It was the next morning. Perry wasn't as tired as he was last night, so it was time to return the judge's phone call and talk with Cindy. Paul took him this morning.
"Della and I went to Cindy's show last night."
"What did you think of it?"
"She was good, but we only stayed until intermission, Paul. What did you find out from Cindy and Benson?"
"About the picture?"
"Yes."
"They both recognized him as Adam Smith, but Cindy can tell you that as well."
"Did you show them the article about the shooting?"
"Yes again, Perry. Benson said he was driving past the store when he thought that he heard a couple sirens going off when it first happened, so he hung around to see what happened. Go talk with him, Perry. He can give you more."
"All right. I will talk with him, but if the judge says there's a court date, Paul, the entire room will get to hear the story. Cindy and I are going to have a talk when she gets in."
"What kind of talk?"
"About her shows, is what she said. I am aware she is new, Paul. Did Smith officially retire?"
"Have her answer that, Perry. Since you're going to know her, she'll have some questions to answer from us."
"You're right, Paul. Della thinks she'll do just fine with us."
"I think so. Glad I was able to spend time with her and showing what I do with a case of yours."
"That's smart, Paul. Della should be here at the office soon."
"When do you want Cindy to start?"
"When we have court. I told her last night I want her there and she might have to get on the witness stand since she was another one of them."
"But she's not taking your mother's place."
"No, she isn't. Since Mom's gone now, Paul, it's going to be hard for a while longer. She was the most important witness to this case. Why would I have to lose a witness? That's never happened and why now?"
"Sorry, Perry. Let's go call the judge and then Cindy should be here."
Paul and Perry saw Della's car parked, but Perry didn't know what kind of car Cindy has.
"What does Cindy's car look like, Paul?"
Paul described the car for him.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, Perry. I'll stay here at the office with Della when you and Cindy have your chat."
"I don't think it should take very long," Perry said once Paul opened the office door.
"Hello," Della greeted them.
"Hello, Della. Has Cindy shown up yet?" Perry asked.
"Not yet. She'll show up, Perry. I remember you said something about a conversation this morning."
"Yes, I did say that. I'm going to try not to be strict with her since she's already started working with us as her first day today."
"Good, but I don't know what Adam Smith was like when she worked with him."
"None of our business about Adam, Paul. This isn't about him. I'll go return the judge's call, Della, since you said something about it yesterday."
"I'll get us a cup of coffee, Paul. Do you want one, Perry?"
"Yes, please, Della. Half a cup would be good."
"All right."
Perry called the judge as Paul and Della went to get coffee.
The judge picked up the phone.
"Hello, Perry."
"Hello, Judge. Della Street gave me your message yesterday. What did you decide on the case?"
"We're going to give the court date a try, even though your mother wouldn't be here to testify."
"How did the detectives react when you mentioned Ada was gone?"
"They weren't surprised, Perry. We have the date on Monday next week."
"By the way, Judge, what have you decided for somebody to take over her place in the courtroom?"
"Nobody. It's just you this time. I'm sorry you don't have anybody in the courtroom next to you this time. We've never lost a witness in the past for you, but why now?"
"I asked the same question, Judge. By the way, there is somebody that just started working here with us. Today's her first day."
"Tell me what you have, Perry."
"I told her I want her there to be at the court date. She says she was in the Goodwill store when the shooting happened with him."
"All right, we'll get her on the witness stand. What is her name?"
"Cindy McCarey. For right now I want her to introduce herself. She worked with Adam Smith, but he's retiring."
"You can come by later when you're done with Ms. McCarey."
"I'll have her drive this time."
"I'll see you then, Perry."
Then they hung up.
That's when Della and Paul returned.
"What did the judge say, Perry?" Della asked.
"Good to go on the court date, but nobody will take Ada's place on my side since she was the most important witness in the case. Look how much she's helped out with all of those files. I do have a promise to keep."
"What promise is that?" Paul asked.
They heard a knock on the door.
"Probably Cindy," Paul said, taking the coffee cup from Della while Paul answered.
"Hi, Cindy. Come on in," Paul said.
"Thank you, Paul. I do need to talk with Perry."
"You and Della can stay for this, Paul."
"All right."
"You said that you wanted to ask about your concerts, Cindy."
"Yes, I do. Since I'm with you now, Perry, what do you think I should do about the shows that might be on the same day if there's going to be a court date going on at the same time at one of the shows?"
"I see that's something we need to talk about. This is a good reason why Paul wanted to surprise us because if he's somewhere else and has to be at two places at the same time, then you come in. Is that right, Paul?"
"Yes, Perry. That's the surprise."
"Cindy, I just spoke with the judge over the telephone."
"What happened?"
"There is a court date next week, starting Monday morning. I want you to show up so that way you can testify what you shared with us about the shooting at Goodwill when my father was involved and alive. Can you do that?"
"Yes."
"Cindy, I'm going to the courthouse in a while. You can drive."
Cindy was getting the point - introducing herself to the judge is why he said that.
"I'd be glad to."
Since today is her first day with Perry, Cindy didn't want to start complaining with him. Sounds like these two don't do that with him.
"Has Adam officially retired?" Paul asked.
"Almost. Tomorrow's his last day, but said he'd show up at the court date anyway."
"Thank you, Cindy. He'd be able to get on the witness stand and tell us exactly why he and George Mason were in the shooting at Goodwill.
"Cindy, the police officer by the name of Tragg accepted you to work with in the future cases, even though he hasn't met you."
"Thank you for telling me, Perry. Adam wasn't too strict with me when I worked with him."
"What do you mean by strict?" Perry asked.
"He used to be like that when I got my license and found him, but I think he was working with George, but I'm not sure now if that's how I remember him telling me."
"Cindy, I need to hear this stuff from him and not through you."
"I know, Perry, and so does he. Looks like he'll have a lot to say in court."
"Yes," Perry agreed.
"Tell me about your father, Perry."
"What do you need to know about George?" Perry asked.
"Just making conversation. I know he doesn't mean anything to me like he does with you, but I do see the point about you taking over a longshot case."
"Yes, I've heard that a lot too, Cindy. Della and I didn't stay through the entire show last night. It was mostly after you talked with us during intermission."
"Glad you liked the show, Perry. I'm not sure when the next one is."
"How long ago did you find out about his cases?" Cindy asked.
"Shortly after I received a phone call from my mother when she passed the news over to me about the murder. Wouldn't you do the same thing if somebody in your family was murdered and find out who did it?"
"Of course. Karl and Harriett didn't die from this sort of thing. He died about 10 years ago, so he wouldn't be able to meet my new boss."
"What did he do?"
"Karl McCarey was some sort of manager in a shoe store. He did that for a while."
"What kind of manager was he?"
"Assistant, but he got very close to being store manager when he died."
Cindy tried not to cry in front of her new boss, but understood how he felt about trying not to show it either.
"What was it like working with Adam?"
"He was different, Perry. I was about 20 or 21 when I was introduced to George Mason, so I didn't work with George for very long, but Adam thought I would start there since I also was new, but more experienced. My parents weren't crazy about me solving murder cases because they were afraid I wouldn't be able to being successful as a woman detective."
"Was Adam easy or hard to work with?" Perry asked.
"I'd say in between both."
"Did you know Adam before you were asked to work with him?"
"No, I didn't, Perry. We somehow ran into each other one day and he asked if I wouldn't mind working with him for a while. That's when he asked me if I had experience as a detective."
"What did you tell him?"
"I said that I recently got my license, and he accepted it. It took me a while to figure out who was murdered in my first case."
"What was your first case?"
"You don't want to know, Perry."
"Why's that?"
"Because it was a long time ago and I didn't know you until now."
Cindy saw that was the perfect answer Perry was going to get from her.
"We're here," Perry said, seeing the courthouse.
"Let me find a spot first. Did you say what the judge's name was?"
"It's Washington."
"Thanks, Perry."
They were able to find a parking spot. She followed Perry into the building.
Of course he was aware of the officers behind him because of protection that Adam Smith had requested.
"Who are these police officers behind us?" Cindy asked.
"They're protecting me, Cindy."
"Why?"
"Because of the case. It's only here until the case is solved."
"Oh. That means back to normal, right?"
"Yes, Cindy."
"That's a good thing."
"Yes, it is," Perry agreed.
"Since you've introduced yourself to the district attorney, I think it would be a good idea to get together with him."
"Just me and you?"
"No. You and him. I think he would want to know who else is working with me."
"What is he like?"
Perry told her.
"I guess you'll have to tell him about that, right?"
"No, Cindy."
Perry asked for the judge when he walked in.
"Hello, Perry. Sorry to hear about your mother."
"Thank you, Judge. I'd like you to meet my new detective."
"What happened with Drake?"
"He's still here, but we added somebody new."
"I'm Cindy McCarey."
"I went to your show the other night. You were excellent."
"Thank you, Judge."
"I'll go look for Washington to let him know you're here, Perry."
"We'll wait here."
"That's all right."
"Is he the only judge I have to meet today?"
"Yes," Perry answered.
"He'll be here soon. He's just walking in."
"To start the day?"
"Yes, Perry. It was nice meeting you finally, Ms. McCarey."
"Glad you liked my show, Judge. It was nice meeting you too."
Perry wasn't surprised that he already knew who Cindy was.
"So you worked with her before?" Perry asked.
"No, we haven't worked together, Perry. I only know who she is."
"Thank you for asking Mr. Burger to stop acting like a doctor."
"You're welcome. He's not your doctor."
"But I don't agree with him by thinking you're not in any condition to have this court date about your father's murder, Perry. You're better than you were on the witness stand in the last case."
"Don't remind me."
"What happened there?" Cindy asked.
"You don't need to know, Ms. McCarey. That case is closed now."
"Judge, do you want Adam Smith to be part of this?" Perry asked.
"Yes, we do. He's part of the group your father worked with, right?"
"That's what I've been hearing."
"I worked with him," Cindy told the judge.
"Perry, have you heard anything about driving your car again after this case is closed?"
"He only said to wait after the case is closed, and then I could."
"I understand you want to be independent again, but it takes time, Perry. We're still behind you."
"Thank you. I just lost the important witness in this case, so I might not have anybody to take over."
"Your mother, right?"
"Yes. She was having problems in the end, but my and her doctor couldn't find anything to help her, but I did ask Ms. Street to ask her friend to come for the court date. She's the counselor."
"How is that turning out?"
"My mother didn't like it because she kept getting sick every time we tried."
"Sorry, Perry."
"She had problems raising me, so that was one of the reasons why he stepped down. Is that right?"
"Yes, Perry. If your doctor says you might be disabled and can drive again, go for it. Hamilton might not be a doctor, but I'm not really following him why he would say these kind of things that are not his problems."
"Thank you for letting me come out and talk about the court date, Judge, and still support."
"No problem, Perry. Has Hamilton said anything else about the long way to recovery? I think you might be getting closer and closer for it to be over with, but I like Ms. Street's idea about counseling since it was hard in the beginning."
"I don't think so. You can talk about that with him."
"No need to. It was nice meeting you, Ms. McCarey. Next time you have a show, I'll be sure to show up."
"Thank you. I'll make sure to give you and Perry front row seats."
"Keep me posted and nice meeting you."
"Same with you, Judge."
On the way to the car, Perry said, "The case he was talking about was my being in a car accident. Everybody says I lucky to survive."
"I'm sure you scared everyone."
"Yes, I did."
"Maybe if anybody that I know who is in trouble in the future, I'll recommend you."
Perry took that as a compliment.
"Thank you, Cindy. Let's go back to the office."
"You're right about that. So what have you decided on my concerts on the same day Paul has to be somewhere else?"
"We'll keep talking about it, Cindy. Maybe when the future comes for another show you have Paul sure did come up with a good idea about somebody taking his place if he can't make it at the same time. Tell me how you met Paul."
So she did.
"I thought he told you."
"I don't think he did. Our next stop is Goodwill. I don't need to go to the office quite yet."
"All right, Perry. You mean the one where your father was shot? I was one of the witnesses."
"This is why you might have to be on the witness stand if I ask you to. I don't know if the manager would remember you since you said that you were young back then. Tell me what else you remember about the shooting."
"I was in the kids' section with my mother. I thought I saw somebody that looked like your father."
"Did you recognize him?"
"Not right away, I didn't. I knew who he was because I look at the newspaper sometimes."
"Did he have a gun with him?"
"Yes. I thought I saw Adam at the same time with Mr. Mason, but I could be wrong."
"I thought Paul showed you the picture."
"He did."
"I might have to ask these questions again when we have court, missy."
Cindy never heard anybody call her that before, but Perry's the only one so far. She didn't want to ask if Della ever heard him call her that, but the guess was probably not."
"Do you remember how to get there even though you were a witness a long time ago?" Perry asked.
"Of course I do. Sometimes I go by there for lunch or whatever," Cindy answered.
He didn't say anything.
"I know I heard you say that you wanted to finish a case from your father since it's a longshot, Perry. My question is when the case is over, do you think you'll do anymore of his cases that he couldn't solve?" Cindy asked.
"I have a promise to keep," he replied.
"What promise to who?"
"My mother."
That was the only answer he would be able to give her.
"Is the manager there today?"
"We'll find out," he said.
"I haven't been in that store since the shooting, but I remember passing it several times recently."
"Glad you remember it."
It didn't take long for them to show up. Looked like a busy day since there was half - full parking lot. It's a big store, from what Perry noticed when they were here before to see where the shooting took place.
"How many times have you been here, Perry?"
"This is my second. Last time I was here I brought Della and Paul."
"Let's go in and see who we can find to ask for management."
"I heard her name was Harriana Washington," Perry told her.
"Thanks for remembering the name. I appreciate it."
"I was told she took over the retired store manager, but it looks like she knows what to do now since she took over."
They were able to find a spot for the car.
"Good thing I don't have to park somewhere else."
When he opened the door for Cindy, Perry followed her into the store.
He noticed there there were a couple of people he recognized. One of them was Bella Patterson with the child. She spoke up first, heading over to him and Cindy.
"Hi, Perry."
"What a surprise to see you again, Mrs. Patterson."
"I see you brought a guest," Bella said, noticing Cindy.
"Yes, I did. She works with me now."
"Cindy McCarey," she introduced herself.
Perry wasn't saying anything because he wanted her to introduce herself.
"You have a cute child there," Cindy replied.
"Thank you. Barry and I decided to adopt her since her mother and father live in another state is what I was told."
Bella now talked with Perry.
"What have you decided on time for church?" Bella asked.
"I haven't thought about it, Mrs. Patterson. I just want this case solved, and maybe I could try."
"I remember you accepted our invitation when we had breakfast."
"I remember," Perry told her, remembering Pastor Dan.
"How is your father's murder coming along?"
"It's still going somewhere, but we do have a court date. Ms. McCarey here was a witness here with the shooting that Mr. Mason was involved in."
"Did he survive?" Bella asked.
"Of course. He lived until a few months ago. That's when I found out about his cases that didn't get solved. He quit his practice because I was showing up any day and hadn't done anything with the courtroom since until somebody shot him when he was still in bed late that day."
"Were you able to say good - bye?"
"No. I was at the office."
"Sorry about personal questions, Perry," Bella said.
"That's all right. They still have the degree I had when I graduated from law school on the wall in the living room. I don't want to talk about this anymore, Bella."
"Sorry, Perry. I can imagine how it feels. We will keep praying for you."
"Thank you. Do you know where the manager's office is?" Perry asked her.
"No. I'm only here to buy a few things for her," Bella answered.
"Have a nice day now, Mrs. Patterson. Maybe I'll just surprise you by showing up at church."
"We appreciate that, Perry. Good luck with your case."
"Thank you. Hello to Barry."
"I will tell him that I ran into you."
Then he and Cindy left.
"How do you know them?" Cindy asked.
"I took care of that child for a while after her parents went back home to another state from his vacation time. I doubt Tragg keeps up with them anymore either."
"That's sad somebody would leave a little girl behind like that. What did she mean by the word church?"
"They invited me to a service when I can come, but nothing happened yet because of this court date. Let's go see if we can find the manager."
He found one of the employees who work up front and asked where Harriana was.
"She's in the office. Follow me," the girl said.
So they did.
"Thank you," Perry told her.
"You're welcome. Hope you can work here."
"We're not here for a job, ma'am. We're here on a murder case."
"Good luck with that."
Cindy knocked on the door since it was shut.
Harriana answered right away.
"Yes? Who are you?" Harriana asked.
"Do you remember me? Perry Mason."
"I forgot you came out here before."
Harriana recognized Cindy.
"Cindy? You can come inside," Harriana told them.
She closed the door behind them.
"Ms. Washington, I'm sure you remember the case with a shooting years ago? I heard you were one of the witnesses," Perry replied.\
"Yes, I was. What is this all about?"
"We're working on a murder case about George Mason when he was here when the shooting happened," Perry told her.
"I do remember being a witness in this case. Why are you here for?"
"I already told you, Ms. Washington. A murder case. We have a court date coming up sometime next week and I want you there because you were here at the time."
"What time do I need to show up on such short notice, Perry?"
"Wednesday. I think it's at 10:30."
"All right. I will make it on such short notice, Perry. I have a couple of meetings for the rest of the week, so I'll do my best to show up."
"You will be there," he told her.
"What are you doing here, Cindy?" Harriana asked.
"I work with him now. I was here when the shooting happened."
"We're not here to be friends, Cindy," he reminded her.
"Sorry, Perry. I'll let you continue unless you're ready to leave."
"We're almost done, Cindy."
"So you have more for me?"
"Yes, I do. To let you know, I have lost my first witness who was also here at the time, but not inside the store. I can't have her in court this time since she isn't here anymore. I was representing her."
Harriana was starting to feel bad.
"Do you have anybody to take this witness's spot?"
"Not this time. It's just me. This is why I wanted you to show up and answer some questions in front of the court."
Perry remembered bringing the picture and the newspaper article with him to show Harriana.
"Cindy?"
"Yes, Perry?"
"Would you mind going to the car and find that file? I brought it here so she can see."
"All right. I'll be back."
"What picture and article?"
"You will get to see them again in court. It was a picture of the shooter with George Mason article about the shooting. Do you remember reading about it in the paper?"
"That was a long time ago, Perry. Maybe somebody will want a job here."
"This is more about a murder case, ma'am, not work."
There was a knock at the door. It was an employee who peeked in with Cindy behind him.
"They want you up front for employee purchase," he told Harriana.
"I'll be there soon. I shouldn't be much longer."
"All right, Harriana."
Then he left.
Harriana and Perry didn't even hear them when she was called over the intercom.
"That was Chris, Perry. He's one of the cashiers up front."
He didn't care who the employee was. He just wanted to get out of here."
Now Perry understood why George and Ada don't shop at thrift stores. Perry remembered Ada driving out there when they needed something.
"Thank you, Cindy. Show her the file."
So Cindy did.
Harriana looked at the picture before the article.
"That person looks familiar."
"Would you tell us their names?"
"No, Perry, I don't think I can, but the face looks familiar."
Perry still believed it was Adam Smith who took care of this since he also was here at the store. He'd be sure to have Adam Smith on the witness stand for a long time next week.
"Now the article does look familiar to you now?" Perry asked, showing her the article.
Harriana looked at it.
"This is old, Perry. Some of it is faded."
"It doesn't matter."
He waited as she went through the article.
"The headline does. Did you learn who the attorney was in here when the shooting happened?" Harriana asked.
"My father, George Mason."
Harriana couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"That doesn't sound right, Mr. Mason. I'm sorry this had to happen to you."
"Thank you for your time, Harriana. I'll see you in court."
He followed Cindy to her car where she parked in the handicapped parking lot.
Good thing she remembered he said something about being disabled.
"How did you know Harriana?" Perry asked.
"Because we both were witnesses when George showed up that day when his wife waited in the car."
"I might need to ask that question in court, Cindy."
"Yes, I know."
"I'll pass this to Adam myself, so don't bother, Cindy."
Note: In a few chapters from now, we'll be in court.
