The Case of The Deadly Toy Extended Chapter 2

The morning light filtered through the window of Della's bedroom. The pastel sheer print curtains billowed softly in the warm breeze and spoke of another beginning to a perfectly beautiful Spring day.

Perry awoke and smiled as he looked around and realized where he was. His smile grew broader as he looked at the beautiful woman sleeping so peacefully at his side. Della was snuggled up next to him, laying in the warm protection of his arms. Perry was in awe. He couldn't get over the fact that, even after staying out so late the night before and then getting to sleep even later, she could look this amazing. Free of any makeup…hair tousled… she looked, he thought, almost ethereal. He bent over, lightly brushed a bit of hair off her forehead and left a soft kiss on her lips. He removed his arms from around her and quietly began to slip out of bed.

"Hmm…"Della stirred and slowly opened her eyes."Perry, where are you going"? she asked sleepily.

"Well good morning sunshine," Mason smiled at her."How did you sleep angel"?

"Perfectly counselor," she replied as she gave him her most dazzling smile---"annnd…. I have you to thank for it."

"I'm glad to take credit for being the one who's made you so happy, but can you tell me just what I did to put you in such a wonderful mood?"

"Let's see… dinner, dancing, champagne, a midnight walk on the beach and then coming home and making incredible, wondrous love…Hmmm… you certainly can turn a woman's head. You're spoiling me, you know."

" You're the only woman whose head I want to turn" Perry said as he pulled her into him for a hug. " As for spoiling you, believe me, nothing gives me more pleasure. Now, Miss Street, since we really didn't get that much sleep, how about if you lie back, close those beautiful eyes and try to get some more rest. It's still pretty early."

"Will you come back to bed and rest with me?"

"I will until you fall asleep but I want to go make some coffee and read the brief for the Anderson case. There are some things I still want to look over. I thought a little later we might take the ferry to Catalina and have brunch at The Harbor Reef. We could walk around a bit and do some shopping. Maybe take a ride on the glass bottom boat. How does that sound?"

"A day like that with my favorite attorney? Sounds like heaven to me. Any time I get to be with the most handsome, most wonderful man in the whole world, with no interruptions, I'll take it. But Perry, it's Sunday. I thought we had a rule, no work on the weekends if we could help it."

"I know sweetheart," Perry said stroking her hair and caressing her cheek, "but I really have to get this finished. You know his appointment is tomorrow and I want to be ready for him."

"Alright," Della said drowsily, trying to stifle a yawn. "I guess I'll go take a shower. When do you want to leave?"

"Oh, just give me an hour or so, then we'll get ready and…"Perry didn't have a chance to finish. Della had succumbed to Perry's touch, relaxed completely and fallen back into a blissful sleep. Perry brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, covered her, and quietly walked out of the room.

Around noon, Perry and Della disembarked from the ferry and stepped onto the island. Catalina and its immediate sister island, Avalon, were popular spots with locals and the tourist trade alike. With its pristine beaches, clear waters, and hidden coves it was a natural draw for families, singles and couples seeking a romantic getaway. The shops were trendy, yet quaint in design and there were an abundance of restaurants, hotels and activities. The coral color of the houses and the lush greenery of the mountains and hills overlooking the bay made for a spectacular view.

The attorney and his secretary were seated at a corner table at The Harbor Reef. From their vantage point, they could see the people walking along the pier and the boats that dotted the harbor. The restaurant was busy, but not overly crowded and both Della and Perry were happy to have the opportunity to have a leisurely meal.

"You do amaze me Miss Street," Perry said taking hold of Della's hand.

"How so counselor?" Della asked, flattered at the compliment.

"I was just thinking about Friday night and the way you handled the baby. Nothing seemed to bother you. After all, it had been a long day, and, as much as I love Elizabeth, she was kind of cranky. It didn't even faze you."

"Oh Perry, the baby wasn't that bad. She's beginning to teethe. I just gave her the medicine Jill had left for her and her teething ring and she settled right down."

"Well you got her settled pretty quickly. You are a wonder sweetheart… a beautiful wonder and I thank my lucky stars every day that you are in my life."

Della looked up at him through her thick lashes as her eyes began to tear. " You really know how to get to me, Mr. Mason. I love you so much Perry." Her voice was softer than usual "I feel the same way," she said, smiling at him.

Perry returned the smile and gave Della's arm a gentle squeeze. He then looked thoughtful for a moment and said " By the way, I've been meaning to ask you something all weekend but we were sort of occupied with…other things."

"What is it?" Della immediately noticed the serious change in Perry's mood.

"Did Mike seem distracted to you?"

"A little," Della said. "I didn't think much of it because I was helping Jill with the baby so she could get finished and they could leave. Why? Do you think something is going on with him?"

"I don't know my dear. Has Jill said anything to you?"

"Nothing of any great importance. She did mention that Mike was starting to come home later than usual from the office. When she questioned him, his only answer was that he's been very busy. He's also been a lot quieter about what's happening there."

"Della, they're our friends and I'm concerned. I think something's going on with Mike. I don't want to pry. I'd like to help him but…"

Della put her hands in his. "Would you like me to talk to Jill and see if I can find out anything more? Just a little girl talk among friends. I wouldn't exactly call it prying."

Perry looked at her with gratitude and love in his eyes. "Now you know why I think you're so amazing and why I think you're such a wonder. You always know what to do. I don't know what I would do without you."

Della laughed, "I'm glad I can help and just for your information, I'm going to make sure you never have to find out. Now come on, you promised me we could go shopping."

"That I did, Miss Street, that I did."

Perry paid the bill and he and Della left the restaurant and walked out into the warmth of the day. Smiling and arms intertwined, they walked along the pier… happy to be alone and away from the stress of everyday pressures. They hadn't gone very far when they suddenly stopped and looked at each other in shock… disbelief registering on their faces. There, sitting at a table under an umbrella, was Mike Carter with a woman----- a woman who wasn't his wife.