Without Partner, No Christmas

Starsky and Partner prepare a special Christmas for Hutch.

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
-– Unknown

Slowly he walked along the waters edge, feeling lonely; missing something.

Even after two days his mind was still in a fog, anger, fear and guilt having left behind traces of their passing. He knew he should be relieved and happy that Hutch had survived and that once again they could look forward to tomorrow, but somehow he felt that he had failed, was inadequate.

He shivered slightly and kept walking. It got cooler at night now, especially at the ocean. After all, Christmas was only three weeks away. Christmas. He stopped again, he eyes ignoring the beginning of a glorious sunset. Christmas.

He finally reacted to the nudge of his hand and a weight resting itself against him. A genuine smile broke over his face as he knelt and gathered the warm body to him. For the past two days he had kept Partner by his side, grateful for the dog’s companionship, but even more so for the devotion that had saved Hutch’s life.

“Hey Partner, sorry. We’re supposed to be getting some exercise aren’t we? Hutch will have my hide if he comes home and finds I haven’t been looking after you. O.K., lets race.”

Man and beast took off down the beach, each revelling in the comfort disguised as play.

It was dark by the time they reached the small park not far from home and Starsky took a moment to rest with Partner at his feet. He grinned a sappy grin and ruffled the dog’s neck fur. He would never have believed how this animal had wormed his way into his heart, offering so much devotion, love and friendship. He was family, and Starsky openly displayed his own affection for Partner, especially since he now had two reasons to bless his having found Hutch that day and stuck to him.

The grin left his face as he remembered two days ago.

With Dobey’s blessing, they had brought Partner into the office with them that day because Hutch had heard about a vet in the downtown area who practiced holistic care, but as he was on the other side of town it just made sense to bring Partner with them.

The previous week they had dropped in to see Dr. Vick before entrusting Partner’s care to him. They were both impressed with the vet’s natural affinity to animals, and his straight- forward honest approach to humans. It was not hard to tell which came first in his book. Starsky felt like he and Hutch were the ones being vetted, not the other way round. They must have said or done something right because they came away with an appointment.

So, Partner made the rounds of the Squad Room, including Dobey’s office, saying hello to all before settling himself at Hutch’s feet. Starsky felt warm and fuzzy at the sight of his beautiful lover with Partner’s head resting across his foot. He marvelled at how often that feeling overtook him, at how settled and content he was.

In the past, this ‘married’ feeling had eluded him, becoming another dream he could never realize. And now, he had it all, even the dog. No fireplace yet, but that would come.

Hutch took Partner to his 10:00 o’clock appointment while Starsky slaved over paperwork and got ready for a couple of witness interviewees who were scheduled to come in.

At approximately 11:30 Starsky was interrupted in the Interview Room, first by the excited almost hysterical raised voices down the hall, and second by the impatient scratching at the door followed by a demanding bark. He quickly rose, opened the door and then braced himself as Partner rose up on his hind legs barking like crazy, adding to the chaos in the hall.

A bellow with the force of an air raid siren silenced everyone, including Partner. Dobey shooed everyone on his or her way and then turned to Starsky, his eyebrow raised questioningly.

“I don’t know Cap. He just appeared, all upset. And no Hutch; something’s happened. I gotta go. Um, could you….” Starsky indicated his witness, who lounged totally unconcerned in his chair.

“O.K. Starsky, but keep in touch. I’ll put out a bulletin on Hutch’s car to the uniforms.”

Starsky wasn’t sure if he should follow Partner on foot, or drive, but the dog solved his dilemma by making for the Torino and waiting for his chauffeur to open the door. Knowing Hutch’s destination he took off with only lights showing as he weaved his skilled, calculated way through traffic. He knew from sad experience how Partner reacted to the siren. The one and only time he had tried it, the infernal chorus Partner had set up in the back seat, along with his wild antics, had almost had them off the road in panic and surprise.

Starsky arrived at Dr. Vicks in just under 10 minutes compared to the normal twenty it would have taken, only to be told that Hutch had never showed up. Back at the car, he thumped the roof in frustration, his eyes wildly scanning the area seeking Hutch’s car. He had no idea where to go next.

Partner drew him back with a single bark, and Starsky gave him his full attention. He was sitting in the passenger seat in a stiff, alert pose; gaze fixed squarely ahead, hackles raised and a low growl issuing from deep within.

Starsky shifted his gaze. Two blocks down, the street was blocked off and a large crane dangling an iron ball was being readied. He remembered: the old Palace Hotel was being brought down today in another attempt at city beautification.

Without another thought Starsky was in the car and skidding to a stop at the barriers. He called Partner to him as he strode purposely towards the doors of the old hotel, only to be rudely pulled back and shoved aside by a rather large, sturdy looking construction worker. Before the man could even begin his tirade, Starsky had his badge out and in the guys face, his voice cold, hard and tinted with panic.

“Look, my partner’s in there somewhere, probably hurt and dying. Keep out of my way.”

“No way mister. This building comes down in 30 minutes and nobody’s gonna stop it. We’ve checked and there’s no one inside.”

By the time he finished his little speech he was talking to air. Starsky and Partner were already inside. He took off after them, his mutterings promising death as the easier of his many options.

When Starsky skidded to a stop in the skeleton of the building, Partner was nowhere in sight. Drawing a deep, calming breath he hesitated and listened. Partner’s ‘hurry up dummy’ barking from somewhere straight ahead urged him once again to burn rubber, just in time to elude a tackle from the construction worker.

His feet flew and he rounded a corner just in time to see Partner heading through a door-less entry. By the time he himself barrelled through he could hear Partner’s pitiful whine coming from below. He took the stairs without his feet touching a single one, to finally kneel breathless beside Hutch’s frighteningly still body.

“Get an ambulance NOW!” he yelled back at the worker he heard stumbling behind him.

“Holy shit,” said the man as he quickly reversed direction and went to summon help.

Starsky didn’t know what to do. Unbidden tears blinded him and he shook in fear and pain. It felt like hours before he collected himself and ever so gently stroked his love’s face and forced himself to check for a pulse at the neck.

“Oh god Hutch,” he moaned as he felt the surge of life under his fingertips. His hope renewed, he visually checked for injuries as best he could in the darkened stairwell, his hands following his eyes. The all too familiar stickiness his fingers encountered on Hutch’s lower back drew another gasp from him.

He was ever so grateful for Partner’s presence as the two of them kept vigil over their partner and waited an eternity for the ambulance.

The next day had brought an abbreviated story from Hutch of his having seen Carl Dodds, wanted for armed robbery and murder, just as he was leaving his car for the appointment with Dr. Vick. He had followed in the car, and after seeing him sneak into the hotel, had parked around back hoping to surprise him. Starsky held back his scathing remarks at Hutch’s stupidity, lack of backup, calling in, etc. etc. It wasn’t the time, but he knew that Hutch could see the lecture brewing for later.

Another strong shiver broke through Starsky’s reverie and he prepared to rise, but before he could do so he was startled to see a flare of light blaze across the sky, a glowing tail in its wake; a shooting star. He closed his eyes reverently and silently made his wish, trusting in the powerful omen and its sender. Partner seemed to be smiling.

Two days later, on his way home from visiting Hutch, he was just driving on automatic not really going anywhere when Partner began barking with joy, his two front paws on the window edge and his tail wagging enough to create a breeze. Partner was still his constant companion and went everywhere with him.

Starsky followed Partner’s line of vision and slowing pulled over. It was perfect, just perfect. Everything they had been looking for, and an answer to his wish; and with any luck Hutch would be out of the hospital in time to make this the perfect Christmas.

Starsky’s luck held, and Hutch was released Christmas Eve day, more than happy to escape what seemed to be his second home. After being carefully and tenderly seated in the Torino, and allowing Partner his own welcome home greeting, Hutch settled back with a deep sigh, looking forward to home and some private time with Starsky.

Then his brow furrowed—Starsky. Something was up with Starsky. The past two weeks he had fairly bubbled with controlled excitement and concealed joy, and Hutch trembled at times just thinking about what that could mean. One never knew where Starsky’s childish enthusiasms would take him, but one thing for sure, it usually meant a sudden rise in Hutch’s blood pressure. All his prodding, and outright interrogation of Huggy, had brought only silly, easily seen through attempts to divert him. Ah well, time would tell and he steeled himself for everything from the ridiculous to the sublime and hoped he would survive.

Half an hour into what should have been a twenty-minute drive, he roused himself to ask where they were going.

“It’s O.K. blondie, just have to make a quick stop on the way. Won’t take a minute. Simmons had to take off earlier than planned and asked if I’d drop off a Christmas present for him. Forgot all about it ’til this morning. It’s O.K. isn’t it? You’re not too tired are you?”

“No, no it’s O.K., as long as it doesn’t take too long. I’m really looking forward to getting home.” Hutch’s look relayed all the reasons he wanted to get home, and Starsky chuckled in total agreement.

Starsky pulled into a long driveway neatly hedged with bushes and up to a Spanish-style bungalow.

“Who lives here?” Hutch asked.

“One of Simmons’ wife’s relatives I think,” Starsky said as he reached into the back and retrieved a gaily-wrapped present that did nothing to hide its identity—a bottle of wine. “I’ll be right back.”

Hutch smiled fondly as he watched Starsky scurry to the front door (or did he skip?), ring the bell and after a few moments enter the house.

Left alone with his thoughts, Hutch surveyed the house and what he could see of the grounds. The house appeared to be old but well cared for, with a bright coat of newly applied paint. It looked cozy, and a deep sigh escaped him—it was just what they had been looking for.

The grounds appeared well tended, with several flowerbeds and bushes scattered around and he could just glimpse what looked like a vegetable patch. The neighbourhood was quiet with the nearest neighbour at shouting distance. He lost himself in dreams only to be aroused when Starsky opened his door.

“Hutch, I hope you don’t mind, but I said we’d stay for a cup of tea, seeing as you can’t have alcohol.”

“Starsk no. I just want to go home.” He hoped his complaint didn’t come out as a whine but knew it did.

“I know buddy but these old folks are missing their family this year, and I explained how you where just out of hospital so we won’t stay long. Please.”

Starsky looked so desperate to do something nice for the old folks, how could he refuse. Besides, it was Christmas and for him Christmas meant bringing happiness to others.

Partner followed their slow progress into the house.

“Starsk, the dog, we shouldn’t…”

“It’s O.K. Hutch.” Starsky’s voice was deep with emotion and joy. “He’s welcome here any time. It’s home babe.”

To say Hutch was dumb-founded when Starsky’s last words filtered through was an understatement. He stood for long moments in stunned silence watching his partner’s barely controlled happiness spread all over his face and radiate over every inch of his body.

Starsky stepped close as his hands captured Hutch’s face and his lips ever so gently kissed him.

“Merry Christmas love,” he said and slowly turned Hutch to face the living room.

Hutch barely took in the fact that all his possessions decorated the room. Instead he focused on the Christmas tree that had pride of place before the front windows, twinkling and glowing and glittering like magic; then the fireplace with its crackling, flame licked logs adding a wonderful aroma to the air. Candles flickered on the mantle, and mistletoe and ivy and Christmas bells and reindeer peaked out from behind everything. The background music penetrated finally—”I’ll be home for Christmas” brought tears to his eyes and his brimming heart overflowed.

He remained speechless as Starsky led him to one of two leather chairs by the fire. He could only look at this wondrous being in awe and love.

“Ours?”

“Ours!”

“Starsk…” tears flowed freely now as he embraced Starsky and held him as close and as tight as he could.

Starsky seated Hutch gently, draping a patchwork quilt over his knees and chest.

“Starsk, I know this quilt. Where? How?”

“I called your mother and asked her to send something for our new home from your home. She sent this. Said you would explain. Your dad had the chairs delivered.”

The love that shone from Hutch’s eyes humbled Starsky. He didn’t feel worthy, and knew that whatever good and happiness there was in his life now was because he had Hutch, and he would do whatever he had to to never let him forget.

Hutch’s fingers traced the pattern of the quilt.

“This was my grandmothers, she made it. It brings back such wonderful memories. I didn’t think mom knew that. And the chairs. God Starsk, I have my family back. How did you do it?”

“I didn’t do anything Hutch, they did it, out of love.”

While Hutch absorbed the wonder of it all, Starsky went to get the tea he had left brewing. When he returned Hutch had to break out in laughter as Partner pranced by his side wearing reindeer antlers and a glittering wreath around his neck, and Starsky was fairly glowing. Could life get any better than this: sipping tea by an open fire, candlelight reflecting back at him from the most adoring blue eyes, a dog lounging in comfort at his feet, and love bouncing off the walls. He didn’t think anyone was as happy as he was at this moment.

He looked around. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

“Yeah, lots more, from everyone. My mom sent a menorah that has been in our family for generations along with a hand written collection of her favourite recipes. Nick sent a certificate for dinner for two at “21” when we go back to visit. Aunt Rosie gave me all the decorations for the tree. The whole Squad Room spent last weekend painting, and fixing, and cleaning; they also left a twelve pack in the frig.

And you should see the doghouse Hug sent for Partner. It’s got everything except running water, and all in technicolour! Said he figures I’ll be using it more than Partner.

Edith sent enough frozen casseroles for a month, the kids promised a month’s worth of lawn mowing and gardening until you get better. And Dobey gave us these.”

Starsky handed Hutch a thick business-sized envelope. Inside was the paperwork necessary for the Lieutenant’s exam and all the study material. In a separate envelope was a job posting for a vacancy on the teaching staff at the Academy. Hutch’s eyes questioned Starsky.

“It’s time Hutch. I can’t do this anymore. I want you, and our home, not a gravesite to visit. Please think about it.”

Hutch didn’t need to think about it. He simply asked for a pen to start filling out the papers.

When he could speak again, Starsky said, “I’ll show you everything Hutch, tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.”

Hutch knew what he meant, but had no words.

Partner followed them into their bedroom and settled on one side of Hutch while Starsky took the other. All three settled in for the first of many Christmas’ in a home full of the love for partners.