The Case of the Stolen Artifact
Chapter 12
1
"Leanne, have all the criminals in Atlanta just left for another town? We have not had a murder case in two weeks," Ben Matlock complained.
Leanne came into her father's office. "Dad, we have been going non-stop for months now. I would think you would enjoy a little down-time."
"Down-time," he grumbled. I suppose I could go fishing. Yeah, that is what I will do. We have nothing scheduled in court; everything is pretty much taken care of that has to be, isn't it?"
She smiled at her father. She loved working with him. There was no better criminal attorney anywhere. Yet, her father also seem to play second fiddle to the California attorney, Perry Mason. He was always hailed in the newspapers as the best attorney in the country. Her father's record was just as good as Mason's. He just had a different style than Mason did.
"Everything is taken care of, Dad. If anything comes up, I can handle it. I think fishing is a great idea. Go ahead. You could use a little RR."
The phone on the desk rang. "I'll get it," Leanne said. She picked it up and said, "Ben Matlock's office.
"This is Perry Mason. Would it be possible to speak with Mister Matlock?"
Leanne had heard that voice so many times on the television, she had no doubt it was THE famous attorney. "Just a moment, I will see if he is available." She looked at her father with a look of surprise.
When Ben saw her expression, he said in concern, "What is it, Leanne? What is the matter?"
"Nothing is the matter. It is just..."
"It is just what?" he said impatiently.
"Perry Mason is on the line. He would like to talk to you," she announced to her father.
A big grin spread across Ben Matlock's face. "Perry Mason. The whippersnapper finally has a case he can't solve and he wants me to help solve it for him."
"Dad, just take the call and find out what he wants," Leanne said, pointing to the phone.
Still grinning, Ben walked around the desk and sat down. He bobbed his head back and forth a bit, proud of the fact Perry Mason needed him. Picking up the phone, he announced, "Ben Matlock speaking."
"Mister Matlock, this is Perry Mason from California."
"Yes, Mister Mason. What can I do for you? Do you have a case you need to consult me on...maybe you need some help solving it?"
Perry smiled. "Actually, I am calling for my brother, Robert Ironside."
Leanne noticed the look on Ben's face deflated just a bit. Matlock frowned before saying, "I don't understand. You are an attorney. Why don't you just advise him."
"Because I have another case which would make it a conflict of interest. I want my brother to have the best legal counsel available. That is you, Mister Matlock."
Ben's grin returned to his face. He nodded at Leanne who was listening to every word of his side of the conversation. "Thank you, Mister Mason. I appreciate that. Now, exactly what is it you want me to do for Chief Ironside?" Ben had, of course, heard of Robert Ironside. Who hadn't? He was equally as famous as both Perry Mason and himself.
"Have you seen the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle?" Mason asked.
Ben put his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone, turned to Leanne and said, "See if you can get me a copy of the San Francisco Chronicle, this morning's edition."
Leanne smiled. Her father still had not come into the 21st century where computers were concerned. She went behind her father's desk and typed in the site for the San Francisco paper. There on the front page of the site was the story regarding Alexandra Hughes' arrest and the consequent story of the relationship between her and Robert Ironside. She tapped her father on the shoulder and pointed at the screen.
Matlock skimmed down the page and whistled. "Chief Ironside is in a bit of hot water, I see."
"The accusations are trumped up, Mister Matlock. I was representing him, but he asked me to represent Miss Hughes, whom we believe was set up. I cannot represent them both. As you can see, it could very well be a conflict of interest. That is where you come in. I know it is asking a lot, but I would like you to come to San Francisco and protect my brother's interest. I believe there is someone in the police department that is trying to take advantage of this situation, despite the fact there is nothing and I do mean nothing to the accusations."
Ben was silent for a moment before saying. "My fee is $100,000.00 paid up front. Can Chief Ironside afford that fee?"
"No, he cannot, but I can. You will be billing me. If you come to San Francisco, I will immediately write you a check for your fee," Mason said.
The grin on Ben's face could not be wider. "Alright, Mister Mason, I will be on the next flight to San Francisco. I will want to see Chief Ironside as soon as I arrive in the city. And Mister Mason..." he said and then hesitated.
"Yes," Perry said.
"My client will be my chief concern. If I find out anything that will hurt your client and help mine, I will not hesitate to use it. I want to make that perfectly clear," Ben told him.
"Fair enough. I would expect nothing less from a lawyer of your caliber. Goodbye, Mister Matlock.
"Goodbye, Mister Mason." Ben let out a good old fashion yelp. "Perry Mason needs my help. It was bound to happen sooner or later."
Leanne smiled. She could see her father was enjoying the predicament Mason and Ironside seemed to be in. "Will you need me to come along, Dad?"
Matlock bit his lip lightly. "No...I don't think so. You stay here and handle our office. I will just go out to California and pull Mason's bacon out of the fire." He grinned at his daughter and headed out of the office. Stopping, he turned and said, "Get a hold of Conrad McMasters. I will need him to go with me to investigate. I am not depending on Mason's private detective."
Leanne shook her head as she could not hold back the smile. "I hear Paul Drake is one of the best in the business."
"So is Conrad," Ben said as he left.
2
Katherine did not understand. She had come to Paris and no one was there to meet her. After waiting for an hour and a half, she decided to find a place to stay. Katherine had given her flight information to Francois Montre, but he had not been there to meet her. Something did not seem right. The man, as well as his sons had excellent reputations. What could be keeping them?
She hailed down a taxi cab. Speaking fluent French she asked the cab driver to take her to a hotel near Montre Sons. At this point she wasn't sure what else to do. She and the cab driver were unaware they were being followed. Katherine was far to busy taking in the sights. Deneurve loved Paris. She had to one day get Robert to come over here with her. With his love of culture, he would love Paris too. Suddenly, her expression changed to that of sadness. She wasn't sure she should have come to Paris. She and Robert needed to talk. Katherine had to know what was going on between him and Alexandra Hughes.
She was aware of the affair he had had with the woman. The one thing she had admired the most about him was he had been open to her about his past relationships. Robert had assured her that all of them were over, and he loved only her. Why then did she have this feeling of dread...a feeling that whatever had been between him and Alexandra was not over by a long shot? Why did she up and leave the country when things needed to be clarified between them? The wine business should never be more important to her than Robert Ironside, and it wasn't really. She just felt so hurt when she saw Robert kissing Alexandra.
The taxi pulled up in front of the hotel. She stepped out and waited as the driver removed her suitcase from the trunk of the vehicle. The porter stepped forward, picked up her luggage. He motioned for Katherine to follow him. Instead of going directly into the hotel, he walked to the side of it. Katherine stopped as he kept walking between the hotel and the building beside it. A car pulled in behind her, blocking the view from the street. Two men got out of the car and raced toward her. Grabbing Katherine, they forced her into their vehicle and sped away down the street.
3
Perry entered the courtroom under Judge, Herman Thatcher. He looked towards the front of the courtroom where Alexandra Hughes was sitting in the front row with the bailiff. Mason walked down the aisle and greeted Alexandra. He smiled at her to try to put her at ease.
"Mister Mason, I have never done this before. What is going to happen?" Alexandra asked her lawyer.
"You will be told what you are being charged with and be asked to enter a plea," Mason told her. "I will handle everything."
The judge walked into the courtroom. Thatcher looked to his right and immediately saw the famous attorney, who had defended clients in his courtroom before. As much as he admired Perry Mason, he was not happy to see him standing there. It meant the crowd would be filling every seat as Mason always drew a lot of people curious about the attorney that had yet to lose a case in court. Reporters would fill the back of the courtroom, and Thatcher would constantly have to work to keep his courtroom from becoming a circus.
Gary Sullivan, who had taken over for John Richards when he was arrested for the murder of Jermaine Webb, along with his police detective brother, Damon Richards was standing at the prosecutor's table. Sullivan had been re-elected to the position. Perry knew he was respected as a prosecutor, known for his fairness and honesty.
Judge Thatcher took his place on the bench. He called several cases before Perry's case was called. "The People verses Alexandra Hughes."
Mason took Alexandra's elbow and led her past the gate. They took their place behind the defendant's table. Alexandra stood beside her lawyer, taking her cues from him. She remained standing because he did.
Thatcher looked over at the prosecutor. "Mister Sullivan."
"Alexandra Hughes is charged with the murder of Howard Jurgens, Your Honor."
Thatcher looked over to the defendant's table. "Mister Mason, I see you have returned to my courtroom."
"Yes, Your Honor," Mason said with a smile, remembering Thatcher telling him he would have Chief Ironside arrest him and throw him in jail if he ever returned to his courtroom. He had been kidding, of course."
"You are the defense attorney for the accused?" Thatcher asked to confirm.
"Yes, I am, Your Honor," Mason answered.
"Miss Hughes, do you understand the charges against you," Thatcher asked her.
"I do, Your Honor," Alexandra replied.
"How do you plead?"
Mason spoke up immediately. "Not guilty, Your Honor."
"A hearing is set for one week from today. Is that satisfactory with the people?" Thatcher asked, addressing Gary Sullivan.
"It is," Sullivan said.
"Mister Mason?"
"Yes, Your Honor," Mason told the judge.
Thatcher concluded the arraignment and left the courtroom, but not before glancing back in Mason's direction.
"You did not ask for bail?" Alexandra asked.
"There is no bail or release of a defendant when accused of murder, Miss Hughes," Perry told her.
"Please, Mister Mason, call me Alexandra. Then this means I will have to remain in jail until you are able to clear me?"
"I am sorry, Alexandra, but yes you will," Perry said, breaking the bad news. The look on her face was both disappointment and fright. Perry had never been in jail and could only imagine what his clients felt when they found out they would have to remain locked up until the trial was completed. Of course, she would only be released if he was able to provide the reasonable doubt necessary to obtain an acquittal.
"Did you tell Bob, I would like to see him?" she asked.
"Not yet, but I will as soon as I see him today. In the meantime, is there anything I can bring you?" Mason asked.
"No, I think not. Thank you, Mister Mason," she said.
Mason smiled. "I will see you later."
She nodded and the bailiff took her away. Perry watched as she was led out of the courtroom. He did not tell her, even if there was bail for the charge of murder, he would never have been able to get it for a known thief who evaded the law after stealing a valuable artifact. She would have been a high flight risk.
Perry picked up his briefcase and left the courtroom. He had hoped for more time to prepare, but he was aware Herman Thatcher moved things along quickly in his courtroom. Mason only hoped it was not at the expense of his ability to defend his client properly.
4
Mayor Patrick Simpson looked out the window of his office. What a mess he had to deal with. Robert Ironside was, without a doubt the best detective in the department. How could a crippled man have such problems with women? He was causing the entire department and the city embarrassment. Mayor Simpson would not allow anyone to change his mind on the Internal Investigation into the detective's actions. If he wasn't guilty of anything, then they needed to clear him. The important thing was that he was kept away from the museum. Simpson did not want him anywhere near it.
Ironside simply was not objective where Alexandra Hughes was concerned. The mayor wanted her tried and found guilty of not only stealing the Tiger, but more importantly for murdering Howard Jurgens. Jurgens was a despicable character, but that did not give anyone the right to take his life. She had to go to prison for the rest of hers for his murder.
Then there was the problem of the Tiger itself. The Chinese Government was all over him. They were expecting the San Francisco Police to find it. Unfortunately, the Tiger was more than likely out of the city and being sold on the black market. It could not, of course, be sold through regular channels, but there were many collectors around the world that would pay handsomely for the artifact.
The phone on his desk rang. Mayor Simpson walked over and picked up the receiver. "Yes, Margaret," he said to his secretary.
"Mister Mayor, there is a Sergeant Terry Cox here to see you. He said he knows he doesn't have an appointment, but he would like to see you if you can find the time."
Simpson hesitated before the recognition of the name hit him. "Send him in, and hold my calls."
A moment later Sergeant Cox came through the door. "Thank you for seeing me, Mister Mayor."
"You wanted to see me about the Internal Investigation on Chief Ironside, is that correct?"
"Yes, sir, it is. I think removing me from the investigation is a mistake. Lieutenant Simmons is a very close friend of Chief Ironside. If anything is found, he will sweep it under the rug."
"Murray has never swept anything under the rug, Sergeant. However, you may be right about removing you from the investigation. After all, even though Murray will do a fair investigation, it will probably still be seen as sweeping it under the rug."
"That is what I meant to say, sir. With two of us investigating, it will appear to the public as fair and unbiased."
"I tend to agree with you, so therefore I am going to send through an order to put you back on the investigation."
"Sir, technically you can not order an investigation or put me back on the case."
"I know that, Sergeant. Only the commissioner can do that. However, the city council can order the commissioner to do so. I will see that it is done. I don't see a problem with it as Chief Ironside himself agrees that the investigation has to take place."
"I don't expect we will find anything anyway," Cox said.
"Neither do I, but it has to be done. Is there anything else, Sergeant?" Mayor Simpson asked him.
"No, sir. That is what I came here to see you about.
"Than our business is finished here."
Sergeant Cox nodded and turned to leave the office. He had a smirk on his face as he opened the door. Step one in destroying Ironside and his reputation. What he could not find, he would manufacture it.
5
Perry and Della waited in the baggage pickup area where they were sure they would be able to spot Ben Matlock. His plane had been late. They had been waiting an hour more than they had expected to.
"How much do you really know about Ben Matlock, Perry?" Della asked him.
"Well, I know he has an excellent reputation as a criminal attorney. His methods are different from mine. He is mostly satisfied with getting his clients off on reasonable doubt. Unlike me as you know, I prefer to find the real killer. It removes all doubt that my client is guilty."
"I understand he doesn't have your quiet dignity in the courtroom," she said.
Mason smiled. "No, he can get rather animated and has been held in contempt of court for his behavior in the courtroom. He wins his cases, Della, and he is passionate about protecting his clients. He's good and he just doesn't go through the motions like many criminal attorneys do. He charges an extremely high fee, more than I do in a lot of cases. So, he has to be successful in getting his clients off. He will protect Bob's interest and that is why I wanted him."
"Don't you think he and Robert are going to clash?"
Mason grinned. "There is no doubt about it. He will be able to do what I never have, and that is put Bob in his place. Bob is my brother, so he gets away with a lot more than Matlock is going to allow him."
Della smiled. "This should be interesting then."
"Just sit back and enjoy the fireworks! By the way, he is not exactly the best dressed attorney out there. He wears the same suit in court every day. Well, he could have several suits, but they are all the same, very light in color. I much prefer the dark business suits. They present a much more professional appearance. Matlock is a bit of a colorful character."
People started coming into the baggage area. Several flights had landed and the carousels started up and luggage started coming down. Mason stood up and checked the signs for the number of Matlock's flight. Perry turned and told Della, "His luggage will be coming down on number three. We will be able to find him there."
The couple headed for the number three carousel when Della spotted Ben Matlock. She smiled when she saw him in the exact suit Perry had described. "There he is over there," she said as she discreetly pointed in his direction.
Ben Matlock was a man, Perry guessed to be in his late sixties. He had a full head of snow-white hair, and about six-feet in height. To look at him, one would not think of him as a successful attorney, but Mason knew better. The man was a brilliant criminal attorney, one he would not hesitate to hire if he were charged with murder. He had a southernly charm about him and walked with a bit of a swagger.
Perry took Della by the elbow and guided her in Matlock's direction. A young black man was pulling luggage off the carousel as they came around towards the attorney, who was pointing them out.
Perry and Della walked up to the legendary attorney. "Mister Matlock, I'm Perry Mason and this is my secretary, Della Street."
Ben turned around and a grin spread across his face. So this was the famous Perry Mason. The young whippersnapper, whom to this day still held the record for the highest score on the bar exam was standing there larger than life. Ben noticed the piercing blue eyes and the commanding presence of the man who had to be at least six-feet-two-inches tall. A rather large man with an almost melodic voice, Ben could see why he struck fear into prosecution witnesses...almost as much as Ben himself.
Mason put out his hand and Matlock shook it. Ben pointed to Conrad. "My private investigator, Conrad McMasters."
After all introductions were completed, Ben said, "I would like to meet my client."
Della almost laughed. Despite getting right to the point of his visit to the city, she took in instant liking to Ben Matlock. He supported a southern charm right down to the accent in his voice. She could not help but wonder if he and Robert were going to get along.
Mason picked up some of their baggage as Conrad picked up the rest. Heading for Mason's car, Ben could not help but watch the California lawyer. This was the only man in the country that was talked about as an attorney as much as he was.
Perry put the baggage in the trunk of his vehicle. He open the front seat of the Cadillac and turned to guide Della into the passenger seat, but she had already seated herself in the back with Conrad. Mason turned to Ben and said, "Mister Matlock."
Ben slipped into the front seat as Perry went around to the driver's side. He slid in, started the car and pulled it out of the San Francisco International Airport. "Have you been to San Francisco before?" he asked Matlock.
"Yes, we have have," Ben replied. "I think we know the city quite well, Mister Mason."
Perry smiled. "Please, call me Perry. Since we will be seeing each other quite a bit, first names are more practical."
"Alright, and you can call me Ben," Matlock said in kind. "Have you made hotel arrangements for us?"
"Well actually no. There is a festival going on in San Francisco right now and Della could not find one that had any rooms that were not already booked. Bob had Mark set up one of the rooms on his floor that isn't used. There are two single beds in the room. You will be using the bathroom and kitchen in Chief Ironside's office."
Conrad looked confused. "Kitchen? He has a kitchen in his office?"
Della smiled. "Actually, Robert lives in his office. It is very large and has several rooms contained within it. You will have complete access to the facilities."
"I am used to sleeping in a queen-sized bed," Ben said.
Perry turned his head to look out the window. He did not want Matlock to see the grin that was spreading across his face. This was certainly going to be an interesting situation. He could not wait to see Bob's reaction to Ben Matlock. His brother was not used to taking orders from anyone except Dennis Randall if that could be called taking orders. Bob pretty much did exactly as he pleased when it came to his cases. It was a rare occasion when Randall ever overruled him on anything. Perry was not sure he could if he tried. When Matlock arrived, he would be the one issuing orders to Chief Robert Ironside, and Perry could not wait to see the sparks fly. Matlock was definitely the man for the job. Perry had no doubt about that.
"Was that a guitar I saw Perry load into the truck of the car?" Della asked.
"Yeah," Matlock said. "I like to play the guitar. It helps me to think, you know, clear my head." He looked back at Della and smiled.
She could not help it, she was falling for his southern charm. Perry noticed it as well. Bob was just going to love having Matlock down the hall playing his guitar at all hours of the night!
Mason finally pulled into the police garage and parked his Cadillac beside Ironside's van. He got out of the car to go around and open the door for Della, but Matlock had already done so. He had taken Della's hand and was helping her out of the vehicle.
"Why thank you, Mister Matlock," Della said.
With a big smile on his face, Ben said sheepishly, "My pleasure, Miss Street. Please, I insist you call me Ben." Matlock still had hold of her hand.
Della smiled back at him. "And I insist you call me Della."
Perry watched Matlock's reaction to Della. He was the picture of the perfect southern gentleman, in awe of his beautiful secretary. He almost laughed at the reaction the two of them had to each other. However, he had a hunch the reaction of Matlock and Ironside meeting each other was going to be something altogether different.
Perry led the group over to the elevator that would take them to his brother's office. He reached into his pocket and handed Conrad and Ben a small piece of paper each. "That is the code to the elevator. Only a select few are allowed to use this elevator to Bob's floor. Commissioner Randall had it installed to protect Bob from those who might try to sneak up the back way to do him harm."
All of them got on the elevator with the luggage making it rather crowded. Della was standing next to Ben, their bodies touching. Matlock smiled at her and looked upward, a bit embarrassed by the contact.
When the doors opened, Perry stepped out first. "You can leave your luggage here in the hall. Mark Sanger will take care of it for you."
"Who is Mark Sanger?" Conrad asked.
"He is Chief Ironside's aide. He lives here as well," Della told them.
They followed Perry as he turned to the left and headed for Bob's office. Matlock looked down at the ramp they were climbing up. When Perry noticed, he explained, "As I am sure you know, Bob is in a wheelchair. The ramp was installed to make it easier for him to wheel into his office. There is another one inside as his office is on two separate levels."
"Wouldn't it be easier if he just bought a house?" Matlock said.
Della smiled. "He has an extremely high rate of arrests, Ben. He is much safer here in a building full of police officers."
Inside the office, Ironside slammed down the phone for the fourth time. He had been trying to reach Katherine all evening with no success. If it had been daytime, he would have called the vineyard phone number, but she would not be out there in the evening. If Katherine had come into town, she would certainly have come to visit him. The only explanation was she had retired early and was not hearing the ring of the telephone. He would have to wait until morning and then try again.
The office door opened, and his brother walked in with Della. The man he assumed was Ben Matlock followed them in. Ironside looked at him. This was the man Perry said would protect him. He did not look like a lawyer to him. He was not dressed like a lawyer. How many lawyers dressed in light-colored suits. They all wore dark suits like his brother. The suit did not even really fit the man well. He looked more like he should be retired than still practicing law.
Matlock walked over to Ironside and scrutinized the man in the wheelchair. So this was the famous Robert T. Ironside. The two men stared and sized each other up.
Della noticed the slight smile on Perry's face. He was right, there was going to be fireworks between these two!