Identical 3

The Perfect Gentleman

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On Monday morning Perry Mason found himself leaning against the frame of his office doorway listening to what he had initially thought sounded like a bird whistling. On closer inspection he stood by the inter connecting door watching his private and confidential secretary filing away law books back to their rightful place on the shelves of the law library switching between a pleasant whistling and a contented humming of a random tune he couldn't quite place. She was oblivious to his presence until he spoke.

'Someone's in a good mood for a Monday morning.'

'Oh Chief, sorry I didn't hear you come in. I'll get the coffee and we can start on the mail.' Della smoothed down her skirt and made to go to the kitchen. Perry placed a gentle hand on her arm.

'How was your weekend?' Expecting her usual dismissive response of fine he was surprised when she replied,

'Marvellous, simply wonderful,' before her face pinked slightly and a wistful smile appeared. She slipped from his grasp and went into the kitchenette. Perry followed her and stood in the doorway.

'Are you going to tell me why it was, and I quote marvellous, simply wonderful?'

Della shrugged and carried on making coffee, setting out cups. 'Well Miss Street I'm waiting.'

'What about your weekend Chief?'

'Don't avoid.'

'I'm not, I asked how your…..'

'I've had better.' Perry cut her off.' Victoria and I parted company for good on Friday night.' He was very matter of fact and Della could see not hint or trace of upset and regret when she looked at him.

'Sorry about that.'

'No you're not and neither am I young lady, now give.'

Della set out the coffee and shooed him into his office following behind with the tray. It was at that moment Paul Drake appeared with a box in his hand.

'I'm just in time,' he chirped. 'Here's the pastries Beautiful.'

'Thanks Paul.' Paul Drake looked between his two best friends.

'Ok what have I missed?' He asked in amusement.

'Nothing Paul, Della was just about to tell me about her marvellous, simply wonderful weekend.' Della stared at him wide eyed.

'I most certainly was not!' She tried to sound aggravated but simply couldn't, she was in too good a mood.

'It has to do with some guy she met at the ball Friday night,' Perry teased.

'I thought she went with you?' Paul frowned a little.

'She did but Victoria appeared from nowhere.' Before Paul could comment Perry waved his hand. 'Anyway, our Della here met Mr tall, dark and handsome, if somewhat a little older than usual for her dates…'

'Right boys enough!' Della placed her hands on her hips and made a poor attempt at indignation. 'To satisfy your curiosity so we can all get some work done around here, his name is Robert and he's a policeman in San Francisco. We had a late dinner after meeting the Police Commissioner, he escorted me home and was a perfect gentleman. We met up Saturday morning, I took him to do a little sightseeing and we went to Surf n Turf Seafood Restaurant down the coast for dinner. Then he took me home again, we met up for Sunday lunch and he flew back to San Francisco late yesterday because we both had work this morning. He was delightful company. Now…..drink up, eat up and let's get some work done.'

Paul looked at Perry and smirked, something that was not lost on Della.

'What?' she asked. 'I told you everything I'm going to.'

'You said he took you home Saturday night.' Paul bit the inside of his cheek to stop laughing outright.

'And?'

'You never added that he'd been the perfect gentleman then too.'

Della smiled, took her coffee cup and made towards her door. Just before she went through to her own office she turned back to them. 'No Paul, I didn't say he was a gentleman, but he was perfect.' With that she disappeared leaving Paul wide eyed in amazement and Perry not quite sure what his gut was telling him.

TBC