Beyond The Velvet Claws Chapter 7
"What do you mean you let him go? For God's sake Tragg, you thought nothing of dragging Della down here when you knew that she was innocent but you let a blackmailer and a murderer off the hook without so much as bringing him in for questioning? What's the matter with you Lieutenant? You're usually not this careless." Perry Mason stood in front of Lieutenant Arthur Tragg, clearly annoyed.
The detective breathed deeply and ran a hand over his lined face. The older man met the younger one's eyes with a direct look. Although they were on opposite sides and could give one another a hard time when having to deal with 'mayhem and murder,' a friendship had been born long ago based on a mutual respect and admiration. However, it was times like now, that put their friendship to the test. Perry's stance and manor was exactly the one he used in court except for the booming voice and Tragg knew that unless he could come up with a plausible reason for why he'd let Frank Locke off without so much as a reprimand, he and the entire station would soon be hearing that bellowing tone. He was about to give the litigator an answer he knew would not make him happy.
"Perry, he had an alibi."
Perry's eyes narrowed. He kept his voice even. "Care to tell me what it is?"
"Tragg hesitated a moment. "You know I can't"
"The hell you can't. You just don't want to. Don't you think you owe it to me after what you put Della through?"
"The Lieutenant motioned to Perry to take a sit, then walked behind his desk and sat down himself. Mason didn't move but stood still, trying to be patient, waiting for an answer.
Softening the tone of his voice, Tragg said, 'I guess I deserved that Perry but you know I was just doing my job. There was all that evidence…..you know, the note, one of my men overhearing Della at Clay's and then her visit to Eva later on that afternoon."
"Circumstantial"….Perry interrupted.
"Yeah, but it was still evidence, none the less. By the way, how is Della?"
"How do you think she is? She's scared, upset and worried. She's trying to hide it from me but I know her too well." Perry paused momentarily, then continued. "While I appreciate your concern for my secretary Tragg, I still would like some answers. Are you going to give them to me or do I have to get them somewhere else?"
"The detective smiled knowingly. "Alright Perry, I guess I can tell you about Locke. You know, we could work together on this. I give you some information, you give me some. Sort of one hand washing the other, know what I mean?"
"My hands are already clean, Lieutenant. Look here, are you going to tell me or not?" Perry was irritated.
"OK, OK, keep your shirt on. You are always so impatient."
"Tragg…"
"Alright, after we finished at the crime scene, I went over to the newspaper. I broke the news to Locke. I can't say he was sad or shook up. He really didn't show any kind of emotion. He only had one comment."
"What did he say?"
"He said and I quote, "well, she finally got what she deserved."
"Then what happened?"
"I questioned him and asked him where he was during the time of the murder. He said he was with friends. They were in San Diego the entire weekend. His story checks out. We contacted the people…..Guys name is Wilson. He corroborated the whole story."
"I see. Well Lieutenant, I guess I'll be going now. I have to get back to the office. Thank you for letting me know about Lock's alibi." Perry turned and started to leave the office then turned back to Tragg, looking him directly in the eye. It would appear that now you're going to have to look in a whole new direction."
"Yeah Perry, it would appear that way." The Lieutenant gave the attorney a small smile. Perry, not feeling friendly at the moment, turned and left the investigator's office.
Leaving the police station, Perry smiled to himself. He had obtained more information then he'd bargained for. Tragg might think that Lock's story panned out but Perry knew better. Frank Locke had no friends…at least no friends anywhere in Southern California
Back at the L.A.P.D. Lieutenant Arthur Tragg sat behind his desk with a perplexed look on his face and his head between his hands. In all the years he had known Perry Mason, this was the first time the attorney walked away, taking an answer from him at face value.
Della poured the remaining water out of the glass and set it in the sink. She rubbed her temples, hoping to alleviate the headache that was starting to pound.
Della was tired. The last few days had been fraught with worry, fear and exhaustion. Once again, Perry, Paul and she were working on a case, this time with her as the client. Della was also feeling guilty. Even though she and Perry had worked everything out and she'd solemnly sworn she would never keep anything from him ever again she still couldn't shake the feeling that all was not perfect between her and her wonderful lawyer. Della knew that Perry would put everything he had into getting to the bottom this case and would knock himself out finding the guilty party. He always went out of his way….went the extra mile for his clients. He fought for the people he defended, working tirelessly around the clock, fighting for justice and his client's freedom. Yes, Della knew that Perry loved her and would fight just as hard, even harder do whatever it took to protect her. Still, she was worried that because of the one mistake she had made in not telling him the whole story, Perry would have a hard time believing whatever she told him from now on. She had to help him, she had to find a way to help him without him knowing. He was so tired and so worried. Della thought about what she could do. Suddenly an idea came to her and she began to formulate a plan.
The secretary was so engrossed in her thoughts, that she didn't hear the door softly open then close. As Della started towards the door separating hers and Perry's offices, she opened her eyes and gave a small gasp.
"Perry! Oh my goodness, I didn't hear you come in. How long have you been standing there?"
Perry smiled warmly as he crossed the room and took Della in his arms. Pulling her close, he lightly kissed the top of her head. Not willing to let her out of his embrace, he murmured low in her ear while at the same time tenderly brushing the back of her neck with his fingers. "I've only been here a minute, but it was long enough to see that my beautiful girl looks tired and is troubled by something. Want to tell me what's bothering you?"
Della raised her head and gave Perry a small smile. "It's nothing, really, just a slight headache. I just took some aspirin. If I'm lucky, it will start working in a few minutes. Now tell me, how was your meeting with Lieutenant Tragg?"
Perry realized that Della was changing the subject and taking their conversation in another direction. He wanted to question her a little further but decided to let it go for the moment. Instead, he quietly answered her.
"About as well as it could. At first, our good Lieutenant was reluctant to share any news with me. But then I pointed out something very important…a very valid point and he acquiesced. He told me that Locke had an alibi. Tragg says it checks out. Supposedly, he was down in San Diego with some friends."
"You don't believe him do you?"
"I believe he's telling me the truth as he knows it but something is off. I think there's more to this. First, you remember the original investigation?"
"Of course," she said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Well, all during that time, Paul and I tried to find out some information that would really help us and break the case wide open. That's why I sent Paul down to Georgia. I thought he could come up with some information. He did but beyond that every time we thought we were making some progress, we hit a brick wall. Then I had him investigate Locke's dealings on this end. I also remember talking to Locke. At no time, did he mention anything about having friends either here. Paul never found any information on any sort of contacts here either.
"He could have just forgotten about them or forgotten to mention them."
Perry smiled and thumbed Della under the chin. "My dear Miss Street, have you ever forgotten your friends? I've known you for over eight years and there isn't a day that goes by that you don't talk to one of your girlfriends on the phone or mention them to me. I know all about them and I also know that they're not always happy with me because I don't leave you enough time to spend with them."
Della giggled. "You know I don't mind Counselor. I manage to see my friends when I can and believe it or not they understand. They know that I'm happy and that's all they care about. Besides, I love our work and I love our life together. I'm not complaining."
"I know that darling, you never complain. But we're getting off the subject. My point was that people usually don't forget their friends. So that's why I think something is fishy."
Della put her hands on Perry's chest and looked up at him. "You'll find the answers Perry. I know you will. You always do. Speaking of answers, how about opening that envelope that came earlier? Maybe it will give us a clue."
The lawyer gazed down at his secretary. His smile was loving, his voice gentle. "You see, that's one of the reasons I love you so much and why I am so lucky to have you in my life. You always know just what to say…..and you really know how to keep me in line."
"Della laughed softly. "I love you too Mr. Mason. Now, the envelope?"
Perry turned away from Della and walked over to his desk. Opening the bottom draw, he removed the packet and began to open it.
The attorney pulled out a smaller cream colored envelope. On the front, written in a feminine hand were Perry's name and the words:
To Mr. Perry Mason, Esquire\
To Be Opened In The Event OF My Death
Confidential.
Perry's face held no expression as he handed the envelope to Della. She read the words, then handed it back to him with a raised eyebrow. Perry opened the envelope, removed the sheet of matching stationary and read the letter aloud to Della.
Dear Perry
If you are reading this, then I am probably dead.
I have wanted to contact you for some time now, nearly two months, but I've been reluctant to do so because of your rejection, both personally and professionally. Both you and your Miss Street have made it abundantly clear that you will not be my attorney. I understand your secretary's jealousy, of course. She is worried about the connection between you and me and how it could easily overshadow what she has with you.
However, I find your attitude difficult to understand. I thought you were sworn to protect your clients – at any cost. Instead of doing that, you've simply pushed me to the side, unwilling to lift a finger to help me. However this is a matter of life and death and so I feel that I must implore you to help me now since I fear time is running out for me.
Perry, I believe Frank Locke is trying to kill me. I found some discrepancies with the accounts and confronted him. He said I was crazy and I didn't know what I was talking about. A few days later I received an anonymous package in the mail. It contained a letter and a key. The key is to a safe deposit box at First National Bank on Wilshire Blvd.
I had intended to go there and examine the box. I put the key in my desk and went to a meeting in the building. When I returned an hour later, the key was gone! I would have accused Frank; however he was also at that meeting. Perry, you must find that key. Evidently, Frank has an accomplice and they are in this together. I am convinced that the monies that were embezzled are in that safe deposit box and Frank wants me out of the way so there will be no one to stop him from taking over the magazine and stealing all the money. I know you will do the right thing and see that justice is done and that Frank and his partner will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
This letter will be delivered by a messenger service. The owner Sam Reynolds is a friend of mine and he can be trusted. He will make sure this letter is delivered to you and can be helpful to you, if need be,
I trusted you, Perry, personally and professionally. You have to help me. I wish things could have been different between us. If only you would've let me, I could have been the best thing that ever happened to you. Instead you seem content to throw your lot in with the office help. Honestly, do you realize how gauche that is? What will people say? I'm sure she's a nice girl, but why waste your time with a nice girl when you have a powerful, wealthy woman ready to bring her considerable influence to bear for you? You and I would be spectacular together. We'd take the business community of this city by storm. And you know as well as I do that the personal side of our relationship would be incredible.
But you've made your choice. I hope you can live with it. Take care of yourself my dear Perry. I wish you well."
Eva.
Perry finished reading the letter. He looked at his secretary, trying to gage her reaction. Keeping his voice even, he spoke with a concerned tone. "What do you think Della?"
Della momentarily closed her eyes. When she opened them again, Perry thought he saw something flash in them…perhaps anger…perhaps frustration…. perhaps guilt….perhaps reticence…he wasn't sure. Then, as quick as it had come it was gone and all that Perry saw was love and concern….love and concern for him. A small sigh escaped Della's lips. When at last she spoke, her voice was soft, tempered with slight irritation.
"Just when I thought my headache was going away. I think, Counselor, you have your work cut out for you. You know I will do whatever I can to help. I guess I should have let her see you. Then this whole miserable mess could have been avoided."
"Della…."
"It's alright Perry, really. Let's just get started. We have lot of work to do."
"The work will wait. I am taking you home….we're going home. It's been a long day and we both could use some rest. Remember we made plans for tonight Miss Street and I'm not letting anything stand in the way. Besides I have a remedy for that headache that's guaranteed to make it disappear. Come on, the sooner we get home, the better we'll both feel."
Without giving his secretary a chance to object, Perry put the letter in his desk draw, put his arm around Della and led her out of the office.
Perry sat against the bed, pillows at his back, softly stoking Della's body. She was asleep, lying across him, one arm around his waist, the other flung straight out. Her head was on his chest, the mass of soft brown curls spread out, warm against his skin. Perry's hand lightly continued its course, caressing her sides, then traveling up and down her arms, shoulders and neck, finally letting his fingers move gently through her hair.
As Perry's hands continued to roam, he looked down at the woman whom he loved more than life itself. Della's breathing was slow and steady and although she looked peaceful, Perry couldn't help but feel she was still keeping something from him. Perry was worried. When he had returned to the office from seeing Tragg, Della had said she had a headache. Then there was the letter. Although they hadn't discussed it any further, Perry knew it was on her mind. When they walked into the apartment, Perry helped Della off with her coat and hung it along with his in the hall closet. Returning to Della, he found her sitting on the couch, shoes off, legs folded under her. Perry walked over, sat down, gently turned her face to his and asked her softly, "are you ready for me to make that headache go away?"
Thinking he already knew the answer to that question, Perry was a little surprised when she turned him down. In a barely audible voice, she said, "sounds very nice but if you don't mind, I think I'd like to take a bath. Maybe after I'm through, OK?"
"Perry smiled and brushed a wisp of hair away from her face. "Whatever you want darling. Your wish is my command. Why don't you get ready and I'll run the water for you. I'll even put in some of that bubble stuff."
"Thank you but I can do it. I won't be long."
As he watched her walk away, Perry was convinced something was wrong. He argued with himself. "Dam it….why won't she tell me what's bothering her. She knows I'll do anything for her….anything to help her. Maybe after her bath, she'll feel better….she'll feel like talking. The lawyer shook his head as if to clear it, then smiled to himself. Part of Della's charm was her strength and independence…the way she handled things. It was one of the qualities that had endeared her to him when they first met and as he fell more and more in love with this beautiful brunette he realized she did things in her own way and her own time. Perry breathed deeply. He would give Della the time she needed to tell him what was really bothering her. He only hoped it would be very soon.
When Della emerged from the bathroom some time later, she looked better, more relaxed…. like herself. Going in search of Perry, she found him putting the finishing touches on dinner. The fire he had started threw out its warmth and as Della walked into the kitchen, Perry turned to her and held out his arms. Della walked into his embrace, shivering slightly. Perry said nothing, but held her tight to him, silently offering her tenderness, peace and love.
The ate dinner by candlelight and the fire, talking little, but saying everything with their soft touches and knowing looks. Their meal finished, Perry went around to where Della was sitting, put his arm around her and led her back to the couch. Sitting down, he gently pulled Della onto his lap and gave her the promised massage. At first, she seemed to resist but Perry persisted. Tenderly he worked wonders on her, gently but firmly kneading her skin, making not only her headache disappear, but calming her raw nerves as well. Murmuring softly, he spoke soothing and gentle words, luring her into a peaceful rest. When Perry felt her become completely relaxed, he carried her into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed, then sat down next to her, lifting her legs and putting them across his lap. Continuing his ministrations, he massaged the bottom part of her body, beginning with her thighs and ending at her feet, rubbing her toes ever so lightly one by one. This made Della shudder and she reached out and ran her hands over Perry's chest. Hearing him groan, she unbuttoned his shirt and slipped her soft delicate hands, inside, gently pressing warm lips to his slowly heating skin. Her voice was silky and seductive. "I don't know how you managed, Mr. Mason, but you certainly made my headache disappear."
"Perry's voice was just as seductive…only rough with emotion. "My pleasure baby, you know I'll do anything to make you feel better. Perry fingers made their way up her throat and neck, and tenderly brushed her lips. He placed a strong large thumb on her face, rubbing it gently in circles and very lightly, caressed the back of her neck with his fingers.
Della was lost in Perry's arms. She could hardly speak. "Per…Perry…..You al… always….take such go…good care of me. I…I prom…promise I'll never…"
"Shhhhh…..it's alright sweetheart. I know…..I'll always take care of you….Always. I'm always here to protect you and keep you safe. I never want you to worry. So let's put everything aside and just concentrate on us. Shhhh…..just let me love you…..I'm not leaving you. I won't let you go." Perry moved Della off his lap and lay down beside her. He brought her closer into his embrace so that they lay together, their lips, softly touching the other's skin, their hands caressing.
The tension of the past few days vanished as the lovers gave themselves to one to another, shutting out the rest of the world
Now as Perry held Della, he whispered very low, more to himself than to her. "Della…. My Della….I love you baby. I love you so. Do you even know how much…..do you have any idea? I've loved you forever…. from the first moment I saw you." Gazing down at Della, Perry smiled as he thought to himself. "No matter what you are hiding…no matter what you are afraid to tell me, I'll take care of it….I'll take care of you. So don't worry, sweetheart, you just lie here in my arms and sleep until morning." Perry moved slightly to better accommodate Della in his embrace. Pulling the covers over them, he kissed her on her forehead, eyelids and lips. Then, he whispered a final "sweet dreams darling" before giving in to sleep himself.
Perry Mason and Della Street entered his office through his private door. Turning on the lights, Della then walked over to the slider, her hands gracefully drawing back the drapes, allowing the morning brightness to illuminate the room. It had finally stopped raining and the day promised to be sunny and warm, just the kind of weather Southern Californians loved. It even put smiles on Perry and Della's faces and Perry was happy to see Della looking somewhat better.
The lawyer was anxious to start his day. He was scheduled to meet Paul within the hour. They had an appointment with Judge Andrews to obtain a court order. This would allow the safety deposit box to be opened with the bank's main pass key. Perry knew the other key would be next to impossible to locate. The court order would save both time and trouble and enable Perry and Paul to see if the embezzled money was in fact hidden in the box.
Perry also wanted to speak with both Clay and Joe. Not having been able to do so before now, Perry wanted to get their take on what had happened the previous Friday.
As he went around behind his desk and sat down in his chair, Della walked in with the mail and messages. Placing them on the desk, she looked at Perry and asked, "are you ready for your coffee now Counselor or would you like to wait a while?"
Returning the smile, Perry said " Coffee sounds wonderful Miss Street…if it wouldn't be too much trouble."
"No trouble at all, Mr. Mason. It will only take a few minutes. Why don't you start looking over the messages and I'll get the coffee going. Then I'll be right back and we can go over everything together."
"Yes ma'am. I'll get on these right away. Perry chuckled and gave Della a boyish grin.
His secretary placed her hands on her hips and glanced at her employer, raising those perfectly arched eyebrows. "Care to tell me what's so funny?"
Perry knew that look and that tone. He knew he was in trouble and tried to find a way to redeem himself.
"Nothing's funny my dear. It's just that you look gorgeous this morning. I couldn't help but notice and I can't help but notice that you seem to be more yourself. I'm just happy about it, that's all."
Perry breathed deeply, praying that he had said the right thing
"Very smooth, Counselor, very smooth. You managed to worm your way out of that one very nicely. Although I have to admit, I do feel much better this morning and I owe it all to you. Last night was very nice….the dinner…the massage…..everything. It was perfect."
"It was perfect wasn't it? And for your information, I meant what I said. You do look gorgeous and more yourself. You're just so efficient and wonderful, especially when you get everything so organized first thing in the morning. I'd be lost without you here," Perry's voice dropped a notch, becoming a bit more intimate, "and everywhere and in every other way as well."
"Thank you for all those lovely complements sir. They do wonders for my ego. Now, as wonderful as all this is, I better go make that coffee and then we'd better get to work. After all, I have to live up to my reputation. I wouldn't want it to get out that I'm falling down on the job." Flashing Perry one of her brilliant smiles, she turned to leave.
"Della? Perry's voice was soft
She turned back to face him, recognizing concern and love in his eyes.
"Hmmm"?
Are you really alright?"
"Yes, sweetheart I am. Oh, and just so you know, I'm always more than happy to help you in any way I can…always. Now let me get that coffee."
As Della walked away, Perry's eyes followed her, marveling again at how lucky he was to have this incredible woman in his life.
Mason and Drake quickly made their way down the courthouse steps and into the lawyer's big Cadillac. Pulling away from the curb, Perry was more convinced than ever that Frank Locke was the killer. Now all they had to do was open the safe deposit box. If the money was there, Perry was going to call Tragg and let him know about the embezzled funds. Then he would show Tragg the letter and the Lieutenant and his men could take it from there. To Perry, it was an open and shut case if he ever saw one and he whistled a sprightly tune as he drove.
"You seem to be in a great mood pal." Paul's voice interrupted Perry's thoughts.
"You're right about that Paul. For the first time since this whole mess started, I think we're finally about to get some answers."
"Yeah, it looks that way," said the handsome P.I as he lit two cigarettes, handing one to Perry. "Oh I've been meaning to ask you, did Tragg drop his ridiculous idea about Della. Did you get everything straightened out?"
"Let's just say we've come to an understanding. He hasn't arrested her, thank God, but he did hold her, albeit for only a short time. It was only a couple of hours but they were two hours too long for me, I'll tell you that. It really scared her. She says she's fine but she hasn't been herself since. I'm sure if we can't find evidence of that missing money or proof that letter is for real, you can bet he'll come back to us. That's why we need to get to the bank and get that box opened. Look, even though Clay and Joe are taking Della's side, that police officer… that Sergeant will still testify to what he heard and he's not wrong. Della said herself that she spoke those exact words. Then there's the whole deal with her going over to the penthouse and confronting Eva."
"Yeah, but I thought that was all taken care of."
"Paul, you know as well as I, that when it comes to a murder, our illustrious D.A. and his boys will stop at nothing to get a conviction….especially if it's from someone that I'm representing…and especially when that person happens to be Della. Burger would love to put the screws to me any way he can and I know of no other way than to use someone I care about to do it."
"And you definitely care about Della."
Perry smiled and looked thoughtful as he answered his friend. "That I do buddy, that I do. All I want is for this mess to be over and then Della and I can get on with our lives.
"We'll, here we are. Let's see how well we do." Perry pulled into a space in front of the bank and smoothly parked, bringing the car to a stop. He and Paul got out, closed their doors and walked the few feet to the entrance. As they said hello to the guard, Perry face took on a serious expression. He hoped they would find the answers they were looking for and that Eva Belter's real killer would be caught and brought to justice.
Three hours later, Perry and Paul came back to the office through the outer door. Both men were relieved. The money had indeed been found in the box and after leaving the bank, they had gone to see Tragg, letting them know about the funds and handing over the letter to him. The Lieutenant said he would take care of that matter and would try to expedite everything as quickly as possible. To Perry, that meant the case was just about over and he was anxious to get back to the office and to Della. He was already making plans and couldn't wait to see her.
Gertie was at her desk, her harried expression and large bulging eyes belying her efficient, responsible manner. She smiled at the men as they came through the entrance.
"Hi Gertie, what's up? Anything hopping?...anything I should know about?"
No, everything is quiet Mr. Mason. Nice to see you Mr. Drake."
"Nice to see you too, Gertie."
Oh, Mr. Mason, before I forget, Miss Street left this for you." She handed Perry a folded note.
"Della isn't here? Where is she? Off shopping, getting her hair done? Having lunch?"
"I don't know sir, all she asked me to do is give this to you if she wasn't here by the time you came back."
Suddenly, a terrible feeling shot through Perry. He unfolded the paper and read the note
"Darling,
I went to see Frank Locke. I hope to get a confession from him. I took that small tape recorder from the desk in the law library. Please don't worry, I'll be back before you know it. I told you I would always help you. I've caused you so much added stress and worry the last few days. I wanted to make it up to you. You're always doing wonderful things for me. Now it's my turn to do something for you.
I love you so very much,
Della"
For a moment Perry froze. His faced paled and his hands shook. He felt sick and he never realized that Paul took the note out of his hand. Paul was talking to Gertie, asking her if Della had said anything else, had given her any more information. His voice sounded very far away. The next thing he knew, his friend was shaking him and calling his name.
"Perry…Perry ….come on man, get a grip. Della will be fine. She knows how to handle herself. She's young, she's strong. She might be a tiny little thing, but I wouldn't want to be near her when she's angry." Paul let a long slow whistle escape him. "Besides you taught her well."
Perry looked at the detective. His voice was rough. "Yes, I taught her. I showed her how I like my appointments scheduled, showed her how I like my coffee. I took her into court with me and I asked her opinions. I've come to value those opinions and I trust her implicitly. She's quick and she's smart and she can tell when I should take on a client or not just by looking at them. I've tried to give her every opportunity to grow and to learn and she's taken those and run with them. She's a fast study….always has been and it amazes me how she's flourished. Sometimes I think she's the attorney and I'm the secretary. Perry paused, then continued, "but Paul never during any time of our being together, in or out of the office would I want her to just go off by herself to do something like this without telling me. She's not going to a P.T.A. meeting damn it, she's walking into the hands of a killer and his trap. God knows what he'll do to her. I can't even imagine…..I don't want to imagine….."
Paul felt the fear inside him grow as well but he knew he had to be calm for Perry's sake. He put a comforting hand on his friends shoulder and kept his voice even as he turned to the receptionist. In his best professional manor he said, "Gert, call Lieutenant Tragg, tell him what's happened and tell him to meet us at Spicy Bits. He knows the address." He turned his attention back to Perry. Grabbing the attorney by the arm, he said, "Come on, I'll drive, let's go…..let's go get Della."
Unable to do anything but nod, Perry let Paul guide him out the door, and down the hallway to the elevators. He stood there waiting for the elevator to come and take him down to the parking garage and Paul's car. The car that would take him to Della. He prayed he would get to her in time.