The Case of the Deadly Toy Chapter 9

There was an eerie silence in the Carter home. It felt like an eternity before anyone said anything but it was only less than a minute. Perry quickly put himself between Mike and the police officer. With his imposing height and build, he looked directly but coldly down at the three men who had interrupted the peacefulness of the evening Not wanting to make the situation any worse, he kept his voice modulated as he spoke but the tone was as cold as ice.. "Lieutenant, with all due respect, I am sure there must be some mistake. You, yourself know what happened to Mr. Carter. Tell me, how is it that you even presume to think that he would be the guilty party?"

Before Tragg could answer, Jill let out a gut wrenching wail Her face lost it's color and she looked like she was going to faint. She flew into her husband's arms and held him as tightly as she could. Hearing all this commotion, the baby started to cry. Della went over to the playpen, picked Elizabeth up and began to comfort her. Both Perry and Mike had to extricate Jill from Mike's arms. They led her over to the sofa and helped her sit down..Perry turned to face Tragg again. "Well Lieutenant, as you about to tell us?" Perry asked, without missing a beat.

"It's just like I said. His fingerprints are all over the gun. It's a definite match."

"He'd pretty much have to be Houdini, don't you think, Lieutenant?"

"The evidence is there Perry. I have no choice."

Perry looked at Mike, then back at Tragg. "Would you all excuse us for a minute, Lieutenant?..I would like to talk to my client."

"Alright Perry, we'll wait outside. Come on boys."

Perry waited until the door had closed behind them. He turned to Mike and said calmly, "I'm sorry Mike, you'll have to go with them. Don't worry, I'll follow you in my car. Remember do not say anything…not one word till I get there. I know this looks bad, but I will do everything in my power to get you out of this….we all will." He walked over to Mike and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Mike looked at Perry despondently. He walked over and held Jill in his arms. "Try not to worry, sweetheart. You heard Perry. Everything will be fine. Take care of yourself and the baby. He tried to smile…I'll be back before you know it."He kissed Jill and wiped away her tears with his hand. He then went over to Della and took the Elizabeth from her. "Bye Princess, be a good girl, take care of Mommy till I come home." I love the both of you very much." With that, he handed the baby back to Della, turned and walked out to the waiting men.

"As soon as I call Paul, I am going downtown, " said Perry. He went over to where Jill was sitting and knelt down. He spoke to her as calmly as he could. "Jill, I know how upset you are. You heard me tell Mike and now I'm telling you, we will do everything to help Mike. You know that don't you?"

Jill looked at Perry and silently nodded yes

"Good, that's good dear. Now, you have to do something for me, OK?"

"Ok." Jill's voice was so low, they could hardly hear her.

"I want you to do just as Mike asked you to do. I want you to take care of yourself and the baby. You need to do that, you need to be strong now…you need to be there for Mike. I know you can do it. You're a strong girl….you're a wonderful wife and mother…Mike is very lucky…and so is that beautiful little girl."

"I will Perry….and thank you" .Jill gave her friend a small smile.

"You don't have to thank me. Now I'm going to phone Paul. Della will stay with you until I get back."

Perry got up and walked over to Della. He held her close and softly kissed the top of her head, then bent down and gently kissed her lips. Then he went into the study and closed the door

Della and Jill sat on the comfortable sofa in the Carter's living room, drinking coffee. Jill had been in shock so Della sent her to shower and change. She had bathed Elizabeth and was in the middle of giving her a bottle when Jill had walked into the nursery. Jill watched as her friend rocked her daughter, softly speaking to her, then singing a lullaby. When she noticed Jill in the room, she quietly stood up with the baby in her arms and handed her to her mother. Della then went downstairs to make coffee. Now the two women were sitting and talking. They were also waiting for Perry to come back. Jill looked at her friend and began to speak.

"You know Della," Jill said thoughtfully, "these past few days have been a nightmare, but they have been very nice as well."

"What do you mean?" Della looked at Jill with a puzzled expression.

"I mean even though we are in the middle of this horrible mess, you and Perry have been just wonderful….Paul too. I also noticed something else." For the first time in hours Jill gave Della a genuine smile.

"What was that?"

"You are so amazing with the baby, she positively adores you and I think it's safe to say, that the feeling is mutual."

"Of course I love Elizabeth. Who wouldn't? She's a charmer alright. She's going to have all the guys eating out of her hand. It's starting already. Her Uncle Perry is in head over heels, crazy in love with that beauty." Della laughed

Jill looked directly at Della and said, "I know another beauty that he's head over heels crazy in love with." When Della didn't answer, Jill continued. " You two are so in love. I've never seen anything like it. It's just like in the movies….no I'm wrong it's not like anything from the movies. You should see his face whenever you walk into a room. It's something else….and he is so protective of you..and so attentive. I know the two of you have talked about marriage…and having a family. Look at how you are with the baby…both you and Perry. You would be such wonderful parents."

Della had a far away look on her face as she started to speak. "I do love him Jill. I love him so much. I know he loves me and he is wonderful…I think that he's the most wonderful man in the whole world. A big part of why I love him is because of the way he is….his wanting to help people. His concern for them. He has so much integrity and such strength of character…..I know he would be an amazing husband…and an amazing father. He would do anything and everything to keep protect his family and keep them safe."

"Yeah, and it doesn't hurt that his rich, successful and handsome as a movie star…no, he's even more handsome than a movie star."

Even though the mood was so serious, Della had to smile at her friend's description of Perry. "Yes, she said with a sigh, he is everything you said….and more."

"Della, do you remember when I lived next door to you? Mike and I had just gotten engaged and you had just started working for Perry?"

"Yes, I remember"

"Well, I knew then that you were in love with him."

"Della looked at her in surprise. "How? I never said anything."

"You never said anything specific but every time we talked, the conversation always came back to one thing…Your job and Perry and how much you loved working with him and how wonderful he was and on and on and…do you see where I 'm going with this?"

"I didn't think anyone noticed."

"Oh Honey, it was written all over your face….and it's still there. Any fool can see that. All they have to do is look at you. So now, let me ask you …just what is the holdup? What is stopping you?"

Della took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them, a feeling of peace and contentment had settled over her. She looked at Jill, smiled her usual brilliant smile and said softly, "nothing is stopping me , nothing at all."

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At little past midnight, Perry pulled up in front of the Carter home and stopped the car. He got out and started to walk up the path to the front door. Suddenly , the door flew opened and Della, minus a coat and shoes, came running out of the house and down the steps. Faster than any Olympic sprinter, she ran to Perry , jumped up into his strong arms and wrapped her legs around him. She put her arms around his neck and began to cover his face with kisses. For a moment, the big man was taken by surprise and had to steady himself in order to keep his balance, while holding Della. They stayed that way for another minute, then Perry held Della by the waist and gently set her down. Della did not let go, instead she moved closer to Perry and lay her head on his broad chest. Perry felt her heartbeat and wrapped his arms around her.

"Della…Sweetheart, what is it? What's the matter? Look at you… no coat…no shoes….you're trembling….what is going on?"

With her most spectacular smile and her eyes pooling with tears, Della looked up at Perry. "Nothing is the matter Darling. I just wanted to let you know how wonderful I think you are and how very very much I love you. I do have something I want to talk to you about but….not here and not now. I want to wait until this situation with Mike is over.…." Della took a step back and gasped " Oh my gosh, I am so sorry, I sort of got your shirt and face all covered with lipstick."

Perry smiled down at her and looked at her with wonder. "You, my beauty are something else I don't know what I did to deserve this," he said, laughing, "but if getting a little bit of your lipstick on me, is the price I have to pay, then I will do it again in a heartbeat. Come on, he said softly, let's go back in the house. I want to talk to Jill for a few minutes… then Miss Street, I am taking you home.

It was close to 1:30 in the morning when Perry and Della walked through the door of her apartment. They had stayed at the Carter's so that Perry could explain everything to Jill. He had told her that Mike would be arraigned in the morning and that Jill could see him after that…He had arranged for them to meet in one of the holding rooms instead of Mike's cell. He and Della would be in court with Mike, of course, but then they had to go back to the office.. They wanted to go over some information regarding the case and Perry was sure that they would be meeting with Paul at some time during the course of the day. Jill had thanked both of them again and told them how grateful, both she and Mike were for everything they were doing to help. Before leaving, Della again went over the arrangements she and Jill had made for the baby. Jill's next door neighbor, would watch Elizabeth, during the trial so that Della could of course, be with Perry. Della would take care of the baby only if for some reason, Faith was unable to watch her… Perry and Della had said goodnight to Jill and had driven home in their usual quiet way…she snuggled up close to him…he with one arm around her.

Della had fallen asleep in the car and as Perry started to wake her, he thought about the greeting she had given him outside Mike and Jill's. "I wonder what brought that on," he thought smiling to himself. "When she had come running out of the house, and flew into his arms, he had been a little surprised. He thought that maybe it had been a reaction to the past few days. They had brought a roller coaster of emotions that was for sure. Della had been there for everyone…..for Mike….for Jill….for the Baby and mostly for him. She had held onto him as tight as she could and all he could think of was how much he wanted her and how much he loved her. When at last he had put her down and looked into her eyes, he thought he had seen something there. He always thought that those spectacular breathtakingly beautiful eyes were the windows into her soul. He could tell, just by looking into those eyes, exactly what she was thinking. Tonight, however, was it his imagination or had Della looked at him in a whole different way? She had said she wanted to talk to him about something but she wanted this whole thing with Mike to be over and done with. He had thought that maybe they could have that conversation when they got back to her place but, given the hour and looking at his sleeping beauty, he knew that wasn't going to happen. "Oh well," he said to himself, "I'll guess I'll find out soon enough"

Della lay next to Perry in her bed, curled up in his arms. Her head was on his broad chest and as she listened to his heartbeat, she thought about her conversation with Jill and her decision. She felt Perry stroking her hair and gently caressing her face and she felt as she always did when she was with him….safe and protected. The last few days seemed to have been rolled all into one and Della was starting to feel it's effects. She had asked Perry to stay with her again tonight and of course he had obliged. She knew he would do whatever he could to make her happy….he could deny her nothing…He spoiled her and she loved him for it…Della put her arms around Perry's waist and hugged him. He felt her and pulled her closer to him

"Are you alright Angel, ?" Perry whispered to her.

"Hmmm..More than alright." said Della sleepily

"It's been a difficult few days, hasn't it?"

"Yes, it has….and I think it's going to get harder before this whole mess is through."

"You're probably right honey. We have a big day tomorrow…. or should I say later?. I think it's time we got some sleep." Perry pulled the quilt over them, making sure Della was covered completely. Even though it was Spring, the California nights could still be chilly. "Are you warm enough, sweetheart?

"Hmmm….I'm always warm when you hold me in your arms and with the cover I am nice and toasty."

"That's good. Now close those beautiful eyes and go to sleep." Perry bent over and tenderly left a soft, sensual kiss on Della's lips.

Della reached for Perry's hand and brought it to her lips. She kissed his fingers and then took his hand and laid it flat on the swell of her breast, covering it with her own. "Perry?"

"Yes Darling?'

"I love you…I love you so much."

"I love you too Della, more than anything in this world"

Having said their endearing goodnights, the lovers held each other as they drifted off into a peaceful sleep

At 9 A.M. Perry, Della and Mike sat at the defendant's table in courtroom 1 of the Los Angeles City Courthouse. At the other table, sat the opposing counsel, District Attorney Hamilton Burger. The arraignment had been cut and dry and had taken less than ten minutes. Perry presented a summary of the case to the judge and Burger introduced the gun as evidence. Unfortunately, the judge's decision favored the prosecution and Mike was bound over for trial. Before Perry and Della left to go back to the office, they met with Mike and Perry then took him in to see Jill. It was very emotional and Della and Perry left the courthouse in silence. Riding back to the office, Della turned her face to the window, tears in her eyes. Perry took hold of her hand, gave it a gentle squeeze and said softly, "I'm sorry your upset honey. If we didn't have so much to do and if I wasn't meeting with Paul at lunchtime, I would take you out for the day"

Della turned to him and with a sigh she said, "Perry, I love that you want to make me feel better. We can't just leave everything whenever things don't turn out the way we would like. I'll be fine in a few minutes. I'd rather go back and work. At least I feel as though we're accomplishing something."

Perry looked over at her and smiled. "My dear Miss Street, have I told you today how beautiful and amazing you are and that I love you very much?"

"I must say, you do have a way with words Mr. Mason." said Della as she gave him a small smile. "Now let's get back to the office. I will be glad when this day is over."

The attorney and his secretary worked through the rest of the morning. Together, they finished their intended tasks and were through at noon, the time set for Perry's meeting with Paul. At a few minutes after 12, the familiar coded knock could be heard at the back door of Perry's office. Della went to let him in.

"Hi Beautiful, " Paul smiled as he greeted Della with his usual compliment to her. "How did it go this morning?"

"I think I will let Perry tell you all the unpleasant details. How about if I go to Clays and bring back lunch? I would just as soon not have to hear it all again."

"That would be wonderful, sweetheart….thank you." Perry smiled at her…I'll just have whatever you are having."

"Oh, I don't think so counselor, I am just having a salad and tea. Don't worry I will bring you back something delicious…trust me."

Perry stood up and walked around his desk to Della. He gently put his hand on her arm and said, "I do…I always do."

"……And what would you like, Mr. Drake?

"Oh I'll just have my usual and could you please get me the double order of fries and then maybe some desert."

You, Mister are a bottomless pit. Where do you put it?" asked Della, rolling her eyes and laughing

"I'm a growing boy." Paul gave her a big grin.

"Alright, alright, enough. I am leaving. I'll be back in a little while." Della looked at Perry and flashed the smile that was only for him. He returned it with one of his own. Della then turned, walked out of Perry's office. Leaving the door almost all the way closed, she went to Clays to pick up lunch.

"Alright Paul, let's get to it. What id you find out?"

"OK Perry, this is what I have so far. It's pretty involved and like I said yesterday, these guys are trouble with a capital T. It seems that Mike and his roommate went to the University of Chicago. It has a fine reputation and it's school of architecture is one of the best in the country. Mike was there on a scholarship. He's a bright man and he did very well in school. Now, here is where it starts to come together. The roommate, Alex Baker, his family is connected if you get my drift. Here's the kicker….guess who Alex's uncle is?"

"Paloma?"

"Close but no cigar…..it's Cavanauh"

Perry let out a whistle. "This is getting interesting…some things are starting to make sense."

"Well there's more," Paul continued. Seems that Cavanaugh funded Alex's college education. His parents didn't have the money. There are five kids in the family. Alex's mother and Cavanaugh are brother and sister, so that's how his tuition was paid. Mike and Alex were real close while they were in school. Mike even spent weekends at Alex's house. They've stayed friendly for all these years. Well a few months ago, Mike and Jill came to Chicago with the baby. They wanted Alex to see her and they made a little vacation out of it. One night, they were all invited to the uncle's house. It seems that Alex wanted to expand his firm….find more office space…..hire another architect or two. The problem was, he didn't have enough capital, he needed a backer. He tells his uncle this at the party. His uncle introduces him to some local guy…..a real big deal…but really dangerous. They start to talk and one thing leads to another. Alex introduces him to Mike and Jill. This guy supposedly is a real charmer. He starts a conversation with Mike and asks him if he designs hotels or clubs. Mike says yes, and the guy seems pleased. Then the guy asks them where they are from, where they live…..

Wait a minute Paul, I thought that Mike didn't know Cavanauh

Well he does, but Cavanaugh made it very clear that it was not for public knowledge."

"This just keeps on getting better and better."

"Perry, there's one more thing. Somehow, this guy knows that you are Mike's attorney as well as his friend. He also knows all about your relationship with Della…in and out of the office."

"How is that Paul?. Perry wanted to know

"We really don't know. When my guy talked to Alex, he said that Alex remembered Mike saying something about wanting his lawyer to oversee the legal part of the deal. Then this guy asked Mike who his lawyer was."

"Paul, what is this guys name?"

"Wait, I have it written down…here it is. It's…Domenico….Michael Domenico."

"So what you are saying Paul is that the real criminal is some man named Michael Domenico?"

On the other side of the door , Della stopped abruptly. Her face went white as a sheet as her past….a past she'd tried so hard to put behind her….suddenly collided with her present…..and now threatened to destroy her future.