{"id":183,"date":"2016-12-11T06:38:41","date_gmt":"2016-12-11T06:38:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/?p=183"},"modified":"2016-12-11T06:38:41","modified_gmt":"2016-12-11T06:38:41","slug":"december-11th-delayed-by-dppatricks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/?p=183","title":{"rendered":"December 11th- Delayed by DPPatricks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Author’s Note:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>This story spring boarded itself from all the problems I experienced getting home from SHareCon. If you enjoy reading it, I\u2019m happy. Let\u2019s all continue to keep Starsky and Hutch alive! Merry Christmas, everyone!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope we get there in time,\u201d Starsky growled. \u201cI hate these delays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRelax, Starsky,\u201d Hutch responded, attempting to soothe his agitated partner. \u201cWe probably have a tail wind so maybe the pilot can make up some time and we\u2019ll only be an hour or so late. Your mom knows flight schedules are approximate. She won\u2019t start dinner without you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWithout us, you mean,\u201d Starsky pointed out, cocking an eyebrow. \u201cShe made me promise not to leave you behind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs if you could,\u201d Hutch muttered under his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr would,\u201d Starsky countered, plainly having heard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, buddy!\u201d Hutch nodded out the window next to Starsky\u2019s arm. \u201cThat river\u2019s wide enough to be the Mississippi. We\u2019ll be there in no time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch\u2026\u201d Starsky sounded exasperated, \u201cThe Big Muddy is only a little over half way. We\u2019ve still got at least two hours!\u201d He crushed his empty Styrofoam coffee cup. \u201cI hate<\/em> delays!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo thirds,\u201d Hutch remarked, quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mississippi is two thirds of the way between Bay City and New York,\u201d Hutch explained, patiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Starsky replied, grudgingly. \u201cSixty-six percent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled, willing giving Starsky the final word.<\/span><\/p>\n

A long-fingered hand reached across Hutch and gently took the mangled cup from Starsky. \u201cMay I bring you another cup of coffee, sir? Perhaps one in a more sturdy container?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky glanced up at the pretty stewardess leaning over them. Color began to creep up his neck and onto his cheeks. \u201cOh\u2026 uh, yeah, I guess so.\u201d He grinned, sheepishly. \u201cLooks like I kinda wrecked that one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least it appears to have been empty at the time.\u201d She smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s my partner, Hutch thought, charms them even when they\u2019re supposed to be immune to passengers\u2019 flirtations. He smiled at the pretty lady himself. \u201cTwo please, miss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When she was gone, Hutch put a hand lightly on Starsky\u2019s arm. \u201cTry to relax, Starsk. I know you\u2019re afraid all your relatives are going to want to hear every grisly detail about the shooting. If I know your mom though, she\u2019ll run pretty good interference and make sure nobody pushes too hard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky patted his hand. \u201cYou\u2019re right, she will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The flight attendant came back with two steaming mugs she\u2019d obviously snitched from first class. Putting them down on their tray tables, she leaned over while taking envelopes of powdered creamer and packets of sugar out of her pocket. \u201cListen, guys,\u201d she began, very softly. \u201cVera says you\u2019re cops.\u201d She looked at each of them. \u201cIs that true?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch cast a quick look at his partner before he nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d the stewardess, whose name tag read, \u2018Sonya,\u2019 went on, warily, \u201cI don\u2019t know what you can do, but I\u2019m worried about a lady two rows in front of you, on the other side. She\u2019s been crying ever since we took off and\u2026\u201d She lowered her voice even more. \u201c\u2026 she keeps her hand in the big purse on her lap… I think she might have a gun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sat up straighter and out of the corner of his eye, saw Starsky do the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you told the captain?\u201d Hutch knew that should be the first step.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Sonya glanced around, tense, but in control. \u201cHe said that unless I\u2019m ready to declare an emergency, there\u2019s nothing he can do. He has<\/em> locked the door to the flight deck though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d Starsky conferred silently with Hutch for a few seconds, before he posed the next major question. \u201cWhere\u2019s this person sitting?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwelve E, the window seat. The two places next to her are empty,\u201d Sonya told them. \u201cThere was a man in the aisle seat but an hour ago he asked Vera if he could move, because she was making him nervous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he now?\u201d Starsky asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe put him near the rear exit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Hutch commented, softly. \u201cWhat about the rows in front and in back of her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo passengers in each, window and aisle.\u201d Having told someone else of her concerns, Sonya seemed to have settled a little.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe two behind shouldn\u2019t be a problem,\u201d Starsky noted. \u201cCan you move them, too? Without alerting the woman?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she decided. \u201cI\u2019ll get Vera and Marsha to help. We\u2019ll be very quiet. \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClear at least three rows behind her if you can,\u201d Hutch suggested. \u201cThe two in front could be difficult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot Mr. Itkin,\u201d she said, brightly. \u201cWe know him, he flies with us all the time. I\u2019ll invite him, completely against regulations of course, to join me in our stew\u2019s cubbyhole behind First Class. He\u2019ll jump at the chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky smiled his crooked grin. \u201cAh, the Mile High Club?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She blushed scarlet. \u201cNothing like that, sir. I would never\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s teasing you, Sonya,\u201d Hutch interrupted, scowling exaggeratedly at Starsky. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to forgive my partner\u2019s inappropriate humor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky put on a classic hang-dog face. \u201cMy apologies, Miss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She straightened up and smoothed her skirt. \u201cAccepted.\u201d Placing a few more sugar packets on Hutch\u2019s tray table, she looked at him, concerned again. \u201cWhat should I do about the woman sitting in front of Miss Manchester.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that the crying lady?\u201d Starsky inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Sonya glanced over her shoulder and straightened up quickly, making room in the aisle for a passenger on his way to the rear of the plane.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he was far enough away, she leaned back over and placed more creamer packets on Hutch\u2019s tray table. \u201cMarilyn Manchester is the name on the passenger list,\u201d she finished.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll help. Thanks.\u201d Hutch checked silently with Starsky again before turning back to the attendant. \u201cCan you bring the woman sitting in Eleven E a cup of coffee? And write a note on the napkin asking her to please quietly visit the forward lavatory? And tell her to stay there!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can do that,\u201d Sonya stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInform the captain about what\u2019s going on,\u201d Starsky added, \u201cand why the plane\u2019ll be tail heavy for a while. Tell him Hutch and I are going to try and talk to Miss Manchester. If something happens, he won\u2019t be completely surprised.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Sonya agreed. \u201cThis is going to take a little time so I\u2019d better get started.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee if the three of you can get the people behind Miss Manchester moved as quickly and quietly as possible,\u201d Hutch suggested. \u201cTake your time with the two in front of her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the ones on this side of the aisle,\u201d she asked. \u201cShould I move them, too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky shook his head. \u201cToo much chance she\u2019ll notice and get spooked. Hutch and I\u2019ll do our best to block that half of the plane.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re putting yourselves in possible jeopardy,\u201d Sonya pointed out, wonderingly, \u201cbased solely on my worries?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch and Starsky shrugged simultaneously and Hutch had to smile. \u201cIt\u2019s what we do, Sonya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She reached down and put a hand on his arm. \u201cThank you.\u201d She tried to smile but it wasn\u2019t very successful. \u201cNo matter what, thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Donning a mask of calm pleasantry, she turned and began to speak, sotto voce, to the passengers across from them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you want to handle this, Starsk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGonna have to play it by ear, I guess,\u201d Starsky mused. \u201cBut I think I should be the one to talk to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you?\u201d Hutch felt his hackles rising protectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI died, Hutch,\u201d Starsky said, factually, causing Hutch to flinch. \u201cI think that qualifies me as having a pretty good perspective on how bad things can get.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch blew out a breath. \u201cI can\u2019t argue with that. But I don\u2019t have to like it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t,\u201d Starsky agreed, smiling, \u201cyou just have to back me up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Wordlessly, Hutch drank his coffee, noticing that, although Starsky held the mug to his mouth, he didn\u2019t swallow. Getting himself into a frame of mind to talk to a conceivably suicidal or murderous female, Hutch figured. He left him alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three stewardesses moved people unobtrusively farther back in the plane. It took a while, since they were careful not to frighten anyone and to make the moves silently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sonya delivered a cup, with napkin, to the lady sitting in the right side window seat, three rows up. Rather than move away immediately though, she flirted with Mr. Itkin for a minute before walking to her compartment behind First Class.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to hide a grin, Itkin got up and followed her.<\/span><\/p>\n

After another moment, the woman from the window seat went to the restroom directly across from Sonya\u2019s alcove. The \u2018occupied\u2019 sign on the bulkhead lit up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch reached across the aisle and let down the tray table. Taking Starsky\u2019s mug he put it, and his, on the flat surface, along with all the sugar and creamer packets they hadn\u2019t used. He and Starsky snapped their tables into place.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo time like the present, I guess,\u201d Hutch whispered, tensely.<\/span><\/p>\n

He moved, as if to get up, but stopped and stared into his best friend\u2019s startled eyes. Needing to elicit Starsky\u2019s promise not to do anything too crazy, he took a breath, and discovered he didn\u2019t have to say a word.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky answered his imploring gaze with a small nod, and a silent vow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Content that they\u2019d both do everything they could, without being stupid, Hutch got up. He moved forward casually until he was beside the now-vacant row in front of Miss Manchester. He sat on the arm of Eleven C, as if waiting for the lavatory, his long legs, bent and crossed at the ankles, taking up the entire aisle. A few of the passengers he was facing glanced at him and he spread his fingers in a calm gesture, bestowing his most competent smile on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky crawled out of his seat and walked up to Hutch. Patting his arm lightly, he sat down in Twelve C.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marilyn Manchester stiffened but didn\u2019t look at Starsky. She kept her right hand stuffed deeply in her oversize purse while her left held a very wet handkerchief to her nose. Her face was turned away, forehead pressed against the window, but Hutch could see, looking over his shoulder, that the visible cheek was flushed, the eye red and swollen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch caught Starsky\u2019s eyes and did his best to convey all his support and trust.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky nodded and turned to the lady. \u201cMarilyn?\u201d Starsky asked, softly. \u201cIs that your name? Marilyn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman moved only enough to turn her head and look at him. \u201cHow did you know that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky smiled. \u201cI cannot tell a lie,\u201d he quoted, winningly. \u201cThe stewardess told me.\u201d He put his hands out, soothingly. \u201cShe\u2019s worried about you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Suddenly, she half rose to her feet, scrunched against the window under the overhead luggage bin, and looked around the plane. The purse slid to the floor exposing her right hand, which was holding what appeared to be a police service revolver. \u201cIs everyone afraid of me?\u201d Her voice was strained and cracking. \u201cIs that why they\u2019ve all moved away?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Starsky replied, calmly. He gestured, non-threateningly, toward the gun. \u201cDo they have good reason?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Visibly deflating, she sagged back into her seat, gripping the weapon in a shaky hand. \u201cI don\u2019t want to hurt anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch moved his legs to the side and motioned for the passengers who had seen the gun and heard the words to get up quietly and move to the back. Vera and Marsha were waiting to take charge of them. Thankfully, no one panicked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you give me the gun?\u201d Starsky held out his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

She jerked it up next to her face. \u201cNo! I can\u2019t let you take away the only thing I have of my father\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch caught Starsky\u2019s sharp look and they both drew the conclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour dad a cop?\u201d Starsky asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tears flowed again and she didn\u2019t attempt to stop them. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a cop,\u201d Starsky told her. \u201cSo\u2019s my partner.\u201d He nodded at Hutch, who half turned so that he could look directly at Starsky now. \u201cHis name\u2019s Ken. Mine\u2019s Dave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to hurt you either.\u201d She continued to cry, softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Starsky soothed. He nodded toward the gun. \u201cIs it loaded?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think so.\u201d She lowered it a little and peered at it. \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know,\u201d Starsky went on, reasonably, \u201cthat carrying a loaded gun aboard a commercial aircraft is a federal offense?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she whispered. \u201cOh God, I\u2019m in trouble, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s try to make it not very much trouble.\u201d He smiled, gently. \u201cOkay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d she agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant to tell me why you\u2019re crying?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead,\u201d she choked, lowering the gun back into her lap.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch locked eyes with Starsky before turning to Marilyn. \u201cYour dad was Ernie Manchester?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Surprise interrupted her tears. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked intently at Hutch while saying exactly what Hutch was thinking: \u201cMonday, last week, Fifteenth Precinct, a routine disturbance call, shots fired.\u201d He turned to Marilyn. \u201cHis partner took a bullet in the leg but your father was killed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she repeated, devastated. \u201cHe was all I had.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that\u2019s not true, Miss Manchester,\u201d Hutch offered, gently. \u201cThere must be someone else. Someone who can help you get through this. Family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head. \u201cNo family. But\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026?\u201d Starsky urged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have one friend. I\u2019m flying to see him.\u201d She said it so quietly Hutch had to strain to hear her over the roar of the engines. \u201cHe paid for my ticket, asked me to come. Only\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly what, Marilyn?\u201d Starsky asked, persuasively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just a friend,\u201d she finished.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFriends are important, Marilyn,\u201d Starsky told her, gently. He leaned toward her, putting his right hand, fingers spread, on the seat between them. \u201cSometimes even more important than family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her expression turned cold and she stared daggers at him. \u201cHow would you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky glanced up at Hutch again before turning back to her. \u201cMy<\/em> friend brought me back from death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Disbelief was plain on her tear-streaked face. \u201cThat\u2019s not possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d Starsky assured her. \u201cMy heart had stopped, I was clinically dead.\u201d He cocked his head toward Hutch but didn\u2019t take his eyes off the girl. \u201cMy partner, my best friend, wouldn\u2019t let me stay that way though. He rushed into the hospital and made my heart start beating again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked wonderingly at Hutch. \u201cIs that true?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI honestly don\u2019t know if I had anything to do with it, ma\u2019am,\u201d Hutch said, self-deprecatingly. \u201cAll I know is that he\u2019s the best friend I\u2019ve ever had or ever will have. I didn\u2019t want him to die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did die,\u201d Starsky added, \u201cbut I came back. For my friend.\u201d He extended his hand until it was resting gently on top of hers, the one holding the gun. \u201cSometimes, Marilyn, you can lose so much you don\u2019t know where to turn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch caught another soul-deep glance and sent it back, doubled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUntil\u2026\u201d Starsky continued, concentrating again on the woman who had now stopped crying. \u201c\u2026 you realize that someone\u2019s been there all along. Right next to you. Your friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d she said, uncertainly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive him a chance, Miss Manchester,\u201d Hutch pleaded. \u201cHe knows what you\u2019re going through. He asked you to come to New York. He may simply be waiting for you to suggest taking your friendship to the next level.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think so?\u201d She clearly wanted to believe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNext levels are scary, Marilyn.\u201d Starsky gently took the gun out of her stiff fingers. \u201cBut if you don\u2019t give it a try, you\u2019ll never know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch surreptitiously took the gun from Starsky and carefully broke it open. Thankfully, the cylinder was empty. He closed it and stuck it in the back of his jeans. Turning toward the front, he gestured to Sonya who approached cautiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

He stood up and turned his back to Starsky and the woman, keeping his voice down. \u201cGet everyone seated again but leave a few rows around us vacant, if you can. Tell the captain we don\u2019t think she\u2019s going to cause trouble now, but we\u2019ll stay with her until we land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Sonya moved past him toward the rear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your friend\u2019s name, Miss Manchester?\u201d Hutch asked, sitting again on the arm of Eleven C.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKevin,\u201d she replied, softly. \u201cKevin Stoddard. He was going to meet the plane but we\u2019re so late now he may not have waited.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019ll bet he has,\u201d Hutch told her, kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaving Starsky to sit quietly with the woman, Hutch moved through the people being directed into new seats and supplied with complimentary beverages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sonya was in the rear galley, restocking the service cart with a rack of tiny liquor bottles, cans of soda and juice, bags of ice, stacks of small plastic cups, napkins, stirrers and snack packets.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch pulled the revolver out of the back of his belt and was relieved to see that she didn\u2019t show undue fear. \u201cDo you have a secure place to keep this until we\u2019re on the ground?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d she glanced around the tiny space. \u201cThe emergency equipment locker?\u201d Taking a key ring out of her pocket, she selected one and opened a compartment next to the exit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect.\u201d Hutch put the weapon inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

She re-locked the small door and dropped the keys back in her pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you ask the captain to have Kevin Stoddard paged?\u201d Hutch requested. \u201cHe should be somewhere around the arrival gate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKevin Stoddard?\u201d She took out a napkin and wrote the name. \u201cSpelled like it sounds?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably. If he\u2019s left the airport,\u201d Hutch continued, \u201chave someone find him and bring him back. Police will need to be there, too, but please ask them to let Kevin greet her, first. My partner and I don\u2019t think Miss Manchester\u2019s going to cause any more problems but he needs to be there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of it,\u201d Sonya assured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe may have to be taken into custody,\u201d Hutch went on, thinking out loud, \u201cbut that\u2019ll be up to the cops, and maybe the FBI or ATF. Starsky and I\u2019ll hang around, make sure they know she never threatened anyone. It\u2019s possible they\u2019ll just confiscate the weapon and keep an eye on her for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He ran his fingers through his hair, finally allowing himself to relax. \u201cIf the Feds decide they want to press charges, my partner and I\u2019ll do our best to dissuade them. Hopefully counseling, and Kevin\u2019s support, will be all she\u2019ll need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Sonya said, sincerely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlad we could help,\u201d Hutch replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaving her to communicate with the captain, Hutch made his way back up to row Twelve. Starsky had moved over to the middle seat and was holding Marilyn\u2019s hand on the armrest. She was staring out the window.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sat down next to him and Starsky leaned against his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vera walked past, knocked softly on the door to the lavatory and, when it opened, escorted the lady from Eleven E into First Class.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe ought to call Ma as soon as we can find a phone,\u201d Starsky said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Hutch agreed. \u201cThis is going to put us even later than we thought.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPot roast keeps though, right?\u201d Starsky grinned his patented crooked smile. \u201cMaybe even better the next day?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t be that late, Starsk,\u201d Hutch responded, matching his partner\u2019s attempt at levity. \u201cAnd just think, your relatives will probably be so soused by the time we get there they won\u2019t be able to put two questions together. You could spend the whole visit telling and re-telling your heroics from today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur<\/em> heroics, buddy,\u201d Starsky corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one who did all the talking, pal,\u201d Hutch stated. \u201cI was only there as backup.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you were<\/strong><\/em> there, Hutch.\u201d Starsky\u2019s heart was in his voice. \u201cYou\u2019re always there. You helped me figure out what to say to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo I didn\u2019t,\u201d Hutch disagreed. \u201cYou were on her wavelength the minute you sat down. She was in the palm of your hand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur hands,\u201d Starsky amended, his lop-sided smile widening. \u201cMaybe we should start an insurance company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch chuckled and settled back to wait out the rest of the seemingly interminable delayed flight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eventually, the \u2018fasten seat belt\u2019 sign came on and the announcement was made about tray tables and seat backs. Starsky helped Marilyn get her belt fastened before he and Hutch buckled up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan we take the train home, Hutch?\u201d Starsky asked, sounding serious. \u201cOr Greyhound? Rent a car and drive, maybe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this about, Starsk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really hate flying now,\u201d Starsky responded, sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch laughed lightly and patted his partner\u2019s knee. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it. If Dobey can do without us for an extra week or so, the idea of driving sounds awfully good to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky leaned back, happily and closed his eyes. \u201cSee\u2026 the\u2026 USA\u2026 in your Chevrolet\u2026\u201d he sang softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled and joined him for the next line, \u201cAmerica is asking you to call\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A distraught woman<\/span><\/p>\n

A plane full of scared people<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky does his thing<\/span><\/p>\n

END<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Author’s Note:\u00a0\u00a0This story spring boarded itself from all the problems I experienced getting home from SHareCon. If you enjoy reading it, I\u2019m happy. Let\u2019s all continue to keep Starsky and Hutch alive! Merry Christmas, everyone! \u201cI hope we get there … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-gen"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=183"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/183\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":206,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/183\/revisions\/206"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}