Witchcraft
Judge Morton Caldwell's annual Halloween costume party was in full swing. The ballroom of the hotel had been transformed into a movie version of Halloween. The orchestra hired for the event was hidden behind the facade of a haunted house. A buffet and a full bar occupied one side of the room, disguised as a mad scientist's laboratory. Servers, dressed for the occasion, circulated throughout the room, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Perry Mason, standing by a prop dead tree, recognized several other judges, two senators, a Hollywood director and various stars and starlets.
He also spotted the illustrious District Attorney, Hamilton Burger. He almost laughed out loud seeing Hamilton dressed, as of all characters, Robin Hood. The green tights and feathered hat on the dour DA made for quite a sight. The charming Mignon Germaine had accompanied him as Maid Marion. They were holding court in one corner by a bubbling witches caldron.
And over at the buffet stood the stalwart Lt. Tragg, uncharacteristically dressed as a Bishop, complete with the 4-corner hat and large silver crucifix. He half expected to see the older cop place a blessing over the food Perry assumed the nun standing next to him was Tragg's wife.
Then there was his best friend Paul Drake presiding over the bar as an English barrister, the white powdered wig and black robe making him an imposing figure indeed. Handcuffed to him was his newfound love, Gertie Lade. Perry's cute receptionist was dressed as a cockney barmaid and didn't seem to mind being 'attached' to Paul in the least.
And last, but certainly not least, his ever present, ever loyal secretary, Della Street. Her black satin witch's costume clinging to her body, showing off her delightful curves and long legs. She had donned a long, wavy black wig and the tall, pointed witches hat was perched at a slight angle on her head.
Perry watched as she literally swayed across the room towards him, carefully balancing two glasses of champagne. He was amazed at the way she could move through the crowded room in the incredibly high heels, but then he had always admired her grace, comparing her to a prima ballerina.
The lawyer himself was dressed as a Spanish don. The dark blue military style jacket encased his massive chest, while the very tight cream colored breeches did everything to 'accentuate' the rest of him. Highly polished black riding boots and a gleaming saber at his waist completed the outfit. His dark wavy hair was carefully styled and his normally clean shaven face sported a short Van Dyke beard and a thin black mustache gracing his upper lip.
When Della finally reached his side, she smiled and handed him one of the glasses. Taking a sip of her own, she stared at him over the rim of the glass, her eyes raking over his body, finally staring into his indigo blue eyes.
"See something you like, Miss Street?"
"Most definitely, Mr. Mason."
Della drained her glass, her tongue darting out to catch a stray drop. Perry groaned and reached out to take the glass from her, setting both glasses on a nearby table.
Just as he drew her into his arms, the music started with a familiar tune.
"Those fingers in my hair
That sly come hither stare
That strips my conscience bare
It's witchcraft"
Della slid her hands up, tangling her fingers into his soft hair, humming along to the music.
"And I've got no defense for it
The heat is too intense for it
What good would common sense for it do
'Cause it's witchcraft
Wicked witchcraft"
"I swear you truly are a witch Della. I've found I can't resist you."
"And although I know it's strictly taboo
When you arouse the need in me
My heart says yes indeed in me
Proceed with what your leading me to"
"Would you let me lead you Perry?"
"It's such an ancient pitch
But one I wouldn't switch
'Cause there's no nicer witch than you."
Perry bent his head, capturing her ruby lips, pulling her as close to his body as he could. Della kept her fingers in his hair, holding his head, deepening their kiss.
When at last they broke apart, Perry smiled down at her. He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her to his side.
"Very well, Witch. Lead on."
Only a few of the guests noticed the pair leaving. But Paul, Hamilton and Tragg all just smiled, each man wishing them a silent Happy Halloween.