{"id":426,"date":"2019-12-20T05:16:01","date_gmt":"2019-12-20T05:16:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/?p=426"},"modified":"2019-12-22T22:08:29","modified_gmt":"2019-12-22T22:08:29","slug":"december-20th-a-hallmark-christmas-for-starsky-and-hutch-part-2-by-m-vernet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/?p=426","title":{"rendered":"December 20th- A Hallmark Christmas for Starsky and Hutch Part 2 by M Vernet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/?p=385\"><span style=\"color: #8f5a1e;\"><strong>Click here for Part 1<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Kids all over Bay City were opening the first door of their Advent calendars despite the temperatures being unseasonably warm. Ken Hutchinson sat on a boardwalk bench, huddled into his jacket, dark glasses keeping away the brightness of sunlight. He felt a chill right down to his bones as he looked out over the ocean at Venice Beach.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In his mind\u2019s eye he saw his partner, Joon, smiling as he formed snow balls to chuck at his lover. Joon loved the snow and was born with skates on his feet. They had toyed with the idea of Joon trying out for the Olympic figure skating team, but he was happy with his work as a police officer. Skating as a job was a dream come true for him. And Ken Hutchinson was okay with anything that made Joon happy. Because Joon Kim made Ken happy. They were partners on and off the job and life was rich and full.<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-56\" src=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"70\" srcset=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png 300w, http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png 388w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky scanned the odd crowd that frequented Venice Beach. A bunch of muscle bound men were lifting weights as bikini clad girls on skateboards circled around them. A mime was performing for a group of tourists who were busy snapping photos of his escape from an imaginary box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Farther down the beach he spied a lone figure on a park bench. His blond hair fluttered in the light ocean breeze. He seemed as unreachable as the Great Lakes from the Pacific and gave the impression of being frozen stiff despite the California sun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky tried to come up with the right way to approach the sullen man. It had to be hard to lose a partner, almost like losing a spouse. Maybe harder because you were always watching each other\u2019s backs. A dead partner meant you didn\u2019t do your job. And guilt could cripple a man. He thought of how he would have approached Simmons if Babcock had died in his arms that day at the drug bust.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky plucked up his courage then swaggered down the boardwalk. \u201cDetective Hutchinson. Can I talk to you for a minute?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson stiffened but kept looking straight ahead. He dug his hands further into his pockets as if there were a brisk winter wind blowing. \u201cYou can talk. I might not listen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky climbed on the bench and sat on the back, his sneakered feet on the seat. Hutchinson looked sideways at his blue Adidas and made a sound like a growl.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWell. here\u2019s the thing. I got this crazy captain who wants an ice show in the worst way. And so far that\u2019s exactly what he\u2019s getting, an ice show in the worst way possible. Putting me in charge with an offer of Detective First Class dangling in front of my nose was a bad choice on his part. What\u2019s the first thing I do? Alienate and insult a damn fine detective who just wants to do his job and be left alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">&#8220;I want to apologize. I had no idea about your past other than you could skate. I just want you to know that no one at BCP is against you. A lot of guys have lost or come close to losing their partners on the job, like Simmons almost lost Babcock last year. They have been where you are now and would understand how you feel. I\u2019ve only heard good things about you. That\u2019s all I wanted to say. Except if you ever need help with anything, being new here and all, give me a call. I\u2019m a pretty good listener too, if you can get me to shut up\u2026. I\u2019ll leave you alone now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky jumped down onto the boardwalk and started to walk away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDetective Starsky,\u201d Hutchinson called after him and Starsky turned on a dime. Hutchinson removed his sunglasses and Starsky felt like blue arrows entered his heart. He gasped quietly as his heart fluttered in his chest. Willing his voice not to break, he answered, \u201cYes, Detective Hutchinson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cThere is one thing you could help me with. Do you know a place that has Coors beer on tap?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky\u2019s slow smile lit up his face. \u201cI know just the place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-56\" src=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"70\" srcset=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png 300w, http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png 388w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Three hours and five rounds of Coors later, Starsky and Hutchinson were deep in a conversation with the owner of the Pits, Huggy Bear Brown. Hutchinson had been quiet at first and Starsky rattled on about his work in Vice and his wish to move on. He centered the conversation around himself on purpose, not asking any personal questions of his booth companion and keeping the subject off the ice. Until Huggy joined them, slipping into the booth beside Hutchinson, wanting to give Starsky some ideas about the ice show.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI\u2019m telling you, my man,\u201c insisted Huggy, \u201cyou need to enlist some fine ladies to keep the audience interested.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWell, maybe some of the lady cops in Vice would do it. They love to dress up as ladies of the night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson leaned in, finally giving an opinion. He seemed a little under the influence. \u201c<em>Cops on Ice<\/em> is now <em>Prostitutes on Ice<\/em>? Look, you\u2019ll do fine if you bring in a solo skater, a pair, and a group of six to eight guys as your chorus line. Then add some cute kids from the rink\u2019s skating clubs or maybe a couple of officers&#8217; children who can skate. Add a theme, the music, costumes, and lighting. Lighting is very important. Oh, and Starsky, you&#8217;ll need to learn how to skate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWhat? No. Really? I can\u2019t. I\u2019ll be directing the whole thing on my ass!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Huggy and Hutchinson began to laugh and Hutchinson leaned against Huggy resting his head for a moment on his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky pouted into his beer, but the sound of Hutchinson\u2019s relaxed laugh was doing strange quivery things to his insides. He couldn\u2019t help but smile. \u201cWill you teach me how to skate, buddy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson froze at the question. He put down his beer and excused himself. Huggy moved out of the booth and the blond followed awkwardly and opened his wallet, leaving two twenties on the table. More than enough to pay for the beers. \u201cHuggy, it was a pleasure. Please, have another round on me. But I\u2019ve got to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHey, my blond brother, I can\u2019t let you drive home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cIt\u2019s okay, Huggy. I\u2019ll have the waitress call me a cab and wait outside.\u201d He turned to Starsky and nodded. \u201cThanks, Starsky. I enjoyed the beers and the company. But\u2026 I\u2026 I can\u2019t help you. I can\u2019t s-s\u2026 skate again. Good luck with your show.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson left quickly, grabbing onto a chair or two to steady himself on his way to the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky leaned back and sighed. \u201cI did it again, Hug. I hurt him. I\u2019m an insensitive lout.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cThat you are, bro. But am I picking up the vibe of an insensitive lout in love?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-56\" src=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"70\" srcset=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png 300w, http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png 388w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A few days later, a morose Hutchinson was called into his captain\u2019s office. Hutchinson liked the large and in-charge attitude of the gruff black captain and hoped he hadn\u2019t screwed up. He knocked before he entered Captain Dobey\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The big man waved Hutchinson into a waiting chair. \u201cHutchinson, I was making out the holiday work schedule. Your vacation time was rolled over when you came on board and you have plenty. You gonna need some time off to go back home to Minnesota for Christmas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson sank in his chair and shrugged. \u201cNot my home anymore, Captain. There\u2019s nothing left for me in Duluth. I\u2019d rather work the holidays. Let the guys with kids take off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHummm. Well, I appreciate the offer. You can cover for Babcock and Simmons when Babcock\u2019s wife has the baby. I\u2019ll pencil you in as on call. Babies always pick the most hectic time to be born.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson nodded and started to rise. \u201cSure, Captain. I\u2019d be happy to. Is that all, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cSit down, Hutchinson. I think we need to have a talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCaptain Dobey, I appreciate your concern, but I\u2019m alright. I enjoy being a homicide detective. Just let me do the job I\u2019m being paid for and I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHutchinson, you can\u2019t fool me. You are competent, brilliant even. But you are far from fine. Babcock voiced a concern about you being without a partner and I agree. Bay City has some real high crime areas. I don\u2019t like my men out there alone on the streets. It\u2019s an unnecessary risk. You need a partner to watch your back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dobey patted a short stack of files on his desk. \u201cThese are Detectives Second Class that I\u2019d like you to choose from. I\u2019d like you to pass on your knowledge to your new partner and bring them up to speed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCaptain. I appreciate this. I do. But I want to work alone. I don\u2019t want to be responsible for&#8211;\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dobey finished his sentence. \u201c&#8211;For another man\u2019s life?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson looked down at the floor and wrung his hands. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019m not ready, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dobey stood and sat at the end of his desk, looking down at his young detective. \u201cHutchinson? You see that picture over there on the wall of me in uniform?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson looked up; he had never noticed the picture before. \u201cYes, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWell, that\u2019s me and my partner, Elmo. We were closer than close. He was my best man, my best friend, and so much more. He was my brother from another mother. I\u2019m not ashamed to say I loved him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cLoved, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHe died in my arms, just like your partner. I understand, son. It took me a long time to be able to look Elmo there in the eye. But I knew he would be so proud of me making captain. I had to include him. Now I look at that shit-eating grin of his and he always grounds me. It\u2019s a great comfort to me. I know you\u2019re not ready to have Detective Kim\u2019s picture on your wall, so to speak. But it is time to let go a little. You need a work partner. You need someone to watch<em> your<\/em> back, son. I know that\u2019s what Detective Kim would want.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dobey picked up the files and handed them to Hutchinson.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He took them and nodded. \u201cThank you, Captain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson left and sat at his desk. He looked at the names on the files. The last one caught his eye and he slowly smiled. The label on the file said &#8220;Detective Second Class David Starsky.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-56\" src=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"70\" srcset=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png 300w, http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png 388w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bay City kids&#8217; excitement was growing as day fifteen on the Advent Calendar was opened. The evening found Starsky at the Bay City Ice Palace on the ice, ankles throbbing, ass sore as he grasped the handrail around the rink for dear life. Hutchinson had been right. He couldn\u2019t direct from the sidelines. So he laced up his rented skates and tried not to fall too often. Things were coming together, much to his surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson would never know how much Starsky had taken his advice to heart. Or how much Starsky\u2019s heart ached for those icy blue eyes and long legs. Especially when working with his temperamental star, Jake Simmons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDamnit, Simmons! Quit messing with your blade and get on the ice! I want to rehearse the opening number.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Huggy came up with their theme: <em>A Musical Christmas<\/em>. It worked really well, especially the <em>White Christmas<\/em> medley, where the hockey skaters&#8217; deep voices sang as they skated to<em> Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army<\/em> with gusto. They were even able to fit in the<em> Sabbath Prayer <\/em>song from Fiddler on the Roof and had Babcock&#8217;s two darling daughters skate in under Uncle Jake\u2019s watchful eye and light the candles on a menorah center ice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky had also recruited two motorcycle cops, Davis and Wallace, who both loved to figure skate, but had never met before. They took to each other immediately, and their synchronized pair skating was like magic on the ice. The hockey team was an enthusiastic bunch and didn\u2019t mind donning tights for a good cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The only problem was the hockey team captain, Moose Mulligan, who hated figure skating and the idea of his team taking time away from hockey games for it. The miserable creep had decided to heckle the proceedings whenever he could.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYeah, Simmons,\u201d yelled Mulligan. \u201cThat\u2019s right. Quit beating your blade and get your fairy ass on the ice!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cShut up, Moose! You dickless wonder. You come by to see what you\u2019re missing?\u201d Simmons grabbed his balls through his tights and wiggled his tongue obscenely at Mulligan. Davis and Wallace grabbed Mulligan before he could reach Simmons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky yelled from the edge of the rink, still too unsure of his footing to skate over to the ruckus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDavis, Wallace, get him outta here. We paid for this rehearsal time and it is not open to the public. Mulligan, I swear if you cause any more trouble, I\u2019m arresting you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYou and what army, you pansy-assed Jew.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Everyone milling around the rink looked up in horror at what Mulligan had said. One strong voice addressed him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cOfficer Mulligan. I am reporting this anti-Semitic behavior to Captain Dobey. Be ready to report to him in the morning. Now leave on your own or I <em>will <\/em>arrest you for creating a public nuisance and conduct unbecoming an officer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mulligan shook off Davis and Wallace and faced the tall blond detective who had dressed him down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYes, sir, Detective Hutchinson,\u201d he answered with defiance in his tone as he stormed out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHey, Hutchinson!\u201d Simmons called brightly as he walked over and patted his back. \u201dThanks for that. Mulligan is an idiot. Last time he mouthed off, Babcock cold cocked him. Took three of us to pull him off of the prick. Guess he thought he was safe since Hank\u2019s not here yet. Mulligan hassles you, you let us know. You\u2019re just in time to see my opening number. Take a seat. I\u2019ll be ready in a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Simmons slipped off and Hutchinson glanced around looking a little lost. He smiled as Starsky beckoned him over to the railing. \u201cStarsky, you\u2019re on the ice!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYeah, can\u2019t skate worth a damn, but everyone can hear me yelling from here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWell, that\u2019s good for a director.\u201d Hutchinson cleared his throat nervously and looked down at Starsky\u2019s feet. \u201cUmmm, you know skating isn\u2019t that hard to learn. The trick is in balance and a controlled slide. Let go of the railing and give me your hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky did as Hutchinson asked. He tried to ignore the electric current surging through their clasped hands. He knew he\u2019d do anything that voice asked of him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cNow stand up very straight. Make believe there is a string at the top of your head pulling you up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson slowly pulled Starsky to the opening of the railing and stopped, positioning himself in front of Starsky.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cFeel the balance of the blades on the ice. Tip your blades slowly to the inside then the outside. Good. Find the spot where your ankles don\u2019t wobble and stay there. Don\u2019t look down. Head up. Knees slightly bent. Back straight. Close your eyes and feel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky could feel many things. The tingling of his hands. His heart beating fast. Hutchinson\u2019s breath tickling his face. The ice beneath his feet and balance. He opened his eyes in surprise, and the blond beauty smiled at him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYou got it. Now keep it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson gently pushed Starsky out on the ice while he stood at the very edge of the rink.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cGood, Starsky. Arms straight out to your sides. Now, keep yourself balanced and walk slowly forward on the ice, just like you were walking on a sidewalk. Great. Slowly push off with your right foot and glide, count to two and follow with your left, One. Two. Glide. One, two. Glide. That\u2019s it, buddy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson\u2019s encouragement gave Starsky confidence. He went a little further out on the ice and was doing well until he tried to turn to see the blond\u2019s face. He bobbled and waved his arms. He was going down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Suddenly, strong, warm arms wrapped around him holding him securely. He looked up into icy blue eyes watching them melt into the soft blue of longing. They looked into each other&#8217;s eyes for an endless moment then Hutchinson blinked and looked away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky smiled softly, holding fast with trembling arms. \u201cDetective Hutchinson. You are on the ice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCouldn\u2019t let you fall, pal. And you can call me Hutch. I\u2019d like you to call me Hutch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-56\" src=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"70\" srcset=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01-300x70.png 300w, http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/divider01.png 388w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch was so at home on ice that he forgot for a minute that he was wearing boots. He took Starsky\u2019s hand to lead him back to the railing and his leg slipped from under him. They both tumbled to the ice huffing and laughing until they were weak. Hutch was spread out on his back with Starsky held tightly against his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky lifted his hand and gently tucked Hutch\u2019s hair behind his ear. \u201cHey, Hutch. You saved my ass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cIt\u2019s an ass worth saving, Starsk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Just then a pair of men\u2019s black skates stopped by their heads and sprayed them with ice chips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCome on, Starsky,\u201d said Simmons as he peeled Starsky off Hutch. \u201cI\u2019m ready. Cue the lights and music.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutchinson got to his feet and grabbed Starsky\u2019s arm and led him back to the railing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDon\u2019t leave, Hutch, okay? Maybe we can grab a bite after?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch nodded and smiled as he awkwardly moved off the ice. He spotted Babcock sitting on the bleachers near two young girls skating and practicing beginner spins with two feet on the ice while giggling loudly. Hutch made his way over and sat down next to his fellow detective.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHello, Ken. I\u2019m glad you could make it. I heard from Davis on the way in that Mulligan was starting trouble again. Thanks for stepping in. Jake can certainly take care of himself, but nobody bad mouths my partner while I\u2019m still standing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch nodded, remembering feeling the same way about Joon. \u201cGuy\u2019s a Neanderthal. I\u2019ll suggest to Captain Dobey that Mulligan attend one of those new diversity and inclusion training seminars in San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hank chuckled. \u201cGreat idea. He\u2019ll hate every second.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch looked out over the ice rink where Starsky and his crew were setting up. The cold air and frantic excitement brought back memories of the competitions Joon took part in. Memories of early morning practices and stolen kisses on the ice, supporting the man he loved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hank poked his arm and pointed, bringing him back to the present. \u201cThose two dark haired giggle pusses in purple are my girls, Barbara and Bethany. They love to watch their Uncle Jake perform.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cOh, Hank. They are heartbreakers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDon\u2019t I know it. Beauties, just like their mother. Girls! Quiet down and watch Uncle Jake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The girls skated to the rail and sat down on the floor near Hutch, smiling up at him and Hutch gave them a wave. They stretched their little legs out on the ice, the younger wiggling into her sister\u2019s lap as the lights dimmed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jake got into position. His costume was a tuned down version of Elvis, his dark wig dropped one black curl on his forehead. The lights went to blue and the music started.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #3c758a;\"><em>I\u2019ll have a blue Christmas without you<br \/>\nI\u2019ll be so blue just thinking about you<br \/>\nDecorations of red on a green Christmas tree<br \/>\nWon\u2019t be the same, dear, if you\u2019re not here with me.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch thought he could handle being near ice again. He really wanted to support his new friends and get to know Starsky better. Starsky was an attractive man with a great personality and a good heart. He had to admit that anyone would be lucky to have him as a partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He watched Simmons skate. Simmons skating technique was not unlike his own. His sit-spins were tight for such a large man. And his camel spins were heartstopping. Watching the man figure skate to such a melancholy song brought back memories of past holidays with Joon. Suddenly, the air around Hutch froze. He forced himself to take a deep breath, but his lungs felt like he was breathing in ice. It was no use; it was more than he could take. He excused himself and ran for the exit seeking the warm California breezes of the December night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #3c758a;\"><em>And when those blue snowflakes start falling<br \/>\nThat\u2019s when those blue memories start calling<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/?p=444\"><span style=\"color: #8f5a1e;\"><strong>To be continued&#8230;<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Hallmark-Xmas-pt2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-431\" src=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Hallmark-Xmas-pt2-300x166.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"222\" srcset=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Hallmark-Xmas-pt2-300x166.jpg 300w, http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Hallmark-Xmas-pt2-768x425.jpg 768w, http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Hallmark-Xmas-pt2.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Hallmark-Xmas-pt2.jpg\"><span style=\"color: #8f5a1e;\">Click on the image to view it larger.<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Click here for Part 1 Kids all over Bay City were opening the first door of their Advent calendars despite the temperatures being unseasonably warm. Ken Hutchinson sat on a boardwalk bench, huddled into his jacket, dark glasses keeping away &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/?p=426\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,9,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-426","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-sfw","category-slash"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/426","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=426"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/426\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":565,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/426\/revisions\/565"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=426"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=426"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}