The Case of the Deadly Toy Extended Chapter 3
Monday morning found Perry, in his office, watching the rain as it beat against the slider door leading to the balcony. As beautiful as the weekend had been, the weather, especially the late season storm, was disconcerting in more ways than one. Mason was lost in thought. Della had been so peaceful and happy. The serene look she had worn the past few days made her even more beautiful. He had been thinking about a number of things these past few weeks. The most important, as always, was Della. They were deeply in love with one another and Perry was anxious for them to take the next step. He knew Della had doubts about marriage and children. They had even talked about it. Lately, however, he felt as though there was hope that she would change her mind, especially when she spent time with Jill and the baby. Jill-----his thoughts turned to Jill----and to Mike. What the hell was going on with him? Who was that woman they saw him with yesterday in Catalina? How much, if anything, did Jill know or suspect? Is that why he seemed so distracted the Friday before?
His mind returned to Della. She had told him that she would talk to Jill. He thought about her reaction to the situation and their conversation following it. As soon as they had seen Mike with that woman, Perry felt Della stiffen. She had gasped and grabbed his arm so tightly he felt as though he would lose all circulation. Gathering himself, and trying to remain calm for her sake, he'd said softly and gently, "Come on sweetheart, let's go home."
The color had drained from her face and she looked as if she was going to be sick. Concerned, Perry asked her if she wanted to sit down for a moment. She answered him in a tone that he knew she used when she was beyond anger. " No, I just want to leave."
They rode back on the ferry in silence. Perry wrapped his arms around her trying to warm her from the waters chill and from the chill he knew she felt inside. The car ride back to her place was just as quiet. Perry turned on the radio thinking that some soft, romantic music might somehow help restore her earlier mood.
As soon as they walked into her apartment, Della let go of her emotions. Her face, which had been pale only moments before, became flushed. Her breathing became rapid and her voice was cold and raised. " How dare he-who does he think he is? What about Jill and the baby? How can he do that to her? Doesn't he care? I guess he doesn't. No wonder he was distracted…what am I supposed to say to Jill now? We were going to have lunch together on Thursday. That's when I was, you know, going to talk to her. We're supposed to go to dinner with them in a couple of weeks." Della was shaking. She was talking so fast that Perry feared she would suddenly collapse. He waited to see if she would take a breath so that he could intervene. Suddenly, she stopped, looked at Perry and burst into tears.
He went to her and held her in his arms. In an effort to calm her, he'd kissed the top of her head and tenderly caressed her face…wiping the tears away with his fingers. His voice was soft and warm as he spoke. " Della, darling, please don't cry. Shhhhhh…… don't cry. I know you're upset—it's upsetting. Let's sit down ok?".
He led her to the sofa, gently sat her down and went to get both of them a drink. When he returned, he sat down next to her and held her until he heard her breathing normally. "Look, we don't know the whole story yet."
"Perry, you and I saw the same thing. What else could it mean?"
"I don't know, but now I am going to talk to Mike… prying or not. Maybe you shouldn't have that talk with Jill."
Della gave him a weak smile. " Fine with me. I don't know if I have the heart to do it now anyway."
Perry was brought back to the present when the door to his office opened and Della walked in. She looked a bit better than she had the day before, but Perry was still concerned about her. They had spent the night together…something they normally did not do during the week. However, Perry could see that she was very upset and he wanted to be there to comfort her in any way that he could. She'd endured a restless night and he suggested she come into the office a little later. She waved off his concern, telling him she was fine. Knowing her and not wanting to press the issue, he let it go.
"Perry," Della said keeping her voice as even and steady as she could," Mike is on the phone. He wants to talk to you".
"Well, how about that" Perry said shaking his head. "What did you tell him?"
"I said I would see if you're free. I think he wants to come here instead of just speaking with you over the phone."
"How did he sound?"
"I guess like normal, maybe a little rushed. I was having a hard time just being on the phone with him. I felt like hanging up. I have a bad feeling about this."
"I know, Angel," Perry said gently squeezing her arm. He smiled at her, trying to make the situation a little lighter. " You are as always, Miss Street, the consummate professional."
"Well I don't feel so professional now. What do you want me to tell him?"
"How does my afternoon look?"
"You have a 3:00 opening."
"Alright then…tell him I'll see him at three. Oh and Della?"
"Yes?"
"Always remember how very much I love you."
"I know Perry," Della answered with a small smile." I love you too."
As soon as she walked out of the door, Mason's face became serious once again. 'So Mike wants to talk to me…. how interesting. I wonder what he'll say. What excuse will he have for yesterday?' Perry thought as he stared at the door to this office.
Perry was concerned in more ways than one. He was worried about Jill ,of course, and he was even worried about Mike. However, he was mostly concerned about Della. Yes, she was upset with the situation and, even though they did not know the whole story, he knew that Della, being Della, was worried about her friend. What unnerved him though was the depths of Della's reaction. She had become completely unglued. She was normally cool, calm, and collected. She was independent and, at times, very stubborn, especially when she wanted her way. Perry almost always gave in. He couldn't help it. She was so damn irresistible. She had him completely wrapped around her little finger and he could care less. His favorite pet name for her was 'Angel' but on very rare occasions, he laughed to himself, she was anything but that.
Now he was worried how this would affect he and Della's relationship if it were indeed true that Mike was seeing another woman. Given her doubts about marriage and kids, Perry felt this would only reinforce her negative feelings on the subject. He was sure that was what led to the level and intensity of her reaction. Perry had been thinking of buying Della an engagement ring but for the time being, those plans would have to be on hold. Now he really wanted to get to the bottom of this… for Jill and Mike…and for them.
Perry sat at his desk, trying to work. He was anxious to talk to Mike. He wanted answers. Della wasn't the only one with a bad feeling.