For Perry Mason, the silence in the house was nearly intolerable as well as suffocating. Not that it was ever rambunctious around the Mason household, but there was usually some activity whether it was household chores or just quiet conversation. This weekend only the stark, eerie silence echoed back to Mason that morning as he put on a pot of coffee. Had Della been there, it likely would already have been made or at least started as she tended to be an early riser.

He pondered his next move as he searched the kitchen for something light and quick to eat for breakfast. He thought of calling their daughter, Diana to see if she'd heard from her mother yet or if he should just call down to the Burgers and ask if Della would even speak with him. He even considered just driving down there unannounced to try and persuade his wife to return home with him. The now salt and pepper haired former defense attorney's head swam with possibilities, none of which were a sure bet. Sometimes women liked to be followed when they left as it reminded them that their man still cared for them. Other times, they really did want some space. And trying to figure out which one it was in this case was as complicated as trying to decipher women themselves.

Locating some bagels, he decided on one of those to go with his coffee that morning. The truth was Mason was uncertain what to do about Della until he'd made some decisions about their life in general. Ultimately, the demands of being a judge were quite simply the heart of the issue, the source of his wife's unhappiness in their marriage. Too busy to really give it much thought before, Mason now found that he could think of nothing else other than what Della's point of view of this situation had to be.

He was older than her and they were both getting on up there in years. Certainly, the still lovely, caring woman was hoping to spend the remainder of their time in each other's company. Financially, they were well set for Mason to retire, if only Mason could be convinced that he'd finally done enough. Had his career really become his identity, his only sense of worth? And was he prepared to sacrifice that for what Della wanted? He was admittedly a workaholic and found it difficult to imagine life without his work. But what of life without Della? There would finally and ultimately come a time when Mason was simply too old to continue working. Physically, his health may deteriorate or so might his mental faculties rendering him unable to continue on much as he may want to. But if he found it within himself to retire, he might be able to salvage his marriage so that he and Della would still be together.

Guilt pricked him as he finally acknowledged to himself that he'd allowed himself to take Della for granted. He knew she understood the demands of his career, but she'd been patient far too long. She had a right to expect that he'd give up the bench in time for them to enjoy their sunset years together; and he hadn't even hinted at the possibility of retirement or even breathed the word around her.

Sitting there alone at the breakfast table, Mason realized how lonely Della had been all these years.

W^^^W^^^W

Hamilton Burger arrived at Mason's place in the early afternoon. A small suitcase was packed and sitting near the front door, Burger noted as he entered the house.

"You caught me just in time, Hamilton. I was just about to leave for Los Angeles."

Mason and Burger regarded each other. Mason noted that his former courtroom adversary also looked haunted, but Mason couldn't tell if it was by Mason's situation or something else. Those big, blue eyes looked sunken more than the last time the two had met, but Burger was also slightly older than Mason so that could just be the result of age. Burger though, had avoided putting on the weight that Mason had. In fact, he looked a bit thinner.

"You look thinner, Hamilton. Alexandra not feeding you?" Mason joked as he hauled his suitcase out to his car and tossed it in the trunk.

Burger followed him. "If she hasn't been, it's my own fault, Perry. Your situation has been a wake up call for me just has it's been for you. I've also neglected my marriage for work. I came all the way up here to try to help, but it seems as if you've already decided what your next course of action is. Or have you?"

"No, I have, but I may need your help to pull it off this time," Mason said with a smirk. The smile faded after a moment though. "I had intended to leave this afternoon, but I know you've had a long drive. We can leave in the morning and you can follow me if you need to rest."

"I'll be honest, Perry, I'm dog ass tired right now, but when you get to be this age there isn't much time left. You and Della need to get this straightened out so let's get moving."

"Yes, your honor," Mason teased.

"And don't you forget it."