I don't normally write a note before my stories, but I thought this one required it. I've been reading a lot of the old Perry Mason novels by Earl Stanley Gardner recently. As I started one today, the idea came to me to write my own version of the classic. I have a general outline of how I think the story should go, but I would love feedback on this. Especially if anyone is interested in reading more. I thank you for all comments in advance. I've had a lot of fun writing this.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Terry Macon
- successful lawyer... always ready to take the toughest cases with amazing ability to outwit the District Attorney and solve those cases
Bella Streel
- confidential secretary to Macon... loyal to the core
William "Tall" Brake -
6'6", thus the nickname of Tall... owner of the successful Brake Detective Agency with offices right down the hall from Terry Macon
Jack Williams -
accountant with a local defense contractor
Alexander "Hot Dog" Surger -
District Attorney... long time nemesis of Macon... his success rate in prosecutions would be superior to any DA in the country with the exception that he had never bested Macon... his court room antics in trying to best Macon had led to the nickname of "Hot Dog"
Lt. Drag -
the first openly transsexual police officer to graduate to Detective Lieutenant... born a male, but dresses as a female
Bertie -
receptionist and switchboard operator for the Macon Law Firm
Terry Macon opened the private entrance to his office to find Bella Streel, his private and confidential secretary, sorting the morning mail. One pile for Urgent mail (items that Terry would need to see first and either answer personally or dictate a letter to Bella for a reply). A second pile for Important (items that Terry would need to respond to before the close of business). The third pile was Routine (if Terry didn't look through it, Bella would give it to one of the associates to handle).
Terry's official time for opening the office was 9AM, but he tried to arrive at 8:30 to handle as much of the mail as possible before he needed to meet with any clients.
He sat down and read the first Urgent letter. Bella poured him a cup of coffee. "Why is this in here Bella? It's a request for me to give a talk in front of a Woman's Club?"
"If you'll look at who sent the letter, you'll understand." Terry looked at the signature. It was a personal letter from Senator Stormbringer.
"Damn. You give one donation to a campaign and they drown you in requests for money and time. Well, he's doing a good job in Washington, so check my calendar and see if I'm free..."
"You are."
"Ok. Let them know that I'll be there." Terry went to the only other item in the Urgent pile, read through the letter and tossed it aside. "Please send a definitive No to that? Before we get to the Important pile, are there any clients on the calendar this morning?"
"No-one on the calendar, but there is a young man in the waiting room requesting to see you."
"What does he want to see me about?"
"He wouldn't tell Bertie or me, but I think this is someone you'll like to meet?"
Terry looked to Bella. She nodded.
Macon is a former college football player. He stood 6'1 and still kept up with his diet and exercise routine, so that he weighed under 180 pounds. While he dated women on a regular basis, Bella knew that he had a weakness for young, slim males that would normally be described as twinks. The young man in the office was no more than 5'5 and if he weighed 115, it was because he was soaking wet.
"No idea what he wants?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Ok. Get his name and contact information, then show him in."
Bella walked out of the office. Bella was 5'4, 110 pounds with 35C breasts. She always wore tight skirts that stopped just above the knee with 4 inch heels. Macon admired the view as she left the office.
She returned a short time later. "Mr. Macon, this is Mr. Jack Williams."
Terry got up and greeted Jack with a handshake and offered him a seat. Bella returned to her seat next to Terry's desk and picked up her steno notebook and a pencil. When she crossed her legs, Jack glanced her way. "Are you going to be recording everything?"
Macon answered, "Of course. I rely on Bella's notes to refresh my memory on details when needed. Everything that you say in here is covered by Attorney-Client privilege, and that privilege extends to my secretary."
Jack nodded and Terry took his seat. "What can I do for you Mr. Williams."
Jack took a deep breath. "I expect that I'll be arrested for embezzling."
"Who did you embezzle from?"
"My employer, Stewart Aeronautics. It's a defense contractor based here in the city. Up until yesterday, I was employed there as an accountant."
"I noticed that you did not deny that you embezzled the money. Why did they not have you arrested when they discovered it?"
"I told them that I would repay them."