CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The rest of the day was a blur. Only two things really stood out. Laura Greer walked in on the arm of a very distinguished gentleman. She was of course wearing designer clothes and acting like the Queen has just arrived. Della heard someone say his name was Jonathan Robertson, the head of a large prestigious Denver law firm.

The second occurrence was after the auction was over and it was announced enough had been raised to help with the house and medical bills. Then Elias Meyers told Tim as soon as he was recovered his job was waiting for him. Della stood wiping tears from her eyes.

Once again that deep voice said, "not only are you incredibly beautiful but you are also tender hearted."

"Mr. Mason," she questioned, "do you flatter all the women you meet?"

He grinned at her and his dimples captured her attention. "Only ones I want to impress."

"Well, that means I have a lot of company," she asserted.

Looking deep into her eyes he replied, "attractive and sassy. That is a combination I enjoy."

Della looked at him and her heart fluttered. He was definitely a smooth talker. Yet, she was wary. Trying not to smile she told him, "I can see why they say you are so dynamic in the courtroom. You seem to know the right thing to say in every situation."

His grin widened. "I'm a good singer too."

"That you are," she agreed. As she looked up Laura Greer was staring daggers at her. "Perhaps you should go attend to your lady friend. I'm thinking she needs some of your charm."

Perry slipped his arm around her waist. "She is not my lady friend. She has moved up and on. So, I'm all yours."

Before any more could be said Paul Drake joined them. "I remember you Miss Street. I was surprised when Perry said you were living out here. Did your friend, Andrea, wasn't it, move also?"

"It is interesting you should ask Mr. Drake. Andrea is looking for a teaching job out here next year. I'll mention that you asked."

Drake like his friend had an infectious grin. "You do that. I wouldn't mind seeing her again."

"Oh Mr. Drake, she asked about you and I'm sure she would love to see you again. I know she is planning on coming out in June. If you let me know how to contact you I'll give her that information."

Paul looked at Perry who gave a slight nod of his head. "Maybe we could all get together and have dinner."

Della seemed reluctant. "I don't know. With Tim out sick there is a lot to do at work…..I,,ugh.."

Perry interrupted. "Are you still working as Tim's secretary?"

She hesitated, "no but since Mr. Meyers said he will have his position when he can come back I assume I will go back as his secretary."

"Oh" was all Mason said.

Was she mistaken, or did he seem disappointed. He got up to walk over to the bar. Paul sat down next to her. "I probably shouldn't tell you this, but Perry has talked a lot about you since you met. He is trying to open his own practice. I think he was going to ask you to work for him. I know he asked your bosses about your work.

"He's checking up on me?" She wanted to know suddenly agitated. "So, he is just looking for a secretary then?"

Drake held up his hands, "don't get me wrong. Perry is going to be a great success. He never said to me come work FOR me. He said come work WITH me. I think he sees you as being a part of his team, part of his success. He is a very intense and focused guy. He needs strong people around him."

"Then it is a business proposition." Della stated.

He asked her, "look, can I call you Della?" She nodded her head.

"Okay Della, I am not speaking for Perry. I do know you really impressed him. What I am doing is giving you my impressions of him. What his long- range plans are I'm not sure; I'm not sure he is. I can tell you it won't be dull. You sure could do worse. Oh, and call me Paul."

Before she could reply Perry Mason came back carrying two glasses. He handed one to Della. "try this Bacardi."

She took it and sipped. She looked up at him and said, "Good."

"Where's mine?" Drake wanted to know.

Looking slightly disgusted he answered, "you, can get your own drink. Are you trying to beat my time with this young lady?"

Paul gave a big sigh. "I tried but she doesn't seem interested in anyone in particular." Knowing he had irritated his friend he added, "well now that I've done my damage Della I'll take my leave. You can get in touch with me at the Drake Detective Agency."

Before she could speak Mason asked her, "what was that all about."

"Nothing really, it was just general conversation." Della decided the ball was now in his court. "Was there something specific you wanted to say."

He looked at her for a long moment. "Della, I am going into private practice…."

Before he could say more Laura Greer was suddenly at his side. "This is the last dance. I would REALLY like to have it with YOU!" She said between clenched teeth.

He stood up and took her arm. "if you will excuse us. I'll be right back! Please don't leave I would still like to talk to you

Della was stunned. Laura spoke, and he was at her beck and call. Well she wasn't going to sit there and wait for him as he danced and sang to her. As she gathered up her purse Laura threw a triumphant look at her.

Fighting back tears Della hurried out to her car. As she was getting in Aunt Mae came hurrying out. "Are you leaving?"

"I have a horrible headache," she told her aunt.

Mae patted her hand, "darling you have been here for hours. We will clean up. You go and get some rest. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Her niece managed to hold back the tears until she was out of the driveway. She didn't notice her aunt, with a worried look on her face, watching her drive away. Mae had noticed her intense conversation with Perry Mason. This was a situation that would bear some further research.