Building the Trust

44

They’ve finished at the Academy and are about to become police officers. Hutch invites Starsky to visit him just after Christmas for a short holiday. A story about beginning to build the trust between them.

 

First published in the SHFAFF Euphoric Sentimentalism Countdown Calendar 2025.

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Against his better judgement, Starsky had agreed to spend a week in Duluth with Hutch, his relatively recently acquired friend. Starsky’s fleeting trepidation came from two things. One, the fact that he knew Minnesota in January was guaranteed to be freezing and he really didn’t like the cold. Years spent in California meant he now enjoyed experiencing weather that was warm and sunny most of the year round. Two, he hadn’t met Hutch’s parents yet and for some reason was nervous about it.

It was too late to back out now. They’d finished their training and were about to start out as patrol officers. This would be the only vacation they would have for quite a while so it was best to make the most of it. Besides, seeing how excited Hutch was when he said yes, he knew he had to make good on his promise. Hutch was so different from him in many ways and yet somehow at their cores they were exactly the same. If someone had asked him how he knew that, he wouldn’t have been able to explain it. He just knew.

Starsky’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the Tannoy system: “This is your Captain speaking. We are on final approach to Duluth Airport. It’s a chilly 14 degrees outside but the sun is shining. Local time is four PM.”

Starsky put his watch forward by two hours and peered out of the window, eager (and anxious) to see a new place. He could see from the window that the airport was surrounded by snow. He was certainly glad that he’d packed an extra sweater. Hutch must have had a snowy Christmas while he had enjoyed pleasant temperatures hovering around the sixties. He shivered slightly anticipating the cold he was about to walk into.

He wondered what Hutch’s parents were like. He knew that he wouldn’t meet Hutch’s sister as she would have headed back to college by now. The fact that she was studying out of state meant the Hutchinsons clearly had money and a certain level of education that put his own to shame. He knew Hutch was smart; not street smart like he was but academic smart. It showed in the way he talked and the way he answered questions in class. The trepidation Starsky had felt earlier returned but he did his best to ignore it. Sure, Hutch and his upbringing was very different but somehow none of that mattered. They had seen past all of that to the essentials like integrity, honesty and a sense of trust that was slowly starting to develop between them.

Once the plane had landed and the passengers had disembarked, Starsky went to collect his luggage then made his way through the Arrivals gate. He grinned as soon as he saw the blond head of his friend visible above most of the waiting crowd.

“Hey!”

“Hey, you made it.”

Starsky noted the thick coat and hat Hutch was wearing and opened his battered case and dug out his leather jacket. He slipped it on over the red sweater he already had on. Then he pulled a black, wooly hat from its pocket and tried to smother his curly hair. It just about cooperated.

“How was your Christmas?” Starsky asked, as he closed his case up again.

Hutch shrugged. “Fine. Yours?”

“It was good.”

“New sweater?”

“Yeah. From Aunt Rosie.”

“Looks warm. Good choice for Minnesota. You got any gloves on you?” Hutch asked, as they crossed the concourse.

Starsky shook his head.

“I figured you might not. Not much call for them in California.”

Hutch handed a pair of thickly lined, suede gloves to his friend and then pulled a second pair from his coat pocket.

“Thanks.”

Starsky quickly slipped his hands into the soft and warming gloves and tried to brace himself for going outside.

Hutch led the way to the exit. As he pushed open the door a blast of icy air hit Starsky, making him gasp in shock. Hutch relieved Starsky of his case, took his arm and steered him quickly towards a blue and white Chevrolet truck. He placed Starsky’s case in the back of the truck. Then he undid the passenger door so Starsky could get in. Hutch quickly climbed in on the driver’s side, started the engine and then they were on their way. The low sun was still shining, but the gathering clouds in the north looked heavy with snow and Starsky wondered how much more snow would fall.

“Nice Chevy. Guess you need a four wheel drive in this sort of weather.”

“Yeah, Dad got fed up with getting stuck in the snow so he bought this last year.”

“How much did he pay for it? What’s the engine size?” Starsky wanted to know.

“No idea. You’ll have to ask Dad.”

“You really don’t care a thing about cars, do ya?”

Hutch chuckled. “Nope.”

As they travelled away from the airport and along the streets of the city, Hutch pointed out buildings of interest. The roads grew wider and the residences larger. Eventually, they were driving along a street with long driveways leading up to very grand looking houses. Starsky wondered just how big the houses were going to get and which one was Hutch’s. He felt some nerves creeping into his stomach.

Suddenly, Starsky realised that he could see a large body of water ahead and pointed to it.

“Lake Superior,” Hutch informed him. “Our home overlooks the North Shore…and here we are.”

Hutch turned the truck into the driveway of a large property. Starsky’s eyes grew wide with amazement. The driveway went up the right hand side of the house and around to a front door. The building had clearly been built to make the most of the view, which even on a grey, snow covered day was arresting. Hutch drove the car past the front door, past a triple fronted garage building and parked to one side.

“We’ll head straight into the kitchen. Warmest room in the house and I bet you’re hungry,” Hutch said.

Starsky grinned. Hutch already knew him well and accepted him as he was.

“I could eat,” Starsky confirmed.

Hutch took Starsky’s case from the truck and carried it into the house. He left it in the hallway, near the stairs. Hutch pointed to a row of hooks hidden to the side of the staircase and Starsky hung his jacket up next to Hutch’s thick coat. Then Hutch led Starsky along to the kitchen, which was warm and filled with delicious smells. A lady was just placing cookies on a plate.

“Fresh baked cookies, Mister Ken. Chocolate chip just like you asked for.”

“Thank you, Violet,” Hutch said, with a bright smile. “You’re too kind. This is my friend, David Starsky. Starsky, our cook, Violet.”

“Pleased to meet ya,” Starsky said. Internally, he was reeling. Mister Ken. A cook. He felt totally out of his depth. Would he be expected to change for dinner? He certainly didn’t own anything smart. It had been a struggle to pay out for another pair of denims for the trip.

“Dig in, pal,” Hutch said, offering the plate of cookies. “Dinner won’t be for a couple of hours. You want a coffee?”

“Well, I…yes, thank you.”

Hutch went to check on the coffee pot but Violet spoke up: “Mister Ken. Your mother asked me to take some coffee up to the drawing room for all of you and asked that you take your guest along when you arrived. There’s a freshly made madeira cake waiting for you both. ”

“Oh, that sounds nice, Violet. Okay, Starsky. I guess we’d better go say hi to my mom,” Hutch said.

As they went to leave, Violet said, “The cookies will be in the blue tin if you want a snack later.”

Starsky and Hutch both flashed her a smile and nodded thank you. Starsky found his palms were sweating as he followed Hutch along the corridors to the drawing room.

Hutch slowed his steps and, as if sensing his friend’s rising nerves, said softly, “Mom’s a sweetheart. Just be yourself.”

As they walked into the room, notable for the art work on the walls and the upright piano in the corner, an elegant looking lady greeted them with a smile. She stood up and Starsky noted that she had the same slender build as her son, but was several inches shorter.

“Hello, you must be David. I’m Eisa Hutchinson.”

Starsky offered his hand but Eisa stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek before doing the same to Hutch. Then she settled back onto the sofa and began pouring coffee into the black and white china cups that were waiting on the tray in front of her.

“Milk, David?”

“No, thank you. But I’ll have two sugars, please.”

Eisa passed the cup to Starsky and then added milk to the other two cups before passing one to Hutch and keeping one for herself. She sliced the madeira cake and passed it and the plates to the both of them.

“So David, tell me a little about yourself. What are your interests?”

“Uhm cars. I guess cars are a passion of mine. And I collect old records.”

“Well, I know nothing about cars but my husband is interested in them. What kind of music do you like?”

“All sorts I guess but I like Fats Domino, Buddy Holly in particular…What about you?”

“Well, I like classical music but…I do love Glenn Miller.”

“Ah… Pennsylvania 6500,” Starsky intoned.

“Exactly.”

They smiled at each other.

“Any other hobbies, Eisa?”

“I love gardening. When you come again, I hope I can show you my garden. Unfortunately, this time of year there’s nothing to see except snow!”

“Did you grow up in Duluth?” Starsky asked.

“No, but I grew up not far away. What about you? Have you always lived in Bay City?”

“No, I’m from New York originally but I’ve been in California since my pop died.”

Eisa reached out and patted Starsky’s hand.

“Ken told me about that. I’m sorry. You were just a teenager, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“That must have been so hard for all of you.”

Starsky nodded and took a sip of coffee.

“Were you able to see your mother at Christmas?”

“No, but she called on Christmas Day and we had a long chat.”

Eisa hesitated and then asked, “What does your mother think about you becoming a police officer?”

“Mixed feelings…understandably.”

Eisa nodded and sipped her own coffee.

“Pride mixed with worry,” she said and then looked at her son.

Hutch gave her an understanding look and squeezed her hand.

“Don’t you worry, Eisa,” Starsky said. “You ain’t got nothing to worry about. Hutch is going to be a great officer and I will always look out for him.”

Eisa looked into Starsky’s eyes and nodded. “I believe you will. Thank you, David.”

Hutch put his cup back on the tray and stood up. “Come on. Let’s get you unpacked before dinner.”

Starsky finished his coffee and stood up. “Thanks for the coffee, Eisa. See ya later.”

He followed Hutch out of the room and along to the bottom of the staircase. Now that he’d met Hutch’s mother, he felt a little more at ease. He hoped Hutch’s father would be easy to get on with.

Hutch grabbed Starsky’s case and started ascending. His friend followed.

“Which wing am I in? North, South, East or West?” Starsky teased.

Hutch chuckled. “The house isn’t that big!”

“It ain’t that small either!” Starsky retorted.

*****

Even though Hutch assured him it wasn’t necessary, Starsky changed his clothes for dinner. It wasn’t that he felt obliged or intimidated, it was more that he wanted to show his respect to Hutch’s family and show his gratitude to his hosts. He put on his new pair of dark blue jeans and a smart red shirt. He wondered whether he should ask Hutch if he could borrow a tie but when Hutch came and knocked on his door, he saw his friend was wearing a smart green shirt, open at the collar, above his best pair of brown corduroy pants. Instantly, Starsky felt more at ease.

Hutch led the way to the dining room, in which there was a long walnut table that could easily seat fourteen people. The walls were covered with embossed wallpaper and the long curtains at the windows were made from deep red velvet material. Starsky swallowed. He was relieved to see that places were set at one end of the table and with the candlelight centerpiece, it did look almost cosy. The sight of more than one knife and fork had him a bit concerned; he decided he would watch Hutch carefully and see what cutlery he used and do the same.

He heard a sound behind them and Hutch’s parents walked into the room. Hutch’s father was wearing a very smart grey suit. He held out his hand.

“David. I’m Richard. I’m very glad to meet you. Ken has spoken of you very highly.”

“Thank you. It’s very nice to meet you,” Starsky responded. “You have a beautiful home. Thanks for allowing me to visit.”

“You’re very welcome.” Richard walked over to the cabinet where a set of decanters, small rounded ice bucket and glasses were set out. “I’m sure you’d like a drink. Whiskey?”

“Thank you, yes.”

“How’d do you prefer it?”

“Neat.”

Richard poured a generous helping for Starsky and then for himself. To his own glass he added ice. He looked at his son. “Ken?”

“I think I’ll just have wine, thanks Dad.”

Richard handed the neat whiskey to Starsky and indicated that they should sit down at the table. Starsky found himself with Hutch’s parents on either side of him and felt a little anxious. From the opposite side of the table, Hutch gave him a reassuring smile. Richard cleared his throat and Starsky braced himself for the grilling he felt sure was coming.

“So my son tells me you have a great interest in cars, especially ones with large engines. What would be your dream car?”

Starsky blinked with surprise and then his brain unfroze and he answered the question. Soon he and Richard were discussing the merits of various cars while Hutch and his mother listened with fond exasperation. The meal was served and the conversation ranged through a variety of topics. Starsky listened with interest and awe as Eisa and Richard told him about some of the places to which they had travelled; something he could only ever dream of doing. The evening passed quickly. There was only one slightly awkward moment when Richard expressed regret that his son had gone off to California, but a quick pleading look from Eisa and he had let the matter drop.

It was only much later that Starsky realized two things; one, he had used only one set of cutlery for the entire meal; and two, while the Hutchinson’s were clearly well-practiced hosts, Richard appeared once or twice as if he were just as anxious as Starsky to make a good impression.  Starsky felt a warm feeling inside as he considered the last fact. Clearly, Hutch’s parents realized that their growing friendship was important and that must mean it was as important to Hutch as it was to him.

After dinner, Starsky sat mesmerized as first Eisa and then Hutch played the piano. Eisa played some classical pieces that Starsky didn’t recognize but ended with a Glen Miller tune, which made him smile. Hutch played some folk tunes, but ended with something that sounded like Chopin, although Starsky couldn’t be sure. One thing he was sure of was that Hutch was a gifted pianist just like his mother. When he finished playing, Hutch glanced at his friend with a slightly embarrassed look on his face. Starsky just raised his glass in acknowledgment of Hutch’s talents and Hutch smiled.

*****

The following day, Hutch asked if he could borrow the Chevy again to go visit his grandfather’s farm. Soon, he and Starsky were on their way out of Duluth, heading along Highway 61. The view from the highway was spectacular. The winter sunshine was glinting on the water of the lake and reflecting from the snow; so much so it was almost blinding. Starsky could only imagine how everything would look in summer, but he knew it would be beautiful. Just before they reached Two Harbors, they turned off onto the County Road leading to Waldo and then up a smaller road that led to Silver Falls Farm.

As they climbed out of the truck, Starsky looked around with interest. The farmhouse had been built in a log cabin style and was clearly old. It was like nothing he’d ever seen in person before. He whistled.

“This farm’s belonged to my Mom’s family for five generations. My cousin, Brad, is running it now although Grandpa still likes to keep his hand in. The farm’s mainly arable but they keep a hundred Angus Cattle. We’re going to take the feed out to them today.”

“We are? I ain’t done nothing like that before.”

Hutch grinned. “Didn’t think you would have. I thought it might be fun to show you some real Minnesotan life.”

Just then the farmhouse door opened and a tall, silver-haired man stepped out onto the front porch and waved at them. They headed over to speak to him.

“Hey, Grandpa! This is my friend, Starsky. Starsky, this is Olaf Bergstrom.”

“Mr Bergstrom.” Starsky shook hands with the man.

“Call me Olaf. Any friend of Ken’s is family.”

“Well, thank you. Olaf.”

“Where’s Brad?” Hutch asked.

“In the barn, getting the feed and the trucks ready.”

“Okay, we’ll head out. See you later on for a proper catch-up.”

“You’d better,” Olaf warned. “I want to hear all about your training and your plans for the future.”

As the two of them headed over to the barn, Starsky asked, “Don’t the cattle have to come in for the winter?”

“No, as long as they have a windbreak and somewhere relatively dry to sleep, they do fine. When it’s cold like this they need extra calories so we’re going to go out with feed and fresh, dry bedding for them.”

They entered the barn and Starsky was introduced to Brad, who was fair haired and blue-eyed like his cousin. Clearly, the Scandinavian roots of the family were heavily impressed on the Bergstrom genes.

“Hi Starsky, good to meet you. Thanks for the offer of help today. The job will go a lot quicker with the three of us doing it.”

“You’re welcome.”

Starsky could see both trucks had chains on their wheels to help them grip onto the hilly terrain they were about to drive across. One truck was already loaded. Starsky and Hutch helped Brad finish loading the other one. Brad climbed in one vehicle and set off. Hutch handed Starsky the keys to the other one.

“You want to drive?”

“Yeah, okay. Thanks.”

The two of them climbed in and were soon following Brad up a narrow farm track to the upper expanse of the farm. They drove carefully and steadily on the slippery surface.

“I’m guessing you’ve spent a lot of time out here,” Starsky ventured. “You seem to know what you’re doing.”

“Yeah, parts of most vacations were spent out here helping my grandparents and cousins. Summers are great for camping and the winters are great for skiing and tobogganing. I do like it out here.”

“You ever thought about being a farmer?”

“Sometimes. I liked helping out in my vacations. I like being outdoors but I don’t think I could do this job every day or all year round. It takes a special sort of discipline.”

Starsky nodded. “I’ve only camped in the army and that wasn’t by choice…I’ve never been skiing. Guess the nearest I’ve got to tobogganing was riding a metal lid down a steep street in Brooklyn.”

“Well, tomorrow we can come out here again and try one of them if you like?”

“Maybe.”

“And in the summer I’ll take you camping.”

Starsky grimaced. “We’ll see. This city boy likes his creature comforts.”

Hutch laughed lightly. “Oh, I think I can persuade you to try camping.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, think of the tasty food cooked over a campfire and toasted marshmallows afterwards.”

Starsky snorted. “I can’t always be persuaded to do stuff by food, ya know.”

“Of course not. My mistake,” Hutch said, with a grin.

They’d reached the top fields and Starsky saw Brad pulling his truck over and leaping out to open a gate.

“You can drive right in once the gate is open,” Hutch said. “Head for that corner.”

Hutch pointed to the right; towards the wind break he had mentioned earlier. Cattle stood under the shelter, their breath visible in the cool morning air.

Starsky drove through the gate and bumped the truck over the frozen ground. He pulled up next to the shelter and turned off the engine. He didn’t say anything to Hutch as he climbed out of the truck, but he felt nervous getting this close to the cattle. They were huge animals and solidly built. He could imagine one of them could crush him if it chose to. Brad cleared away the older bedding so that the new could be put down.

Starsky helped Hutch undo the tailgate and they began to lift a bale of straw each. To Starsky’s amazement, Hutch gently pushed one animal out of the way and it didn’t protest. Starsky followed closely behind Hutch and helped spread out the bedding and then fill the troughs with feed. By the time they’d finished, he was feeling warmed through and physically stretched. He admired Brad for doing this kind of work day in and day out.

As Starsky drove the truck back down to the farm, he said to Hutch, “Thanks. I enjoyed that. Very different from anything I’ve done before.”

Hutch nodded and grinned. “Let’s go catch up with Grandpa and I’ll fix us some hot chocolate.”

“Sounds good.”

*****

Hutch, Olaf and Brad chatted in the way only close family can. Hutch and Starsky told Olaf and Brad about their training and what lay ahead of them and what their hopes were for the future. As Starsky sipped his hot chocolate, he grew contemplative. Hutch noticed and wondered what was on his friend’s mind but didn’t say anything. After a while, Brad said that he needed to go do some paperwork and Olaf decided to go and check on some young trees near the top fields. The two of them were left alone.

Starsky stared into his mug but was clearly seeing something Hutch couldn’t see.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked, nudging Starsky’s foot with his own.

“What? Oh, just remembering New York winters when I was a kid. I’d go out and have snowball fights with my friends and wouldn’t come in until I was frozen solid. Ma would always have a hot cup of cocoa waiting for me. We’d sit in front of the stove in the kitchen and talk while I thawed out. If my Pop wasn’t working, he’d join us.” Starsky smiled, his face a mixture of happiness and sadness as he remembered the past.

“What was your dad like?”

“He was tough but fair. He had a wicked sense of humour.”

“So that’s where it comes from,” Hutch teased.

Starsky grinned.

“What else do you remember about him?”

“His blue eyes…they always had a little twinkle in them, ya know. Like he was seeing the funny side of life no matter how bad it might seem.”

“Do you look like him?”

Starsky nodded. “Yeah. Same curly hair, same eyes, same nose. Ma always says I’m a carbon copy.”

“He’d be proud of you for following in his footsteps,” Hutch found himself observing.

Starsky swallowed and said gruffly, “Thanks.”

*****

Hutch looked in the mirror and combed his hair. He hoped this evening’s meal would go as well as last night’s had. He was grateful that his father had made the effort to get to know Starsky a little. Hutch had been delighted when Starsky had said he would come for a visit and then slightly anxious. He knew his father hadn’t been totally happy with his decision to move to Bay City or with his choice of career and worried that he might interrogate Starsky about it. But he seemed to be resigned to accepting it—if not for Hutch’s then for Eisa’s sake. He knew his father would do anything for his mother. He knew that it was also a point of pride with his father to always make any guest welcome and so perhaps it hadn’t been a surprise that his father was on his best behavior.

Hutch looked at the time. There was still half an hour before the time he had told Starsky to meet him in the library. He decided to go and seek out his father in his study and express his appreciation of his father welcoming their guest. He headed downstairs and along the corridor. He paused outside the door and then knocked, waiting to be invited in. Then he entered.

His father looked up from his papers and raised an eyebrow. “Ken?”

Hutch took a deep breath then said, “Before dinner, I just wanted to say thank you for welcoming Starsky here.”

His father looked bemused. “You’re welcome…What did you expect me to do? Interrogate him?”

“Uhm…”

His father sat back in his chair and sighed. “I know we don’t see eye to eye on your choice of career…and I know that we had some frank words before you left…but I hope that we can find some way to move forward. Starsky is—”

Hutch tensed, wondering what judgement his father might pronounce.

“—his own man. Reading between the lines, life has clearly not been easy but he’s making something of himself. I can admire that…I would like you to be doing something different, something less dangerous—” Hutch went to speak but Richard held up a hand. “—Let me finish…But if it’s what you want to do then…so be it. I’m not happy about it but I accept it.”

Hutch knew that the speech had been hard for his father and decided to meet him half way. “I know you wish I would choose something different but thank you for accepting my decision. That does mean a lot, Dad.”

Richard nodded and gave a small smile. “I’d better finish reading these papers before dinner. I’ll see you shortly.”

Hutch nodded back and left the room, breathing a sigh of relief. He hadn’t liked the way they had left things before he went off to the academy. He was glad that he had had the chance to clear the air. When he reached the end of the corridor, Starsky was just coming down the stairs.

“Hey. How about a drink before dinner?”

“Library first.”

Starsky grimaced. “Not sure I want to read something right now.”

Hutch grinned and grabbed Starsky’s arm, dragging him along the opposite corridor and then opening the door to the library. As they stepped in, Starsky half-whistled at the sight. All around the walls were shelves and shelves of books; more than he’d seen in his life, except in a public library. He wondered how many of them Hutch had read as he looked around. He saw that there were two heavy leather sofas (one at each end) of the room and in the middle there was a billiards table.

Hutch was already applying chalk to a cue as Starsky walked over to it.

“Loser buys lunch tomorrow,” Hutch said, as he handed Starsky a cue.

“You’re on.”

*****

Starsky yawned as he ate his breakfast.

“Tell me again why I have to get up so early when I’m on vacation?” he grumbled.

“So we can enjoy the snow while it’s nice and crisp,” Hutch said enthusiastically.

Starsky rolled his eyes, but finished eating and then stood up.

“How many layers do I need to put on?”

“I’ve got a jacket you can borrow and Brad has a pair of ski gloves that should fit you. Let’s go.”

“If I break a leg, I’m suing,” Starsky teased.

Hutch patted his back. “We’ll take it slow. You’ll have fun, I promise.”

They drove out once again to the family farm. Brad was out seeing to the livestock but had left a pair of ski gloves on the kitchen table with a note saying that he would be around later. Hutch took his friend to one of the barns and they collected skis and ski poles. They carried the equipment outside and walked a little way up a track to an open gate. The field inside was on a gentle slope.

“We’ll start here,” Hutch said. “There’s just enough slope to get you moving but you won’t go too fast.”

“I Hope you’re right.”

“Trust me.” This was said in a way that was only half a joke.

Starsky looked into Hutch’s eyes and nodded.

Hutch helped Starsky clip his feet into the skis then said, “First things first. I’ll teach you how to slow down and stop.”

Hutch explained carefully about using the wedge stop to slow down and demonstrated it. Then he got Starsky to try it out.

“Is this maneuver really called the pizza wedge or are you just making up names you think will appeal to me?” Starsky asked with a chuckle as he successfully came to a stop.

“Well, it can be called the snowplow or the wedge or the pizza stop. I just figured you’d listen better if I mentioned food.”

“Ha ha.”

“Now I’ll show you how to speed up and then slow down and how to turn.”

Patiently, Hutch demonstrated each manoeuvre. The two of them practiced for several minutes. Starsky fell over twice. Hutch explained how he should place his weight to keep his balance and Starsky slowly started to get the hang of it. Then Hutch suggested that they go further up the slope and ski down. Looking a little nervous, Starsky followed Hutch up the slope. He watched as Hutch skied down and came to an easy stop.

“Here goes nothing,” Starsky muttered under his breath.

He pushed off and started to slide. He concentrated hard on keeping his balance and even tried to pick up a little speed. Then he successfully slowed his forward momentum and came to a stop only a few yards from Hutch.

Hutch sidestepped over to him. “You’re a natural.”

“I don’t think so but I’m pretty pleased with how I’m doing.”

“Let’s do a few more practice runs and then we’ll walk up the track and have a go in one of the steeper fields.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. You can handle it.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am.”

They practiced for a while longer and then walked up to the top of the track. They stopped on the brow of the hill to admire the view. As they stood, they saw a group of three young boys dragging a toboggan up the track. As they came closer, Hutch recognized the older boy. There was another who looked like a smaller version, which must be his brother.

“Hello. Grayson, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir, Mister Hutchinson,” Grayson answered. “My mom asked Mr. Bergstrom if Billy, Zane and I could come up here and toboggan. He said it was okay.”

Hutch nodded. “Have fun.”

The boys tramped on over the brow of the hill and through a gate. Then they stopped, clearly preparing to slide from there down to the bottom of the field.

“Mister Hutchinson!” Starsky teased.

“Shut up, Starsky!”

They both grinned at each other as Hutch led the way through the gate to their right. Hutch reminded Starsky of what he’d learned so far and then told him they would ski down side by side so he could keep Starsky on track. No-one was more surprised than Starsky when he made it down to the bottom without falling over. They spent another half an hour skiing in greater zig-zags and higher speeds. Starsky enjoyed himself but started to get a little puffed.

“That’s probably enough for today,” Hutch said. “We can come out again tomorrow if you want to or if you’d rather do something else on your last day, we can.”

“Thanks Hutch,” Starsky said, as they unclipped their boots and started walking towards the gate. “I’ve really enjoyed this trip out here to see you and your folks. Never thought I’d be in a place like this or enjoy myself doing stuff like this. Not in a million years.”

Hutch grinned.

Suddenly, they heard a distant shouting. They looked around, scanning the surrounding countryside.

“Where did those kids go?” Starsky asked.

“Oh no!”

“What?”

“There’s a small pond in that area of woodland over there,” Hutch said, as he started running down the hill. “I hope they didn’t try skating on it!”

Starsky dropped his skis and ran after Hutch as fast as he could, soon catching up with his friend.

They raced to the bottom of the field and through a gap in the fencing into a small clump of trees. Ahead they could both see the frozen pond and two of the boys; Zane was running towards them shouting for help, Grayson was slithering his way across to the ice to where a hole had appeared. They saw a spluttering figure rise and then disappear again.

“Grayson! Stop right there! We’ll get Billy!” Hutch turned to the kid, who had now reached their side. “Zane, go to the farm and get help, hurry! Tell them to call for an ambulance!”

The small boy took off again running. Hutch realized that Starsky was no longer by his side and was doing what Grayson had been trying to do.

“Starsk, stop, don’t go any further!”

As Hutch alerted Starsky to the danger, there was an ominous cracking sound and Starsky disappeared into the icy water. Hutch fought every instinct to run and instead dropped one ski and then walked slowly and carefully out onto the ice, only stepping where he could judge by the colour that it was thick enough to do so. Starsky’s head came into view and he saw his friend gasp for breath. However instead of trying to get out, he turned to see if he could see the boy who had gone in. Billy popped up again briefly and then disappeared once again. Starsky struck out for where he’d seen him go down and ducked under the icy water to try and find the boy.

Hutch dropped to his knees and crawled towards the hole. When he got closer, he used the ski to help spread his weight across the ice. Starsky bobbed back into sight, holding the boy in his arms. Starsky’s face was pale and Hutch could see his lips were drained of colour. Billy’s lips were turning blue.

“H-Hutch,” Starsky stammered with the cold, “I d-don’t think he’s b-breathing.”

Starsky struggled to raise the kid so that Hutch could grab hold of the small body. It took several attempts, but suddenly Hutch had hold of him.

He looked Starsky in the eyes and said, “I’ll be back. Don’t try and climb out. Hold onto the ski.”

He slid the ski toward Starsky so that it spanned a slight curve in the ice. Starsky looked at him with fear but also a sense of trust. He nodded as he wrapped an arm around the ski and held on. Hutch slid backwards across the ice. As Hutch neared the edge of the pond, he shouted to Grayson, who came hurrying forward to help him carry his brother onto firm ground.

Fighting every fiber that wanted to go back and get Starsky out, Hutch first checked the boy’s breathing, which as he’d feared had stopped. He checked the boy’s airway was clear and then began to do CPR. Fortunately, it took only three breaths and the boy started spluttering water out of his mouth. Hutch turned him on his side and called to Grayson.

“Hold him like this so the water keeps draining away,” he instructed. “I gotta go get Starsky.”

As he slithered his way back across the ice, he heard the distant wail of a siren and felt some relief. He could see Starsky was struggling to stay up in the water. He grabbed the other ski and slithered forwards.

“I’m coming, Starsk, just hang on.”

Hutch dropped to his knees, using the ski once again for weight distribution. He got as close to the hole as he dared.

“Can you lift yourself up?”

Starsky tried but his energy was depleted.

“Try again! Come on, Starsky, you can do it.”

As Starsky made a huge effort to push down on the ski and lift himself up, the ice started to make cracking noises. Quickly, Hutch stretched out and grabbed hold of Starsky’s jacket and tried to physically haul him out of the water. He got a grip on him, but couldn’t pull him all the way out. He heard the sound of snow mobiles approaching and voices calling.

“G-Get me out, Hutch. I c-can’t f-feel anything n-no more. I’m s-so c-cold.”

“Help’s on the way. I’ve got you and I’m not letting go. We’ll get you warmed up real soon.” Hutch turned his head to the side and yelled, “Need some help over here!”

Within a moment, Brad was stretched out beside him. He reached towards Starsky and gripped his jacket firmly then pulled as hard as he could. Starsky slipped out of the water. Hutch and Brad slid backwards, pulling Starsky with them. Starsky was totally exhausted and closed his eyes, just letting them drag him wherever they wanted.

When they were back on the shore line, a paramedic came over, saying, “We need to get the kid to hospital. Is your friend conscious? Can he walk?”

“I’m c-conscious,” Starsky said, teeth chattering rapidly. He opened his eyes and looked around. He was very glad to see Billy was on his feet, albeit being held onto by his brother.

Grayson waved at him and said, “Thank you.”

Starsky nodded and tuned into the conversation that was going on above him.

“I can take one paramedic and Starsky on my snow mobile,” Brad suggested.  “Grandpa can take Billy and the other paramedic on his and then I can come back for Grayson and you, Hutch.”

“We can start walking,” Hutch said. Grayson nodded.

Hutch helped Brad get Billy and the paramedic onto the snow mobile behind their grandfather and watched as Olaf drove his precious cargo slowly up the hill. Then Brad hurried over to the other snow mobile. The paramedic and Starsky climbed on behind him. He drove away steadily, knowing that Starsky was barely able to stay upright, let alone hold onto him.

Hutch and Grayson set off at steady pace following the procession of vehicles.

“You saved Billy’s life,” Grayson said.

“No, Starsky did. I just helped.”

“Well, you both saved him. Thank you!”

Hutch nodded.

By the time they reached the farm, he could hear Starsky protesting as much as his chattering teeth would allow that he was all right and didn’t need to go to hospital.

The paramedic spoke to Hutch: “I’d like to ask another crew to come out and take your friend in to be checked out at the hospital. I’m worried about hypothermia. At the very least you need to start getting him warmed up as quick as you can.”

Starsky refused to go in and Hutch took pity on him. The paramedics gave him advice on how to best warm Starsky up. They gave dire warnings that if his condition deteriorated Hutch should bring him in.

As the paramedics left, Grayson’s family arrived. Hutch left Olaf and Brad explaining what had happened while he aided his friend into the farmhouse. Hutch gathered some large towels while Starsky stood in front of the stove and started trying to get out of his wet clothes. Hutch came back and stripped off his soaking wet jacket, allowing it to drop in a heap on the hearth then he reached out to help Starsky.

“Come here, let me do that.”

Starsky stood, shivering and totally exhausted as Hutch stripped all the soggy clothing from him and then wrapped him in two large towels. Starsky was too cold and too tired to be embarrassed. Hutch pushed his listless friend into a chair and started drying his hair with another towel. Starsky was mute with exhaustion.

Suddenly filled with emotion, Hutch whispered, “You did good, Starsk.”

Starsky nodded.

The outer door opened and Olaf and Brad came in.

“How’s he doing?”

“Okay, I think. He’s dry at least.” Hutch checked the back of Starsky’s neck. “He’s still pretty cold. We’ve got to get him warmed up.”

“I’ll warm some soup and put some water on to heat up. Brad, find the hot water bottles.” Olaf did as he’d said and then turned to Hutch, who was still hovering around Starsky. “Hutch, go get out of those wet clothes into something dry and warm. Brad’s got things you can borrow.”

Hutch hesitated.

“I’ll watch, Starsky,” Brad offered. “Bring a set of clothes and a pair of thick socks back with you for him.”

Hutch nodded and headed off to Brad’s room, taking a towel with him. He quickly stripped off, dried himself and got dressed in an old pair of jeans, a thick shirt and a sweater. Then he found a t-shirt and some soft pants for Starsky. He hurried back. Starsky was looking a better colour. He had his hands wrapped around a mug of soup and was taking cautious sips.

“As soon as you’ve finished that soup, we’ll get you dressed and then into a warm bed,” Olaf said. He finished filling the hot water bottles and then took them through to his own room.

Fighting a yawn, Starsky said, “I’m sure I can make it back to your parents’ house if you want to head home, Hutch.”

Hutch shook his head. “You need to rest and get warmed through before you go out in the cold again. How are your hands?”

Starsky showed them to Hutch one at a time. He couldn’t see any sign of frostbite. He knelt down.

“Let’s check your feet.”

Starsky was too tired to protest as Hutch checked his feet for frost bite and then slipped thick socks over them. He finished his soup and went to stand up.

“Steady,” Hutch said, “Let me help you.”

He assisted his friend into his grandfather’s bedroom. Brad followed with the pile of fresh clothes.

“You want help getting dressed?” Hutch asked.

Starsky shook his head. “No, I can manage.”

“Okay. Get dressed, get under the covers and get some rest.”

Starsky softly chuckled as he said, “You sound like my mother.”

Hutch snorted. “I’ll leave you to it but I’ll be back to check on you in half an hour.”

Starsky nodded.

Once the door was shut, Starsky quickly dressed in the clothes he’d been given and then slipped into the warm bed. He felt the heat gradually seep into his body and his teeth stopped chattering. He relaxed and started to doze.

By the time Hutch came in to check on him, Starsky was fast asleep. Hutch could see his friend’s skin colour had returned to normal but just to be sure he slipped his hand gently under Starsky to feel how warm his neck was. Satisfied, he nodded to himself.

As he looked down at his sleeping friend, he nodded and then shook his head. There was no doubting his friend’s bravery. He would just have to watch out in the future that Starsky didn’t rush into action when he didn’t have all the facts to hand. But at least there was future to look forward to for both of them and Billy had a future to look forward to as well. Hutch smiled with satisfaction and then quietly left the room.

*****

As they drove to the airport, Starsky contemplated his friend out of the corner of his eye. The two of them had spent their final day together having fun and also going to see Billy in the hospital. Grayson and Billy’s parents had thanked them effusively and they’d both been slightly embarrassed by all the attention, but Starsky had been aware that Hutch seemed a little subdued. He didn’t want to leave his friend stewing over whatever was on his mind.

“Hutch?”

“Hmm.”

“What’s on your mind?”

Hutch glanced at him and then looked back at the road. “What makes you think there’s something on my mind?”

“’Cause you’ve gone quiet and I can see you’ve got something rattling around that brain of yours,” he said.

They pulled into the airport parking lot and Hutch switched off the engine.

“I’m sorry that you got hurt while you were visiting me. Some vacation, huh?”

Starsky frowned. “I didn’t get hurt. Not really.”

“You know what I mean. I’m sorry your life got put in danger.”

Starsky shrugged. “I figure it’s a good thing I was here and we were out skiing. If we hadn’t been and those boys had gone to that pond…Well, things might have turned out differently.”

Hutch blinked. “I hadn’t considered that.”

Starsky reached out and place a hand on his friend’s arm. “Too busy feeling guilty about leaving me in that icy water while you looked after the kid.”

Hutch looked away.

“You made the right call, Hutch. I was strong enough to hold on. The kid would be dead if you hadn’t started CPR immediately.”

Hutch turned back and searched Starsky’s eyes. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Hutch smiled and seemed to relax. His voice had a teasing tone in it when he said, “I was thinking it would be good to be partnered with you when we make detective, but now I’m wondering if I’m going to be dashing into situations to save your sorry behind when you rush in without thinking! You should never have run onto the ice.”

“Live and learn,” Starsky grinned. “You’ll teach me a thing or two, I’ll teach you some things too. I’d say we’d make a great team.”

Hutch nodded.

They both climbed out of the truck and retrieved Starsky’s case. Then they headed into the airport and found out where Starsky needed to go to check in. Starsky placed his case down on the floor and held out his hand.

“Well, I guess it’s goodbye till Monday. See you at roll call.”

Hutch hesitated and then, ignoring Starsky’s proffered hand, pulled him into a bear hug.

“Stay out of trouble until Monday,” he said.

“You know me,” Starsky replied.

Hutch pulled back. “Yes, I do. That’s why I said stay out of trouble!”

Starsky grinned and picked up his case.

“See ya Monday, Blintz.”

“Blintz? Why Blintz?”

Starsky shrugged.

He grinned at Hutch and then spun around and headed towards the check-in. Hutch smiled as he watched him go then he walked out to the waiting Chevy.

“Blintz,” he murmured to himself with half a smile. He knew he would have to think of a good nickname for Starsky before Monday. It wouldn’t do to leave his friend ahead on that front, or any front. Their friendship was all about equal balance – even in nicknames.