Part 1 (Chapters 1 through 5)
Part 2 (Chapters 6 through 10)

THE NAKED SOULS

Part 3 (Chapters 11 through 15)

Teri Colosimo

CHAPTER 11

Starsky pulled up in front of the Hutchinson household promptly at 7:00 to pick up Hutch. He didn't come up to the door as he usually did. This time he just honked. Trini nervously looked at Hutch from across the kitchen table.

Hutch looked at his watch, "Must be serious. He's right on time."

Trini nodded in agreement, "Yeah. And he can't look me in the eye, or what? Weirdo."

As Hutch laughed at his wife, he rose to grab his jacket before kissing her goodbye.

Nervously, she ran her hands along his jacket sleeves before imploring, "Please tell me if it's horrible. Or if it affects David. Please, Hutch."

Tenderly kissing her again, he told her, "As long as Starsky doesn't make me promise not to tell you, okay?"

Smiling, she nodded. "I understand. Try and have fun, okay."

Hutch snorted and walked out to join Starsky before he honked again.

Moving to the passenger side, Hutch saw Starsky already had the door standing open for him. Hutch slid in, then shut the door before buckling up.

"Hey," he greeted Starsky.

Starsky merely nodded.

Hutch shrugged.

"You gonna be like this all night?"

This time Starsky shrugged.

Hutch sighed, "Come on, Starsk. You didn't drag me out of the house just to look at my pretty face. Are we gonna talk about this or do we just go sit in a bar and stare at each other all night?"

A small smile crossed Starsky's face before he stopped at the red light and turned to Hutch. Examining him from head to toe, Starsky nodded once and commented, "You'll be warm enough."

Hutch looked down at his outfit. He was wearing tan corduroy trousers, an off-white turtle neck, the hiking boots Trini'd made him buy because she said they looked "sexy" on him, and a lined, leather jacket.

"Warm enough for what, Gordo?"

Starsky shrugged again, "I don't wanna go to a bar to talk. Got some beer in the back..."

"Sure, Starsk. Wherever you wanna go."

Gratitude crossed Starsky's face as he continued to drive in silence before finally stopping at Venice Beach. Starsky jumped out and grabbed the six pack of beer from behind the seat. Hutch got out and looked around. The old neighborhood sure had changed.

"Old home week, Starsk?"

"Good memories, week."

Hutch was a little puzzled as he followed Starsky down to the water. They both sat down and opened a beer. A few minutes passed before Starsky said anything.

"Hutch, you know I love 'ya. You're the best friend I ever had. We been through a lot together."

Hutch nodded and waited for Starsky to continue. He knew Starsky wasn't looking for him to comment on anything just yet.

"I know you can't stand Nick."

Hutch nodded and took another sip of beer, "Am I supposed to say something here, Starsk?"

"I don't know. You wanna say anything to him when he gets here?"

"I don't get it."

Starsky sighed, "I know why he's coming here, and I know why he didn't give an exact day. He didn't have much time to talk on the phone when he called."

"Someone after him, again?"

Starsky just nodded.

"Am I supposed to guess, Starsk?"

Starsky cast Hutch a sidelong glance, and grinned, "Sorry... no. The mob."

A low whistle escaped Hutch before he could stop it. Then he asked his friend, "What do you want me to do, Starsk? How can I help you?"

Rubbing first at teary eyes, Starsky then reached over to place a hand on Hutch's leg. "You're doin' it, pal. Just like always... me and thee."

Hutch reached to pull Starsky to him, "Aw, Starsk... I wish I could make it better, but I can't."

Starsky nodded against his friend's shoulder, "It just helps that you're still the you I knew. I knew that I'd be able to count on that."

"What can I do, Starsk?"

"He wants to get out of the country."

They looked at each other and said an in unison, "Naturally."

"What about his wife, girlfriend, whatever? Doesn't he have like 7 kids?"

Starsky grunted, "Said he didn't care about any of them. Not in those words, of course. He gave me this long, rehearsed speech about how they'd all be safer..."

"Oh."

Starsky nodded and sat back up, "I'm not gonna help him this time, Hutch. I don't want him around Trini or Michael, either. I wouldn't put it past him to try and grab that beautiful kid... or one of mine, for that matter... for money. If they kill him this time, they kill him."

A little shocked, Hutch looked to Starsky. After a moment, Hutch quietly asked, "You sure? I'll help if you need more money. Hell, you gave it to me from that book deal, anyhow. You know I'll help you..."

"I know," Starsky cut him off. Tenderly and with great affection, he turned to Hutch, "I know you would help me with anything. That's why I needed you here. I'm washing my hands of Nick, and I'm gonna need your help to do it. I don't want Trini to know... or to meet him alone. I don't trust him, Hutch. He's on the run and he's desperate."

Hutch put a hand on Starsky's shoulder, "I'll help. Back you up, whatever. Do you wanna tell me what he did?"

"Nick and his pretty boy ways. He was boffing Angelo Ramola's wife."

Another low whistle from Hutch. "What the hell was he thinking?"

Starsky shook his head, "You know Nick. He only thinks with his little head. When Ramola caught 'em together, Nick shot him. Arm wound. Nick's a shitty shot, but Ramola's wife has gone missing."

"Already got rid of the wife, huh? Now Nick has to pay for the hole in the arm and the fact that Ramola's gotta find a new old lady now."

Starsky nodded. "I didn't know any of this the first time he called."

"Now the whole family knows, and you don't know how to retract it all."

"Yeah. Can you help me, Hutch? I shoulda known better than to think the prick was coming for a visit..."

Hutch sputtered out a short laugh, then was laughing so hard, he was crying.

"What's so funny, Hutchinson?"

"Nick-the-Prick. That's what I call him. Sorry. It's just funny comin' from your mouth instead of mine."

Both men dissolved into laughter for a few minutes. Starsky nodded to Hutch, "You always did hate him, didn't you?"

"Not 'til he fucked you over and hurt you. That's when I started hating him, Starsk. Sorry, it can't be helped."

"Exactly why I love you, Hutch. You're the brother Nick will never be."

Hutch kissed Starsky on the cheek. This time Starsky didn't wipe it off or make a joke. He turned and patted Hutch's leg before opening them each another beer.

They drank the rest of the beer in silence before Starsky turned to Hutch and asked, "You got anything, yet?"

Hutch nodded, "Maybe. How can we be absolutely sure he won't bother any of us, anymore? How can we sure he's not gonna endanger our families if they come lookin' for him?"

Starsky shrugged, "If he's out of the country or..." Starsky turned to Hutch and realization crossed his face as he beamed at his best friend. "Yeah! Yeah, Hutch. Thanks for helping me work through this. I'm too close to it to see how to fix the problem." He patted Hutch's leg again, "Thanks.

"Anytime, buddy. Anytime."

~~~

Trini was sitting stiffly on the couch waiting for her uncle and her husband to return. No way could she sleep until she heard what the hell was going on. Rushing to the back door at the sound of her uncle's car, Trini flipped on the outside lights for the men. She heard only one car door open and shut, so she knew her uncle was heading home.

Hutch waved goodbye to Starsky and went inside to tell his wife that he couldn't tell her anything. He hoped she'd really understand, not just pretended to. Hutch had promised Starsky, and he'd never break a promise to that man as long as he lived.

Trini opened the door before Hutch could and pulled him inside. She quickly flipped the outside light back off and bolted the door behind her husband before he could comment on her odd behavior. When Trini was done, she turned back to Hutch and he saw she was wearing her revolver in it's shoulder holster. She was also a little pale.

"Nick called," she started out. "He sounded scared, wanted to know how to get here, but I wouldn't tell him 'cuz he sounded a little nuts." Her hands flew to her face and she shed the tears that couldn't be stopped as she sobbed, "Why does it have to be like this, Ken? I'm sure David told you not to tell me, huh?" Silently, Hutch nodded. Trini hiccuped, and started to cry even harder. "I just wanted...a normal family."

Hutch hastily pulled Trini to him and pushed her head onto his shoulder. Holding her tightly, he soothed, "I love you, baby. And I'm not goin' anywhere. Neither is our beautiful son. Or that uncle of yours. I'm so sorry it can't be what people call 'normal', but this is what we got, babe. And it's better than most people even dream of."

Trini was sobbing so hard, she couldn't even catch her breath as she tried to talk to Hutch. He could only make out that she loved him. As Hutch continued to gently rub his sobbing wife's back, the hatred he felt for Nick Starsky grew. Hutch hadn't thought it possible to hate the man more than he had before, but here it was. The small boiling pot of hatred had grown into a volcano of anger. Hutch was glad Nick wasn't anywhere he could find him right now.

After several minutes, Trini finally calmed down. Hutch's heart was breaking for his wife, and it brought back unwanted memories of his own shitty childhood. The mother who loved him, but drank too much and only wanted Ken around to show people how handsome, well mannered, polite, clean, quiet and just all around good he was. The father he was never good enough for, no matter what. And, God forbid if he ever stepped outside of the bullshit parameters his parents had set for him. It meant that he wasn't perfect enough for them, therefore unworthy of their time and love.

Starsky and Trini had loved Hutch unconditionally and he'd always be grateful for that. Nick Starsky had screwed himself out of ever knowing how wonderful... how strong... how completing that love could be. From either of them.

Lifting Trini's tear stained face to kiss it, Hutch managed to choke out, "Please don't cry anymore, Trini. It's killin' me."

Sniffling very unladylike, Trini reached up to brush away the stray tear her husband had just shed in response to her pain. Who couldn't love a man like Hutch? He was crying for her, for Christ's sake! Jesus she loved this man.

Sniffling again, she nodded, "I'll be okay. Thanks. It just..." she almost started cying again, but bit her lip. Hutch had suffered enough with her tonight, "... hurts. You know?"

Hutch nodded and whispered, "Yeah. I wish I didn't, but I do."

Trini nodded, "Sorry. Of course you know. I forget sometimes and like to wallow in my own self pity. I want all the sympathy and attention you can lay on me, Buster."

Hutch laughed, "You better then? We can go to bed?"

"Yeah. Come on, hero." Reaching out, Trini took her husband's hand and went upstairs. Stopping in front of Michael’s door, Trini went in and double checked the window lock. She always checked it before laying the boy down, but Hutch understood the need to recheck. Gotta keep the bad things away. Keep the "boogey-man".... Nick Starsky.... out.

Shutting the bedroom door quietly behind her, Trini grabbed Hutch's hand as he waited in the hall for her.

"You alright?"

"Yeah. With you and that son of ours, I'm gonna be alright."

Smiling, Hutch followed his wife to their room where she carefully took off her pistol and put it in the nightstand drawer by their bed. Sadly, Hutch shook his head at her extra precautions. He couldn't blame her, he was just saddened that a child would be so afraid of what danger might come trailing in the wake of an errant father. He pictured Trini as a small child all curled up in bed, blankets pulled tight over her head, trembling in fear.

Gotta keep the "boogey-man" away.

Hutch finished undressing before Trini and reached to shut off the light.

"Don't."

He looked to his wife who was blushing furiously, now. Softly he told her, "It's okay. I'll leave it on."

She nodded and turned away as she slid into bed. Hutch joined her and curled up to her back. Breathing against her ear, he informed her, "I swear nothing bad will happen. I won't let him bother us or ruin what we've got, Trini. I promise you. Do you trust me to keep you safe?"

Trini was crying softly as she clumsily, blindly through her tears, tried to roll over and kiss her spouse. When her trembling lips touched Hutch's, he melted against her. Salty tears or no, this girl always tasted damn good to him. After a moment, Trini opened her mouth a little wider to accommodate the dance she had started with Hutch's tongue. Wrapping her leg over Hutch's hip, she pulled gently against his buttocks, pressing his swelling manhood to her.

Gently pulling back, he whispered, "Trini, you don't have to..."

Silencing her husband with another kiss, Trini then pulled back to smile at him. "No," she whispered back in agreement, "I don't have to make love to you right now. But, I need to."

Gratefully, gladly, Hutch moved to accept the gift his wife was offering. He just had to be sure she wasn't feeling some ridiculous sense of "owing" him. If anybody "owed" anybody for their love and protection, it was him. He owed Katrina Hutchinson his heart, his soul, and his very life.

Trini pulled back to untie the bow of the thin, cotton nightgown she was wearing. Slowly, looking Hutch squarely in the eyes, she pulled the top open leaving her breasts uncovered for his viewing pleasure. Then, she reached down and placed his hand on one. Instantly, she closed her eyes and sighed as her nipple became pert under Hutch's excellent touch.

Bending down, Hutch gently held Trini's breast between both hands and caresses it on both sides as he gently nibbled and sucked. His hands were so very warm surrounding her breast and his tongue was working it's usual magic on her nipple. Trini arched and moaned a little.

Hastily, Hutch reached down to rid himself of the pajama bottoms he was wearing. Trini's nightgown was still laid all-round her, crumpled about her waist since she'd never completely taken it off. Hutch reached down to pull the hem up to gain access to her. Trini was laying there, responding to Hutch, but for once not joining in on undressing or the foreplay. Hutch knew she needed to be made love to tonight. His job for the evening was to make his wife feel adored... wanted... desired... and safe. He could do that.

Arching her back against Hutch's swollen member, Trini moved her hips gently back and forth. The warm, soft head of Hutch's penis glided gently over Trini's lips and was slowly driving them both mad. Suddenly, she reached between them and gripped him firmly. Just as firmly, she guided Hutch inside her and arched upward, filling herself with him.

Smiling a little, Hutch started to move in and out of his wife.

Obviously, foreplay's over, honey?

Trini slammed her hips up against Hutch as she reached up to pull his head down to her. Hungrily, she kissed him, then began licking and nibbling his eyes, neck, shoulder, ears.. anywhere she could reach. As their gentle dance turned into a frenzied need for release, Trini's gentle nibbling and sucking grew deeper and more forceful. Reaching down, she grasped one of Hutch's glorious nipples between her fingertips and toyed with him. Maybe he'd been wrong. He was getting made love to as well.

Grabbing Hutch's face in both hands, Trini pulled him to her in a kiss just as she exploded with all the pent up love and frustration in her. Breathing heavily into Hutch's mouth, she wrapped her legs tighter about him and tensed. Quickly, Hutch followed.

Pulling Hutch's head down onto her shoulder, Trini held him to her just as tightly as she held him inside. She wasn't ready to let go just yet.

Tenderly, Hutch nuzzled her ear, "Christ. That was wonderful."

Trini laughed and it caused her stomach and pelvic muscles to tighten. Much to Hutch's pleasure. Laughing himself, Hutch pulled up and looked down at his wife, "Do that again."

Trini pushed against his chest, "Off, wiseass. I'm done with you for now."

Shaking his head in mock sadness, Hutch reluctantly moved from the warmth of his wife, "Wow. You are using me for my body."

Trini nodded and moved out of bed to the bathroom calling over her shoulder, "Um, you can shut the light off now. If you want to."

Hutch got out of bed and moved to the opposite wall to shut off the lights. As he did, the sight of something in the full-length bedroom mirrors caught his eye. Moving closer to the mirror, Hutch double checked just to be sure. First he looked at the left side of his neck, then the right. Muttering, he moved to the light-switch, flipped the lights off, then went to show his wife.

Trini was brushing her teeth when Hutch came in. As she bent to spit, he leaned against the basin and folded his arms across his chest. Rising, Trini smiled and reached to put her toothbrush back. Then, she did a double take at her scowling husband and laughed. Loud.

Pointing to his neck, Hutch asked her, "How the hell am I supposed to cover this? I've never even had a fucking hickey before! Now, I've got.. how many?"

Still laughing, Trini reached around her scowling husband and informed him, "You didn't mind while it was happening."

Hutch merely grunted.

Straightening back up, Trini dropped a bottle in Hutch's hand, "Here. I've been told this works."

Taking off like a bolt, Trini was already bounding under the covers again when Hutch looked down and read the label out loud, "Concealer and base all in one. You gotta be shittin' me."

Hearing her husband, Trini just giggled as he sulked back to bed.

As he climbed back into bed, Trini moved to hold him. He pointed a finger at her, "No biting."

That brought even more uncontrolled laughter form his wife.

CHAPTER 12

Trini, by accident and without meaning to, had kept Hutch awake all night. His wife had tossed and turned in such a fitful sleep that Hutch had been awakened several times. He would have gone into another bedroom or slept downstairs, but Hutch knew Trini needed him in bed with her. Asleep or not, his wife needed his protection when she moved to him as the nightmares took hold. Hutch had been right there to pull her close and comfort her until her breathing had returned to normal. He did it all for love, but he felt like hell today. Tired and stiff, Hutch slid quietly from bed to go downstairs and make coffee. Looking in and seeing Michael was also still asleep, Hutch figured he could actually read the paper before working on Starsky's problem of Nick.

Tiredly, Hutch rubbed his eyes and waited for the automatic pot to do it's magic. He was yawning hugely when Starsky opened the back door to let himself in. Hutch spared him a glance over his shoulder and a short wave before moving to the fridge for butter as the toast popped up.

Still leaning tiredly against the counter facing away from Starsky, Hutch pointed to the toaster and asked, "You want some?"

Starsky nodded, then realized Hutch couldn't see that.

"Yeah, thanks. Coffee, too, huh Hutch?"

Yawning again, Hutch reached for another cup.

"You didn't sleep well, either, huh? I couldn't sleep at all... thoughts of this an' that. Too much of this negative thought, not enough of that positive one..." Starsky sighed, "...just an all around bad night for sleep."

As Starsky finished his comment, Hutch turned to head to the table with the toast and coffee he'd made. Starsky looked up at his friend and started laughing heartily. Wrinkling up his forehead, Hutch asked irritatedly, "What the hell's so funny, Starsky?"

Pointing to his friend's chest, Starsky told him, "You oughta cover up with a shirt before Huggy gets here. He might think a vampire's on the loose again."

Belatedly, Hutch looked down and saw some of the love bruised areas he'd forgotten about. Blushing furiously, Hutch quickly set the plates and cups down and went into the spare bedroom for a teeshirt. Starsky was still grinning hugely when Hutch came back out.

Starsky couldn't resist, "I see why you didn't get too much sleep last night, Hutch. At least you had fun."

Hutch flipped Starsky off, then opened his paper and tried to read it.

But, Starsky wasn't done yet.

"I haven't had one of those in more years than I care to count. How many 'ya got, anyhow?"

Hutch pointedly ignored the man.

Taking a sip off his coffee, Starsky laughed again, "Hey. It could be worse. You two could still be fighting."

Looking over his paper, Hutch scowled at his laughing friend, "I didn't know she bit," he growled.

Starsky laughed so loud this time, that Michael heard it and opened his door. Hutch hurried over to the stairs to greet his son. As Michael started down the stairs Hutch greeted him.

"Morning son. You hungry?"

Nodding, Michael rushed down to join his great-uncle at the table. Starsky picked the boy up and kissed his curly head as he sat Michael down into his booster seat. Hutch was cracking eggs for Michael when Starsky piped up, "Since you're already cooking eggs for Michael..."

"I'm workin' on it, Starsk."

Smiling, Starsky nodded.

"Wow. I think I finally got you trained, Hutch."

Hutch didn't bother to comment. He was doing all he could to stay awake.

~~~

Leaning in close, Huggy whispered to his friends, "So, all I gots to tell 'ya is that I know 'Sweet Alice' will help us get rid of Nick. She figures she owes you guys. Especially 'Blondie,' here."

Hutch shook his head, "I don't know."

Starsky looked across the patio at Michael to be sure the child was still where he could see him before returning his attention to Hutch.

"Why? She's not gonna get hurt at all, Hutch. We're gonna be right there, every step of the way. We gotta do it, Hutch. We gotta get rid of Nick once and for all."

Nodding, Hutch reached out to pat Starsky's leg. Starsky was hurting, but it was nothing new when it concerned Nick. Nick only hurt Starsky. Hutch knew Dave Starsky had loved his brother more than life at one time, but now he couldn't afford those feelings anymore. Nick had to go.

Tiredly, Hutch drywashed his face and yawned again, "Can we think on this? I know it's probably the best plan, but I gotta wake up a little to see it from every angle."

Agreeably, Huggy nodded, "Sure thing, Hutch. I understand. My ole' lady sucked me dry like that an' I'd be tired, too."

Hutch pushed Huggy backwards in his chair and went to move the puppy out of Michael's reach. Huggy picked himself up and looked up at the sun, squinting a little.

"Maybe he's so damn crabby-ass 'cuz he's a vampire an' should not oughta be out in this here sunshine."

Hutch didn't know what Huggy'd said, but he could tell from the laughter, it involved his "love bites" that were visible over his teeshirts neckline.

He'd have to look for a shirt with a high collar before they went to see "Sweet Alice."

~~~

Trini woke up to find the bedroom flooded with sunlight. She sat up and stretched before reaching for Hutch's pillow. Picking the pillow up, Trini pressed it to her face and inhaled. Hutch smelt so wonderful to her. The thought of him not being there, leaving his scent there, was more than Trini ever wanted to think about. Stretching tiredly again, she rose and bathed, then dressed to go down and call some friends. Her head was throbbing, but Trini knew she had to move on her plans. Nick had to go, and Trini knew just how to make sure it happened.

As Trini came down the stairs, she heard Huggy's voice as he read the Obituaries out loud.

"How about this one... former policeman like you all... Mike Southbee... age 64... heartattack at home. Mm-mm-mm. Bad. Young kids, too. Says here, 16, 12, 9, and 4."

Trini stopped where she was and drew in a shaky breath. 64 didn't seem so far away anymore. Hutch was... well, closer to that than she cared to think about.

Jesus, this day was starting out shitty.

Headache, worries of Hutch not being in bed with her to leave his glorious scent, dead at 64... Damn. Bad start.

Looking up, Hutch saw his wife frozen in mid-step on the stairs, head down as if trying to collect herself. Reaching over to Huggy, Hutch punched him and hotly whispered, "Smooth move, Bear. Always gotta read those goddamned things out loud, don't you?"

Huggy knew Hutch wasn't really mad at him, and he didn't take it personally. They all had wives, and they all were aware of the fact that none of them were that young anymore. They were mere mortal men who would have to leave the ones they loved someday. That hurt more than any of them cared to admit or talk about.

Quickly rising, Hutch nodded toward Michael. Starsky got the hint and led the child outside. Huggy also understood. The Hutchinsons needed a moment to stave off a breakdown by Trini. Huggy grabbed the puppy, and hastily followed his friend outside.

Reaching up, Hutch placed a gentle hand on Trini's where it was still laying on the curving handrail, "Hey. It's all good. Southbee weighed like 300 pounds when he retired. I'm here and I'm fine, Trini."

Hutch didn't even know the man. He was just saying things to calm his overly stressed wife.

Nodding, she gripped his hand in hers and continued down the winding staircase. Hutch looked so adorable, following her around the outside of the stairs until they met at the bottom, that Trini actually laughed when he pulled her into his arms.

Hutch kissed her head and said, "I'll bite. What made you finally laugh?"

"My Prince Charming guiding me down the stairs, holding my hand so tenderly. Then I look at you now, and I see what I did last night. Kinda adds a sense of the bizarre to the whole thing. Prince Charming didn't get hickeys. I don't think."

Hutch pulled back and scowled at his wife. "Oh yeah. I've been waiting to discuss that."

She giggled and moved to get a cup of coffee. Taking a sip, she sighed, "Sorry. You got stuck with an emotional wife. I just hate hearing..." she sighed again. "Just a bad night. That's all."

"Hey. It's okay. I'd worry if you didn't care about men leaving too young to journey into the great unknown. It scares the hell out of me, too. But, we can't let fear rule our lives. I did that, not all that long ago, and it almost ruined everything."

Smiling, Trini nodded, "I hate it when you're right."

Feeling it was safe, Huggy journeyed back inside with Percy in tow. "Hey, Curly wants you's all to join him for a swim lesson with your son. I gots ta be goin'."

In apology for the earlier punch and scolding, Hutch placed his hand on Huggy's shoulder as he moved to the door. Turning, Huggy merely smiled at Hutch, and Hutch knew he was forgiven.

Again.

Still.

Thank God.

~~~

Trini had gotten ahold of Simmons to discuss her plan. Simmons, shaken by what she was offering to pay him to do, whispered into the phone, "Katrina. This is big. You sure? I mean, I can find guys with a mock EMT setup easily. I know where to borrow the other stuff, too. Just... you sure? It sounds kinda... twisted."

Trini was adamant, "I gotta do this. It's the only way I know to keep my family safely in one piece. And, it's a better 'out' than that piece of shit deserves."

Solemnly, Simmons told her, "I don't need anything for my time. You guys helping me out with my student loan has been payment enough, and I didn't expect that. It's my job to help people, it's what I do."

Trini smiled into the phone, "Precisely why we wanted you to be the great doctor we know you'll be. Thanks Jeremy, and I'll call you tomorrow."

Trini heard Simmons say goodbye, but her thoughts were already on her husband. She knew her uncle, Hutch, and Huggy had to be working on a plan, but Trini was assured hers was better.

Nick would be dead, and that would solve it all.

~~~

Hutch and Starsky sat looking at "Sweet Alice" as she contemplated her part in Starsky's plan.

"So, I just act as his 'date,' then I lead him to the docks for a leisurely moonlight stroll. He thinks were comin' back here to hide later. He gets taken care of at the docks when you guys give him the ultimatum."

A little surprised, Hutch nodded. "Sweet Alice" had understood. Wow.

Starsky leaned over to kiss her cheek, "Thanks, Alice. I swear we'll pull you outta there safe. Nick won't be armed, I'll see to that. He'll get on that steamer or he'll stay here and die. Simple as that. Either way, we all just walk away when it's over."

With that said, Starsky got up and left Alice and Hutch staring after him. Alice started to cry.

"Nick is a very bad man to hurt our Curly like this."

Hutch could only nod. Yes, Nick Starsky was a very bad man.

But, soon, it wouldn't matter.

~~~

Hutch and Starsky rode to the Hutchinson home in silence. Hutch noted it wasn't one of their normal companionable, easy ones. It was a silence filled with a bad feeling and it left a nasty taste in Hutch's mouth.

Turning to Starsky as he drove, Hutch quietly informed him, "You know, Starsk, we don't have to do this. Maybe we can think up some other way to keep him out of our hair."

"We've got no time, Hutch. I gotta do this. If you wanna pussy out..."

As soon as Starsky'd said it, he'd felt bad. Slamming his hand into the steering wheel, Starsky pulled into the closest empty lot and put the car roughly into park.

Hutch waited for a minute. Starsky had way too much on his mind, his emotions were on high, and this had to be killing him. He was just trying to pretend it wasn't.

Painfully, Hutch watched his best friend fall apart. Hutch tried to lean over to Starsky, hit his head on the mirror, cursed, and finally reached across to pull Starsky to him. With his arms firmly holding Starsky as he sobbed, Hutch felt his own throat tighten up.

"Aw, Starsk. I wish I could make it all go away. I know all this has to be rough. I'll do whatever to make it better for you." He smiled into Starsky's curls, "I've never pussied out before. What makes you think I will now?"

Starsky started laughing. "I'm sorry. I know you wouldn't. I owe you a lot for helping..."

Starsky sat back up and rubbed his tears away. Hutch sat back up as well.

"Nah," Hutch started. "I owe you just as much. I figure we'll always be even. One way or another."

Smiling, Starsky laughed again. "You're the best, Hutch."

In Hutch's head, he thought, "You're the best of the two of us, but that would only start another debate."

~~~

Nick arrived the next day at "Hutchinson and Starsky Investigations" without much fanfare. It was Hutch's day off, and Trini had decided to stay home with him. David Starsky was the only one in the office when Nick arrived. After all, it was lunchtime. And David Starsky had told Nick to come by at this time. He wanted to be alone with Nick for awhile. Nick was going away forever soon, and loathe as Starsky was to admit it, he might actually miss Nick when he was gone for good.

The minute Nick opened his mouth, Starsky knew he'd been wrong. He wasn't gonna miss this one bit.

"You get me some money?" Nick offered in way of greeting.

"You can't even say 'hello,' asshole? And, no, the money's not ready yet. I've got you a safe house, though."

Nick immediately knew he'd overstepped his boundaries and tried to backtrack, but his older brother was immune to Nick's charm now. Sadly for Nick.

"Davey, come on. It's me. Nicky. You know how I get. I'm just scared is all."

"Yeah, I know how you are. I set you up with a lady named Alice. She'll hide you there until we can get you out of here."

"How'm I gonna get out? I got no money, Davey..."

"Hutch 'n me took care of it with Huggy's help. A steamer will leave Dock 12 two nights from now. You'll be on it. With money."

~~~

Trini needed to work on the files she'd brought home from work, and had insisted Hutch take Michael with him to the grocery store so she could work. Michael, for some reason, was still wide awake at 8:00 at night and Hutch had agreed that taking the boy with him might wear him out for bed.

As Trini sat in the den working, she looked out into the darkened house and thought to herself how she needed to get up and turn on some lights for when Hutch and Michael returned. Trini started to stretch, then stopped mid-stretch when Percy's hair stood up and he started growling. She'd only had the puppy a short while, but already knew his personality. The puppy sensed something. Slowly, she grabbed her pistol from the holster she had still been wearing, checked that it was fully loaded, then reached to shut the lamp on the desk off. The house was completely shrouded in darkness now as Trini reached down to Percy.

Trying to soothe the pet and her nerves she whispered, "Good boy. Stay here, baby. I don't want you gettin' hurt."

Trapping the puppy in the den, Trini moved through the darkened hallway to the back door that led to the backyard. She knew all the other doors were locked, yet couldn't remember if the back one was. It was, but there was definitely somebody on the other side of it.

"Cop Mode" kicked in as Trini crouched behind the table in the pitch black hallway to wait. If somebody came through it she had the advantage of knowing where the hell she was, and what the hell she could hide behind. Plus, if somebody came through, she could claim the dead man was an "intruder" and not one of Ramola's men that it had to be. Trini could barely hear the whispers over Percy's barking as the door was jimmied open.

"I don't know about this," the first shadow whispered as it entered the Hutchinson home, "nobody said nuthin' bout a dog. Maybe it's da wrong house."

"Shut the hell up, moron. That's her car in the garage. Let's just see if there's any sign of him here."

Trini's throat tightened at the mention of them knowing what she drove. And there wasn't any doubt as to who they were searching for.

Holding her breath and waiting until both men had passed, Trini slowly rose, pointed her gun at the closest man's head and pulled her trigger into the firing position. Both men froze at the sound. When Trini spoke, she hoped her voice sounded as calm to them as it did to her.

"We got two ways to do this, fellas. I just let you walk away and you tell Mr.Ramola that I don't want any trouble for me and my family, that I don't give a shit about Nick Starsky. You could ask him real nice like to let me get ahold of Nick before him to settle a couple scores. If he can't wait, that's fine, but you could be sweet and ask. Or... I can kill at least one of you before the other one even gets a shot off. Your call, fellas. Just promise me you'll go back and tell your boss I got no use for Nick Starsky, and forget you ever knew where we live. I don't want any trouble. And I don't think you guys do, either. I know Mr.Ramola's an understanding man. Talk to him for me. Hell, I'll meet with him, myself. I just want you out of my life right now. You guys and Nick. I promise you I'm telling the truth."

Trini continued to stare at both men's backs since neither one had dared moved yet. Backing into a safe spot, Trini asked them, "We got a deal or not?"

Both men nodded and slowly raised their hands as they turned to go. Trini looked down at their chests to play safe. She didn't want to be able to identify anyone. Safer.

Hutch pulled up just as Trini was shutting the back door and rebolting it. For good measure, she moved a table next to it before rushing to see her family safely into the house.

Hutch pulled into the driveway as a car tore down the street away from his house. It wouldn't have bothered Hutch except for the fact that his home was completely black. For some reason, it all made his neck hair stand on end.

As the garage door opened, Hutch could make out his wife's shadow in his headlights against the wall. As Hutch pulled further in, Trini ran to the end of his car, gun drawn, and looked outside. Seemingly satisfied, Trini put the gun back only after Hutch had closed the door with the opener. Wordlessly, they looked at each other a moment before Trini turned to go back in. Hutch turned back to his car to unload Michael. As he rose with the sleeping child in his arms, Hutch looked inside and saw his wife turning on every light in the house.

Hutch's anger rose to boiling point. Somebody had been here and Trini wasn't gonna tell him who. He knew why and it pissed him off. Hutch hated Nick Starsky for even more reasons now.

As their home blazed brightly, Trini spoke quietly into the phone she now held. Hutch could hear her near whispers as he climbed the stairs with Michael in his arms.

"David, I don't care. I want you to find the boys now. Then all of you get over here. They won't be back here, tonight anyhow. Oh, and please call Alice. Thanks."

Hutch overheard enough to know his wife was very afraid right now.

Look out. Boogey Man's Coming.

CHAPTER 13

Upon awakening, Trini had immediately complained of a headache to Hutch.

"No wonder.' he thought as he went to get her the Tylenol, "Despite all your words of comfort to everyone else that those goons wouldn't be back, you didn't sleep a wink. Pacing, looking out windows, checking all the locks and doors. When you finally did nod off, it was in that damned arm chair downstairs."

Hutch smiled to himself as he grabbed three Tylenol and a glass of milk for Trini. Out loud, he whispered, "My little warrior."

Hutch was starting back up the stairs when he heard one of the downstairs toilets flush. Hutch decided to wait a minute to see who emerged. He knew Trini was sorely in need of a back rub, and was going to ask whoever was up to listen for Michael so he could concentrate on Trini. Relieved, Hutch saw Starsky's dark head emerge from the downstairs bedrooms.

Starsky looked up at Hutch and said, "Mornin' Blintz. She ever sleep?"

Smiling, Hutch shook his head, "Nah. I'm gonna take her these," Hutch nodded at the pills he held, "then I'm gonna give her a backrub and try and get her to catch some 'z's. Probably won't work, but can you listen for Michael?"

Puffing out proudly, Starsky solemnly nodded. "I'd love to. Take care of the woman, I get the boy." He smiled, "MY great-nephew. MY namesake with MY curly hair. MY.."

"Starsky. Shut the hell up and just listen for MY son. Okay?"

Starsky nodded and smiled even bigger, "Sorry. Can't help but remind you every so often how much more 'Starsky" he is. Hardly any 'Hutchinson" in him at all. Thank God."

Hutch shook his head and flipped Starsky off as he started up the stairs to Trini. "Man. You are a pain in my ass."

Laughing, Starsky yelled up at Hutch, "Yeah. I love you, too."

Hutch laughed back before disappearing at the top of the stairs. Laying his head tiredly on the wall, Starsky whispered to himself, "I do love you, Hutch. You're the brother I always wanted."

So he didn't let the unwanted pain take hold, Starsky quickly went to start breakfast to busy his mind. He didn't even want to think about what was going to have to be done later that night.

~~~

Michael had been hidden at a friend of Michelle and Angie's, with the two women as "bodyguards" for the boy. Hutch had brought a pistol for Angie to wear, "just in case." Angie and Hutch had loved to go shooting, and she was a great shot. Hutch knew she'd never let Michael near the gun she wore, and she'd do anything to keep him safe. Michelle would, too. He was gonna owe these two dinner and flowers when this was all over. Or maybe...

As Hutch turned to go, he pulled Angie off to one side.

"Hey. You ever been on a cruise?"

"Yeah, Hutch. Me and Angie got so much money stashed away from the bar we own..."

Playfully, Hutch poked her in the arm, "Don't be a jackass. You wanna come with all of us next week? I mean, I wasn't sure if it'd be uncomfortable... anyhow, I'd like for you two to join us. If you'd like to, I mean."

Genuinely touched, Angie kissed Hutch on the cheek, "You know, you don't have to pay for our love and loyalty, Hutch. It comes from somewhere deep inside our souls. We love all of you. And, if you guys really want us along, I'd love to go. But, not because you feel obligated, okay?"

Reaching out to tweak Angie's nose, Hutch smiled, "Not obligated, just grateful to have friends like you an' Michelle. Say you'll come with us when this bullshit is all over."

Angie nodded, "Okay. But just 'cuz you smiled so damned cute just now."

Hutch nodded, satisfied with Angie's answer. Then, he bent to kiss his son one more time. He hoped not for the last time.

As Angie bolted the door behind him, Hutch reached in his pocket and rubbed the rabbit's foot Starsky had bought him years before. It was a horrid dyed red thing that Hutch had mocked saying, "It wasn't lucky for the rabbit, now was it?" Starsky had shrugged and said, "Depends how you look at it, Hutch. Could be, all they got of him was this. He's probably hopping around just fine on three legs somewhere."

Hutch hoped Starsky was right about this damn thing bringing good luck. They were gonna need it tonight.

~~~

"Jeremy, Trini. Listen, we gotta work fast. The steamer my uncle promised Nick he could get out on gets here in 2 hours. David is getting the money, so he'll be tied up at the bank for awhile. I gotta get there with you first. We've got to make this work, or we'll never be safe."

Simmons sighed into the phone, "Man, you been married to 'Mr. Clipboard' too long. Quit it. I've got it all covered. You want a checklist to show your old man..."

"He doesn't know," she interrupted. Furiously blushing, Trini waited for Simmons to say what she knew was coming. Actually, he didn't say it, he yelled it.

"What the hell did you just say?! I thought they were backing you! I'm out of this right now! There ain't NO WAY I'm getting a friend of mine killed! Those hired hands...."

"Precisely why we gotta do it my way, Jeremy. They'll keep looking for him. The steamer is a shitty plan. My uncle doesn't have the lack of heart to do what I'm going to. He has to go. Where they can all see. It's the only way they'll leave us alone. Don't you see, Jeremy? We're not safe while he's alive."

Simmons sighed again. This time it was heavier and sadder. "But you're gonna be safe, right? I mean, they'll be there somewhere, right?"

Trini smiled at her friend's concern. "Yeah. They'll be there. Across the docks. I'll be safe. Thanks, but I really gotta go. Gotta tell my daddy about the change in plans. See you soon, okay?"

"I'll be there. Somebody’s gotta keep you from getting killed. Or at least to identify the body when they do kill you. I like Ken too much to make him do that."

"Gee, Jeremy," Trini laughed, "That was cold. Thanks."

"Yeah, whatever. Get going. I'm right behind you."

As they hung up, Trini desperately hoped she and Jeremy could pull this all off. Quickly lifting the phone out of it's cradle, Trini called "Sweet Alice."

She answered on the third ring. Alice sounded scared and nervous, "Hello?"

"Alice, it's Trini. I'm gonna come get Nick and go to the docks. I carry a gun and we decided it'd be safer that way. Just make sure you're out of there by the time I get there, alright? I don't want you in any danger. Oh, and don't tell anybody where you're going. It's best that way."

"Oh, Katrina! I am so happy to hear this, honey! I wuz awful scared about this. I'm gonna go right now. Thank you sweetheart."

"You are more than welcome, Alice. Please tell Nick I'm on my way."

"Will do, honey. Bye now."

"Bye Alice."

Trini hung up the phone feeling a little bad for lying to "Sweet Alice" but she had no choice. Alice couldn't pull off what needed to be done.

Trini waited 15 minutes before lifting the phone off the hook one last time. Knowing Alice had vacated her apartment by now, Trini called Huggy.

"Home of the Bears. Big ones, small ones, ones you wanna hug. Huggy is speakin' to you's now."

"Huggy," Trini cut in, trying to sound panicked, "I can't find Alice. Do you think you can track her down before... what were those guys' name that came to the house... before they find her."

"She's out where Colton and Webble could see her? That girl's done gone nuts! Where is the useless Starsky brother?"

"Alice's. I'm going to get him now."

"I'm already leavin'. Should I call the 'duo' an' let 'em know what's goin' down."

"Got it, Hug. Just meet us with Alice at the docks in 3 hours. Steamer got delayed."

"Gotcha."

Holding the dead phone to her ear, Trini finally set it back down. She stared at it a moment before dialing the number she dreaded. It only rang once.

"This better be good." A deep, mean voice demanded.

"It is. Please tell Mr.Ramola that Nick Starsky's daughter is on the phone. I'd like to help him find Nick for Mr.Colton and Mr.Webble."

~~~

Trini knocked on Alice's door and called out softly, "Open it. It's your daughter."

Nick opened the door far enough to look through the chain, shut it, then reopened it without the chain. He smiled at Trini. She didn't smile back.

"Come on. You ready, Nick?"

He nodded and bent to grab his suitcase. "All here. Let's get me to freedom."

It took all of Trini's willpower not to scream out, "Just like you to only think of yourself, Nick Starsky! Don't you know how much danger everyone is in because of you? Don't you care?! Instead, she merely grabbed his bag and started for the elevator. Nick quickly shut the door to Alice's apartment behind him, then hurried after Trini.

"Hey. I can carry my own bag, darling. Your old dad isn't that old."

Turning to him and glaring, Trini informed him, "I'm not your darlin' and you've never been my 'dad' so let's not pretend. Fair enough?" With that, Trini dropped the bag dangerously close to Nick's foot and turned away to stare straight ahead and wait for the elevator.

Nick, more than a little shook up his 'charm' had failed again, tried to reach out to put his hand on Trini's shoulder. She saw it out of the corner of her eye and quietly warned, "Don't." Nick's hand dropped back to his side. Wordlessly, they entered the vacant elevator together. Trini pushed "B" then turned to Nick.

"Let's get something straight, right here, right now. I'm doing this to make sure you're safe for me and the people I call my family. Not for you. Got it?"

Nick grimly nodded. What more was there to say?

~~~

The ride to the docks had been quiet. Trini was calculating in her head when Hutch and her uncle would arrive, and she hoped Jeremy was in place. She couldn't call him since she hadn't wanted to bring a cell phone that might ring when it shouldn't. Trini also knew Dave and Ken wouldn't have their phones on them either, for the same reason. The whole plan was working well. All she had to do was get Nick into position...

Nick's voice interrupted the mental discussion Trini was having with herself, "So, I know you're not talking to me, but I gotta know... where's Davey and that husband of yours?" Nick looked out his window so Trini couldn't see his face, but she could hear the sneer in his voice, "I know they can't be too far away from each other."

"You're right. I'm sure they're together. Right where they belong." It was all the answer Nick was getting, and more than Trini felt his wiseass attitude deserved. She couldn't wait to get this over with.

~~~

"What the hell do you mean 'She picked Nick up an hour ago?' Where'd they go?" Hutch knew he shouldn't be yelling at "Sweet Alice," but he couldn't help himself. He was.

"That's why I wuz tryin' to call you, Hutch honey. I just couldn't believe you'd let her go alone. You're too good a man for that."

Hutch sighed heavily, and rubbed his eyes. He was getting one of the worst fucking headaches of all time. And it had "Katrina Hutchinson" written all over it.

"I'm sorry, Alice. Thanks for calling. I have to go and find my wife now. Can you track down Huggy for me? Tell him to stay put. Our plan's been shot."
"I can try, Handsome Hutch, but the word I got from pretty little Candita is that Trini told him I was missing. He's out lookin' for me somewhere."

"Please try, Alice. Thanks."

Hutch hung up before Alice could reply. Trying to catch his breath, and calm the sense of panic and anger he was feeling, Hutch laid his head against the roof of Starsky's car. He felt Starsky's hand on his back a moment later.

"You okay, Pal? You look sick."

Hutch looked up and Starsky saw Hutch's eyes were gleaming with tears that were close to escaping.

Hutch began to talk in a dull, flat tone, "It would seem my wife wasn't happy with our plan to get rid of Nick. She's made up a plan we weren't allowed in on."

Starsky hurried to his side of the car, "Dammit! I was afraid of this. She wants him gone worse than I do. Get in. She's at the docks. I just know she is."

Hutch sat down and grabbed the dash as Starsky roared into traffic, "Yeah. She's at the docks, and she's in danger. Step on it, Starsk."

~~~

Arriving in front of the gate at Dock Number Thirteen, Trini got out and pushed the unlocked gate open far enough for the Torino to get through, then returned to the car. As she climbed back inside, Nick's grumbling started again.

"13?! You gotta be kidding! First you show up in this piece of shit that screams 'look at me! I'm a bright red car with a stripe on it!', then you bring me to dock 13! This all feels wrong, man. Really wrong."

Pulling inside the gate, Trini started out of the car after grabbing her old set of cuffs from the glove compartment. Looking over her shoulder, Trini spat, "Shut up and be glad you're still alive."

She finished climbing out of the car and headed back to the gate. Pulling it shut, she slapped the cuffs loosely around the gate to lock it. She looked out into the darkness for a moment and strained her eyes. No headlights. Her 'calvary' wasn't on it's way, yet. They'd just have to see the cuffs and know it was her clue. Or else they'd spot her uncle's old car. One way or another, they's find her. Silently, she turned back to her car. She had to get this over with.

Trini shut the door and shifted the car gently into 'D'. Slowly inching forward in the darkness, she caught sight of Jeremy off to the side. He ducked down quickly, and Trini breathed easier. She looked at Nick, but he hadn't seem anything. Trini'd naturally left her headlight off, and Nick couldn't see much of anything. Thankfully.

Trini stopped the car and started to get out. Nick leaned over and whispered, "Do I need my case?"

She nodded. "Yeah, and you're not packing a gun, are you?"

He shook his head, "Davey told me not to."

She nodded back, "Good. You listened for once."

Nick glowered at Trini's back, then hurried to follow her. He didn't like the dark and Trini was moving fast.

Nick caught up and nervously looked around. He leaned over and whispered, "Are they here, yet?"

Staring in the direction Jeremy should be by now, Trini gave one tight nod. "The people I need to be here, are." she whispered back, "You're getting out of the trouble you're in. I saw to that."

Nick might have been grateful if Trini had smiled or seemed to care even a little. As it was, Nick shivered. Maybe he was cold, or maybe he was just nervous. Or scared. This girl didn't like him. Not one bit.

~~~

Stopping in front of Dock 6, Starsky looked around in the darkness then grumbled, "I can't see a goddamned thing, can you?"

Silently, Hutch shook his head and looked down the docks. He got out of Starsky's car and made a motion to shut off the car. Starsky did and got out to join Hutch.

"You see something?" he whispered. Hutch continued to stare off at something in the dark. He whispered back, "She's not here. What's her favorite number, Starsk?"

Hutch looked over his shoulder at Starsky. They both drew their guns and said at the same time, "Thirteen."

Silently, but quickly, both men started for the gate separating them from docks 12 through 21. Standing in front of the gate Trini'd locked with her handcuffs, both men smiled and Starsky whispered, "Bingo." Hutch was already using his keys to unlock the cuffs and had turned serious again. He could hear somebody yelling. Starsky heard it, too, and looked to Hutch before they separated and took opposite sides of the dock. Hutch motioned Starsky forward with his gun, then ducked down to slide off the crates and move closer. He could hear Trini clearly now.

Hutch was so intent on moving closer to Trini, he didn't see Ramola's men tap Starsky on the shoulder. Defeated, Starsky let his gun dangle loosely over his left index finger. The man Starsky knew as Colton leaned to whisper in his ear, "Let's just watch this touching father-daughter moment a little bit more, shall we?"

Carefully sliding his long legs down, Hutch finally touched solid ground and laid down flat on the wooden planks. Scooting forward, he could see Trini standing with her feet placed a little apart, gun pointed straight at Nick. Looking close to soiling himself, Nick had his hands up in surrender and was pleading with Trini. She didn't seem to be listening as she took a quick glance to her left. She smiled a little, then turned her attention back to the whining Nick.

"Come on... Trina... It's me... your dad."

Slowly cocking her gun, Trini informed him, "It's Trini. Not Trina. You don't know shit about me. David is my dad."

Nick has the nerve to look indignant, "I'm your father!" he yelled in desperation and anger.

Slowly, Trini shook her head, "No, you're not my father. Fathers care and love and help you through the bullshit of everyday life. You're just a sperm donor."

Then, without any warning, Trini pulled the trigger. Hutch thought he yelled for Trini to stop but he wasn't sure. He must have yelled something because Trini looked his way before running away into the darkness. Hutch rose and began to follow his wife down the docks. Hutch never even spared a look to where Nick's body had flown into the water. He did look to see Starsky was alright. That stopped him dead in his tracks. One either side of Starsky were Ramola's goons.

Cautiously, Hutch let his gun hang loosely around his thumb as he lifted his hand in surrender. "We've got no business with you guys. Let my partner go, okay?"

Both men shoved Starsky towards Hutch. Webble growled, "We never wanted him, Blondie. We got what we needed to." He laughed. Not a nice laugh, but a mean one that sounded like metal scraping against metal. "Well, your little wifey did the work for us. Don't matter none, though. We still get paid."

Both hired guns walked over to the edge of the dock. It was about 12 feet down to the black water. No bubbles surfaced, no body bobbed up. Satisfied, both men laughed again, then left.

Shakily, Starsky walked to the edge and looked over. Hutch followed him. Tiredly, he rubbed at his burning eyes.

Looking to Starsky, he whispered, "What did she just do?"

Starsky shook his head in return, "I don't know, but whatever she did, she thought it was right. For all of us. I don't know about you, but I didn't see anything here tonight."

Starsky turned and sat down heavily on a crate. He started to cry, "Go find her, Hutch, and forgive her. Nothing good can come of you holding this against her."

Patting Starsky's shoulder, Hutch went in search of his lost wife. Lost in more ways than one.

~~~

Hutch stopped at the last Dock. Trini's muffled sobbing could be heard inside the office. Well, it had been an office once. Now it was just a dirty old room with a door and two windows. Hutch pushed the door open and stepped inside. Shutting it behind him, he could make out Trini crouching in a corner crying. His heart was breaking, but Hutch didn't know what to do. He knew he'd comfort his wife, and he'd never report her to the police. After that, he didn't know. Could he stay married to her after all of this? Shaking his head to push the thought away, Hutch went and crouched in front of his wife.

Hutch pushed a lock of stray hair behind her ear. Trini looked up at him with her big, brown eyes and her face covered with tear streaks. Hutch was lost and pulled her to him. She fell into his arms and sobbed even harder as they slid down onto the floor she'd covered with her jacket. Wordlessly, she reached out to Hutch's pants. It caught him off-guard. She wanted to make love? Now? Hutch wished he could argue, but the way she was already pushing him down on her jacket and loving him with her mouth got the better of him. Hutch felt a tear slide down his cheek. Maybe this would be their last coupling. He didn't like to think that way, but Hutch wasn't sure he could live with someone who could do what Trini had just done to Nick.

Good intentions or not.

He decided to enjoy this. It could be the last time he saw her above him, face flushed with desire, opening only for him. Another tear escaped. Hutch couldn't do this.

"Trini," he gasped out, "I can't. This isn't right."

Rising off Hutch, Trini told him, "It is right. You came after me even though you thought you just saw me kill a man in cold blood. I didn't, but you didn't know that. You came after me anyway."

Confused, Hutch tried to sit up. Trini covered his mouth with hers and whispered, "I'll explain it all. Just not now."

She sighed and reached between them to guide Hutch inside her. Then, Trini leaned forward to kiss her confused husband as she began to move on him. Trini whispered words of love to Hutch as she slowly made love to him... in between kisses.

Trini felt Hutch begin to thrust from below, and matched his pace. She shuddered on top of him, then felt Hutch grab her hips before firmly pulling her against him. Happily, Trini felt Hutch's own release as his warm juice filled her. Contented, she leaned forward and lay on him. Hutch caught his breath and Trini waited for the question she knew had to be coming. Instead, Hutch caressed her hair, and kissed the side of her face.

He was cying again when Trini looked to him. But, at least he was smiling as he told Trini, "I woulda followed you anywhere. Guilty or not."

Trini knew she didn't need to explain it all now. Hutch would be with her forever. She had plenty of time to explain it all.

Thank God.

CHAPTER 14

As Hutch lay below Trini, spent and satisfied, his mind was racing. Trini knew it, but she was so filled with nervous energy she couldn't think clearly. The explanations would have to wait, but she had to tell Hutch something now. He had come after her. Right or wrong, he came after her. God she loved this man.

Looking down at her husband, Trini simply stated, "I love you. And, I'm sorry you thought you saw something horrible. Let's get home so I can explain this just one time. I don't think my nerves can handle the telling of this tale more than once." Trini rose and started to dress as she held a hand out to help Hutch up. He was sitting up, knees bent and Trini thought he wanted help when he held his hand up to her.

No. He wasn't looking for help. Trini figured that out as she tried to zip her pants with one hand, and help Hutch up with the other. He caught her off-balance and pulled her, face down over his bent knees. Trini flinched a little when Hutch's hand smacked her, hard, across the buttocks.

"OW!," she protested and tried to wiggle away. Hutch held firm and informed her as he continued to paddle, "You deserve this. Act like a child who can't listen to her elders... this is what you get."

Two swats later, Trini wiggled off when Hutch let loose. Scooting away from her frowning husband, she quickly buckled her pants and spat out, "Sure. Use me for sex, then punish me. Sicko."

Hutch rose and informed her, "Use you? I believe I was taken advantage of, here. And you scared the shit out of me. You're lucky I stopped at five."

Nodding, Trini apologized, "I know, but I had to do it this way. You both had to look genuinely shocked. You did. Webble and Colton were convinced. They're gone, we're safe, but I'm sorry I scared you."

Hutch pulled her tightly to him. Trini held on just as tight. Trini started crying when she realized Hutch was trembling. He'd been just as scared as she'd been.

~~~

Trini sat down gingerly in the driver's seat of the Torino, then shot an angry look towards her snickering husband. Hutch removed his jacket and folded it up to make a pad for Trini's sore rump.

"Here," he gently told her. "Lift up."

She did and Hutch put the jacket under her, "Better?"

Trini nodded. "Am I supposed to say 'thanks' or cuss you out for making my ass sore in the first place?"

Hutch roared with laughter. "You're supposed to be grateful I love you. And that I stopped at five. Remember?"

"Oh. I get it, 'This hurts me more than you. It's for your own good.' Is that was this was?"

Hutch shrugged. "Not really. You had it coming. And, I kinda liked it."

Now Trini laughed. "Sicko. You truly are a sicko, Hutch." Then, she leaned over and kissed him. Gently, slowly, and very tenderly. When she pulled away, she whispered, "I do remember. And I'm always grateful you love me. Even enough to beat me."

Hutch laughed again as Trini turned to fire up the Torino and head home. She had a lot of explaining to do, and Trini was worried about her uncle. No telling what David Starsky was feeling and thinking right now, and Trini HAD to set the record straight with these men she adored.

~~~

Trini wasn't sure what to expect when she and Hutch arrived home. Would every light be blazing? Would Huggy and Alice be there with her uncle? The answer to all of her mental questioning was answered when Trini and Hutch pulled in their driveway. The only lights on were the back porch light and the small light in their kitchen above the sink. Starsky's SUV sat in the driveway.

Trini shut the car off and left it in the driveway. If she wasn't killed by her uncle in the next few minutes, she'd need to go retrieve Michael. Plus, pulling into the garage made her face her uncle sooner. The garage opened into the house. Out here, she could stall. Hutch noticed.

"Trini," he soothed, "Come on. We're both dying to know what the hell really happened on that dock. He'll let you live long enough to tell that much."

Trini snorted at her husband's back as he departed from the car. "Gee. That helped."

Despite his teasing, Hutch moved around the car to hold his wife's hand as they started for the door. Pissed, teasing, scared... it didn't matter. Hutch would always be there for Trini. And, he felt like the dumbest prick in the world for letting even a moment of doubt slip into their life. It'd never happen again.

Trini stopped at the door and looked to Hutch.

"You go first," she whispered. Hutch nodded and opened the door. Once inside, he turned back to her, "See? No shots fired yet."

"Yet." she grumbled. Still, feeling safe her uncle wasn't going to tackle her and beat her ass, Trini moved inside. Hutch had already gone to join her uncle in the dark frontroom. Trini couldn't see their faces clearly in there, and decided not to turn on any more lights. This might be a whole lot easier if she didn't have to look anyone square in the eye.

Stalling for more time, Trini moved to the fridge and grabbed three beers. Opening hers, she took a long drink. Deciding it wasn't ever going to get easier to do this, she moved into the front room. Gingerly, she sat down next to Hutch and set the three beers on the table in front of them. Hutch didn't look at her or make any jokes about her trouble sitting. All of Hutch's attention was on the strangely silent Starsky. Grabbing his beer, Hutch took a drink after thanking Trini and looked back to Starsky.

Starsky was just sitting there, staring blankly at Hutch, holding an empty beer. Trini reached out to lay a hand on her uncle's leg. He looked down and placed his hand over hers. Hutch ventured out his own hand. Starsky placed a hand over Hutch's as well.

Smiling a mostly drunken little grin that wasn't quite sad, yet wasn't quite happy, Starsky slurred, "You two okay?"

Hutch smiled. "Yeah, Starsk. We're okay. You?"

Starsky leaned his head back on the couch, "Not really...okay... not bad, though. You?"

Hutch patted Starsky's leg to draw his attention back, "You already asked if we we're okay." Hutch looked to Trini and pointed at the remaining beer on the table. Trini nodded and moved it out of Starsky's reach. The man had obviously had plenty.

Starsky lifted his head off the couch and tried to focus on Hutch's face, "Oh."

Trini looked to Hutch and nodded to her uncle. She was worried he wasn't coherent enough to understand what she had to say. Hutch just shrugged. Who the hell could tell? Maybe Starsky would get it, maybe he wouldn't. If he didn't, Hutch could always explain it again in the morning.

Trini took a deep breath and jumped right in, "David. I know you think I killed your brother. I didn't. I just had to do it this way to get him out of our lives for good. I'm sorry I didn't let you and Hutch in on it." She drew another long breath and stated again, "I had to do it this way. Please let me explain," she pleaded.

Rubbing his face vigorously, Starsky sat up and leaned towards Trini. Very quietly, he whispered, "What... did... you... do?"

Trini hated when he did that. It meant he was VERY, VERY pissed at her and was trying to control his temper. Trini knew she couldn't count on Hutch for help, either. She knew he was still {rightly} pissed as well. Scooting back further onto the couch to get away from her uncle, Trini closed her eyes. She couldn't look at either of them when she said this.

"Your plan sucked. Nick woulda been back. He always lies. I made sure he wouldn't be back."

"Hutch," Starsky started out with forced calmness, "did you know our plan sucked?"

Hutch shook his head. Trini opened her eyes and glared at him when he stated, "Nope. Thought it was a good plan, Starsk. Little Miss Katrina here, didn't."

In her own defense, Trini pointed out, "Oh yeah? You two jackasses were just gonna give him money and scold him! 'Now, Nick. Don't spend it all in one place and don't come back to haunt us. You've been a bad boy, but we'll pull your ass out of the fire again.' Bullshit! He had to know I... we... were serious. I don't want his useless ass coming back. Do you?"

Pushing up from her seat, Trini started to pace between the two men who sat staring up at her from opposite couches, "How can a dead man come back? One who got blown away in front of the men his own daughter called to set him up? The man who heard with his own ears how the daughter he deserted hates him. He's not my dad. There's nothing for him here. I gave him some fucking money and word never to come back." Trini turned and looked to Hutch, now. He had to know she'd said this. She had to be honest with Hutch. "I also sent word if he ever came back, I'd kill him for real. He won't be back."

Hutch nodded. He would have done the same thing. Hutch was proud of Trini for telling him this, and he'd never hold it against her. She was honest and so strong.

My little warrior, his mind called out. How could Hutch help but love a woman who would do anything to save her family? Looking to Starsky, Hutch could see him smiling up at Trini through the darkness. At least he was sobering up.

Patting the couch cushion next to him, Starsky stated, "Sit down, Trini. I wanna hear all of this. From the first moment you decided our plan sucked."

Cocking her head to one side, Trini considered sitting that close to her uncle. She'd be in choking distance, and Trini still wasn't sure if Hutch would jump in to help David, or her. She took the risk and sat down.

When Starsky reached out to her, Trini jumped a little. She didn't need to worry. Pulling Trini to him, Starsky laid her head on his shoulder and practically sobbed, "Jesus Christ, Trini! I was so scared! I thought those two were gonna blast you for shootin' Nick! Then they tell me you called THEM! I think they enjoyed telling me that. What the hell were you thinking?!"

So close to crying, Trini whispered back, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I was trying to help."

"Help?! You call this help?" Hutch yelled. "We thought we saw you kill a man, a useless man, but still. You called hired killers. You went there alone..."

Trini's head shot up, "No, Hutch. I may be strange, but I wasn't alone. I'm not stupid."

Both men looked to each other and shared a "Coulda fooled us" look. Trini noticed.

"Thanks for the faith. I had Jeremy and some of his friends with me. Can I tell you now?"

Gesturing with an open hand, Hutch told her, "Oh, by all means. Do tell."

Starsky nodded, "Yeah, we gotta hear this."

"Well, you already know part of what I did and why. I didn't want Nick back, and I didn't want Colton and Webble coming back. I figured if Nick 'died' in front of them... well, it'd solve all our problems. Jeremy was in the Navy before he became an EMT. A 'seal'. He threw on his scuba gear, took an extra tank down with another buddy, and they saved Nick from drowning. I had to run to the end of the docks to see if they made it. When the boat flashed it's spotlight at me twice, I knew they had him on board. I don't know what I would have done if he'd actually drowned. Anyhow, I saw them tear off across the water just as Hutch found me. They were taking Nick across to the ambulance they'd 'liberated' from the hospital for the night. All I know is this, Nick was fixed up and sent on his way with the money I gave him. My friends made sure of it."

Both men sat there and stared at Trini. She wished one of them would say something! Anything!

Starsky leaned closer to Trini and questioned, "Sperm donor? That was harsh, Trini. I don't think even I'd feel welcome after that."

Hutch smiled and gave a small laugh, "I wondered if I was the only one who heard that."

Trini chanced a smile, "You liked that, huh? Well, it's true! What the hell has he ever done for me?"

Starsky grew serious and grabbed Trini's hand in his and looked deep into her eyes. She met his intense blue gaze with a loving brown one. Starsky stared into her eyes a moment more before Trini whispered, "What?"

"I love you that much, too. I heard every word you said."

Leaning in, Trini hugged her uncle and kissed his cheek. Starsky broke the embrace when he held her at arms length and gruffly informed her, "Still, as your surrogate father, I oughta paddle your ass..."

Trini looked to Hutch a little panicked. Thankfully, Hutch was actually going to defend his wife, "Um, Starsk. I already beat her ass at the docks."

"Good. I hope she can't sit for a week." Starsky looked to Trini and gave her a little shake, "Next time you think one of our plans sucks, you tell us. Got it?"

"Got it."

She looked to Hutch and told him, "I'm going to go get my son. You two can sit here and discuss how you enjoyed beating my ass. You're both obviously very comfortable with the thought of spanking someone my age."

Both men laughed as Trini turned to go. Just for spite, she flipped on all the lights before exiting the front room. Trini smiled as both men grunted at the sudden light like vampires who'd strayed outside into the sunlight.

~~~

By the time Trini'd returned home with her sleeping child, everyone {except for the already sleeping twins} was there to hear what had happened. Angie and Michelle had even followed Trini home to hear the tale told again and again. The sun was coming up when everyone finally settled down and decided to fall into beds and onto couches. Tired and with her nerves stretched to breaking, Trini went to start coffee. Michael would be up soon and she couldn't afford to fall asleep now. She might not hear him get up if she did.

Trini was rolling her neck, trying to stretch out the tired muscles when she felt Hutch's strong hands sweetly try to work out the knots for her.

"Mmmmm. That's nice," she sighed and leaned back into her husband. He still loved her! No ass paddling today. She hoped.

Leaning over to whisper in her ear so as not to wake Huggy and Candita on the frontroom couches, Hutch told her, "Go get some sleep. You had a big day, little one."

Turning to Hutch, she whispered back, "Yeah. We all did, but Michael will," she yawned now, "sorry, he'll be up soon."

Hutch pointed over her shoulder to the kitchen window. Trini followed his gaze and saw Marcus and James pulling up with Lunk's girlfriend, Maria. Lunk would run the show down at the office, and the three people who'd slept could watch Michael. Hutch had already made the calls.

Gratefully, Trini kissed her husband before staggering to bed. Hutch let everyone in and thanked them before going up to join his wife.

Trini had curled up on top of the sheets, and fallen asleep fully clothed. Hutch smiled and kissed her curly head before covering her with the comforter. Turning away to undress, Hutch went to the dresser to remove his jewelry and take the change out of his pockets.

That's when he remembered that ugly rabbit’s foot in his pocket.

Hutch looked at the foot, then laid it down on the dresser. Over his shoulder he could see Trini in the mirror. Safe, in their bed, where she belonged. On impulse, Hutch picked the damn thing up, kissed it, and whispered, "Someday I gotta remember to thank Starsky for this ugly-ass thing." Quickly laying the foot back down, Hutch hurried over to bed to hold his sleeping wife to him. It helped him to be touching her right now. Soon, he could sleep, too.

~~~

"'Mom, Daddy!"

Michael was running dangerously fast up the gangplank to the cruise ship as Hutch trailed closely behind him.

"I'm coming son. Slow down."

Trini stood where she was with her uncle and Leslie at the bottom of the walkway. They were all smiling up at Hutch and Michael. There was a time when this almost wasn't meant to be.

Starsky voiced what everyone else was thinking, "I'm glad we're all here together. This is gonna be great!"

With that, Starsky hurried onto the boat with Huggy and Candita closely behind. Candita and Huggy were playfully bickering back and forth about Huggy's hat and his choice of clothes. Trini just shook her head and laughed. The twins, and Michelle and Angie were already on board so Trini knew it was time she followed suit. She bent and picked up her suitcase before looking around. Nobody was watching her as Trini looked skyward and whispered, "Hey up there. I'm not sure who I'm supposed to thank, but whoever helped make this all possible... Thanks."

Trini took one more look around then hastily followed her family on board.

~~~

The twins and Michelle had taken Michael down to see a play in one of the showrooms. Hutch made great use of the time he and Trini had alone. So far, the man had given her a full body massage, made long, sweet love to her, then had held her safely in his strong arms. Trini stretched and raised her arms above her head. When she did, it left her breasts in the open. Hutch couldn't resist them and bent his head to nibble on one, causing Trini to giggle.

"Hutch," she tapped gently on the top of her husband's bent head. He continued to ignore her. "Huuutcchh. I gotta pee."

He laughed and let go of his wife. "Get out of here then. I'm already surrounded by water."

Trini headed to the bathroom as she threw over her shoulder, "Yes dear. I hear and obey, my Master."

Hutch snorted at that, "Whatever. 'Master" my ass."

Once Trini'd shut the door, Hutch rolled out of bed and grabbed the package he'd wrapped several days before. He slid it under the blanket and climbed back under before Trini came back out. When the bathroom door opened, Trini smiled at her husband and asked, "You want some more wine?"

Hutch nodded and looked around for his glass. Trini just grabbed the bottle and came back to bed. Without glasses. Trini sat down on the bed and tilted the bottle up for a drink. Smiling, she turned the bottle to her husband to drink from. Hutch tried, but Trini purposely tilted it too far and it overflowed out of his mouth onto his chest. Trini quickly bent her head and stated licking the overflow. Sighing in delight, Hutch leaned back and let his wife work her magic.

Hutch jumped a little when Trini poured the cold wine over his belly, letting it trail into the hair down below. Trini's warm mouth quickly followed to heat the areas cooled by the wine. Hutch laid back and folded his arms behind his head. Trini looked up at him then, and whispered, "Jesus Ken Hutchinson. You are beautiful."

A little, self conscious laugh came from Hutch's beautiful lips, "Shit, Trini. I am not. I'm getting older and losing more hair as we speak."

"I'll stop what I'm doing if you argue with me again, Ken."

Mock panic crossed Hutch's face, "NO! I'm gorgeous, I'm incredible, I'm sexy... anything you wanna hear. Just please don't stop!"

Trini laughed, "Asshole. I won't stop, but don't disagree again."

Hutch could only moan and nod when Trini bent her head to lap up even more poured wine. As Hutch started to feel the passion taking over, Trini quickly changed positions and sat down on Hutch's male hardness. Settling down quickly so as not to ruin Hutch's moment, Trini was more than ready for him to be inside her as well.

Hutch gently lifted upward into Trini as she moved downward on him and sighed. Hutch knew he was a lucky man to have a wife who enjoyed making love to him as much as Trini did. Trini couldn't get enough of him. Hutch couldn't get enough of her.

It was now a mutual appreciation, and no worries for the future, or how long or short it might be. The Hutchinsons had survived some pretty bad stuff together and now all the time they had left would be spent enjoying their time together. Hutch had noticed a much more relaxed Trini since Nick was out of their lives, and Hutch was well again. He was glad, too. Who knew how much more time he had on this planet? Hutch just knew he didn't want anything to spoil what he and Trini had. He intended to make her happy for the rest of his life.

Trini must have been very close to release, but was holding back for some reason. Hutch noticed and breathlessly whispered, "Go ahead. I'm right behind you."

Slightly flushed, Trini shook her head and whispered back, "No, together."

Hutch obliged by speeding his own pace. The explosion, for lack of a better word, left them both breathless. Trini lay down flat on Hutch and gasped for air. "You know, my uncle's gonna think I can't walk right 'cuz you spanked me again."

Hutch laughed against her hair, his warm breath flowing through her hair and down onto her face. Trini closed her eyes and smiled. She loved when any part of this man touched her. Even his warm, wine scented breath. Truly, he was what she'd been searching for her whole life. She sent out another silent prayer of thanks before rolling off her husband.

"Ow. What the hell...?" Trini had rolled onto the small box Hutch had placed in bed and was reaching down to retrieve it.

"Sorry. I meant to warn you, but then you poured wine on my..."

"I know what I did, wiseass. Is this for me?"

Hutch snorted, "Nah. It's for the next girl who pours wine on my..."

She kissed him then. To stop him from babbling, and to thank him. Even though she didn't know what it was.

"Aren't you going to open it?" Hutch prompted her.

Shaking her head a little, Trini said, "I don't know. I can't think of anything else I need in this world, so I'm wondering if you should just get your money back." Hutch glared at her and she hastily added, "I appreciate it, but..."

"Trini. Open the goddamned present. Don't worry about our money. Even with what you spent to get rid of Nick, we'll be fine. Even if I have to keep working full time."

Trini nodded a little. "Thanks for understanding. I'd like to see you quit if you're ready. I don't want to be the reason you have to keep working. I don't need presents from you." She grinned shyly at Hutch, "But I like them."

He smiled back, "Then open it."

Ripping the paper off, Trini found a small jewelry box inside. When she opened it, she found a white and yellow gold braided bracelet. In the center of it was an area that could be engraved. It had a looping, cursive T.S. joined by a heart to K.H.

"Turn it over," Hutch whispered.

On the back, in small block letters it read, "To Trini, with all my love forever. My soul will be with you always, Hutch."

Trini's eyes filled with tears as Hutch reached to put the bracelet on her. As he did, Hutch hands were shaking as bad as the voice he was now trying to use, "Trini, I promise you, if there's a way for me to come back when my body is through here, I will. I'll do it just to let you know I'm fine while I'm waiting for you. After all, I'll need my soul back."

Reaching out to hold Hutch, they both cried. Trini knew he'd come back to her if he could. Hutch could do anything.

~~~

Dinner below decks was wonderful. Everyone had sat at the Captain's table and ordered when Starsky leaned over to Hutch.

"Hey, you know, this is a lot more fun than we had last time."

"No shit, dummy. We we're on a case and almost killed." Hutch's words were gruff, but he was smiling. Starsky smiled back. He knew they were just tormenting each other to torment. They both loved it too much to stop now.

The girl and the three men at the opposite end of the table had been watching the banter between the two men as well. Hutch hated the way they were all staring. Even if they were smiling.

"Starsk, you know those people down there?"

Looking that direction, Starsky cleared his throat and confessed, "Yeah, Hutch. I been meaning to tell ya, but you and Trini spent almost the entire day 'napping.' I couldn't introduce you to them."

"Why do I need to be 'introduced', Starsky. And what do you care if we napped..."

Starsky leaned closer and whispered in Hutch's ear, "You can't lie for shit if you're not on a case. You weren't sleeping."

Hutch punched Starsky's leg under the table. The four people all smiled again. Hutch, never a patient man at the best of times, turned and demanded, "Starsky, either you tell me what the hell is going on right now or I'm gonna kick your ass. Right here."

Placing a calming hand on Hutch, Starsky leaned in and whispered, "Well, you remember that book I wrote... the one about us?"

"Go on."

"Remember how I said some studio was looking at making it into a movie...?"

Panicked, Hutch turned to Starsky and stammered out, "Wh? No! Starsky, you can't be serious!? Are you?"

"They're here to research the real us, buddy. I thought it'd be okay if they observed us in a relaxed state, away form work and asked a few questions. I didn't have time to ask you. They called yesterday."

Hotly, Hutch pulled Starsky up and away from the table. Pointing a threatening finger at Starsky, Hutch informed him, "I'm not some side-show freak! I am here on vacation... with my family. So are you, in case you forgot!"

Beaming happily, Starsky informed his best friend, "I know that, dummy. They're just here to observe for a couple days. Then, if they like what they see, they're gonna make the movie and pay us a lot of money to act as 'advisors' on the script. They might even make it into a series, Hutch! Think of the possibilities!"

Hutch was. This might be his way out of working, and going full time at home with Trini and Michael.

"Alright, Starsky. But you tell them to keep out of our way. No bothering us. Observation only."

Starsky clasped his hand on Hutch's shoulder, "Of course. I ever let you down before?"

The "Hutchinson Glare" crossed Hutch's face before he and Starsky turned to sit back down.

Once back in his seat, Trini leaned over to whisper to Hutch, "What the hell was that about? And who's the group of ooglers on the end?"

Hutch just grunted, "Check with Les and see if Starsky's life insurance is paid up before I toss him overboard."

Trini smiled, but waited for more explanation. Hutch sighed and kissed her cheek.

"I'll explain it all later, okay? Let's just eat for now."

Trini nodded and turned back to cut up Michael's food.

At the other end of the table, the four studio people were all speaking quietly into recorders or scribbling furiously onto notepads.

"They interact well, even when angry. Add that..."

The lists went on and on all night. Hutch pretended not to see them when he was dancing {or at least trying to} with Trini. He ignored them when they took discreet photos. He looked through them all night, then decided to tuck Michael in. Trini followed.

"Okay, Hutchinson. My uncle's up to something. Will you tell me in the room?"

Hutch nodded and carried their sleeping child into their cabin.

Hutch and Trini went into the bathroom to change clothes and talk so they wouldn't wake Michael.

When he was done, Trini sat down on the edge of the tub and whispered, "Holy shit."

Hutch nodded, "Yeah, that about sums it up for me, too."

CHAPTER 15

After Hutch and Trini had given it some thought {and gotten over their shock} they both realized the movie wouldn't be such a bad thing. Weird, but not bad.

It all seemed almost surreal.

The lives of Kenneth Richard Hutchinson and David Michael Starsky played out for {hopefully} millions of viewers, by actors. Well, it was just weird. Hutch and Trini were determined to act as casual and nonchalant as they could with the studio people around. At least Trini was. Hutch was a ham and Trini knew he wouldn't be able to resist the lure of an interview or posing for pictures very long. He loved this sort of shit, he just was loathe to admit it.

The next morning, Michael woke Trini up by bounding into the bed she and Hutch shared, landing in the middle of his mother's belly. Trini sat up with an "oof" and looked around for the other parent who should have been watching Michael. That was when Trini realized Hutch was too busy preening to "protect" her from their son.

Trini kissed Michael and finished sitting up. Playfully, she pointed at Hutch {still staring intently into the mirror} and giggled, "Isn't Daddy silly?" Michael nodded and laughed before jumping down to run to his father. As Michael wrapped his arms around Hutch's leg, he said, "Pick me up." After one more quick glance at his own reflection, Hutch did as his son requested. Then he turned away from the mirror to face Trini.

"I am not 'silly.' I just want to look nice in case they take pictures or something." Looking over his shoulder to glance in the mirror again, Hutch questioned, "Do you think I should get a haircut? Or comb it more like this?" He ran his fingers through his bangs and pushed it a little differently. Maybe. Trini couldn't really see any difference considering there wasn't much left to his "bangs" anymore.

Still, she wisely kept quiet as Hutch continued to examine himself in the mirror. He turned this way and that way. Straightened his shoulders, and sucked his stomach in more. Sighing, Trini rolled out of bed and went to stand by her husband. Looking around him into the mirror he was once again examining himself in, she leaned close and whispered in his ear, "You are the most goddamned gorgeous man in the whole world. Stop fretting."

Hutch smiled and turned to kiss his wife. He was happy and it showed on his whole face. Trini loved it when he glowed like this.

Hutch nodded to the bathroom, "Go shower, oh woman of mine. I shall feed our child, then be back for you."

Trini leaned to kiss Hutch then pulled back, and asked, "Is it okay if I get close? I'm not clean and I'd hate to sully up your Mr. Macho look."

Hutch gave her a playful glare and leaned to kiss her. As she turned to shower, Hutch swatted her lightly on the rear.

Michael looked to his father and asked, "Mommy bad?"

Hutch nodded and laughed, "Mommy always bad. That's why Daddy marry her." Hutch quickly exited the cabin with his laughing son. Michael had no idea why he and his father were laughing, but it didn't matter. He was with his Daddy. That's all that mattered.

~~~

Trini'd showered and was dressed when Hutch came back. Alone.

Trini questioned him, "Our child?"

"Your uncle is showing him off to Melody."

Trini's hair on the back of her neck stood up at the mention of another woman's name from Hutch's lips. He noticed and quickly tried to rectify the problem before it became one.

"One of the studio people. Melody, Hank, Russ, and Doug. I can't remember which is which yet."

"Oh. Well, is David ready? We'll be at port soon, and I wanna shop a little. Sightsee. Maybe rent some scooters."

"Ummm, we've got an interview. Then we can go."

There it was. The "ham" had been bitten. Hutch so loved a captive audience.

Trini grinned and tried not to laugh out loud at her furiously blushing husband. Instead, she grasped his hand in hers and started for the door.

"Come on, lover. Let's go make sure all the tales get told properly."

~~~

As promised, Hutch hurried through the interview, but offered to do another one some other time. Starsky jumped up and offered to give his interview while Hutch and Trini took Michael into port. Trini had to practically drag Hutch off the ship when he heard that.

"Hmph. Your uncle's gonna be telling lies and making himself sound wonderful. He'll probably tell them so much B.S. I'll never get them all straightened out." Hutch kept looking over his shoulder at the mischievously beaming Starsky as Trini dragged him off.

Leslie pushed Hutch gently from behind, "Quit worrying so. I do believe Hank... or was it Doug? Anyhow, I believe they've already figured out my delightful husband is a bit of a liar." She winked at the now laughing Trini. "It adds to his charm, though."

Hutch grunted, "Whatever."

~~~

Thankfully, Hutch forgot about Starsky's tale-telling almost immediately. Leslie and Trini headed to the hat shop right off, dragging Hutch and Michael with them. {Candidta, Angie, Michelle and Huggy had taken off the other way in search of more souvenirs.} They all tried on hat after hat. Michael even got a small sombrero. Hutch got more than that. He got an audience. The "ham" was in full throttle again.

While Leslie and Trini had been modeling for each other, Hutch occupied Michael by modeling hats as well. Michael squealed with laughter as his Daddy put on a sombrero and did a little dance, then moved on to all the other hats as well. Hutch and Michael were so adorable together, they drew a small crowd. Hutch ate it up. He even tried on a horrid pink hat with a garish daisy pasted on the front. When Hutch began talking in a high voice and wiggling around, the crowd burst out laughing. Trini was taking picture after picture. These were more of the memories she wanted to keep dear.

As Trini crouched down to get another shot, a voice whispered, "Can I take one of them? They're adorable together." Trini spared a glance at the elderly man questioning her. He seemed harmless, and all alone. Why not?

"Sure." She smiled, then she turned back to snap another picture. It was a perfect shot. Father and son, both in sombreros, puckering up sweetly for a kiss. Trini couldn't wait to develop that picture. After she snapped the picture, Trini turned back to the old man.

"Hi. My name's Katrina. What's yours?"

"Vernon, miss. Nice to meet you. That your good looking boy over there?"

"Yes. Wait... which boy? The husband or the son?"

Vernon laughed, then fell into a wheezing fit. Once he was done, he pointed to Hutch as he approached carrying Michael, "Both."

Hutch wrapped his free arm protectively about Trini and looked at the old man before nodding in greeting, and saying, "You found a friend, honey?"

The old man held out a knarled hand. Hutch removed his arm from Trini's waist to shake hands with the man. "Vernon March."

"Ken Hutchinson. This handsome little man is Michael. The lovely lady over there is Leslie. You here on a cruise line? Are you alone?"

Trini looked at her husband and tried to cover her smile. Hutch would always be overprotective, and he'd always be a detective. He couldn't help it.

"No Ken, I'm not with any group. Here on my own. My wife and I used to come down here and watch people together. Now it's just me, but I still love to watch people. I take pictures and turn them into paintings. Would you care to see some?"

Hutch looked at Trini with his "Ah-ha!" look. Hutch seemed to believe the man was peddling something. Trini felt differently. Gently nudging Hutch with her elbow, Trini nodded and smiled at Vernon.

"We'd love to."

Hutch and Michael had no choice but to follow Trini and Leslie as they trailed behind the old man who rambled as he slowly walked along the sidewalk.

"..and this is where Mabel and I lived before she got too ill to climb the stairs." Vernon pointed up at a beautiful stucco building that looked as though it had been there since the dawn of time. Old, but well kept. Leslie asked about some of the surrounding architecture and listened to Vernon's explanations. Trini nodded and urged Hutch on with her hand. He was trailing behind on purpose. If he wasn't so big, Trini could swat him for being so honery.

Finally, they all approached a little shop with windows in need of washing, a door in need of painting, and a heat warped sign that stated the hours barely hanging onto the paperclip that had been used to hang it in the window several years before.

Vernon bent over slowly and with a perfectly steady hand, opened the door. He stepped in and turned on the lights, but never turned the closed sign to "open."

Vernon motioned everyone inside with a smile and a broad sweep of his hand, "Come in, come in. You are all welcome. You can put the boy down, Ken. Nothing that can't be replaced."

Hutch nodded and set Michael free, but he wasn't really listening. He was as taken by what he saw inside as Trini and Leslie were.

Along every wall, and all the way across the store's curved ceiling, was picture after picture. All painted by Vernon, all of people laughing, walking along beaches, shopping, and just living life in general.

Trini's voice was filled with awe as she tried to voice what she felt inside. She knew whatever she said wouldn't be enough, but she tried anyhow.

"Mr. March... this is the most fantastic thing I've ever seen."

"Absolutely stunning," Leslie added.

Hutch nodded, "It's wonderful work. How long have you been working on this?"

Vernon chuckled and fell into another coughing fit. When he was contained, he stated, "Vernon, kids. Call me Vernon. And, I'm glad you like it. Been working on it since Mabel died last year. Nothin' else to do."

Trini stepped to one wall and inspected the mural there. It was a sweet depiction of a mother helping a child up after falling down. The scene ran along to the end of the wall with the shops Trini had met Vernon in. The shop where they'd bought the hats in was all empty, blank, white. Trini placed a hand on the hat shop they'd all been in.

Smiling, Trini turned back to face Vernon and asked, "Right here, huh?"

With sparkling eyes, the old man nodded, "Yup. Is it alright?"

The realization had come to Hutch as well. The old man would develop the pictures, then use the images for his walls. Michael and Hutch would be immortalized on these walls. Why not?

"We'd be honored, Vernon," Hutch stated, "But only on one condition."

"What's that, son?"

"Join us for dinner tonight. I'd also like to bring the rest of the family by to see this."

Beaming, Vernon agreed, "Deal, Ken."

~~~

Starsky immediately moved to the back wall of Vernon's shop and inspected the scene there. It was of an outdoor restaurant of course. He called everyone over to see how lifelike the people were, how good the food looked, and he noted the two empty chairs. Pointing a finger at them, Starsky asked, "Hey. Who goes here?"

Vernon looked at Starsky and smiled, "Not sure yet, David. Looking for the perfect pair to make the painting right. Just haven't found 'em yet."

Starsky stomach growled and he smiled sheepishly while his family moaned. Hutch just laughed.

"Come on, Gordo. Let's get back to the ship and eat."

And eat they did. Starsky had already made the necessary arrangements to bring Vernon on board to dine, but it hadn't really been necessary. The Captain knew Vernon and liked the old man. He'd told Starsky, "Nice old guy. Not gonna live long, I don't think. Lonely since ole Mabel died and he coughs a lot. Smokes too much. Hell of an artist, though. Painted me a picture of my folks. Looks just like them."

Starsky and Hutch had kept Vernon in stitches and coughing all night. The poor man had barely been able to eat his meal, he laughed so much and so hard. Finally, the two men had gone outside to smoke cigars and to talk privately about the proposed movie. Vernon had followed a discreet distance behind them.

When Leslie came up quietly behind him, Vernon turned to her and smiled.

"I think I found that perfect pair for the restaurant scene."

Looking over Vernon's shoulder as he snapped pictures, Leslie had to agree. They were the perfect pair of people to complete the joyful restaurant scene. Both men were laughing, happily, at ease with life. Dark hair blending with the moonlight, blond hair shining in the moonbeams.

Yes. A perfect pair, indeed.

~~~

Vernon had bid everyone farewell after getting addresses, and promised to send copies of the photos along with photos of the finished artwork. Starsky grumbled something as they all walked back to the ship, but nobody could make it out clearly.

Trini caught up with her uncle and asked what he'd said. Starsky repeated it, and she laughed. He pushed her away playfully and hooked a thumb over his shoulder, "Get back with your old man where you belong, Niece."

Slowing up her pace to let everyone else by, Trini waited for Hutch to catch up. He did and pulled her to him before pushing her quickly into a darkened corner. Pinning her against the wall, Hutch kissed her deeply and ran a free hand up inside Trini's loose blouse. She sighed and kissed him back, then pulled away.

"Much as I like this, we're gonna get mugged here in the dark," she giggled.

Looking around, Hutch decided she was probably right. Grabbing her hand, they hurried to catch up to the group.

Once they had, Hutch whispered to Trini, "What did he say that made you laugh?"

"Who? Oh, my uncle... he's just pissed 'cuz you get to be in two parts of the mural and he only gets to be in one."

Hutch laughed, once again, at his friend's expense.

Unseen by them all, the photographer from the studio who'd followed them all day, still continued to snap pictures. Well, maybe not unseen, but nobody spared him a glance if they did notice.

Quickly, he grabbed a cab and rushed to the ship. He had some great shots of these people to develop.

~~~

They arrived in Florida the next afternoon. It was too late to hit Disney World, so Starsky suggested they go to see the marine shows. Everyone was game.

The whales had been fantastic to look at, the shows had been fun and informative, Michael had thrown fish and squids to feed animals all day, and everyone had enjoyed the day.

Once again, Starsky announced he was hungry. Hutch called him a whale and started stating facts about how many, many pounds of fish whales ate versus how much Starsky ate. Hutch guessed Starsky to be a blue whale. He was punched for that comment. Candita agreed, but stayed silent. She wasn't about to be punched by Starsky. Everyone else also wisely kept silent.

Huggy pulled out a map, "Well, we can eats here, or head to a restaurant. Can your stomach hold up that long, or do we gots to eat our vittles here, curly one?"

Marcus looked to Angie and Michelle who were wrinkling their noses, and commented, "I believe we've all had enough 'park food' Dad. Can't we go to a restaurant?"

Nodding, Leslie added, "I'd like to sit down, David. Let's get out of here."

Shrugging, Starsky looked at the crowd he'd brought into the park with him and whined, "I just wanna eat. I never said we had to stay here."

After hastily buying some souvenirs, they all left for the closest steak and seafood restaurant.

After eating their fill, everyone decided it had been a long day and they headed back to the hotel they were staying in for the next couple of days.

Hutch reached in to lift Michael from his seat, but Starsky tapped him on the shoulder. Hutch rolled his eyes and leaned back out of the van to whisper, "What?"

Pointing to the sleeping child, Starsky told him, "Let me an' Les keep Michael tonight. He's already asleep and I'm sure Trini wants some time alone with you."

Smiling warmly, Hutch patted Starsky's shoulder and nodded, "Deal. I'll buy you a hot dog and a toy tomorrow."

Holding up two fingers, Starsky corrected Hutch, "Two hotdogs. I'm a growing boy."

Still smiling, Hutch handed Starsky the overnight bag for Michael and nodded again. "Deal."

Hutch knew he owed his "brother" one for this. He also knew he'd gladly pay up for the privilege of being alone with his wife and knowing his son was in the Starsky's loving care.

~~~

Having already let herself into the hotel room, Trini was already unpacking and taking off clothes simultaneously. Hutch walked up to the door, knocked, then laughed when his semi-naked wife opened the door to him.

"Did you at least look out the peephole, Mrs. Hutchinson?" Hutch asked as he closed the door behind him.

"I did Mr. Hutchinson. Where's Michael?"

Instead of answering, Hutch slowly unbuttoned the last two buttons still holding Trini's shirt on her. As Hutch had guessed, Trini'd already removed her bra. Her shirt fell loosely opened and exposed her pale breasts for Hutch's enjoyment. Instantly, Hutch's eyes became dark with desire as he leaned in to kiss Trini.

Trini tilted her head back to kiss her very tall {to her, at least} husband. She enjoyed the kiss, and everything about it. The way Hutch's lips were pressing gently, yet slightly demanding on hers. How he tasted so delicious, just like the cheesecake they had shared after dinner.

As Hutch moved closer to deepen their kiss, Trini felt his swollen manhood pressing into her thigh. She sighed happily into his mouth.

Hutch smiled slightly, then moved his lips lower. First to her neck, then he slowly ran the tip of his tongue across her shoulder blades. Trini shivered and arched her chest toward her husband, her breasts practically begging his mouth to taste them. Hutch bent to take her breast in his mouth, as they both knew he would. Trini reached down to stroke his hair, smiling down at the top of her husband's head as she watched him enjoy her as much as she enjoyed him enjoying her. Trini drew in a deep breath and leaned her head back a little before closing her eyes.

Hutch continued his attention to Trini's breast for a moment before dropping to his knees. Taking Trini's hips in his hands, Hutch pulled her closer to him and began kissing her abdomen. Playfully, Hutch's tongue darted in and out of Trini's belly button. It tickled and she laughed.

Hutch smiled and looked up, "So, you wanna do this standing up or do we move to the bed?"

Mischievously, Trini pulled away from her husband, "Maybe I don't want to make love tonight, did you ever think of that?"

Hutch snorted and teased back, "Well, I'm going to bed then."

Not bothering to stand, Hutch sent Trini into a laughing fit as he "walked" to bed on his knees.

"Oh stop it," she said, still giggling, "you can get up now."

Hutch shook his head "no."

"Can't. You wounded my pride and it's what made my legs function properly."

Rolling her eyes, Trini dropped to the floor on her knees as well. In mock anger, she questioned him, "So Buster... what will make those knees work so I can get you into bed?"

Hutch eyebrows shot up, and he snapped his fingers, "I do believe another kiss should do it."

Trini leaned in to do her husband's bidding just as he added, "And you could lose the pants."

She giggled again and rolled away from Hutch. He leaned out his long body and easily caught her, gently pinning her underneath him.

Hutch reached between them, "You need help, my love?"

"Oh yes, my big strong man. Please do."

He did. So hastily it made Trini laugh again. Hutch loved that Trini and he were so at ease and comfortable with each other. They knew each others thoughts, how the other one felt, what touched their souls. This love had turned out to be just fine. Stops, starts, heartaches and all. It was just fine now. Thank God.

Trini raised her hips so Hutch could wiggle her jeans down over her hips. Once he had, Hutch sat up and slowly started unbuttoning his own shirt. It was too slow for Trini. She lifted herself off the floor a little and grabbed the bottom of his shirt by the hem. She pulled it over his head without touching one button. Then, she grabbed his jeans and undid the top three buttons before stopping.

As though she'd never noticed it before, Trini stopped to gaze upon Hutch's bulge straining to be set free. She laid a hand on it and rubbed. Hutch moaned, and she smiled before pressing on to bigger and better things. Gently, Trini pushed a hand on Hutch's chest. He got the hint and rose, then helped Trini up before they moved to the bed. Hutch laid down on his back while Trini waited.

Laying with her head by Hutch's hip, Trini reached out to rub him through the material again. Then, she moved to place her lips over his manhood through the cloth. She drew in a breath and breathed the warm air onto him. Hutch lifted his hips to place himself more firmly against Trini's mouth. She wrapped her mouth around the head of his penis as best she could through the material and pressed her lips together to "nip" the end of his penis.

Hutch sighed and pushed harder against his wife's mouth.

Trini smiled and continued to blow and stroke as she ran her hand along the top of his shaft.

That was all Hutch could take.

In a shaky and slightly breathless whisper, Hutch told her, "Unless you want me to come, you'd better stop soon."

She quickly removed her hand and mouth, "Not without me, you don't."

Reaching down, Hutch barely had time to finish undoing his pants before Trini was pulling them down and sliding Hutch's briefs down to mid-thigh. She hastily grabbed Hutch's warm and silky phallus and moved over him. She hadn't removed her underwear and didn't bother to now. Seating herself into a comfortable position, Trini used Hutch's penis to shove aside the cloth covering the moistness of her and quickly fit him inside of her. Hutch was impressed by Trini's want of him. She'd always at least removed her undergarments before!
Moving her hips forward and back, Trini used one hand to slide around the base of Hutch's cock that was exposed as he'd move in and out of her. He was getting double the pleasure. And he wanted to make sure Trini got the same.

Reaching out a hand, careful not to interrupt what Trini was already doing, Hutch placed his thumb on her clitoris and rubbed gently. Trini moaned and pushed against him as her thrusts became harder and faster. Removing her hand, Trini leaned forward then to thrust harder. Hutch had no choice but to move his hand, so he grabbed Trini's hips in his hands and thrust up into her. He shuddered and shoved deeper, a moment before Trini's warm inner walls gripped his penis even more tightly and spasmed in release. She caught her breath, then sat up. The movement caused them both to shudder in the aftermath of their orgasms. After she'd caught her breath, Trini lifted herself off Hutch's still hard manhood and laid at his side. Out of breath, Hutch pulled her to him and kissed her on the forehead. He could tell she was already so content and nodding off. But Hutch still had one problem.

"Trini, honey," he whispered.

"hmmm?"

"I either need to pull my pants up or take them off."

Trini laughed against his chest, "I'll get them for you, sir."

She bent and pulled them off leaving Hutch naked. She loved when he was naked next to her in bed. His warm, golden body was just as good to look at as it was to touch. As an afterthought, Trini removed the shirt that was hanging open on her and slipped free of her panties before tossing all the clothes to the floor.

Hutch smiled as she laid beside him. Sweaty, naked, and his. All his.

"So," he questioned her, "what ride do you want to go on first in the morning?" He was talking about Disney World. Trini knew it, but it wasn't what she wanted to talk about right now.

"You, love. You."

"Oh."

"Oh? Is that all you have to say?"

"No. Thanks. I'm glad I'm still your favorite playtoy."

Trini poked him in the ribs, "Well, I'm glad you're glad. Am I still your favorite playtoy?"

"Always and forever. You're my favorite playtoy, lover, wife, mother of my... oooof."

Trini'd punched him lightly. "I'd better be," she grumbled.

Hutch hugged her to him and Trini wrapped her leg around him. She might have actually fallen asleep if he made her laugh when he whispered, "How could you not be my favorite? All the others could at least wait to take off their underwear."

Part 4 (Chapters 16 through 19)