From the Past

739

Set twelve years after the end of the series, this story reunites S&H in Las Vegas where Starsky has been summoned to interview for a job.

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If he had lived to be 100, he never would have forgotten that voice from the past. Though twelve years had passed since he last had heard it, it seemed like only days. He turned slowly, cautiously, in case he was wrong.

He wasn’t. Ken Hutchinson caught a glimpse of the dark, curly hair and his heart nearly came to a stop. It was last place he would have expected to encounter his former partner — David Starsky hated crowded places, and a lush Las Vegas resort casino was as crowded as anywhere could get.

Keeping his body sideways, Hutch strained to listen when the dark haired man spoke to the desk clerk once again. “I DO have a reservation,” he was saying. “David Starsky. S-t-a-r-s-k-y.” He paused. “It’s for two nights, starting today.”

“Ah yes, there you are, Mr. Starky.” Hutch winced at the mispronunciation of his friends’ name. “Oh, I see. This is a complimentary stay.”

“Yeah. I — guess so.” Starsky sounded embarrassed, and Hutch’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Can I get directions to my room?”

“Of course, sir.” The desk clerk was gushing now. “If you could fill out this registration form, sir? It’s a formality for everyone.”

Starsky grumbled something unintelligible as he scribbled the information, giving Hutch a brief moment to peer around the corner unobserved. He was amazed to find himself looking at the profile of the man he had known twenty years earlier, who seemed not to have changed at all — as if sensing his presence, Starsky looked sharply in Hutch’s direction then froze.

Time froze, Hutch thought later. The world around them faded away. Two sets of blue eyes — one sapphire and one sky blue — locked together, and all the years of distance between them disappeared.

“Hutch!”

“Starsk! Babe.”

They reacted simultaneously, rushing toward one another with open arms. Hutch closed his eyes as he crushed the smaller man to him, and felt the embrace being returned. “I can’t believe it,” he murmured. “Here — after all this time.” He pulled back to scan Starsky’s face and eyes.

“You haven’t changed at all, Hutch,” Starsky said softly, his gaze sweeping Hutch’s face up to his hair. “You’re a little blonder and that tan’s a killer, but — God, it’s good to see you again.”

“And you.” Hutch hated to end the embrace, but heard the desk clerk purposefully clearing his throat for the second time. “Why don’t you finish up here? Then we can — talk.”

Nodding, Starsky hurriedly finished his registration, accepted the hotel pass card, only half listening as the clerk instructed him how to get to his room. Standing a short distance away, Hutch couldn’t help but hear that Starsky had been given one of the most expensive, upper floor suites. Among other things, he was dying of curiosity to know who had paid for Starsky’s stay there — and why.

“So what’re you doin’ here?” Starsky asked, picking up his overnight bag before heading toward the elevators with Hutch at his side. “I thought you hated it here when we came on assignment that time.”

“I did — then.” Hutch took Starsky’s card as they entered the elevator, sliding it across a small screen. He punched in the code for Starsky’s suite.

“Who do you know here to rate this, anyway?” Hutch shook his head. “The only people I’ve ever taken up here are VIPs. What did you do, inherit a bank?”

“Not exactly.” Hutch saw Starsky’s cheeks flush. “I’ve been doin’ a lotta private security work lately, and I — I’m here for a job interview.”

“Job interview?” Hutch echoed. “Doing what for who?” He uttered a curse under his breath when the door silently slid open, postponing Starsky’s response.

Stepping out onto the lush red carpet, Hutch chuckled to himself, thinking how appropriate that Starsky had his favorite color even here. He stood aside as his friend took a few steps forward, his jaw dropping in awe. Hutch gestured toward the ornately etched wood and frosted glass double doors.

“I don’t think you want to spend your whole time out here in the hallway,” he smiled, “so why don’t you go on in? I have to get back to work in a minute, but I’d like to see this place first. If you don’t mind, of course.”

For the first time Hutch realized he’d been forgetting — or ignoring — the reason why they hadn’t seen each other in twelve years. He was acting like nothing had happened, that they’d parted amicably. Nothing could be further from the truth, he recalled, suddenly miserable, wondering if he should even be here.

Fortunately Starsky didn’t seem to notice his change of attitude, and seemed equally forgetful how they had parted last.

“‘Course I don’t mind,” Starsky responded. “I don’t know what I did to earn this.” He waved the card across the scanner, and was rewarded by a soft buzz. “Hmm, guess it really works.”

His movements were hesitant as he pushed the heavy door open, and both men drew a breath as they stepped inside the elegant suite. Easily the size of a small apartment, the decorations were lavish, the sofa done in red velvet with black brocade. There was an actual living room, complete with gas fireplace, and too many other amenities for Hutch to take in.

Reminding himself that he was still on duty, the blond took a peek into the separate bedroom, inwardly groaning at even more luxury there. And when he saw the huge Jacuzzi tub in its own alcove off the bathroom, complete with a gas fireplace, Hutch groaned out loud.

“Starsk, you better not have plans for your whole time here, because I’m comin’ back,” Hutch announced. “This is my once-in-a-lifetime chance to live in the kind of luxury I’ve always deserved.”

“As if you couldn’t’ve had it anytime you wanted,” Starsky responded, well aware of the Hutchinson fortune Hutch had turned his back on in his youth.

“I know — but it’s better here.”

Glancing into the bathroom, Starsky shook his head. “What time you get off work? From whatever you’re doin’ here?” His unspoken question was clear.

“Five. Five-thirty if Randy gets caught in traffic getting here.” Hutch paused. “I work front desk security,” he explained. “Make sure none of the ‘bad guys’ try to get in. And escort the VIPs like you who get to stay up here.”

“You’re kiddin’?” Starsky chortled. “All you do is stand around all day? That must — well, it would’ve — drove you nuts.”

“Sometimes it does.” Hutch grimaced and looked at his watch. “Any chance we could get together for dinner tonight?”

“Absolutely. I don’t have anything goin’ until tomorrow. You wanna come back up here when you’re done? We can figure out the evening from there.”

“You got it, buddy.” Hutch paused, looking at his friend. “It’s good to see you, Starsk,” he said softly. “I’ve — it’s been a long time.”

“Too long — and for all the wrong reasons.” Starsky stepped up, pulling Hutch into his arms. “I’ve missed you, babe,” he whispered. “We got a lotta catchin’ up to do tonight.”

Much as he longed to stay and pursue Starsky’s comment, Hutch forced himself to merely nod, giving the slender body one last hug. Knowing he didn’t dare look at his friend again, Hutch forced himself out the door, punching the elevator button furiously. He rested his head against the marble wall as he waited… he couldn’t let himself even imagine what the night might hold.

*****

Though it was after three p.m. when Starsky checked in, the time until his shift ended felt like an eternity to Hutch. It didn’t help that the time passed with no activity whatsoever, that virtually all he could do was pace. He had never been so delighted to transfer his duties to Randy Kramer as when the younger man logged in that night.

Quickly changing into the set of casual clothes he kept in his locker, Hutch hung up the white shirt and black slacks more carefully than usual. ‘Just in case I don’t make it home tonight and need these again tomorrow,’ he thought, smiling to himself. ‘Morning comes pretty early sometimes.’

Dismissing the idea as wishful thinking, Hutch checked his appearance in the mirror as he ran a comb through his hair. He chided himself for his behavior, feeling like a nervous teenager preparing for a date.

Unable to wait any longer, the blond headed for the service elevators to keep his destination discreet. He was aware the desk clerk had been watching him with curiosity ever since his return from Starsky’s suite — the last thing he wanted was to be delayed by a curious coworker now.

Standing outside the ornate door, Hutch raised his hand to knock then paused for a deep, steadying breath. He had no idea what might happen in the forthcoming hours, much less the days ahead. He only knew that he couldn’t give up on his twelve year dream without giving it his best try.

As his knuckles touched the door to knock, it swung open –instantly Hutch was on guard, his hand touching the pistol concealed behind his shirt as he cautiously stepped inside. A moment later he started laughing, his heart warming as another familiar laugh rang out as well — standing out of sight behind the doorway, Starsky was waiting for him, two exquisitely etched crystal champagne goblets in his hands. He extended one to Hutch, gently kicking the door closed at the same time.

“Welcome.” Starsky bowed slightly as Hutch took the glass. “I figured we deserved something special after all these years. Hope you still like champagne.”

“That’s like asking if you still like pizza.” Hutch raised the glass. “To tonight and to you — the only true friend I’ve ever had.”

“To us,” Starsky replied softly, touching the rim of Hutch’s glass with his, “and to the future. Our future together, I hope.”

Their eyes locked as each took a sip of the bubbling liquid, barely enough to wet their lips. Then Hutch felt the glass being taken from his hand, watching as Starsky set both down on the marble table at his side.

Hutch stopped breathing as he sank into the depths of iridescent sapphire, unable to believe the tenderness and love he saw from deep within… When Starsky stepped up with open arms and pulled Hutch to him, the blond felt sure he was in the midst of a dream.

“Oh, babe. God, I love you.” Starsky’s voice was husky with emotion as he whispered the words into Hutch’s ears. “I was such a fool before, to let you leave…” He paused to nibble at the blond’s earlobe. “I don’t ever wanna be without you again.”

Pulling back Starsky took Hutch’s face between both his hands, his eyes seeking answers to his unspoken questions from Hutch’s heart. There was no hesitation in the blond’s answer — grasping the back of Starsky’s dark curls, Hutch pulled him close for the most soul-baring kiss he had ever known.

That was only the beginning of how the two devoured each other, both seeming starved for the others’ love. Hutch felt he was drowning in the sea of Starsky’s eyes as they ravished each other, tongues vying for control as they kissed. Eager hands couldn’t divest one another of their clothes quickly enough — how they ended up in front of the softly flickering fireplace Hutch never knew.

“God, Hutch, I’ve missed you.” Unencumbered by clothes now, Starsky was laying at Hutch’s side on the luxuriously carpeted floor. “I never dreamed — I hated the idea of comin’ here. Till now.”

“And I’ve hated being here without you.” Hutch ran his hand down Starsky’s darkly furred chest. “You can’t see the scars anymore. I’m glad.”

“I’m glad we’re here,” his partner murmured, capturing the still-roaming hand and bringing it to his lips. “Together. Like this. It’s about time.”

His eyes closing at the tender ministrations, Hutch drew a shaky sigh. “I always hoped this would happen someday,” he murmured, “but I never thought it could. Oh Starsk!”

The last words were a moan as the dark head bent toward him, and Starsky’s lips captured his mouth, sending Hutch into a world he’d spent half his lifetime dreaming of.

All rational thought was lost to Hutch then, replaced by sensations he’d never known before. As Starsky’s kisses progressed from his lips down his throat and onward, Hutch clung to his friend, trying to force back the rising passion that refused to be quelled.

Hutch knew it was deliberate that Starsky insisted on being in charge those first precious minutes, aware how he kept his body just out of Hutch’s reach. The blond moaned as Starsky nibbled at his flat stomach before moving on.

“Oh my God.” The words came out as a prolonged moan as Hutch felt his partners first gentle touch, groaning as warm fingers stroked the length of his aching shaft. His hips arched up in silent pleading for more, for the release only Starsky could give… he couldn’t even keep his eyes open as the intensity of his desire grew.

“You’re beautiful, Hutch,” Starsky murmured, his voice husky. “So beautiful — everywhere. My big blonde blintz — even here.”

“Aw, Starsk, please,” Hutch moaned. “Let me touch you. Let me — this isn’t fair.”

“‘Course it’s fair,” the other retorted. “You’ll get your turn — in time. Now is MY time — and I’m gonna love you every way I can.”

There was no more room or time for conversation. Instead, Starsky lowered his head to otherwise engage his mouth. Hutch gasped as he felt the warm wetness of Starsky’s tongue touch the tip of his hot penis, his fingers digging into the broad shoulders as his hips raised and begged for more.

Without complaint, the dark man gave his partner what he asked for, one hand stroking the heavy, firm balls while his other caressed the light hair at the base of Hutch’s cock. His mouth seemed to be teasing as it worked its magic, keeping Hutch in delicious agony as long as possible. Hutch heard the familiar soft laugh of concession when he began to literally beg.

“No more, Starsky,” he moaned. “Please. Do it now.”

“Oh, if you insist,” Starsky answered, a smile in his voice. “Sure you’re ready for this?”

“I’m ready! Lord, I’ve BEEN ready!” Hutch groaned again. “Come on. Now!”

When he received what he asked for, Hutch gasped and his eyes flew open, compelled to watch as the dark head moved between his thighs. Slowly, gradually, Starsky took the thick, throbbing penis further into his mouth until the hot tip touched the back of his throat. Hutch couldn’t squelch his cry.

“Starsky! Oh God, yes!” Thrusting, Hutch tried to control himself but found it impossible. “Ah! Starsk, oh God, I love you! Oh my God!”

Feeling the thick fluid bubbling up from his balls, Hutch released an almost primal scream the instant he began to flood his partner’s mouth. The feeling of his lover’s inadvertent swallow brought forth yet another spurt of hot liquid — Hutch whimpered this time. He had no idea how much time elapsed before he was finally drained and totally exhausted, collapsing flat on his back and gasping for air.

“Ya know, if I didn’t know ya better I’d think you liked that.” Starsky spoke as he moved up to lay at his partner’s side. “I’d also think you’d been without anybody for a long time.”

“Too long.” Hutch turned his head enough to see the dark curls spilling over his shoulder, and he reached up to tangle his fingers there. “And never — I’ve NEVER felt anything like this.”

“That’s ’cause you were never with me before,” Starsky said, grinning as he rolled onto his side against Hutch. “I decided a long time ago that if I ever found you again I’d make love to ya till you were senseless — I think I almost did.”

“Damn close,” Hutch murmured, one hand stroking Starsky’s cheek. “I can’t believe it really happened. That it wasn’t just another dream.”

“Another dream?” Starsky echoed. “That means you’ve thought of doin’ this before? With me?”

“Only with you.” Hutch felt the hardness pressed against his thigh. “Feels like you might like a little attention too.”

“Mmm, it’s a thought.” Starsky turned onto his back, breaking their contact but giving Hutch more freedom to move. “Only if you really want to, though.”

“Oh, I want to,” the blond murmured. “I haven’t wanted anything else for the last twenty years. But I seem to recall you weren’t so receptive twelve years ago.”

Wincing, Starsky averted his gaze. “Yeah, well, can we talk about that part later?” he requested. “I’d kinda like to finish up somethin’ here first. Is that okay?”

“It’s more than okay, buddy.” Hutch blinked the tears from his eyes. “I wanna love you more than anything.”

“Then take me, babe,” the dark man whispered, his eyes teeming with love when he looked up at Hutch. “Whatever you wanna do — I’m all yours.”

Almost delirious with happiness, Hutch set about fulfilling his dream, taking Starsky’s mouth with all the tenderness he knew. He ran his tongue around the full lips then kissed them, smiling at Starsky’s soft moan. He even chuckled when a light nibble to his partner’s earlobe brought Starsky’s hands up to clutch at his hair.

Moving on, Hutch was pleased at how well the scars on Starsky’s lean body had healed, how little visible evidence of James Gunther’s bullets remained. The emotional scars were still there, Hutch was sure of it, but he had no time to dwell on that now. Now all he wanted was to ravish his partner with his love.

Which was precisely what he did over the next countless minutes, in every way he knew. He kissed and caressed, nibbled and fondled, deliberately driving Starsky almost mad. It was the greatest time Hutch had ever known.

Saving the demanding cock for last, Hutch touched it almost reverently, savoring the touch and texture, locking it into his memory. It was even better than his dreams had imagined, and before long he gave in to his temptation for a taste… the sound of Starsky’s tortured yet contented moan was music to Hutch’s ears.

Varying only slightly, Hutch repeated what his partner had done to him, delightfully surprised when Starsky suddenly grabbed Hutch’s head between both his hands. “Do it, Hutch,” he growled, pushing the blond head down further. “I can’t stand it anymore, damn it. Take me now!”

More than willing to oblige, Hutch let Starsky’s hands guide him, allowing his tongue to play along the throbbing shaft and weeping tip as his head was forced to move ever more rapidly. He knew his friend was close yet still was surprised when Starsky’s hands froze and he screamed Hutch’s name. Steadying the bucking hips with both hands, Hutch rode out the endless waves with him, drinking every drop of the sweet nectar Starsky gave. Tears filled his eyes as his partner collapsed beneath him, gasping yet at the same time tugging Hutch up into his arms.

Held tightly in Starsky’s embrace, Hutch knew he could have died very happily right then, at last having shared the love with his partner he had dreamed of since the start of their partnership. He was surprised when he felt the smaller man tremble, and Hutch pulled him closer still, rubbing his back.

“What’s the matter? Regrets already?” Hutch spoke the words lightly, but in reality was voicing his deepest fear. “You seemed to like it at the time.”

“Like it?! God, Hutch, that was — heaven!” Starsky shuddered as he sighed. “It’s just so — was this for real?”

“As real as anything I’ve known,” Hutch assured him. “What I can’t believe is that it’s what you wanted. What changed from twelve years ago, Starsk? For you?”

“Everything. Nothing.” Starsky sat up with a sigh. “Look, I can’t think about talkin’ when you’re sittin’ there all blond and gorgeous with no clothes on. There’s a couple nice bathrobes in the closet — how about we put those on, order in dinner, then get serious? Okay?”

“Sure. I should’ve known you’d want food after that.” Hutch was grinning as he ducked to elude his partner’s playful swat at his head. “That’s okay — I worked up an appetite too.”

“For more than just food, I hope.” Hutch barely heard the soft words as Starsky led the way to the bedroom closet and robes.

“Here you go,” he said more loudly, tossing Hutch a luxuriously thick white robe. “Menu’s on the living room table. I’ll be right there.”

After ordering two large steak dinners to room service and learning it would be a 30-45 minute wait, Starsky retrieved the champagne bottle and glasses from the hallway. Refilling both glasses, the dark man settled himself on the plush sofa then patted the cushion at his side.

“That view isn’t goin’ anywhere.” Hutch turned from the window overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. “If you live here, you see it all the time anyhow.”

“Never quite like this,” the blond smiled, retrieving the goblet before he sat down. He extended the glass toward his friend. “To us,” he toasted. “From the past to the present to a new beginning — cheers.”

Tapping the rims of their glasses together, each man took a sip then paused. Glancing over, Hutch saw Starsky gazing into the sparkling liquid but seeming a million miles away — after setting his glass down on the glass coffee table, Hutch reached over and touched Starsky’s arm.

“Penny for your thoughts right now,” he said softly, smiling at Starsky’s startled return to reality. “Even if they’re regrets, I wanna know.”

“Regrets? God no, Hutch.” Starsky set his goblet on the table too. “I was just thinkin’ — if I hadn’t been so stupid all those years ago, we wouldn’t have wasted all this time.”

“So what changed your mind?”

“I had to live without you.” Starsky gave Hutch a brief, sad smile. “For the first time since before the police academy you weren’t there for me; I couldn’t even find out where you were. It didn’t take long before I realized what really happened that last night we had.”

“And that was?”

“That was I ran from you because I couldn’t face myself.” Starsky paused, twisting the pinkie ring on his left hand. “You’d been there for me through everything — through the shooting, my almost dyin’, recuperation, therapy — you wasted almost nine months of your life takin’ care of me. I felt so guilty — Hutch, nine months is almost a year!”

“Yeah, last time I looked.” Hutch spoke slowly, unsure what his friend was trying to say. “I don’t remember ever saying I regretted that time with you. It was just the opposite.”

“I know. That’s what you told me. That was when you said you loved me too.” Starsky swallowed hard. “I couldn’t believe that; I thought you were just tellin’ me that so I wouldn’t feel guilty about you bein’ around all the time.”

“You thought I was LYING to you?!” Hutch demanded, sitting up abruptly. “About something as important as that? Starsky, where was your brain?!”

Of all the reasons Hutch had imagined for Starsky’s rejection that night, disbelief had never crossed Hutch’s mind. He had assumed his partner was disgusted by him, homophobic — even hateful. But what he’d now heard from Starsky’s own lips stunned the blond thoroughly.

“My brain was still on drugs, if you remember,” Starsky shot back. “I wasn’t thinkin’ too clearly yet. Besides, we’d only found out I couldn’t go back in the field that mornin’ — I was still in shock.”

He paused. “But that’s no excuse for my behavior. Or why I didn’t try sooner to set things straight. I figured if you thought I didn’t wanna see you, you’d move on with your life. Find a new partner, new lady, settle down and raise little blond Hutch’s — you were gone off to nowhere before I figured out I mighta been wrong.”

“Oh, Starsky, you idiot!” Turning, Hutch leaned into his partner and pulled him close. “Of all the crazy things you’ve ever come up with, this is — Are you saying you wanted us to be lovers even then? When you sent me away?”

“Well, no. Not then yet,” Starsky hesitated, idly stroking Hutch’s hair and leaning contentedly against his chest. “That didn’t come till later, when I realized what I’d thrown away. I was alone, still hurtin’, didn’t have anybody — and didn’t want anybody. ‘Cept you.”

He ran a light finger along Hutch’s strong jaw. “I couldn’t handle runnin’ a desk at PD; I stayed long enough to finish the therapy the insurance paid for then I split. I’ve kinda been movin’ around the country every few years ever since.”

“No wonder I couldn’t find you,” Hutch murmured. “I thought I tried everything. Even Captain Dobey tried to help me a few years ago, but he hit dead ends too. I had no idea if you were even — alive.”

Choking on the last word, Hutch closed his eyes and pressed his cheek to Starsky’s almost desperately. He knew he’d never forget the sight of his partner’s bullet-ridden body lying on the street beside the Torino, how Starsky had clutched at him when Hutch pulled the bleeding body into his arms… Even with his very much alive partner in his arms now, Hutch had to fight back a sob.

“It’s over, Hutch,” Starsky whispered. “What happened, happened. It’s over. We’re here, alive, together — and finally bein’ honest now. Can’t we put the past behind us and move on?”

“It would be great if we could, but I — This seems too good to be true.” Hutch hated himself for feeling doubtful, but he refused to hide his feelings from his friend. “I don’t even know why you’re here.”

Before Starsky could do more than open his mouth to answer, they heard a knock at the door, and Starsky admitted the maitre’d. He set up an elegant dining table with their food and beverages, working silently under Starsky’s approving eye.

Hutch was grateful he’d taken time to gather their strewn clothing and toss it into the bedroom — the table was set in front of the fireplace where they’d so recently made love. He felt his cheeks redden at the memory, and kept his back turned until the man had gone, preferring not to be recognized.

“Hutch, look at this!” Starsky marveled, his tone awed. “I’ve had room service before, but never like this.”

Joining his friend beside the table, Hutch was likewise impressed but not surprised. He had worked for the hotel chain too long not to be familiar with their well-justified reputation for luxury.

“You know how to pick ’em, Starsk,” Hutch responded, pulling out a chair. “Now how about let’s eat it instead of staring at it? Hmm?”

Though he made a face at Hutch’s ever-practical nature, Starsky didn’t hesitate about sitting down to dive into the generous cut of prime rib on his plate. Even Hutch didn’t attempt conversation as they ate in pleasant silence, both apparently content to be exactly where they were.

*****

Once finished with dinner, the two settled themselves on the sofa again, dimming the lights to a soft glow supplemented by the fireplace. Hutch thought of suggesting the Jacuzzi, but decided they needed to focus on conversation first. He hoped Starsky’s meeting wouldn’t be so early in the morning there wouldn’t be time for more “relaxation” after they talked.

“So who’s your meeting with tomorrow?” Hutch inquired, smiling as Starsky snuggled under Hutch’s outstretched arm against his chest. “Is it here at the hotel?”

“Yeah. Ten a.m.” Starsky ran a finger along Hutch’s thigh. “I was actually asked to come for an interview — do you know the two guys who perform here at the hotel? The magic act?”

His eyes wide and mouth gaping, Hutch pulled away to stare at his friend. “They contacted you?”

“Uh, yeah. I’m not sure how they found me except I’ve been workin’ for a big German-owned jewelry company the past three years. I guess they’re lookin’ to hire some personal protection — kinda like bodyguards? I didn’t talk to them, of course, but their rep said I’d been ‘highly recommended’ by somebody so they wanna check me out.”

“Oh my God.” The words emerged as a whisper as Hutch sank back to the sofa, closing his eyes. “So that’s what that form was all about.”

“Form? What form? Hutch, what aren’t you tellin’ me?” Now perched on the edge of the sofa, Starsky was staring at Hutch through narrowed eyes. “Did you get me into this somehow?”

“I – I guess so, but I didn’t know it.” Hutch gave his head a shake. “About a month ago all the security personnel were given a form, and part of it asked if we were interested in being considered for different positions as they came up. It also asked for recommendations of people we knew who would be good additions to the hotel security staff. Of course I named you, but I had to give Bay City as your last known place of employment. Apparently they tracked you down from there somehow.”

“Probably a combination of my name and the German company since they’re German too.” Starsky grinned and shook his head. “To think after all these years we’d get together again through somethin’ like this.”

“You’ve already been approached to work for them personally, haven’t you?” he guessed. “What did you say?”

“My interview is scheduled for Friday at 6 PM,” Hutch replied, grinning. “Ya know what, Starsk? Something tells me we just may end up being partners again.”

“I thought we already started workin’ on that,” Starsky replied slyly, his hand snaking between the robe flaps to rub Hutch’s chest. “Or does this only last as long as I get to stay here?”

“This can last as long as you’ll have me, buddy,” Hutch whispered, his lips brushing Starsky’s ear. “Right now I hear some nice, warm bubbles and a pretty fireplace calling us to celebrate.”

Hutch saw the bright sparkle in Starsky’s eyes as they rose from the sofa together, pausing for a brief hug. Their arms were wrapped around each other as they headed for the secluded alcove adjacent to the bedroom… Hutch knew even the brilliance of their elegant surroundings couldn’t hold a candle to their long-denied love.

END