Masquerade
(A/N: just a piece with our favorite couple. I've borrowed a few characters from TCOT Gilded Lily.)
Charles Stewart Brent, owner of the Brent Building, and his wife Anne had decided to celebrate their one-year anniversary with a masquerade party for the tenants of the building.
With the invitation in hand, Della Street rushed into Perry Mason's office with all the excitement of a schoolgirl going to her first dance. She was almost bouncing as she laid the invitation in front of Perry.
Perry barely glanced at the card, continuing to look over the brief he was working on. He knew his secretary was excited but he enjoyed seeing her usually reserved demeanor anything but as she waited impatiently for him to look up.
"Perry!"
He finally glanced up, "Yes, Della?"
"Perry, Charles Brent is giving a masquerade ball and we're invited."
He smiled at her, "And this is the cause for all the excitement on your part?"
"Oh Perry, I haven't been to a masquerade party since I was in college. And if Charles Brent is giving it, it's sure to be quite a party. Oh please, Perry."
Perry knew he would give in, just as he would give her the moon if she asked for it. He picked up the card and looked at the date. At his frown, Della's heart sank.
"Della, I'm afraid I can't go. That weekend is the California Lawyers Conference in San Francisco. I'm the guest speaker. You must have forgotten to check your calendar in your excitement."
At her crestfallen look, Perry stood and walked around his desk to take her hand. He hated to disappoint her but he could see no way around it. Unless… "Don't look so sad Della. I'm sure Paul is going and he'd be happy to be your date."
At that moment, Paul entered the office. "Paul would be happy to be whose date, for what?"
He took up his customary position in the client chair, legs thrown across the arm.
Perry walked back behind his desk, and before sitting back down, passed the invitation to Paul. Paul took a quick glance at the card, then looked from Perry to a sad-eyed Della.
He stood, walked to Della and dropped to one knee in front of her, taking her hand.
"Miss Street would you do me the honor of being my date for the Brent Masquerade Party?"
Della laughed and gave Paul a light kiss on his cheek. "Why yes, kind sir, I'd be delighted."
Paul stood and sat back down, noting the scowl on Perry's face.
Perry leaned forward and lit a cigarette. "If you two are done playing silly games, can we please get some work done?"
Paul hid his smirk by lighting his own cigarette. He was wondering when his pal was going to admit he had a thing for Della.
Della, not understanding Perry's suddenly gruff mood, picked up her pad and pencil and took her normal chair at the desk.
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For the next two weeks, the trio was occupied with the latest case. The upcoming party was almost forgotten until the day before. Della had gone to lunch and Perry was busy at his desk when Gertie's voice came over the intercom.
"Excuse me, Mr. Mason?"
"Yes, Gertie?"
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a messenger here with a package for Miss Street. He says he needs her signature."
"Okay Gertie. Send him into me." Perry stood as the door opened and a boy walked in carrying a large box.
"Hello. I'm Perry Mason, Miss Street's boss. I'm sure it would be okay if I signed for the package."
The messenger seemed unsure what to do, but considering everyone knew this man's name, he figured it would be okay. Perry told the boy to lay the large box on the couch while he signed the receipt. He pulled a large tip out of his pocket and handed it to the young man.
As the young man started to leave, Perry called after him. "If your boss gives you any grief, just have him call me."
The boy gave him a huge smile. "Yes sir, Thank you sir."
Perry chuckled and returned to sit at his desk. But his eyes kept returning to the box. He was sure Della wouldn't mind if he took a peek. After all, he had signed for it. But just as he stood to satisfy his curiosity, the door opened and Della breezed in.
"Perry, Gertie said that a package…" She spied the box and hurried over. "Thank you for signing for it. I was afraid it wouldn't get here in time."
Perry sat back down, pretending to ignore her. He kept his eyes on Della as she lifted the box lid. He finally gave in and stood at her excited cry.
"Oh, it's perfect!" She lifted the garment from the box and held it in front of herself. The long white dress appeared to be her costume for the party. The bodice was crisscrossed with gold ribbon, which drew attention to the deep V of the neckline. The skirt flowed softly to the floor, with one side slit, apparently all the way to the waist.
Perry sat on the edge of the desk and lit a cigarette. "So I take it this is what you're wearing to the party."
Della blushed, finally remembering where she was. "Yes. Isn't it perfect? I'm going to be the Goddess Aphrodite. There are gold sandals, a tiara and even a long blonde, curly wig." She pulled a white feathered mask from the box and held it to her face. "What do you think?"
Perry just smiled, "Well if anyone can pull it off, I'm sure you'll make a beautiful Goddess. But I really do need my secretary at this moment."
Della blushed again and placed the costume back in its box, replacing the lid. "I'm sorry Chief." She didn't understand his tone, but she supposed she had been a bit unprofessional.
Perry's mood seemed to darken as the day went on, but Della just assumed it was the case. Even her attempts at a few light-hearted comments failed to change his demeanor.
Perry, on the other hand, knew exactly the reason for his foul mood. Seeing that very sexy costume and knowing that Paul was going to be escorting Della to the party just caused him to curse his luck at being unable to be there. Paul's attentions to Della had always been just mildly flirtatious but Perry knew what kind of a wolf Drake really was. Damn Lawyers Conference. He had tried to cancel, but since he was the guest speaker, it had been too late to get a replacement.
When the last of the paperwork was finished, Della stood and stretched. Perry leaned back in his chair and admired the sight before him. She was beautiful. He had admired her since the day she walked into his office. She was not only a beautiful person on the outside, but inside too. Not only that, but she was smart, funny, and great with clients. And her willingness to keep up with him no matter what the circumstance, made her the perfect secretary. That she also made his body heat rise with just a glance or unintentional touch was something he was becoming more and more aware of and trying very hard to ignore. He knew it would be a big mistake to let Della know how he felt.
"Della, why don't you call it a day and go home. I know you have a big day tomorrow. I need to go and pack for the conference anyway."
Della turned and smiled, "Thanks Chief. I would like to do a bit more shopping."
She closed her notebook and hurried to the door. "Have a great time at the conference. I'll see you Monday." And with that she was gone, leaving the scent of her perfume and a disappointed Perry Mason.
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The Brent party was being held in the ballroom of the prestigious Hotel Bel Air. Glittering blue and gold fairy lights covered the ceiling, potted trees and every entrance. Tables were set with exquisite blue and gold place settings. Della thought it was like walking into an enchanted kingdom. Paul leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Close your mouth Della."
Della laughed and turned to Paul. He was dressed, appropriately, as Sherlock Holmes. "Sorry, Sherlock. It's just so beautiful."
Paul put his arm around her waist, "So are you. Let's go find our hosts, shall we."
They found Charles Brent and his lovely wife Anne talking to Brent's secretary Enid Griffin. Charles was costumed in a 20's gangster outfit, while Anne was decked out as a 20's flapper. The diamonds she wore at her neck, wrists and in her hair almost blinded Della. Even her black feathered mask had diamonds around the eyes. Seeing Della and Paul, Anne left her husband's side to hug Della and take Paul's hand.
"Della, Mr. Drake, how wonderful that you came. Isn't this just too much?" She laughed, "But then you know Charles never does anything halfway."
Della just smiled, "Anne, it's perfect. And by the way, Happy Anniversary."
Anne hugged her again, "Thank you so much, Della." Noticing the slightly taller woman on Paul's other side, she extended her hand. "I'm Anne Brent, welcome." Paul was suddenly aware he was being rude.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Brent. This is a friend of mine, Candy DeLeon. I hope you don't mind an extra guest."
"Of course not, Mr. Drake. The more the merrier, as they say."
Anne turned back to Della. "But where's your handsome boss?"
Della blushed a little, "He's at a lawyer's conference in San Francisco. But I think we have the most handsome escort here." She put her hand on Paul's arm.
Anne, sensing her discomfort, just smiled. "Well I hope you three have a great time. I better get back to Charles. Enjoy."
Paul and Della found a table with Gertie and her current beau. Gertie looked simply delightful as Little Bo Peep while her boyfriend was Little Boy Blue.
Dinner was exquisite - shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, lobster and wine. After dinner, a huge cake was wheeled in for the anniversary couple to cut. Then champagne was passed out to each table and many toasts were made to the happy couple.
The band set up and after a dance with Paul, Della excused herself to start up a conversation with Enid.
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The private plane Perry had chartered landed just after nine. He had cut his speech as short as he dared, boarded the plane and willed the pilot to break the sound barrier.
He still had his tux on from the conference. Not exactly a masquerade costume but he figured as soon as he could get Della away from Drake, they could go somewhere and maybe have a drink and a few dances.
After taking a taxi to the hotel, he dropped his bag at the front desk, asking them to mind it for him and headed for the ballroom. Charles and Anne greeted him at the door.
"Perry it's so nice to see you. Miss Street told us that you were in San Francisco."
Perry shook Charles' hand, while looking for Della.
"I managed to cut the conference short and thought I would come to congratulate you. I apologize for my lack of costume. I hope you don't mind me crashing the party." He still could not spot Della.
Charles noticed Mason's distraction and smiled, "Of course not, Perry."
Anne reached out and laid a hand on Perry's arm, "And I believe I saw her on the dance floor with Mr. Drake."
"Thank you Anne. Excuse me Charles."
As Perry hurried off, Charles drew his wife to his side. "How did you know?"
She gave him a kiss and smiled, "Because, Darling, that's how you look at me. Let's get back to our guests, shall we."
Perry walked slowly around the dance floor, sure he'd be able to spot Paul's tall frame. He had made almost a complete circuit when he spotted them. And what he saw then made his blood pressure climb. There was Della all but draped in Paul's arms. Her hands were roaming over his chest and shoulders, while Paul's hand caressed her bare back. He was just about to storm onto the dance floor when the song ended. Paul put his arm possessively around Della's waist and started leading her to the open terrace.
As he started after them, Gertie came bouncing up.
"Mr. Mason, I'm so surprised to see you. Della said…"
Perry patted her arm, "Excuse me, Gertie. I'll be right back."
As he hurried off, Gertie turned to her boyfriend. "Well, that was my boss. C'mon Sweetie, let's find the bar."
Perry stopped at the entrance to the terrace, scanning the area. When he heard a woman's giggle, he headed to the balustrade surrounding the terrace and looked down. His hands gripped the stone so hard it was surprising it didn't crumble. On a bench directly below his gaze were Paul and Della. She was on his lap, her elegant leg exposed by the slit in the gown. Their embrace was so passionate, Perry could almost feel the heat rising.
Perry turned and headed back into the ballroom. He needed a drink. As he approached the bar, he waved to the bartender, and ordered a double bourbon, neat. A sultry redhead followed his progress. Seeing the grim look on his face, she wondered what had happened out on the terrace. She slowly walked over to the bar to stand beside him.
"Sugar, y'all look like you've lost your last friend."
Perry glanced in the direction of the voice. She had dark red hair, pulled back into a mass of curls. She was dressed as a saloon girl. The costume did little to hide her natural curves. With the feathered mask covering the upper half of her face and the dim lighting, it was hard to tell the color of her eyes. But there was no doubt about the fullness of her lips, which were now pursed, waiting for some response from him.
Perry downed his drink in one gulp and signaled the bartender for another.
He looked over at the terrace door and back to the redhead. "You might say that. Both of them."
"Anything lil ole me can do to ease the pain?" Her voice, with its southern accent, seemed to draw him in.
"Care to join me in a drink?"
"Sugar, that's the best offer I've had all evening."
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Perry was sure he wasn't drunk, but as he followed the redhead to her hotel suite, he decided he was definitely feeling no pain. He knew he shouldn't be here, but thoughts of his Della in Drake's arms, plus the alcohol, seemed to fog his mind.
Kitty, as the redhead called herself, had convinced him that he should avail himself of her suite, rather than trying to go home.
When they reached her room, she put the key in the lock and pushed the door open.
"C'mon in, Sugar. Make yourself comfortable."
Before she could move, Perry had slammed the door, pulled her to him and was kissing her. He forced her mouth open, ravaging her with his tongue. His hands were all over her, trying to remove her dress, grasping her breasts. She tried to push him away but he held her tightly. He picked her up, carrying her to the bedroom, almost throwing her on the bed. He leaned over her, pushing her costume dress up, but before he could go any further a single sound escaped her lips.
"Please, don't."
Perry gazed down at the woman. He blinked in an attempt to clear his blurred vision. This was not like him. He stood and walked to the other room, collapsing on the couch.
"I'm so sorry, so sorry." He laid his head back, promptly passing out. Kitty lay in the bedroom for a minute, then stood and walked into the living room. She pushed Perry down on the couch, lifting his feet and placing a pillow under his head. Then she pulled a blanket over him and headed to the bathroom.
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Perry woke with a start and started to sit up, only to realize he had a jackhammer going off inside his head. He laid back and tried to get his bearings.
He remembered going to the Brent party. Then that terrible moment seeing Della and Paul in that passionate embrace. Then drinking and the voice.
This time he did sit up. He put his head in his hands, moaning. The redhead! He shook his head from side to side.
"My God Mason, what the hell have you done?"
Then a pair of delicate feet stood before him. "Acted like a drunken beast if you must know."
A hand holding a glass of something red pushed into his line of sight.
He raised his head and looked into the face of his beautiful secretary.
"Della?"
His confusion only deepened at her next words.
"Sugar, y'all better drink this. It will help."
"Oh God! No!"
Della sat next to him on the couch. She gave him the glass that she had been holding. Her voice softened, "Drink it, Perry. It's tomato juice and few choice ingredients. Guaranteed to help a hangover."
Perry took the glass but only stared at it, unable to look at her.
"Why not just let me suffer? I deserve it."
"Drink it Perry."
He lifted the glass and drained the contents.
She took the glass and set it on the coffee table. Then she took his hands, helped him to his feet and led him to the bedroom. She nudged him down on the bed and after pulling the sheet up around him, she started toward the living room of the suite.
"Della." She stopped at the sound of raw anguish in his voice. She turned back to him with a small smile.
"Rest Perry. It's just a mild sedative, but it should help. We'll talk later." With that she left, closing the door.
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It was dark in the room the next time Perry opened his eyes. His head no longer pounded, but the tightness in his chest more than made up for it.
He lay there, trying to make sense of what had happened last night and today. One thing was for sure, he was going to need a new secretary and probably a very good lawyer.
He got out of bed and headed for the bathroom, deciding a shower might help. As he stood under the hot stream of water, he heard the door open.
"Perry, I've ordered some dinner for us. It should be here in about 10 minutes so you might want to hurry. I also had the concierge bring your bag up."
His voice choked at the normalcy in hers. "Okay, thanks."
Once he was dressed, he slowly entered the living room of the suite, not sure what to do or say. Della was seated on the couch. She wore a pastel blue sweater and navy blue skirt. She looked relaxed and so very beautiful. At her gentle smile, Perry wanted to head for the balcony and jump off.
He just stood there looking at her. "Della."
At that moment, there was a knock on the door. She stood and walked over to admit a bellboy with a cart bearing dinner. She added the tip, signed the check and closed the door.
She started lifting lids off the various dishes. "UMM, smells delicious." She looked over at him. "Well come sit down before it gets cold."
Perry walked to the table on leaden feet, afraid to speak or even look at her. Della dug in as if famished, but Perry just rearranged the food with his fork. He wondered how long Della was going to act as if nothing had happened. How long was she going to keep him in suspense? He chanced looking at her only to find her with the same sweet smile that she always had for him.
Finally she put down her fork and folded her hands on the table.
"What's on your mind Chief?"
Her use of her favorite nickname for him finally broke his reserve. He stood and walked to the balcony windows, his back to her, but she could see his shoulders shake as he sobbed.
She stood and walked to him, placing her hands on his back. "Perry?"
He turned and bent to lay his head on her shoulder. "Perry, it's alright. Please believe me." She stroked his head, softly whispering to him. "Perry, please. Listen to me. Please."
Finally he raised his head, looking into her beautiful hazel eyes. What he saw there was understanding and love. She wiped his tears away with her fingers. Then she smiled again and took his hand.
"Come sit down. We'll talk." She led him to the couch and sat next to him, still holding his hand.
"Okay, Perry. Let's start with your questions, because I know you have plenty."
Perry just sat and looked at her delicate hand holding his. The lion of the courtroom had no idea where to begin. He had almost brutalized this gentle woman and she was showing him nothing but understanding.
When he could finally get his vocal cords to respond, he said one word, "How?"
But Della understood. She got up and walked to the table, pouring a cup of black coffee, and brought it back to him.
"Here, drink this."
Perry took the cup from her and took a sip as she sat on the opposite end of the couch.
"Paul called yesterday morning and asked me if I would be upset if he brought a friend along. Seems he had met this new girl and wanted to impress her. You know how Paul is about women. Anyway, I said of course. When the time came to dress for the party I discovered that my costume was about 2-inches too long, even with heels. About that time Paul showed up with his other date, Candy, Mandy, something like that."
Della pulled her legs up under her and leaned back. "Anyway she was a little taller than me, but about the same build. One thing led to another and we changed costumes."
Perry set the cup down and got up to pace. "So the goddess I saw draped all over Paul was his other date?"
"Yes Perry. Then when I saw you coming back in from the terrace, you really did look like you had lost your last friend. That's when I decided to, uhm.."
Perry turned, "And put on the little act."
Della actually blushed. "Yes. I really didn't expect it to go quite so far."
Perry returned to the couch. "Della do you realize what could have happened if you hadn't stopped me? I could have…" He dropped his head. "Why?"
Perry raised his head and looked at her, "Della, why?"
She looked into his blue eyes, the eyes that had captivated her from the first time she saw them. She suddenly decided it was now or never.
"This." She closed the distance between them, put her arms around his neck and pressed a kiss to his lips.
Perry hesitated for a moment before capturing her in his arms and deepening the kiss. Della responded by opening her lips to accept his probing tongue.
When at last they broke the kiss, Perry kept his arms around her, nuzzling her hair. Della could feel the laugh that rumbled in his chest.
"I guess that explains a lot."
Della leaned back to look at him. "Perry?"
He brushed a lock of hair back from her face.
"Yes, Sweetheart?"
Della's eyes widened at his endearment. She put her hand on his cheek.
"What do we do now?"
Perry placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Well my idea might be very different from yours. I would hate to ruin anything between us. But," he kissed her nose, "since you seem to have thought things out pretty well, I believe I will leave everything in your more than capable hands."
Della laughed and stood up, taking his hands. "Well, Sugar, I do believe we should continue this discussion in the bedroom."
Just before they entered the bedroom, Perry pulled her to him.
"One question."
Della had a moment of panic. "Yes Perry?"
"Will I be making love to the delightful Kitty or the amazing Miss Street?'
Della smiled and tugged his hand, "Why, both of us, Sugar."
Perry's laugh echoed around the suite as he followed her into the bedroom.
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Perry took his time in making love to Della. He wanted her to know how deeply he loved her.
Finally they lay exhausted, wrapped in each other's arms, Della's head resting on his chest, Perry's hand stroking her back. Della ran her hand over Perry's chest, slowly moving further down.
"Perry?"
"Yes, Sweetheart?" His voice was deep and husky, Della's hand doing magical things to his body.
"Were you really that jealous of Paul?"
Perry took her hand in his in order to concentrate on his answer.
"I thought that you really were the one in his arms. I was afraid I had lost my chance with you."
She pulled her hand from his and continued to stroke his body, delighting in his response.
"Then I think I'll give him a little bonus on his next expense check."
Perry groaned deeply. "Why..would..you..do...that?"
Della shifted so she was straddling him, placing her hands on his chest, and her lips brushing his.
"Because without him making you jealous, we wouldn't be in this position right now."
Perry grasped her hips and rolled her under him. "Well, my darling Miss Street. Maybe a small bonus."
Della giggled as Perry began to kiss her neck, while positioning himself between her legs.
"Oh Sugar! The things y'all do to me!"
"I love you Della Street."