Della gasped when four pistols were suddenly drawn and pointed at them. Perry stiffened.
"All right, I don't want a word out of either of you," one of the men ordered.
"What are they doing here?" the man who had just walked in demanded.
"It was your job to make sure the cabin was secure!" someone growled.
"When I checked, it was!"
"What are we going to do with them now?"
"I'm still trying to work that out."
"Do we need hostages?"
"Let me think!" the man who seemed to be the leader barked, "And you two," he pointed to Perry and Della, "Get back to your dishes!"
Perry guided Della back into the little nook.
"Well, Counselor, what do we do now?" Della whispered as she wiped a fork clean.
Perry studied his upside-down reflection in a spoon, "Think of some way to get help."
The washed the dishes is silence. As Della dried her hands, she said, quietly, of course,
"What if I crawl out the bedroom window? I can make it down the hill to our car and go get help. They said the one bridge was washed away, but if I go in the opposite direction, there is bound to be a house with a telephone somewhere along the way!"
"If nothing else, it would get you out of here," Perry nodded in the general direction of the living room and their arguing guests, "But are you sure you want to try? There is a bad storm going on out there! If you were to get stuck or skid off the road and end up in a ditch or over an embankment...," Perry's face darkened as he thought of the possible dangers she could encounter, "Della, I don't think you should go!"
"But we have no other option!" Della protested.
"You could end up hurt or-," Perry stopped, not wanting to even think of becoming a widower on his honeymoon.
"Hey, you in there!" a voice from the living room interrupted their hushed tones, "How long does it take to wash four lousy dishes?"
Della shot Perry a look he understood all too well as "see?" Perry snapped,
"I don't remember hearing you volunteer to scrub the pots and pans!"
Someone snorted with laughter and Perry and Della rejoined the group. The leader stood by the fireplace, puffing on a cigar. Only one man still held his gun, but the holsters at the others' sides reminded the couple that weapons were only a grab away.
"What's your name?" the leader nodded his head towards Perry, "Ain't I seen you someplace before?"
"Doubtful," Perry retorted, "I don't attend parties like this."
Another snicker was heard. The leader narrowed his eyes, but said no more on the subject. He instead turned his attention to Della.
"Since we will be in your company for the night, why don't you be a good hostess and bring us some coffee?" It was more of a command than a request.
Della did as she was bid with a look at Perry.
"When I host I like to know my guests. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?" Perry moved around the room, emptying the ashtray, but trying to commit the faces he saw to memory.
"Nice try," the leader said, not giving him an answer.
Perry narrowed his eyes.
"What-," Perry began.
"Hostages don't need to ask questions," the leader rolled his head and looked at Perry.
There was a startled rattle of teacups as Della heard what was said.
"I'm sorry to startle you Miss...?"
"Missus!" Della said, indignantly.
"Apologies!" the man bowed, "Mrs.-?"
Della did not answer him, but went back to getting the coffee ready.
Perry noticed several pairs of eyes following his wife as she moved around. He set his jaw. She was willing to try and make a break for help, he was going to let her. He had no intentions of leaving her alone here with them.
"Once you are done, Missus, we won't be needing you anymore for the night."
Della watched Perry out of the corner of her eyes. He nodded behind the backs of their capturers. Della finished passing out the coffee then put away what she had gotten out. She nodded goodnight, then walked towards the bedroom door. Perry began to follow her.
"Hey!" the leader yelled at them.
They froze but did not turn around.
"I told her we didn't need her anymore. I didn't say we wouldn't be needing you anymore," he directed what he was saying to Perry.
"I am going to get something before she falls asleep," Perry thought quickly.
"Be quick about it, and it had better not be a gun!"
Perry had thought about the gun he had brought. His pistol was tucked away in the bedroom. He always took it with him. When you were a criminal lawyer, you never knew what you might come across. Perry nodded, then followed Della into the bedroom.
"Come with me, Perry!" Della begged.
"No. They aren't expecting to see you until tomorrow, but I am supposed to go right back in there," Perry held his raincoat while Della slid into it. Her raincoat was sitting in the living room, "You go and call the police, but please, please, please be careful!"
"I will," nodded Della.
"Here, take this with you," Perry handed her something heavy, cold and metal.
"No, you keep it!" she began to protest.
"I insist. They may come after you-"
"Hey!" someone bellowed from the living room, "Hurry it up in there!"
"I'm coming!" Perry snapped.
He slid open the window, kissed Della, and helped her over the windowsill until her feet hit the ground outside. He handed her the car keys.
"Please be careful!" he said again.
"I will."
He watched her until she was out of sight.
"God, keep her safe!"
What do you guys think so far? Thank you for all of the lovely reviews! I look forward to them after each chapter. Writing a mystery for Perry is a lot harder than it is to write for a non fanfic person. Please do not forget to vote!
