The Case of the Meddling Attorney
Chapter 21
1
Mark Sanger pulled the vehicle up to the gate at the Stover mansion. Opening the window of the vehicle, he pressed the button that would announce their arrival, and waited for an answer.
Robert Ironside studied the mansion. Something bothered him about the entire situation. Joel Kattering was familiar to him, yet, he never met the man before the reading of Stover's will. His mannerisms and his temperament told Ironside he dealt with him at some time or another. The chief trusted his instincts, and his instincts told him he knew the man. How, he didn't know. Ironside intended to find out. By engaging him in conversation, something just might trigger a memory. It was certainly worth a try.
Ironside wondered why Stover chose him as his heir. What was the connection between the two of them? He supposed Kattering temperament was something he should expect with anyone that was associated with Baron Stover. If it weren't for the fact that he believed at some time, he came in contact with the man, he would have dismissed it as exactly that. His instincts said otherwise.
"This is the Kattering residence. Please identify yourself and your reason for being here," the voice coming over the intercom said.
"Robert T Ironside. I am here to see Mr Kattering."
"One moment, Mr Ironside. I will see if he can speak with you." The intercom went silent.
Five minutes later, the chief and Mark were still waiting for a response. "Wonder what's taking them so long," Mark said.
"It's a big mansion. Whoever answered the intercom may have to locate Kattering first," the chief answered. He could tell Mark was becoming impatient. Ironside knew his friend and aide wasn't the only one.
Ten minutes later, a voice finally came back on the intercom. "You may enter, Chief Ironside. Please park your vehicle directly in front of the mansion." Nothing further was said.
"You heard the man, let's go."
Sanger drove through the front gates. He drove up the long driveway and entered the semicircle. Mark brought the van to a stop, shut off the ignition, and got out of the vehicle. By the time he walked around to the other side, his boss was already coming down in the lift. The young man stepped behind the chief's wheelchair and began pushing him to the entrance of the mansion. As Mark reached up to ring the doorbell, the door opened before he had a chance.
"Chief Ironside, Mr Kattering will see you now. Please follow me." Alfred Reinhardt led them to the study. Knocking on the door, he called out, "Chief Ironside is here to see you."
"Come in," sounded the voice in the study.
Reinhardt open the door and gestured for Ironside and Sanger to enter. As they did, Roland Hubbard stood up behind his desk. "Chief Ironside, I can't imagine why you are back here to see me. I didn't think there was anything left for us to say. So whatever it is that you do have to say, please say it, and then leave."
The chief wheeled his chair over to the front of the desk. Mark stood back near the door, where Reinhardt was still standing.
"It's all right, Alfred. You may go," Hubbard told his butler.
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay, Mr Kattering? Don't you want to have a witness to what is said here? Chief Ironside has a witness." He looked over at Mark.
"I am not concerned about what Chief Ironside has to say. Thank you, Alfred, but that will be all." He said it with such command in his voice, that Alfred turned around and left immediately.
Sitting back down in his executive chair, Roland Hubbard said nothing. He waited to find out what Ironside came to say.
The detective studied him, deciding to wait him out. If Kattering thought he could get the better of Ironside, he was sadly mistaken. The chief knew that his glare always unsettled those he set it upon.
Finally, Hubbard could wait no longer. "Are you just going to sit there, or are you going to tell me what you were doing here? I'm a busy man, Ironside."
"Chief Ironside," Mark said from across the room.
"Let's not get hung up on titles," Hubbard snarled. Turning his attention back to the detective, the newly recent millionaire stared at him. "Well, Chief, are you going to tell me what this is all about?"
"I can't shake the feeling that we have met before," Ironside said staring him straight in the eye.
Looking away from the detective, remembering that intense stare, he said, "I assure you we have never met. There isn't any reason we would. I have lived on this side of the country all on my life, and you have lived on the west coast all of your life. I don't see how it is possible that we could have ever met."
"How did you know that I have lived on the west coast my entire life?"
Roland knew the detective was trying to trip him up. He couldn't help but wonder what he suspected. He tried very hard not to react to Ironside. However, it was becoming more difficult. He dealt with the man before, and he knew what he was like. Yet, one never really remembered exactly what it was like to be interrogated by him until it happened again.
"You are quite famous, Chief Ironside. You should know that. There have been numerous articles written about you in the newspapers, Newsweek, and every other news media in this country. Much information is out there about you."
"I am aware of that, but why would somebody like you have any reason to look up information on me?" The detective continued to grill him.
Roland was beginning to believe that it was a mistake having let him in. Ironside obviously suspected something. He decided he would weigh his answers carefully.
"I don't think you know how often you have been front page news, defending the President of the United States. As I said, much information is out there. I do read the newspaper. Is this really what you came here to ask me? I suggest you get on with it, as I am losing my patience. I'm a very busy man."
"Yes, I don't doubt that. Inheriting millions of dollars and a mansion, as well as many illegal activities would keep anyone busy."
"You are very quickly wearing out your welcome. I suggest you state why you came here, and then get out."
"All right, what I want to know is what is your connection to Baron Stover? Why did he leave his entire estate to you?"
"As you probably already know, since you are considered an outstanding detective, is that Baron didn't have any relatives."
"That doesn't answer my question. What was your connection to him that he would make you his soul heir to a fortune?" Ironside asked.
Hubbard sat there for a moment trying to keep his temper in check. To lose it, was exactly what the damn detective wanted. He would not give him that satisfaction. "Quite frankly, I don't see how that concerns you. Why are you asking me these questions? You can't possibly consider me a suspect in his murder. I was miles away from here when it happened. You can check on that."
"I have checked on it. You are right, you were nowhere near him when he was murdered. That doesn't mean you couldn't have hired it done," Ironside said accusingly.
Forgetting that he needed to maintain control of his temper, Roland Hubbard stood up, his face beat red, and shouted at Ironside. "Who the hell do you think you are? It is none of your business as to why Baron left his estate to me. We were friends. He had no one else to leave it to. I don't care whether you like it or not. I don't have to answer to you in any form. You have no jurisdiction in Georgia. It's too bad you didn't go down in that building in San Francisco instead of . . . !"
Ironside stared at the man he knew only under the name of Joel Kattering. "Just exactly what do you know about that?"
Damn it! He needed to control his temper around the detective, and he had failed to do so. Roland could see the suspicion in Ironside's eyes. And if he suspected anything at all, he was going to investigate it until he was satisfied he found the truth.
"I don't know anything about it. I only remember reading in the newspaper that you barely made it off the top of that building before it went down. Man was he right!"
"Was who right? Tell me, Mr Kattering, did you know Frank Hunt?"
"No, never heard of the man." Had the situation been reversed and he asked Ironside the same question, and gotten the same reaction he had just given the man, he wouldn't have believed him either. No doubt, Ironside didn't believe him. Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! He allowed Ironside to get to him, and now he wasn't kidding himself, Ironside was going to look further into him. That was something he couldn't afford. Why the hell did he let him in in the first place? He had no obligation to an out-of-town cop.
"Who the hell is Frank Hunt? I never heard of him," he repeated. Roland knew that he didn't sound very convincing. He had to get Ironside out of his study before any more damage was done. Calming himself before he spoke, Hubbard said, "If that is all, Chief Ironside, I have things I have to do. I'll have Alfred show you to the door."
"One last question. A man who was seen carrying something over his shoulder, which could have been a human body wrapped up. Do you know anything about Victoria Ironside's disappearance?"
"Get the hell out!" Roland shouted. "How dare you accuse me of such a thing! I'll sue you for slander!"
"What's the problem? Why don't you tell me what was rolled up into what your man's slung over his shoulder?"
"I'm telling you for the last time, get the hell out of my house!"
"Yes, I think you are right. It is time I leave. Besides, I learned everything I came here to find out. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr Kattering." Ironside turned his chair around and wheeled out of the study. Mark backed out behind him, prepared to defend the chief should Kattering attack him.
Shouting extremely loudly, Roland called out Alfred Reinhardt's name. He appeared almost immediately in the study.
"Yes, sir, is there something you wanted me to do?"
"We have a problem. Ironside knows about his aunt leaving here rolled up, and slung over your man's shoulder. Have you heard back from him?"
"No sir, not yet. Is that a problem?"
"You're damn right it's a problem. Someone obviously saw him carry her out of here. We need to find out who that is and silence them. I know I said I wanted Victoria Ironside's body found, but I have changed my mind. Contact your man and let him know that she is never to be found. If he finds her body, he might connect her to us."
"Sir, there is a problem with that," Alfred said.
"What the hell are you talking about? Tell him to bury the body," Hubbard shouted.
"That is the problem. He hasn't come back. I have not been able to reach him on his cellphone."
Hubbard just stared at him. Finally, he regain his composure. He began pacing back and forth around the study. "Something must have gone wrong. He must be afraid to come back and face me. Alfred, if she got away from him, we have a very big problem. If Ironside starts nosing around the real Joel Kattering's life, he would find out about the surgeons.
Watching Hubbard pace, Reinhardt was well aware of the situation. Ironside was not going to let it go. If Victoria Ironside was alive, then the detective was going to find her. And, if he did, well, Alfred didn't want to even think of the consequences. Kattering was right. It meant they had a very big problem. "What do you want to do about it?"
"Just shut up and let me think for a minute." Hubbard paced back and forth. Ironside baited him and he fell for it. Now, the damn cripple was suspicious of him. He was well aware of the determination of the man. He wouldn't stop. Roland knew he was going to find out about the surgeons he murdered. Ironside wasn't a stupid cop. In fact, he was damn good. He would put two and two together. The cripple would figure out Roland took on Kattering's identity.
Roland stopped pacing. There was only one way to work this out. He needed help, and he knew just where to get it. Walking around his desk, he sat down and picked up the phone. After pressing the numbers of the individual he wanted to speak with, he waited.
"I wondered when you would get around to calling me, Kattering. You and I need to have a long talk," Vino Marcino said.
"I understand you did some business with Baron Stover," Roland said.
"Yes, we did quite a bit of business until he decided to screw me over," Vino said.
"I am surprised you let him get away with it."
"Who says I did?"
"Then you are the one who wasted him?" Roland asked, not really expecting an answer.
"Ben Matlock killed him, or haven't you heard?"
"I don't believe that anymore than you do. That isn't the reason I called you."
"Why did you call me?" Vino demanded.
Roland knew that tone of voice. He also knew Vino Marcino was going to try to control him. Baron never allowed it. If Marcino thought he could just move in on him, he would soon find out he could be just as ruthless as Baron. He better make things clear immediately. "Listen, Vino, I think we can work well together. We can co-exist in Atlanta and make a lot of money. There is one thing you need to understand. You are not going to control me anymore than you did Baron. I have the resources to go to war with you if you force me to. That is not what I want. There is plenty of money in this town for both of us. So, what do you say we work together in making it?"
Vino was silent for a moment. He had a couple of his boys research Joel Kattering. He worked with Baron Stover and was just as crooked. Vino respected that. He would let Kattering think he could stand against him. Vino would work with him, with the ultimate goal of taking over his entire empire. Kattering was in for a rude awakening. He wasn't about to put up with what he did with Stover, nor did he believe Kattering had the resources to stand against him. The information his boys presented to him showed no indication of it. "All right, I think we can agree to work together as long as we split the cash down the middle."
"I have no problem with that," Hubbard said.
"Then what is it you need my help with?" Vino asked.
"Ironside and Mason. They have become a real problem."
Vino decided to push him a bit. "The only way they could be a problem for you is if you were the one who killed Stover. Their reputations are well known in our circle. They don't quit until they solve the murder."
"I didn't kill Baron. He was a friend of mine," Roland insisted. "However, there is the matter of Ironside's aunt."
"I heard she was missing. Ironside is on the warpath on that one. Are you responsible for her disappearance?"
"I am. I have had run-ins with Ironside before. He killed a friend of mine, and he is going to pay for that."
"Where's the old lady?" Vino asked.
"I send one of my guys to take her into the woods and waste her. I haven't heard back from him and I can't reach him."
"You think there is a problem?"
"Yeah, I do. Can you help me with it?"
"You are asking a lot. If your boy didn't kill her, and you expect me to do it, then I will have Ironside on my trail. He is not a man you want snooping around you."
"Agreed. Consider this. If she got away from my man and talks to Ironside, then we have a problem."
"No, you have a problem."
"Listen, Vino, when I took over Baron's business, he left behind a lot of records on his business dealings with you."
Vino couldn't believe it. The son-of-a-bitch was actually threatening him with blackmail. He was making it clear he would use the information against him. "Don't threaten me, Kattering. You could end up regretting it."
"And don't you threaten me either. I am not who you think I am. Joe Kattering is dead. I took his place."
"Do you really expect me to believe that. What if Mason and Ironside receive a call telling them you are not Kattering.
"It wouldn't do you any good. My fingerprints have been altered as well as my face. I would be authenticated as Kattering. Look, I am willing to share my empire with you, if you do the same with me. We have to start trusting each other. That means we have to have each other's back. Vino, we can own this town."
Marcino wasn't about to share the town with Kattering, or whoever he really was, but he could convince him he was willing until he could get control of his businesses. "Okay, you're right. Let's stop the bickering. It doesn't get us anywhere. I'll find Ironside's aunt and take her out."
"Thanks, Vino. You won't regret it, and as a token of trust, I am going to help you with a problem of yours."
"What's that?"
"Baron's accountant. Baron kept all sorts of records on his business dealings with you. The feds are coming after those records to get to you. I am going to see that the records are destroyed and the accountant eliminated."
Vino knew about the feds. "That accountant is protected by the feds. I haven't been able to get to him. Besides, if I have him killed, they will not stop until it is pinned on me."
"That's the beauty of it. They won't be able to pin it on you."
If Kattering could get rid of the problem, who was he to stand in his way. Maybe doing business with the man could prove beneficial. Still, he had no intention of a partnership. Atlanta was his, and he would share it with no one. If Kattering eventually would accept him as the top boss, he would take very good care of him. Otherwise, he was a dead man.
"Okay, we have a deal."
"Good. Let me know when you are certain Ironside's aunt is dead."
2
Ben Matlock stopped at the bank and pulled out the funds he needed to bail Leanne out of jail. He couldn't leave his daughter sitting in that cell. After all, he too entered Kattering's mansion. Ben disappointed his daughter when he refused to fire Perry Mason. Leanne was a talented lawyer, but she was right when she convinced Ben to hire him. He was the best there was, well except for Ben himself. Despite knowing he would keep Mason as his attorney, he wasn't about to sit around and wait for him and Ironside to clear him. Ironside was distracted. His aunt was missing, and he was spending most of his time looking for her. He had Brown looking for her as well. Mason was in the courtroom and couldn't do much investigating. That left Drake and McMasters, and they didn't seem to be getting anywhere with the case.
Ben went to the jail, posted Leanne's bail and waited for the police guard to bring her out. He felt guilty when he saw the look on her face. She looked haggard and defeated. She came directly to him and he took her into his arms.
"I am so sorry, Dad, for getting us into this mess."
"No, you were right. I trust Mason completely as an attorney, he's extremely good. The problem is Drake and Conrad are not solving this fast enough. We are going to give them a bit of help."
"But what about all that talk about letting Mason handle it. You said we have to trust him."
"And we do trust him. We are just going to give him and Ironside some help."
They walked out of the jail together. Ben opened the passenger car door of his vehicle, and Leanne got in. He joined her as he slipped into the driver's seat.
"So what are we going to do?" she asked her father.
"There is something fishy about Kattering. That is where we are going to start."
"But how? We don't dare go back there."
"We don't have to. I left a bug in Kattering study when we were in there. It is connected to a recording that is voice activated. We are going to go back to my house and listen to the recording. It seems he spends a lot of time in that study. I am betting he makes all of his phone calls in there. We will at least be able to hear his side of the phone conversations."
"Dad, bugging someone's house isn't legal," she scolded.
"Neither was entering Kattering's house, but we did it. Now, I don't normally approve of this kind of thing, Leanne, but desperate times require desperate measures. I am sure you have heard that before."
"I just never thought you were capable . . . well, never mind. Let's go listen to the recordings.
They drove the rest of the way to Ben's house in silence. When they arrived, they went into the house and headed directly for Ben's home office. Matlock went around the desk and sat down. Leanne pulled up an chair and sat down in front of it. Ben turned on his computer and opened the program that was monitoring Kattering's phone."
"I didn't know you were savvy enough to be able to listen in on someone's conversations over the internet."
"I'm not, but I know someone who is. He set it up for me."
"Perry Mason and Robert Ironside wouldn't approve of this."
"Well, they are not alone. I don't approve of it either, but this investigation is going nowhere. They need some help."
Ben typed in a few keys and the recording began to play. He checked the time. "This conversation was just recorded within the hour."
They listened, but the recording was not very clear. It kept cutting in and out. What was clear was Ironside visited Kattering. He accused him of being responsible for Victoria Ironside's disappearance, and questioned him about his connection to Baron Stover.
"Dad, Chief Ironside suspects he has had dealings with Kattering before. He obviously thinks he knows him."
"Which isn't likely if Kattering is who is claims to be," Ben said.
"What do you mean? Who else could he be?"
"Good question. I have a feeling the chief is going to find out."
"Did you notice the reference to Frank Hunt?" Ben asked his daughter.
"Yes, but I have no idea who that is," she answered.
"He was the man Ironside was responsible for putting away for 15 years. He fought his parole, but the parole board granted it against the chief advice. He lured Chief Ironside into a high rise with the intention of killing him and his aunt. Then the earthquake hit. Ironside barely got out of the building before it went down. Hunt fell to his death from the roof of that building when trying to push Ironside off. Instead, Ironside got the upper hand and pushed him off"
"I don't understand. What has that to do with you and Baron Stover?"
"I am not sure, but I am guessing the chief knows and is going to pursue it."
They continued to listen when Kattering made a call directly after Ironside left. "Is that who I think it is?" Leanne asked.
"Vino Marcino. Atlanta's biggest crime boss. The only one that dared defy him was Baron Stover."
"Have you considered he is probably the one who murdered Stover."
"I thought so, but that conversation between Chief Ironside and Joel Kattering has giving me pause."
They continued to listen. The record became more inaudible. They were only getting bits and pieces of the conversation. "Is that Victoria Ironside they are referring to?"
"Sure sounds like it to me. But then, Ironside did accuse Kattering of being responsible for her disappearance. Maybe that is what they are referring to."
As they continued listening, they could tell there was some kind of understand between them. Kattering would destroy the accountant's records if Marcino would . . . would what? The recording was too garbled to tell.
"The accountant's records must have something in them harmful to Marcino," Leanne said.
"Agreed, but what? And what does Marcino have to do for Kattering?" Ben wondered.
Leanne looked at her father. "There is only one way to find out, Dad. We have to pay a visit on the accountant. Do you know who he is?"
"Yes, the man's name is Joey Gorman. He's as sleazy as Marcino and Stover. He is known as the accountant for crooks."
"Well, what do you say we pay him a visit?" Leanne said, raising an eye brow.
"I think that is a very good idea." Ben grinned at his daughter. He set the computer up to continue recording.
"It that worth the bother? You can barely make out what is being said."
"Must be a defective bug." He shut it off. "No sense in taking a chance of getting caught. We found out enough to check out."
They left Ben's house, got back into his car, and headed for Joey Gorman's office. Fortunately, Gorman lived right over the office. It would likely be closed, although they would be able to go up to his apartment to see him. It was getting extremely late, and ordinarily Ben would never visit someone this late at night. The status of his case trumped the lateness of the hour. They arrived at Gorman's office. Naturally, the lights were out. The office was closed.
Leanne looked up at the apartment above the man's office. "Looks like there are lights on upstairs. He must still be up."
Ben notices the lights too. Good, they would be able to talk to Gorman tonight. He worried he would not be cooperative, yet they had to try. Maybe he would give something away that would help prove Marcino killed Stover.
They climbed the stairs located on the side of the building, which led to the apartment. When they arrived on the landing, Ben hesitated.
"What are you waiting for? Aren't you going to knock on the door?" Leanne asked.
Matlock turned and looked at his daughter. "The door is open."
She understood the significance of the revelation. "Dad, I think we should forget this and come back in the morning." She didn't want to become involved if there was something sinister inside. Leanne did want to tangle with the law again.
"He could be hurt or worse. We better see if he needs help. Being careful not to leave any fingerprints, Ben pushed the door open with his foot. Stepping inside, he shouted, "Gorman, are you home?" He received no answer.
"I don't like this. Dad, let's leave."
Matlock ignore her pleadings and pushed on. Entering the apartment which was dimly lit, he could see a man's body lying on the floor in a pool of blood. He walked directly over to him. Using his index and middle fingers, Matlock checked for a pulse, knowing he wouldn't find one. Gorman had been shot in the left temple at close range. There were powder burns at the site of the wound.
"Is he . . .?"
"Dead," Matlock confirmed.
"Okay, I've seen enough. Let's get out of here," Leanne said, heading for the door.
"We can't and you know it. We are officers of the law. We must report this," Ben reminded her.
"Fine, we'll report it, over the phone and not using any names."
Matlock went over to the phone. He pulled handkerchief out of his pocket and picked up the receiver. After dialing, he said, "This is Ben Matlock, I want to report a murder." Fifteen minutes later, Captain Mel Harrison showed up at the apartment.
3
The sound of the woods wasn't something Victoria Ironside was used to. Nor was she used to the pitch dark. Sitting on a rock and rubbing her painful ankle, she wondered where her tormentor was. Victoria didn't know how long she'd been limping through the woods. She didn't even know where the woods was. All she knew was she was on her own. No Robert Ironside coming to the rescue to save her. Victoria couldn't count the times her nephew scolded her for immersing herself into police business. She really meant it each time she told him she wouldn't do it. The problem was someone continued to try to hurt Robert. He was like a a son to him. She wouldn't let anyone hurt him. Even if it meant angering him, she would protect him.
Who was she kidding? Certainly not herself. She was in no position to go up against murderers and criminals. It just angered her one of them was always trying to kill Robert. Victoria recognized she and Robert almost lost their lives on the roof of Tower. Neither would have been there during the earthquake if it hadn't been for the maniac, Frank Hunt. She supposed it affected her more than she'd been willing to admit. Because of her lapse in judgement, she was once again in trouble, and she wouldn't be able to depend on Robert to rescue her. If she ever got out of this, Victoria was going to turn over a new leaf. She would finally stay out of police business.
Victoria was tiring. She wasn't young anymore. Certainly, she didn't have the stamina she once had. She was slower and tired more easily. The thought of sleeping in the woods was out of the question. Despite the exhaustion she felt, she would press on. If she could find the highway her captor turn off into the woods, she might be able to flag someone down. Robert needed to know Roland Hubbard was here in Atlanta, was the one who kidnapped her, and probably the real killer of Baron Stover.
"It's the end of the line, Ironside," the voice said behind her.
She turned quickly to see her captor standing there holding a gun on her. At least she thought it was a gun. It was hard to determine in the dark. In fact, since he never spoke to her, the only evidence it was her captor was the words he just said. Victoria's hand was resting on a rock. If there was one thing she learned from Robert, it was to use whatever was at your disposal to protect yourself. Slowly she lifted the rock, turned toward him and threw the rock as hard as she could at the sound of his voice. Even though it was dark, she hit her target. He cried out, and she heard a thump.
Victoria was torn between approaching him to find the gun and fleeing in case he was faking. The more she thought about it, fleeing made more sense. Standing up, she grimaced at the pain in her ankle as she put her weight on it. With no further hesitation, she headed away from her stalker. Her only chance of getting away from him was having knocked him out with the rock. Victoria would never be able to out run him limping the way she was. She headed away from him in the hopes of putting as much distance between her and the man trying to kill her.
4
Della Street listened to the slight snoring of Perry Mason who laid asleep beside her. She enticed him into lovemaking in hopes he would relax and finally fall asleep. Fortunately, it worked. Della was concerned about the lack of rest he was getting there in Atlanta. The case was not the typical one Perry was used to taking on. Most clients remained in jail while he and Paul found the real killer, therefore, clearing his client; whether with a confession in the courtroom, or setting the killer up with the help of Hamilton Burger and Lieutenant Tragg. The case didn't seem to be going anywhere, and soon Perry would have to put on a defense.
One would think with Paul Drake, Conrad McMasters, Ed Brown, and Robert Ironside working the case, it would already been solved. Instead, all they had were clues that didn't seem to add up to clearing Ben Matlock of reasonable doubt, let alone exposing the man or woman who killed Baron Stover.
It was important to Perry that Della support him, help stimulate his brilliant mind. The problem was they weren't spending much time together. She was Perry's rock, and she hadn't been able to fulfil that role. What was just just as bad, he and Robert weren't really working together. Robert was worried about their aunt. Although, he was trying to do find her and work on the case at the same time, without his complete attention to the case, it was suffering. Della had to do something. It was up to her to bring everyone back together to work as the team they were on past cases.
Perry stirred beside her. His eyes fluttered open. When he saw Della was also awake, he smiled. Reaching for her, he pulled her close to him, kissing her lightly on the lips. "If I didn't wear you out, we could go another round." He smiled, his dimples on display.
"Perry, we need to talk."
Seeing Della was serious, he pulled himself up and leaned on his elbow. "Okay, what about?
"This case, Perry. It is going nowhere."
Mason knew she was right. He knew it all along. He looked down. "No one is working together."
"Exactly, and you have to turn that around or we are going to lose this case, and Ben Matlock is going to go to jail for a murder he didn't commit."
Perry was silent for a moment. "Della, I have defended a lot of defendants. Whether it was Paul or Bob investigating, I always knew they gave a hundred percent. We all had a common goal and we worked toward it. Bob is so distracted trying to find Aunt Victoria, he has barely helped with this case. Ed Brown is spending most of his time looking for Victoria. Conrad and Paul are investigating, but they are not coordinating their efforts. I can't seem to get them all together to straighten this out. If that isn't bad enough I have Ben and his daughter meddling in the case, pulling my attention from the courtroom."
"Then you have to put a stop to all of it. We don't have much time left to turn this around."
"You're right. I'll call a meeting of everyone tomorrow, or rather today."
"Now, that is more like it. I . . ."
The phone rang, interrupting Della. Mason reached over her and picked up the receiver. "Hello."
"Perry?"
It was Ben Matlock's voice on the other end. This couldn't be good. Mason looked at the clock. It was 3:30 in the morning. "Ben, do you know what time it is?"
"Yeah, well, I'm sorry about that, but you are my attorney, and I need your help."
Mason had a bad feeling. There was only one reason Ben Matlock would be calling him at this hour. He was in trouble - again. "Okay, Ben, spill it. What is going on?"
"Well, we are being held as material witnesses in a murder. In fact, I think they might be considering changing that to murder."
"Murder! By we, you mean you and your daughter?"
"Ah, yes, I am afraid so."
"Ben, how many times do I have to tell you to stay out of it?"
"I'm sorry, Perry, but we need your help."
Mason rubbed his eyes. "All right, I'll be right down." Mason got out of bed and headed for the clothes Della set out for him for the coming day.
"Ben got arrested again?" Della asked, watching the attorney.
"I'm afraid so. Della, I just don't know what to do about him."
"You do what you have to do, Perry. You'll figure it out," she soothed.
Della got up and went over to him. She put her arms around his waist and hugged him. Perry hugged her back. When she let go, he got dressed and went out the door.
Mason drove to the jail with a slow burn anger. Why did Matlock insist on making his job harder. He just didn't have any idea how to control him or his daughter. When he arrived at the jail, his outer demeanor was calm, but his inner demeanor was anything but.
Walking into the jail, he explained to the officer at the front desk that he was there to see his client. Mason was led back into a holding room. Sitting at the table were Ben Matlock and his daughter. "All right, what happened?" he demanded.
"Well, we went to see Joey Gorman, Baron Stover's accountant," Ben said.
"At this hour?" Mason said in disbelief.
"No, they have been holding us here for some time, and then there was the time we were at Gorman's apartment."
"Tell me what happened," Mason said.
"We went to his apartment above his office. The door was ajar."
"So you went in," Mason said, not trying to hide his disapproval.
Leanne didn't like the tone Mason was using on her father. "Come on, Perry, tell us you have never entered an open door when investigating."
"You are not investing anything. Get that through you head. If either of you interfere with this case again, you can find yourself a another attorney."
"This case is going nowhere," Leanne snapped.
"Now, Leanne, Perry is doing a fine job," Matlock said. He didn't want Mason's feathers ruffled any further. "Now that we have that out of the way, will you please post our bail, so we can get out of here."
Mason stood up in frustration. He turned and walked out of the room without another word. He was met by Captain Harrison.
"I suppose you want to post their bail now?" the captain said.
"No, I don't" Mason said. "Did you charge them?"
"Actually no. I don't believe they killed Gorman. There is nothing to support it. I am holding them as material witnesses."
"Do me a favor, Captain," Mason requested.
"If I can. What do you want?"
"Hold them on a breaking and entering charge. You can drop the charge in 48 hours. Just keep them out of my hair."
Harrison laughed. "You are growing on me, Mason. I'll extend the favor."
Mason turned on his heels and left the jail. Just maybe he could get some work done on the case.