CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Paul in?" he inquired but didn't even wait for an answer as he headed for the office in the back.

The detective was surrounded by four phones, a cigarette was hanging from his mouth, a bicarbonate of soda was on the desk, and he was frantically taking notes on the pad in front of him as he said, "Ugh huh, when was that? And okay keep me posted."

Both men looked at each other and started to say, "you look awful."

Dropping into a chair in the little office mason asked, "what's new? I just couldn't stand being in the office alone."

"Things are starting to pop. I was getting ready to call when this latest news came in."

As he ran his hands through his wavy hair the lawyer said, "I hope it is good news."

Flipping through his papers Paul read to the anxious lawyer, "the warden called me back and they found contact information and letters from A.E. Tump to a Lorraine Stephenson and letters from this Stephenson woman. It is her daughter and she lives in St. Louis."

Perry scratched his head and said, "I thought she said her daughter was from Denver."

"I don't know Perry the warden said the letters were to and from St. Louis. I called a colleague in St. Louis and that is who just called back. We got lucky because it just so happened this Stephenson family has been big news in the last few months."

"How so?" the attorney wanted to know.

"Well it seems that the husband Arnold, was the president of one of the big banks there. He embezzled a million bucks. Then he killed himself, but the money was not recovered. My man told me now the wife has disappeared and there is a daughter out here going to college."

Perking up slightly Mason asked, "do they know her name and where she is going to school."

"My man is checking on that now. As soon as I get that information I am contacting Tragg and Burger and ask them to use their clout to find this kid. I told Jim how important this was, and minutes counted," Paul assured him.

Getting out of his chair Perry said, "why the hell don't you get a bigger office. I can't pace here."

As he tried not to grin his friend answered, "you just answered your own question. I don't need you pacing down here too."

"Dammit, Paul all I can think of is how Della and Mildreth must feeling. They probably know we don't have a clue how to find them."

"Listen Buddy, Della knows you will turn the world upside down to find her and that you have plenty of help. I was worried too, but I feel good about what we are finding out."

With his hand on the doorknob Mason agreed but added, "I am going back to the office in case they let Della call back. Call me the second you know anything."

Paul opened his mouth to speak as the phone rang. He grabbed the receiver. "Yes, great Jim, wonderful news, thanks so much. You may have just saved two lives. I'll let them know. Talk to you when we know more. Thanks again."

"What? What? The lawyer asked impatiently.

Excited the detective said, "The daughter's name is Holly Stephenson and she is studying journalism at UCLA. It seems she won a scholarship and it was in the papers because of the prominence of the family."

Perry wrinkled his forehead. "Wait a minute, wait a minute. There was a Holly who was in our office recently and she went to UCLA, majoring in journalism. In fact, Della had run into her several times over the past weeks."

"Let me get hold of Tragg and get the official ball rolling." Drake told him.

"I want to go….."Mason began but just then Gertie came running into the room.

"Mr. Mason! Mr. Mason!" she said breathlessly. "I couldn't find you and Della is on the phone!"

They took off at a run and Perry was out of breath as he grabbed the phone and said, "Sweetheart, how are you?"

"I'm tired, Perry. Have you heard from the parole board?" She wanted to know.

"They are meeting tomorrow in emergency session," he lied.

"Please hurry Darling we want to be home by Christmas time." She started to cry.

In the background he heard, "enough of this sentimental sniveling you tell him I want an answer by 8 tomorrow night or he can look for a new mistress."

"Tell that person," he said every word carefully, "We should have the answers by that time tomorrow. I promise you that. She needs to be prepared to release both of you unharmed or we HAVE no deal."

"She can hear you. Are you alright? I miss…" The phone was slammed down.

Perry slammed down his phone just as he heard Paul's knock at the door. They both started to speak at once. "You first," Perry told him.

"I just talked to Tragg and they are getting in touch with the officials at the university and tracking down this girl. They will contact us as soon as they know something. Arthur is having a fit because the doctor won't release him. He has a slight fever and they are afraid of an infection." Paul filled him in

Moving over to his desk Paul lit a cigarette, and took his usual position in the big client's chair. Perry was sympathetic, "I am sure Arthur is frantic too, especially since he can't get out there and search. It's driving me crazy and I am at least able to get around. Oh, what is wrong with me, Della tried to give me a clue.

Sitting up straighter Paul inquired, "What was it?

"She said please hurry we want to be home by Christmas time. It is only July. I think it was a clue that this Holly is involved."

Drake smiled at his best friend, "Della is amazing. She is trying to help us even as upset as she must be."

"She is one in a million, that is for sure." Perry agreed. "Do you have number to a direct line into Tragg's room?"

Fumbling in his pocket Paul pulled out his notebook, "It is Empire 6-2365."

"We need to let him know that this Holly is the girl we want." Perry said as he dialed.

After inquiring about the lieutenant's health, and giving him the information Perry Mason tried to sit still. Of course, was impossible, and he said to Paul Drake. "I'm going to the hospital I can't just sit around and do nothing. I'll tell Gertie to let you know if anyone calls while I'm on my way, and you call Tragg's room if you hear anything."

Untangling himself from the chair as Mason went out into the outer office Paul was waiting at the exit door as Perry headed toward him to get to the elevators. He wished his friend the best of luck as he went into his office. Drake was just as worried as his best friend, but didn't want to add to Perry's worries.