Trick or Treat
Della was picking up the empty coffee cups, placing them on a tray to take them into the small office kitchen. It was always a toss up as to how client meetings were going to go. Della was always ready with either coffee or, in some cases, scotch. Thankfully this one had gone smoothly.
After she had washed the cups and put them away, she returned to the office, taking her usual seat next to Perry's desk.
"So what's up next, Chief?"
Perry shoved his hands up into his hair. Della sucked in a quiet breath, wishing it were her hands. She knew his hair was soft and curly. When he was tired, one curl had a habit of falling over his forehead, giving him a naughty little boy look.
"Della. Did you hear me?"
Della blinked rapidly, smiling shyly. "Sorry, Chief. I was thinking about…ah…what kind of candy to pick up for the kids."
"Oh no. I forgot about Halloween. I guess I'll have to stop too."
He stood and took Della's arm, guiding her toward her office. "C'mon Miss Street. We need to make a candy run."
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Once they were settled in the car, Perry headed towards Beverly Hills and Edelweiss Chocolates. Three years ago Lucille Ball had put the factory on the map with an episode of her tv show.
Della relaxed as Perry maneuvered the big car through afternoon traffic. She turned slightly in her seat to stare at his profile. There was no doubt in her mind that he was movie star handsome. But it was more than that. He was a lion in the courtroom, determined to find justice for his clients and seemingly tireless when on a case. He was also kind, generous, caring and Della knew she was in love with him.
"So what kind of costume did Della wear as a little trick or treater?"
Della was a little startled at the question, but she gave a quiet chuckle.
"You'll only laugh at me."
He spared her a gentle look before turning his attention back to the road.
"I promise you, I will not laugh. Smile, grin, chuckle or guffaw maybe, but I won't laugh."
Della reached across and punched his arm. "You're mean."
Perry put on his most serious courtroom face. "I give you my word, I will not laugh. Now answer my question. Please."
Della smiled at him. "I was always a witch."
When he didn't say anything, she turned more in her seat, placing her hands in her lap.
"Why a witch?"
Now Della chuckled. "Well I always wanted the powers of a witch. I wanted to be able to make mean kids nice, make the candy given out just what everyone wanted, and…"
Perry looked at her, his deep blue eyes questioning. "And?"
Della looked down at her hands. "And make my parents happy again."
When Perry didn't respond, Della turned back to stare out the window. Finally unable to endure the silence, she once again looked to her boss.
"And what did little Perry dress up as? A lawyer?"
"Little Perry didn't go trick or treating."
Della looked at him wide eyed. "WHY?"
She saw him give an involuntary flinch and immediately knew she had struck a nerve.
"I'm sorry Chief. I didn't mean to…"
He reached across the seat to squeeze her hand. Even through her glove she felt the warmth.
"No need." He seemed to change before her eyes, becoming that little boy. "My father had a bad experience when he was a boy. He was dressed as a clown and a few bigger boys made fun of him. When they tried to take his candy, he fought back. Unfortunately one small boy against the bigger boys was not only unfair, it was disastrous. The end result was a broken arm and a hospital stay."
Della reached out and put her hand on his arm. "That's so awful."
"Yes. Well the result was my family always managed to be on vacation for Halloween."
Perry pulled up in front of the chocolate store, shutting off the engine. He turned toward her with a lopsided smile.
"I never really missed it because the vacations were always fun. And in college and law school, while my colleagues were out making fools of themselves, I was buried in my books. Good grades got me very far."
Again he took her hand and squeezed. "So, let's go see what kind of goodies we can find for the little ghouls and goblins."
She gave him one of the dazzling smiles Perry loved so much. "Okay."
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Their purchases made (and despite Della's protest, Perry paid for both) they were back in the car heading for Della's apartment. Della happily munched on a delicious caramel apple, catching the juice that dribbled down her chin with a large napkin.
Perry watched as she took a delicate bite, licking her lips to catch a stray piece of the sticky caramel, and felt a tightening in his chest, not to mention other places. He had known for some time he was in love with his secretary. But he also knew there was nothing he could do about it, except maybe lots of cold showers.
Pulling up in front of Della's apartment, Perry shut the engine off and hurried around to open her door. He took her hand to help her out, grabbing the bag with her candy. He held her elbow, walking into the lobby.
"Thank you Chief."
But Perry kept a firm hold on her elbow, escorting her to the elevator, pushing the button for her floor. When the elevator stopped he guided her down the hall to her door.
Della wasn't quite sure why he was doing this but the warm hand on her elbow was very welcome.
"Thank you again."
Releasing her arm, he handed her the bag with her candy. Then he reached out and took the napkin and very gently wiped a small bit of caramel from her lips. But he didn't immediately drop his hand, letting it stay just millimeters from her.
Fire shot through her body causing her to tremble. Her eyes were wide, focused on his, feeling as if she were drowning in the blue pools.
Then Perry dropped his hand, giving the napkin back to her and breaking the spell.
"Ah…I hope the kids enjoy their candy. I'll see you on Monday."
And with that he turned and hurried down the hall, disappearing into the elevator.
Della entered the apartment and sagged against the closed door, trying to figure out what had just happened.
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Perry had the top down on the car, letting the cool air ruffle his hair and calm his nerves.
What in heaven's name was I thinking! I almost kissed my secretary. My God Mason, you are a fool. At the very least she would have slapped your face. Or worse, quit on the spot.
Stopping for a red light, he lit a cigarette with shaking hands.
But then again, she didn't pull away or seem to mind. What if…
Pulling into his personal parking space, he headed for the stairs, thinking the climb would do some good.
Once in his apartment, he changed into a pair of navy blue casual slacks and a soft blue cashmere sweater.
He set the candy by the door, knowing it wouldn't be long before the kids knocked on the door. There were only five other families in his building. And the eight children of those families always came to his door in a group.
While he waited, he poured himself a scotch, lit a fire and settled in on the couch, dropping his head back. His thoughts once again turned to thoughts to Della. He had never known a woman like her in his life. She was beyond beautiful, intelligent and…
The doorbell interrupted his musings. Crossing to the door, he grabbed the candy.
"Trick or treat Mr. Mason!"
Perry laughed at the group. "Well this is a fine collection of ghouls." He held out the dish. "Now, be nice and one piece for everyone."
The kids politely took their candy, thanking him, and then hurrying down the hall to the elevator.
Once the group was gone, Perry closed the door, deciding he would head out for some dinner.
He had just picked up his keys, when the doorbell sounded. Thinking it might be one of the parents, he opened the door.
No one was there, but on the floor was a takeout bag from Clay's. Just from the smell wafting up, he could tell it was his favorite roast beef sandwich and more than likely Clay's homemade potato chips.
He scanned the hallway in both directions but there was no sign of anyone. He picked up the bag, carrying it in and setting it on the small dining table.
Opening the bag, he noticed that there was enough for two. Just as he was trying to figure things out, the doorbell sounded again.
He crossed and opened the door, trying to keep his mouth from hitting the floor.
Della was standing there, but it wasn't his secretary. The tall witches hat was perched at an angle on her head. Her usually sedate makeup was gone, replaced by dark lined eyes and ruby red lipstick. The black lace dress clung to her body like a second skin, falling in a soft swirl to just above her knees. Black sheer nylons and sparkly, impossibly high black high heels completed her outfit.
When he just continued to stare at her wide eyed, she smiled at him.
"Trick or treat, Chief."
"Ah…well…ah…"
Della gave a throaty laugh which sent a shiver straight to Perry's groin.
"My goodness. It's a good thing we're not in court. You'd lose the case for sure."
Suddenly regaining his senses, he stood aside, inviting her in. He watched the movement of her hips as she glided to his couch, noticing just how graceful she was.
"Do you think we could eat our sandwiches before they get cold?"
"Oh, so you are the reason for dinner. What would you like to drink?"
Smiling, she nodded to the bag. "If you look, there should be a container of Clay's special tea."
Grabbing plates and utensils, Perry started pulling things from the bag. There was indeed a container of tea, which he poured into glasses.
Turning to look at Della, he was again struck by just how beautiful she was.
"Would you like to eat in the kitchen or…"
"Oh, I think I'd be much more comfortable here."
Perry just stood looking at her for a moment, then he brought her plate and glass, setting it on the coffee table before returning to bring his own to the table.
They ate in silence, each sneaking quick glances at the other, sharing smiles and feeding each other Clay's homemade chips.
Finished at last, Perry turned to her, his eyes a deep, dark blue.
"So little witch. Was that the trick or the treat?"
Della smiled. "That was the treat."
"Do I need to worry about the trick?"
Della scooted closer to him on the couch. "Oh, not every trick is bad. You see there was one more thing I wanted to be able to do as a witch."
Perry started to say something but he somehow knew he should stay quiet.
"I wanted to make people love me."
Perry held his breath for a moment longer. He took her hands in his and placed a kiss on each palm, causing Della to shiver at the touch of his warm lips.
"Why would you need to make people love you? You are a beautiful lady, inside and out."
"Well, my father didn't want a girl. And because my mother doted on me to compensate, he liked me even less. So every Halloween I dressed as a witch hoping I could use some kind of power to change his feelings."
She dropped her head, looking at her hands still held in his. "But it never worked."
"Della?"
She raised her head to find that his eyes were now almost black. He released one of her hands to gently take her chin. Leaning forward, he kissed her lightly.
"Your magic worked on me."
"Oh my."
Perry chuckled softly. "I love you, Della Street. Probably from the first day you walked into my office, my world."
Della leaned into him and returned the kiss. "And I love you Perry Mason."
Now their kisses became deeper and more demanding. Finally the need to breathe overcame desire.
Della rested her head on his shoulder, Perry's arms wrapped around her.
"Della, I want to ask you to stay but…"
"If you don't ask me to stay, you just might be in for that trick."
Perry stood and grasping her hands pulled her up and into his arms.
"In that case, Miss Street…"
"Yes?"
"Happy Halloween."
