CHAPTER FOURTEEN, THERE IS SPICE!
Thank you all for your various reviews. They all help. I wish I could answer all questions satisfactorily. Remember that Perry is pulled in a lot of directions and his brother's life is hanging in the balance. He wants to help but feels thwarted and it isn't getting better. There are more complications coming and twists and turns as people's various motives are revealed. As we saw on the shows people commit violent acts for very stupid reasons. I had Paul leave because he is portrayed as someone who rarely gets rattled and I wanted to show his human emotions. As for Perry and Della's fake first marriage I read about it happening to a group of people and the problems it created so I thought it might be a nice twist especially since he is a lawyer. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.
Perry had tried, he had really tried to make it a nice relaxing, loving evening. The food, as always, was delicious. He had blues music playing in the background. The lighting was just right. After they had eaten, and everything was cleaned away he had taken her in his arms and danced with her. He had kissed her shiny hair and nibbled on her neck, but she could feel the restlessness that was overwhelming him.
Finally, she had led him to the bedroom. Slowly she had undressed him touching and teasing him until he couldn't stop himself from practically ripping her clothes off. He had made love to her fiercely but still made sure she was satisfied. They had fallen asleep wrapped in each other's arms. When she awoke several hours later, and he wasn't there she suddenly realized how he must have felt when he awakened to find her gone from their honeymoon bed.
She got up and wrapped her pink silk robe around her. His robe was gone so she knew he was still in the apartment. It was out on the veranda she found him smoking and staring into the dark sky. Thunder rumbled and lightening flashed over to the west.
Walking up behind him she put her fingers on his shoulders and began a massage. He took one hand and kissed her fingers. "Couldn't you sleep?" she asked.
"I did for a while," he replied.
As she leaned down to kiss him Della wanted to know, "can I help?"
Perry looked up at her, "just having you here helps. Do you really want to help me worry?"
"If I am sure what we are worrying about," she informed him.
He ran his hand through his dark curls and sighed, "Del, I can't get the way James talked to me out of my mind. I have gone over so many memories and I still don't have an answer. We weren't really close especially after Dad died, but this animosity where is it coming from?"
"Didn't you tell me he tried to take your dad's place and tried to run your life?" she inquired.
He nodded his head before speaking. "Yes, but I thought we outgrew those feelings. I got busy with school and building up a practice. There was tension when mom passed away, but I thought it was because we were so devastated."
As thunder crackled nearby, she took his hand and led him over to the sofa. Sitting next to him she leaned against his shoulder. "Sweetheart, your lives have run in different directions. We have rushed from case to case as your reputation has grown by leaps and bounds. Maybe James resents others being a bigger priority than your family. Claudia told me a lot of people ask him lots of questions about his little brother.
He looked into her beautiful hazel eyes and slipped his arm around her pulling her closer. "That could be the problem, but I have never flaunted my success in front of the family."
Della laughed, "Perry you are all over the radio and in the newspapers. Your nephews think you are some kind of a hero. I am sure that is like rubbing salt into the wound and James resents you."
"But Del, he is a football coach in the big leagues. Most kids would be thrilled by that," he argued.
"Oh, my love, it is like kids whose parents are famous stars they are so used to it, it is no big deal."
Perry pulled her onto his lap and asked, "do you know how much I adore you?"
Outside the rain had begun and it splashed against the veranda windows. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled across the heavens. Inside their apartment Mr. and Mrs. Perry Mason were so engrossed in each other they barely heard the storm. Their passion matched the sounds of the storm.
Breathing heavy he pulled the robe back around her and said, "I hope I showed you properly how much you mean to me and the stability you bring to my life."
Stretching so he could admire all her womanly attributes she pulled him down for another kiss. When she let him go, both breathless, the robe was on the floor, and he was running his hand down the silky skin of her hip once more. She opened herself to him and he moved his hand to her most sensitive spot.
As he found just the right rhythm she moaned, "Oh God Perry that is just the right place."
He picked up his pace and massaged gently but was giving her pleasure all his attention. As he felt her beginning to tighten in response he pulled away. As she groaned he repositioned her on the sofa and when she wrapped her legs around his waist he moved inside her bringing them closer and closer to the edge of passion.
The storm roared outside, but in that room the two lovers only had eyes and ears for each other. She looked into his beautiful blue eyes and she was lost. The way he was stroking her body brought waves of ecstasy and all she wanted to do was give him as much pleasure. She tightened her legs around him to bring their bodies together more closely.
As he filled her more deeply, he was trying his best with each movement, each stroke to control himself. Della had decided that was not going to happen as she moved her hand to where they were connected and stroked him tenderly. It was too much for him to hold back any longer and he called her name as he reached his peak taking her right along with him.
It was if they had lost all thought processes all they could do was feel wave after wave of fulfillment, sensation. Breathing heavily, they collapsed in each other's arms. "It is difficult to believe it just gets better and better" he whispered in her ear.
Della stroked his face and said, "I think I can't love you more, but I do. Oh, what you do to me counselor."
"Baby," he said as he tasted her lips, "you're the reason I can do what I do. Your belief in me, the unselfish love you have for me, and being able to see your beautiful face every day humbles me. I often wonder if I can live up to the faith you have in me."
She cuddled against him, "You know all the times you proposed I didn't think you were ready for marriage, but I was so wrong. Coming home with you every night, being able to truly share your life, has made my life complete."
He pulled her upright. "I think we can sleep now so we can be fresh for tomorrow."
She reached down for her robe and his robe. Grinning she remarked, "that's right you are going to be interviewing cheerleaders."
As she got up to head for the bedroom, he swatted her bottom as he asked, "do you want to come with me?"
She took his left hand and looked at it, "ah you have your wedding ring on I think you will be alright."
Perry grinned at her, "I don't think there will be any one of them more beautiful than you are."
"They do wear skimpier clothes," she reminded him.
He put his hand on his chin and looked her over carefully. "You would look good in those outfits too."
Della loosened her robe and slid it off one shoulder as she asked, "something like this?" As she walked into the bedroom she let it drag behind her.
Hurrying after her he wanted to know, "Are you trying to kill me woman?" He heard her laughter as he slammed the door. He thought he heard her mutter, "we ARE newlyweds."
Saturday dawned still overcast and with a slight chill in the air. As Perry awakened and stretched, he heard the shower in the bathroom and felt an empty bed beside him. As his bride came back into the room wearing a terrycloth robe and a towel wrapped around her head he inquired, "where are you off to in such a hurry?"
"For your information Mr. Mason it is after eight and you are meeting the coach at eleven. Since you are planning on spending the next week or so here, I thought it might be a good idea to go to the store for food. I need to unpack properly, take my wedding dress and some clothes to the dry cleaners, and pick up my car from Janet's."
He held out his hand out to her and said, "My but you are just full of energy this morning."
"Darling, get up so we can grab some breakfast and you can drop me at Janet's. I'm keeping busy so I don't have to think of you surrounded by nubile young women."
He squinted at her. "I told you that you were welcome to come along."
She tried to pull him out of bed, "it isn't that I don't trust you, but I don't trust them."
He laughed as he struggled to his feet. "Alright slave driver I'll get in the shower, you dress, and we will go eat. I'm losing this argument."
By eleven Perry was meeting with Athletic Director, Tommy Dunford. "It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Mason," he said indicating a chair. "How can I help you?"
"My brother told me that you had met Crystal Martin and her cousin Tiffany a number of years ago," Perry explained. "What was your impression of the girls.
The director thought for a moment. "I knew Tiffany better than the cousin, but I believe she went by the last name of Madison." For a couple seasons both before and after Tiffany became a cheerleader Crystal followed the team around. They seemed like friendly girls. They were certainly attractive."
Opening his briefcase, the lawyer took out a legal pad. "James told me Tiffany went with Jeff Meyers, who was at that time your leading receiver?"
"Yes, that's right. He was crazy about her and she just dumped him and walked away," Dunford acknowledged. "Jeff starting drinking and messing up pretty bad."
"I don't have any contact information for him would you know where he is now?" Mason inquired.
The director got up and went over to a file cabinet. He pulled out a folder. As he opened it he came back to desk and sat down. "I got a request from a Canadian Pro team about six months later and told them he was a great player if he wasn't drinking. I never heard another word. I know his family lived in St. Louis. Here is some contact information they might know where he is."
Perry wanted to know, "what about Crystal did she date any special player?"
"As I recall," Dunford replied, "I think she pretty much played the field. I have to tell you Mr. Mason they were not that welcome after what happened to Jeff."
Taking a deep breath, he now tackled the questions he had been putting off. "Can you tell me how my brother reacted to all this. He seemed so angry with Crystal."
I guess I don't have to tell you Mr. Mason your brother can be a hot head, but he is excellent at his job. He had a special relationship with Jeff, he was his mentor. He worked with him, brought him around so he was able to reach his full potential. They really hit it off. When Tiffany did her number on him and Jeff fell apart James was furious at Tiffany. He did say to me once he thought Crystal did not like Jeff and encouraged Tiffany to dump him. Once Tiffany was let go, I had not heard about them until Tiffany's suicide. Then not again until this situation with Crystal."
Perry hesitated, "Do you…do you think James could have held a grudge that long?"
The coach looked at him for a long moment, "he is your brother what do you think?"
"I was hoping you would give me a different answer," the attorney admitted. "Are there any girls still here that worked with Tiffany and might have known Crystal?"
Dunford hesitated, "There are two, Mary Ann Thomas is now the girls' dancing coach and Shawna Monroe, she and Tiffany were pretty close. I asked them to be here today.""
"Where can I talk with them?" he wanted to know.
Picking up the phone Tommy Dunford said, "I'll call down to Mary Ann's office they should be there waiting for you. I think they are rather star struck at meeting you. They are always asking James about his famous bachelor brother."
"Oh great" Perry thought it was probably a good thing he hadn't brought Della, and James must have been thrilled. He went to explain, "I am afraid the girls will be disappointed I am just newly married."
"Yes, I saw you recently married your secretary. Congratulations, she is beautiful."
"Thanks," Perry remarked, "she is beautiful, but she is much more than a secretary, she keeps the office and me organized and in line."
The director laughed, "I have news for you Mason they all do. By the way I don't know that the ladies know you are no longer a bachelor."
He got through to the ladies and directed him to the cheerleading office. They shook hands, he wished him well with James' case and told him if he could help not to hesitate to call on him. Perry had to wonder if there was any special reason the man didn't defend his brother more.
One very voluptuous blond was waiting for him in the office on the floor below. Mary Ann Thomas was sitting behind her desk when he entered. She was wearing a forest green business suit.
He thought well Della would approve of that.
However, as she got up to greet him the jacket came open and she was wearing a see-through blouse with matching green bra. "Mr. Mason," she cooed, "it is such a pleasure to meet you."
Perry hoped she didn't notice him swallow hard. "Miss Thomas it that correct?"
She smiled as she let her fingers slide slowly over his. "That's right. Let's get acquainted while we wait for Shawna." She batted her eyelashes and spoke slowly. "You know I have followed your career with GREAT interest.
"I'm flattered," he told her.
"Have you been to one of our games Mr. Mason and seen our girls?" She wanted to know.
He pulled his hand back gently, "unfortunately I don't have much time for going to games."
She moved over closer to him and purred, "anytime you would like a tour I would be delighted to accompany you."
Before he could answer a stunning redhead dressed in short shorts, bra type blouse tied around her middle, and thigh high boots came through the door. "So Mary Ann, I'm sure you have been entertaining our special guest."
The coordinator looked the girl over carefully. "I see you decided to greet Mr. Mason in your skimpiest outfit."
Grinning at the lawyer the young woman said, "don't mind her she doesn't like to share…..men. I'm Shawna Monroe I understand you have some questions for us about Tiffany and Crystal Madison."
"Yes, I understand you and Miss Thomas knew Crystal and Tiffany," he began. "what can you tell me about the girls and their relationships here."
Shawna sat down across from and crossed her long legs. "I was Tiffany's roommate so I did spend some time around Crystal. What do you want to know specifically?"
"What was Tiffany like? What can you tell me about her relationship with Jeff Meyers?" Why did she walk away from him?"
She leaned forward and confided, "Jeff thought he was a stud. He went after all of us at one time and another. Tiffany was madly in love with him. Here she was a beautiful girl from a small town in Michigan. She had poor self-esteem and did whatever he wanted her to. I think her cousin was there to protect her."
"Did Crystal date anyone on the team?" He wanted to know.
"I remember she went to a lot of parties but I don't remember her with any special players? We are not really encouraged to fraternize with the players, but it does happen. Crystal was all into fashion and talked a lot about our outfits." Shawna recollected.
"I'm confused," Perry confessed. "If she was so in love with Jeff why did Tiffany walk out on him?"
The cheerleader lowered her voice, "I think he dumped her. A week before she left the team they had a terrible fight. Her performances were sub par and Mary Ann warned she could be off the team."
Mason turned to the older woman. "Is that true?"
"Yes," she answered. "We tell the girls leave your problems at the door. Tiffany couldn't do that. She was a very talented dancer and I didn't really want to lose her but she was becoming more erratic."
Mason rubbed his hand across his face, "this doesn't make sense if she broke up with him."
Mary Ann began, "I think she regretted…..Shawna interrupted her, "he needs the truth."
"I don't think we should be telling tales," she scolded the redhead.
Taking a big sigh the younger woman announced, "He needs all the information he can get to find a killer. Mr. Mason I can't prove it but I am pretty sure Jeff was using performance enhancing drugs. The front office would not want that known. I think Crystal suspected because I heard the girls have a huge fight a few days before Tiffany committed suicide. I did hear her call him irresponsible and she was going to the front office. Next thing you know Tiffany has overdosed, and Jeff is gone."
Perry looked at the cheerleading coordinator. "Do you know anything about this?"
Looking slightly embarrassed she admitted, "I had heard rumors but believe me no team wants that notion bandied about. Jeff was gone, the other players were severely warned, and it was more or less swept under the rug."
"One thing that puzzled me is why Crystal cared about his drug use or was Tiffany aware of what he was doing?" The lawyer enquired.
The two women looked at each other. Mary Ann answered. "She blamed him for Tiffany taking her life. She 'knew her cousin could be unstable but needed someone to blame."
"Do either of you know where Jeff Meyers is now?" He wanted to know.
They both shook their head. He took out his card case and said, "I appreciate your time and this information. Here is my card if you think of anything.
Shawna got up and shook his hand. "If I think of anything more I'll let you know."
The blond hurried to his side and said softly, "Anytime you want a personal tour you just call me."
Laughing the redhead said gleefully "forget it Mary Ann. You must not read the society pages Mr. Mason got married a few weeks ago."
Perry looked a little startled as Shawna took his arm. "I have seen you and your bride in many places over the years Mr. Mason." Looking at her boss she went on, "she is very beautiful and could have been a cheerleader herself. Oh, also she is his secretary."
Mary Ann looked startled. "So, your secretary caught you?"
Trying not to grin at her discomfort as he gathered up his briefcase, "no actually I had to catch her. Della was not anxious to get married and Shawna is right she is very beautiful." Flashing the young girl a grateful smile he said, "it was nice to meet you ladies and thank you for your time."