MM's TCOT Fan- Dancer's Horse

Yesterday to break up the day, I've just binge watched several PM episodes from season 1. Like many episodes they are just crying out for the missing moments to be added, especially as the flirting in season 1 was oh so obvious!

The first is the scene where Perry has entered the diner and is sat at the lunch counter with Della discussing the case whilst being watched by Tragg's detectives.

The second is the next scene where Perry pays a visit to Cherie Chi-Chi the false Lois Fenton. My did she do some flirting with him in that one. I figured he needed to put her in her place as to his relationship status.

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Perry Mason & Della Street. The rights are the property of the estate of ESG.

Perry sipped the coffee Helen had placed in front of him very slowly, his mind working overtime. After he had informed Della he would lead the detective following him to one of the two Lois Fenton's, both he and Della drank their coffee in companionable silence.

'Are you having a bite to eat?' Della asked after a few minutes.

''No time I'm afraid.' Perry placed the cup back on the counter a little harder than he intended. The nervous energy that was building inside him was beginning to display itself even though he was trying to keep a lid on it for the benefit of the watching detective. He needed Tragg's man to think this was just an ordinary cup of coffee with his secretary, not the need to go an execute the next part of his investigation plan.

'Should I let you go alone to one of these Lois Fenton's?' Della was only partly teasing him.

'You need to go back to the office and wait for me and any further information that comes along from Paul. I'm not in need of a chaperone.'

'Fine.' Della pushed her cup of coffee to one side and started to slide from the stool before Perry suddenly caught her by the elbow.

'I'm sorry Della.' His voice softened. 'I didn't mean that the way it came out, it's just this case is starting to go places now and….'

'I know Chief. Client comes first.'

Perry released Della's elbow and watched her gather her purse and gloves before moving from him. He dropped money on the counter and closely followed her out of the door, allowing his eyes to appreciate her figure in the form fitting skirt for a few seconds. He sighed inwardly. Yes clients came first to both of them, but he wished she would understand how much she came first with him.

Outside, they stood for a few moments. Both their eyes darting about, making sure the detective was following.

'OK Chief, see you back in the office. Please be careful.' Della made to walk away until Perry took her arm again.

'See you back at the office, I promise to be careful and,' Perry paused, the lines on his face softening. He was struggling to find the right words. 'Nothing,' he eventually sighed. This woman had no idea of what she did to him. 'You be careful too.' Della nodded imperceptibly and walked away in the opposite direction to which he was going.

PDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPDPPDPDPDPDPDPDP

The meeting was charged.

Cherie Chi-Chi was certainly well aware of her figure and sexuality. She knew how to wield it.

The flirting from her was meant to put him under her spell and manipulate him to her will.

The flirting from him was to gather information. He was immune but didn't show it. He enjoyed these little games with some female clients an suspects, but he never let them go too far.

When it became very apparent, neither were going to get what they wanted, Perry thanked the fake Lois Fenton and started for the door. A perfectly manicured hand appeared on the top o his arm and he spun back around. Once again, in the space of minutes he was face to face with Cherie Chi-Chi, lips inches away from each other.

'Now, now Mr Mason,' Cherie purred, 'Are we really going to run away before the more interesting fun can begin?' the hand stroked his arm.

Perry beamed at her, his dimples on display. Cherie gave an involuntary gasp. He certainly was a handsome man she thought and the dimples underpinned her attraction to him.

'What fun is that?' He teased. Cherie inched impossibly closer.

'Oh you know very well what fun I'm talking about.' He caught the hand that went to run fingers and blood red manicured nails down his cheek, then shook his head.

'I'm sorry. I'm taken.'

Cherie Chi-Chi stepped back blinking quickly as if she'd been slapped. She wasn't used to not being able to manipulate men, let alone have them reject her advances.

'Taken?' she recovered herself instantly. 'And here I thought you were going to say you didn't mix business with pleasure.' She laughed a little.

'Yes taken,' he reaffirmed.

'And she wouldn't like it?'

'No she wouldn't and I'm not at all sure I want to put her in the position of not liking it.'

'Hmmm.' Cherie placed her fingers against her mouth and made to look like she was contemplating something. Then she gave a look of feigned surprise.' Oh of course you're taken. The secretary.' Perry stood unmoving, his face becoming a mask of granite. Cherie noticing his immediate change of demeanour simply smiled. 'Your secret is safe with me,' she assured. 'Besides Mr Mason, you have excellent taste. She's very beautiful and working with you, I have no doubt very smart too.'

'She is and more,' Perry found himself confessing.

'You're very lucky.'

'I am. Goodbye and thank you for your time.' Perry exited swiftly and closed the door on his suspect before smiling and murmuring to himself. 'Yes, I am a very lucky man indeed.'

Fin