He argued with himself…They shouldn't be here. Paul should be in his office…or running around on a case… or with some of the guys playing poker… or out with his latest girlfriend….and Della…she should have been sitting in her office doing what she did best…typing…fixing his mistakes that he made on a contract or brief and then teasing him about it…answering the phone with her warm, caring voice…that voice that made him smile when he was in a good mood and soothed him when he was tired or troubled… keeping him together. That's what she did best. A smile had come across his face as he thought about how she was so perfect…perfect in every way. He loved when she would walk into his office, carrying a tray with two cups of coffee, sometimes with food, sometimes not. She would put the tray down and then quietly walk around to where he was seated behind his desk and gently and lightly put her hand on his arm. He would look up at her then…into those spectacularly beautiful eyes with that brilliant smile…and at that moment, with that look and that smile, everything Perry needed to know about her feelings for him were said. Yes, that's where the two of them should be, Perry thought, just doing plain, everyday things, not lying in a hospital bed or down the hall in an operating room. Perry thought again to how he had wanted to take Della home, the day before, and even again that morning…that morning that now seemed like a lifetime ago. He had wanted to take her home or away…away from the craziness, away from that lunatic…away from everything and everyone. He laughed to himself thinking of how Della wouldn't let him. That strong, stubborn, independent part of her had come through and even though staying at the office went against his better judgment, he had given in to her. She had said that as long as he was right there with her, she would be okay. She hadn't wanted to give in to the blackmailer and she knew that Perry would take care of everything just like he always did. "Well Perry," he had said to himself, with a bit of sarcasm, "you sure did a hell of a good job keeping her safe didn't you? Yeah, you really screwed it up this time."
Perry was about to continue beating himself up when Dr. Weber had come to tell him about Della. Now Perry was sitting on the bed, holding her in his arms. After he had gotten Della back to sleep, he continued thinking about her last words before the fatigue and the medicines had overcome her. "We should get married." It was all he had ever wanted. More than he had ever wanted. Did she mean it? Did she even know what she was saying? She had seemed so disoriented and she had refused him so many times before. He wasn't sure what to do about it. Should he say something? Let her bring it up? Maybe it was just an incoherent thought? But then wasn't there a little truth in every thought? He decided it was probably best to wait and see if she even remembered her desires. If not, once she was stronger, he would bring it up… yet again. He remembered the last time he had mentioned marriage and the doozie of an argument that had followed. She'd asked him to see her side of things, to see that it just wouldn't work. Had she changed her mind? Did it take this, her almost dying, to see what they might be missing out on? His head went round and round much like it did while he was trying to solve the most complicated of murders, but this time he wanted to pinpoint an exact answer.
Finally, the fatigue and the delayed reaction caught up with him and he succumbed to a rather fitful sleep, unlike the deep sleep that had taken Della earlier. He had slept with Della in his arms all night, holding her as he promised he would. A few times, Suzanne had quietly come into the room to check on her. Once, when she had come in, she saw that Perry was awake. Smiling, she asked him if he needed anything, whispering so as not to disturb her patient. Perry returned the smile and shook his head no. Suzanne turned and was about to leave when she stopped. Turning around, she walked back to him and said in a very quiet voice, "Perry, please forgive me for being so forward but I feel that I have to say something." Perry nodded for her to go on. Suzanne smiled and said sweetly, "I hope this doesn't embarrass you too much but I have to tell you that you and Della are the talk of the hospital and I mean that only in the nicest way. Everyone is just so taken with the two of you and your feelings for each other. The way you treat Della, the way you care for her…it's so wonderful. You know we always say that the biggest part of a patient's recovery is having their loved ones around them. We get to know our patients and we might know how to care for them medically but it's always so much better when they have family with them. We, all of us, can tell what you mean to each other. We see how she responds to you and believe me that will speed her recovery faster than anything." Suzanne then asked, "Do you want me to help move her back a little so you can have the other bed to yourself? You might be more comfortable." Perry shook his head no. He smiled at Suzanne and although, not completely comfortable with the compliment she had just paid, whispered, "Thank you for saying that. It's very nice to hear and I'm sure Della will feel the same way. Now, in answer to your question, thank you but no. I'm fine. I promised Della I would hold her all night and after everything she went through today, I intend to keep that promise. As long as it's okay for me to do this without going against any of the Doctor's orders, I am not letting go of her." Suzanne smiled, shook her head no and said softly, "You're fine Perry and so is Della….and between you and me, I don't think she's sleeping so deeply and peacefully because of the sedation." She then winked at him, turned and left. Perry looked down at Della and left a soft kiss on her lips. He then closed his eyes and had slept till the sun had come into the room bringing with it a new day and, Perry hoped, a happier, more peaceful one for all three of them.
Even before Della opened her eyes she could feel Perry next to her, his warmth and his arms offering her love and a safe peaceful sanctuary in the middle of her present fearful and confused world. In the few weeks since the whole blackmail mess had started, Della was at a loss for its reason. Even being as bright and intuitive as she was, she couldn't figure it out. Although she had completely put herself in Perry's loving and capable hands as always and was relieved that she had finally confessed the truth, she still was baffled as to why anyone would want to hurt him. Della knew that the best and easiest way to do that was of course to do it by threatening her…using her as leverage. Della also knew that Perry blamed himself for everything…for the phone calls…the notes…for the threats against her…for all of it. More worrisome to Della was the fact that she knew that Perry blamed himself for the attack on both her and Paul no matter how wrong that was. She realized that only she could take away that blame…let him know that none of this was his fault…that he had been so understanding and considerate …and loving. Yes, Miss Street would let her wonderful, kind, caring, considerate, loving Mr. Mason know exactly how she felt and she would start right that very minute….as soon as she could shake off the fuzziness she still felt from all the sedation. "Mmmmm…" Della moaned and stirred a little, moving in closer to Perry. As she became more awake and began to shake off the fuzzy feeling, she felt Perry's lips on her forehead, her eyelids and finally her lips. Then she felt his hands lightly rub her arms up and down and gently reach under her hospital gown and rub her back in small soothing circles. She finally blinked her eyes open, looked up at Perry and gave him the brightest smile she could manage. She brought her hand out from under the blanket and as she tenderly reached up and touched his face, she said softly, "Good morning, Counselor, what a wonderful way to wake up."
Perry looked down at her and smiled. At that moment, he had never seen such a beautiful sight. As he brushed the soft, silken curls away from her face, where they had fallen while she had slept, he gazed deeply into her eyes and said lovingly, "Good morning to you too, my beauty. How did you sleep?"
"Della covered her mouth to stifle a yawn and with her voice still groggy, said, "I slept wonderfully Mr. Mason and it's all because of you." Then she looked at Perry very intently and said, "Thank you, Perry. Thank you for taking such good care of me…even when that awful man…even when he stabbed me. You were so wonderful. You stayed with me all the time. I knew you've been here the whole time. Even in the operating room the doctors and nurses told me that I would see you soon. They would go and get you right after. I…I don't remember much. They gave me so much medicine. It made me so sleepy and …and all I wanted to do was get off that table and go find you. I didn't want you to worry. I wanted to let you see that I was okay. Then right before, when the Doctor said he was going to give me the stuff that puts you to sleep, I told them to get you…because you're the only one that…" Della didn't finish. Perry bent down, and left a soft, loving kiss on her lips. When he pulled away, Della noticed tears in his eyes although he was trying his best not to let her see how emotional he was. His voice was a little shaky as he said, "I know baby. Right after your operation was over Dr Weber came to find me. He told me that everything was fine…that you would be fine. I never heard anything more beautiful in my life than those words…except of course, when you tell me that you love me." Perry kissed the top of Della's head, gave her the smile he saved for only her, and then continued. "He told me then everything you said before you went to sleep. He couldn't believe you still had that much fight in you." Della then tried to raise herself up on her side, but didn't have enough energy to do it so she just put her hand on his chest and said seriously, "Perry, I want to say something to you and I want you to listen…really listen and I want you to promise that you'll let me finish. Promise?" Recognizing the tone of her voice and the look in her eyes, Perry just nodded and waited for her to continue. But he couldn't help but hope that she would bring up their marriage. Although Della's voice was soft, her tone was firm and clear. She looked at Perry and said, "I know you Perry Mason and I know that right now you are blaming yourself for what happened …for what happened to Paul and to me. This…none of this is your fault. Someone is trying to hurt you…to get back at you and they're doing it by using me. They're doing a great job, I will say that, but you are doing everything that's humanly possible…everything in your power to take care of me and to keep me safe. As…as bad as yesterday was, I know things could have been a lot worse if you hadn't been there. You're always there and I know you and Paul and everyone else will find out who's doing this soon. I just have this feeling that everything will turn out alright. After all, isn't that what you've been telling me?" Della then moved closer to Perry and put her arms around his waist. Holding onto him as if she would never let go, she said "you know counselor, I might not be able to remember everything that happened yesterday and it certainly wasn't the best day I've had but I survived…and I survived because I had you. The doctors and nurses and everyone…they're wonderful but you…you're the reason I'm fine….the reason I'm going to be alright. I love you so much sweetheart, I would be lost without you. Please Perry; please tell me that you know that you're not to blame…that you know that this was just because of some crazy person who's bent on revenge." Della stopped and looked up at Perry. She was exhausted but it was important that she make her point….that Perry knew that he was not to blame for any of this and that as long as they were together, they could get through anything. Perry was about to say something but one look at Della and he knew she had more to say. He sat on the bed with her in his arms and waited for her to go on. After a moment, gathering more energy, she was ready to continue. "Perry, you are everything I need…all that I need. Do you know that as much as I love working with you, my favorite time is when we're all finished for the day and we have dinner, whether it's out or at home. Then the very best part is when I get to cuddle up in your arms and when you touch me or kiss me, nothing else matters. That's when I know that everything is perfect. I will never need anything or anyone else. When we finally go to sleep, I feel so safe and so peaceful. It feels like we're the only two people in the world and when you put me to sleep, when the last thing I hear at night is your voice and the last thing I feel is your touch, I know that no matter what else happens I have you…we have each other. That's what I had to tell you. I love you Perry and I will never ever love anyone else as long as I live. You do believe me don't you? Please tell me that you believe me. " She also remembered something else that was said last night, but lying in a hospital bed together wasn't exactly her dream scenario for discussing the rest of their lives. So she decided to hold on to that tidbit… for now.
Perry looked down at Della and shook his head in awe. He was overwhelmed with wonder and love for her, realizing once again what she meant to him. Perry realized that Della probably didn't remember her desire to marry him from last night, but right now that didn't matter. Gently taking her face in his hands, he said very softly. "I love you Della Street. You are everything to me too, everything I could ever want or need and there is not a day that passes that I don't thank God for sending you to me." Perry's eyes darkened with desire. He bent down and with his voice taking on a husky tone said, "So yes, yes my love I believe you." Then, wiping the tears that had started to fall on her face, he leaned over and kissed her softly and tenderly. As carefully as he could, he drew her into his embrace and softly asked, "Now that I listened to you, will you listen to me?" Della nodded her head still on Perry's chest. Stroking her hair he asked quietly, "You know Darling, you still have some thinking to do…about my granting your wishes. I hope you haven't forgotten. So do you think now that you can sleep a little for me, hmmm? Then later we'll call Paul's room and see how he's doing. I know he wants to see you. And, oh yes, Burger and Tragg will probably pay you a visit. They said it was going to be personal and I said it would be alright." Della raised her head from Perry's chest and looked up at him and said softly, "That would be fine…very nice." Then she said, "I think I will make you happy counselor and try to rest if you would just…" Della didn't have a chance to finish. Perry put his finger on her lips and knowing what she wanted said, "Yes, my sweet baby." Della lay back down in Perry's arms and as she felt his loving touch and heard his voice…that wonderful, rich, soothing voice she closed her eyes and fell asleep, content and peaceful and dreaming of wishes coming true.
Paul Drake slowly and carefully sat down in the wheel chair and with his usual charmingly boyish grin, looked up at his nurse. The name tag on her crisp, clean white uniform said Marjorie Grant…R.N. Marjorie was young and beautiful and although she had only been a nurse for a few years, she was one of the best that Cedars had to offer. Graduating at the top of her class, she had all the qualities that make a nurse so special. She was intelligent, caring, compassionate and very dedicated to her patients. When Paul thought of her, he was very much reminded of Della. She shared the same complexion, the same mannerisms, and the same tough independent way she went about her duties, taking no complaints from her patients…but at the same time, taking wonderful care of them. As Marjorie wheeled him to the elevator which would take him up to see Della, his thoughts went back to the day before and how happy and pleased he had been to know the nightmare that Della was going through would very shortly be coming to an end. Earlier that morning, he had called Della's room. Perry had answered and spoke to him in a whispered tone. Knowing Della was sleeping and not wanting to disturb either one of them, Paul had kept the conversation brief, telling Perry he would see them later. Reaching Della's room, Marjorie stopped just outside. Cheerfully she said, "Alright Mr. Drake, here we are. Have a very nice visit with your friends and when you're ready to go back to your room, just have the floor nurse call the nurse's station downstairs and I'll come and get you." She smiled at him warmly and Paul returned the smile. "Thank you, Marjorie," he said excitedly. "I will do just that, yes ma'am, I have a feeling we will have a very interesting visit…a great visit indeed." With that, Paul knocked on the door in his coded way, gave the officer stationed outside Della's door a congenial nod and went in to see his friends.
Upon entering Della's room, Paul eyes took in a sight of happy relief. Della was sitting up in bed, wrapped in Perry's arms. The smiles they had on their faces and the looks that they gave each other, answered any of Paul's questions as to how they were feeling. As soon as she saw him, Della began to cry. Paul wheeled his chair over to her bedside and put his hand on her arm. Quietly he said, "Its okay, Beautiful. I'm okay…see? Never better. You know it would take a hell of a lot more than some little stabbing to put a stop to me. Besides," he said in a teasing manor, "I always wanted to learn more about…uh…the medical profession."
"Oh Paul," Della said between her sobs, "I'm…I'm just so…so glad to see you…You don't know…know how glad." Perry, reaching over and putting his hand on his friend's shoulder echoed Della's words when he said, "That's right Paul. We're just relieved that you're doing alright. It was pretty crazy there for a while and I can say now, that I was really worried…about both of you." Perry stopped for a moment to get a hold of his emotions and Paul, recognizing how hard this was for his friend put his hand up. In an effort to lighten the moment he said, "Hey, you know we've been in tougher spots than this before…the difference was that I was the one that always had to go in and rescue you." Hearing that the trio dissolved into laughter. Paul winked at Della and Perry very gently pulled her into him, giving her a soft kiss on her forehead. Then both men looked at Della and Paul asked, "You alright now, Beautiful?" Della gave Perry and Paul the answer they wanted when she took a breath, sighed contentedly and flashed them her brilliant smile.
Paul then grew quiet and looked at Perry and Della with a serious expression on his face and said firmly but quietly, "Listen guys, I know you're anxious to hear what my men uncovered while they were in Colorado, so if you're ready to hear it, I'm ready to tell you." For a moment, Perry felt Della stiffen. He looked down at her and gently caressing her face with his hand, asked softly, "Are you alright sweetheart? Do you want Paul and me to go down to the lounge so you don't have to hear any of this? Maybe that would be better and you could just rest."
Della moved closer to Perry. Taking his hand in hers she looked up at him and said, "Nothing doing, Counselor. I want to hear what Mr. Drake has to say as much as you do. We're in this together, remember?" Her voice then became softer as she said, "I'm fine Perry, really. As long as you're with me I'm fine." Perry smiled at her and gave her a quick, light kiss on the cheek. Looking anxiously at Paul he said, "Ok Paul, you heard my girl. Go ahead, shoot…what information do you have for us?"
Paul took a deep breath and began to relay to Perry and Della the unbelievable information he had discovered. "Okay, Perry, here's the whole story. You already know about Bill Emory's brother and how the trail got cold in Colorado Springs. Well my men did a lot more checking into this guy's life. It seems that just before he left Colorado Springs, he received a phone call…from Denver. Someone, a guy who's a big deal there made him an offer. He wanted him to come and work with him…be a partner so to speak in his business ventures, one of them being a hotel. What he didn't tell him was that the hotel was a front for gambling and money laundering. Apparently, Emory thought this would be a great offer. He's already in trouble with some of the local guys and if he can get "out of Dodge" and make some big money at the same time, then all the better. So he packs up and heads to Denver and goes to work for this man. His name is Harris…Jack Harris. This Harris fellow is a big deal in Denver…a really big deal but he is as crooked as the day is long. He has a lot of people under his influence, some started with him, some got involved with him later…and, according to what my men found out, not one of them is any better than their boss. Anyway, Emory moves to Denver, becomes a partner with this guy and settles in. One night, this couple walks in to the hotel and goes into the dining room for dinner. They stay there for a couple of hours and then go to the other end of the building. Turns out there was gambling going on…and I don't mean chump change. It was big money. The topper of it all was that there were a lot of well known people there…politicians, local officials. You name them, they were there and it seems that it wasn't their first time at bat if you get my drift. Well, our couple stay into the wee hours of the morning and the more that Emory thinks about it, the more convinced he is that he knows who the woman is. He wasn't sure about the man though. Later it comes out that the man is a big time lawyer with his eye on the prize…the whole prize if you know what I mean. A few days later, there's this big article in the Denver Post about him. And about his date. Turns out she has political aspirations herself. Anyway, a couple of months pass and sure enough our boy Emory gets himself in a little trouble. He needs a lawyer and one of his cronies gave him the name of a big law firm right there in Denver…very upscale and very high price. So Emory goes to this law firm and lo and behold, he sees the same guy that was at the hotel. The big shot lawyer recognizes him too and they start to "talk" Emory tells him his woes and the lawyer says he can't represent him because, guess who is one of his clients? It's none other than Harris himself. However, the lawyer tells him, he has the perfect attorney for him….the woman he was with the night they were at the hotel. So, now everything falls into place. Emory is in trouble. The lady lawyer takes his case. She gets him off, everybody is happy. Emory tells her she is welcome at the hotel any time. Then wouldn't you know it, the lady lawyer starts gambling herself. This goes on for some time and she gets herself into really hot water. She owes big and I mean big…over 100 grand….and here's the kicker…while she's playing the tables at night, she's running for a local political spot during the day." Paul stopped, took a deep breath and gave Perry a strange look who, by this time, had a strange look on his face himself and he suddenly had a sickening feeling in his gut. Although Della hadn't moved from Perry's arms, she too looked funny and her face was again starting to lose color. Perry nodded at Paul to continue and the detective again exhaled deeply in an effort to prepare himself for what he had to tell them next. Paul knew the outcome would be distressing to them both…nevertheless he also knew that they both would accept nothing less than the truth no matter how hurtful it would be to hear. He went on with more of the story. Looking at Perry and Della, he began speaking again. "Alright, here's the rest of it. The lady lawyer, not wanting to air her dirty laundry in public and not wanting anything or anyone to spoil her plans, calls on her new found friend…yep…you guessed it… Frank Emory. She goes to him and tells him her problem and together they make a plan…a plan to get the money…and get back at the two of you for…" Paul stopped again. He couldn't finish but he didn't have to. One look at Perry and Della's faces told him that they knew the ending…they now knew who the person was who was calling all the shots and who had set up the plan right from the beginning. The one person who was vengeful and deceitful enough to want to inflict physical and emotional pain on them. The one person, who was supposed to be out of their lives for good, but was so full of anger and revenge and unhappiness that the only way to be vindicated was to harm them.
Perry took Della's hand in his, brought it up to his lips. As he tenderly kissed it, he gazed into her eyes with a look that let her know everything would be alright. He then looked at Paul and asked quizzically, "How did Winston get to be part of this scheme?" Paul looked at Perry and Della, then, continued his explanation. "It would seem that right around the time that you were called to testify, everything was about to come crashing down around her. She begged Harris to give her a few more weeks…said she could get the money but the person she was getting it from was out of town and couldn't be reached. Since Harris was a client in the firm and since his lawyer vouched for her, he let her slide…but he told her it that was all the time he could give her…his partners were getting impatient. Emory then comes into town and goes to see his brother who's now very happy to help because he wants to get back at you. He gives him Winston's name and address and phone number. Frank contacts him and as they say, the rest is history." Paul stopped and for a moment, looked down at the floor. Then he raised his eyes and looking at Perry asked, "What are you going to do now Perry? How do you want to handle this?"
Although Perry was seething inside, he kept his voice even as he asked, "Where are they now Paul?"
"Emory is in Denver. I already spoke to the Lieutenant and Burger. He called the Denver police and they are just waiting for you or me to call them back. My men are still there. I wanted them to stay until our boy was arrested. They also are going to give them the whole report so Harris and his entire operation get shut down for good."
Perry didn't want to ask the next question but he had to know. He had to know for Della's sake and his own. His voice was quiet but very controlled as he started to ask, "…and?" Paul raised his hand to stop him. Speaking quietly himself, he said, "She's here Perry, she's been here for almost a week. Winston wasn't getting results fast enough so she flew in to…" Paul stopped momentarily. Then pulling himself together, he continued. "According to Winston, she wasn't satisfied. He was moving too slow for her. She wanted everything over and done with and she wanted it done …yesterday. That's …That's why it all happened like it did. She figured if I was out of commission, I wouldn't be able to help you and if Della was…well she figured you would be in bad shape and she could move right in and the rest would just fall into place. I'm sorry…I'm really sorry. I know this is not what you were expecting to hear. Tragg and Burger are at her hotel. They should be taking her downtown as we speak. I don't know what's going to happen, but I would sure like to be a fly on that wall when she's trying to explain everything to them."
For a few minutes, there was silence in the room. Then Perry, giving Paul a pat on the back and a handshake said, "Thanks Paul…for everything. You, my friend, were wonderful as usual. Tell your men they did a great job, I'm…We're very grateful Listen, why don't you go back to your
room and rest. I want to talk to Della and then I have something I have to do."
Picking up on Perry's unspoken signal, the detective said, "Yeah, I am a bit tired. I think I'll just wheel myself down the hall to the nurse's station. Marjorie told me to have them call her and she would come and get me. I guess I'll have to play by the rules while I'm in here. I mean I wouldn't want to get the nurses in trouble…uh…especially that Marjorie. She's really something. Did you know she finished at the top of her class and she's uh…pretty cute?" Paul blushed a bit. Despite the circumstances Perry let out a small laugh. Paul Drake never blushed. He must have got bitten and bitten good. "Well I'd better get going. Perry, I'll see you later. Bye, Beautiful, you get some sleep, okay? And don't worry. We're almost at the end of the road here. Just a little longer and it will be smooth sailing." He winked at Della and blew her a kiss. Turning his chair around, his eyes met Perry's and a look of understanding passed between them. Then with a wave of his hand and that trademark smile, Paul wheeled himself out of Della's door leaving her and Perry alone.
As soon as the door shut behind Paul, Perry turned his attention to Della. Her face was still a little pale and she looked as though she was deep in thought. Gently, Perry put his finger under her chin and turned her face to his. Looking deeply into her eyes, he caressed her face as he said
softly, "Della, I don't want to leave you but I have to go and see…"
With tears pooling in her eyes, Della put a finger on Perry's lips and said "Shhhh, It's alright Perry. I'm fine. Yes, you do have to go. You have to go and see her…and settle this. I want to go with you but I don't think that Dr. Weber would discharge me this soon."
As carefully as he could, Perry pulled Della closer into him. Putting his face next to hers, he said quietly, "Darling, even if the Doctor would release you there is no way I would take you with me."
Della looked up at Perry and said, quietly but firmly, "The only reason that I won't fight you over this is because I don't think I have the energy to leave this bed…but Perry, I want this over. We've been through enough…I put you through enough and now it looks like this is finally about to end." Della stopped and took a deep breath. Then she continued, "Oh and there's one more thing. I don't care what Mr. Burger and the courts do but I'm not pressing charges." Perry pulled back and looked at her almost in shock. He started to speak but the look she gave him kept him from saying anything. Della then said, "I know you don't agree with me but that's the way I want it." She put her head on Perry's shoulder and sighed deeply. She turned her face into his broad chest and spoke in such a barely audible tone that Perry could hardly hear her. "Perry, I love you so much. We're so lucky to have each other and now that this nightmare is over, I want to our lives to get back to normal. You were the one that said everything would be alright and it is. We have everything and she…well, just let the courts deal with her, please?"
Perry once again brought Della's face up to his. With his voice soft and loving, and his touch tender and gentle, he said, "Della Street, you are the most loving, caring, understanding woman in the entire world. Then he bent over and leaving soft tiny kisses on her lips, he said between each kiss…and the sweetest …and the most beautiful…and the most amazing …and I love you more than life itself." He pulled away, looked at Della and said, "Alright my sweet baby, after everything you've gone through…everything she's put you through I think you should press charges but we'll do it your way. Now, why don't you close your eyes and rest? I'll stay with you until you fall asleep. Then I'll be back as soon as I can, alright?"
"Uh huh" said Della. She was beginning to get sleepy again and she lay back in Perry's arms. He made sure she was covered and left a gentle kiss on her lips. Della closed her eyes and in a few minutes, listening to Perry's voice and feeling his touch, fell sound asleep.
The woman sat in one of the small interrogation rooms of the L.A.P.D. normally impeccably dressed, down to every last detail; she looked completely different from earlier in the day. Now her hair was disheveled, her makeup smeared from her tears and her clothes no longer perfectly put together. She had been sitting there for some time, just how long she didn't know. She was waiting for her attorney, a public defender. When Lieutenant Tragg and Hamilton Burger had brought her in, she had told them she didn't want anyone she knew representing her. There was a knock at the door and Perry entered. Her face paled and her body shook as she came face to face with him. She put her head down to avoid looking directly at him. For a moment that seemed an eternity, there was silence in the room. Then she heard Perry's voice….that voice which was once so loving and caring toward her now sounded cold and distant. "Hello, Laura."
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice just a whisper.
"You're attorney will be in shortly to see you. I am just going to ask you one question and I want the truth. Why…why did you do this to Della? What possessed you to do something like this? She never did anything to you. Why did you want to hurt her?" At hearing Della's name Laura Worthington Tredwell looked at Perry Mason with contempt. Finding her voice again, she answered him in that clipped, British finishing school way he had long forgotten, but was so distinctly hers. "Why do you think? You left me for her. You didn't want to go to Denver with me…didn't want to marry me…didn't want to have a life with me. Didn't want to go any further in your career. No you wanted to stay right here…in L.A. Where it was safe…easy …and you wanted to stay with HER! God Perry, I could never figure that out. She had to work for everything she has. Her background is just so…so plain. I offered you so much more…I could have done so much more than she could ever do for you. Why? Why did you choose her over me?"
Perry looked at Laura as though he was seeing her for the first time. When she had left for Denver years before, he knew she had been terribly hurt and upset but never in a million year had he ever thought that she could have become so mean and hurtful…so revengeful. He was angry now…angry at what she had put Della through. He took a deep breath in order to calm himself. When he began to speak, it was as if he were speaking to a stranger. Keeping his voice calm and even he said, "Laura, you're right when you say that I didn't want to go to Denver and play games in the political arena. You're right when you say that I wanted to stay here. You're wrong though about my staying here because it's safe and easy. I'm here because this is exactly where I want to be. My home is here, my career is here and most importantly Della is here. You're also wrong when you say that Della is so plain. She may have not had the same educational opportunities that you were given but I think that was by choice. She could have been anything that she wanted to be. She's very bright and she would be very successful in whatever she chose. I'm just very lucky that she chose to go to business school She runs my office so efficiently that sometimes I wonder if I even need to be there and I would be lost without her. The luckiest day in my life was the day that she became my secretary. As for being in my life personally…she is my life…she's my heart and my world and I would be lost without her there as well. You seem to forget that Della was just my secretary and nothing more when you left. Our relationship didn't change until well after you left." Perry's voice then became softer as he said, "As for her "plain" background, Della has more class and beauty in her little finger than you have in your whole body. She's brilliant and beautiful and sweet and loving. She's also down to earth, loyal and honest, qualities that I'm afraid you sorely lack and will never have. Why she chose to fall in love with me still amazes me but it's something I am eternally grateful for. She is the most important and the most precious thing in my life. I treasure her and love her beyond words and I thank God every day for her." Perry stopped for a moment, and then continued. "I don't think you realize or even care but when you hurt Della you hurt me as well. I don't care about me but Della didn't deserve this. One day she may be able to forgive you…that will be entirely up to her…but I…I will never forgive you."
Laura looked at Perry with tears in her eyes. The smug, self assured attitude that had come across when Perry first came into the room was gone. She seemed smaller somehow. Her posture and bearing was not as regal as it usually was. She looked at Perry and in a low voice asked, "Perry what do you think will happen to me now?"
Perry walked over and sat down across the table. Laura started to reach out to him but realization came over her and she stopped. She sat silently; waiting for Perry's answer Perry looked at Laura and said in a very controlled voice. "Laura, you know the law. You're lucky in one respect. Della is not pressing charges and she's convinced me not to pursue this. It goes against my better judgment but that's the way she wants it and so, because I'll do anything to make her happy and because I love her, we'll do it her way. But know this, I…we… never want to see or hear from you again. What the courts do will be up to Burger and the judge. They care for Della and respect her so her request may carry some weight. I really don't know and further more I don't care." With that, Perry got up from the table and without giving Laura another look or another thought, turned, and walked out of the room
Perry Mason walked into Della Streets hospital room and as quietly as he could, shut the door behind him. Tiptoeing across the room, he first lowered the shade a bit to block out the strong afternoon glare. Then he put the vase with the bouquet of pink and red roses and the small package on the table beside the bed…Very quietly, he sat down beside Della and just looked at her. Gently he brushed some hair away from her face then bending down, and as tenderly and as softly as he could, he left a sweet kiss on her lips. He continued to watch her for some time, relieved that this craziness…this horrible nightmare was finally and completely over. Very gently he took her hand in his and smiled down at her. Della opened her eyes and looked up at Perry. Smiling, she said softly, "Hello, Counselor, I'm glad you're back and by the way, that kiss was very nice." Perry looked down at Della. Raising an eyebrow and smiling, he said quietly, I thought you were sleeping baby."
"I was," said Della, tenderly putting her hand on Perry's face. "I told you, even when I'm sleeping, I know you're here and I can feel your touch and that makes everything perfect. Now, tell me, how did everything go? Did you see her? Did you talk to her? Did she tell you why…why she did this? Did she tell you everything?" Della stopped for a minute. She looked at Perry with concern as she asked him, "Are you alright?"
Laughing, Perry looked at Della and said teasingly, "You know Miss Street, I'm glad we're on the same side." I would hate to be a witness that would have to answer to you. " Perry then put his finger to Della's lips and said, "Come to think of it, Hamilton did tell me he was looking for a new assistant D.A."
"Very funny counselor," Della said smiling. Then, she put her hand on Perry's arm and looked up at him, her eyes filled with love and gratitude. Her voice became more serious as she said quietly, "Perry, you don't have to tell me anything. I know how hard this must have been for you. I just want to know one thing, are you alright?
As gently as he could, Perry brought Della up into his embrace. Caressing her face with his hand, he looked deep into her eyes. With his voice almost in a whisper, he said, "Yes, I saw Laura and yes I talked to her. She told me everything and it was pretty much what Paul told us. Even though she explained it all to me I still don't know what possessed her to do this , but now that it's over and now that you're alright, I really don't care. I told her how much you mean to me and that I would be lost without you…and I told her how wonderful and beautiful you are and that I am so absolutely, madly in love with you that sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. If she didn't know it before, I'm pretty sure she knows it now. I told her that you and that magnanimous heart of yours wouldn't be pressing charges. I also told her that it went against my better judgment, but because I love you, I'll let it go She knows now that I'll never forgive her and that we never want to see or hear from her again. Now, my beautiful girl, can we please just forget about this whole business and concentrate on what's really important?"
With tears glistening in her eyes, Della looked at Perry and said in a barely audible tone, "Yes, Perry, let's do that." Della then looked over at the table and smiling she said, "Thank you for the roses sweetheart, they are just beautiful, but you didn't have to buy me a present too." Perry grinned and there was a twinkle in his eye as he said, "It isn't actually a present darling, but I think it's something that you want." He handed Della the package and watched as she removed the paper. When she saw what it was, she began to cry. She looked at Perry and asked, "Where…where did you…get…get it?"
"Tragg made sure to get it from Winston. Before they brought him in, he and his men took him back to his place so they could get it. The lieutenant thought you should have it. He said it needed to get back to its rightful owner…it needed to be back home where it belonged."
Della took a deep breath and asked, "Did you read it?"
"No sweetheart, I didn't. I didn't think it was my place and besides what you wrote in here is personal and private. Those entries are yours and yours alone." Perry leaned down and gently caressed Della's face with the back of his hand, and then he leaned over and kissed her so passionately that they were both breathless when they broke away. Della moved as close to Perry as she could. Looking up into his eyes, she said softly, "This little diary isn't the only thing that belongs at home. As soon as the Doctor tells me I'm ready, that's where I want to go. I want to cuddle up in your arms and sit in front of the fire and I want you to work your wonderful magic on me….and if you want to see it, I want to show you what's in here. If you remember you said you would make my wishes come true. Well you made the first one come true and when we're sitting in front of that fire, I want to tell you my second wish." Perry smiled and as he gently took Della in his arms, he looked at her and said lovingly, "My sweet baby, nothing would give me greater pleasure. I just have one question, do I have to wait until I take you home to hear about you're second wish?"
Della looked up at Perry, giving him a brilliant smile. In a teasing voice, and with a mysterious look in her beautiful eyes, she said, "now counselor, don't be so impatient,. You are like a little boy whose waiting for Christmas morning."
A boyish grin crossed Perry's face. "Sweetheart ,I told you that everyday with you is like Christmas. Alright, as much as I want to hear your wish, as usual, I'll let you have your way….we'll wait till we're home."
Della smiled triumphantly . Raising herself up, she put her forehead against his. Then, pulling back, she looked into those mesmerizing blue eyes and said softly," as always you do spoil me Mr. Mason."
Perry took Della's hand in his and brought it up to his lips, Leaving a tender kiss, he smiled the smile he kept only for her and said quietly, " as always, it's my pleasure Miss Street."