Hallowe’en at Huggy’s

Hutch can’t find Starsky at a Hallowe’en party.

Hutch was confused, and that did not further enhance his day.

He had been all day in court while Starsky had been in the far end of the city chasing down records and leads in their current case. As a result, they had barely had time for a wake-up kiss before they separated for the day.

As a consequence, he had no idea what Starsky was wearing to Huggy’s Halloween Party. Starsky had insisted on keeping it the biggest secret since the A bomb, and that made Hutch nervous, very nervous.

He had been at the party for over fifteen minutes now and had still not zeroed in on his partner. The full moon, the pumpkins, or the very loud music must be interfering with their radar.

He himself was drawing the attention of a short rotund witch, and a very ugly witch she was too. Her high-pitched cackle and constant attempt to catch his eye were already annoying him. He did not relish having to evade her all night.

He forced his way in the direction of the bar hoping to spot Huggy, but was stopped by a gorgeously attired Marilyn Monroe (who answered to the name of Alice) and promptly swept away for a dance.

Once again he headed for the bar, tripping over cowboys and vampires and elves and London Bobby’s, and closely followed by his witch and her new companion a black cat-costumed character.

Finally, a pirate-costumed Huggy was latched onto and a shouted inquiry resulted in no useful information. Huggy, if he was to be believed, had not seen Starsky yet.

Grabbing the beer a costumed waiter had put in front of him, he turned to survey the crowd again, constantly on the alert for his partner. His temper was not improving as time went on, especially as his witch and her companion were still at his side. He made polite conversation with friends and acquaintances, responding somewhat civilly to queries about Starsky.

Eventually he made his way to a booth determined to ignore Starsky’s childish game. He also ignored his witch, her companion and the costumed waiter who replenished his glass.

As he was attempting to control his frustration, a small feeling crept into his senses. He sat back with his eyes closed, cleared is mind and opened his being to receive that special message.

Without opening his eyes, he knew who Starsky was, and where he was. A smile lit his face as he realized Starsky had been hiding in plain sight.

A rich warm chuckle rose out of him as two robed arms embraced him and an erotic voice whispered “You going to save me, my big brave French hero?”

Hutch rose from the booth, swept his feathered hat in a broad sweep, gave his own Halloween treat a very public-oriented hug, then turned to join the party very much in splendid D’Artagnan character, with his rogue pirate at his side.