The Case of the Meddling Attorney
Chapter 22
1
Perry Mason and Della Street were exhausted. Neither of them got much sleep the night before. After being called to the jail, Perry couldn't sleep when he arrived back at the hotel room. Della, who waited up for him to return didn't sleep either. Both were wide awake when they received their wake-up call from the front desk.
After showering and shaving, Perry relinquished the bathroom to Della. As usual, she laid out a suit, tie, shirt, socks, under clothes and shoes for him. Mason took his time getting dressed. Once the task was completed, he picked up the phone and ordered breakfast for them.
A knock on the door gained Mason's attention. He walked over and opened it. Robert Ironside greeted his brother and wheeled into the room. "Well, hello, Bob. I was beginning to wonder if you were even still in Atlanta."
"I've been busy," Ironside growled.
Perry could see his brother was in no mood to be teased. "Have you located Aunt Victoria yet?"
"No, but I am worried she has been murdered."
Mason sat down. After a moment, softening his tone, he said, "What makes you think so?"
"One of Kattering's men was seen leaving the mansion carrying what could be a person in a tarp over his shoulder. He put it in the back of a van and drove off."
Mason said nothing. He hadn't known Victoria Ironside very long, but he certainly liked the old gal. If she had indeed been murdered, and by Kattering, then he just made the biggest mistake of his life. His brother would hunt down the evidence to put him behind bars. Finally, despite how painful it might be to Bob, Mason asked, "What makes you think Kattering is behind it?"
"Gut instinct. There is something about that man. The things he says when I get under his skin. He knows me, I can feel it. This may sound crazy, but I don't think he is Joel Kattering. Kattering never met me before. This man has. We have had run-ins before, Perry, I am sure of it."
"What are you going to do about it?" Mason asked.
"I chartered a plane. Mark and I are flying to where Kattering lived. I am going to find out what happened in that house that burned to the ground."
"What about Victoria?"
"Ed is checking the woods on the outskirts of Atlanta. That is more than likely where Kattering would have had her buried."
"I am sorry, Bob. I was hoping you would find her alive."
"I haven't given up hope yet," Ironside said quietly.
"Bob, if Kattering is not Kattering, he could very well be the one who murdered Baron Stover."
"That is exactly what I have been thinking. You go into court. Take your time. Stall as much as you can. I'll text you with what I find."
"You text?" I didn't think you knew how to do that. You never answer my texts."
"I would much rather talk to someone on the phone. People don't even speak face to face anymore. They send texts. In this case, it is what the application was intended for. I'll be able to send you a message without disturbing the proceedings."
Della came out of the bathroom fully clothed, with her makeup on and every hair in place. "Hello, Robert, any news of your aunt?"
Ironside repeated what he just told Perry. Della, being the compassionate person she was, walked over to him and kissed his cheek. "We'll be praying she is found alive."
Ironside held his emotions in. "I have a plane to catch. Remember, stall as much as you can." He wheeled toward the door, then turned his chair back to them. "I have a very strong feeling Kattering will provide us with the answers needed." Ironside left the room.
"He's really upset about his aunt, isn't he?" Della said.
"If Victoria was in the tarp the man was carrying over his shoulder, then he has every reason to be upset. It more than likely means she's been murdered."
Della was silent for a moment. "Perry, we better get going. You have to bail Ben out of jail."
2
"Mr Durrell, call your next witness," Judge Megan Peters said.
Durrell stood up and addressed the bench. "Your Honor, we feel we have provided proof of motive, opportunity, and that there is reason to believe the defendant did commit the murder. We ask he be bound over for trial."
"Mr Mason, is it your intention to present a defense?"
"It is, Your Honor," Mason said.
"Then call your first witness, Counselor."
"The defense calls Officer Sean Rockwell," Mason announced.
After taking the stand, Mason approached the witness. "Officer Rockwell, you are the officer who processed and identified the fingerprints in the murder trial in which Baron Stover was accused of murdering his girlfriend, Becky Morris?"
"I was," he responded
Mason walked over to the defense table. Della handed him the police report. Heading back to the witness, he handed it to him. "Officer Rockwell, what was your findings?"
"I reported Mr Stover's prints were found on the barrel of the gun as well as on the door handle of her apartment."
"And no other prints were found?"
"Yes, there were prints found of a homeless man, who robbed Miss Morris."
"That is not in your report, Officer," Mason pointed out.
"I know that. I didn't see the report at the trial. I didn't realize it wasn't my complete report."
"Neither was the homeless man, Malcolm Atkins, ever positively placed at the murder scene, was he?"
"His prints placed him there," Rockwell snapped.
"Prints that only appeared in the re-trial report."
"That's right. I already said the first trial didn't contain my entire report?"
"An incomplete or altered report?"
"Objection!" Durrell called out.
"Sustained. Mr Mason, if you are going to make accusations, you better be prepared to back them up," the judge said sternly. "You are questioning an officer without a single blemish on his record."
Mason took the police report from Rockwell, walked back to the defense table, dropped the report on the table as Della handed him another one. The lawyer took his time walking back to Rockwell, remembering Bob told him to stall. He was determined to give him time to check out Kattering and fly back. He would make it back by mid-afternoon.
Standing in front of the witness, he asked. "I have your bank records here in my hand . . ."
"You had no right!" Rockwell shouted, losing his composure.
"A court order gave me the right, Officer." Handing the bank statement to Rockwell, he said, "There is a rather large deposit in your checking account. $50,000.00 to be exact. Will you tell the court the date of that deposit?"
Rockwell's face turned beet red. Mason wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment or anger. When he gave him enough time to answer, but didn't receive one, Mason raised his voice, "Well, Officer?"
"I know what you are getting at, Mason, but you are wrong. The money was from an investment."
"The date is the day after you testified in the second trial."
"So what? I told you it was from an investment. I sold some property."
"That property had been condemned, had it not?" Mason thundered.
Durrell stood up. He had to stop Mason's momentum. "Your Honor, I have been patient, but I must object. Baron Stover is the victim, not the defendant. This has no bearing on this trial."
"Mr Mason. I don't understand where you are going with this. Mr Durrell has a point."
"Your Honor, I have evidence that the property Officer Rockwell is talking about was condemned. It contained a small shack. The property owner next to it quietly had the property appraised in order to make an offer to purchase it to tear it down. It appraised at a measly $10,000. Officer Rockwell refused to sell it because someone offered him $50,000 for it."
"It's not a crime to sell to a higher offer, Mason," Rockwell snarled.
"Go on, Mr Mason," the judge said.
"Our investigator, Chief Ironside ordered his aide, Mark Sanger to check into Baron Stover's investments." Della walked forward and handed Perry a paper. "This is the transfer of the deed Mr Sanger obtained. The new owner is a company called Kattering Enterprises. Mr Kattering inherited the entire estate of Baron Stover."
The courtroom broke out in chatter. Judge Megan Peters banged her gavel to bring the court back to order. When it quieted down, Rockwell said, "The name meant nothing to me. I had never heard of him then."
"You didn't question why someone would offer you five times what the property was worth?" Mason said.
"I simply chose the offer that was larger."
"Weren't you going to testify Ben Matlock told you he did indeed kill Baron Stover when Mr Durrell cross-examined you?"
"Objection!" Durrell shouted.
"Overruled!" the judge snapped.
"Well, ah . . . yes, but it is the truth."
"That's a lie, you jackass!" Ben stood up and shouted. Seeing the look on the judge's face, he sat down. "I'm sorry, Your Honor, but it is a lie.
Seeing that the judge wasn't going to reprimand Ben, Mason continued, "And just when did this happen?"
"Early this morning. He contacted me. I met him before court. He told me then."
"Are you quite certain of that?" Mason thundered.
"Of course I am."
"How is that possible since Ben Matlock was picked up by the police as a material witness to the murder of Baron's Stover's accountant. He spent the night in jail and was brought directly from there to this courtroom."
Once again the courtroom burst with chatter. The judge's gavel quieted the excited crowd.
"How much were you paid this time to perjure yourself, Officer Rockwell?"
"I am not answering anymore questions, I want a lawyer."
"Oh, you will get one," the judge said. "Mr Durrell, I suggest you charge this officer with perjury and re-examine his testimony, not only in this trial, but also the Baron Stover trials, and his connection to Joel Kattering."
Mason then called Officer Boyd McDonald. He testified he helped with the fingerprint process. McDonald said only one set of prints was found on the gun that was used to kill Becky Morris, and they belonged to Baron Stover.
2
Robert Ironside's plane landed at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. After renting a car, Mark helped the detective into the passenger seat. He instructed his aide to take him directly to the property of Joel Kattering. Mark helped him into his wheelchair and moved him as close to the burned down house as he could get him.
The detective looked over the area. The house had been completely destroyed. What had Kattering been trying to hide, if he was indeed Kattering? Ironside couldn't shake the idea that he wasn't. What a better way to hide his identity than to burn everything that would identify the man. "Mark, take a look around the ruins. See what you can find."
Mark frowned. "Chief, the place is destroyed. Just exactly what do you think I am going to find in that?" He wave his hand at the burn down house.
"Mr Sanger, if you were not the person you claimed to be; you had taken on someone else's identity, what is the first thing you would do?"
"Well, I suppose I would want to eliminate as much of the person's history as I could after I memorized it"
"And what would you consider a house that has been burned to the ground?" Ironside said sarcastically.
Mark shook his head. "History."
"Exactly. See if there is anything in there that will help us to prove Kattering is not Kattering, and try not to break your neck doing it."
"I am surprised you are even worried about my neck," Mark complained.
"If you break your neck, how am I supposed to get back to the plane to return to Atlanta," Ironside said, the corners of his mouth turned in a slight smirk.
Sanger stepped into the wreckage that once was the home of Joel Kattering. After an extensive search, he turned and shouted to Ironside. "Chief, there's nothing here. Everything has been totally destroyed."
"Keep searching. There has to be something in there."
"Wouldn't the fire department already have checked this out? If there was something to be found, they would have found it," Mark insisted.
"They could have missed something." Ironside looked to his right. Something shiny was reflected by the sunlight. "Mark!" He pointed. "What is that over there? It is reflecting the sun."
Sanger glanced over to where the chief was pointing. He could see it as well. Traipsing over burnt ruins, he almost tripped.
"I thought I told you to be careful not to break your neck," Ironside shouted.
"I know, I know. You wouldn't be able to get back to the plane." Mark arrived at the half covered shiny object.
"What is it?" Ironside demanded.
Mark picked it up and looked at the box. It was made of steel, but only half of it was burnt.
"Mark!" Ironside shouted again.
Sanger shook his head and took the box over to the impatient detective. Handing it over, he decided to let him determine if it meant anything."
Ironside looked it over. He tried to open it, but it was locked. "Mark, to you have a pocket knife with you?"
"Yeah, Chief, but that is steel. It is not going to force it open, if that is what you are thinking."
Ironside stared at the young man. Mark sighed and pulled the pocket knife out of his pocket. "If this breaks the blade you are going to owe me a pocket knife, and not a cheap one either. I paid a good price for this one." He handed the knife over to his boss.
Ironside opened the knife and worked the blade under the top. After a few minutes, he was able to force the box open. He handed the knife back to Mark, who looked at the bent, scratched up blade.
"You owe me a knife, Chief."
"You said if I broke it. It's not broken," Ironside said with a grin.
Pulling the papers out of the box, one in particular caught his attention. There were three names on the paper. Dr. David Lovik, Dr James Montana, and Eric Giddings. "We need to find out who these three are. Let's see if the local police department will help us.
They left the scene and got back into the vehicle. "Mark, we have to find a phone book. I want to talk to those two doctors. We need their addresses."
Sanger pulled out his cellphone. Pressing the middle of the bottom of the phone, he spoke into it. "Hey Google, give me address for Dr. David Lovik." The digital assistance immediately announced the information he requested. "You need to come into the 21st century, Chief. Phone books are dinosaurs. They only make them with businesses in them. Residential addresses and phone numbers are no longer listed."
"Mr Sanger, I do not need a residential phone number. Therefore, the phone book is needed if one doesn't have a smartphone."
"Everyone has a smartphone, even you. You are too stubborn to use it."
"Are we going to sit here arguing about how to get an address, or are we going to go and talk to Dr Lovik?"
Mark started the van and headed for Lovik's office. When they arrived, the office was locked. No one was around. "I don't get it. What doctor isn't at work collecting outrageous fees on his way to becoming a millionaire?"
A car pulled up in front of the building. Ironside turned his chair around at the sound of the vehicle. A man got out of the car.
"A cop," Mark said.
"What makes you think so?" Ironside asked.
"Are you kidding? I grew up on the streets of Chicago. I could spot one a mile away."
Ironside smiled. He wondered if Mark realized he knew, in part, the man was a cop because he was developing detective instincts. Someday, he figured Mark would realize he would make an excellent cop, and would forego the lucrative attorney's career to join the police force. Either way, Ironside was proud of the man he had become.
The police officer approached him "I know you," he said.
"Then you have me at a disadvantage," Ironside replied.
"You're Chief Robert Ironside, aren't you?" the man asked.
"I am, and who are you?"
"Lieutenant Ryan Ferguson, Charlotte Police Department. I assume you are here in town investigating Joel Kattering." He showed Ironside his credentials.
The chief looked up at Mark as Mark looked back at him. "How did you come to that conclusion?"
"You have been in the paper here. You can't show up on this side of the country without it being reported. You are just a bit famous, Chief, especially among police departments. Everyone knows you have been helping Perry Mason in defending Ben Matlock. With three high profile men like that, you can't expect to fly under the radar."
"Why would you think we are here investigating Joel Kattering?"
"That's easy. I read Kattering was Baron Stover's sole heir. You and Mason are trying to create reasonable doubt to get Matlock off. If you can somehow tie Kattering to Stover's murder, Matlock walks."
"What do you know about Kattering?"
"Lived out there in the boondocks. Kept to himself. He was involved in deals where people were swindled. We could never prove he got any of the money. No doubt he has an offshore account somewhere. We just can't find it. We have not been able to tie him to a crime. He always made it look like he was also swindled, just a lot less than the others who lost thousands. Besides, he was associated with Baron Stover. Chief, if you don't mind me asking, why are you here?"
"Mark and I went to Kattering's house. We found a box which held a paper with three names on it." He pulled the paper out of his pocket and showed it to Ferguson.
"Dr David Lovik. This is his office."
"I know that," Ironside said. "Why is his office closed?"
"Because dead doctors don't see patients," Ferguson said.
"Dead? When?"
Lieutenant Ferguson told him. "He was murdered."
"What kind of doctor was he?" Mark asked.
"Legally, he was a plastic surgeon. Made a lot of money doing it, but that is not where he made most of his money."
"He altered faces for the mob?" Ironside asked.
Ferguson smiled. "Your sharp, Chief. No wonder everyone considers you the best. You are right, of course."
"So, he was murdered shortly before Kattering's house burned down, and you suspect the good doctor altered the man's face. The man killed the doctor, murdered the real Joel Kattering, burned down his house to account for the face, and then took Kattering's place to claim the Stover fortune."
Ferguson smiled, shaking his head. You got all that on the little bit of evidence you have?"
"Detect, deduce and decide," Mark said.
"Right, right out of the text book," Ferguson said. "I came to the same conclusion. The other two men on your list are also dead. The doctor specialized in the voice. He did surgery so the patient didn't have to talk through those gadgets that sound mechanical."
"He altered the killer's voice," Ironside surmised.
"Exactly."
"And the third guy?" Mark asked.
"He would be the one who changed the fingerprints," Ironside said. "That would complete the switch."
"A perfect murder with no way to prove he's not really Kattering," Mark said.
"I think your chief would disagree with that Mr Sanger."
"Seems to me he thought of everything," Mark disagreed.
"First of all, Mark, there is no such thing as the perfect murder. There is always some clue that would nail the killer. The problem is, it is not always found," Ironside said.
"So what is it that nails the killer this time?" Mark said.
Ferguson looked at Ironside and grinned. "Tell him, Chief."
"DNA. A man can change his face, his voice, and his fingerprints, but he can't change his DNA."
"Chief, I get the feeling you have an idea who did this," Ferguson. "Care to share?"
"Are you officially investigating this?" Ironside asked.
"Not exactly. If my captain knew I was checking into this, I would probably be in trouble. The problem is, the run-ins with Kattering have had me spending a lot of time investigating him. He was not a careless individual. In fact, just the opposite. He would not have left the gas on on the stove."
"Do you have anything that would allow me to force a DNA test?" Ironside asked.
Ferguson grinned. "Come to think of it, I just might. I should have thought of it myself."
"Seem to me you just did," Ironside said. Then it hit him. He knew why Kattering was so familiar "Mark, get Eve on the phone."
Sanger reached into his pocket, pulled out his smartphone, and dialed Ironside's office. When he had Eve on the phone, he handed the phone to his boss.
"Eve, I need you to contact Judge Herman Thatcher. Get a court order for the prison to send Roland Hubbard's DNA tests to Captain Mel Harrison. I'll contact him and let him know why." He explained what they had learned from Lt. Ferguson, combined with some of the things Kattering had said to convince him Kattering was actually Roland Hubbard.
"I'll take care of it right away, Chief," Eve told him.
Ironside hung up the phone. "Let's go, Mark, we have a plane to catch.
4
Victoria Ironside woke up. She crawled out of the bush she concealed herself in for the night. Everything hurt, her hip, her back, her legs, and most of all her ankle. She reached down and rubbed it. Victoria was afraid there was some real damage there. She sprained her ankle more than a couple times in her life, but she never experience this kind of paid. How would she ever walk on it to find her way out of the woods? Furthermore, even if she did, how could she know who to trust to help her.
Victoria got to her feet. Pain shot through the ankle and she fell back to the ground. She cried out and waited for the pain to subside. Grabbing the tree beside her, she pulled herself to her feet, taking all of her weight on her good foot. She stood there for a moment. She had to walk on the ankle, so she decided she would just have to withstand the pain. Victoria lowered her injured foot and forced her weight on it. The pain was excruciating. Tears appeared in her eyes. She closed them and willed the pain away. Taking a step and forcing the injured ankle to support her weight, she began walking.
Not knowing which way to go, Victoria just walked forward. It was as good away to travel as any other. She took her time, gritting her teeth as she moved. She looked up to see the sun was directly overhead. It was noon. Victoria couldn't believe she slept that long. Then again, she didn't normally have to endure what she had been through.
Making slow progress, Victoria kept moving. She had no idea if she was heading in the right direction. She was in so much pain, Victoria didn't realize she was being followed. Despite trying to walk normally, she couldn't help but favor the injured ankle. Victoria sat down on a rock for some much needed rest.
A man appeared in front of her. She was so focused on the painful ankle, she didn't even notice him. "Victoria Ironside?"
She looked up. The man was holding a gun on her. Well, it seemed Robert was right. She should stay out of police business. If she listened to him, she wouldn't be facing death right now. At least she lived a fairly long life. She was able to watch her nephew grow from a child into a famous detective. Victoria found her son after losing him shortly after birth. And, she met Perry Mason, Robert's half brother. Ironside's aunt had lived a good life.
"Some one wants you dead, and I have been ordered to see that you get that way."
"Joel Kattering. I recognized the mansion."
"Since you know, all the more reason to have you eliminated." He raised his gun and pointed it toward Victoria's head. She closed her eyes. The gun went off, but Victoria didn't feel anything. Opening her eyes, the man was lying on the ground, with blood spreading across his chest. She turned and looked behind her. Sergeant Ed Brown was standing there with a gun pointed toward her would-be killer.
Lowering his weapon, Ed walked over to her. "Are you all right, Victoria?"
"Other than my ankle, yes."
"Can you walk on it?" Ed asked.
"I have been, but it is bad. The pain is bad."
"Okay, then you lean on me. Keep the weight off the ankle." He reached into his pocket, and pulled out his smartphone. He called the police first to report the shooting, and then dialed Mark's phone. "Mark, let me talk to the chief." When Ironside came on the phone, he told him, "I found Victoria. She's alive. She's going to be all right, Chief."
5
Perry and Della sat with Ben Matlock at a diner down the street from the courthouse. Ben was quiet. Mason could tell he was upset, but right now, he simply didn't care. He and his daughter were thorns in his side since he landed in Atlanta. What part of 'stay out of it,' didn't they understand. He was worried enough. So far, they had lots of suspects, and still hadn't been able to narrow it down. Mason was afraid this one was going to trial.
A trial was something he was hoping to avoid. He had a practice in Los Angeles, and he felt like he was neglecting his clients. This needed to end in the preliminary. A trial could drag on for weeks. He didn't want to be away from his office that long.
He felt his smartphone vibrate in his pocket. Mason reached in to see he received a text message. He pressed the message icon to see that it was from his brother.
"Important?" Della asked.
"It's from Bob. I better check it now." Mason read the message and handed his phone to Della.
Matlock watched them. "Well, what did the chief say?"
"He found two dead doctors, and another dead man who was known to change fingerprints. He thinks Joel Kattering is actually Roland Hubbard."
"Hot dang! That means Hubbard is the killer," Matlock said excitedly.
"Not necessarily, Ben. He could have found out Joel Kattering was inheriting Stover's fortune, and decided to become Kattering. But, it is also possible he planned his murder to take his place. We'll have to prove it."
"It's reasonable doubt," Ben said.
"It gives Hubbard a motive, but the only thing it proves is he falsely took Kattering's identity. He would be implicated for the murders of the doctors unless he could prove some other doctors did the surgery. Either way, he is an escaped convict who murdered a prison guard. He would go back to prison, and then be charged for the guard's murder. He was already serving a life sentence."
His phone went off again. Another text from his brother. Mason smiled. "Ed called Bob. Victoria has been found. She's fine. Roland Hubbard is the one who abducted her. The man who was seen with something slung over his shoulder, didn't blindfold her. She was held at the Stover mansion. Bob questioned her. She didn't see Hubbard after she was taken to the Stover mansion."
"Which means, he was Joel Kattering after that," Ben said.
"Exactly."
"We just might have that reasonable doubt after all," Mason said. "I am going to see if I can delay the hearing until tomorrow to give Bob a chance to prove Joel Kattering is actually Roland Hubbard. Then the fun begins."
"Then Hubbard is the killer," Della said.
"Is he?" Mason said with a grin.
5
Paul Drake looked up and shook his head. Standing there was Conrad McMasters. "You know, we really ought to be communicating better, so we are not covering the same ground. What are you doing here?"
Conrad walked over to Drake. They were both standing in front of Police Headquarters. "Probably for the same reason you are. I found out Stover's finger prints weren't his fingerprints."
Paul smiled. "I can see why Matlock hires you. I found out the same thing. We simply haven't coordinated this investigation very well."
"You can say that again. Don't tell Ben," Conrad said.
"Only if you don't tell Perry," Paul responded. They both laughed. "The important thing is we find out who Stover really was and if the real Stover had any relatives."
They walked up the sidewalk and into the building. They were immediately met by an officer in uniform. "May I help you, Conrad?"
"Hey Tommy, this is Paul Drake. We are investigating . . . "
"Yeah, I know. You know I am not going to be able to help you."
"We need to see Captain Harrison," Paul said. "That takes you off the hook.
"The captain, huh? Well, I am not sure he is going to want to see you, but I'll ask." Tommy left them to head to Harrison's office. A few minutes later, he returned. "You are in luck. The captain says he'll see you. Follow me." He led them to Harrison's office. He opened the door. Go right in."
Paul and Conrad went in. Captain Mel Harrison looked up from his desk. "Well, well, I am surprised Chief Ironside and Sergeant Brown didn't mention you two would be stopping by."
"Neither of them know we are here," Paul said.
"Sit down gentlemen and tell me what you are here for."
After taking seats in front of Harrison's desk, Paul took the lead. Perry Mason got a court order and picked up Baron Stover's records from Joey Gorman."
"I know that, get to the point," Harrison said.
"The point is there was something in there that we need help checking," Conrad said."
"You guys know that I was the arresting officer and provided the evidence to the district attorney. What makes you think I would help you tear down the evidence Durrell is going to use in court?"
"Because I suspect you are just like Lieutenant Tragg in Los Angeles, who also collects the evidence the district attorney uses against Perry Mason's clients. He is on the other side of the aisle, yet that doesn't stop him from listening to Mason. He, our district attorney and Mason have worked together when Mason provides enough evidence that someone else committed the murder," Paul said.
"Did you and Mason get together and come up with that line. I got the same thing from him and Ironside just awhile ago. All right, what is in the records you want checked out?"
"Do you have Baron Stover's DNA on file?" Conrad asked.
"Yeah, we do, why?"
"Because we don't believe Baron Stover was actually Baron Stover," Paul said. Included in the files of his accountant, Joey Gorman had on him, there is a couple lines that led us to that." Drake pulled the papers out of his suit coat pocket and handed them to Harrison. He waited until he had time to absorb the information.
Looking up over his glasses, he stared at Drake and then McMasters. Okay, so Gorman thought Stover was actually Whitford Decker."
"Do you know who Whitford Decker was?" Conrad asked. It seemed to him Harrison was taking the information too lightly.
"Of course I know who he was. He was a serial killer. Disappeared a few years back. You are going to need more evidence than what you have here to prove Whitford Decker murdered Baron Stover and took his place."
"Well since Decker's DNA is on file, and so is the real Baron Stover, comparing the two records will reveal whether Baron Stover who Ben Matlock is accused of murdering is really Whitford Decker," Paul said.
"Even if that is true, I don't see how that affects the current case against Matlock."
"What if someone found out Stover was really Decker. Then he decided to do the same thing. He changed his face, fingerprints and voice, murdered Decker, then took his place as Baron Stover."
"Have you talked to Ironside and Mason lately?" Harrison asked.
Conrad and Paul looked at each other. "Not today," Paul revealed.
"They were in here checking on the DNA of Baron Stover and Joel Kattering."
"And?" Conrad said.
"Joel Kattering is not Joel Kattering. We also discovered the DNA of the murdered Baron Stover is not Baron Stover."
"That's what we have been trying to tell you. Did you run the DNA against your data base," Paul inquired.
"Of course, but it will take a while to get through it. It is, after all, nation wide."
Someone pounded on the door. Harrison was clearly annoyed. When he ignored it, the door burst open. The officer was clearly excited. With a huge grin, he blurted out, "We got a match on the DNA. Ironside and Mason were right. The guy posing as Baron Stover, that is the one that Matlock is accused of killing, was actually Whitford Decker, the serial killer! Can you believe it?"
"Thanks, Officer. That will be all." The officer turned and left the room, obviously disappointed at his superior officer's reaction to the news.
"I think Mason has his reasonable doubt. I doubt if the judge will allow this to go to trial now. In fact he will probably dismiss the charges against Matlock," Harrison said.
"You don't know Perry," Drake said. "He and Ironside have probably figured out who the killer is, and will now go after him."
6
The next morning, Ironside wheeled into the courtroom. Mark Sanger removed the chair directly behind where Perry Mason would be sitting. Ironside moved his chair into the now empty spot. The detective looked around. "Where the blazes is Perry?"
"He'll get here, Chief. He has to. He's Matlock's attorney," Mark said in an attempt to calm his boss.
The courtroom door opened, Paul and Conrad came in. They joined Mark and the chief at the front of the courtroom. Several chairs were marked reserved. The door on the left side of the judge's bench opened, and the bailiff brought Ben Matlock in. He took his place at the defense table.
"Where's Perry?" Ben asked.
"He'll be here," Ironside said.
"He made me sit in jail again last night. Leanne is still there. Captain Harrison would not allow me to bail her out either. I am going to have a word with him. The jackass," he said under his breath.
"If you stayed out of the investigation as you were told, he wouldn't have had to have you locked up.
"They wouldn't even let me have hot dogs for dinner."
Mark smiled. "The chief hasn't had any chili since we got here either."
Ironside gave him a disgusted look, as Perry Mason and Della Street came into the courtroom and sat down at the defense table. "Did you serve Kattering?"
"Conrad served him," Paul said. "I served Reinhart."
With everything they had gathered in the past few hours, Mason was much more confident about ending the proceedings in the preliminary hearing. Despite knowing the police would be able to nail the imposter, he wanted to do it himself. "What about Ed?" Perry asked, addressing his brother.
"He has Victoria and will show up at the appropriate time," Ironside said.
"You found your aunt?" Ben said.
Ironside rolled his eyes. "No, Ed is bringing in Queen Victoria."
"Don't be ridiculous! She's dead," Matlock said.
The judge walked in to the courtroom. "All rise, court is now in session. The honorable, Judge Megan Peters presiding."
Judge Peters entered the courtroom and took her place on the bench. "Be seated." Everyone in the courtroom sat back down. "Mr Mason are you ready to call your next witness."
"Yes, Your Honor. The defense calls Joel Kattering to the stand."
Roland Hubbard came forward and was sworn in. He looked over and saw Ironside sitting behind the defense table. What was he doing here? Roland swallowed. He couldn't allow the damn detective to affect him.
"Mr Kattering, Mr Mason asked you a question," the judge said.
Hubbard turned quickly toward the judge. "What? I'm sorry, I didn't hear the question."
"You are Joel Kattering is that right?"
"I am. I just don't understand how I can help you. I don't know anything about Baron's murder," Hubbard said.
"Let the court be the judge of that, Mr Kattering. Now, you were the sole heir of Baron Stover's empire, is that correct?"
"Not exactly. Baron left $50,000.00 to his butler, Alfred Reinhart."
"And you inherited the rest?"
"That is correct. Where were you on the night of the murder?"
"In my home in North Carolina."
"Your house burned to the ground, did it not?"
"It did. I accidentally left the gas on on the stove. It blew up."
"And that is the reason for the shape your face is in?"
"I was burned in the explosion."
Mason turned around and looked at his brother. Turning back to Hubbard, he asked, "Mr Kattering, have you ever been to San Francisco?"
Without thinking, his face turned pale and the shock registered on his face. He looked over at Ironside, who was staring directly at him.
"Mr Kattering, answer the question," the judge said.
"Um . . . ah, no. I have never been to San Francisco."
"Isn't it true that Joel Kattering isn't your real name?"
"Oh, Your Honor, I have tried to be patient, but none of these questions pertain to this case," Durrell said as he stood up.
"Mr Mason, I have to agree with Mr Durrell. If Mr Kattering has something that will shed some light on this case, ask questions pertaining to it."
"Actually, I am, Your Honor. If I am permitted to continue, I will tie everything together," Mason said.
"All right Mr Mason. You may continue."
Mason again looked back at his brother, then back at Hubbard. "Mr Kattering, the man sitting in the front row behind the defense table, the one in the wheelchair, do you know who he is?"
Hubbard hesitated. He was about to say no, then thought better of it. Mason could call Ironside to the stand, who would then tell the court he questioned him. "Yes, that man is Chief Robert Ironside."
"From?"
"Excuse me?" Hubbard frowned.
"Where's he from?"
Durrell was becoming impatient. He had no idea what Mason was doing, and it made him nervous. It was to early to object again. Mason said he would connect it up.
"San Francisco. Everyone knows who he is and where he's from."
"But you came in contact with him in San Francisco, didn't you?"
"Objection, the witness said he was never in San Francisco," Durrell called out.
"The witness is not telling the truth," Mason said, "and I can prove it."
Oh God, Mason knew! Ironside figured it out. Hubbard was beginning to panic.
The courtroom door opened, Ed Brown entered with Victoria Ironside. Hubbard failed to conceal his surprise. Vino Marcino was suppose to have her killed. He settled back in the witness stand when realizing she never saw him as Joel Kattering, only as Roland Hubbard. Brown settled her right behind the defense table.
Mason watched him carefully. Bob was right about the man. He could very well be Roland Hubbard. A few more questions and Victoria Ironside would do as Bob had instructed her.
"Mr Kattering, you weren't given the opportunity to answer a previous question. Is Joel Kattering your real name?"
Hubbard squirmed in his seat a bit. Realizing he was showing nervousness, he attempted to calm himself. "Yes, it is my real name."
"You are from North Carolina, is that correct?"
"I already said I was."
"Can you explain why a man leaving the mansion that you inherited was carrying a woman in a tarp over his shoulder?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about. No one was carried out of the mansion."
"I have two witnesses that say otherwise. That includes the woman that was carried out of that mansion, Victoria Ironside." Mason turned and Victoria Ironside stood up.
"That's him! He's the one who kidnapped me! He is not Joel Kattering, he's Roland Hubbard. I would know his mannerisms anywhere!"
The courtroom broke out in pandemonium. It took the judge a couple of minutes to quiet everyone back down. "Another interruption like that, and I will clear the courtroom," Judge Peters said sternly.
"Your Honor, I must object! Defense counsel is well known for these theatrics. There is no basis for what he is claiming. No one has testified, and we object to Victoria Ironside's outburst. I point out that she is the aunt of Robert Ironside and Perry Mason."
"Mr Mason, I have been as patient as I'm going to be. You have not tied any of this into the current case. You either do so now, or this entire testimony will be stricken."
In his usual calm demeanor, Mason stood up. "Your honor, this man is not Joel Kattering. He is actually Roland Hubbard. Both Chief Ironside and his aunt, who was abducted by this man have had enough contact with him to recognize his mannerisms. Therefore, I would like the court . . ."
"This is ridiculous!" Hubbard shouted. "Take my fingerprints. They will prove I am who I say I am."
"And, we would find that you have the fingerprints of Joel Kattering," Mason said. "That is because he had his fingerprints burned off and replaced with Kattering's fingerprints, not to mention having his face and voice box changed. All of that has been masked by the fire that he himself set, after he murdered Joel Kattering."
"That's enough!" Judge Peters scolded.
"Your Honor, that is a very serious charge that Mr Mason made," Darrell said. "I trust he has the surgeon in the room to prove that. Otherwise, I'm going to have to object."
"Mr Mason? Do you have the surgeons in the courtroom that allegedly perform these surgeries?"
"No, Your Honor, I do not. The reason is because all three of the individuals that performed the surgeries were murdered."
Once again the courtroom burst out in loud chatter before the judged used her gavel to quiet the room.
"This is preposterous! I object to this entire examination of this witness. Mason is making accusations he cannot prove!"
"Before you rule on that objection, we got a court order for the DNA of the man claiming to be Joel Kattering. It was provided to us by his butler. A DNA taken from this individual will prove that this man is indeed Roland Hubbard. Furthermore, I can call the butler, Alfred Reinhart, who will testify that the individual claiming to be Joel Kattering did hold Victoria Ironside in the mansion, and then order her killed."
Mason turned and had Alfred Reinhart stand up.
"Why, you dirty son-of-a-bitch!" Roland Hubbard shouted. "I had nothing to do with Baron Stover's death. You know damn well he was a friend of mine!"
"One more outburst like that, and you will be held in contempt of court," Judge Peters told the witness. She hesitated before going on. "This court will recess until a DNA test can be done on this witness to determine if he is Roland Hubbard." She banged her gavel and left the courtroom.
Reporters rushed forward toward Perry Mason. Shooting questions at him, the attorney just smiled and said, "You will have your answers soon enough. That is all I have to say."
Mason walked over to Michael Durrell. "I need to speak with you privately."
"You know, I've heard all about your courtroom dramatics. What are you going to do when that DNA test proves he is Joel Kattering? All you're doing, Mason, is putting off the inevitable. Ben Matlock is going to be bound over for trial for murder. He is going to be convicted."
"Ben Matlock did not kill Baron Stover. If you will sit down with me, I will be able to prove who did," Mason told him.
"Mason, all your razzle dazzle isn't going to work. Matlock is guilty of murder and I intend to prove it."
Surprised at Durrell's response, Mason said, "You can't possibly believe that after what has transpired. Joel Kattering is actually Roland Hubbard."
"You haven't proven that. Furthermore, I doubt that it is your intention to prove it. This is just another delaying tactic. I have heard all about you, Mason. This is what you do. I'll see you in court when it reconvenes."
Ironside, who had been listening to the exchange, wheeled over to his brother. "Forget it, Perry. You gave him the opportunity, now he will just have to suffer the embarrassment in court. Let's go."
Mason followed his brother out of the courtroom. He left Ed in charge of his aunt, and told him not to let her out of his sight.
Ben Matlock started to follow them, when the bailiff stopped him. "I'll pay my bail."
"At the moment, there is no bail. You are being held for 72 hours on suspicion of murder."
"This is ridiculous! Call my attorney back here!"
"It was your attorney who requested that you be held for 72 hours," the bailiff told him.
"Of all the . . ."
The bailiff led Ben Matlock out of the courtroom.
7
Paul Drake and Conrad Masters walked into the restaurant down the street from the courthouse. They spotted Della, and Robert Ironside at a table. They quickly walked over and joined them.
"I was beginning to think you went back to Los Angeles," Mason said to Drake.
"I'm still here and we have broken this case wide open for you," Paul said excitedly.
"Joel Kattering is actually Roland Hubbard," Ironside said.
Conrad and Paul just stared at the detective. "How did you know that?" Conrad asked.
"I have dealt with Roland Hubbard before. He changed his face, but he couldn't change his behavior or mannerisms. It gave him away."
"Yes, but now you have to prove it. We found out he also changed his fingerprints and his voice," Paul said.
"We got the judge to order a DNA test on him. Since they already have Baron Stover's DNA, we will know whether the chief is right or not," Mason said.
"Whether or not the DNA test proves that he is Hubbard, is going to depend on when the DNA test was taken on Baron Stover," Conrad said.
"What difference would that make?" Della asked.
"If Baron Stover was not Baron Stover, the DNA test is not going to say he is," Ironside said.
"You found Dr David Lovik's name in Stover's papers," Mason said.
"That's right, but how did you know that?" Conrad asked,
"Bob went to North Carolina and discovered the doctor was dead as well as the one who is known for changing fingerprints. So is the one who changed his voice," Perry informed them. The fire was a cover-up for his face and his voice. He could claim that the smoke in the fire affected him. Instead of being burned, his face was altered."
"Then Roland Hubbard will be long gone" Conrad said.
"No," Ironside disagreed, "the judge ordered him into custody until the test results are received."
"This is confusing," Della said. "Are you saying that Baron Stover was not actually Baron Stover?"
"We don't know for sure yet, Della," Perry said.
"We checked with Captain Harrison," Ironside offered, "and he checked his file. Stover was shot several years ago. His DNA is on file. It is again recorded when he was killed. He is going to compare the two reports and get back to me. We'll know soon if the man who was murdered was actually Baron Stover."
"What happens if he isn't?" Paul asked.
"I'll ask the case against Ben be dismissed. If he is not Stover, then the prosecution can't continue a trial which accuses him of killing Stover if he isn't Stover."
"Do you mean they will have to start the trial over and charge him with killing whoever is posing as Baron Stover?" Conrad wondered.
"That is about the size of it," Mason said.
"I would prefer to go back to San Francisco some time in this century, so I suggest we figure out who killed Stover, or whoever he is," Ironside grumbled.
"What else was in those records?" Mason asked
"Joey Gorman, the accountant, also handled Vino Marcino's affairs. Apparently, he sent Rick Quinn in to pose as John Doe. He obtained a fake birth certificate, drivers license, and social security number from a man he had murdered. This man lost his memory after being beaten almost to death. He was found with no identification and didn't know who he was. That was fifteen years ago. He eventually gave up trying to find out who he was. He took the name of John Doe and was able to obtain ID in that name."
"What did he have to do with Vino Marcino?" Ironside asked.
"Nothing that we could find out. He was probably chosen because of not having anyone who would check on him," Conrad said.
"At any rate, Rick Quinn was killed to silence him. Marcino didn't want him to be able to finger him if the police were able to find out he posed as John Doe. He killed his accountant because he knew about Quinn posing as John Doe. Whether Harrison will be able to prove Marcino kill them remains to be seen," Paul said.
"We have another problem," Mason said. "A DNA result will take anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks. I really don't want to become a resident of Atlanta."
"I don't see where we have a choice," Ironside said.
"How are they holding Kattering?" Conrad asked.
"He is actually being held on suspicion of attempted murder of Victoria Ironside," Della answered. "The police pressured the butler. He said he overheard Kattering tell one of his men he had Victoria Ironside at the mansion. He claimed he had no idea he planned to kill her."
"So what do we do for the next three weeks?" Conrad asked looking at Mason.
"We go on the assumption that Kattering is actually Roland Hubbard. If he is, we better find the killer before we have to start all over with another trial," Ironside said.
"In the meantime, Harrison is going to release Ben Matlock and his daughter. God knows where they will start meddling again," Mason grimaced at the thought.
"So, Conrad and Paul, see if you can find out where Stover is buried," Ironside said.
"Chief, we don't know that someone killed him and replaced him," Paul said.
"We will if you find the body." Ironside glared at Drake. Mason had to hide a smile.
"What about Sergeant Brown?" Paul asked.
"He is escorting Victoria back to San Francisco."
"I hope you impressed upon her to stay out of police business," Mason said.
"I did," Ironside confirmed.
"Did she agree?"
"Yes, she did. She agreed that it was to dangerous to continue as she has been doing. So, she promised to never do it again." Ironside looked at his brother.
"And you think she will keep that promise?"
"I do . . . until the next time she meddles in police business."
8
Three weeks later, the DNA test was completed and the results received by the court. The courtroom was packed. The publicity had been in the papers with the media speculating every day what the DNA results would reveal.
The judge's chambers door opened and the bailiff called out, "All rise. The honorable Megan Peters presiding."
After she was on the bench and everyone sat down, she held the results of the DNA tests. "Captain Harrison, are you in the courtroom?"
The captain stood up. "Yes, Your Honor."
"Please step forward," the judge requested.
Harrison walked to the front of the courtroom.
"Will you tell us the results of the DNA test, please?" she said.
"Before I do that, I would like to tell the court that Perry Mason and Robert Ironside brought their suspicions regarding Joel Kattering. Chief Ironside made a trip to North Carolina and found out Dr David Lovik, a surgeon they suspected did facial alterations on mobsters, was found murdered, along with another surgeon suspected of altering fingerprints. The fire was used as a cover for newly surgical alterations of the face of the man who came to Atlanta. We contacted the police in North Carolina who found the body of Joel Kattering buried in the woods."
"Who is the man who testified as Joel Kattering in this courtroom?" the judge asked.
"Perry Mason was correct. The man who took the identity of Joel Kattering is Roland Hubbard. It was also discovered the man who was posing as and murdered as Baron Stover was actually Whitford Decker. Through the investigations of Conrad McMasters and Paul Drake, the body of the real Baron Stover was discovered in a cremation chamber in the basement of the Stover mansion. Although the remains were bones, we were able to identify them by Baron Stover's dental records."
Michael Durrell stood up slowly at the prosecution table. "Your Honor, despite the fact that Baron Stover was really Whitford Decker, Ben Matlock thought he was Stover. I respectfully request we continue the hearing."
"Mr Durrell, you charged the defendant with the murder of Baron Stover, who, as it turns out was actually Whitford Decker. I am afraid I am going to . . ."
Ben stood up and said, "I have no objections to continuing."
"What!" both the judge and Durrell exclaimed at the same time.
"I believe we can shed some light on exactly what happened the day, Baron Stover . . . I mean Whitford Decker was murdered, but not by Ben Matlock," Mason said as he stood up. Putting his hand on Matlock's wrist, he pushed him back into his seat.
"You know what I found out, use it, Perry," Ben whispered.
"I was about to dismiss the charges since Mr Matlock is accused of killing a man who is already dead.
"Oh, dog gone it, Your Honor, I have no objections!" Matlock said.
Frowning, the judge stared at Ben. "Mr Matlock, I suggest you let Mr Mason speak for you. All right Mr Mason, since your client doesn't object, call your next witness."
"The defense calls Alfred Reinhart."
After being sworn in, Mason approached the witness. "Mr Reinhart, you were the butler for Baron Stover? Is that right?"
"It is."
"Were you aware Whitford Decker took his place?"
"No, I had no idea. It came as a shock when Captain Harrison told me."
"And you had no idea the real Baron Stover was incinerated in the basement of the mansion?"
"None at all."
Mason glanced at Durrell. He was subdued. The lawyer was surprised he wanted to continue the hearing. Fortunately, he led right into what Mason needed. Did you know Whitford Decker?"
"No."
"Did the real Mr Stover have any dealings with him?"
"How would I know? I told you I didn't know the man. Never saw him or talked to him."
Mason walked back to the defense table. Della handed him a document. He strolled back to the stand, his eyes down, leafing through the document. "Mr Reinhart, this is a copy of Baron Stover's will." He looked up with a sly smile on his face. "The real Baron Stover. Do you know who it lists if Joel Kattering is now able to claim his inheritance?"
"Yes, I was to inherit the mansion and the money."
"So you had reason to eliminate Stover, or who you thought was Stover."
"I suppose you could look at it that way, but I had nothing to do with his murder."
"How long did you work as the butler for Baron Stover?"
"Fifteen years," Reinhart said.
"And in all that time, you got to know him fairly well?"
"I suppose so."
"Then why were you unable to stop not one but two imposters?"
"Objections," Durrell said. "Both men had their appearance, fingerprints, and their voices altered."
"I'll allow the question," the judge said.
"I did notice the change, Mr Mason. But then, people change. I just figured he did. Besides, he paid me to do a job, not to analyze him."
"Did you know Vino Marcino?"
"No."
"You never came in contact with him?"
"No."
Mason walked back to the defense table. Della handed him a picture. Mason returned to the witness. "Chief Ironside came across this photo. Tell the court who is in that photo?"
Reinhart looked at it. The expression on his face never changed.
"Well, who are the two men in that photo?" Mason demanded. Still Reinhart said nothing. "Let me enlighten the court." Mason's eyes bore into the butler. "That is a picture of you and Vino Marcino in Las Vegas, is it not?"
He said nothing. The judge interested in the twist the case had taken, said, "Answer Mr Mason."
"All right, I knew Vito."
"You worked for him in Las Vegas, didn't you?"
"For a while, yes. Then I came here and became a butler for Baron Stover."
"For a while?" How old are you, Mr Reinhart?"
"Fifty-five."
"How old are you in that photo?"
"Around eighteen."
"In fact you worked for him until you were forty, didn't you."
"I am not sure how old I was when I left his employ."
"Actually you never left his employ, did you?"
"I just told you I did."
"Are you aware Vino Marcino has been arrested for the murders of Stover's accountant, Joey Gorman and Rick Quinn, aka John Doe?"
"What?" Shock appeared on his face. "No, I didn't." He looked away from Mason.
"Then you knew them as well?"
Reinhart said nothing.
"You kept in contact with Vino Marcino when you came here to Atlanta, didn't you?"
"No."
Mason walked back to the defense table to where Della had an open laptop computer. Mason turned up the sound.
"Your Honor, I must object. No foundation has been laid for this."
"You are correct, but I am going to give Mr Mason a wide latitude here. You may continue Mr Mason."
Mason pressed a key on the computer. It began playing telephone conversations between Alfred Reinhart and Vino Marcino. They were discussing the plan they had in place. "Marcino gave you up, Mr Reinhart."
Reinhart lowered his eyes. He put his head in his hands.
"Tell the court what this plan was," Mason said.
"Baron Stover came to Vino's attention through the mob in Atlanta. We were in Las Vegas at the time. He couldn't break into the mob there, so he decided Atlanta had greener pastures. So, we left Las Vegas and came to Atlanta. Eventually, he got control of the mob here. Stover was extremely rich and was into a lot of deals that make lots of money. Vino tried to strong arm him, but it resulted in Baron killing Vino's son. Every time he hit back at Baron, he hit back harder at Vino. He was losing too much money so he left Baron alone."
"What was your part in all this?" Mason asked.
"I got a job working for Baron. He had no idea Vino sent me there."
"So you worked for him, while reporting to Marcino."
"Yes."
"What was the ultimate goal?" Mason asked next.
"To take over Baron's fortune and empire. Vino knew Whitford Decker. Decker knew a doctor in North Carolina who alter faces for the mob. Vino had him go there, and Dr Lovik alter his face to Baron's."
"Who killed Baron Stover?" Mason asked.
"Decker did and then took his place."
"But he didn't play ball, did he?"
"No, he had Baron's empire, and he decided to keep it. Vino ordered him killed. Joel Kattering was to inherit everything. However, Roland Hubbard showed up and Whitford, who was completely accepted by everyone as Baron, decided he was to become his right-hand man. I didn't know Hubbard, but he knew I was working with Vino. He threatened to expose me. If he did, Whit would have killed me. So, I gave Hubbard the location of Joel Kattering after Whit was murdered. As you know, he had his face, fingerprints and voice altered, and set fire to Kattering's place as cover for his condition."
"Who murdered Whitford Decker?" Mason asked.
"Roland did."
Mason walked back to the defense table. He was handed a report by Della."
"According to this report, it was your fingerprints on the crematorium in the basement."
"I put Baron in and burnt his body. Whit was supposed to take care of disposing the body. He told me he had."
"You said Roland Hubbard killed Whitford Decker, but it was you who killed him, wasn't it?
Della Street pressed a key on the computer. Alfred Reinhart's voice could be heard telling Vino Marcino he killed Decker, and Ben Matlock was going to take the fall. He said they would be able to control Joel Kattering. It wouldn't be long before they would control Stover's fortune. Reinhart said Vino needed to get rid of Rick Quinn who help swindle money using Baron's name, aka Whitford Decker.
"Were you aware Marcino intended to get you to sign over the entire Stover fortune by promising you an equal partnership in his businesses?"
"Yes, that was after I told him I would inherit everything with Baron, or rather with Whit out of the way."
"So he convinced you to kill him."
"Yes."
"And you did kill him?" Mason said.
"Yes, I did."
Mason looked up at the judge. "I move all charges against Benjamin Matlock be dropped."
"Prosecution concurs," Durrell said quietly.
"Case dismissed. Bailiff, take Mr Reinhart into custody." The judge left the bench, but just before she entered her chambers, she glance back at Matlock and Mason and smiled.
Matlock hugged Leanne who was sitting behind the defense table. Mason turned to his brother. "I don't know about you, Bob, but the sooner we get flights back to California the better."
Paul and Conrad joined them. "The press has gathered outside the courthouse."
"Naturally," Mason said. He looked over at Matlock who had a big grin on his face. "You deal with the press. We'll go out the back." Matlock, Leanne and Conrad headed out of the courtroom.
Matlock turned back and walked up to Mason. "You did pretty good for a rookie, but I reckon I would have figured it all out if you hadn't kept interfering. Despite your infernal meddling, dinner is still on me tonight. Hot dogs and oh, chili for you, Chief. My place at 7:00 pm." He turned and left the courtroom.
"Meddling, he says," Paul said. "I don't know about you, but I am not eating chili or hot dogs. I am going to have a great big steak with all the trimmings and it will be on my bill."
"And it will be on Matlock's bill," Perry said.
"And you are going to get my bill," Ironside said. "This doesn't fall under cooperation between police departments. I am not paying the hotel bill."
"That will also be billed to Matlock," Mason said.
"Perry, I think it is time for a vacation," Della said. "Is there somewhere we can go where someone won't ask you to defend them against a murder charge?"
"Try the North Pole," Ironside suggested. "Unless you believe in Santa Claus. He could be accused of killing one of the elves."
They all laughed. Ironside looked at Mark. "You haven't had anything to say, Mr Sanger."
"I was just thinking how this resembled a murder mystery on the motion picture screen," Mark said.
"How's that?" Ironside asked.
"Well, there were all these suspects and everyone kept checking them out to see if one of them was the killer. And like in the movies, it turned out the butler did it!" Sanger grinned as the others groaned.
The End
I do not own the Perry Mason, Ironside, or Matlock characters. All other characters were created in my mind for the purpose of telling the story.
Thank you for your support and for reading this tale.
Kathleen
aka kaleen1212