Disclaimer: The characters in this story don't belong to me, they are owned by Erle Stanley Gardner's pen. I don't receive any economic good for them. I only write for the pleasure of doing it.

Many thanks to the incredible to tengland2 for helping correct this story and for staying by my side helping me.

Thanks so much, to 52shari and the guests for their reviews.

All the errors are only mine.

Chapter Twenty Eight

Della, Margaret and Mae made a few more purchases before leaving for Diana's family restaurant. The Diana's parents were more than happy to see the three women. They prepared several packages of food for the other members of the Mason/Drake families. Giving to Della their best wishes, so that Lizzie and her baby leave the hospital soon. Della attempted to pay them for all the food, but was told her, it wasn't necessary.

Arriving with all their packages, they found Perry and Tom in Lizzie's room, but Paul was nowhere insight. Perry's response had been Paul went looking for coffee twenty minutes earlier. Margaret decided to take a walk-in search of her husband, starting with the nearest cafeteria. As she wondered through the halls and down to the lower level, she decided to get by the nursery. She really wanted to see the newest member her extended family. When she arrived at the neonatal unit, she could see a very familiar silhouette, near the window. Margaret smiled as she approached her husband, standing in front of the window, watching the baby in wonder.

Touching his arm, "Tell me, even after the first two girls, that she isn't the most beautiful baby, you've ever seen?" Asks Margaret, sliding her arm around his waist.

"As beautiful as her grandmother," Paul nods, wiping away an escaped tear.

"Paul, honey, what is wrong?" Asks Margaret. "I rarely saw you cry. When you shed tears was for our children were born, although you were also excited when Lizzie was born, there were never tears on your part." Smile Margaret.

"Margaret, I can't explain it, my heart is filled with such tenderness, same emotions as when our children were born. The only thing I can tell you is that, I have a great the need to protect this little one in particular." Says Paul, letting out a sigh. "I must be getting becoming an old sentimental."

"Can't change the getting old factor, but seeing this little one isn't helping it." Smiles Margaret. "I'm grateful my baby looks like my partner in crimes and only the lungs of her grandfather. Can you imagine a mini female version of Perry Mason?"

"Margaret my love, remember that we were so close to getting already obtained a mini version the day Lizzie was born. But fortunately my goddaughter looks like in part to Beautiful too." Says Paul as they both laugh.

"I already know, Paul, but I feel there is something very familiar about her other than being a Mason baby. Can't put my finger on what it is though." Replies Margaret.

"I understand you my love, I also felt the same. But the only thing I'm sure of is that Perry and Tom are going to have trouble getting time with this little one miracle. Now it's my turn to be the favorite person in her life." Paul sees the questioning look on Margaret's face. "Why you look at me like that? You and I know very well, that the two older shadows have the two wrapped around their little fingers. But this time, I'm going to be the favorite man in the life, of my beautiful little one."

"Please spare me, Mr. Drake" Smiles Margaret. "Come on, we brought back food from Diana's parents place for the three of you."

"FOOD! My sweet wife, you've held my attention so long, that I forgot completely that I'm hungry." After kissing Margaret cheek, Paul take his wife's hand to leave the unit.

Margaret couldn't help but smile, thinking about how many rounds she and Della would have to endure between Paul and Perry about protection of the little one. Although she of somehow, she knew Tom would win out as the official protector, again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Once back the Drakes to the Lizzie's room, Tom went off to see how his Wawita was doing. Mae, Drakes and Perry went off to the cafeteria to eat some of the food that Diana's parents had been sent. Leaving Della alone with her daughter and the Perry's promise to bring her something to drink.

Della stood by her daughter's bed, brushing away the rebellious curls covering the precious eyes of her daughter, wishing they were open and looking at her, she couldn't help but let out a loud sigh. After sitting down and holding on to Lizzie's hand. Della stayed for a long time watching her daughter, she looked nearly as helpless now as the first time Perry had taken her, to the neonatal unit to first meet her. Now she was here again twenty five years later, in another hospital, connected to the same machines and not waking up.

Della wiping a stray tear away of her face, she started talking to her daughter, "My baby girl, please wake up, your baby and I both need you." Della sighs, "I can't bear to lose you. You are the most wonderful miracle that life gave me and now you have given us another gift just as wonderful. But that miracle now needs to know her mother."

Suddenly there is a faint whisper, "Daddy, you forgot my Dad," then there was only silence.

Immediately after the whisper, Della stood up, approaching her daughter and brush her hand across Lizzie's forehead. "Please, come on, my baby, I know you said me something smart." After waiting for a moment for her daughter to say something else, but without success, Della sat disillusioned and again took Lizzie's hand. "Alright, Miss Mary Mae Elizabeth Mason, two can play the same game. Since you don't want to talk to me, perhaps I shouldn't tell you anything about all the things we bought for your baby today."

Della was very disappointed to see that her daughter did not react to her encouragement, leans back in her chair, closing her eyes for a moment. Thinking that perhaps, the desire to have his daughter awake, had played a trick on her. But suddenly a new whisper was heard in the room. "Mom tell me."

Della knew she couldn't be imagining the voice twice, but there was still no sign of Lizzie really waking up. Perhaps she needed to keep talking, Lizzie had to be close to waking up.

"Why my beautiful girl, are you being so stubborn? You as stubborn as your Dad. Alright, you win, I'll tell you, but you better open your eyes by the time I'm done." Della breaths to try to contain her tears. "Your grandmother, your aunt and I found the most adorable clothes in various sizes. Your Aunt Margaret figured this tiny little one needed some small things to go home in. We still need to get the other essentials for you. Even though I was tempted to put a serious dent in your father's card, I held back when figured that he will be wanting to spend a small fortune in the first toy department he comes across." Della wipes the tears that managed to make their way through her face. "Come on little girl or do I need to bring on a bigger challenge?"

Della saw Lizzie's eyes flutter briefly, while a lonely tear sliding down Lizzie´s cheek, she whispering "please, bring her on." Then Lizzie seemed to fall back into unconsciousness state, but it was enough movement for the machines to start beeping, bring in two nurses and immediately taking Della out of the room.

Della was sitting in one of the empty chairs to the end of the hallway, when she remembered the day she left Lizzie with Margaret in order to return to work. Perhaps the gossip pages and social circles were right, she was an unfit mother. She had abandoned her three-month-old premature daughter in the care of another person. Although, this particular person was her a best friend. She had her is own responsibilities at home a little boy of six-year-old and a newborn with was almost two months old. But even so she accepted her baby with open arms to take care of her.

Della got tired counting the innumerable times has Perry found crying her in the conference room, because she choosing the job over her daughter. Many times she felt that she did not deserve the joy of being a mother. Because, she was going to be a good mother, when she chose her profession before her baby, she had missed Lizzie's first steps, the first word, and the first tooth.

Della didn't want that for her daughter, realizing how hard it was going to be for Lizzie to work and raise her child alone. She would have to do the same thing and much more, leaving her child in the care of someone complete stranger, because she lived away from her family. She also remembered the sadness that her heart still felt, when she remembered that the first time Lizzie had said Mom, it was not to her but to Margaret and she didn't want that could happen to Lizzie as well.

She remembered the countless times she was about had nearly missed a school performance or game, because of the work load got in the way. Della could never erase from her mind the face of disappointment of her daughter when she wiped Lizzie's tears, because Perry had not come to events.

Although, Della understood, because Lizzie and Andrea wanted to do their professional life in Boston, away from the shadow of Perry Mason. Perhaps, she could convince the two to move to LA with the same vision. That way Lizzie wouldn't have worry about day care, she could set up office space and hire someone. Perhaps this would be a good reason to get Perry to slow down on his case load and enjoy the new member of the family. Della's mind started whirling with thoughts that she needed settle. Then she reacted, that she should go in search of Perry and the others to tell them what had just happened in Lizzie's room.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was late when Mae and Andrea had finally arrived home from visiting Lizzie and the baby. Andrea went into the kitchen to fix them both tea, Mae was sitting down on the couch in the living room when the phone rang. She got back up to answer it, "Street/Steiner Residence."

Mae heard a strong sigh on the line, "Grandma Mae, I just need listen to your voice in the girls' house phone, to give me a pretty good idea what the answer is to my question." Says PJ.

"Hello my dear grandchild," says Mae. "How are my boy? Must be rather late over in London."

"Don't worry Grandma, I'm fine, it's only five hours difference." Says PJ, "Grandma, I'm calling, because Gala was talking to her mother this morning, she had some rather nasty things to say about our extended family."

Mae rolls her eyes, "I can just imagine." Says Mae.

"As you know, Gala's mother always tells her all the gossip of the society of LA, but in this particular gossip there was important piece that I didn't know about." He pauses, "Why didn't anyone tell me that Lizzie was pregnant? Seems I've been left out of the family loop about that and who knows what else."

"PJ, you know, that we are your family and always will be. I'm sure that neither your mother and sister have wanted to leave you aside, I suspect that Andrea and your mother thought that the other one had already informed you." Replies Mae, with a hint of a laugh, "what I'm very surprised Gala didn't mention it to you sooner. I've always known Gala doesn't like Lizzie and the displeasure has grown over the years. We both know that if she tolerates Andrea, because she's only your sister."

"Grandma, you're right, Lizzie is not exactly the favorite person of Gala, she never mentions the brats in our conversations, she prefers to avoid talking about them. Gala barely asks how Mom and Dad are doing when she knows I've called them." Sighs PJ, "sorry Grandma. But the only thing I'm telling you is that she did not know it either, she just found out this morning just like me. Now, can you tell me, what is going on, please?"

"Just to keep it in the records, you were not intentionally excluded from this." Mae give a sigh. "I can tell you now is that nearly two days ago, Lizzie underwent an emergency caesarean section, she had a premature baby girl. That means you're now a little girl's uncle." Mae smile.

"A baby girl? Emergency cesarean, Grandma, please tell me, how could all this happen and not being aware of anything?" PJ asks with confusion in his voice.

"PJ, I understand your confusion but only listen to me. When Lizzie and Andrea were leaving the restaurant, where they had gone to dinner with their friends. Outside the restaurant there were reporters and photographers waiting for them. In all the confusion, Lizzie was pushed to the ground hard, not sure by whom." Pausing Mae takes a deep breath. "Suppose, you might could hear the rest of me. About Lizzie´s pregnancy I can only tell you, that she isn't naming the father of the baby and her intentions is to raise the child alone."

"Why do I suspect there is more to this?" Asks PJ.

"Of course, my child that there is more," Mae smiles. "When we all found out, Lizzie was five months pregnant and she not told her parents she was pregnant for fear of your godfather's reaction. You know your Uncle Perry, he was angry when he found out and more so when he confronted Lizzie. Short version is he disowned Lizzie for about two weeks, at which time Della walked out on him and everyone found out she owns at least on home that he didn't know about." Mae continues to tell PJ the rest of what had happened.

Mae told PJ about Laura Robertson, her offer to adopt Lizzie's child and the fact that a nameless bit of gossip was in Eva Belter's, Spicy Bits magazine.

"I do understand why they don't always give me all the details about everything, but I still can't get over the fact they didn't tell me this one. Grandma, tell me. How are Lizzie and her baby doing?" Asks PJ.

"Lizzie had internal issues from the accident and delivery, she is still in an induced coma. We are still waiting for her to wake up. As for the baby, although she was born before her time, she is well, the doctors had her in a neonatal unit for 48 hours. At any time, they would move her to the nursery." Says Mae.

"Grandma thank you for the information, it's already late and I have to go to sleep. Please tell Uncle Perry and Aunt Della I hope Lizzie to wake up soon, so she can be by her baby's side and when the brat wakes up, please tell her that I'm glad that she and her baby are fine. Goodbye, Grandma."

"Nights, my child."

After hanging the phone, PJ had no doubt that he would have to connect with his mother or Andrea for a long talk.

XXXXXXXXX

It had been very easy for Laura Robertson to obtain information from the receptionist about Elizabeth Street and her new-born. She also managed to bribe two nurses would be willing to help her see the baby once it had been moved into the regular nursery. Her assistant Robert Smith, got information the names of two other mothers, who had babies in the nursery, so if all else failed, she could use one of the names to be able to dodge security without any problem.

Laura had managed to enter the maternity ward, eluding the few surveillance cameras at the entrance and the staff responsible for the safety of Perry Mason's daughter and granddaughter. So far no one seemed to notice her as she approached the desk, hoping she could just walk by to the nursery. She knew Perry's granddaughter was being moved from the neonatal unit and hoping it had already been completed.

When Laura finally get to the nursery, she noted that there was no one in either corridor, there was only a nurse was busy inside the nursery. Laura searched meticulously around at the cribs, but between babies there was no baby Mason. Then she saw it, Baby Girl Street, she couldn't understand, how dare they use that detestable last name. The baby's last name should be Mason, unless its mother really wasn't a true Mason, as she often wondered if that upstart secretary had lied about Perry's fatherhood, but couldn't deny that dreamer brat did resemble Perry, she had his piercing blue eyes, his dimples and that ever powerful voice.

Laura was very disappointed that the baby was a girl and not the grandson Perry both deserved. She definitely couldn't understand, how Perry, being an intelligent man, he had fallen in love with an insignificant secretary, that she could not even give him a son and the daughter he had with her now gives her a granddaughter.

The nurse came to the window, realizing which baby Laura was looking at, picked up the tiny Street baby. It was then Laura realized just how much that poor baby looked like its grandmother, identical to Della Street Mason. Laura smiled, mouth thank you to the nurse, then stepped away leaving the nursery. Laura was furious at the thought that if she were to go through with obtaining this child by any means it would be a constant reminder of that insignificant secretary. Since Della Street appeared in Perry's life, she had haunted her for nearly thirty years and now this grandchild would do the same, the face, complexion, and the eyes with that graceless hazel color. Although she only thing had to remember this baby was Perry's grandchild and for that simple fact deserved better than what was in store for it currently.

Laura left walking across to the coffee shop, she slides into a booth facing Tufts main entrance doors. Now she was questioning, if she really wanted to raise this brat as a Robertson. Why couldn't this child look like Perry as its mother did? How could she justify her friends, if they asked her, why the girl looked like Della Mason? Would it be enough to say that it was only an unpleasant coincidence that the child looked like that insignificant woman?

Laura would go crazy just thinking when the gossip and society pages would have their feast with this fact, but she could get a retraction, threaten to sue whichever paper was involved. But that would mean she would have to have all the legal adoption papers in order, all this would be so much simpler if that brat would just sign the child over to her, it could be done as a private sealed adoption. No one would be able to open the records until that baby was at least twenty-one.

Laura needed to find a way to get revenge on Della Street, for slapping her several months ago in her hotel room. She needed to have Elizabeth Street declared to be an unfit mother, incapable of raising a child alone. Maybe she could use her accident that caused her to have her baby early and it take her to coma, as an evidence against her, the need for a mental health evaluation once she was out of that coma.

Perhaps Elizabeth Street would be found dead, an assisted suicide, she would leave her baby alone. This would make neither Perry or his beloved secretary would want the baby, because it would be a constant reminder of their daughter and her death. That would allow her to adopt the child and perhaps with a bit of luck and sleight Perry would back in her life. Buy witnesses would be easy, she could pay off the same people who already assisted her to see the baby. Laura's mind filled with ideas, she needed to get back to her hotel and start to process and order her plan. She walked back into Tufts, needing to find a phone to call her limo to pick her up. Standing in the lobby, absorbed in her thoughts, she was brought out of by a powerful voice well-known for her.

"LAURA, just what in the hell are you doing here?" Asks Perry, standing in front of her, his voice rumbling down all hall Tufts.

"Perry, there you are," Laura smiles nervously, leaning to kiss his check, but he steps back. "I was just going to have you paged."

"Laura I'm waiting, her answer to my question, what in the hell are you doing here?" Perry asks, becoming more and angrier for seeing her.

"Perry darling, I came back to Boston to do more interviewing for law clerks and heard about the terrible your daughter's accident. I just wanted to make sure she was alright." Laura replies to Perry with feigned concern.

"We're not having this discussion in here, I don't want Della or another member of my family to see you." Grasping her elbow, Perry guided her into a small coffee shop, near the center's front doors.

"Perry please your hurting my arm." Says Laura, sitting Perry let's go, sitting opposite her. "Perry, darling."

"Enough Laura, no more lies, the only thing I want the truth from you." Says Perry very angrily, "I don´t find any reason for you to be here. I was already informed you've managed to get into the nursery area."

"Perry swore that everything is a coincidence, I'm in this hospital by to check on your daughter's condition and nothing more. As for being in the nursery a friend's daughter of mine' daughter delivered her first child last night." Laura smiles at him, trying to reach his hand, which he pulls away. "Yes, I don't deny it, I did see the little one I assume is your granddaughter. Such a shame she looks so much like that insignificant secretary that you're still married to. If only she looked like you, I may still consider adopting the child, since she is your granddaughter. But it's so similar to Della that now I really do not know if I could love that baby. Although for the simple fact of being your granddaughter it would be worth all the trouble." She still smiles.

"Laura, I didn't think it was possible for anyone to become more incisive or evil over the years, but you have. I'm tired of that you constantly insulting my wife and my family. I do not want to see you anymore, I can't stand your only thing I want you to stay away from here and away from them." Says Perry.

"Oh, really Perry, you need not concern yourself with that. Your daughter may not be willing to sign adoption papers, but there are other ways for me to pursue the adoption process." Standing up, she leans to kiss his check, but Perry pulls back. "This isn't over yet Perry." Smiling Laura leaves.

Suddenly Perry's strong voice is heard, "LAURA," she stops without turning around. "Don´t think I'm going to let you hurt my daughter or my family again. It's better if you forget all your absurd ideas. Because then you will see the worst part of me. I hope this has been clear to you." Says Perry.

Without saying anything, Laura leaves, once outside, she climbs into a waiting limo, which moves away from the curb.

Perry needed tell his family that Laura was back in town and their confrontation. He also realized he needed to get the Judge Crocker's help to obtain a restraining order to Laura and talking to Paul to double the safety of Lizzie and the baby. He knew Laura was up to something and he had to stop whatever bit of evil or harm that she was planning against his family. He dreaded the Della´s reaction to the next conversation he would be having, but her and the rest of the family needed to know Laura had been to the nursery.

Sitting back in the limo, Laura's mind whirled with what she needed to do and who could possibly help her. Maybe her best revenge would be the death of Elizabeth Street, leaving the child without both parents. Then she could present the case that Della would be unfit to raise the child, because of her mental instability over the death of her daughter. Laura shook her head, she realized that was definitely too drastic and if Perry already linked her to knowing about Lizzie's accident, what else did he know.

Laura, thought that it would be better to direct her attack towards mental instability of Elizabeth Street. For starters she changed her name, when she found out she was pregnant, to protect her parents of the public derision, because they didn't know she was pregnancy. She needed to plan well of what, she needed get the names of people who could help her. She had to get the number of people she contacts and would need to talk to anyone involved in a public space or through someone else. There was so much at stake, to obtaining this child and ruining Della Street. Perry should have taken the job with her in Denver, he could have done criminal law there once they got settled. Laura wanted Perry's granddaughter, it was her only connection with him. Getting the granddaughter, would be the first step for getting Perry back in her life. Smiling, if she could get the daughter committed and convince another doctor or two that Della was just as insane as her daughter.

Suddenly Laura realized the limo had stopped outside of her hotel, as the door was opened. The doorman, had extended his hand to her, helping her out of the limo, she smiled and went on into the hotel. Stopping at the front desk to pick up her messages, which she found three from her husband Glenn. The last thing she needed was to be bothered for him, he could ruin things for her. But then again, she decided to call him to see what he wanted. Perhaps going home, would give her a chance to organize better her plan to adopt Perry's granddaughter.