Della and Perry made it to Patti's office the following week like she and Della talked about.

"Perry, this shouldn't take very long. You can tell her about the court date."

"I plan to. How long did you set the appointment for?"

"Not very long. Maybe about 10 minutes since it didn't go well with your mother."

"I know it didn't. Now that I lost a witness for the first time, I hope it wouldn't happen again in the future."

"We're learning a lot about your father on this case, Perry. No more longshot cases after this one."

"We'll see, Della. I promised her I wouldn't."

"That's a good promise, Perry. What if somebody from the past who knew your father wanted you to work on another case to get done for him?"

"I promised her," he repeated.

"That can be a case to work on," Della laughed.

"Not funny, Della."

"Sorry, Perry."

"So we're getting close to the office?"

"Yes," she answered.

"I'm still praying for the day I can drive again. Hamilton still doesn't believe I can."

"Don't believe everything he says, Perry, even if it means he's not your doctor."

"He likes to think he is."

"We can go see your doctor after court. Was that the plan you made with him?"

"Yes, Della. Then we can decide if I can or not. He just wants me to be extra careful because of what happened with the car accident I was involved in."

Della saw it made sense.

"I guess Hamilton only said that because he's with everybody else we don't want to lose you from that accident."

"You're right, Della, but there can't be any promises with the accidents in the future."

"I know, Perry."

"What was your friend's name again, Della? I still remember her first name."

"Patti Roslotti."

"Thank you. I hope the case will be over soon."

"It will, Perry. Looks like we made it."

"So this is the place, huh?"

"Yes, Perry. I'm sure she'll agree with everybody who knows about the accident you were in things would get better. She will say that. How did the visit at Goodwill with Cindy?"

"It was all right. I just wanted to bring her for a change so we could get to know each other a bit better."

"That makes sense because Paul and I have done most of it."

"Exactly. I'll follow you since she's your friend."

He opened the passenger seat and then closed it when they got out of the car as she locked it.

"Cindy almost made the visit as a friend instead of a detective, but I stopped her."

"What do you mean by that?"

"The store manager recognized her, but I was happy to remind Cindy she was there working for me on the case, not seeing an old friend."

"Did she know the manager?" Della asked as he opened the door for her.

"No, but they looked like they recognized each other when they were witnesses when the shooting happened."

"Did you bring the file in with you?"

"Yes, I did, Della. I actually had Cindy get it from the backseat of the car while I stayed with the manager. I told her I needed her there as well. She didn't like the news about short notice."

"I understand that, Perry."

"I ran into Mrs. Patterson as well," he said once they made it to the front desk where the receptionist was.

"Hi, Della! How have you been?"

"Just fine. Is Patti available today?"

"Yes. I'll see if she's finished with her client and we'll get back to you."

"Perry Mason," he said.

No need for Della to give out his name since this was about him.

"She should be right with you soon, Della. How are you, Mr. Mason?"

"Just going through a hard time is all. I even lost a very important witness in a case I am working on."

"Sorry, Mr. Mason. No wonder I don't see your mother this time."

"Exactly."

They only waited about 5 minutes and then the client left the office.

"She's ready to see you now, Mr. Mason."

"Just call me Perry, please."

"Will do. Della, you can show Perry where the office is since you've been here before."

"Thank you. It was nice seeing you again."

"Take care, Della."

"Same with you."

After they were shown Patti's office, the other client before them left since their turn was finally over.

"Della! How are you?" Patti asked.

"Doing okay. This is Perry. We work together."

"I remember you, Perry. How have you been doing since we last saw each other?"

"Not so great. Some days are better than others."

"I understand. Where's your mother?"

"She died."

"Sorry, Perry. You can be with me for a while until you're done grieving."

"Thank you, but I don't think it's necessary."

"You're not going to be long - term. Just until we think we're finished."

"How long is this appointment today?" Della asked.

"It shouldn't be long. I should have been on lunch break before the other client showed up. I'll do that when you're done."

"We're on lunch too, but we haven't eaten anything yet either."

"I understand you're busy also, Counselor. This is why we're not going to make it too long," Patti told him.

She did know Perry was defense attorney, so that was why she called him that today.

"Yes, I am busy. I should be done with a case I'm working on."

"Does it have something to do with your car accident?"

"No. It was something my father left behind with a lot of other cases that didn't get finished before he stepped down to help take care of me when I was born. That's what I was told."

"I'm sure he had a lot going on before he quit the practice."

"Yes. This has to be the hardest case I've ever worked on since my first when I started my practice."

"I'm sure it is."

"We've learned a lot about his father during this case."

"I'm sure you have, Della. Would you like to share about this case, Counselor?"

Perry didn't mind her calling him that, but he figured she called him that a few times since that's why Patti was here.

"It's too complicated."

"This appointment is only an introduction, but I understand what happened with your mother last time we tried."

"I remember that also. She didn't do too well in the end. By the way, Dr., there is going to be a court date soon. I was just telling Della I want you to be there."

"I'll try to make it, Perry. Why do you need me?"

"Because I thought it would be a good idea so you can get a good idea what happened between us before we stopped talking before the car accident I was involved in."

"I understand. Just give me the date and time, and I will try to reschedule some clients' appointments."

"You don't need to do that. I just don't expect you to be at the court date for the entire time. I could send you back here when we have recess."

"That can work for me."

"I'm sure people call you Counselor as well."

"Sometimes, but I don't hear it often. Do you mind if I call you that?"

"Of course not."

For today's appointment, it was only getting to know you, which made sense.

"I will have Della call you about date and time of court."

"I'll be right behind you, Perry."

"Thank you. I still haven't heard anything about being able to drive again."

"What are your plans if the doctor says you can?"

"Well, my car is in the dump since it kept changing every time my investigator went to the garage to check on it. The only car I have now is my mother's, and it's easier than to spend more money on a new one."

"Hamilton will have to hear this news about Patti showing up for court."

"He'll find out for himself, Della."

"You mean the district attorney?" Patti asked.

"Yes. He was my attorney when I was involved with the car accident," he explained.