Birthday Boy-35 years later
Perry Mason sat staring at the calendar on the wall. It was just another day. One day out of the seven that made up a week. One day out of the thirty-one that made up the month. One day out of the 365 that made up a year. Just one day. Where had the years gone? It seemed like only yesterday that he had sat in his office of the Brent Building wondering the very same thing.
Now at 70, he no longer had an office, the venerable Brent Building having been demolished years ago to make way for a modern skyscraper.
It had also meant the demise of Clay's Grille, the establishment Perry and crew had loved and made their unofficial gathering place. Shortly after watching the building come down, Terrance Clay, the gentle, urbane, slightly fussy owner, died peacefully in his sleep.
Others were no longer among the living to join him on this day.
Lt. Arthur Tragg, the curmudgeonly homicide cop, felled in the line of duty. His killer was a teenage punk who had no idea the magnitude of grief the loss of the dedicated police officer caused.
District Attorney Hamilton Burger, his nemesis in the court room, but a true friend nonetheless. His losses to Perry were nothing to the terrible lung disease that claimed the stalwart attorney.
And Paul Drake, his ever faithful private eye. The man who was closer to him than a brother, always ready to do whatever dangerous assignment Perry might throw at him, then throwing his lanky frame into the office chair. His magnificent heart dealing a final, fatal blow, and a dagger to Perry's heart.
Now there was only one. But that one, the most important person in Perry's life was still very much alive and, thankfully, always by his side.
Della Street. His confidential secretary and confidant. His girl Friday - beautiful, classy, charming - so many things. Yes, Della. Secretary, friend, lover. But then came those awful, lonely years when he mistakenly took a judgeship, and he thought he had lost her forever.
Della Street Mason, now his wife. It had taken weeks, months and a few years of pleading but he had finally broken through her resolve. He unconsciously rubbed the onyx ring on his pinkie, mentally laughing at her insistence that she wear only a matching ring instead of the elegant diamond he had given her.
"Why aren't you dressed?"
Her arms slid around his shoulders as she bent to nuzzle his neck.
"Paul and Ken will be here soon and we're going to Amy's for breakfast."
Perry tugged her around and pushing his chair back, pulled her onto his lap.
"It's my birthday, why can't we just stay here?"
Della searched his eyes, seeing the melancholy look. She knew that his weight and aching joints were taking their toll on her husband. Placing her hands on either side of his face, her fingers caressing the grey beard. Placing a quick kiss on his lips, she scooted off his lap.
"I'll be right back."
Perry sighed and once again stared at the calendar.
Then he heard the stereo.
You'll never know just how much I miss you
You'll never know just how much I care
And if I tried, I still couldn't hide my love for you
You ought to know, for haven't I told you so
A million or more times?
Della walked towards him, carefully carrying a plate with a cupcake. The single candle flame flickering as she moved. Setting it in front of him, she smiled.
"Happy birthday darling."
You go away and my heart goes with you
I speak your name in my every prayer
If there is some other way to prove that I love you
I swear I don't know how
You'll never know if you don't know now
Perry stood carefully, taking her in his arms, pulling her into his chest. Della felt the warmth flow through her, feeling the love and passion this wonderful man gave to her.
You go away and my heart goes with you
I speak your name in my every prayer
If there is some other way to prove that I love you
I swear I don't know how
You'll never know if you don't know now
Della looked up into the blue eyes she knew so well.
"You'll never know if you don't know now."
Perry bent to capture her lips, his hands slipping inside her robe to caress her bare skin.
"Call the boys. Tell them we'll meet them at Amy's…for lunch."
Her chuckle was low and sexy.
"I already have."