Della had fallen asleep with her head on Perry's shoulder. When Richard Ellis left, Paul ran to the car to tell Perry. "Wake up sleepy," Perry nudged his wife gently. Her eyes fluttered open, "are you sure you want to go?" She just nodded and Perry got out of the car. He helped his wife and held onto her as they crossed the street. Della told the janitor that she was locked out of her office at Tydings and Dawson, and he let her in. Perry joined her not long after. By the time Paul called to warn them about Tragg, the lieutenant was nearing the office door. "This is where we retire to previously planned positions."
"What positions?" Della asked.
"The fire escape." Perry climbed onto the fire escape first so he could help his wife climb out. He had Della lean up against the building, next to the window. When the police were distracted, Perry led his wife down the fire escape.
"I can't believe you had me do that," Della said as they walked to the car.
"I offered to drive you home."
"Well, I didn't want you to go alone."
"You feeling alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Just tired," she said.
The two got in the car and drove home.
After the case, Perry developed a cold. It bothered him that Della was taking care of him. "Della, Della, please just sit down."
"I'm just fine," she said as she opened the medicine bottle, "besides, it's good practice for after the baby's born."
"Are you saying I'm a baby?"
"Only when you're sick, darling. Don't worry, most men are."
"I don't want you wearing yourself out."
"I'm not running a marathon."
Della smiled at the face her husband made when he took his medicine. Yes, her husband was big, strong, and brave. When sick, he reverted back to his childhood. After Della started the fire, Perry looked at her, "now will you sit?"
"Fine," she said as she lowered herself onto a chair. She winced a bit and stretched her back.
"See, you were on your feet too much."
"Perry, I was fine until I sat. I had to stretch my back to get more comfortable."
"Well, don't get up again."
Della smiled at her husband. She watched as he fell asleep.
There were two cases the following month when Perry was charged with a crime. First, he was charged with planting evidence, and the second time he was perjury. Both of which were dropped. After dealing with Arlene Dowling, Perry took his wife to dinner. They were surprised by the arrival of Burger. After talking, it was decided that Burger would join them for dinner. Perry joked that he would have crow. The three sat there eating when Perry noticed his wife's discomfort. "Hey," he put a hand on hers, "you alright?"
"I think so," she said.
"Are you in pain?"
"I just think this booth is uncomfortable."
Both men were concerned, "Della, Perry said you've been handling the past few weeks quite well," Burger said, "was that a lie so he wouldn't worry?"
"I have been worried about him, but I don't think it all hit me until just now. I don't feel the way I did that day in your office."
"We'll go up to the cabin for a few days so you can rest."
"Are you going to carry me up all of those stairs?"
"If you need me to," he smiled.
The three finished eating and went to their respective homes. That night, Perry had Della go to bed and he packed a few things for the cabin. Once he loaded up the car, he joined his sleeping wife.
Perry did indeed, carry his wife up the stairs. He gently placed her on the couch and went to retrieve their bags. When he returned, he could tell that Della was uncomfortable. He took a pillow and had her lean forward before placing it behind her. "Better?" he asked when she sat back.
"Yes," she answered, "thank you."
"Do you want to put your feet up?"
"I'm fine right now. Besides, I haven't been on them since last night."
Perry sat by his wife. He placed one arm around her and his other hand on her belly. "You are to do nothing but rest while we're here. I'll take care of everything."
"You usually do," she smiled.
"That's because I like taking care of you."
"And you'd rather eat your cooking than mine."
"Well, you're not terrible, but, yes, I'm better."
Della laughed, "you certainly are."
Over the next three days, Perry waited on Della hand and foot. He made sure that she was relaxed and well-rested. Never again, did he want to see the fear he saw in her face that day in Burger's office. He also never wanted to feel that fear again either. The couple returned home on the fourth day to await the arrival of their bundle of joy.
