Chapter Text
Victoria Whiteside had been their first client, years ago. She wasn't ever a suspect in a homicide, just a widow with a will she wanted in the best of hands. Both Perry and Della had looked forward to Mrs. Whiteside's annual visits to update her last testament for the sweet smiles and bubbly laughter she brought with her.
Perry's heart had stopped briefly when Tragg mentioned her name-and had quickly resumed again when the Lieutenant informed them she'd been found in a park. Homicide had been involved as a matter of principle. The medical examiner had quickly determined natural causes, and Tragg had searched her belongings for ID. Perry's card was tucked in with her identification, with a penciled-in note to contact him in the event of illness or death.
Della wasn't one for tears, never had been. But she couldn't stop them that night, even with Paul and Tragg and Jackson crowded in Perry's office with them.
Three men offered the handkerchief out of their top pocket. One of them took her hand and pulled her close, allowing her to hide her face in his broad shoulders.
But he was just looking out for her dignity, of course. Perry was a gentleman, after all.