The crisp night air seared his lungs as he drew a deep breath. He ran his fingers over the brightly wrapped package in his hands. Why was he worried, after all, he had been invited to join the celebration, just as he had been for the last 25 years. The snow crunched beneath his heavy boots as he made his way to the front porch of the enormous log cabin. He took another deep breath and grabbed the big brass knocker. Here goes nothing he mumbled to himself as he rapped three times and waited. He listened a moment as the footsteps grew louder as they approached the door. He heard the lock click and watched as the doorknob turned and the door slowly cracked open.
The years had been kind to the man that stood behind the door despite all the struggles he had managed to overcome. His frame was a little heavier, the crow’s feet a little more pronounced and the hair streaked with a lot more silver. But the blue eyes still sparkled bright as ever. “Well, I’ll be damned, you finally made it after all these years,” the jovial voice bellowed and suddenly all of Hutch’s fears and anxiety melted away. He was finally home.
Next thing he knew he was wrapped in a bear hug, stripped of his coat and present, and shoved into a big overstuffed leather chair in front of that roaring fire. He let the rich, soft leather envelope him. Then he let the aromas flood his senses from the scent of the Christmas tree, to the pine fragrance from the garland that adorned the hearth and wrapped around the staircase railing to the mouth watering smells coming from the kitchen.
Finally the smell of the chair itself transported him to an earlier time, a time he would rather forget. The leather scent assaulted his nose and brain as it became mixed with the smell of blood, the metallic taste made his mouth water and his stomach churn. This happened every time he was in the presence of leather and the reason why he could never own another leather jacket again. All because of that fateful day in May so, so, many years ago.
Hutch shook his head to clear the foggy mist of the past. “Hey, buddy, you still chilled?” he heard his host say. “Yea, just a little bit.” he lied. “Here, let’s get you warmed up,” Starsky said as he put a hot toddy in his hand. Hutch could feel the warmth of the liquid seeping through the glass and into his bones, and again he started to relax.
“How about something to eat? We’ve just finished dinner but we have plenty left over.” Starsky said as he threw his thumb towards the kitchen. “That sounds great Starsk, I am kinda hungry,” he said as he rose from the chair and they made their way to the kitchen.
Starsky pointed at the bar, “Have a seat and I’ll rustle you up a sandwich unless you want something a little more,” he said as shoved his head deep into the refrigerator. “Rustle me up? Rustle…really, Starsk?” He stepped back from the refrigerator with loaded arms and looked quizzically at Hutch as he made his way to the bar, “Yea? What’s wrong with rustle?” Hutch shook his head, “I think you’ve been down on the farm too long.” he laughed out. “I’ll have you know that this is a ranch and not a farm, country boy.” Hutch looked seriously into his friend’s eyes, “I know it is Stark, and it’s a mighty fine one at that. I’m proud of you.”
Starsky unloaded his arms and the two made small talk for the next hour or so. “You’re staying aren’t you?” Starsky asked with a raised brow. “If you’ll have me,” Hutch replied. At that point Starsky turned and rolled his arms outward, “Mi casa es tu casa.” Hutch grinned, “I’m impressed.” Starsky walked around the bar and put his arm around the broad shoulders, “See, you can teach an old dog new tricks and I’ve got a lot more surprises for you. It’s getting late, get your stuff from your car and I’ll show you your room.”
Starsky walked to the fireplace and smothered the dying embers and was waiting for him at the staircase when Hutch came back into the house. “Guest bedrooms are up here,” he said as the pair climbed the stairs. He led Hutch to the end of the hallway and opened the door to the room. “I put you here at the end because you’ll get the least amount of noise here. We get up kinda early around here.”
Hutch stepped into the room and marveled at the elegance and simplicity of the room. The dark furniture was a contrast to the honey colored logs of the cabin’s interior and the tall, fluffy, queen sized bed. “I think you’ll find everything you need here. There’s extra quilts in the trunk there, bathroom is two doors down on the left and the towels are in the linen closet in there. If you need anything else just holler, my room is downstairs on the other side of the great room.” He turned to Hutch and beamed, “It’s good to have here, stay as long as you want. Good night, Hutch, I’ll see ya tomorrow.” he said as slapped him on the back and headed downstairs.
Hutch cracked his eyes open to the darkness of the room. He could hear the shuffling downstairs and the aroma of bacon drifting under his door. He rolled over and peeked at the glowing clock. 5:30? Are you serious? He grumbled to himself. He threw the toasty quilt off and slowly, achingly rolled out of bed. He reached for his robe on the rocking chair and wrapped it around himself and headed downstairs.
The whistling and smells grew stronger as he neared the kitchen. The coffee permeated the entire room. He peered around the corner and saw his friend at the stove cooking breakfast. He turned just in time to see Hutch come around the corner, “Mornin’ sunshine. How ‘bout some coffee?” He smiled as he grabbed the pot and a cup and headed towards the bar. He poured Hutch a cup and refilled his own. “The bacon and toast are already done, how do you want your eggs? You still eat eggs, don’t you?”
Starsky cleared the breakfast dishes and turned to Hutch, “Go get dressed and get your coat and let’s head out back, I need to feed the horses.” Hutch returned a few minutes later and they left out the back door and across a new layer of snow that had fallen overnight. Starsky pulled open the door revealing eight stalls, a large tack room, a hay loft, plus a lot of extra storage toward the back. Opening the tack room door, Starsky pulled out a wheelbarrow containing a large bag of feed. He rolled it to the first stall that held a beautiful palomino. The name plated read “Blondie”. He handed Hutch a scoop, “Would you give Blondie two scoops of feed while I get a bale of hay? Lucky for you the hands have already mucked the stalls,” he said with an evil grin. Hutch scooped out the feed as Starsky spread the bale of hay over the stall floor. “We’ve only got to feed one more since the hands have already taken care of the others before taking them out for the day,” he said as they headed to the next stall. “How many more you got?” Hutch asked. “Got four more, the ranch hands use them and the kids when they’re here but these two here are mine and Heather’s, so I take care of them personally,” he fondly said. “Yours?” Hutch asked surprisingly. “Yes, mine. I told you I had a lot more surprises for you. Let’s finish Dakota’s stall and we’ll go for a ride.”
Starsky saddled the big Buckskin while Hutch saddled the smaller palomino. “You know it’s been years since I’ve been riding,” Hutch said as the horses slowly trudged through the snow, you could see their breath in the air as they snorted. “Never thought you’d see me willingly get on a horse or venture into the woods on purpose did you?” Starsky said as he grinned at Hutch. “I must say that I am surprised, but in a good way. I’m glad to see that you’ve expanded your horizons.” They rode in silence enjoying the scenery and serenity until Starsky pulled on Dakota’s reigns and the horse obediently stopped. Hutch pulled up beside him and stopped too. Starsky looked seriously at the other man with him. “Hutch, I’m really glad you’re here, it’s been a long time…too long. We used to be so close, what happened?”
Hutch’s head began to spin as he tried to find the answer his friend was seeking. He stared off at the mountains as he thought. He broke out in a sweat even in the chilling air. He thought he knew when his disillusionment began but couldn’t pinpoint it for sure. But he did remember when it finally ended with his resignation from the force. He dropped his head and slowly spoke, “You know Starsk, I really don’t know.” He raised his head to look his friend in the eyes. “You know I was already having a hard time before the shooting. And as bad as it sounds, the shooting gave me a renewed sense of focus, of vigor. I had a purpose in life again. My purpose was to get you healthy again and put that asshole Gunther away for the rest of his natural born life.” He shook his head and said with a morose laugh, “At least I accomplished one of those tasks. I thought that making sure the investigation was air tight, the T’s crossed and the I’s were dotted, was what I had been missing for a long time. Then I thought that the trial would keep that euphoric feeling and sense of renewal going, that is until Gunther’s sleazy attorneys got him a ridiculous reduced sentence and then all those frustrations came crashing down on me again.”
Starsky nudged Dakota’s ribs and he began to move and Blondie followed suit. “I knew you were struggling there for a while, but I didn’t realize how bad it was. Why didn’t you talk to me about it, I know we kinda danced around the subject but if it was really that bad…” Hutch shook his head and let out a sigh, “I didn’t know how to talk to you about it because I didn’t understand it myself. Hell, I still don’t know that I’ve figured it out as much as I’ve just learned how to deal with it. Then after your rehab was over your Mom got sick and you went to New York to take care of her and of course I can’t blame you for that. I figured that was the best time to try and figure out what was wrong and to find myself again because I had no idea when you would be back. So I decided it was time for me to get my head together and figure out what I was going to do next since I had left the force. I thought about finishing school and becoming a lawyer so I could make sure that people like Gunther never got off easy again. I got a job offer that would help me get my wish. I started small in the local courts but that wasn’t good enough. I wanted to fry the bigger fish; I wanted to destroy all the corrupt public officials so I went to work for the Special Operations division of the FBI. So that is one of the reasons why I was out of touch for so long. I felt like I let you down, us down, so I was trying to make amends for that. ”
Starsky ran his fingers through his hair, and then scratched the back of his head. “You know, I had all intentions of coming back after Ma died, but then I met Heather. She had grown up in New York but was there on vacation. Her father was a Wall Street executive and they were very well to do. Her father bought this ranch and moved the family here after her mother was killed in a mugging. He wanted to get his family away from the violence. We met at a little bodega and something sparked, so I asked her out. We spent every day together before she had to leave. I was leaving to come back a couple of weeks after that, after I got Ma’s estate settled. The day before I was leaving, Heather called me and told me to change my route and stop by the ranch on my way back home, so I did and here I am.”
They rode up to a small clearing surrounded by a wrought iron fence and Aspen trees. In the middle of the clearing were three black granite headstones. Starsky got off Dakota and wrapped his reigns around one of the fence posts and walked through the gate and over to the headstone on the right. Hutch got off Blondie but hung back at the entrance to the gate. Starsky knelt down in front of the headstone and lovingly ran his finger over the name, Heather Marie Starsky. He motioned for Hutch to come over. Hutch trudged lightly over the snow to stand next to his friend. “Heather, there is someone here I’d like you to meet. It took him a while, but he finally managed to make it.” He grinned at the taller man. “Hi, Heather,” he started “I really wished I’d made it here sooner and gotten to know you, you’ve made my dear friend very happy and I’d like to thank you for that.” Suddenly Hutch felt a hand on his shoulder, “Thanks, Hutch, that was nice and I know she appreciated it. Let’s head back to the house. Give me a minute.” Hutch started back to the horses as Starsky knelt back down in front of the headstone. Hutch watched as his friend talked to his late wife and placed a kiss from his fingertips on her name.
The years had been kind to the man that stood behind the door despite all the struggles he had managed to overcome. His frame was a little heavier, the crow’s feet a little more pronounced and the hair streaked with a lot more silver. But the blue eyes still sparkled bright as ever. “Well, I’ll be damned, you finally made it after all these years,” the jovial voice bellowed and suddenly all of Hutch’s fears and anxiety melted away. He was finally home.
Next thing he knew he was wrapped in a bear hug, stripped of his coat and present, and shoved into a big overstuffed leather chair in front of that roaring fire. He let the rich, soft leather envelope him. Then he let the aromas flood his senses from the scent of the Christmas tree, to the pine fragrance from the garland that adorned the hearth and wrapped around the staircase railing to the mouth watering smells coming from the kitchen.
Finally the smell of the chair itself transported him to an earlier time, a time he would rather forget. The leather scent assaulted his nose and brain as it became mixed with the smell of blood, the metallic taste made his mouth water and his stomach churn. This happened every time he was in the presence of leather and the reason why he could never own another leather jacket again. All because of that fateful day in May so, so, many years ago.
Hutch shook his head to clear the foggy mist of the past. “Hey, buddy, you still chilled?” he heard his host say. “Yea, just a little bit.” he lied. “Here, let’s get you warmed up,” Starsky said as he put a hot toddy in his hand. Hutch could feel the warmth of the liquid seeping through the glass and into his bones, and again he started to relax.
“How about something to eat? We’ve just finished dinner but we have plenty left over.” Starsky said as he threw his thumb towards the kitchen. “That sounds great Starsk, I am kinda hungry,” he said as he rose from the chair and they made their way to the kitchen.
Starsky pointed at the bar, “Have a seat and I’ll rustle you up a sandwich unless you want something a little more,” he said as shoved his head deep into the refrigerator. “Rustle me up? Rustle…really, Starsk?” He stepped back from the refrigerator with loaded arms and looked quizzically at Hutch as he made his way to the bar, “Yea? What’s wrong with rustle?” Hutch shook his head, “I think you’ve been down on the farm too long.” he laughed out. “I’ll have you know that this is a ranch and not a farm, country boy.” Hutch looked seriously into his friend’s eyes, “I know it is Stark, and it’s a mighty fine one at that. I’m proud of you.”
Starsky unloaded his arms and the two made small talk for the next hour or so. “You’re staying aren’t you?” Starsky asked with a raised brow. “If you’ll have me,” Hutch replied. At that point Starsky turned and rolled his arms outward, “Mi casa es tu casa.” Hutch grinned, “I’m impressed.” Starsky walked around the bar and put his arm around the broad shoulders, “See, you can teach an old dog new tricks and I’ve got a lot more surprises for you. It’s getting late, get your stuff from your car and I’ll show you your room.”
Starsky walked to the fireplace and smothered the dying embers and was waiting for him at the staircase when Hutch came back into the house. “Guest bedrooms are up here,” he said as the pair climbed the stairs. He led Hutch to the end of the hallway and opened the door to the room. “I put you here at the end because you’ll get the least amount of noise here. We get up kinda early around here.”
Hutch stepped into the room and marveled at the elegance and simplicity of the room. The dark furniture was a contrast to the honey colored logs of the cabin’s interior and the tall, fluffy, queen sized bed. “I think you’ll find everything you need here. There’s extra quilts in the trunk there, bathroom is two doors down on the left and the towels are in the linen closet in there. If you need anything else just holler, my room is downstairs on the other side of the great room.” He turned to Hutch and beamed, “It’s good to have here, stay as long as you want. Good night, Hutch, I’ll see ya tomorrow.” he said as slapped him on the back and headed downstairs.
Hutch cracked his eyes open to the darkness of the room. He could hear the shuffling downstairs and the aroma of bacon drifting under his door. He rolled over and peeked at the glowing clock. 5:30? Are you serious? He grumbled to himself. He threw the toasty quilt off and slowly, achingly rolled out of bed. He reached for his robe on the rocking chair and wrapped it around himself and headed downstairs.
The whistling and smells grew stronger as he neared the kitchen. The coffee permeated the entire room. He peered around the corner and saw his friend at the stove cooking breakfast. He turned just in time to see Hutch come around the corner, “Mornin’ sunshine. How ‘bout some coffee?” He smiled as he grabbed the pot and a cup and headed towards the bar. He poured Hutch a cup and refilled his own. “The bacon and toast are already done, how do you want your eggs? You still eat eggs, don’t you?”
Starsky cleared the breakfast dishes and turned to Hutch, “Go get dressed and get your coat and let’s head out back, I need to feed the horses.” Hutch returned a few minutes later and they left out the back door and across a new layer of snow that had fallen overnight. Starsky pulled open the door revealing eight stalls, a large tack room, a hay loft, plus a lot of extra storage toward the back. Opening the tack room door, Starsky pulled out a wheelbarrow containing a large bag of feed. He rolled it to the first stall that held a beautiful palomino. The name plated read “Blondie”. He handed Hutch a scoop, “Would you give Blondie two scoops of feed while I get a bale of hay? Lucky for you the hands have already mucked the stalls,” he said with an evil grin. Hutch scooped out the feed as Starsky spread the bale of hay over the stall floor. “We’ve only got to feed one more since the hands have already taken care of the others before taking them out for the day,” he said as they headed to the next stall. “How many more you got?” Hutch asked. “Got four more, the ranch hands use them and the kids when they’re here but these two here are mine and Heather’s, so I take care of them personally,” he fondly said. “Yours?” Hutch asked surprisingly. “Yes, mine. I told you I had a lot more surprises for you. Let’s finish Dakota’s stall and we’ll go for a ride.”
Starsky saddled the big Buckskin while Hutch saddled the smaller palomino. “You know it’s been years since I’ve been riding,” Hutch said as the horses slowly trudged through the snow, you could see their breath in the air as they snorted. “Never thought you’d see me willingly get on a horse or venture into the woods on purpose did you?” Starsky said as he grinned at Hutch. “I must say that I am surprised, but in a good way. I’m glad to see that you’ve expanded your horizons.” They rode in silence enjoying the scenery and serenity until Starsky pulled on Dakota’s reigns and the horse obediently stopped. Hutch pulled up beside him and stopped too. Starsky looked seriously at the other man with him. “Hutch, I’m really glad you’re here, it’s been a long time…too long. We used to be so close, what happened?”
Hutch’s head began to spin as he tried to find the answer his friend was seeking. He stared off at the mountains as he thought. He broke out in a sweat even in the chilling air. He thought he knew when his disillusionment began but couldn’t pinpoint it for sure. But he did remember when it finally ended with his resignation from the force. He dropped his head and slowly spoke, “You know Starsk, I really don’t know.” He raised his head to look his friend in the eyes. “You know I was already having a hard time before the shooting. And as bad as it sounds, the shooting gave me a renewed sense of focus, of vigor. I had a purpose in life again. My purpose was to get you healthy again and put that asshole Gunther away for the rest of his natural born life.” He shook his head and said with a morose laugh, “At least I accomplished one of those tasks. I thought that making sure the investigation was air tight, the T’s crossed and the I’s were dotted, was what I had been missing for a long time. Then I thought that the trial would keep that euphoric feeling and sense of renewal going, that is until Gunther’s sleazy attorneys got him a ridiculous reduced sentence and then all those frustrations came crashing down on me again.”
Starsky nudged Dakota’s ribs and he began to move and Blondie followed suit. “I knew you were struggling there for a while, but I didn’t realize how bad it was. Why didn’t you talk to me about it, I know we kinda danced around the subject but if it was really that bad…” Hutch shook his head and let out a sigh, “I didn’t know how to talk to you about it because I didn’t understand it myself. Hell, I still don’t know that I’ve figured it out as much as I’ve just learned how to deal with it. Then after your rehab was over your Mom got sick and you went to New York to take care of her and of course I can’t blame you for that. I figured that was the best time to try and figure out what was wrong and to find myself again because I had no idea when you would be back. So I decided it was time for me to get my head together and figure out what I was going to do next since I had left the force. I thought about finishing school and becoming a lawyer so I could make sure that people like Gunther never got off easy again. I got a job offer that would help me get my wish. I started small in the local courts but that wasn’t good enough. I wanted to fry the bigger fish; I wanted to destroy all the corrupt public officials so I went to work for the Special Operations division of the FBI. So that is one of the reasons why I was out of touch for so long. I felt like I let you down, us down, so I was trying to make amends for that. ”
Starsky ran his fingers through his hair, and then scratched the back of his head. “You know, I had all intentions of coming back after Ma died, but then I met Heather. She had grown up in New York but was there on vacation. Her father was a Wall Street executive and they were very well to do. Her father bought this ranch and moved the family here after her mother was killed in a mugging. He wanted to get his family away from the violence. We met at a little bodega and something sparked, so I asked her out. We spent every day together before she had to leave. I was leaving to come back a couple of weeks after that, after I got Ma’s estate settled. The day before I was leaving, Heather called me and told me to change my route and stop by the ranch on my way back home, so I did and here I am.”
They rode up to a small clearing surrounded by a wrought iron fence and Aspen trees. In the middle of the clearing were three black granite headstones. Starsky got off Dakota and wrapped his reigns around one of the fence posts and walked through the gate and over to the headstone on the right. Hutch got off Blondie but hung back at the entrance to the gate. Starsky knelt down in front of the headstone and lovingly ran his finger over the name, Heather Marie Starsky. He motioned for Hutch to come over. Hutch trudged lightly over the snow to stand next to his friend. “Heather, there is someone here I’d like you to meet. It took him a while, but he finally managed to make it.” He grinned at the taller man. “Hi, Heather,” he started “I really wished I’d made it here sooner and gotten to know you, you’ve made my dear friend very happy and I’d like to thank you for that.” Suddenly Hutch felt a hand on his shoulder, “Thanks, Hutch, that was nice and I know she appreciated it. Let’s head back to the house. Give me a minute.” Hutch started back to the horses as Starsky knelt back down in front of the headstone. Hutch watched as his friend talked to his late wife and placed a kiss from his fingertips on her name.
A Tree Grows In Bay City….
By: dotsonga
He stood at the end of the driveway staring at the smoke that billowed from the chimney in the cold night air. He tugged his duster a little closer to him and shook off the chill. It was nights like this, the cold and damp of winter, that brought on all the aches and pains. And with every ache and every pain he was reminded of every gunshot, every stabbing, and every beating he had received during his years in law enforcement. He could see the roaring fire just past the huge Christmas tree and menorah that glowed in the even larger picture window. After all these years, he wondered if he would still be accepted here.
By: dotsonga
He stood at the end of the driveway staring at the smoke that billowed from the chimney in the cold night air. He tugged his duster a little closer to him and shook off the chill. It was nights like this, the cold and damp of winter, that brought on all the aches and pains. And with every ache and every pain he was reminded of every gunshot, every stabbing, and every beating he had received during his years in law enforcement. He could see the roaring fire just past the huge Christmas tree and menorah that glowed in the even larger picture window. After all these years, he wondered if he would still be accepted here.
They put the horses back in their stalls and returned to the cabin. Starsky grabbed some logs from the hearth and started a fire in the fireplace. In no time he had a roaring fire going and that amazed Hutch. “Hey partner, you’re pretty good at that,” he nodded towards the dancing flames from his place on the sofa. “Yea, Heather loved them so I had to get good at them. You should have seen the first few dozen I made…PIT-I-FUL…but Jim taught me well. He was a great man, kinda reminded me of my Pop. He bought all of this so his family would be safe. He treated me just like a son. He and Heather both taught me a lot, hell; they taught me everything I now know about ranching. Did you ever think you would hear those words come out my mouth?” He grinned at Hutch. “I first worked alongside Heather and the ranch hands tending to the cattle. She really loved the animals and the outdoors and I enjoyed it too as long as I was with her. She took time off when the kids came along but she would go out every chance she got. Then she got cancer.” He stared at the ceiling and Hutch could see the mist in his eyes. “She fought so hard to keep life normal around here but when she started to struggle I stopped working and took care of her and the kids until she passed. Jim was devastated because she was their only child. About a month later he came to me and told me that he wanted me to learn the business end of the operation because he wanted to make sure that his grandchildren would be properly provided for in case something happened to him. He was always thinking of his family.”
Hutch got to his feet and walked over to the fire and rubbed his hands together as he placed them near the fire. “Sounds like a very smart man. It also sounds like he thought very highly of you, again, a wise man. I really would have liked to have gotten to know the both of them. I’m sorry I missed out on so many of the things that were important to you.” He turned around to see his friend relaxed in the big leather chair. “Yes, Hutch, I’m sorry you missed all those things too. They were, and are, important to me. But so are you. You were a very big part of my life and I missed you all those years. I hope you won’t pull another disappearing act like that again.” Starsky got up and crossed the short distance and placed his hands on Hutch’s shoulders. As he looked deep into the blue eyes he said, “So, are you still lost?” Hutch stared back at him, “I believe I just found the last missing piece.” Starsky slapped his shoulders as he turned around, “Good, now I’ve got some paperwork to do. You make yourself at home, if you need anything I’ll be in my office next to my bedroom. And before you comeback with some smartass remark, yes, I am voluntarily doing paperwork.” And with a wave of his hand he disappeared into the office.
Hutch wandered over to the bookcase and browsed the collection. He picked out a book and settled back down on the sofa and started reading. After an hour he became bored and put the book back and headed out to the barn. He stopped inside the doors as the smell of fresh hay and manure assaulted his nose. He continued down past the stalls stopping every now and then to pet the muzzles that would appear over the stall doors. At the end of the stalls was a large work area where a work station contained everything that was needed to make repairs for the working of a ranch. On the other side of the room there was a large tarp covering, what he assumed from the shape, was some type of car. He walked over and lifted the edge of the tarp revealing a shiny chrome bumper and a fire engine red fender. No way he thought to himself. He slowly and carefully removed the rest of the tarp. There in all its glory stood the Torino, even after all these years it shined like a new penny. Hutch slowly rubbed his hand over the fender, up the hood, and finally stopped on the door where the bullet holes had been. His mind raced back to that day in the police garage and he jumped when he heard the gunshots. Only the gunshots turned out to be the closing of the barn doors as Starsky entered the building and walked up behind him. Hutch whirled around, his face ashen and beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he faced Starsky.
“Hey, you okay? Do you need to sit down?” Starsky asked as he pulled up a nearby bale of hay. “No…No…I’m alright, I was just taken off guard for a moment. I can’t believe that you still have the tomato.” Hutch could see the blush creep into Starsky’s face. “Yea…well, I just couldn’t let her go. She stands for so much that happened in my life. She reminds me of the good times and the bad. She reminds me of a friendship that I thought I had lost forever. But most of all, she represents survival.” Starsky walked over to the wall, opened a bag. He pulled out a rag and began wiping a spot on the fender. “I keep her washed and waxed once a month and drive her around town to keep her from freezing up, and about every six months or so I take her to the classic car shows around here. Hey, enough of the reminiscing, I need to go to town. Let’s go.” The pair left the barn, climbed into Starsky’s truck and headed into town. A few hours later they returned and Starsky started dinner. When the table had been cleared and the dishes put away the two men headed to the great room with a couple of beers.
The two talked about old times. The places and people they knew and missed from their past until Starsky finally asked the question Hutch knew was eventually coming. “So, what did you do with yourself for all those years?” Hutch took a long swig of his beer and felt the cold wetness moisten his suddenly dry throat. “I already told you earlier Starsk, weren’t you listening?” It was Starsky’s turn to take a long drag from his beer. “The only thing I heard was you skirting around the question. You didn’t really think that bullshit answer earlier today was going to cut it did you? I used to be a detective and I like all the gaps filled in…so don’t leave anything out. My interrogation skills may be rusty but they’re not gone.” He said, smiling around the beer bottle.
Hutch scrubbed over his face with his hand, “If I told you, then I’d have to kill you,” he smiled. Starsky squinted as he glared at him. “Not funny, now spill it.” Hutch leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees as he laced his fingers together. “After you went to take care of your Mom, I got a call from a recruiter from the Special Ops division of the FBI. They had been following Gunther’s trial and couldn’t believe he got off with the reduced sentence that he did. They combed over the files and found that my investigation was air tight solid. So they suspected that Gunther had still managed to buy off the jury, the judge, or whoever he needed to. So they approached me and offered me a job. At that time I was so pissed off at the system that I told them I was in. I figured with you in New York and not knowing when you’d be back, that this would be the easiest way to break ties for the both of us.” Hutch sat back and snorted out, “Did you ever think that one of us would be working for the Feds? Well, I became one of those bastards we used to hate so much.” Starsky shook his head, “If someone had told me that thirty years ago I would have laughed in their face and called them insane.”
“Yea, well believe me; I thought the same thing at the time. I couldn’t believe I’d done it myself. I went to work right away. They moved me around all over the US to investigate corrupt public officials, so I had to keep a very low profile. I met a woman when I was working in Texas and I thought that she was the one I was going to finally settle down with. We dated for the three years I worked there and then the case wrapped up and it was time for me to move on. I asked her to come with me and she told me her home was in Texas so she asked me to stay there with her. I really thought hard about it but I liked what I was doing so I decided to go back to DC. I retired in March and decided I would take you up on your invitation this year; that is if I received another one. I figured it was time. I had finally felt a peaceful calm in my life but there was still something missing. So, here I am.” Starsky got up and took their empty beer bottles to the kitchen. He returned a moment later with two fresh bottles. “Well it’s about damn time,” he said as he handed Hutch the bottle. “I know my kids think that their old man is crazy and you’re just a figment of my imagination. I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they get home in a couple of days and see you in the flesh.”
Hutch looked like a deer caught in the headlights. “Umm, Starsk, I thought I would leave before then so you could spend Christmas with your family.” Starsky jumped to his feet and yelled, “Are you kidding me, Hutchinson? You’re gonna tuck tail and run again?” Starsky clenched his fists and took three deep breaths, slowly exhaling after each one. “I’m sorry pal, that was totally out of line. I guess I didn’t realize how angry I was about you leaving before. I really thought I had gotten past it.” He walked over and knelt in front of Hutch and placed his hands on the man’s knees. He looked him squarely in the eyes, “You’re right Hutch. I do want to spend the holidays with my family. And you are family, you big ass. You always have been and always will be. Now I won’t have any arguing about the subject, you’re staying and that’s that.” He rose to his feet, grabbed his beer and polished it off. “I don’t know about you but this conversation has worn me out, I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning…right?” Hutch shook his head, “Yes, Starsky, I’ll be here. I’m not ready to hit the sack yet, but I’ll see you in the morning.” Starsky nodded back, “Good, make yourself at home. Night, Hutch,” and he turned and walked to his room.
Hutch rummaged around in the refrigerator until he came out with a piece of fruit. Walking around the great room he saw the last three decades of Starsky’s life on display in photographs. The first collection was of Heather and Starsky’s wedding. It was an outdoor wedding with the mountains as the couple’s backdrop. How ironic he thought to himself. She must have been one hell of a woman if she converted this city boy to a mountain man. The next set of pictures depicted the birth of his two children and family outings and vacations. He saw the sad decline of Heather’s health and the haggard, stressed face of his friend in those pictures. And finally, in the next set of pictures he saw the joy return to that face as he witnessed the birth of his four grandchildren. Hutch felt like he had just lived thirty years in thirty minutes. A big yawn escaped his lips and he realized how tired he was so he headed upstairs for the night.
The next two days flew by as Starsky kept him busy. Starsky manipulated him into cutting firewood by telling him that he had grown ‘soft’ in his old age. After working up a sweat in the cold mountain air, Starsky came out when he was down to his last log, “Took you long enough, but I could’ve done it quicker.” He teased. “Oh really, hotshot? Then why don’t you show me?” He handed the axe to Starsky. “Oh, don’t need that,” he said as turned around and walked to something covered with a tarp. “You don’t? What are you going to use? That hard head of yours?” Hutch shot back. “Nope, when I cut wood, I use this,” Starsky said as ripped the cover off a gas log splitter. Hutch’s chin about dropped to the ground, “Why you son of …..” and then they both started to laugh. After that the pair went to the barn to stack hay, pretty soon it turned into a contest to see who could stack the fastest. Thirty minutes later the two men shuffled back to the house and collapsed in the great room. Soon the only thing that was heard was the two men snoring in synch. After catching their wind, Starsky enlisted his friend’s services again to get the house ready for the arrival of his kids and grandkids.
Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and he had to have the bunk room ready for the grandkids so that, according to their words, ‘Santa can find us’. Starsky took the upstairs while Hutch dusted downstairs. After they finished the housework they sat down for a quick snack. They were munching on sandwiches and Starsky had just shoved the last piece of his into his mouth when he snapped his finger and pointed it at Hutch. “I just remembered that I don’t have any marshmallows for S’mores. Can you take my truck into town and pick those up for me? I need to get the fire pit and smoker going…Oh, and I need you to stop at the florist and pick up some flowers I have on order too,” he said around a mouthful of sandwich. He walked over to the backdoor and grabbed the truck keys and tossed them at Hutch. “Guess I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” Hutch shot back. “Nope,” Starsky replied, rubbing his hands together. “Now, get so we can have dinner ready when the kids get here,” Starsky said with a shooing motion. An hour and a half later Hutch walked up to where Starsky had a roaring fire going in the fire pit and coals glowing in the BBQ. “Go put those on the counter and bring me the steaks and burgers, the kids called and are about thirty minutes out. Hutch returned with the requested items as Starsky took them from him and threw them on the BBQ. “Have a seat and kick back and relax,” he told Hutch. “Is there anything I can help you with?” asked Hutch. “Naw, I got it all under control, I love grilling,” he laughed. “You still eat yours medium rare?” he inquired. “Glad you remembered old man.” Hutch smirked.
Hutch watched from the lounger as Starsky flipped burgers and happily whistled Christmas tunes. He reveled, and was even a little envious, of how happy his friend was. The fire from the fire pit and BBQ warmed the patio area nicely as he breathed the night air and looked at the stars. He noticed how clear the sky was and how brightly the stars shone. He looked through the big bay window to the tree in the great room. It must have been a fourteen footer and it was decked out with a thousand lights and ornaments. He was amazed how much his friend adored the Christmas season. Then he noticed all the festive packages on the floor beneath the branches. When did that happen he thought. Starsky must have placed them there while he was in town, he hadn’t noticed them before. He thought to himself how peaceful and tranquil this place was. That was until he heard the squeals of “Poppy…Poppy…we’re here, Poppy” as four balls of lightening, followed by their parents, flew around the corner of the cabin and gang tackled the cook.
Each one clamoring over the other so that they could be the first one in Poppy’s arms. Hutch hadn’t thought it possible but his friend beamed even brighter as he was being mauled. Then he heard Starsky bellow, “All right you hooligans, I’m gonna arrest all of you for assaultin’ a peace officer.” All the kids screamed with laughter and dug in harder. Starsky then picked each one of them up and hugged them tightly. “Kids, I don’t think he has the authority to arrest you any longer, so get him.” Hutch piped in. “Au contraire, Hutchinson. Shows how much you know. I happen to be a reserve deputy for the county.” He quipped back. “What?!” Hutch choked out. “I’m a reserve deputy on call in case of an emergency. A lot of people get lost up here so I help out with search and rescues or anything else they might need me for. Wanna see my badge?” He said as he waggled his eyebrows up and down at Hutch. “No thanks, you perv.” He shot back. Just then one of the kids tapped Starsky’s leg and asked, “Poppy, what’s a perv?” Hutch nearly choked on his drink at the question. Then Starsky squatted in front of the youngster and told him very seriously, “Josh, it’s a person that I hope you never ever have to learn about, not a nice person at all.” Then the most precious little girl of about five tugged on the tail of Starsky’s jacket, he turned around and she whispered in his ear and pointed at Hutch. Starsky whispered in her ear and she nodded at him. She slowly walked over to Hutch and wrapped her little arms around his neck, “Uncle Hutch, we’ve been waiting on you for a long time. I’m glad you’re here,” she said as she planted a kiss on his cheek. “I’m glad I’m here too, little one. Thank you.” Hutch responded with a blush.
Starsky rose, “I think this is a good time to make introductions. Hooligans, line up time. Fall into place.” Immediately the grandkids lined up in formation bouncing from foot to foot as all the adults chuckled. Starsky laid his hands on the tallest boy’s shoulders, “This is Brad,” he moved to the next child, “and this is Chase, Josh, and Elizabeth.” Then he walked over to the two sets of parents and stood between them. “This is my daughter Jenny and her husband Allen. Then over here is my son Jason and his wife Hannah. These guys are responsible for all the hooligans over there.” Then Starsky walked over to Hutch and put his arm around him, “And this is none other than, Kenneth Richard Hutchinson, or Hutch. See, I told you he was real,” he winked at everyone as Hutch elbowed him in the ribs. Hutch walked over and shook hands with all the adults. Jenny was tall and slender like her mother but had Starsky’s eyes. And Jason had Starsky’s build but resembled Heather. Starsky had a lot to be proud of, they were beautiful children. “I’m glad I finally get to meet you guys, but just because I’m real doesn’t mean your Dad still isn’t a little screwy in the head.” Everyone laughed and started to get acquainted while Starsky finished the grilling. The conversation continued as everyone went inside to the dinner table. Once dinner was finished the adults enjoyed their coffee and after dinner drinks while the kids ran around and played in front of the tree. Jenny asked, “So, Ken, how long are you staying?” Hutch looked over the top of his cup, “I’m not sure Jenny. Haven’t figured that out yet, I’ve already been here a few days and I don’t want to wear out my welcome.” She walked up behind him and put her arms around him and told him, “I don’t think you’ll ever have to worry about that.”
Starsky then got up and went and gathered marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers, then yelled towards the great room. “Who wants Smores?” There was dead silence from the great room, then the thunder of feet and a rush of wind through the dining room and out the back door to the fire pit. “I guess they all do,” he said as he headed out back with all the supplies as everyone else followed him. The kids gathered around the pit as Starsky gave out supplies and helped the smaller children make their S’mores. As the kids ate they begged for Poppy to tell them a story. Starsky told them that once they got cleaned up and ready for bed that he would tell them a story then. After a few more S’mores, the children headed inside to get ready for bed, they all soon returned clean and pajama clad. They sat down in front of the fireplace. Starsky pulled an ottoman in front of the kids and sat down. “Ok, you want me to tell you a story or do you just want me to read from a book?”
The kids all looked at each other and whispered among themselves until the eldest spoke up, “Poppy, um, can you tell us some of your police stories when you and Uncle Hutch worked together?” Starsky turned to look at Hutch, “What do you think, Uncle Hutch? Think we can find a story that’s suitable for little ears?” Hutch looked at Starsky and said, “I don’t know, that was a long time ago, let me think a few minutes and see if I can come up with one that would be appropriate.” The kids sat quietly for a few minutes. “Poppy…Uncle Hutch…” They both looked at each other then Hutch said, “What about…no, never mind, that didn’t go so well.” Starsky then said, “What about the time we…” he stopped and shook his head. Hutch snapped his finger and pointed it at Starsky. They returned each other’s look and both shook their heads no. The adults watched in amazement as the silent communication between the two men fell back into sync. Then finally Starsky turned back to the children and told them, “Kids, me and Uncle Hutch helped a lot of people and put a lot of bad guys in jail but they are not the kind of stories you need to hear right now. Maybe one day when you’re older and you can understand a little better, we’ll tell you some of them then.” Starsky got up, went over to the table and came back with a book. He handed it to Hutch, “Here, you are now part of the family tradition, Christmas Eve story time.” Hutch got up and moved to the recently vacated ottoman. He sat down and opened the book and began, “’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house…”
As Hutch read to the kids, Jenny walked up and hugged Starsky from behind and laid her chin on his shoulder, “Dad, I really like him, and I can see why you love him too. I’m just sorry you two were estranged for so long. But there was something good about your time apart.” Starsky tilted his head towards her, “Oh yeah, and what is that?” She then moved beside him and wrapped her arm around his waist, “You met Mom, had us, and your grandkids. That wouldn’t have happened if you had gone straight back to California.” He turned and kissed her on the cheek, “You are so right my dear. I do hate the time Hutch and I were apart, but I wouldn’t trade it at all for the time with your mother and you guys. I love you all. Now, I think it’s time we go rescue the old fart, what ya say?” Hutch was closing the book when all the kids started up, “Read another one…read another one…please, Uncle Hutch,” just as Starsky came to his rescue. “That’s enough you hooligans, it’s getting late and Uncle Hutch needs his rest. Plus you guys need to hit the sack so Santa can come.”
Hutch shot Starsky a cold glare, “Who needs their rest? You’re older than me,” he said with certain smugness. Starsky patted Hutch on the shoulder, “Whatever makes you happy, old man.” He turned to the kids, “All right, upstairs with all of you. Make your rounds and upstairs,” he said as he jerked his thumb backwards in the direction of the stairs. The children moved around the room with a round of hugs and kisses for everyone, including Uncle Hutch. Starsky had returned to the big leather chair as Hutch sat next to him in a lounge chair. “You’ve got some great kids and wonderful grandchildren, buddy. I’m so happy for you.” Starsky looked at his kids who were still gathered at the dining room table, “Yea, I lucked out. They’re the best thing to happen to me. Came close several times to never seeing this day, the both of us, but those days are behind us now, it can only get better.” Hutch stared at the fire and remembered all their close calls and really realized how close both of them had come to not being alive today. “Starsk, you are so right. It’s a wonder either one of us are here. The big man upstairs obviously had a much larger plan than either of us knew. I’m glad it all worked out.” Starsky looked at him, “Me too, pal, me too.”
Hutch had been asleep several hours when he was awakened by the sound of rustling downstairs. He looked at the clocked that glared a big read ‘4:30 am’ at him. Surely it wasn’t the kids up this early, he thought to himself. He laid there and listened for a few more minutes as the rustling continued. Finally curiosity got the best of him and he got up to see what was going on. He chuckled at himself as he tiptoed down the hallway. Once a detective, always a detective, he thought. He stopped at the top of the stairs and peered over the banister at the curly-haired ‘elf’ filling the stockings that hung over the fireplace. Hutch snuck up on the ‘elf’. Starsky was too involved in his task to notice Hutch standing behind him. “Do you ever sleep?” Hutch whispered. Starsky jumped and spun around, “If you keep sneaking up on me like that I’ll be getting plenty of sleep with a permanent dirt nap,” he said while clutching his chest. “I don’t need a lot of sleep…I take a lot of naps,” he snickered. “You wanna help?” he asked as he handed candy canes to Hutch. The two men set about filling the remaining stockings with candy, fruit, and nuts. As they finished the last one, Starsky said, “Go on back to bed, the hooligans will be up shortly so I’m going to start breakfast. But that’s no reason you should have to endure the early morning torture,” then he let out a big yawn. Hutch pushed him towards the kitchen, “Come on, looks like you could use a hand.” Starsky cooked the bacon as Hutch worked on the eggs and toast. When the bacon was finished he began on the pancakes as Hutch set the table.
They had just started the coffee maker as they heard the thunder above them, then down the hall and finally to the bottom of the stairs. The laughter and chatter was almost infectious as the kids began shaking their gifts. Then in his sternest tone, Starsky spoke to the kids. “Uh…uh…uh, you know the rules. Only one present before breakfast and not until your parents are up.” He shook a warning finger at them, “You know what you have to do.” Then in a flash, the children were up the stairs with a chorus of, “Get up…get up…get up,” echoing down the hall as Starsky turned around with a devilish grin. Hutch mirrored the grin and laughed, “That’s just wrong and you know it.” His friend just kept grinning, “Yep.” The children bounced on each step as their sleepy eyed parents trudged down along with them. Starsky had already moved in front of the tree as the last straggler took their place in the great room. He picked up one gift each and handed it to each of the children as they waited patiently for Starksy’s count down, “1…2…3…Go,” and the wrapping paper flew like snow. After the unwrapping there was a mass exodus to the breakfast table.
Everyone filed upstairs after breakfast and got dressed for the day’s activities. Once everyone was back downstairs they all headed to the barn. Starsky turned to Hutch, “We’re heading out to the cemetery for our annual Christmas visit. You’re welcome to come along; you know it’s a nice ride.” Hutch replied, “Sure, I’d enjoy that. Another family tradition I take?” Starsky shook his head, “Yes, it’s a good way to teach the grandkids about the people we love who are no longer with us.” Hutch clapped him on the back as they walked to the barn, “That’s a great idea.” After the horses had been saddled and everyone was aboard their mounts, Elizabeth asked, “Poppy, did you remember the flowers?” Starsky nudged Dakota forward and stopped beside Elizabeth and tweaked her little nose, “Of course I did, schweethart, they’re right here in my saddlebags,” he said as he tapped the bags. As they rode along, the group sang Christmas songs and chatted about their plans for New Years. When they reached their destination everyone dismounted and tethered their horses to the wrought iron fence. Starsky reached in his saddlebags and removed a dozen red roses and a dozen purple calla lilies. He passed out all of the roses but kept the lilies for himself. The kids and grandkids talked to the residents there as Starsky answered questions and told stories about the departed family members. A short time later the clan exited the little cemetery. Jenny hooked her arm through Hutch’s, “Ken, come on back to the house with us. Dad usually stays just a little longer by himself on Christmas.” Hutch nodded and mounted up with the rest of the group. As they headed out he looked back to see his friend kneeling and placing the lilies on Heather’s stone as he spoke to her. It saddened his heart and she saw it on his face as she rode beside him. “Lilies were Mom’s favorite. Don’t worry Ken, he’ll be okay. He just needs a little alone time.” Hutch turned back around as they headed back to the cabin.
Starsky arrived at the cabin just as everyone was finishing lunch. “Dad, do you want me to make you a plate?” Jennifer asked. “No honey, I’m a big boy and can do it myself,” he responded quietly as he set about making his plate. Just as he turned around each of his elbows were grabbed by two sets of small hands, “Come on Poppy, let’s open presents,” they said as they led him to his chair. Starsky placed his plate on the end table and picked up Elizabeth and sat her on his lap. “Okay, Brad, pass out the gifts.” The eldest boy went around the room passing out gifts and the unwrapping began. After a few minutes of ooohhs and aaahhs, Hutch walked over to Starsky and handed him a brightly wrapped package. Starsky handed him a small package in return. As he sat down Starsky started shaking the box. “Cut that out, you’ll break it,” Hutch chided. Starsky slipped the ribbon off and tore into the package. He opened the box to reveal a black wooden picture frame. His face lit up with a large smile. “What is it Poppy? I wanna see,” Elizabeth said. “Yea, show us Poppy,” the other kids chimed in. Starsky turned the frame around and showed everyone. “Why would Uncle Hutch give you pictures of trees?” one of the kids asked. “You see kids; it’s more than just pictures of trees. This is a very special tree, it’s my tree. Uncle Hutch gave me this tree a loooong time ago. Way before any of you were born, even before your parents were born.” He pointed to the first picture, “You see the first picture, this is when he first gave it to me and it was a baby tree. This one is after it had grown for a few years, just like mine and Uncle Hutch’s friendship. And this one looks like the most recent picture and shows how big and strong it has become. Just like me and Uncle Hutch.” Starsky looked at Hutch, “Thank you, this is really special and means a lot to me now, even if it didn’t at the time.” The kids were not satisfied until all the presents had been opened and there was one remaining gift. “Come on Uncle Hutch, open yours now.” Hutch slowly opened the small box. He reached in and pulled out the small object and twirled it in his fingers as he stared at it. After a moment Elizabeth walked up to him and put her hand on his knee, “Don’t you know what that is?” she questioned. “I do, it’s a key. But I don’t know what it’s for, do you?” Starsky walked over and picked the little girl up. “It’s a key to my house sweetie so Uncle Hutch can come anytime he feels like it. Heck, he can even stay with us now if he decides to,” Starsky explained as he reached down and patted Hutch’s shoulder, “Welcome home, buddy….”
“Hey, you okay? Do you need to sit down?” Starsky asked as he pulled up a nearby bale of hay. “No…No…I’m alright, I was just taken off guard for a moment. I can’t believe that you still have the tomato.” Hutch could see the blush creep into Starsky’s face. “Yea…well, I just couldn’t let her go. She stands for so much that happened in my life. She reminds me of the good times and the bad. She reminds me of a friendship that I thought I had lost forever. But most of all, she represents survival.” Starsky walked over to the wall, opened a bag. He pulled out a rag and began wiping a spot on the fender. “I keep her washed and waxed once a month and drive her around town to keep her from freezing up, and about every six months or so I take her to the classic car shows around here. Hey, enough of the reminiscing, I need to go to town. Let’s go.” The pair left the barn, climbed into Starsky’s truck and headed into town. A few hours later they returned and Starsky started dinner. When the table had been cleared and the dishes put away the two men headed to the great room with a couple of beers.
The two talked about old times. The places and people they knew and missed from their past until Starsky finally asked the question Hutch knew was eventually coming. “So, what did you do with yourself for all those years?” Hutch took a long swig of his beer and felt the cold wetness moisten his suddenly dry throat. “I already told you earlier Starsk, weren’t you listening?” It was Starsky’s turn to take a long drag from his beer. “The only thing I heard was you skirting around the question. You didn’t really think that bullshit answer earlier today was going to cut it did you? I used to be a detective and I like all the gaps filled in…so don’t leave anything out. My interrogation skills may be rusty but they’re not gone.” He said, smiling around the beer bottle.
Hutch scrubbed over his face with his hand, “If I told you, then I’d have to kill you,” he smiled. Starsky squinted as he glared at him. “Not funny, now spill it.” Hutch leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees as he laced his fingers together. “After you went to take care of your Mom, I got a call from a recruiter from the Special Ops division of the FBI. They had been following Gunther’s trial and couldn’t believe he got off with the reduced sentence that he did. They combed over the files and found that my investigation was air tight solid. So they suspected that Gunther had still managed to buy off the jury, the judge, or whoever he needed to. So they approached me and offered me a job. At that time I was so pissed off at the system that I told them I was in. I figured with you in New York and not knowing when you’d be back, that this would be the easiest way to break ties for the both of us.” Hutch sat back and snorted out, “Did you ever think that one of us would be working for the Feds? Well, I became one of those bastards we used to hate so much.” Starsky shook his head, “If someone had told me that thirty years ago I would have laughed in their face and called them insane.”
“Yea, well believe me; I thought the same thing at the time. I couldn’t believe I’d done it myself. I went to work right away. They moved me around all over the US to investigate corrupt public officials, so I had to keep a very low profile. I met a woman when I was working in Texas and I thought that she was the one I was going to finally settle down with. We dated for the three years I worked there and then the case wrapped up and it was time for me to move on. I asked her to come with me and she told me her home was in Texas so she asked me to stay there with her. I really thought hard about it but I liked what I was doing so I decided to go back to DC. I retired in March and decided I would take you up on your invitation this year; that is if I received another one. I figured it was time. I had finally felt a peaceful calm in my life but there was still something missing. So, here I am.” Starsky got up and took their empty beer bottles to the kitchen. He returned a moment later with two fresh bottles. “Well it’s about damn time,” he said as he handed Hutch the bottle. “I know my kids think that their old man is crazy and you’re just a figment of my imagination. I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they get home in a couple of days and see you in the flesh.”
Hutch looked like a deer caught in the headlights. “Umm, Starsk, I thought I would leave before then so you could spend Christmas with your family.” Starsky jumped to his feet and yelled, “Are you kidding me, Hutchinson? You’re gonna tuck tail and run again?” Starsky clenched his fists and took three deep breaths, slowly exhaling after each one. “I’m sorry pal, that was totally out of line. I guess I didn’t realize how angry I was about you leaving before. I really thought I had gotten past it.” He walked over and knelt in front of Hutch and placed his hands on the man’s knees. He looked him squarely in the eyes, “You’re right Hutch. I do want to spend the holidays with my family. And you are family, you big ass. You always have been and always will be. Now I won’t have any arguing about the subject, you’re staying and that’s that.” He rose to his feet, grabbed his beer and polished it off. “I don’t know about you but this conversation has worn me out, I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning…right?” Hutch shook his head, “Yes, Starsky, I’ll be here. I’m not ready to hit the sack yet, but I’ll see you in the morning.” Starsky nodded back, “Good, make yourself at home. Night, Hutch,” and he turned and walked to his room.
Hutch rummaged around in the refrigerator until he came out with a piece of fruit. Walking around the great room he saw the last three decades of Starsky’s life on display in photographs. The first collection was of Heather and Starsky’s wedding. It was an outdoor wedding with the mountains as the couple’s backdrop. How ironic he thought to himself. She must have been one hell of a woman if she converted this city boy to a mountain man. The next set of pictures depicted the birth of his two children and family outings and vacations. He saw the sad decline of Heather’s health and the haggard, stressed face of his friend in those pictures. And finally, in the next set of pictures he saw the joy return to that face as he witnessed the birth of his four grandchildren. Hutch felt like he had just lived thirty years in thirty minutes. A big yawn escaped his lips and he realized how tired he was so he headed upstairs for the night.
The next two days flew by as Starsky kept him busy. Starsky manipulated him into cutting firewood by telling him that he had grown ‘soft’ in his old age. After working up a sweat in the cold mountain air, Starsky came out when he was down to his last log, “Took you long enough, but I could’ve done it quicker.” He teased. “Oh really, hotshot? Then why don’t you show me?” He handed the axe to Starsky. “Oh, don’t need that,” he said as turned around and walked to something covered with a tarp. “You don’t? What are you going to use? That hard head of yours?” Hutch shot back. “Nope, when I cut wood, I use this,” Starsky said as ripped the cover off a gas log splitter. Hutch’s chin about dropped to the ground, “Why you son of …..” and then they both started to laugh. After that the pair went to the barn to stack hay, pretty soon it turned into a contest to see who could stack the fastest. Thirty minutes later the two men shuffled back to the house and collapsed in the great room. Soon the only thing that was heard was the two men snoring in synch. After catching their wind, Starsky enlisted his friend’s services again to get the house ready for the arrival of his kids and grandkids.
Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and he had to have the bunk room ready for the grandkids so that, according to their words, ‘Santa can find us’. Starsky took the upstairs while Hutch dusted downstairs. After they finished the housework they sat down for a quick snack. They were munching on sandwiches and Starsky had just shoved the last piece of his into his mouth when he snapped his finger and pointed it at Hutch. “I just remembered that I don’t have any marshmallows for S’mores. Can you take my truck into town and pick those up for me? I need to get the fire pit and smoker going…Oh, and I need you to stop at the florist and pick up some flowers I have on order too,” he said around a mouthful of sandwich. He walked over to the backdoor and grabbed the truck keys and tossed them at Hutch. “Guess I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” Hutch shot back. “Nope,” Starsky replied, rubbing his hands together. “Now, get so we can have dinner ready when the kids get here,” Starsky said with a shooing motion. An hour and a half later Hutch walked up to where Starsky had a roaring fire going in the fire pit and coals glowing in the BBQ. “Go put those on the counter and bring me the steaks and burgers, the kids called and are about thirty minutes out. Hutch returned with the requested items as Starsky took them from him and threw them on the BBQ. “Have a seat and kick back and relax,” he told Hutch. “Is there anything I can help you with?” asked Hutch. “Naw, I got it all under control, I love grilling,” he laughed. “You still eat yours medium rare?” he inquired. “Glad you remembered old man.” Hutch smirked.
Hutch watched from the lounger as Starsky flipped burgers and happily whistled Christmas tunes. He reveled, and was even a little envious, of how happy his friend was. The fire from the fire pit and BBQ warmed the patio area nicely as he breathed the night air and looked at the stars. He noticed how clear the sky was and how brightly the stars shone. He looked through the big bay window to the tree in the great room. It must have been a fourteen footer and it was decked out with a thousand lights and ornaments. He was amazed how much his friend adored the Christmas season. Then he noticed all the festive packages on the floor beneath the branches. When did that happen he thought. Starsky must have placed them there while he was in town, he hadn’t noticed them before. He thought to himself how peaceful and tranquil this place was. That was until he heard the squeals of “Poppy…Poppy…we’re here, Poppy” as four balls of lightening, followed by their parents, flew around the corner of the cabin and gang tackled the cook.
Each one clamoring over the other so that they could be the first one in Poppy’s arms. Hutch hadn’t thought it possible but his friend beamed even brighter as he was being mauled. Then he heard Starsky bellow, “All right you hooligans, I’m gonna arrest all of you for assaultin’ a peace officer.” All the kids screamed with laughter and dug in harder. Starsky then picked each one of them up and hugged them tightly. “Kids, I don’t think he has the authority to arrest you any longer, so get him.” Hutch piped in. “Au contraire, Hutchinson. Shows how much you know. I happen to be a reserve deputy for the county.” He quipped back. “What?!” Hutch choked out. “I’m a reserve deputy on call in case of an emergency. A lot of people get lost up here so I help out with search and rescues or anything else they might need me for. Wanna see my badge?” He said as he waggled his eyebrows up and down at Hutch. “No thanks, you perv.” He shot back. Just then one of the kids tapped Starsky’s leg and asked, “Poppy, what’s a perv?” Hutch nearly choked on his drink at the question. Then Starsky squatted in front of the youngster and told him very seriously, “Josh, it’s a person that I hope you never ever have to learn about, not a nice person at all.” Then the most precious little girl of about five tugged on the tail of Starsky’s jacket, he turned around and she whispered in his ear and pointed at Hutch. Starsky whispered in her ear and she nodded at him. She slowly walked over to Hutch and wrapped her little arms around his neck, “Uncle Hutch, we’ve been waiting on you for a long time. I’m glad you’re here,” she said as she planted a kiss on his cheek. “I’m glad I’m here too, little one. Thank you.” Hutch responded with a blush.
Starsky rose, “I think this is a good time to make introductions. Hooligans, line up time. Fall into place.” Immediately the grandkids lined up in formation bouncing from foot to foot as all the adults chuckled. Starsky laid his hands on the tallest boy’s shoulders, “This is Brad,” he moved to the next child, “and this is Chase, Josh, and Elizabeth.” Then he walked over to the two sets of parents and stood between them. “This is my daughter Jenny and her husband Allen. Then over here is my son Jason and his wife Hannah. These guys are responsible for all the hooligans over there.” Then Starsky walked over to Hutch and put his arm around him, “And this is none other than, Kenneth Richard Hutchinson, or Hutch. See, I told you he was real,” he winked at everyone as Hutch elbowed him in the ribs. Hutch walked over and shook hands with all the adults. Jenny was tall and slender like her mother but had Starsky’s eyes. And Jason had Starsky’s build but resembled Heather. Starsky had a lot to be proud of, they were beautiful children. “I’m glad I finally get to meet you guys, but just because I’m real doesn’t mean your Dad still isn’t a little screwy in the head.” Everyone laughed and started to get acquainted while Starsky finished the grilling. The conversation continued as everyone went inside to the dinner table. Once dinner was finished the adults enjoyed their coffee and after dinner drinks while the kids ran around and played in front of the tree. Jenny asked, “So, Ken, how long are you staying?” Hutch looked over the top of his cup, “I’m not sure Jenny. Haven’t figured that out yet, I’ve already been here a few days and I don’t want to wear out my welcome.” She walked up behind him and put her arms around him and told him, “I don’t think you’ll ever have to worry about that.”
Starsky then got up and went and gathered marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers, then yelled towards the great room. “Who wants Smores?” There was dead silence from the great room, then the thunder of feet and a rush of wind through the dining room and out the back door to the fire pit. “I guess they all do,” he said as he headed out back with all the supplies as everyone else followed him. The kids gathered around the pit as Starsky gave out supplies and helped the smaller children make their S’mores. As the kids ate they begged for Poppy to tell them a story. Starsky told them that once they got cleaned up and ready for bed that he would tell them a story then. After a few more S’mores, the children headed inside to get ready for bed, they all soon returned clean and pajama clad. They sat down in front of the fireplace. Starsky pulled an ottoman in front of the kids and sat down. “Ok, you want me to tell you a story or do you just want me to read from a book?”
The kids all looked at each other and whispered among themselves until the eldest spoke up, “Poppy, um, can you tell us some of your police stories when you and Uncle Hutch worked together?” Starsky turned to look at Hutch, “What do you think, Uncle Hutch? Think we can find a story that’s suitable for little ears?” Hutch looked at Starsky and said, “I don’t know, that was a long time ago, let me think a few minutes and see if I can come up with one that would be appropriate.” The kids sat quietly for a few minutes. “Poppy…Uncle Hutch…” They both looked at each other then Hutch said, “What about…no, never mind, that didn’t go so well.” Starsky then said, “What about the time we…” he stopped and shook his head. Hutch snapped his finger and pointed it at Starsky. They returned each other’s look and both shook their heads no. The adults watched in amazement as the silent communication between the two men fell back into sync. Then finally Starsky turned back to the children and told them, “Kids, me and Uncle Hutch helped a lot of people and put a lot of bad guys in jail but they are not the kind of stories you need to hear right now. Maybe one day when you’re older and you can understand a little better, we’ll tell you some of them then.” Starsky got up, went over to the table and came back with a book. He handed it to Hutch, “Here, you are now part of the family tradition, Christmas Eve story time.” Hutch got up and moved to the recently vacated ottoman. He sat down and opened the book and began, “’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house…”
As Hutch read to the kids, Jenny walked up and hugged Starsky from behind and laid her chin on his shoulder, “Dad, I really like him, and I can see why you love him too. I’m just sorry you two were estranged for so long. But there was something good about your time apart.” Starsky tilted his head towards her, “Oh yeah, and what is that?” She then moved beside him and wrapped her arm around his waist, “You met Mom, had us, and your grandkids. That wouldn’t have happened if you had gone straight back to California.” He turned and kissed her on the cheek, “You are so right my dear. I do hate the time Hutch and I were apart, but I wouldn’t trade it at all for the time with your mother and you guys. I love you all. Now, I think it’s time we go rescue the old fart, what ya say?” Hutch was closing the book when all the kids started up, “Read another one…read another one…please, Uncle Hutch,” just as Starsky came to his rescue. “That’s enough you hooligans, it’s getting late and Uncle Hutch needs his rest. Plus you guys need to hit the sack so Santa can come.”
Hutch shot Starsky a cold glare, “Who needs their rest? You’re older than me,” he said with certain smugness. Starsky patted Hutch on the shoulder, “Whatever makes you happy, old man.” He turned to the kids, “All right, upstairs with all of you. Make your rounds and upstairs,” he said as he jerked his thumb backwards in the direction of the stairs. The children moved around the room with a round of hugs and kisses for everyone, including Uncle Hutch. Starsky had returned to the big leather chair as Hutch sat next to him in a lounge chair. “You’ve got some great kids and wonderful grandchildren, buddy. I’m so happy for you.” Starsky looked at his kids who were still gathered at the dining room table, “Yea, I lucked out. They’re the best thing to happen to me. Came close several times to never seeing this day, the both of us, but those days are behind us now, it can only get better.” Hutch stared at the fire and remembered all their close calls and really realized how close both of them had come to not being alive today. “Starsk, you are so right. It’s a wonder either one of us are here. The big man upstairs obviously had a much larger plan than either of us knew. I’m glad it all worked out.” Starsky looked at him, “Me too, pal, me too.”
Hutch had been asleep several hours when he was awakened by the sound of rustling downstairs. He looked at the clocked that glared a big read ‘4:30 am’ at him. Surely it wasn’t the kids up this early, he thought to himself. He laid there and listened for a few more minutes as the rustling continued. Finally curiosity got the best of him and he got up to see what was going on. He chuckled at himself as he tiptoed down the hallway. Once a detective, always a detective, he thought. He stopped at the top of the stairs and peered over the banister at the curly-haired ‘elf’ filling the stockings that hung over the fireplace. Hutch snuck up on the ‘elf’. Starsky was too involved in his task to notice Hutch standing behind him. “Do you ever sleep?” Hutch whispered. Starsky jumped and spun around, “If you keep sneaking up on me like that I’ll be getting plenty of sleep with a permanent dirt nap,” he said while clutching his chest. “I don’t need a lot of sleep…I take a lot of naps,” he snickered. “You wanna help?” he asked as he handed candy canes to Hutch. The two men set about filling the remaining stockings with candy, fruit, and nuts. As they finished the last one, Starsky said, “Go on back to bed, the hooligans will be up shortly so I’m going to start breakfast. But that’s no reason you should have to endure the early morning torture,” then he let out a big yawn. Hutch pushed him towards the kitchen, “Come on, looks like you could use a hand.” Starsky cooked the bacon as Hutch worked on the eggs and toast. When the bacon was finished he began on the pancakes as Hutch set the table.
They had just started the coffee maker as they heard the thunder above them, then down the hall and finally to the bottom of the stairs. The laughter and chatter was almost infectious as the kids began shaking their gifts. Then in his sternest tone, Starsky spoke to the kids. “Uh…uh…uh, you know the rules. Only one present before breakfast and not until your parents are up.” He shook a warning finger at them, “You know what you have to do.” Then in a flash, the children were up the stairs with a chorus of, “Get up…get up…get up,” echoing down the hall as Starsky turned around with a devilish grin. Hutch mirrored the grin and laughed, “That’s just wrong and you know it.” His friend just kept grinning, “Yep.” The children bounced on each step as their sleepy eyed parents trudged down along with them. Starsky had already moved in front of the tree as the last straggler took their place in the great room. He picked up one gift each and handed it to each of the children as they waited patiently for Starksy’s count down, “1…2…3…Go,” and the wrapping paper flew like snow. After the unwrapping there was a mass exodus to the breakfast table.
Everyone filed upstairs after breakfast and got dressed for the day’s activities. Once everyone was back downstairs they all headed to the barn. Starsky turned to Hutch, “We’re heading out to the cemetery for our annual Christmas visit. You’re welcome to come along; you know it’s a nice ride.” Hutch replied, “Sure, I’d enjoy that. Another family tradition I take?” Starsky shook his head, “Yes, it’s a good way to teach the grandkids about the people we love who are no longer with us.” Hutch clapped him on the back as they walked to the barn, “That’s a great idea.” After the horses had been saddled and everyone was aboard their mounts, Elizabeth asked, “Poppy, did you remember the flowers?” Starsky nudged Dakota forward and stopped beside Elizabeth and tweaked her little nose, “Of course I did, schweethart, they’re right here in my saddlebags,” he said as he tapped the bags. As they rode along, the group sang Christmas songs and chatted about their plans for New Years. When they reached their destination everyone dismounted and tethered their horses to the wrought iron fence. Starsky reached in his saddlebags and removed a dozen red roses and a dozen purple calla lilies. He passed out all of the roses but kept the lilies for himself. The kids and grandkids talked to the residents there as Starsky answered questions and told stories about the departed family members. A short time later the clan exited the little cemetery. Jenny hooked her arm through Hutch’s, “Ken, come on back to the house with us. Dad usually stays just a little longer by himself on Christmas.” Hutch nodded and mounted up with the rest of the group. As they headed out he looked back to see his friend kneeling and placing the lilies on Heather’s stone as he spoke to her. It saddened his heart and she saw it on his face as she rode beside him. “Lilies were Mom’s favorite. Don’t worry Ken, he’ll be okay. He just needs a little alone time.” Hutch turned back around as they headed back to the cabin.
Starsky arrived at the cabin just as everyone was finishing lunch. “Dad, do you want me to make you a plate?” Jennifer asked. “No honey, I’m a big boy and can do it myself,” he responded quietly as he set about making his plate. Just as he turned around each of his elbows were grabbed by two sets of small hands, “Come on Poppy, let’s open presents,” they said as they led him to his chair. Starsky placed his plate on the end table and picked up Elizabeth and sat her on his lap. “Okay, Brad, pass out the gifts.” The eldest boy went around the room passing out gifts and the unwrapping began. After a few minutes of ooohhs and aaahhs, Hutch walked over to Starsky and handed him a brightly wrapped package. Starsky handed him a small package in return. As he sat down Starsky started shaking the box. “Cut that out, you’ll break it,” Hutch chided. Starsky slipped the ribbon off and tore into the package. He opened the box to reveal a black wooden picture frame. His face lit up with a large smile. “What is it Poppy? I wanna see,” Elizabeth said. “Yea, show us Poppy,” the other kids chimed in. Starsky turned the frame around and showed everyone. “Why would Uncle Hutch give you pictures of trees?” one of the kids asked. “You see kids; it’s more than just pictures of trees. This is a very special tree, it’s my tree. Uncle Hutch gave me this tree a loooong time ago. Way before any of you were born, even before your parents were born.” He pointed to the first picture, “You see the first picture, this is when he first gave it to me and it was a baby tree. This one is after it had grown for a few years, just like mine and Uncle Hutch’s friendship. And this one looks like the most recent picture and shows how big and strong it has become. Just like me and Uncle Hutch.” Starsky looked at Hutch, “Thank you, this is really special and means a lot to me now, even if it didn’t at the time.” The kids were not satisfied until all the presents had been opened and there was one remaining gift. “Come on Uncle Hutch, open yours now.” Hutch slowly opened the small box. He reached in and pulled out the small object and twirled it in his fingers as he stared at it. After a moment Elizabeth walked up to him and put her hand on his knee, “Don’t you know what that is?” she questioned. “I do, it’s a key. But I don’t know what it’s for, do you?” Starsky walked over and picked the little girl up. “It’s a key to my house sweetie so Uncle Hutch can come anytime he feels like it. Heck, he can even stay with us now if he decides to,” Starsky explained as he reached down and patted Hutch’s shoulder, “Welcome home, buddy….”