Beyond The Velvet Claws Chapter 5

The phone rang relentlessly, its ring piercing the quiet of the office, the sound itself, seeming to bellow in anger and fear. With his long, quick strides, Perry walked in from the law library and over to the desk to answer it. He had just finished obtaining some information and was leaving to pick up Della. He was anxious to get to her, to take her to his apartment and take care of her. He still was worried, the feeling of dread and foreboding remaining with him ever since Della left. She had told him what happened the previous Friday but he couldn't let go of the fact that something was off. It was unlike her to be less than honest. In fact, she was always honest and forthcoming…always. She always said what was on her mind…..always gave her opinion, tactfully but opinionated just the same. Strong, stubborn and independent by nature, Della Street was no one's fool. She could handle herself in any situation. On the other hand, she could be funny, warm, genuine and caring and loving. She could go from sultry and sexy and seductive to innocent and adorable in a blink of an eye. She was stunningly beautiful, intriguing and alluring and loved Perry Mason more than life itself. She was his biggest champion, his best friend, his greatest love. Perry knew that Della could take care of herself but from that very first day he silently vowed that he would take care of her….he would spoil her and nurture her. He would protect her and keep her safe…..no harm would ever come to her….and he would love her always. She was the single most important person in his life…..she was his life…she was his world.

As Perry picked up the receiver, he hoped the caller wouldn't detain him. For a moment, he thought it odd that Gertie hadn't buzzed him to let him know who was on the line and ask if he wanted to take the call. He really wasn't in the mood to speak with anyone, least of all a client. Tired and frustrated and worried about Della, he sat on the edge of the desk as he answered, somewhat gruffly.

"Mason"

Silence

"Hello, Perry Mason speaking. May I help you?"

"P… Per….Perry." The voice was just a whisper

"Della?...Della is that you?" A thought flashed through Perry's mind, causing him to shudder.

Hearing Perry's voice gave Della renewed strength. She spoke a little louder.

"Yes Perry, it's me. I'm sorry….so sorry."

"Della, sweetheart, what is it?...what's the matter?…..are you alright?…where are you?"

"I'm home….there seems to have been a development….. I'm sort of in the middle of a situation."

Perry stood, already sensing a problem

"What's wrong?"

"Perry, Lieutenant Tragg is here. He says I have to go downtown with him. I'm under suspicion…..he ….he thinks….I…..he thinks I had something to do with Eva Belters murder. He said you can meet us downtown."

Perry closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Della….his Della was in worse trouble then he could have imagined. He knew Tragg was looking around for something but he never thought it would be this. Perry realized that the police must have come up with something big in order to make an accusation of this nature. "My God" thought Perry, what do they have that would allow them to arrest Della so quickly"

Arrested….Perry couldn't believe he was saying that word and Della's name in the same sentence. It was crazy…unfathomable. He was in shock but he knew he had to keep himself together for Della's sake. Too many things depended on him keeping his cool. Getting upset and losing control wouldn't help anything. He had to use all his knowledge and all his experience if he was going to help Della…she was counting on him and there was no way in the world that he was about to let her down.

Keeping his voice even, he spoke in a soft loving voice…his words calming and comforting.

"Della, I'm coming darling, I'm coming to get you. I'll be there in just a little while. Don't worry angel, everything will be fine. I'm going to take care of everything. Just go with Tragg and I'll be there before you know it. I know you know this but don't say anything….not one word till I get there. Be my brave girl, alright? I love you, I love you very much, more than anything….never forget that."

"I know and I'll try…..and Perry, I love you too."

"That's my girl. OK, let me talk to Tragg for a minute."

"Alright, Goodbye Perry"

Perry's heart ached for Della. For the first time since he knew her, she sounded like a sad, scared little girl

He whispered one more goodbye…one more endearment… "Goodbye baby, you'll be fine."

Della smiled slightly as she handed the phone to the Lieutenant. He started to speak but Perry cut him off.

"Tragg, what the hell is going on? What do you mean you're taking my secretary downtown? Under suspicion?...Under suspicion?...Are you crazy?…..Have you finally lost your mind?...You know damn right well that Della is innocent…..She would never do anything like this…She's incapable of this. What kind of insane cracker-jack place are you running? You had better have a good explanation for this because I swear on the bible they use in court and Lady Justice herself, you and your whole department, not to mention Burger and his office will be tied up in the biggest law suit this city has ever seen. Now I'm coming down there….I'll be there in twenty minutes. Don't you dare do anything until I get there, do you understand?"

"Perry…"

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME LIEUTENANT?"

The Lieutenant was slowly losing patience but he knew where the tirade was coming from. He himself was not happy about the entire situation but he had no choice. There was just too much evidence that couldn't be explained away. There was the note and the incident in the restaurant and…. Tragg suddenly felt very tired….and very old. He answered Perry in a weary voice "Yes Counselor, I understand….and Perry just for the record, I'm sorry."

There was no answer at the other end. Perry had hung up, grabbed his coat and ran out of his office, his face pale, his heart pounding, his pulse racing….and his eyes filled with tears.

The L.A.P.D. Headquarters was bustling with activity this Monday afternoon. Besides the daily unending grudge of paperwork, dealing with phone calls, emergencies and doing its level best to keep the city safe, it now had something else to contend with….the murder of socialite Eva Belter.

At first, when Lieutenant Tragg, had walked in with Della Street, many of the officers had thought she was there on some legal matter for Perry. The word soon spread through the house like wildfire…Della was there for another reason….an unbelievable reason….she was a suspect in the Belter murder. The detectives and officers watched as Tragg escorted Miss Street into his office and closed the door, first barking out orders he was not to be disturbed and as soon as Mason arrived to immediately have him come to his office. They were very well aware that, even though the department and the attorney were on opposite sides, both they, and the District Attorney's office were committed to seeing that justice was served, innocence prevailed and the guilty were punished. They all had a mutual respect for one another and, truth be told, liked each other as well. Something was terribly wrong with this picture. They knew that Tragg did not look happy. They could only imagine how Perry Mason would feel as soon as he learned of this development.

Talking quietly among themselves, the men were 'taking bets' on how fast Della's employer would arrive and what would be his reaction. They didn't have long to speculate. The sound of quick, strong footsteps could be heard walking down the cold hallway and a second later Perry Mason burst through the door, his face granite hard, his expression giving nothing away.

He spoke to the first detective he saw. "Good afternoon Sergeant, I believe my secretary Miss Street is here. I re…"

The man held up his hand and interrupted the attorney. "Yes, she's here Mr. Mason. She's in Lieutenant Tragg's office. They only arrived a few minutes ago and the Lieutenant would like you to go right in."

Perry turned and walked in the direction of Traggs office, giving the detective a dismissive thanks.

He reached the Lieutenant's office in a heartbeat. Before entering, he breathed in deeply, steeling himself for what was to come. No matter what Tragg said, no matter how things looked, Perry knew above all, he must remain cool and calm for Della's sake. Masking his face with an even expression, he knocked, then turned the knob and walked in.

The investigator was sitting behind his desk. Perry focused immediately on Della. She was sitting on the chair next to Traggs desk. She appeared calm, but Perry knew she must be scared as hell. She did not move from the chair, but looked relieved to see him and smiled slightly.

The Lieutenant rose out of his chair and walked around his desk. Standing directly in front of Perry, his voice was lower than normal but there was no mistaking his tone.

"Alright Perry, you can use my office. I'll give you thirty minutes….as a professional courtesy. Then I'm coming back to take Della downstairs so we can book her. I'm sure you'll want to make arrangements for bail and such."

Perry answered in a low voice…..his words businesslike as well but his tone as cold as ice.

"I appreciate the time Lieutenant but you will not be taking Della anywhere. What you will do, since you say she is a suspect and at this point ONLY a suspect is release her. I will take full responsibility which I really don't need to do because she isn't going anywhere. She also has nothing to hide. The fact remains that she's not the killer so you better get busy and get to work finding who the devil is the real culprit."

"Thirty minutes Perry….and", he said turning his direction to Della, "you'd better tell him the rest of it."

The detective turned and walked out of his office, closing the door a little too loudly, behind him.

Perry went over to Della, gently took her hand and brought her up in his embrace, Strong arms offered shelter…. gentle hands rubbing her back offered comfort…. tender kisses offered love…..soothing words offered peace.

"I'm here now baby, it's alright now. Everything's going to be fine. Don't worry. I'll have you out of here in no time."

Now that she was in Perry's arms, Della could completely let go. She lay her head against his chest and began to cry, first silently, then harder, sobs racking her body. Perry continued to hold her and when he felt her start to go limp, tightened his grip around her. Not releasing her from his arms, Perry moved slightly and leaned back against the desk allowing Della to rest against him. They stayed that way for a few moments, then Perry heard her whispered plea.

"Don't let me go, please don't ever let me go."

"Shhhh…shhhh….shhhh. I won't honey, I won't ever let you go. Come on, let's sit down. We have to talk."

Perry led Della to the couch and sat down with her, never removing his arm. His voice was soft and caring as he began his questions. Something Tragg had said kept eating away at him.

"Now sweetheart, can you tell me what you did before the Lieutenant arrived at your apartment?"

"I did exactly as you said. I straightened up a little. Then I packed a bag and I was reading…or trying to read. Oh, I changed first, then I started to read. When I heard the doorbell I thought it was you."

"You were in your apartment the whole time? You didn't go anywhere first? You didn't leave and come back?

"Della's patience was starting to get the better of her. "No Perry, I didn't stop anywhere. I went straight home and I didn't leave and come back. First there wouldn't have been time and secondly, where would I go?"

Perry smiled and said, "that's true. I'm sorry darling. I guess I'm not thinking straight. He looked at Della knowing he had to ask the next question, hating himself for having to do it.

"Della, Tragg said you should tell me the rest of it. What does he mean?"

Della's face paled and her breath came in small gasps. Perry realized now that he had been right. Della had in fact, kept something from him. He remained calm, holding her hand, tenderly caressing her face

"Della, listen to me. I know you have something to tell me. Evidently, it's not something you're happy about. You're having a very difficult time getting it out. You've always been able to tell me anything. We have no secrets. Sweetheart do you trust me?"

Della turned to face Perry, her eyes brimming with tears. Finally, able to speak she took hold of Perry's other hand, brought to her heart, then brought it up to her lips and kissed it tenderly.

"You know I do. I trust you with my life. You're right, we have no secrets."

"Then please angel, you've got to tell me. You can't play Button, Button, Whose Got The Button. It won't work. I'm not going to be able to help you unless you tell me everything….from start to finish and do not leave anything out. No matter how bad it is. Tell me and then we'll take it from there."

"Alright Perry, I'll tell you everything. Della closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she locked her gaze on Perry and began to tell him the entire story.

"Perry, apparently there was someone in Clay's who heard what I said about wishing that Eva Belter was dead."

"I know, Tragg told me they had a witness."

"From what the lieutenant told me, whoever it was is very credible. He repeated what I said verbatim so I know he's right. Here's what you don't know. After I had the run in with Mrs. Belter, I went back upstairs. I tried to work but I couldn't. I just couldn't get her and her vicious accusations out of my mind. So I told Gertie that I had an important errand to do and that if you came back before me, she was to tell you that I would be back shortly. Then I went downstairs and got in my car and drove over to her apartment. Her maid let me in and went to get her. She came downstairs and we had it out again. I told her what I thought of her and how I didn't appreciate what she was doing and the sneaky way she was going about it. I told her that she was to stay away from you…from us and I was going to tell you all about her behavior. I accused her of being a spoiled rotten shallow woman who uses her fake qualities to get what she wants. I said she doesn't have an honest bone in her body and she will never change the way she is. She was trouble last year and since trouble follows her wherever she goes she is still trouble and for the last time to stay away from you. If she wouldn't I let her know that you would be taking out a restraint order out against her."

Della stopped and let out a deep breath. She paused and her next words were spoken in almost a whisper. "Perry, I know it was wrong of me, I should have never gone over there and more importantly, I should have told you all about it right away….on Friday night. I was just so upset and I didn't want anything to spoil the weekend for us…..and Perry….I didn't kill that woman. I hated her yes, and I didn't want her back in our lives but I would never kill her."

Perry maneuvered Della away from him and stood up. He gazed down at her and said, "of course you didn't kill her but damn it Della, you should have told me everything. At least then, we could have had a head start. Now Tragg and the rest of them are going to think we're covering something up."

"But you heard Tragg, he told me to tell you what happened. So that proves he doesn't think that you knew anything."

Pacing now, Perry was thinking as fast almost as fast as he was talking. Della, for God's sake, you know how he is. Now he thinks he has evidence and information that he can really use against you…and brother, he definitely has that in spades. You've given him motive and opportunity and I don't have to tell you the rest. I am going to do my do my best to keep you out of jail but this doesn't look good."

"I'm sorry….I'm so so sorry."

"I know you are but being sorry isn't going to help. The first thing I have to do is try to convince Tragg to let you come home with me. After that we're going to have to work and I mean work fast if we want to get ahead of the police or at least catch up to them. We've already lost a lot of ground. We….."

The attorney was interrupted by a strangled cry…. "Perrrry."

The sound made Perry stop dead in his tracks. He turned and looked at Della. His heart stopped as he realized what she was going through. In one long stride, he went to her and took her in his arms, holding her to him as tight as he dared. He feared he was crushing her but he couldn't let go. He breathed in her scent, kissed her, and wiped the tears from her face as gently as he could. He hadn't met to be so tough with her, but he was scared…yes, Perry Mason was scared….he was terrified. The thought of Della spending even one minute behind bars made his stomach clench and his head hurt. Holding Della, Perry felt her heart beating so fast, he feared she would stop breathing and collapse right in his arms. He whispered to her lovingly as he held her.

"Della, I'm so sorry honey. I'm so sorry. You did this all for me….to take care of me and to protect me and I love you for it. I know you're upset baby. I know you're scared. But please try not to be. I never want you to be frightened. It's going to be alright. I'm never going to let anything happen to you." Perry backed away and gently brought her face to hers. He managed to smile. "You know that…..hmmmm?"

"Yes, I know that Perry. I can stand anything as long as…..as I know you love me."

"Well then, we'll get through this just fine. Perry tenderly brushed Della's hair away from her face with the back of his hand. "I love you darling. I loved you the first day I saw you, I love you now and I'll love you forever."

Perry bent down and covered Della's lips with his, kissing her softly…..tenderly….kissing away the tears…once again letting her feel warm, safe and loved.

They were interrupted by the opening of the door.

"Ahem…alright you two, it's time to get started"

Perry and Della broke the kiss and looked at the intruder.

"I am going to accompany Della downstairs Hamilton. She will cooperate with you and answer any of your questions. We have nothing to hide. But first I would like to speak with you and the Lieutenant. There are some things that I think you should know."

The logs crackled in the fireplace, their illuminating glow sending out comfort and warmth. Perry finished crumpling up the paper, then stood up, turned and walked over to the bar in the far corner of the living room. He poured himself a drink, walked over to the sofa and looked at the woman sleeping there beneath the throw. Quietly, he placed the drink on the end table next to the sofa, then sat down next to Della. Slightly maneuvering their bodies, he leaned back against the sofa and as quietly and gently as he could, he took Della in his embrace, settling her close to him and pillowing her head in the crock of his arms. A bit later, she stirred and he bent over and hushed her back into slumber, whispering loving words in her ears, leaving soft kisses on her lips."

"Shhhhh…..shhhh…shhhh…..it's alright baby, I'm right here. You're home with me….you're safe…..rest a little more…I love you."

Della turned into Perry's touch and her breathing slowed once more.

Holding Della in his arms, Perry closed his eyes and let his thoughts go back to earlier that afternoon at headquarters…..the worst afternoon of his life.

When Hamilton Burger had walked through the door Perry's heart sank. It was bad enough that Tragg had brought her in for questioning but to see the D.A. standing there made the adage of 'one picture is worth a thousand words' very true. It took all of Perry's legal prowess to finally convince Burger and Tragg not to book Della…..to let him take her home. Finally, after an hour of going back and forth debating the issue, they gave in. The only reason they'd agreed was because it was Della. Perry had pointed out there was no fingerprint match on the murder weapon. Tragg then said that was because the gun had been wiped clean. Perry even went so far as to say that they could administer a paraffin test to Della. For just a brief moment Perry could have sworn they were going to put Della through it, but then Tragg and Burger said it wasn't necessary. Finally, admonishing Miss Street not to leave town, Della was free to leave. Tragg and Burger watched as Perry helped Della on with her coat, protectively put his arm around her and led her out of the station.

So here they were, a few hours later, back at Perry's apartment. They had made two stops, the first at Della's to pick up her bags and the second at their favorite Mexican restaurant, El Ranchito. It was a little neighborhood place but the food was the best and the owners wonderful, always accommodating and happy to see them. When they arrived home Perry helped Della off with her coat, hung both of theirs in the hall closet and took Della's bag into his bedroom. He then put out the dinner knowing that Della didn't have much of an appetite but hoping that she would eat something.

The conversation was minimal and just as Perry thought, Della just picked at her food. He could tell she was drained. To add some humor to the situation, Perry reached across the table, took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips, leaving a soft kiss. With the smile that was for her alone and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he said teasingly, "My own, sweet, little suspect, you have really been through hell today haven't you? Not to mention trying to make this past weekend perfect and all that trouble on Friday. I want you to know that I love you and I always will…..even if you're a murderer." Perry chuckled and tapped the end of her nose.

Despite the situation, Della giggled. Her voice was loving as she gazed at him while slightly tightening the grip on his hand. "You've done it again Counselor"

"Oh, and what have I done?"

"Made me feel better just when I need it the most.

Perry wasn't quite through with the teasing. "I'm very happy to hear that Miss Street. I always want to make you feel better. After all, I need you to feel better for shellfish reasons I mean, if you weren't happy, you might want to quit and then what would I do? I mean who would keep me in line?"

Then, taking on a slightly more serious tone he said, "Della, you know that things are going to heat up now. So we have to be prepared for any development. I know this won't be easy but we're in this together….good or bad….whatever happens, I'll be right here…..right next to you …..now and always.

For the first time since that morning, Della gave Perry a genuine smile. She got up out of her chair and went around to Perry. With a small seductive wiggle, she sat in his lap, placing her hand on his cheek and leaving a sensuous kiss on his lips. Then laying her head on the big man's chest a deep sigh escaped her lips. A moment later she felt herself slipping off his lap. Perry, feeling her begin to fall, put one arm around her shoulder and one hand around her waist, bringing her closer to him. She raised her head, her eyes intent on her attorney.

"Whenever I fall Counselor, you're always there to catch me aren't you?"

Perry put his face next to her face and murmured low, "always darling, always." Pulling back, he caressed her face and said lovingly, "Della, you hardly touched your dinner."

"I know, I guess I'm just not hungry."

"You look so tired baby. Look, why don't you go take a shower. I'll clean up, and by the time you're finished, we can just relax and sit by the fire. How does that sound?"

"I don't want to take a shower"

"OK, then how about a bath… You still have some of that bubble stuff left. I'll buy some more for you tomorrow but for tonight…"

He was interrupted by Della's hand on his mouth.

"Mr. Mason, I don't want to take a shower….I don't want to take a bubble bath…..at least not now."

"Della's voice was so seductive and her look was so sultry that Perry was finding it difficult to breathe. His voice was husky as he asked" what….what do you…..what do you want to do?"

Della raised her eyebrows and that's all it took….Perry gently moved her from his lap then stood up. She took his hand and led him over to the couch. Simultaneously, they sunk down on the couch, hands caressing, lips locked together with sensuous passionate kisses, breaths hot on their skin. Feeling as though he couldn't get enough Perry held Della against him as if would never let her go. Passionately, yet tenderly, he loved her with a fierce desire and need. In loving her, he sought to protect her…. his thoughts were only of her….to make her forget the horrible day…to make her forget everything but the sound of their heartbeats and the connecting of their souls.

Della gave in to her own desire and longing. She gripped Perry's shoulders, her craving for him growing more intense with each passing moment. Time seemed to stand still and as she slipped into sheer blissfulness, her fear and terror disappeared and she was left with only exquisite pleasure and complete fulfillment and peace.

Afterward, she had fallen asleep in Perry's arms. He held for a while, then carefully moved her away and tenderly lay her down on the couch, gently lifting her head and laying a pillow under her. He went into the bathroom, showered, then dressed in pajamas and a robe and went back out to Della. Pouring the drink, he then went over to the couch, took Della in his arms and held her till he felt her stir Thinking that he had settled her back to sleep, he was startled when he heard her soft whisper. She was talking in her sleep.

"Perry …..hmmm…my hero…always my hero….always takes care of me….always protects me…..love you…love you so much….had to do it….would do it again…..had to….stop her."

Perry's breath became stilted. He had only one thought….He hoped that Della meant nothing by her words and it was only said as part of her dream.