It was a dark and stormy night. Well, as stormy as Southern California gets in December. It was December 24^th to be exact, and while the weather outside wasn’t exactly frightful, it was rather nippy with a slight breeze off the nearby Pacific.

On the street outside of Venice Place, the last of the Christmas Eve partygoers were heading home and calling out overused holiday greetings to each other. In a few minutes, the doors to Chez Helene would lock for the night and blessed silence would fall over the building. At least, that’s what the lone remaining occupant of the building sincerely hoped. Up in the apartment over the restaurant, that occupant was currently curled up in a ball on his bed, practically every blanket in the house covering him, and he was still cold.

Poking his head out from under the layers of covers, Hutch squinted to bring the bedside clock into focus. Upon seeing it was just after eleven, he relaxed a little. His partner should be arriving soon to fuss over him as he’d been doing every night for the past three days. This was the fourth and hopefully last day of having what Hutch had been referring to as the never-ending flu.

“Twenty-four hours my ass,” he muttered irritably. “Whoever named it that needs to stop by so I can give them a little present.”

Hutch groaned and pulled the blankets over his head again. Damn. It was the night before Christmas and while he had a decorated tree, courtesy of his Jewish, Christmas loving partner, it was completely bare underneath. He’d fully intended to do actual shopping this year, but case after case had left him with no time to go off on his own to do so.

When they finally had gotten a day off, Hutch had begun that morning feeling like he’d died and forgotten to be buried and it went downhill from there. He stayed in bed most of that day, wishing his partner would show up, but steadfastly refused to call him to make the request. After all, he was a grown man, a tough cop, and someone who did not need to be fussed over while sick. So, after a day of trying and failing to keep down water, and not even thinking about food, Hutch had resigned himself to riding it out on his own.

What he hadn’t realized was that while he was sleeping with his head buried under the blankets, Starsky had tried calling multiple times throughout the day to see if Hutch wanted to double date that night. After all of the calls went unanswered, an uneasy feeling had begun to take hold, blossoming into a full-blown panic around sundown. Shortly thereafter, Hutch had been pulled from his cocoon, changed into clean sleepwear, dosed with Tylenol and tucked back into a freshly made bed. Still feeling like crap, he’d drifted off to sleep with a content smile and the warm feeling of being fussed over.

A creaking sound and soft footfalls dragged Hutch from his memories and he glanced at the bedside clock again. Starsky was a little early. While Hutch was out sick, Dobey had assigned the leftover partner a three to eleven shift, telling him the later hours would ensure the quiet Starsky needed to catch up on all of the reports the duo had generated over the previous week. They both suspected ulterior motives behind that as it left Starsky with all of the morning and most of the afternoon to be with his friend and still got him back to Venice in time for a full night’s sleep.

Hutch waited for a few minutes and Starsky didn’t appear. Maybe he hadn’t heard his partner after all. He’d no sooner had the thought when there was another creak from the loose floorboard by the living room window and a soft rustle of paper. Ah, so that was it. Detective Sneaky Starsky was messing around by the Christmas tree. Very quietly, Hutch pushed off the blankets and dragged his aching body from the warm bed. His socked feet made no noise as he carefully crept from the sleeping alcove and peeked around the privacy screen to spy on his friend. Strings of multicolored tree lights cast the room in shadow and it took a moment for Hutch to locate the lone figure that was busily stuffing items into the stockings that had been tacked up on the wall.

Hutch stepped out from behind the screen and crossed over a few steps to stand behind the sofa. “Ha, caught ya,” he laughed, startling his partner into dropping a handful of candy.

As a few jawbreakers bounced across the hardwood floor, the figure turned and Hutch’s eyes went wide. With a speed far exceeding his current physical condition, he spun around and dove for his holster which was hanging from the back of a nearby chair. Rolling to a crouched position, the Magnum securely in his hand, Hutch yelled, “Freeze, Police!” and trained the weapon where the strange man, and not his partner, had been standing just moments before.

Hutch swung his head around, the gun following his movements, as he quickly searched for the intruder. The man was still in the apartment since he hadn’t gone past Hutch to get out the front door and only exit, so where was he? From his vantage point, Hutch could see the whole of his apartment. He turned his head and eyed the greenhouse. Of course. Anyone who came by assumed that was an exit to the rear, but Hutch had blocked that off long ago to make room for more plants. With a feral grin, Hutch came out of his crouch and started to stand, only to duck back down when the doorknob behind him started to turn and the front door opened.

There could have been a lot of things Starsky expected to see when he entered his partner’s home that night, but being met with said partners Magnum pointed at his head was not one of them.

“Shit, Hutch, it’s me!” Starsky called out as he dove to the left and hid behind an end table.

Hutch instantly flicked his wrist so the weapon pointed to the ceiling and took his finger off of the trigger in the same movement. “Damn it, Starsky,” Hutch hissed, his raw throat making the expletive even more gritty than normal. “You scared the hell out of me.”

Hutch lowered the gun as Starsky emerged from his hiding place and stood up, reaching for the lamp beside him. A moment later they were both squinting as bright light flooded the room.

“How did you get back out there?” Hutch demanded, still a bit suspicious that it had been Starsky by the tree.

Starsky looked at the disheveled blond and took a moment to catch his breath. “What do you mean, ‘back out there’?” He asked as his heart resumed a steady rhythm. “I just got here.”

Hutch stared at him, seeing clear confusion and a little bit of concern. “You weren’t just in here fooling around by the Christmas tree?”

Starsky was instantly on alert, his left hand automatically drawing his Beretta as Hutch reasserted his grip on the Magnum. “There was somebody in here?” Starsky lowered his voice as he looked around the room.

Both men looked at the greenhouse then at each other before moving as one toward it. As they got closer, Starsky asked in a hushed whisper if Hutch recognized the man.

“Big guy,” Hutch whispered back as the pair crept closer to the back door. “Red pants, red jacket, red hat.”

Starsky stopped dead in his tracks and straightened up, his gun hand dropping to his side. “What?” He demanded in a loud voice, hoping he’d misheard.

“Shhh!” Hutch hissed, grabbing Starsky’s arm and trying to pull him back down into a smaller target. “We need to get the jump on him.”

Starsky pulled his arm free, jammed the Beretta back in its holster, then grabbed Hutch by the shoulders. “Look at me,” Starsky demanded when Hutch wouldn’t take his eyes off the greenhouse. Two pair of blue eyes met, one full of concern, the other fever-bright and intense. “Tell me again who you saw.”

Hutch hesitated, his brain finally catching up to what he’d said. “Um…big guy with a red hat, jacket, and pants.” He ducked his head and looked down at his weapon.

Starsky let out a huge sigh, somewhere between relief and irritation. “Did this guy have a white beard and a big belly that jiggled like a bowl full of jelly?”

Hutch’s flushed cheeked burned brighter and he refused to look up. “I guess he might have,” Hutch mumbled. “I only saw him for a second.”

Starsky bit the inside of his cheek to suppress the laugh that was trying to force its way out. The urge to mercilessly tease his normally level-headed partner was strong, but his protective nature was stronger. He stood, pulling his partner up with him and getting his first really good look at the man.

“You look terrible,” Starsky announced.

Pale, sweaty, and a little unstable on his feet, Hutch felt what little energy he’d had from the adrenalin rush start to fade. He didn’t resist when he was relieved of his weapon, watching as it was returned to the holster on the chair. Knowing it was a long shot, but unwilling to completely admit he was wrong yet, Hutch made a hesitant request.

“Check the greenhouse, okay, Starsk?”

Starsky turned from restoring the weapon to its home and studied his partner. Dressed in his dark blue BCP Academy sweats and white socks, his sick friend looked like a little boy who had just been told Santa didn’t exist.

With an exaggerated sigh, Starsky once again drew his gun and headed for the greenhouse, stopping Hutch in his tracks with one look as the aforementioned sick man tried to follow. “I’ll check, you stay.”

Unwilling to argue when he was about to get his way, Hutch remained where he was as Starsky quietly made his way to the next room. With a deep breath and one quick look back to make sure Hutch hadn’t followed, Starsky burst through the door of the greenhouse and dropped into a crouch as he quickly looked around. It only took a moment to confirm what he already knew.

“All clear!” He stood and returned his weapon to the holster for what he hoped to be the last time that night.

Hutch came forward and looked in, seeing everything just as he’d left it the last time he was there. Dropping his head down, he stared at his feet for a moment, then gave his friend a sheepish, sidelong look. “Sorry.”

Starsky finally let out the pent up laugh and pulled Hutch into a one-armed hug before leading him back into the apartment.

“Well, you’re a little old to be imagining Santa on Christmas Eve, but I’ll let this go since you are clearly out of your mind or sleepwalking,” Starsky offered. With his right arm still around his best friend, he maneuvered Hutch back to the alcove.

Now that the thrill of the short, almost non-existent chase was over, Hutch was back to freezing and feeing miserable. He stood his friend suppressing a yawn while Starsky yanked the jumbled pile of blankets from the bed and remade it. After making a show of fluffing the pillows, he looked at Hutch and pointed to the bed, the order unmistakable.

As Hutch sank gratefully into the inviting warmth, he opened his mouth to speak, only to have a thermometer shoved into it.

“No talking,” Starsky instructed as he tucked the blankets all around the long body until only a blond head stuck out.

“Um rere ary uh ulled ey un un oo,” Hutch said sincerely around the thermometer.

Starsky stared at him for a moment, his brow knit in concentration as he translated ‘I’m really sorry I pulled my gun on you’.

“Don’t worry about it, Blintz. No way you were gonna shoot me.” Apology offered and accepted. Starsky waited another minute before removing the glass tube and checking the results. “Temp is down to 100 even. I’ll bet you’re normal tomorrow.” He shook it out and set it on the nightstand. “Well, normal for you, anyway.” When no sarcastic response was forthcoming, he looked down to find Hutch sound asleep. Silently cheering that accomplishment, he tiptoed away from the bed.

 

Ten minutes later found Starsky fresh from the shower and making up the couch with the one blanket Hutch hadn’t gotten his hands on. He was about to turn off the light and get to sleep when he suddenly remembered something. With a quick glance toward the alcove where Hutch slept, he hurried to the door and carefully opened it. Reaching out one hand, he snagged the handles of a paper shopping bag and pulled it into the apartment, silently closing and locking the door behind him.

Starsky was rather pleased with his shopping results, even if the time to do it had come at the expense of his partner’s health. The way their schedule had been going, if Hutch hadn’t gotten sick there was no way Starsky would have found the time to get everything done.

Hauling his bag over to the tree, he got down on his knees to arrange his gifts for Hutch and was pulled up short when he got a good look underneath. A dozen or so brightly wrapped packages peeked out from under the branches. Puzzled, Starsky pulled one out and looked at the gift tag, his heart swelling with joy when he spotted his name. Resisting the urge to shake it, he put the present back and started poking around at the others. One by one he liberated the gifts from under the tree, checked the tag, and then put them back exactly as they’d been found. There turned out to be fourteen presents with the majority going to Starsky, then one each for their assorted close friends.

“I knew you had it in you ya big softie,” Starsky mumbled, thinking of his sleeping partner. Now anxious to get to sleep so Christmas morning would come faster, he quickly emptied his own bag of gifts and added them to the pile under the tree.

As he carefully placed the last present he chuckled to himself. The package contained a pocket knife that closely resembled one Hutch had asked for, and was forbidden to have, as a child. In that spirit, Starsky had made the tag out “To: Kenny, From: Santa”.

Pleased with himself, Starsky turned off the lamp beside the couch and settled in to sleep. Thinking about Hutch’s imaginary encounter with Santa, and the gift tag on the pocket knife, Starsky found himself laughing quietly to himself, content in the knowledge that the next morning would bring a big surprise.

As he drifted off to sleep, he missed a chuckle and a soft ‘Ho Ho Ho’ from somewhere outside. A big surprise indeed.

Torino Sleigh by Flamingo

Note: This story is a sequel to Angel in the Snow by Nicky Gabriel.

Long live all the mountains we moved
I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you
I was screaming, long live the look on your face
And bring on all the pretenders,
One day we will be remembered
Taylor Swift, Long Live

Duluth, 1981

Hutch hadn’t felt so happy in months. As Starsky and he were heading back to Hutch’s grandmother’s home after their evening walk it started to snow, and it didn’t take long before they were both covered in a thick layer of fluffy white. At the end they were both freezing – Starsky complaining loudly about the weather – but Hutch was smiling. Inside he felt only a nice, pleasant warmth.

As they walked back, Hutch couldn’t miss seeing how tired Starsky was. Not only had he traveled all night to get to Hutch’s grandmother’s funeral in Minnesota, but he’d also kept Hutch company all during the day without even a moment to rest. No wonder he was exhausted. Hutch knew he should feel guilty about causing his friend so much stress and trouble, but he was too grateful that he didn’t have to be alone right now.

And maybe never again? he thought cheerfully,

While Starsky took a shower, Hutch set the fire in the living room fireplace and then went downstairs to claim that bathroom. Climbing the stairs after a quick visit to his grandmother’s library, he remembered Starsky’s words and reassurance.

Hutch sat on the large and comfortable sofa in the living room and opened a book he’d picked up from Elsa’s table, but Starsky choose that moment to leave the bathroom, already dressed for bed, wearing a dark blue shirt and white shorts.

He leaned against the doorframe and smiled. “I see you’ve found company for tonight,” he said, drying his hair.

Hutch looked up from the book and put it aside on the table, next to a newspaper that his father must have left the day before. “I’m sure you can find something suitable for yourself as well. Elsa has… had an impressive collection here.”

Starsky cast the towel over the chair standing next to the fireplace and slumped next to Hutch. He lifted the book and read the title.

“The Nirads by Elsa Hutchinson.” Starsky looked at the back cover. “Isn’t that your grandmother?” He nodded toward the picture, lifting an eyebrow.

“Yes. It’s my Christmas gift,” Hutch explained, the sensation of loss still overwhelming. “I found it downstairs. She didn’t have time to send it to me.”

Starsky reached out and squeezed his wrist gently, rubbing his thumb over the inside of Hutch’s hand. “You never said she was a writer.”

Hutch turned over his hand, so they touched palm to palm and shook his head. “She wasn’t, but Elsa loved telling these stories. Viking tales, dragons, battles, Ragnarok, soulmate warriors. Dad wanted her to put it all on paper for really long time, and I see he finally succeeded.”

Starsky read the summary and pointed at the picture on the back cover. “Who’s that?”

In the picture, Elsa Hutchinson was sitting in an armchair and on the armrest next to her he could see a young man with dark hair.

“It’s Erik Thorn,” Hutch said with a smile. “We went to school together.”

“A friend?”

“Yes, we were friends. He works for the local museum now, and it looks like he was Elsa’s editor. It says that the museum was the publishing house for the story.”

Starsky looked at the picture for a while, but then put the book aside. “Move your butt; you’re taking over the entire couch and I’m tired.”

“How about bed?” Hutch suggested.

“’m not sleepy, just tired.”

Hutch shifted, leaning against the pillow.

“So? What’s the plan for tomorrow?” Starsky asked when he found a comfortable position with his back against Hutch’s chest.

Hutch thought about the answer, because in the last few days so much had happened, he’d lost track of some things. “It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow.” He put his arm around Starsky and held him close. “So we’ll have dinner with my father and maybe some other relatives. I don’t know who else he invited.”

“I don’t think he invited anybody else.” Starsky turned his head, so he could look at him. “He didn’t know you were going to be here, so he most probably had been invited for dinner himself by some relatives.”

Hutch hadn’t considered this option.

Starsky reached for the local newspaper that was lying on the table when the phone rang.

Hutch picked it up. “Yeah?”

“I see you’re back already?” His father’s voice sounded amused.

Hutch smiled and threaded his fingers into Starsky’s hair – still somewhat wet – and rested his cheek against his head. He wanted to keep this moment forever.

“We had a long walk by the lake,” he admitted, knowing his father could see the lights in the watermill from his bedroom window.

“I thought so.”

“I want to thank you for bringing Starsky here.” Hutch said gratefully. Neither of them could afford the ticket in their current financial situation.

“That’s the least I could do, Ken.”

“It means more than you think,” Hutch whispered, feeling a lump in his throat.

“You don’t know what I think,” Richard said in a low voice.

Hutch sighed. “Maybe you’re right.”

“I’m always right.” There was a pause that didn’t feel uncomfortable though. “Did you talk to Jane?”

“Yes. We met yesterday.”

Starsky put the newspaper away and shifted so he was facing Hutch now, lying on his chest.

“And?” Richard asked curiously.

“We talked about good old times.” Hutch held Starsky’s gaze.

“Are there going to be any new times?” Richard sounded as if he knew the answer.

“Afraid not.” Hutch answered without much regret.

“More proof I’m always right,” Richard confirmed.

“I won’t argue that. Are you working tomorrow?” The hospitals never had holidays.

Starsky rested his head on Hutch’s chest and closed his eyes.

“No.” Richard answered.

“How about breakfast?” Hutch offered. “At seven?”

“Come on, Ken. You’re not going to wake David up at such an ungodly hour?”

Starsky giggled.

“Okay, eight?” Hutch pulled at his hair gently.

“Eight-thirty.”

“I’ll starve until eight-thirty,” Hutch protested. “But okay.”

Starsky nodded approvingly, brushing his cheek over Hutch’s fuzzy shirt.

“Ken, you get up at six every day for your morning run and in California it will be six, so stop complaining.”

“Okay, I’m shutting up.”

“Good night, son.”

“Good night, Dad.”

Hutch put the receiver back and sighed deeply. He knew his back would kill him in the morning but he could stay here for the rest of his life. Trapped in a perfect moment.

“Is it very wrong to feel jealous?” Starsky asked quietly.

“Of what?”

“I miss my Dad.” Starsky moved up and buried his face in the crook of Hutch’s neck.

“Starsk.” Hutch felt as if his heart was breaking. “You can borrow mine anytime you wish,” he whispered.

Knowing Starsky’s aversion to soapy scenes, he expected some flippant comment, but all Starsky said was, “Thank you.” And a moment later with a yawn, “I’m sure I could sleep until noon tomorrow.”

Hutch still didn’t feel guilty about the reason. “I’m not surprised.”

Starsky glanced at his watch and winced incredibly. It was long past midnight.

“What time do you have to be at the reading of the will?” he asked.

Hutch looked at him surprised. “You wanna go?”

Starsky shifted uncomfortably. “Unless you don’t want me to.”

“It’s at ten,” Hutch answered quickly. He hadn’t dared hope that Starsky would go with him, but Hutch needed him there more than he was willing to admit. “It’s Christmas Eve, pal,” Hutch explained. “But I’m glad they didn’t want to wait to have the reading until after the holidays.”

“I know.” Starsky reached for the book. “Will you read me one of the stories?”

Hutch laced his fingers into Starsky’s hair, pulling him closer. “Sure I will, babe.”

***

Hutch woke up with Starsky’s head on his shoulder. It was still dark outside and the room was cold, but Starsky was a source of pleasant warmth that soaked deep under Hutch’s skin.

Starsky fell asleep in the middle of a story about the beginning of the world according to the Nirads, but Hutch couldn’t sleep until late after midnight. And when he finally did, he dreamt about fire, dragons and redheaded goddesses. The dream left him with unsettled feelings of forbidding danger; the unfamiliar surroundings didn’t help to calm his rapidly beating heart.

He took a deep breath and tried to shake off the unwanted sensation. Everything was okay, even more than okay, so he shouldn’t worry about a stupid dream.

Starsky must have sensed his anxiety, because he pulled him closer, waking up.

“Did you know that the Hungarian Crown always chooses the king, not the other way around?” Starsky’s voice was still groggy with sleep.

“Huh?” Hutch knew it wasn’t the most eloquent answer, but he would never get used to the way Starsky perceived the world.

Starsky shifted, finding a cozier spot, slipping his arm around Hutch’s chest – his cheek stubble scratching against Hutch’s neck. “In Europe, it was custom that the king chose his own crown or ordered a new one for himself, but not in Hungary. There the crown chose the rightful heir of the throne.”

“And how exactly did that work?” Hutch managed to ask. When he thought how close he had come to losing this man…

“Simply.” Starsky smiled, his eyes still closed. “If somebody wasn’t the rightful heir and he touched the crown, he died. Even the bishops had to wear gloves during the crowning ceremony. It’s like the Tutankhamen curse.”

“Starsky.” Hutch said doubtfully, but only because he was expected to.

“It’s true.” Starsky insisted.

“Why are we talking about dead pharaohs and Hungarian kings on Christmas Eve morning?”

“What’s wrong with that?” Starsky frowned.

Hutch had to admit he didn’t have an answer. “Nothing.”

“Good, because guess what?” Starsky asked with barely hidden excitement and hope. “You can see it here in Duluth.”

“The Hungarian Crown? Where?”

Starsky leaned on his elbow, so he could look at Hutch in the dim light of the guest bedroom. “In the museum. I read it in the newspaper yesterday.”

“You want to go there?” Hutch raised an eyebrow.

“And if I wanted to, so what? They have a special holiday exhibit today.”

“Starsk, when was the last time you went to a museum?” Hutch asked genuinely surprised.

He caught a glimpse of pain in Starsky’s eyes. “When was the last time I could see the Hungarian Crown at one? They’re going to send it back to Hungary next year, so it’s the last chance we have.”

“You really want to go?”

Starsky bit his lip before he answered. “I used to go to the museum with my dad when I was a kid.”

Aww, Starsk.

“You never told me that.”

“You never asked.” Starsky shrugged. “I loved it. I can feel him when I visit those places.”

Hutch moved his hand up Starsky’s back so it rested between his shoulder blades, and rubbed gently, supporting him the only way he knew how. Starsky rarely shared his pain so openly, but when it happened, Hutch always felt unworthy of such trust.

“Did you know that my family once lived in Hungary?” Starsky finally asked, resting his forehead on Hutch’s temple.

“You mentioned it once or twice.”

“Will you go to the museum with me?” Starsky moved his hand over Hutch’s heart.

“You want to spend Christmas Eve in a museum?”

“I want to spend today with you.”

“Okay, but if you start complaining I’ll leave you in the Egyptian section.” Hutch covered Starsky’s hand with his own. “They have real mummies there.”

“You wouldn’t.” Starsky grinned.

Hutch squeezed his hand. “No, I wouldn’t.”

Starsky moved back and brushed aside Hutch’s bangs from his forehead. “There’s also a Norwegian exhibit,” he added.

“I know.” How many times had he visited that section when he still lived here?

“Sure you do. Elsa lived in Norway before she moved here, right?”

“Yes.”

“It will be like a journey to our roots,” Starsky finished and brushed his thumb over Hutch’s upper lip.

Hutch suspected the only reason Starsky suggested he grow a mustache was so he could play with it.

***

After breakfast with Richard, they drove separately to the family lawyer where the reading of Elsa’s last will was scheduled. Hutch wasn’t surprised that his grandmother left him the watermill – considering it was where he’d spent half of his childhood – but it was still a painful morning. And the feeling of some invisible approaching danger hadn’t left Hutch since he woke, so having Starsky there was a balm to his raw nerves. He felt as if he was too happy. Life wasn’t supposed to be this beautiful, and it would be only a matter of time until he lost it all. Forever.

Hutch drove to the museum later – promising his father they would meet him home for dinner.

Starsky insisted on going to the Hungarian exhibition right after they purchased the tickets, explaining that he felt ‘drawn’ to the heritage of his people.

“Starsk, you’ve never even been to Hungary!” Hutch complained, but followed him upstairs to the crown exhibition.

“And after today I won’t have to go,” Starsky concluded with the special logic that always left Hutch speechless.

For Hutch the crown looked like a… crown. Gold, ancient and simplistic. Even the cross on top was slightly crooked. Hutch suspected there was a story about it, but he wasn’t really interested in hearing it.

Starsky on the other hand was grinning with happiness. “Have you ever wondered why we never had any kings here?” he asked when he looked at the crown from all angles and studied the history note next to the display stand.

Hutch blinked, taken aback. “Uh, we have democracy here. You can’t usually have that with a royal family ruling the country.”

“I don’t mean now.” Starsky shrugged. “But in the past. It would be nice to have had at least one king in our history, wouldn’t it?”

“You have many kings in your history, Starsk.”

Starsky looked at him surprised, and his grin changed into a warm smile. “Yeah, I do. How about Norway? Do they have a king there?”

“Yes, they do. His name is Olaf, Olaf the Fifth.”

“Excellent!” Starsky looked at the crown for the last time and nodded toward the door. “Let’s go to the Norwegian section.”

Before they reached the door, however, a dark haired man entered the room. Hutch recognized him immediately and a second later Erik Thorn looked at him disbelievingly.

“Ken?” Erik asked, coming closer.

Hutch smiled back and shook his outstretched hand. “Hi, Erik.”

“Ken! So good to see you here!”

“Well, I couldn’t resist a visit to the museum since I’m here.” Hutch turned toward Starsky to introduce them. “Eric, this is my partner, Dave Starsky. Starsk, meet Erik, an old friend.”

“The one from the book cover?” Starsky asked and shook his hand as well.

“You mean Elsa’s book? Yes, it’s me.” Erik smiled and turned back to Hutch. “I’m sorry about Elsa. She was a lovely lady.” He pointed at the ticket Hutch was holding in his hand. “I see you chose to visit our temporary exhibitions. Good choice.”

“You don’t get to see the Hungarian Crown every day, do you?” Hutch asked amused.

“If you’re done here, how about letting me be your guide in the Scandinavian section?” Erik beamed.

Hutch knew how much Erik loved to talk about history and how much Starsky loved listening to the trivia his old friend would offer, so he nodded. “That would be great!”

They followed him downstairs and without much ado Erik led them to a dais in the middle of the room. The Scandinavian section was more crowded – Hutch even noticed a group of teenagers that looked like they were part of a school trip, though he had no idea what school would be open on Christmas Eve. But maybe it was just an optional trip?

“Have you ever heard the myth about soulmates?” Erik asked when they stopped there.

“The Greek one?” Starsky asked. “About Zeus?”

Hutch sighed, knowing it was only a matter of time before Erik and Starsky would find a common language. He was however more interested in the strange behavior of a couple of teenage girls who were standing next to the podium where two gold bracelets lay. The bracelets were shaped into twin helixes that looked like dragons with wide wings and long tails. The helixes were chained to a rock, but the girls were playing with them and then decided to try them on.

“It’s stupid!” One of them – a blond one – declared and took it off, moving to another artifact.

The other girl, with short brown hair, just frowned and read again the note before she also took it off and followed her friend.

“I remember the story from history classes,” Starsky was saying.

Hutch concentrated on Erik’s words now.

“According to this myth, people were very powerful creatures in the beginning. They had four legs and four arms and two faces.” He pointed at an illustration hanging on a wall behind the podium. “What’s interesting is that they came in all gender configurations.”

Hutch stepped closer and indeed there were three figures – looking ugly and scary – pictured as an example for the tale. Hutch had to admit that the artist had a rather vivid imagination.

“They were very strong and mighty,” Erik continued. “So the gods felt threatened by them, and decided it would be wise to destroy human kind before the humans could destroy them. Zeus however didn’t want his ‘children’ wasted so he found a solution.” They moved toward another picture. “He split them and this weakened them considerably. Now they had just two legs and two arms and one face. They were very unhappy, and kept looking for their other half until they found him or her. When they found their other half, they embraced and wouldn’t let go until they died from hunger, because nothing else was important to them.”

“So they were dying anyway?” Hutch asked slowly, looking at the second painting and felt a strange unease in his chest. As if he were entering very dangerous territory. Again the illustration was expressive and the pain in the faces of the characters was shocking.

“Yes, but that wasn’t what Zeus had in mind when he split them, so he rearranged their anatomy with a little help of another god, and after that when they found each other, they only embraced until they’d satisfied their sexual need,” Erik explained lightly. “And there was another bright side to this version because in a third of the reunions they could procreate so the number of people slowly increased instead of facing extinction.”

Hutch bit his lip, again remembering the dream he had the previous night. Something was nagging at the back of his mind, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to remember what it was, because it was related to the darkest time of his life. He took a deep breath, reassuring himself that if he had a soulmate, it was Starsky, so nothing was wrong with his world. And he didn’t believe in soulmates anyway. Right?

“And how about the Scandinavian version?” Starsky asked curiously. “Hutch mentioned yesterday they had one as well.”

“Here.” Erik led them to the opposite wall. “Only one tribe had a myth like that. The Nirads. What is really amazing about them is that they can prove it’s true!”

“How?” Starsky wasn’t interested in the illustration, but Hutch felt cold dread just looking at a dragon with the sharpest claws he had ever seen.

“Here’s the proof!” Eric led them back to the middle of the room.

It took all of Hutch’s willpower to avert his gaze and look at the helixes again.

“Pretty.” Starsky approved. “Is it gold?”

“Mostly.”

They went to the rock on the podium where another couple was trying the bracelets on.

“It was created over seven thousands years ago, and we’re lucky the Norwegian National Museum was so kind to share it with us this year.”

“S-seven thousands years ago?” Hutch asked shocked.

“Yes. In Hungary.”

“Like the crown?” Starsky inquired.

Erik hesitated. “St. Stephen’s? Yes, but the crown is not that old. It was created in the eighth century. However both are kind of ‘magical’! The crown is important in Hungarian history, but these helixes are really special. And easy to… check out.”

Starsky looked skeptical. “Do they work like the crown does? Can you die if you touch them?”

Erik laughed. “On the contrary! You can test it if you wish.”

“I better not.” Starsky kept his distance.

As if determined to prove his words, Eric touched the metal and smiled. “They work differently. In the Nirads’ mythology, human kind was created by dragons and it was the dragons who split them. These helixes will confirm if somebody has a soulmate in their lifetime and even more– they’ll show you who it is.”

Hutch looked at the golden spiral, and now it reminded him of a snake. Danger. Danger. Danger.

“How?” he asked, though he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer.

“If we wait for a while, we can see.” Erik put it back and that’s when two teenage boys – part of the school trip obviously – approached the podium.

“Hey, Alex, look, you can touch these here!” One of them – a dark haired boy with freckles – pointed at the helixes.

“These are chained to the rock; no wonder you can touch them.” The other young man in an orange baseball cap was apparently bored to death.

“Wow! It says that if you put it on and then can’t take it off you can keep it!” The dark haired boy exclaimed after he read the note.

“Yeah, right!” Alex was more interested in a nude red haired goddess in one of the illustrations.

“Read it!” He pulled his friend toward the showcase.

They boy read the note and looked around until he spotted Erik, who was wearing a tag on his suit saying he worked for the Museum.

“Really?”

“Really.” Erik nodded encouragingly.

“Come on, put it on!”

Alex was however still suspicious. “What if it’s a trick and I end up chained to this rock?”

“Just do it!” The dark haired boy already had one helix on his wrist. “Can you imagine how much it’s worth?”

“I don’t know,” Alex said, but he reached for the bracelet anyway.

He looked at Erik again, as if gathering his courage and slid his hand into the spiral.

He only managed to have his hand halfway in when the helix was pulled toward the twin one and they joined with an audible click.

“You broke it!” Alex took out his hand quickly and put the bracelet back on the rock. Taking a step back, he looked horrified.

“No, I didn’t! It’s supposed to act like that!” The other one was grinning. “Half of a success is still a success. Not bad at all!”

Alex read the note again and asked, “And now what? Does it mean I’ll have to suffer your presence for the rest of my life? How does this soulmates business work?”

“I don’t know.” The dark haired boy was still smiling when they were heading toward the rest of their group. “But I’m going to find out.”

Hutch approached the rock and took both helixes to his hands, bringing them together.

“Is there a magnet?” Starsky asked; his voice still held a hint of suspicion.

“Nope.” Erik answered.

“He’s right, Starsk. No magnetic field.” Hutch separated the bracelets feeling no attraction between them.

“Scientists have been investigating it for years,” Erik explained. “But none of them have come up with a plausible explanation. Sometimes they attract each other and sometimes they don’t. Nobody knows why, but it’s believed that when soulmates put on the bracelets at the same time, the helixes act like magnets.”

“Is this why they’re chained to the rock?” Starsky pointed to the chain.

“We had a few break-ins, but the legend says it’s not allowed to forbid anyone from putting them on.”

“Or what?” Hutch asked insecurely.

“Or the dragon will come and eat you.”

Starsky laughed, but Hutch again felt the irrational fear – stronger now and reaching every corner of his mind.

“According to the legend,” Erik continued, “the greatest warriors always had a soulmate, and they were allowed to wear the helixes until they died or until the dragons freed them, because they couldn’t take it off. Now we use it as a catchy advertisement for this exhibition, but considering it hasn’t happened for centuries that two real warriors put them on at the same time, the risk of coming by a warrior is low nowadays. Do you want to try?” He pointed toward the spirals.

“No.” Starsky answered before Hutch could react. “Have you ever tried?” he asked Erik instead.

Eric shook his head. “No. I never met any…” He wouldn’t finish, because another museum worker was waving at him from the door. “You’ll have to excuse me. I think I have an important phone call I’ve been waiting for since morning. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, David. And I hope to see you again soon, Ken.”

“Thanks!” Starsky smiled, visibly satisfied with their guided tour.

Erik left and Hutch was looking at the helixes he was still holding in his hands.

“Starsk?” he asked curiously.

“I know the result.” Starsky frowned. “It won’t work for us.”

“Huh?” That was not the answer Hutch expected. “How do you know?”

Starsky tilted his head, as if surprised with the question, but he reached for one of the bracelets and put it on.

Waiting.

Suddenly Hutch didn’t know if he had courage to go on, but Starsky was waiting so he slid his hand into the opening of the twin bracelet.

A second passed, than another and nothing happened.

Hutch felt as if his entire world had just crashed down on him. Starsky took the helix off and touched Hutch’s arm, rubbing it gently up and down.

“No surprise here, huh?” he said simply.

“N-no surprise here?”

“Well, no. You didn’t think we were soulmates? Did you?” Starsky asked, suddenly unsure.

“N-no, of course not.” Hutch shook his head and put the helix away.

“Good.” Starsky stated. “Because my soulmate is dead.”

That’s when it clicked. “Terry?”

“Yes.”

Hutch smiled faintly.

Yeah, no surprise here indeed.

***

Hutch had no idea how he did it, but somehow he survived the Christmas Eve dinner at his father’s home. He knew his dad noticed that something was wrong, but Richard always knew when to comment and when to let it be.

At least for a while longer.

Starsky didn’t say anything when they were walking back to the watermill, but Hutch was sure he also sensed that something was bothering him.

Hutch knew it was stupid and immature, but their visit to the museum left him shattered into pieces. He always thought that the bond he shared with Starsky was special – one of a kind. Unique. And now to discover that Starsky hadn’t even considered the possibility that they could be soulmates…

Well, Hutch didn’t believe in the soulmate business anyway, so why did it hurt so much?

He climbed the stairs to the living room and busied himself with setting the fire in the fireplace. Unfortunately, tonight as he looked into the flames, all he could see were golden dragons, so he decided to go out on the balcony. Outside it was cold and he wouldn’t hear the water running in the bathroom where Starsky was taking a shower. He hoped the frosty air would numb his senses and the pain would lessen.

He held the balustrade and shook his head exasperated. You are pathetic, Hutchinson.

Hutch didn’t mind sharing Starsky with Terry. He loved her as much as Starsky did – it just wasn’t possible not to. But still…

The door behind him opened and he felt a rush of warm air from inside the watermill escaping through the door.

A moment later he felt Starsky’s hand reaching for his own. “Hutch?”

Starsky’s hand was warm, whereas Hutch’s was cold, as frozen as his heart.

Hutch took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound normal. Whatever that meant. “Yeah?”

“We need to talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Hutch shrugged, but didn’t dare take his hand away. Because if they weren’t soulmates, why had Starsky put up with him for so long? And how long it would last? There was no forever in Hutch’s relationships. No matter what Starsky had said the previous night, there was nothing to keep him by Hutch’s side regardless of how much Hutch wanted it.

“I can see something is bothering you, and I think I know what it is,” Starsky whispered. “But I’m freezing; come inside.”

Hutch was glad there was no moon tonight because he wasn’t sure he could face his partner when his heart was broken into pieces. It took him a while to compose himself, but ultimately he followed Starsky inside. He leaned his back against the door once they were there and didn’t move any further.

“It’s what happened in the museum, right?” Starsky sat on the armrest of the sofa.

“Starsk, you don’t have to…”

Starsky didn’t let him finish. “Maybe you will meet your soulmate one day.”

Hutch closed his eyes, reliving the dream from previous night. “I think I already did.” He admitted. Why not? He had nothing to lose anyway.

“Really?”

Hutch sighed and opened his eyes. “Remember what Erik said about the… reunion?”

“Yeah.” Starsky nodded. “I – I think I know what he meant. I believe it’s more than just sex.”

Hutch was sure Starsky must have known. What he had shared with Terry was truly special.

“It was.” Hutch confessed. “Her name was Darla.”

“I don’t remember any Darla.” Starsky raised his eyebrows, almost amused.

“I didn’t tell you about her.” Hutch shrugged. “You had just woken up from the coma when I met her. The doctors told me you were going to live and I – I felt… it was just too much. Somehow I ended up at Huggy’s.”

“You don’t have to tell me…”

“I do, because I didn’t get it until today,” Hutch said fiercely. “She was there. She had the greenest eyes I’d ever seen. I’ve never been attracted to redheaded girls, but she was… There was something in her that I couldn’t just put my finger on.” He shook his head, still remembering how helpless he felt that night. “It took me a while before I realized she was a hooker. Yeah, I know, but it didn’t matter. Nothing made sense that night.”

Hutch closed his eyes before the memories almost overwhelmed him. He remembered vividly that as they crossed the threshold of the hotel room, he just let go. Until that night, he’d always saved his most secret dreams and expectations for the moment when he would meet the right woman. The one who would take him as he was, who would become his wife, who would be the mother of his children. By whose side he would grow old. He let go of the part of himself that he’d never shared with anybody. Even with Vanessa.

But with Darla he unleashed all his dreams, wishes and desires. He gave her everything he had – everything he’d ever wanted to share with another human being. And indeed it wasn’t sex – it was an epiphany of making love. Nobody would ever have him like she had. It was a night of worship and prayers. Unheard forever. The first time and the last time he gave everything. Until nothing was left. Until there was only a dark hole in his chest that threatened to swallow not only him, but his entire universe. He gave everything and it… still wasn’t enough.

The night ended, the sun rose and…

Something in him snapped. The hope that had kept him going, that made him try over and over again, no matter how much pain each failure caused, died and there was nobody and nothing that would ever be able to revive it.

He left the hotel room feeling empty, burned out and cold.

And then he entered another room – and the weak smile that welcomed him shattered him with the power of an earthquake. It took only a second for Starsky to change the black hole in Hutch’s heart into a shining Sun that sent its warm light into every corner of his soul. And for the second time that day he broke down, but this time he woke up with certainty that what he cherished the most, he still had.

“You mean the night when you cried yourself to sleep in my hospital bed?” Starsky asked gently, tilting his head.

“Yeah.” Hutch confessed. “Darla, or whatever her name really was, said she was doing a favor for a friend. She didn’t tell me who it was but I – I have a feeling it was Sweet Alice. Only she knew how much… I needed it.”

“You sure it wasn’t somebody else trying to…” Starsky asked concerned.

“No, I don’t think so, and I didn’t pay her anyway.”

“Okay.” Starsky accepted his answer.

But Hutch couldn’t let it be. Not after the dream he’d had. “Starsk, it was like entering a different dimension of sensation.”

Starsky closed his eyes briefly. “I know.”

“But it doesn’t make any sense.” Hutch frowned, still as confused as he was two years ago. “I don’t desire it anymore. Or her.”

Starsky sighed and Hutch couldn’t miss the pain he saw in his eyes. “Hutch, just because somebody is your soulmate, doesn’t mean you have to spend the rest of your life with them. Thinking like that is just avoiding taking responsibility for your actions.”

Aww, Starsk…

“You heard what the boys said?” Starsky collected himself quickly.

“They were talking a lot.”

“It’s not our destiny to be together,” Starsky clarified.

That’s when Hutch understood, wondering how many times a heart could be broken. No surprise here, either.

“So I’m a second choice?” he asked hoarsely.

Starsky got up in a swift motion and stood in front of him.

“No, Hutch.” He grasped Hutch by his arm. “You are no second choice. You are a choice. And so am I.”

“What?” Hutch blinked, not understanding.

Starsky paused, like he was fighting some internal battle, but then gave in.

“Hutch, you think that the universe is held together by gravity, but it’s not gravity that keeps you next to me. We don’t need any invisible bonds to chain our souls. I prefer to have you by my side free and – and because you want to be here. I don’t love you because some forces of the universe made me this way. Made us this way.”

Don’t ask. Don’t ask. Don’t ask.

“Why do you?” It wasn’t even a whisper.

This time it was Starsky who hesitated. As if he wasn’t expecting this question. He lifted his hand and cupped Hutch’s cheek.

“I love you because you have the most beautiful soul in the entire universe,” he said intensely. “You stand by me no matter how badly I screw up. I can be stubborn, unyielding, stupid, cruel… how many times have I hurt you?”

Hutch wanted to object, but Starsky put a finger over his lips.

“You chose me every time you forgave me.” Starsky said firmly. “Because you want to forgive me.”

Hutch shook his head. “Because I need you!”

“No, we can live without each other – we did it for over twenty years. The reason is that being together is better than being alone. And I’m glad that we are not soulmates. I feel more loved, because I know it’s your choice and not something imprinted into our souls before the beginning of the time by forces we don’t know and don’t care about.”

“Starsky.”

“I don’t care about any crowns or bracelets. Legends are good for putting things in perspective, not for living by them in the here and now. I’ve never doubted your love. We’re not perfect, but I don’t want anybody who’s perfect. I want you. You keep me alive. You make me feel things I would never even dream of. You make me live my life to the fullest. I told you that yesterday, and I will say it as many times as you need to hear it.”

Hutch felt tears threatening, but he was determined to keep them at bay. Who was Starsky trying to fool when he insisted he didn’t like soapy scenes?

“Have you ever thought about writing poetry?” Hutch asked instead.

Starsky leaned his forehead against Hutch’s. “I’d even join the ballet if it helped you to believe me.”

Hutch put his arms around him. “I do.”

Starsky waited until Hutch was ready to let him go and then stepped back. “Good, because I think it’s time for your Christmas gift.”

“Starsk.” Hutch rubbed his hands down his face, still feeling a little light on his legs. 

“Your Dad told me your family always celebrated it the European way, so you will get it tonight.” Starsky stabbed his chest with a finger.

“You-you didn’t have to buy me anything.” Hutch protested. Didn’t he just get the best gift he could ever dream of?

“That’s good, because I didn’t buy you anything.”

“You planted a tree in my name?” Hutch raised an eyebrow.

“Nope, I’m not that cruel.” Starsky smiled mischievously. “I was thinking of what you might really want, and I figured it out last night.”

“You did? And what is that?” Now Hutch was really curious.

“Peace.” Starsky declared with satisfied grin.

“Peace?”

“There is always a storm inside you.” Starsky sobered. “Sometimes it’s not as loud and wild as other times, but it’s always there.” He put a hand over Hutch’s chest. “Last night, there was just peace.”

How could it not be, Starsk?

Starsky smiled. “And because I’m quite sure that the reason you let yourself rest was… me, so I’m your Christmas gift.”

Hutch looked at the hand bewildered.

“I know I can’t offer you much in bed,” Starsky continued. “But I never got any impression you were interested in that kind of entertainment with me, so we can figure out something about it later.”

“You are crazy.” Hutch grinned, feeling even better than the day before.

“Well, I can always have a star named after you.” Starsky shrugged playfully.

“I already have a sky full of stars just for myself.” Hutch grasped a handful of his shirt.

“Good.” Starsky patted his hand. “Because I’m kind of broke and I don’t think I could afford anything valuable right now.”

Hutch wondered how many people would ever realize how precious a gift David Starsky was? But it was to Hutch’s benefit that they didn’t.

“Considering my financial status,” Hutch said, “I’m lucky that you are a gift, because otherwise I most certainly could not afford you ever in my life.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure. I’m not very expensive to maintain.”

“Could have fooled me.”

Starsky smiled impishly. “If your cash is love, you’ve got enough.”

Hutch let go of his shirt and tried to smoothen the fabric. “What if I want to keep you forever?” he asked quietly.

“I sure hope so.” Starsky covered his hand. “I come with lifetime guarantee.”

THE BEGINNING

The legend about the Hungarian Crown is real, and the crown stayed in the United States after WWII until 1979 when it was sent back to Hungary. I changed the year in my story, so Starsky could see it.

The lobby had the shabby elegance of an aging debutant. Much like herself, Alice thought. The remembrance of what had been and what could be. A Christmas tree, leaning to the left and festooned with faded baubles, provided a hint of holiday cheer.

Alice leaned on the liquor stained bar. It was slow — very few lonely travelers out on a stormy Christmas Eve. Didn’t matter, she’d lost the holiday spirit long ago. Just another day to earn cash, on her back with her legs spread.

The bartender knew her and slid a coke with a splash of rum over, free of charge.

“Ho, ho, ho!”

Alice turned with a glimmer of joy. Her two favorite cops.

“Merry Christmas.” Hutch handed her a small box.

“What’s this?” It’d been a very long time since she’d received a Christmas present.

“What do you get for the girl who has all this?” Starsky winked at her. “Open it.”

Nestled in tissue paper lay a gold heart. Giggles erupted, and she nodded as they joined in the laughter.

“You’ll never be a stereotype, always a friend,” Hutch whispered. “Join us for dinner.”

“Turkey a la Huggy, mincemeat pie,” Starsky added.

“Love to,” she said.

Special thanks to Nicky Gabriel for the screen cap.

You can see Hutcherie’s artwork for this story here.

And special thanks to my beta, provencepuss!

Part One

Meeting

He stared out of the window and observed the snowflakes slowly growing thicker and thicker. It had become colder; frost flowers had formed on the window panes and now sketched an attractive picture against the snow mounting higher and higher outside. Actually, a perfect day, if not, yeah if not…

It had been a terrible last week; only one day longer, and it would have been even worse than it was already. He had run away…as fast as he could…

Like always.

That’s why he had driven more than 2000 miles in two days to find some peace. Some peace in his grandpas’ old hunting lodge in the middle of nowhere. The first half year of his training was over, this was his vacation. Vacation, spare time, Christmas Eve. Time for family, friends, time for memories.

Time to run away… he had run away, away from the annoyance, the constant pressure, disputes, away from the bustle… away from Christmas and his painful memories, like every year.

‘Dear God…you’re 24 years old and you’re still afraid of celebrating Christmas…’

Besides, this year had begun so well. A new start, a new job, to the displeasure of his family. But he knew that he had found the right way for himself.

It was what he wanted to do and nobody would dissuade him from it again. He would struggle through…but, maybe it wasn’t necessary after what had happened two days ago…

‘Why you have to mess up with everybody? Maybe the guy’s even not worth it at all and you risked your job, your future… ‘

‘Because you are who you are and because you can’t be someone else. I expect nothing else from you…’  The small voice in his head answered.

‘Oh yes, of course! Getting myself into the biggest trouble possible, I’m very good at this game, you don’t have to tell me. After all something to be proud of, even…’

‘Isn’t it enough that I’m proud of you? You acted like your instinct told you, as well as I have taught you to do and it was correct.’

‘My instinct… better call it my stubbornness! In two weeks I’ll know if I still have a job and whether you can be proud of me or not.’

‘He’ll realize that he made a mistake. He played with the man’s life and you interfered and you know it was right. Maybe that man would be dead if you hadn’t helped him. He won’t forget this.’

‘Oh please stop talking… I would have saved him and me an amount of trouble, it’s enough… leave me now I’m tired and my hand still hurts so much… please, just leave me alone for a while, okay?’

‘We don’t need to talk anymore… you will see, everything’s fine. You won’t be alone anymore…’

‘But I want to be alone now, so leave me, NOW!’

Tiredly he tripped to his bed, laid down, rolled on his side and pressed his aching hand against chest.

‘I only want to be alone.’

“Hutchinson…what do you think you’re doing there?” The sharp sound of his instructor’s voice made him wince, but he didn’t stop.

“Stop that, at once or I’ll…”

“This man will die unless something is done quickly. So let me do my work and back off, okay?”

Two sky blue eyes stared at the man in the blue tracksuit, full of anger and incomprehension, while he picked up a rope from the ground and draped it over his shoulder.

“The boy there is scared to death, he can’t even make a move. So let me help him and then you can do what ever you want. But first I’ll tell the administrator what happened here…”

“You won’t tell him a thing…or I’ll…” Sergeant Jenkins glared at the blond cadet, but the other man simply stared back evenly with more determination in those sky-blue eyes than Jenkins had ever seen.

“You’ll what? Throw me out of the academy? Do it if you want, it doesn’t matter. I’ll be happy if I’m not part of all this crap here any longer. So is somebody here going to secure me with this rope, or not?”

His glance went around but he didn’t have to wait long before a group of other cadets stepped forward and one of them took the end of the rope. “I’ll secure you Hutchinson, but you are sure you know what you’re doing? Maybe we should wait for the rescue-team…?”

“No time for that Donovan…and yes I know what I’m doing…not the first time I’ve climbed down a rock, believe me. Just make sure you guys hold me tight, okay? And make sure that you don’t slip over the edge, I can’t fly…!”

“We know you’re blonde, Hutchinson so you don’t have to act like a bimbo, okay. You owe us a beer tonight…”

“You got it, promise.” The man smiled, went on his knees and step by step climbed over the ledge.

“Okay…”He shouted down to the form that desperately clung at the rock face. “Don’t move…I’m coming…It’ll take a while so don’t run out of patience.”

The small figure moved slowly its head and tried to look up at him.

“I said don’t move…don’t look up!” Hutchinson growled and looked for a foothold.

“J-Just wanna know who the c-crazy guy is. I’m dead meat…You’ll fall down…don’t come after me…” Came back was the whispered reply.

“No, I won’t fall…take it easy…it’ll be over soon.”

“Easier said t-than done, Blondie…I’ve seen better days…”

“Shut up, will ya’? And don’t you ever call me Blondie, Curlyhead, or I’ll forget all my good intentions and climb up again…Hey…you up there…I need more rope, I’m almost there.” Carefully and one step after the other the cadet climbed down to the scared man. All the time he talked to him, tried to calm him with his voice and encourage him to hold still although he himself was scared down into his bone too.

All this because of a year-end test and false pride.

But today their instructor had irritated them up to their eyeballs, especially the dark-haired Starsky.

Jenkins hated David Starsky, hated the way he did things and how he behaved. Without fail, Starsky said what he thought and didn’t live by the rules of the academy and that pushed Jenkins into a rage. The worst thing was that he was the best in the class in every practical field. Hutchinson didn’t know why, but for some reason he was in awe of him, maybe because he had his own differences with Jenkins too and he didn’t like how Jenkins punished Starsky. Jenkins tried to push Starsky at every possible opportunity and then, when he had found out where his weakness was, he pitilessly used this to his advantage.

And Starsky’s only weakness was heights.

So it happened that their last test before the winter vacations began was to run the barricade course including climbing up a nearly fifty yard high rock.

And Jenkins decided to push the cadets even more by having them do this without wearing a safety rope.

‘That’s why I’m hanging forty yards above the ground. Only because this stubborn mule was too proud to accept his weakness. He would rather fall down the rock and break his neck, than ask anybody for help.’

‘And you’re as stubborn as he is, Hutch.’

‘Yeah…I know Grandpa…oh boy…I’m still talking to a man who’s been dead for over ten years now…’

Hutchinson shook his head to clear his thoughts. A few small stones separated from the rock face and fell down when his feet searched for a new place to brace himself, and his rope dangerously swung back and forth.

‘Concentrate Hutchinson, you will be no good for the boy down there if you fall down now.’

“Hey… you up there…you’re still with me? I’m kind of lonesome here!”

He heard the quiet voice of the man hanging under him. He couldn’t see his face, but he knew from the way Starsky was talking that he was more than only frightened: he was terrified like a little boy and he still wasn’t ready to accept that fact.

“Yeah…got some problems here, but I’m on my way. So tell me…what are you doing here? Couldn’t you find a better place for a picnic?”

The blonde cadet started his comforting chatter to calm down the panicked Starsky and himself.

He heard a soft giggle. “Well, what shall I say…I was looking for a very quiet place. Think I found it…”

“Sure you did…but next time find a place with better room service, okay? You should complain about the service here.”

“Will do…when I have steady ground under my feet again…promise.”

Carefully the dark-haired cadet looked up and met Hutchinson’s eyes. “You’re crazier than I thought…but I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re so crazy…” A small smile spread across his face, and his dark blue eyes lost their fear for a second. “Think we can make it?”

“Of course…don’t want to pick up your sorry ass from the ground down there and what’s more important…I don’t want to fail in that last audit, you know…so I decided to collect some more points to get an A+…”

“Jerk…”

“Don’t bite the hand that feeds you…”

“Touché…So…what took you so long?”

“Another Jerk named Jenkins…”

“Oh, Mister Perfect himself…how do we look then?”

“You don’t wanna know…” Hutchinson lifted his head to the top of the rock. “Hey Donovan… I’m with him now. I need some time to secure him with the safety-belt. Hold the rope as still as you can, and when I say up, you lift us up, understand?”

“Yeah, but hurry…it’s not much fun up here!” Donovan shouted back.

“It’s no fun for us down here either.” Hutchinson murmured under his breath and began to wrap the belt around Starsky’s hip. “Okay Starsky…I need some space between you and the rock to get the belt around your body. You’re sticking to the wall like a fly…hey don’t move so much…you’re ticklish or what?”

“N-No… don’t wanna move…don’t wanna fall down…”

Suddenly Starsky clung even harder to the rock wall, incapable of moving even an inch. He pressed his face against the wall and started to tremble uncontrollably. “S-Sorry…can’t…”

“Sssh…Dave…it’s okay…relax, I’m with you now. Let me do all the work, just relax. Everything’s fine.” The blond soothed and put his hand on one of Starsky’s trembling shoulders, meaning to comfort.

However, Starsky winced with the touch, startled, and tried to turn away.

He lost his hold and slipped off.

“HUTCH!”

It was just a whisper, a quiet cry, but it echoed in Hutchinson’s head like a kettledrum.

Later he couldn’t remember exactly what happened after Starsky slid off the wall; all he knew was that suddenly he was holding Starsky’s heavy body in his arms. He dangled on the rope, saw the rock wall coming nearer and nearer and heard the shouts above him.

Both slipped some yards into the depth.

Starsky struggled in his clasp as if he wanted to free himself. Hutchinson tightened his grip around Starsky’s chest; he thought his shoulders would rip out of their sockets. Because of the unexpected movements, he crashed into the wall and let out a shout of pain when his back was smashed into the sharp stones.

Starsky struggled again.

“No…NOOO…don’t wanna fall…DON’T!” He cried out in panic.

“Starsky! Stop fighting me! I won’t let you fall, you hear me? I’m still with you! Just hold still, will ya’?” He whispered. “Dave…please, stop that…”

It took all of his willpower to calm down the man in his grip. He could feel Starsky digging his fingernails into his upper arms, but after a while he somewhat relaxed and stopped struggling.

“That’s better Dave…you’re doing good, it won’t be long until we’re back on the ground, promise. Just keep still, okay?”

Starsky didn’t say a word, but Hutchinson heard his violent breath along with some suppressed moans, and it was obvious that Starsky was still fighting with his demons.

It seemed to Hutchinson as if their rescue lasted hours, but it took only a few minutes before someone pulled him with a jerk over the ledge. Completely exhausted, he remained lying on his back and gasped for air, his eyes closed. He felt someone trying to lift the heavy load from his chest, but his arms and hands were so tense, they had to pry them open by force to relieve him of his burden.

Someone bent over him and slapped his face.

“Hey Hutchinson…you okay? Man, that was the craziest thing I ever saw…You hurt somewhere?”

It was Donovan who talked to him, and it took Hutchinson some time to clear his vision. With a groan he rolled onto his side and leant on one forearm. He saw Starsky lying on the ground beside him, breathing heavily, his eyes wide open, but Hutchinson wasn’t sure if he could see him or not.

“No…no…some bruises on my back…but I think I’m okay…you’ll help me up so I can check on him?”

With clear lack of understanding in his expression, Donovan helped him to his feet, but Hutchinson took a dive to the ground. His legs felt like jelly and trembled so violently, he immediately fell on his knees and a feeling of sickness welled up in him.

“Whoa, whoa… what do you think you’re doing here? We better call an ambulance to check you both out…”

“Don’t need an ambulance…” Hutchinson growled out. “Just wanna see if the guy is alright…” With the help of Donovan he stumbled back to the still motionless Starsky and gathered his head into his lap.

“Starsky…hey Dave…you’re safe now…we made it, you hear me, we made it.” He mumbled and waited for Starsky to react in some way.

A weak smile rushed over the dark-haired man’s face when he finally came around.

“D-Doing…doing fine…what…what took you so long?”

“Let’s wait how he’s doing after I’m done with him. What do you think you were doing, disobeying my orders?”

An angry voice shouted behind Hutchinson and Donovan was pushed aside. Now Jenkins stood beside him, his arms crossed over his chest, his face flushed red with fury and sweat pearls covering his forehead. He looked as if he was ready to explode. He grabbed Hutchinson by his collar, jerked him on his feet again and shook him to and fro.

“I told you to wait but you have to play the hero. What if you had both fallen down, huh? You’re under my command here and you have to do what I tell you to do and nothing more. Have you understood that for once and for all, Cadet Hutchinson? After that stunt I could expel you from the academy…”

Jenkins was a strong man, and he was made even stronger by fury, but he hadn’t calculated on the sudden counter weight of his victim. With a quick body rotation, Hutchinson escaped from Jenkins’ clutch on him; he swung, and his powerful right hook crashed into Jenkins precisely on his chin. Everybody heard the crunching noise when Hutchinson’s fist hit Jenkins’ jawbone.

As if he was stuck by lighting the Sergeant fell to ground and remained lying there without moving. Blood ran down from his mouth and dripped onto the ground. Hutchinson stood in front of him swaying dangerously, he wheezing as if he just had run a marathon. A sharp pain shot through his arm and into his right wrist. He clutched the injured limb against his chest and bit down his pain.

“My grandfather taught me I have to obey the orders of my superiors. But he said nothing about obeying senseless orders. Your order could have killed a man… I… I … thought once I could be proud of being a police officer…but not this way. This is not my way…” He gasped out in a husky voice.

Stunned and unable to do anything, Starsky watched as Hutchinson ran away as if the devil himself were after him, not looking back even once. The other cadets stood there, not knowing what to do next until one of them sprinted back to the academy and called for help. Starsky was still too weak to move a muscle and so he fell back to the ground and stared into the blue sky.

‘Someone has to look after this guy, and that someone’s gotta be me, I guess.’ 

Part Two

Finding

He didn’t know what woke him up in the first place. Maybe it was the constant throbbing in his hand or maybe the coldness in the lodge or a noise, a noise from somewhere else intruding on his subconscious. But it didn’t matter. His deep dreamless sleep was over, and he curled up in a ball to push back the coldness in the lodge.

‘Should have stocked the fire before falling asleep…it’s cold like a fridge in here.’

He had to have slept longer than he had thought, because it was getting dark, and the burnt down fire in the stove donated only meager light.

Suddenly he heard the strange noise again and it took him some time to work out where it came from.

Someone was at his front door.

With a blanket firmly tied around his shaking body, he got up and shuffled to the door, not sure what to do.

“Someone out there?!”

“Of course! It’s Santa Claus! Open the damn door, I’m freezing!”

“What the hell…” He opened the door and was immediately pushed aside by a colossal big fir tree followed by a frozen and snowy David Starsky.

“Yes, what the hell are you doing here in this wilderness, Hutch? It’s easier to find a needle in a haystack than you!”

Starsky stamped his feet to get the cold out of his limbs and rubbed his hands. “Heaven it’s cold in here! Have you forgotten to pay the electricity bill or what?”

Hutchinson stared at Starsky as if he was a visitor from Mars.

Starsky seemed as if he didn’t expect or even noticed the winter weather. He only wore a leather jacket, jeans and his now totally soaked blue sneakers.

“What… where…why…?” He stammered, over and over again staring first at Starsky and then at the fir tree.

“Your comprehensive vocabulary tells me that you watch Sesame Street regularly!” Starsky grinned broadly. “What about: It’s so nice you are here, please take a seat? Can I offer you some hot tea…”

“Damn it! Shut your mouth!” It slipped out of Hutchinson. “How did you get here? How the heck did you find me? What are you doing here?”

“First: By car. Second: I would like to become a detective sometime, remember? Third: My mother raised me well; she would be disappointed in me if I forgot all my good manners. And before you ask further: I thought it was a good idea!”

Without waiting he pressed the fir tree into Hutchinson’s hand and took off his wet jacket. Then he knelt beside the fireplace, added some of the split wood to the glow, and waited until the weakly glowing embers became a powerful fire again. While he warmed his fingers he looked up and couldn’t keep back from laughing any longer.

“You look good as a Christmas tree holder! Want to hold onto the tree forever? You can let him go. It has a stand!”

Hutchinson rolled his eyes and on command let go of the tree. A thousand thoughts went round in his head, but he suppressed the growing wish to rush towards Starsky and shake him, until he told him why he was there. It didn’t seem to disturb him that Hutchinson still stared at him completely confused, and when he finally noted that it didn’t matter one whit to Starsky, he furiously stamped back to his bed without saying another word and sat down.

Starsky was still crouching before the fireplace and warmed up his stiffly frozen fingers, without letting him out of sight for a moment.

In the end, he got up, went over to the window and looked out.

“Oh boy Hutch, a storm is brewing outside. I’d better fetch the rest of my stuff from the car before it’s snowed in completely. Will you come along and help me?”

Hutchinson lifted his hands in defense.

“Hey stop, wait a moment. What…what the hell are you doing? You drive 2,000 miles straight through America, okay, I don’t know why, but, that was your decision. Now you are here and…and…” Helpless he fumbled for words.

“Correct! And now I want to fetch my stuff from the car! Got a problem with it?!”

“Oh yes! I have a problem with you suddenly standing in front of my door with a fir tree and thinking you can move in with me! I didn’t invite you, so what are you doing here? And please explain it to me so that I can understand it. I’m not in the mood for your crazy jokes, do I make myself clear? And why do you constantly call me ‘Hutch’? That’s not my name! Curlyhead!” Hutchinson ranted; now his voice was so full of anger that even Starsky winced involuntarily.

“What should I call you then?” Starsky barked back, all on edge now.

“What about my first name?!”

“Kenneth???”

“Yes, David Michael Starsky! ‘Kenneth’ or ‘Ken’ if you want. This is my name! Not ‘Blondie’ or ‘Hutch’!” Hutchinson exclaimed triumphantly. “Why don’t you call me Ken?!”

Red faced Starsky stared at him. Now it was his turn to fumble for words. “Because I don’t like to call you something so…” He whispered to himself.

“What?!”

“It’s just…,” he stuttered. “I thought…” His voice failed, and he cleared his throat to give his voice a steady tone again.

“Ah, I thought it would be a good idea to thank the man who risked his life for me.” Starsky whispered and looked firmly in Hutchinson’s eyes. “And I wanted to ask the man why he did such a crazy thing and then disappeared then without a trace. I thought you would do something stupid…”

Hutchinson raised his eyebrows in surprise. “And that would be what? Getting a job in the mountain rescue service?!”

“I give up! Leaving the academy for example…or worse…”

The blond man let out a hoarse laugh. “I don’t think you have to leave. Attacking his instructor is one of the stupidest things a cadet can do and, it doesn’t exactly contribute to the cadet finishing his training successfully! But that isn’t the reason why you drove through half the country, or am I wrong?”

“Uhh…well, I…”

A loud knocking at the door startled both of them.

Questioningly Hutchinson looked at Starsky and got up once more. “Who else have you invited to this party, Starsky? Jenkins maybe?!” He snorted furiously and opened the door, but this time, only a crack. In the darkness he saw a bright red face surrounded by hair that was bathed in sweat.

“Oh thank God… when I saw the car and the light I hoped somebody was here…please open the door, this is an emergency!”

“My quota of emergencies is covered…”

“Please, sir…my wife…she’s out there, please we have to help her.”

Hutchinson quizzically glanced over to Starsky and for some reason–and Starsky didn’t know why–he could understand his silent question.

‘What do you think?!’ He seemed to ask.

Starsky looked through the window. Then he reached instinctively for a frying pan sitting on the range. He hid it behind his back then he stepped beside Hutchinson and nodded silently. ‘Whatever he wants, I’ll watch your back.’

Hutchinson slowly opened the door and the man hurried in. He was as tall as Starsky and was also close to his age. He wore jeans, an absolutely soaked sweatshirt and boots. He shivered with cold although beads of sweat ran in streams down his face, and his fingers were frozen blue.

“I…I…please, my wife urgently needs help…she’s outside…” The man stammered; there was no doubt about it: he was in shock. “Please, you must help me…” He grabbed Hutchinson by his upper arms and tried to pull him with him outdoors.

“Hey man, calm down first!” Reassuringly Starsky laid a hand on the anxious man’s shoulder. “You’re completely frozen, come in first and get warm. What’s your name?” With gentle power he loosened the grip around Hutchinson’s arms, simultaneously throwing a warning look at him.

‘Something is wrong with the guy…’

Almost indiscernibly Hutchinson shook his head.

‘I’ll go with him…’

Starsky’s eyes narrowed to slits. ‘You’re not going anywhere with him…’

‘Then I guess you’ll have to come with me!’

The man had watched their silent dialog; desperately he looked at Starsky and Hutchinson.

“Please, my name is Warren, Jack Warren. Our car broke down a few miles away and we continued on foot, then the weather got worse… Please believe me, please!”

“Okay Jack, calm down, everything’s fine. This is Dave Starsky and I’m Ken Hutchinson, we’re coming with you.” Hutchinson tried to calm down the agitated man again while he reached for his coat. “Starsky, there in the cupboard are flashlights. And get a blanket, I think we’ll need it.” And with a look that brooked no contradiction he added in silence.

‘No discussions now, we talk later.’

Cursing silently Starsky looked for the flashlights and the blanket; he didn’t like the scenario. Something disturbed him, but he couldn’t put a finger on it.

‘Someday your charity will break your neck, but this time I won’t watch idly. You don’t play the hero again!’  

The storm had increased in intensity and the temperatures had fallen below freezing. Three men trudged through the deep snow and scanned the area in the light of the flashlight.

“How long will it take? Where exactly did you leave your wife?” Hutchinson asked and wiped the snow out of his eyes.

“There was a fallen tree…” Jack murmured under his breath. “Wait, yes, there…over there, there it is, it has to be!” He tore the lamp out of Hutchinson’s hand and ran off.

“I hope you’re not yanking our chains, Jack!” Starsky growled quietly and rushed after the man. “The snow will be the last of your problems if we don’t find your wife there…”

Jack had already arrive at the fallen tree and knelt down in the snow. In the light of the flashlight Starsky could make out a doubled up form lying on the ground.

“Mara? Oh thank God we found you! Mara… I found you some help, now we get you out of here! Can you hear me?” Jack raised the head of the woman and shook her gently. “Mara…Honey… please open your eyes…”

The young woman let out a loud groan and murmured something incomprehensible words; her eyes remained closed.

“Jack…” Now Hutchinson too knelt beside him on the ground and felt for the pulse, his expression one of concern for a barely conscious woman. The woman was covered with a coat, but her ice-cold skin and ashen face disturbed him. The fact that her pulse was very weak and very slow alarmed him even more. “Starsky, give me the blanket!” he said in a hurry. “Jack, how long has she been lying here?”

“I…I don’t know…”

“She’s almost frozen to death.” He noticed in shock and wrapped the blanket around the woman.

“Oh God…The baby!”

“What?!” exclaimed Hutchinson and Starsky at the same time.

“She…she’s pregnant!!!”

Horrified, both men glanced at each other and both could read the thoughts of the other.

“Starsky…run! We need water and all blankets you can find. Take Jack with you; he should help you!”

“And you?!”

“I’ll look after Mara…now run!” Hutchinson put the woman’s arm around his shoulder and raised her up.

Starsky nodded wildly and pulled Jack with him back to the cabin.

Their sprint back seemed to last forever and they had almost reached the cottage when Hutchinson suddenly tripped and fell into the snow. Starsky heard a suppressed cry of pain behind him and stopped immediately.

“Damn it!”

“Hutch? Hutch, what’s wrong?” In a split second Starsky was at his side.

“I…I…slipped…can’t hold her anymore! You have to take her!”

“What?! Wait…I…I got her…” Starsky took over carrying the limp body, but had to fight himself not to drop her while Hutchinson fell to his knees in front of him. Groaning he pressed his right arm against his body.

“Go, Starsky, go, I’m okay.” He pressed out with a pain-consumed face.

“Of course you’re okay…Jack, something’s wrong with him, you have to help him, come on now, we have to hurry!”  Starsky urged.

Hutchinson furiously glared at him, but the piercing ache in his hand almost knocked him out and finally he gave up. He nodded in agreement. “Okay …but hurry up.”

Jack grabbed him under his armpits and together they made the last yards to the cabin.

Jack pushed the door open to let Starsky in and followed on his heels, immediately looking for blankets and towels. Carefully Starsky laid the woman down on the bed and Hutchinson started to pull off her shoes and socks. Starsky noticed that he could only use his left hand while he cradled his apparently injured right against his chest. Obviously he was still in pain because he didn’t manage to suppress a soft groan. But instinctively Starsky knew that now was not the right time to talk with him about it.

“Starsk…I need the blankets and what about the water?” Hutchinson asked impatiently.

“Everything’s here…but, the water isn’t hot yet!”

“We don’t need hot water now…Have a look at her hands and feet.” He pointed to the slightly bluish colored extremities. “We have to warm up her hands and feet very carefully, but first with only tepid water to restore the blood circulation. By no means with hot water, that would burn the skin. Jack, take her feet and start to massage them carefully and you Starsky control the water so it doesn’t become too hot. And give me the blankets.”

Carefully he wrapped the blankets around the woman. That was when he saw her extremely rounded belly and let out an audible moan. “Jezz…Jack how far along is she?” he asked hardly audible.

Jack helplessly twitched his shoulders.

“I…I don’t know…she said it wouldn’t be much longer…” Nervously he looked at Hutchinson. “But she won’t have the child now, or?” Desperately he grabbed at Hutchinson’s right forearm.

Hutchinson suppressed a yell. He cradled the limb against his chest, his face suddenly snow-white, and he hit the hand aside, swearing quietly.

“Man, don’t ask me, but I’m afraid your forced march wasn’t the best idea…Starsky help me…we have to warm her up…” He grunted out, still holding his right arm protectively against his chest. Starsky had noticed the little incident.

“Okay, Hutch, that’s enough, I’ve got eyes…It’s obvious that you’re hurt and need a break. So sit down and let me have a look at your arm.” He said in a decisively tone.

Hutchinson looked up. “It’s not that bad, think I sprained it when I slipped in the snow, okay? We’ve got more important things to do right now…so are you gonna help me here or what?”

“I have to…since you’re a little handicapped…”

“Then stop joking and listen to me…”

He explained briefly to Starsky what had to be done, and Starsky was more than a little surprised at Hutchinson knowing exactly what to do. And the concerned look and deep furrows on his friend’s forehead showed him how dangerous the situation was. After what seems like hours of constantly changing the water’s temperature, wrapping towels around Mara’s hands and feet and massaging the cold limbs Hutchinson was satisfied with Mara’s condition although she was still unconscious.

Exhausted he stood up and stumbled to the kitchen corner. With a glance he asked Starsky to join him.

“Okay Starsk… for now she’s fine, but I don’t know how the baby’s doing.” He ascertained with relief and pinched the bridge of his nose. “But my biggest worry is that her water will break and the baby will come right here. When she wakes up, we have to calm her down. Any excitement could be a problem for her or the baby. We should have something ready for her to drink when she wakes up. You can do that? I’ll check and see if I can find a few warm clothes for her.”

“Sure…” Starsky nodded.

‘But we two are not ready yet, Hutchinson…’

The blond man rummaged through the closet while Starsky prepared some hot coffee.

“Hey Dave, Ken…I think she’s coming around!” Jack’s nervous voice caused both men to look up.

“What’s the matter Jack?” Hutchinson sat beside the bed and took Mara’s still cold hand into his.

The woman groaned quietly and started to stir. She turned her head in his direction, opened her eyes and looked at him in confusion. “J-Jack?!”

Hutchinson softly glided his fingers over her face and his tense features changed into a reassuring smile. “No, Mara, I’m Ken, you’re safe now, everything’s fine. How do you feel?” He asked with a soft voice.

“‘M…c-cold…Where am I? My hands hurt a-and my feet…where’s Jack? Where are the others?” She trembled in spite of the blankets and her teeth clattered violently. Searching, she looked around.

“I’m here darling…I’m fine!” Jack bent down to her. “Just relax, you’re safe now!”

“The other men…where are they?”

Starsky and Hutchinson looked at each other, both concerned by Mara’s talking but unsure how to stop her.

“There’re no other men; you must have been dreaming…”

“But Jack…I ran…the baby…the baby, is it all right?”

“Sssh Mara, it’s okay, you don’t have to worry.” Hutchinson said soothingly, and Starsky was fascinated by how quickly Hutchinson managed to calm the excited woman down by using only his gentle voice.

“The baby’s doing fine; you’re the one we’re all worried about. You’re in pain?”

“No-no I don’t think so…just cold…Sorry…tired…” She mumbled and closed her eyes.

“No, no, no Mara, you have to stay awake. “Hutchinson urged and shook her gently. “I know you’re tired, but you have to stay awake for me, here…talk to Jack.” He took Jack by his sleeve and pushed him to Mara’s side. “Talk about your baby, okay and I’ll get you something to drink. But stay awake for me, please.”

“But I’m tired…and urgh…” Suddenly Mara pressed her hands over her belly. “Oh God…the baby…the baby…I…”

“What Mara? What is it?” Hutchinson asked worriedly.

“I…I think…my water….it broke…” Mara gasped out, her eyes full of tears. “Please, no…I don’t want to have the baby now! Don’t, please not now…”

“Let me see, Mara…” Hutchinson soothed. He pushed the covers aside and after some minutes he nodded his head.

“Yes…you’re right your water broke…but that’s not that bad Mara, as long as you’re not in labor we still have 24 hours…

“And then?” Jack asked in a nervous tone.

“We worry about that when we have to!”

“But you’ve got a car outside. Why we don’t drive her to a hospital?”

“You remember the snow storm? No chance, it’s too dangerous. We could get stuck in the snow.”

“But we have to do something! There’re…”

“There’re what?” Starsky asked, suddenly remembering what Mara said when she woke up. “What didn’t you tell us?”

“Can we discuss this later?” Hutchinson hissed quietly and angrily glared at Starsky. “Mara is still too cold. We have to warm her and make her as comfortable as possible. Jack you lift her up and Starsky…we have to change the sheets and her clothes.”

After that was done, Starsky didn’t wait any longer. He stood up and gave Jack a sign to come with him. He saw that Hutchinson also stood up to go to the table to get himself some coffee. But before he could reach the table he swayed dangerously and would have fallen face down to the ground if Starsky wasn’t there to keep him from falling. He doubled over in obvious pain and clutched his right arm into his lap.

“Shit…Starsky…” He grunted out. “Help me up…”

“Hut…ah Ken…what’s wrong with you?” Starsky asked concerned and–counter to what Hutch had asked–used all his strength to keep him down.

“‘S nothing…just my hand…”

“Let me see.” Starsky ordered and tried to grab the hand in question but Hutchinson pulled it away.

“Leave it alone…I told you it’s just sprained.” His voice was muffled. “Just used it too much…”

“When it’s only sprained then it wouldn’t hurt too much to check it out, so let me see. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, so which way do you choose, Hutchinson?” Starsky’s unyielding glance allowed no resistance and with a deep sigh Hutchinson finally gave up and allowed Starsky to get a better look at his injured hand.

“Damn it Hutch…” Starsky barked out when he took the hand into his own and saw the abnormal swelling and the black and blue bruises around the wrist. He immediately remembered the dreadful noise when Hutchinson’s fist had hit Jenkins’ jaw.

Hutchinson glared at him and pulled back his hand. “I told you not to…”

“I don’t care what you told me…you’ve got a broken wrist, that’s what I care about! And you didn’t hurt it when you slipped in the snow, did you? It happened when you hit Jenkins, and that was three days ago! Why didn’t you go to a hospital?”

“Oh back off! Since when you are a doctor, Curlyhead?” Hutchinson hissed out between gritted teeth. “It’s only sprained…”

“Yeah, and reindeers fly…it’s broken and you know it. At sunrise we get you and Mara to a doctor, end of discussion! But till then, you need a splint for that arm…”

“I don’t need a splint, all I need is…”

“No…now you back off! Don’t try to be as pigheaded as I am! I always win this game!” Angrily Starsky looked at Hutchinson, but then his features softened and he crouched down beside him, softening his voice. “So, how about I get us a cold beer?”

Puzzled Hutchinson looked up. “Sorry, what?!”

“I’ve got some canned beer in my car. Hopefully they’re not frozen…”

“I don’t think I can handle a beer now…”

“Sure you can…And then I’ll take care of that hand of yours.” Warningly he raised a hand to bar Hutchinson from saying anything against the plan. “Nope, no discussion about that Hutch. Then you’re gonna tell me about your short guest performance as a doctor, understand?”

Too tired to answer Hutchinson nodded his head yes.

Satisfied Starsky stood up and headed for the door when Hutchinson called him back.

“Starsk…”

The dark-haired man glanced over his shoulder.

“Yep?”

“Thanks.”

“For what?”

“Uh…for the fir tree! For hanging around with me, you dummy!”

‘Oho…that was not so easy for him…’

“Oh…told you that my mother raised me well!” He glanced at Hutchinson and an amused smile spread over his face. “But tell me…since when did I agree to let you to call me ‘Starsk’? I only allow my friends to call me that!”

The blonde man raised a brow. “Well I think since I allowed you to call me ‘Hutch’!” Ken ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson said in quite tone, glancing back at David Starsky. His eyes sparkled with joy.

Part Three

Caring

“Be back in a minute!” Starsky laughed, opened the door and stepped into the dark night. The storm intensified and the door shut back in the jamb with a crashing sound.

Tiredly Hutch closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall. He was still sitting there on the ground, totally drained and too weak to even raise a finger.

But his brain worked overtime. Too much had happened in the last four hours and he had to admit that he was more than a little glad that this curly-haired nut case had suddenly appeared in front of his door.

He couldn’t even begin to explain it, but for some reason ever since Starsky had arrived, he’d enjoyed every minute. He had even begun to like his stupid jokes and was getting used to his mother-henning. It just felt good not to be alone anymore.

He looked at Mara and Jack; it seemed as if Mara finally had fallen asleep; her husband was holding her hand and mumbling soothing words into her ear.

Hutch smiled; maybe he did something right…

With a loud noise, the door slammed open once more and Starsky stepped in, but this time not alone. Three men were following him, and one of them had wrapping an arm around his neck and aiming a gun at Starsky’s head.

“Sorry Hutch.” He pressed out, never letting Hutch out of sight. “Guess I have some company…”

“Shut the fuck up, Curly.” The man barked out and tightened the grip around Starsky’s neck. “Just one word and you’ll eat this bullet! Got that?”

“Got it…” Starsky croaked out and gasped for air.

And before Hutch could react, one of the other men was at his side and holding him at gunpoint, telling him in no uncertain terms not to move even a muscle.

“So, gentlemen… what do we have here?” The man holding Starsky glanced over to the bed noticing Jack and Mara. “The Lady and her Knight! Jack, Jack, Jack…!” Disappointed the man shook his head. “You really found her! Not the best idea you ever had! If you hadn’t found her, she would be safe now. So, any explanations from you about why you ran away? You would have saved yourself a whole heap of trouble if you hadn’t, my friend!”

“I’m not your friend, Steward Mayers. And I would never abandon Mara! What do you want?” Jack asked with an angry voice.

The man who was called Mayers giggled. “You ask me what I want?! You know what I want. Where are the rest of the diamonds?”

“I told you before; I don’t have more diamonds, Mayers. I gave you all I got!”

“Liar!”

“I’m not a liar, I told you the truth, Jerry gave me everything he had; ask him if you don’t believe me!”

“Well, I asked him, but unfortunately he also didn’t tell me the truth and I had to punish him…”

“You did what? You mean you killed him?” Jack gasped out in horror.

“Well, he’s dead now…it was an accident…” Mayers shrugged his shoulders. “So I think you don’t want to have an accident too…or maybe Mara!” His smile was as cold as ice. “So, you want to tell me anything, Jack?”

“I can’t tell you something I don’t know…”

“Okay…sorry for interrupting you…”

Mayer turned round at the sound of Hutch’s voice. “Who allowed you to talk? Shut up or we’ll have another accident here!” Mayers threatened Hutch with his gun.

“What if he told you the truth?” Hutch asked in a hurry, clearly aware of the danger they all were in. “As far as I understand, you hired Jack to bring you some diamonds, but some were missing, right?”

Mayers shook his head yes.

“What if Jack told you the truth and Jerry didn’t give him all the diamonds? What if he kept the remaining ones himself?”

Only with effort could Starsky suppress a grin as he understood what Hutch was planning. He tried to make eye contact with him.

‘Damn it Hutch, what you’re planning is dangerous, but go on… You nearly got him.’

Mayers tossed Starsky to the ground and gave the red-haired man beside him a sign to watch him. Mayers rushed over to Hutch and crouched down in front of him, playing with his gun all the time.

“What makes you so sure that Jerry betrayed me, huh?” He glanced at Hutch, his face as hard if it was carved in stone.

“The greed for more?”

Mayers smiled thinly, bent down closer to Hutch and whispered in his ear. “You son of a bitch… He was my brother…”

He jammed his fist into Hutch’s stomach and roared: “Ritchie! Bring me the woman!”

“NOOO!” Starsky cried out. He whirled around, slammed both fists into his guard’s face and rushed towards Jack and Mara. But before he could reach them, the red-haired man recovered from the attack and threw himself on Starsky and started to punch his chest and head.

“Starsky! Don’t!” Hutch cried out under his breath when he saw Starsky go down. He struggled to fight against his captor, but Mayers gave him no chance. Helplessly he had to watch the red-haired man and Ritchie beat the shit out of Starsky. He heard him crying out in pain and saw blood trickling out of his mouth and nose, with more blood running down his left cheek. He fought with all his power, but the blows hit him hard and he doubled over in pain unable to catch his breath. But the worst thing was that all the time Starsky held his gaze, his dark blue eyes fixed on him like a silent prayer not to move.

And that was too much for him.

With all the strength he could muster, he bucked with his whole weight against Mayers, flung him against the wall and rushed towards the other men. He whipped Ritchie around by the collar and kneed him in the gut. Then, like a wild animal he threw himself at the redhead and hammered his fist into his ribs. That was when he heard the sound of a shot.

He looked into Starsky’s shocked face, saw the left side of his shirt was covered in blood. Without even feeling it, he took a couple of steps forward to catch Starsky’s fall, but a murderous blow on the back of his head floored him and before he even had a chance to get back on his feet again, someone from behind grasped his right arm and twisted it up against his back.

The pain was excruciating.

Hutch screamed out in pain, felt bones crushing and he curled up into a ball. As if he was looking through a fog that was becoming thicker and thicker, he saw Starsky lying on the ground in his own blood, his eyes still open. Starsky opened his mouth and with his last attempt before he blacked out Starsky mouthed only one word.

“Why?”

Something exploded in Hutch’s head; he went down like a rag doll and fell into a deep blackness. He didn’t hear the shocked shouts, didn’t notice how Starsky and he were hauled out of the cabin like pieces of meat and thrown into the small tool hut nearby the cabin.

Part Four

Believing

He felt nothing but coldness. No, scratch that, he felt a constant knocking pain in his head as if a drummer was performing a new, experimental rhythm. He found it hard to open his eyes and was terrified when he noticed that, once he did, he couldn’t see a thing.

‘Okay, calm down, Hutchinson…might be a blackout…no wait, there’s no electricity in the cottage, and you forgot to stock up the fire. That’s the reason why it’s dark.’

Slowly he turned around and noticed that he was not lying in his bed but on the cold ground.

‘Damn…what the hell…’

He moved to sit up, but the constant knocking in his head morphed into an immense pain, and he nearly blacked out again. With a moan he fell back on the ground trying to remember how he ended up on the ground with the worst headache he ever had.

Like flashbacks, his foggy brain began to remember.

Starsky with a fir tree, the strange man at the door, finding the woman in the snow.

Starsky…

The memory of the curly-haired man immediately made him disregard all the pain in his head.

“Starsk…you’re here? Hey can you hear me?” He croaked out. “Come on…tell me you’re okay…”

He remembered the fight with the three goons. Then a shot and Starsky falling down to the ground, lying in a puddle of blood.

“STARSKY!” He yelled out in panic and started to fumble around on the ground to find him.

His eyes soon got used to the darkness and he saw a body lying on the ground a few feet away from him. Forgetting all his pain he started to crawl over to the unmoving form. That was when he noticed that he was unable to move his right arm that now dangled uselessly at his side.

‘Don’t have time for this now…Have to help Starsky.‘

“Starsk…come on, don’t do this to me…I’ll kick your sorry ass all the way back to Los Angeles if you do something stupid now.”

Somehow Hutch managed to crawl over to him and carefully turned him on his back. He winced when he saw Starsky’s whole face was coated in blood. He noticed an ugly laceration on the right side of his temple and ran his fingertips over Starsky’s face, finding an obvious broken left cheek bone.

He went on with his examination, concerned when he found Starsky’s upper body covered with bruises. Running his fingers over his friend’s ribcage, he noticed that at least three ribs were badly bruised if not broken. He found the still bleeding gunshot wound on Starsky’s left side but was relieved that it was only a flesh wound and that the bullet didn’t cause any internal damage. It would hurt like hell and he had to stop the bleeding, but after all that had happened Starsky was alive and that was what mattered most.

Hutch searched for a cloth to stop the bleeding from Starsky’s side. In the dark he couldn’t see much and with his own injuries slowing him down, was a long time before he managed to treat all the wounds. His right arm was still numb and right now Hutch was glad about that fact.

Starsky was still out like a light, not moving a muscle, and even though he was sure that Starsky couldn’t hear him, Hutch talked to him in a low voice constantly while he bandaged his head wound with a bandanna he had found in his hip pocket. He was concerned about Starsky’s cold and ashen face and the coldness in the hut, and as Starsky was wearing nothing more than his sweat shirt, he had to warm him up somehow. And so he dragged the floppy body single handedly to the wall. He slumped down, leant his back against the wall, spread out his legs in a V and gathered Starsky’s body against his chest, wrapping his good arm around the other man’s waist.

“Sorry…Might be not the best idea to move you around like this, but I have no other choice…” Hutch slurred, out of breath. He laid his chin atop Starsky’s head, feeling the slow heartbeat against his own chest. “This is a fine mess we got ourselves into, huh? Not the best idea to run after me! Should have stayed in L.A. you dummy!”

He hugged Starsky even closer. He didn’t know how long he sat there, but after a while he noticed that the man in his arms started to stir; Starsky’s head lolled from side to side and Hutch heard him mumbling incomprehensible words.

Hutch bent over him and looked into the bruised face.

“Hey Curlyhead…time to wake up…come on now, I’d actually really like to hear your awful jokes again…” He encouraged him, gently slapping his uninjured cheek. “I’m kind of lonely here, so wake up and tell me that you’re okay, please!”

Starsky half opened his eyes, his vision still blurry and unfocused. All of a sudden he struggled out of Hutch’s grip and tried to move away from his captor. But before he could climb to his feet, a wave of pain washed over him and he fell down back into Hutch’s lap, crying out in pain.

“Whoa…Starsk…don’t do this…it’s me, Hutch! Don’t move around, you’ve got some nice bumps that don’t need any more trouble. Just lay still and breathe!” He soothed the upset man and held him tight.

Starsky turned his head and stared bewilderedly at Hutch. “Hu-Hutch?” He asked in a husky voice. “W-What…urgh…hell, it hurts!”

“Sure it hurts…”

“Why…why does it hurt?”

“First tell me: what do you remember?”

“Not much…do I have to?”

“Have to know if there’s at least a little part of working brain in that thick skull of yours… You took some awful punches to your head.”

“Uh-huh…”

Hutch listened to Starsky’s ragged breaths. “Starsk? You still with me?” he asked concerned.

“Huh?” Starsky’s voice sounded weak and drained.

“No, no, no don’t fall asleep now, you hear me…”

“Asked me if I remember anything…well, I’m still thinking…”

“Can you do it a little bit louder then?”

“If I have to…” Starsky said tiredly and moved around to sit up.

“I should have checked out your ears too…I said don’t move! You’re really beaten up!” Hutch was at the end of his tether.

“I’ve been worse…”

“If you keep moving around you will, right…”

Starsky glared at him and smiled weakly.

“This time you won the ‘stubbornness of the day’ game…So, how do we look?”

“We’re a mess, that’s how we look.”

“Terrific…So what happened?”

Hutch sighed. “You tried to play superman and had a fight with three goons attacking our Christmas Guests!”

“Christmas Guests? Oh…Jack and Mara…so, did I win?”

“You won some broken ribs, a crushed cheek bone and probably a nice concussion. That enough?”

“Sounds like the jackpot to me…these goons still with Jack and Mara?”

“Think so…how do you feel?”

“Like I ran into three goons, shit…” Starsky suppressed a yelp when a burning pain exploded in his left side. A coughing fit caught him by surprise, and he pressed his arms against his aching chest. He grabbed Hutch by his sleeve and groaned out loud. “God…that really hurts…”

“It’s okay Starsk…” Hutch clutched him closer to his chest as if he could ease his pain. “I know it hurts, but the bullet only scratched the skin; it’s only a flesh wound.”

“A bullet? You forget to tell me that small detail…” Starsky spit out through gritted teeth waiting for the pain to pass away. “If it’s only a scratch, then why does it hurt so much?”

“Well, I told you not to move…”

“If you say so…” He felt silent, just lay there in Hutch’s lap and tried to regain some of his strength. He could feel Hutch’s touch and focused on it to help his arching body relaxed. For a minute or two he closed his eyes.

‘Don’t know why, but this guy is good at what he’s doing.’

After a while he turned around to Hutch. “So what do you think, what’s our plan?”

Hutch rolled his eyes. “Surviving this night would be a good plan…”

Starsky looked up at him, not sure if he was joking or not. “You know the goons are still with Jack and Mara?”

“Yeah…” Hutch replied quietly. “But we both are in no shape to perform another stunt right now. Need some time to rest…”

“But we have to help them!” Starsky said emphatically. “I thought you trusted Jack’s part of the story! We don’t have time to waste!”

“We will…Starsk…I just…” For some reason Hutch’s voice trailed off and a weariness greater than he’d ever known crept over him like a wave. He felt the adrenaline rush was over; he began to tremble and suddenly broke out in sweat. He groaned as he felt the coldness climbing up in his bones. And then the numbness in his injured arm was gone and a piercing pain shot through his shoulder and arm.

Starsky noticed the trembling in Hutch’s voice and heard him gasp out in pain.

“Hutch? You okay?”

“I…I…” Hutch slowly slipped to the side and let out a cry. “Starsk…”

“Hutch!”

Forgetting the pain he was in, Starsky crawled to Hutch’s side as fast as he could, and held the trembling body in his lap. And all of a sudden he remembered Hutch fighting with one of the criminals after he himself was knocked to the ground. And he remembered Hutch’s bloodcurdling scream when Mayers twisted his arm behind his back.

His injured arm.

He noticed Hutch had cradled his arm against his chest and clutched it with his left hand, trying to ride out every new pain wave.

“Easy Hutch, easy…let me see.” He said softly. “I’ll try not to hurt you, just stay with me, okay?”

Feebly Hutch nodded his head and then twitched when Starsky slowly and carefully loosened the grip around his limb with shaking fingers.

“Oh shit Hutch…” It slipped out of his mouth when he finally held the damaged arm in his hand. Gently he ran his fingers over Hutch’s forearm and felt bumps where there shouldn’t be any, the bones moving under his touch. Hutch moaned deeply, tears streaming down his face when he couldn’t hold back his pain any longer.

“Sorry…don’t want to be so wimpy…”

“It’s okay, Hutch…relax…I know it hurts…”

Starsky’s soothing words engulfed him like a warming blanket, and for the first time in years he allowed himself to be weak. His exhausted body slumped against Starsky’s, and he had to close his eyes when a sudden nausea crawled up his throat. He found it hard to think, and he called out for Starsky as if he was his last hope; the lighthouse in the dark.

“Starsk…”

“I’m here Hutch…” He heard the soft voice again and looked into two dark blue eyes full of grief. “This will hurt…Hutch….but I have to do it. Cry if you need…”

“Do…do what?”

“Have to splint that arm.”

Hutch eyed his arm. “Is it as bad as it feels?”

“Yeah…” Starsky had to swallow when he looked at the deformed arm. “It’s bad. It will hurt like hell, but I’ve got to splint it somehow.  Remember, we talked about it some time ago…”

“T-thought you didn’t remember a thing…” Hutch whispered wearily.

“Only the important things…and that was one of them…so tell me, you got some branches or shelves in this shelter?”

Hutch’s arm waved to the side, and Starsky stumbled to his feet. After a few minutes he found some shelves and an old shirt. He went back to Hutch, knelt beside him and started to shred the shirt into makeshift bandages.

“Looks like you get to play the doctor now…” Hutch said ironically and eyed Starsky with little amusement when he knotted the last piece of cloth into a sling.

“Good point…” Starsky retorted. “How is it that you played the doctor so perfectly not so long ago?”

Hutch let out an exasperated laugh. “You never give up, huh?”

“Yep…one of my best qualities…So, I’m all ears…”

Hutch rolled his eyes again and let out a deep breath.

“Went to medical school for three years, but decided to put an end to it before things became worse…”

“Worse?” Starsky raised his brows. “What’s so bad about being a ‘well-paid’ doctor?”

He held the shelves around Hutch’s arm and began to wrap the bandages around it. Hutch suppressed a cry and turned his head to the side so Starsky couldn’t see some tears streaming down his cheeks.

‘Have to distract you somehow, keep you talking Hutch.’

And as if the man could read Starsky’s thoughts he began to talk in a low voice, first in harsh words, but then he talked his head off, as if someone had pulled a plug out of an overfull sea.

“Seeing all the people you couldn’t help no matter how hard you tried, that was worse. I worked in a social hospital, not the best place in Duluth. A lot of homeless people, criminals. They came into the ER, bloodied, with shattered bones, bullets in their bodies…crying for help and you did everything you could and they died in front of your eyes. I did what I could but it was never enough, I failed more than I won. My father was a doctor in the army. He told me that I wasn’t good enough in what I was doing; I had to work harder and stop being a softy.”

‘I always have to make a conscious decision, but you, you always want to help all people. Help everyone. Then you have to learn to make a choice… Some are not worth helping.’

Argh…Starsk…stop that! God!” Hutch stopped for a minute, holding his breath when the pain in his arm spiked again.

“Almost done…sorry…just…just a second.” Starsky pressed out, fighting with the bandages holding the shelves in place. “So your dad wanted you to be a tough guy?”

“Yeah…Think that was the reason why he forced me to go with him to Vietnam with his unit. To learn to be hard and to save people who are worth it.  But…but I couldn’t do that, I saw so much blood and I… it almost broke my heart that I couldn’t already help the few people in the ER. How should I do it in a country where war ruled? What about the victims, the Vietnamese people?

My father called me a loser. I never could do anything right to him. He said that I was too weak, that I need to be strong, that my Country needs me and I have to learn to get my feelings under control and so on. He was more than mad, but I stayed at home in the hospital.”

He stopped for a while as if the memories were too strong.

‘Oh Blondie, your heart is bigger than the Rocky Mountains. And you’re so damn right with Vietnam…be glad that you were not there! Wonder what your father would tell you when he heard about you caring about a total stranger! You even risked your life to do justice to the demands of your father. But your father called you a Softy, a Loser… And nobody ever told you that you did the right thing and that you’re so damn good in what you’re doing.’

“But you can’t save everyone, Hutch!”

“But I wanted it…”

Hutch sighed deeply and continued.

“But things got worse…I…an addict attacked the ER, wanted some drugs. He had a gun and was shooting around erratically. I was standing beside a nurse; she made a move in my direction and she got hit in the belly. I…I really did everything I could…but she bled to death in my arms…I never forgot the look in her eyes. They were so full of hope; she trusted me, but I couldn’t help her. I had the chance but I failed again, as usual…” Hutch hissed out in pain when Starsky put the now splinted arm into a sling. “Jezz…Starsky that hurts…stop that, please!” He begged, feebly pushing him aside.

“Almost done…just a second…” Hurriedly Starsky adjusted the sling around Hutch’s neck. “What…what happened then, Hutch, huh? Tell me…”

It took Hutch some minutes to catch his breath, but eventually the pain abated and he went on with a husky voice.

“I stopped medical school and took a year of absence. Did some backpacking in Canada, went to Mexico, and saw some wonderful places, but…but all the time I felt…useless. I went back to Duluth, and my father tried to force me to go back to medical school but I couldn’t do it again, I told him that I wanted to leave Duluth and wanted to go to California to do something different. Something where I could help people in a better way…”

“And that was to become a cop?” Starsky asked in amusement. “Let me guess…he was anything but inspired?”

“He threw me out of the house.” Hutch said shortly. “I haven’t spoken to him since that day.”

“Oh…” Starsky kept silent for a moment. “So…why do you want to be a cop? Helping dealers, addicts, hookers before they end up in the morgue?”

“Maybe help them not to end up there in the first place…” Hutch met his eyes. “My father told me the same… ‘You won’t be able to save them! They are losers; they’re not worth helping. You’re too sensitive, and when it becomes difficult you always run away!’ he said, and he was right…I always run away…”

“But before you ran away you played superman and risked your life! You didn’t run away when I needed your help…” Starsky said quietly glancing at him, his deep blue eyes full of understanding. “And you didn’t run away when Jack or Mara needed your help… You did everything you could, you were always there… I saw you fighting with Mayers…without you three people would be dead, it’s that simple!”

“No, it’s not that simple…My father said caring for someone distracts you from your work. Makes it so you can’t focus anymore.”

“So what’s wrong about showing feelings?”

“You’re vulnerable when you do it, and you never know if the people you’re caring about will kick you in the ass some time later.” He whispered.

“Well I don’t know if my useless life is worth enough that you saved it, but it was definitely good that you showed your feelings when you hit Jenkins! And I wouldn’t have kicked your ass unless you had fallen down that rock…And what you performed on Mara…well I guess that wasn’t that bad. So forget the crap about being a Loser and too weak!”

“Well, I broke my wrist when I hit Jenkins, but that was worst of the trouble!” Hutch smiled shyly. “Has anybody told you that you’re a damn good listener?”

Starsky blushed. “Uh no…ah…so how do you feel…what about your arm?” he asked him, trying to change the subject.

“Feels broken, and as you said, hurts like hell…” Hutch looked down at his splinted arm. “You did a good job. Maybe you should become a doctor!”

Starsky shook his head vehemently. “Oh no, thank you, that would be your department! So, what shall we do now? Leave Jack and Mara alone? You were the one who trusted Jack first!”

Starsky climbed to his feet and limped over to the door to find it locked. So he walked over to the small window and looked out.

“And I still think he told Mayers the truth! But now we don’t have to react rashly. There are three goons, well-armed and we’re both hurt. So how do you think we should attack them? Perhaps we can convince them to let us all go…”

“You better come up with something better and very fast.” Starsky cut him of sharply. “We got company. You have got any weapons?” And without waiting for an answer he searched through a rack and found a bolt cutter. He rushed back to Hutch, pressed him to the ground and threw himself beside him.

“Don’t do anything stupid, Starsk…” Hutch murmured.

“Do I ever?!”

“During the last thirty minutes…no.”

“Then it’s time now. We’ve got surprise on our side; just play your part, okay?”

Hutch looked at him in disbelief.

“What part?”

“‘Sleeping Beauty’, dummy.” Starsky explained impatiently. “Now keep quiet, will ya’?”

Part Five

Trusting

The two men heard the door opening; cold wind and snow blew into the shelter, and a shadow fell on them.

“Oh, that’s boring; both sleeping like little babies…okay, no risk no fun. I won’t make it so easy for you!” They heard the red haired man say. “So, it’s time to wake up, Curly!”

He went over to Starsky and started to kick him in his side. He expected a yelp or a groan, but what he didn’t expect was Starsky spinning around, snatching one foot with both hands and twisting it around. With a yelp, Redhead fell to the ground and in a second Starsky jumped to his feet and jammed the bolt cutter over Redhead’s head. The man led out a soft groan and lay without moving.

Breathing heavily Starsky dropped down to his knees, pressing his hand against his left side, his face consumed with pain. “I told you, nobody calls me Curly! I hope we haven’t bored you too much…”

Hutch got up slowly with a groan and looked first at Starsky and then at the unconscious man. “That was the craziest thing I have ever seen… Somehow I’m getting used to your surprises…”

“Then this must have been one of my better days…Let’s see if there’s something useful in his pockets.”

Together they turned the man onto his back and searched his pockets.

“Well look… a gun and a flashlight, everything we need!” Starsky exclaimed enthusiastically. “Come help me, we have to tie him up.”

With the help of the flashlight they tied up the man near a shelf with the rest of the shirt. Hutch stared at the gun in Starsky’s hand.

“Think he wanted to kill us…You have to let off two shots before we go.”

“Yeah, good point. So, any other ideas?”

“We only have a gun. I’ve got a busted arm, and you’ve got a hole in your side and more bumps and bruises than I can count. We’re both in no shape to fight with two kidnappers, right?”

“Told you… we have surprise on our side.” Starsky argued. “And we’ve got us…”

“Oh…Better me than nobody, huh? Glad that I’m your first choice! Sounds like we’re a team for now…”

Starsky’s eyes beamed with joy. “The best choice I’ve ever had. Only me and thee.”

Hutch looked at him puzzled.

“Me and thee, huh? Well that doesn’t sound so bad!” He held out Starsky his hand. “Help me up; I don’t like the idea that Jenkins’s favorite pupil will take all the credit.”

“I bet you don’t. So let’s get out of here!” He wrapped Hutch’s good arm around his shoulder and guided him to the door. Before they left, Starsky fired off two shots and shut the door behind them.

It was still snowing heavily, and the wind blew like a hurricane.

“We have to hurry… If their buddy won’t come back in time they’ll look for him.” Starsky quivered with cold.

Hutch nodded in understanding, and they snuck around the shelter until they stood in front of the cottage.

Starsky went to the corner and carefully looked through the window. After a few seconds he came back.

“Now what?” Hutch whispered. “Storm into the hut, yelling ‘Freeze! Police Cadets!’?”

“Hey, that’s not so bad! Okay, there’s one behind the door and one on the left side.”

“And what about Jack and Mara?”

“They’re alive, but they don’t look so happy. We have to hurry, I’ll will kick the door open, then I go in first. You go high and I’ll go low!”

“Just that simple?”

“Any better ideas? Remember, we have the element of surprise!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah… I’m curious what Jenkins would think about that type of tactic!”

“He would like it! Okay Hutch…You ready?”

“As ready as I can be… But only use the gun when it’s absolutely necessary. You could hit Jack or Mara. And Starsk…”

“What?”

“Be careful!”

Hutch’s sky blue eyes looked at him, bright even in the dark, and Starsky could read so much in them, everything he couldn’t put into words. He squeezed Hutch’s shoulder and nodded.

‘Me and thee…’

“On three…one, two…”

“THREE!” They both yelled; Starsky kicked the door open, stormed in and threw himself on one of the criminals. They both fell to the ground and began to fight. Hutch saw Mayers whirling around to help his buddy. Knowing that he was in no shape to fight with him, Hutch frantically scanned the room for something to keep him back. He found a wooden stool in the corner, grabbed it and threw it at Mayers.

The stool hit him square on the head and he staggered back.

Hutch knew that this was his only chance. With two long steps, he reached Mayers and threw his whole weight on top of him. The pain that shot through his right arm when they both tumbled to the ground nearly knocked him out. Somehow he managed to stay conscious and tried to pin Mayers to the ground. Again he threw himself on Mayer’s body, but the man was faster and floored Hutch with two hard punches.

Mayers jumped on him, pinned him with one knee to the ground and began to strangle him with his hands. “I told you not to interrupt me, Blondie!” he whispered into Hutch’s ear.

Hutch gasped for air; his vision became blurred and foggy as Mayers pressed harder and harder.

‘Starsk…I need one of your surprises here!’

That was when he heard the sound of two shots.

Starsky’s surprise attack was short lived. Rickie, his combatant, was a few inches taller and much heavier than he was and even his attempt to compensate for it with speed failed. Because the man knew exactly how to hit him effectively, some hard punches to Starsky’s midsection and injured side caused him to buckle to his knees. The gun fell out of his hand and skidded across the ground.

The dark-haired man lay on the ground and lifted his arms protectively over his head to ward off more blows. In a last, desperate attempt, he rammed both feet into the man’s body. But the man only briefly went to ground and was back on his feet seconds later, and all of a sudden he had a gun in his hand. He aimed the gun but instead of one shot, two rang out; Starsky felt a bullet graze his left ear and heard a muffled cry. Rickie abruptly stopped in the middle of his movement. Total astonishment was written in his face. Slowly he turned sideways, grabbing his chest with his hands. Blood gushed out between his fingers, and without a single sound he fell on his knees and then on his side. Completely confused Starsky looked up and saw Jack standing directly in front of him, a gun in his hand.

He swayed dangerously.

“You’ll never hurt anybody again…” He mumbled. He looked at Starsky, his face white as a sheet.

Starsky jumped to his feet, his legs soft like jelly. He took the gun out of Jake’s hand, and then he grabbed him by his shoulders and shook him fiercely. “Jack, Jack, it’s over…hey, can you hear me, you’re okay?”

Jack nodded weakly. “Take care of Mara, okay? I have to look after Hutch…”

He stumbled around the bed and watched in horror as Mayers nearly strangled Hutch to death. At once he aimed his gun, but lowered it again immediately. No, one mindless movement and Hutch suddenly would be the target. Wildly he looked around and found the frying pan still sitting on the range. Without thinking he seized it, ran to the two fighting men and slammed the pan on Mayers’ head as hard as he could.

Later Starsky couldn’t remember how many times he hit the man, but it seemed to be half an eternity before Mayers loosened his grip around Hutch’s throat. He slumped and broke down over Hutch.

Starsky used the last of his strength to shove Mayers aside; panting heavily he slumped down beside Hutch and gathered the slack body in his lap. Anxiously he took Hutch’s head into his hands, staring at the man’s deathly pale face. In panic, he shook Hutch fiercely, hoping to get a reaction.

“Hutch, damn it! Wake up; don’t do this now…You have to wake up! Hutch!” He gasped out in shock. There was no response and Starsky let out a cry of despair.

‘Come on, Davy, think straight…the pulse, search for a pulse and then the breathing, what about his breathing…’

Long forgotten First Aid Knowledge kicked in and his trembling fingers actually found a soft but steady pulse. Hutch’s breathing was present if slow. Starsky sent a quiet prayer heavenward and calmed down a bit. Carefully he patted Hutch’s cheeks and shook him gently.

“Hey Hutch…it’s over. You let me do all the work, now it’s time to wake up. Come on… Hey, I remember you didn’t want me to get all the credit, so open your eyes! Now!”

A shiver ran over Hutch’s body and he started to cough violently. He tried to push Starsky’s hand away but he was too weak, and his hand fell back on his chest. His eyes fluttered open, his gaze wandering unfocused through the room.

“Hey Hutch! Hey look at me!” Starsky led out a deep sigh of relief and glided his hand gently over his face. “You scared me to death! Now relax and breathe, just breathe! Everything is fine!”

Again a coughing fit took Hutch’s breath and Starsky helped him to sit up. After a few minutes Hutch was able to catch his breath and looked into Starsky’s eyes. A small smile appeared on his face. “W-what took you s-so long?”

Starsky led out a laugh. “Hey, that’s my line! Nice of you decided to join me again! How do you feel?”

“Don’t know…you tell me…”

“Oh, you look terrific!”

“So we got t-the bad g-guys?”

“Yeah…we got them. How’s the arm doing?”

“You don’t wanna know…” Hutch moaned quietly; he felt for his hurting arm and closed his eyes for a brief moment. Starsky could see that Hutch was riding out the pain. “S-so you’re okay? I-I heard a shot…”

“Well, I’m glad that you trusted Jack…”

Hutch wrinkled his brows. “Huh?”

“Without him I would be dead meat…”

He gestured with his head to the man lying beside the bed. “He wanted to kill me…”

“Oh…well I’m also glad that I didn’t throw you out. Uninvited guests are sometimes the best thing that can happen to you!”

“Tell me something…Hey, what do you think you’re doing? Lay still!”

Hutch struggled to get up. “Please…need to check on Mara…”

“She’s doing fine…lay still and relax, you’re pretty banged up. I’ll…”

A piercing cry interrupted Starsky.

“Dave…Ken…there’s something wrong.” Jack shouted out worriedly.

“Oh no…please no.” Hutch whispered worriedly. “Help me up Starsk…It’s not over…”

Both men struggled to their feet and staggered to the bed. Hutch sat down beside Mara and one look at her eyes told him that Jack was right; something was wrong.

“I…” In pain, Mara doubled over and pressed both hands onto her belly. “It hurts…it hurts!” she cried out.

Hutch changed concerned looks with Starsky. He pulled the blankets aside, saw the small amount of blood on the sheets and placed a hand on her belly. He swallowed hard then pulled himself together and bent over Mara with a weak smile. “Okay, Mara I hoped we would make it to the hospital, but your baby doesn’t want to wait any longer. It’s coming and we’ll all help you. But you have to help us too. You have any idea if the baby’s coming head first?”

Mara nodded.

“That’s very good…So Jack, you sit behind her and hold her. Mara, bend your knees so I can help you. Starsky…I need your help here!”

“You don’t want me to get you hot water and towels…”

Hutch looked at him irritated. “What? No, not hot water, but I need a knife and a cord to cut the umbilical cord and yes, some towels would be good.”

“You…you don’t want her to have the baby here…” Starsky stuttered nervously and bent down next to him. “You’re no doctor, you can’t do that!”

“But we have no other choice…Remember, I’ve had some practice…”

“Some practice?! You’re kidding?!”

“Do I look like I’m kidding? We don’t have time to discuss it now!”

“But…but I can’t do that…I…”

“You can and you will, Starsk.” Hutch whispered, grabbing his hand. “I know you’re afraid, I’m afraid too. But listen to me and listen very carefully…you can do this… don’t allow the fear to control you. I need you, I need you to be at my side! So please… don’t leave me alone…this…this Me and Thee thing again, okay?” Hutch implored; his sky-blue eyes so full of pleading and determination that a shudder went down Starsky’s back.

‘Please, you have to trust me, as well as I have trusted you. I really need you here.’

Starsky swallowed back an argument and slowly nodded his head. As if he was in a trance, he got up, searched in the kitchen cupboard for a knife, towels and a cord and gave Hutch everything.

“Me and Thee…we’ll get through this, okay?” he said, hardly audible.

Hutch thanked him with a wordless nod and turned back to Mara to give her his full attention.

“It won’t be easy, but I know you’ll make it. It won’t last long, so if you think you have to push then you have to do it even if it hurts. Cry if you need, but don’t forget to breathe okay?”

For the next one and a half hours Starsky thought he was in the ‘Dr. Marcus Welby’ show, and he was sure he would never forget Mara’s terrible screams. It was as if he observed everything through a deep fog; his body was there but his mind was somewhere else. He needed all his willpower not to run away from the scene and was astonished by Hutch’s strength and coolness. Somehow he managed to calm down the excited Mara only by mumbling encouraging words to her, holding her hand and wiping away her tears and sweat.

‘How could your father think you’re a Loser?’

Then all of a sudden Hutch grabbed Starsky’s hands and laid them on Mara’s belly.

“You have to help her now, Starsk…she’s too weak to push, so push now Starsk…push!” He yelled out.

Mara screamed out one more time and then, exhausted, she fell back on the bed and breathed heavily.

“Starsk…need some help here.” Hutch whispered toneless. He didn’t need to say anything more, in a second Starsky was at his side. With wide eyes he stared at the small bloody body that Hutch was holding in his good arm.

“What shall I do?”

“Just hold it….” Hutch laid the baby into his arms, then opened the tiny mouth with his pinky and cleaned it with a corner of a towel, afterward cleaning the baby’s eyes and nose. Then he shook it gently. “Come on now…come on…”

First Starsky heard a small wail and then a strong cry.

He heard Hutch letting out a loud sigh of relief; looking up, and Starsky saw tears swimming in his eyes.

“It’s a boy, Starsk…he’s alive! Mara, Jack, you have a beautiful little boy!” He laughed and cried at the same time. With Starsky’s help he cut the cord, wrapped the baby in a towel and laid the squirming bundle into Mara’s arms. Hutch bent over Mara and ran his fingers over her cheeks wiping away some tears.

“You were wonderful Mara…and you too Jack! You can relax now; your son is fine, just keep him warm, okay?” He said with a quivering voice. “You have a name for the young man?”

Mara and Jack exchanged a look and then Jack said in a quavering voice, “Matthew…I think we’ll call him Matthew…”

Starsky saw Hutch wince, then he stared at Jack and slightly shook his head in obvious surprise. Then he glanced over to Starsky.

“That’s a wonderful name, Jack…” A broad smile flittered across his face. “You know…that was my grandpa’s name…” He croaked out, and tears began to stream freely down his face.

Starsky needed no more words to understand him. And for the first time since he’d met Hutch, he saw him happy.

He saw the little baby in Mara’s arms and all of a sudden he was overwhelmed by his feelings. He needed some time to be alone, wanted to escape and get his feeling under control.

Moaning slightly Starsky stood up and walked to the door. But the sudden movement made him dizzy, and the sharp pain in his side made him wince in pain. He leaned one hand against the nearest wall and, exhausted, laid his head in the crook of his arm. He began to shiver, and Hutch was surprised to hear him sob.

Not sure whether he was in pain or simply wanted some privacy but unable to see him so exhausted and do nothing, Hutch also jumped to his feet and walked over to Starsky.

“Hey Starsk…” He whispered in a comforting tone. He placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it tightly. “How are you doing, buddy? You look like you better sit down…”

“I…I’m okay Hutch…just a bit dizzy.” Starsky croaked out, still shivering.

Hutch saw the bloodstain on Starsky’s shirt had become a little bit bigger. “You’re bleeding again, sit down. I have to look at this.”

“It’s nothing…it’s just…”

“You better sit down before you fall down.” Gently Hutch pushed the trembling man to the ground and knelt next to him.

“But you said it’s only a flesh wound! It doesn’t even hurt any more…”

“Yeah, I can see that. But I don’t want you to bleed all over me, so let me do my work!” In a hurry he examined Starsky’s wound, then he pressed another cloth against the wound. “I need your belt to fix the cloth in place. The pressure will stop the bleeding immediately.”

Starsky unbuckled his belt and tied it around his hip. “Satisfied?”

“I’ll be satisfied if you don’t get an infection, but for now…yes.”

Hutch saw the deep furrows on Starsky’s forehead and the tears still streaming down his ghost white face.

‘Oh boy…don’t play the tough guy here.’

Hutch dropped down beside him and wrapped his good arm around Starsky’s shoulder. His friend closed his eyes and his head lolled to the side. “Relax Starsk…it’s over.” He soothed. “Just let it out…just let it out…”

It was like redemption for Starsky’s soul; he started to cry.

Hutch held him even closer and whispered comforting words into his ear. Calmed and comforted him like a frightened child.

After a while the crying ebbed away and Starsky wiped away some tears.

“Oh boy…That was…that was…I never…” Starsky suppressed a sob, and a small smile spread over his face. “I still can’t believe what we did!”

“Yeah… Thanks to you I did something right…” Hutch mumbled wearily and looked at Starsky. “You were great!”

“Yes…but you did it Hutch! You…”

“No, Starsk, we did it!” Hutch interrupted with force.

Starsky grinned. “Okay, we made it, and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything! Do you think I also have the talent to become a doctor?”

“Oh please!”

“Hey, you said….”

“Yeah, yeah, so what about that beer you offered me a few hours ago? I really could take one now!”

Starsky looked at him with indignation.

“You don’t want me to go out in that blizzard, do you? So what about some coffee?”

“Anything you want Starsk…And one for our newly-wed Christmas Family! I think they can use one too. Hey, wait…” He held onto Starsky’s sleeve.

“What?”

Hutch stared at him without saying a word; his eyes seemed to scan every inch of his face.

‘Oh Blondie…stop that, will you…’

“Huh?”

“So what? What do you want?? You said ‘wait’!”

“Uh…nothing…” He smiled sheepishly. “Ah…I want my coffee black, no sugar…”

A few minutes later Hutch sipped a cup of hot steaming coffee and enjoyed the pleasant warmth spreading throughout his body. Starsky watched him closely, didn’t like his still pale face. So he grabbed another blanket and wrapped it around him. He was worried when Hutch tiredly closed his eyes.

“Hutch? You okay, are you in pain?”

“Yes…I’m okay and well, my arm is killing me.”

“So?” Starsky worriedly raised a brow.

“Just thinking about…”

“About what?”

“What day is it?”

“Uh…Christmas day! Why?”

Hutch chuckled. “I always hated Christmas, never liked the arranged friendliness and solemn ceremony, peace on earth for all and everything…but this was the first Christmas in years that could change my mind.”

“Uh…we were beaten up, we were almost killed, you have a broken arm, I have a shot gun wound in my side, correct me please if I missed something important…”

“We saved the life of two, correction three people. We put three criminals out of action…”

“Oh excuse me, I didn’t mention that…”

“And I learned and found something I never had before…” Hutch’s voice was barely audible now and he was silent for while.

“What Hutch…what did you find?” Starsky asked softly.

“Trust…I learned to trust me and I found trust…I found you, Starsk…”

“Hutch…”Starsky felt a big knot rising in his throat. “I…uh…”

“It’s okay…take it as it is, okay? I can’t explain it, but that’s something I never experienced before. It’s as if I’ve known you my whole life. Sometimes I feel like I know what you’re thinking even when you don’t say anything and strangely enough it doesn’t frighten me.”

Starsky nodded his head in understanding.

“I know what you mean…when I was stuck to that rock wall and nearly fell…I knew that you would never let me fall down Hutch. And that’s why I went after you because I could feel that you needed help…not because of your arm… I saw it in your eyes when you ran away. Fear…” He looked directly into Hutch’s eyes. “Why do you hate Christmas Hutch?”

“My Grandpa died on Christmas Eve… when he died I lost the only one who understood me. Did I tell you he always called me ‘Hutch’ too?

“That’s why you didn’t want me to call you ‘Hutch’?”

Hutch shrugged his shoulders. “Think so…I was so shocked when I heard that name…and it hurts…Well, when Grandpa died my parents removed the decorated Christmas tree, the presents were locked away, and since that day Christmas wasn’t celebrated in my family. It was as if the day was erased from the calendar. I lost Christmas…”

“And now you found it?”

With a knowing smile he pointed with his head in the direction of the bed where Jack and Mara marveled at their newborn son, enjoying their luck in silence.

“I got the best Christmas gift in the world, and I’ll never forget it.”

“Then I don’t wanna know how you celebrate New Year’s Eve…”

Hutch burst out laughing.

“As long as I’m not alone…”

“I was worried about that! But first we have to take Mara and you to a hospital. I don’t like the idea of spending another night here in this cottage.”

“Well, I don’t think we can use one of our cars…”

“Any neighbors?”

“Some miles away, yes…”

“Terrific…Sounds like a long hike…”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Then let’s wait until dawn, and to be honest, I’m a little tired and could use some sleep.”

Hutch grinned broadly. “Too many surprises for one day for you, city boy?”

“Too many Christmas surprises for me I guess, and by the way I’m Jewish! And little Jewish boys need their sleep and sick boys too! So no more surprises for today, promise?”

“Promise…”

Hutch snuggled up under his cover and suppressed a yawn. “Hope you don’t snore…And Starsk…”

“Mmh..”

“Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas Hutch.”

Part Six

Growing

 The next morning a good friend of Ken Hutchinson’s grandfather, Bob Fuller and his son Daniel were checking their traps and passed Matthew Hutchinson’s hunting lodge. They were more than astonished when they discovered the footprints in the snow. They tried the door, found it unlocked and entered. Their breath faltered when they found two bloodied men lying beside the bed. But what shocked them even more were the woman and the man sleeping on the bed with a newborn child lying between them. Two obviously injured young men also sleeping or unconscious crouched on the ground and one of whom was well known to them.

Daniel immediately ran back to their horses, rode back to their house and called for an ambulances and police while his father took care of the two men and the couple with their baby.

Two hours later all victims were in the care of the hospital. Their body temperature was too low and they were exhausted, but nothing that a good hot meal, a warm bed and some rest couldn’t fix. Mother and child were fine, and the father was beyond proud of his little family. Starsky and Hutch were taken into surgery to stitch up their wounds and set their broken bones, but the doctors were certain that all their injuries would heal without complication. The next day a police officer came and took their statements and told them that Mayers and the red haired man were alive and in custody.

Two days later both were discharged from the hospital; Starsky still limping slightly, a big band aid over his right eyebrow, and Hutch with his right arm in a bulky white cast and resting in a sling. A patrol car drove them back to the station where the men’s cars were waiting. When they got out of the car and walked over to the parking lot, Hutch suddenly stopped. With great astonishment he stared at the car that was parked beside his old brown LTD.

“What on earth is that…please don’t tell me that’s your car…”

“Why? What’s wrong with the car?” Starsky asked surprised.

“It’s red…”

“Sure it’s red! It’s a red Torino. What’s your problem?”

“And it has a white stripe…”

“Yep! It’s cool, right?”

“I can’t drive the whole way back to L.A. in that car!”

“Why not?”

“Oh Starsk please…you can’t do that…”

“I can and so can you! Since you can’t drive with that cast on your arm we have to take my car, because I won’t drive that heap you call a vehicle! And since I gave the doctor my word that I’d take care of you the next few days, there’s nothing else you can do about it. Of course you could spend a few more days in the hospital if you like…”

“Shut up, will you? And it’s not a heap…it’s got character…” Hutch grumbled and with obvious dislike he opened the passenger side of the bright red Torino and got in.

“And mine’s a flash for every eye!” Starsky beamed and slid behind the steering wheel.

“Yeah…and I need sunglasses…” Hutch replied dryly. “And before you start thinking about even more ways to torture me…drive me back to L.A. and then you’re free to go, okay?”

“No…not okay! I told you, I gave the doctor my word, and I’m trained to hold my word, so you’re stuck with me, partner!”

“Partner?! Since when are we…”

“Since you were the only one who has the courage to tell me that you don’t like my car and because you’re the only one who will laugh at my bad jokes.” Starsky ascertained soberly.

“That’s all?”

“No…” He turned around and eyed him seriously. “Because I don’t have to hide my feelings in front of you. I can cry if I want, and I’m allowed to be afraid if I want and you don’t make fun of me.  You stay cool when I need to freak out. You tell me what to do. You said ‘Don’t let fear control you’. And I didn’t. I know that I can trust you.”

“It was my Grandpa…” Hutch mumbled.

“Sorry?”

“That sentence…my Grandpa told it to me when I was a little boy and at first I didn’t understand it. But when I started medical school, every time I thought I couldn’t do it I heard him saying it…and well, it helped me sometimes not to run away!”

“So, then I’ll tell it to you again: ‘Don’t run away!’ When I’m done with my training I want to have you as my partner. So don’t you dare give up your training now. Jenkins won’t dare to suspend you. We’ll make our graduation, together, whether Jenkins likes it or not. Me and Thee?”

For some minutes Hutch only stared at Starsky and tried to get his feelings under control.

Because he knew that Starsky was right.

Me and Thee…

Even if he couldn’t understand it yet, this curly-haired man with the dark blue eyes beside him was a match. They fit like pieces in a puzzle. He never had a friend, a best friend he could tell all his worries and hopes and after only three days this man knew more of him and his life than anyone else in Duluth.

And besides, he felt good about it. Because he knew that he could trust him too.

Me and Thee…

“Hutch…you still there?”

“Yeah…where else would I be?”

“Then you agree?”

“How long do I have to wear this damn cast?”

“Uh…the doctor said something about four or five weeks, why?”

“Well, since I’m right-handed and can’t prepare myself a sandwich or a decent meal and because I don’t want to starve and you’re the reason why I broke my arm, it should be for you a self-evident fact that you have to look after me.”

“I’m the reason? I’m the reason that you’re right-handed? This is the reason why we left-handed are so blessed!”

“Can lefties cook?”

“Sorry?”

“I asked if you’re blessed enough to cook?”

“You like pizza?”

“Uh…what about some vegetables?”

“Oh veggie pizza is also available!”

“That’s what I’m afraid of…”

“Hey take it easy, buddy; I bet you’ve got a lot of cook books to test, haven’t you? So I’ll take that as a yes!”

A wide grin spread over Hutch’s face. “Well, because I’m very curious and you already knew everything about me, you have to tell me everything about yourself. There’s no way I can work together with a man I know nothing more about other than that he’s a left-hander and Jewish. So we have 2,000 miles to uncover the mystery. All right?”

“2,000 miles is one hell of a damn long way… so be prepared for a damn boring trip!”

“Since I know you I’m prepared for everything but boredom! And don’t forget, New Year’s Eve is in three days. I would prefer not to spend that day somewhere between Duluth and L.A. but comfortably at home with a good meal and a bottle of red wine. So, have you lost your car key or what? ”

“A New Year’s Eve without surprises? I think I have to find myself a new partner…”

“Starsky.”

“Huh?

“Drive!”

And Starsky gunned the engine and a few minutes later the red-striped Torino disappeared in a cloud of dust.

The End…

…or to be continued?