ASPEN - Unfinished Business - Part 3
Title: Aspen - Unfinished Business
Author: hutcherie
Artist: mella68 (digital art/photomanipulation)
Artist: hutcherie (drawing, see part 2)
Fandom(s): Starsky & Hutch
Type: Gen
Rating: PG13
Word Count: 11.176
Characters: Starsky & Hutch (David Starsky, Kenneth Hutchinson)
Summary: There´s a serial killer in Aspen. The way the victims were killed, points to a killer, Starsky & Hutch had busted some years ago. The cops will be sent as advisors to Aspen but then……
Chapter 15 - Evidence
“I think that´s a bad idea, Starsk,” whispered Hutch. Anxiously, he looked around.
“Shhh!” hissed Starsky. Carefully, he fiddled with a lock pick in the lock of the backdoor of Brian Clarks` villa.
“Have you ever done this before?” whispered Hutch again.
“Sure! Shhh!” hissed Starsky. Concentrating, he chewed on his lower lip and worked at the lock at the same time.
“I hope for our sake, we´re not going to find an alarm system behind this door, Starsk.” Hutch couldn´t stop worrying about the whole situation.
“Or a watchdog, yeah I know,” mumbled Starsky and sighed. The door lock made a clicking sound.
“After you,” whispered Starsky. Opening the door invitingly, he made an impatient gesture.
Hutch threw Starsky a frowning look and entered the house. Starsky cast a last quick glance around and followed his partner unhesitatingly. Carefully he closed the door behind them.
Fortunately it was a night of a full moon and they could search the house without using the lights. Strangely, there was no alarm in the house, either at the front door or at the back door. It also seemed to have no watch dog. At least they hadn´t seen one yet.
The first room they searched was the living room. Starsky pulled a small flashlight out of his pocket and looked at the pictures on the wall more closely. What they had to find now, was a hint, why Jill had got the money from the lawyer.
“Going upstairs,” whispered Hutch. He pointed with his forefinger up to the next floor.
“`kay,” whispered Starsky. “Don`t wake the watch dog up!”
“Oh, shut up!” hissed Hutch and gave Starsky a Hutchinson-finger.
Starsky chuckled. Systematically, he started searching the drawers of the living room cupboard. He only found the usual stuff in it. Sighing, he went to the sideboard and rummaged through the drawers. Nothing!
In a bookshelf Starsky found something. There was among many old books a photo album. He went to the window with the album to look at the pictures more closely. In the moonlight he saw hand-written comments next to some photos, which interested Starsky more than the photos themselves. Beside one of the photos was written, Jill & Brian, 1977, Bay City. Jill and the lawyer Brian Clarks could be seen on the photo. Starsky whistled through his teeth. That was more than interesting.
Did that mean that the lawyer was involved with the killings in Bay City? At least he had been in Bay City in 1977. Was Clarks the accomplice of Liam Mason at that time and did he move to Aspen after Mason was arrested? Did Clarks kill people in Aspen in the same way Mason did it in Bay City? Was the $3000 Jill received hush money or did she blackmail Clarks? Had Jill been killed, because Clarks was afraid that Jill could give away his secret?
Starsky took the photo album and went up the stairs to tell Hutch of his suspicions. Reaching the second floor, he looked around for his partner.
“Hutch, I`ve found something,” he whispered into the darkness.
“Me too,” replied Hutch nearly inaudibly. He was sitting on the floor in the bedroom, leaning against the closet, holding a shoe box in his hands. When Hutch turned his face toward Starsky, Starsky could see the tears in Hutch´s eyes. Immediately he was at Hutch´s side.
“What the…,” was all Starsky could say before he saw it. The shoe box looked like a trophy collection. Next to a photo of Hutch lay a badge, a knife, fake teeth, some wristwatches, a fake moustache and several glasses.
“Is that…?” Starsky stopped talking when Hutch nodded.
“That´s Clay`s badge,” whispered Hutch.
“But how is that possible? I thought Clay was killed by Mason?” Starsky looked at Hutch questioningly.
“I thought the same,” said Hutch. “Mason was alone when we busted him, but….well, it seems that Mason wasn`t a single perpetrator.”
Starsky sat down on the floor, next to Hutch and took the box out of Hutch`s hands.
“I`m gonna have a closer look,” he said to Hutch and checked the box contents intently for a while. Hutch nodded. Lost in thought he ran his sleeve over his face.
“We`ve unmasked the killer, Hutch, and now he`s ours,” promised Starsky after he`d finished.
Hutch looked at Starsky doubtfully. “Really? How are we going to do that? May I remind you of the fact that we broke into his house. The evidence we found won`t be accepted in court without a search warrant. You know the rules, Starsk.”
“Yes, I do, and that´s why we`re going to clean up and leave the house before somebody catches us in the act,” suggested Starsky, raising his eyebrows. “By the way, guess what I`ve found.”
Hutch looked at Starsky from the side. “Do I look like I wanna guess?” he asked dryly.
Starsky sighed. He handed the photo album to Hutch and pointed with his forefinger at the note next to the photo of Jill and the lawyer Brian Clarks.
Hutch let out a low whistle. “Damn! We had two serial killers in Bay City and we`ve caught only one of them. That´s still OUR case, Starsk!”
“Yep,” said Starsky nodding, “and that´s why WE will solve the case, buddy!”
Starsky took a disposable camera out of the pocket of his winter jacket and shot a photo of the contents of the shoe box and another one of the photo of Jill and Brian Clarks and the interesting note next to the photo. Hutch watched the scene with big eyes.
“Now we have proof, Hutch, even if we can`t use it right now,” said Starsky. “We shouldn`t tell Captain Hunter anything at the moment, because I`m sure he wouldn`t have permitted our burglary.”
Hutch nodded. Agreeing, he said: “You´re right, Starsk. Let`s get outta here.”
Hutch thought for a moment and then he added: “Tomorrow we should pay this sleazy shyster a visit at his ski lodge. What do you think, Starsk?”
Starsky grinned broadly. “Brilliant idea, Hutch! I`m looking forward to seeing Clarks astonished face.” Together they cleaned up and then headed for the door.
Chapter 16 - The final act
“Do you have a plan, Hutch?” asked Starsky. Concentrating, he drove the car up the winding road, both hands on the wheel, eyes fixed on the road. Driving in the snow wasn`t exactly something Starsky had done often.
“Yep,” replied Hutch seriously. “I`ll play decoy and allow Clarks to catch me. You`ll save my butt and our colleagues can bust Clarks. Then we`ll get a warrant and be able to search his house officially. At last we`ll find the evidence and drive home.”
Starsky looked at Hutch slack-jawed. Baffled, he even took both hands off the wheel. The car skidded immediately and Hutch cried out: ”Watch it, Starsk!”
Starsky grabbed the steering wheel before the car could drive onto the sidewalk. “Are you crazy, Hutch?” he complained loudly.
“Moi?” asked Hutch, grinning innocently. “Who`s driving freehand? BTW, do YOU have a better plan?”
Starsky was thinking hard, but he had to admit, that Hutch`s plan wasn`t such a bad thing after all. He couldn`t pull a better plan out of the hat at the moment. “Nope!” he said, meekly.
“Very well, then that´s our plan,” said Hutch resolutely.
Starsky felt uneasy. “May I remind you that I`m unarmed, partner,” he added, frowning.
“Yep, I know, but I`m sure you`ll come up with something, buddy. You know I trust you!” Hutch patted Starsky`s shoulder reassuringly.
Starsky sighed. He didn´t like the plan at all. Well, at least they had an advantage over Clarks… they knew they had unmasked the killer, the killer didn´t have the slightest idea.
……………………
Starsky and Hutch looked around curiously, when they drove along the main street into the small town, where, according to the receptionist, Brian Clarks` ski lodge should be located. It was a typical tourist place. Locals as well as tourists with sledges and skis were running around, enjoying the wonderful sunny weather.
Starsky stopped at the next best guesthouse to rent a room. During their drive they`d thoroughly discussed the pros and cons of their plan but hadn´t come to a different result. Except for… they`d decided to phone Captain Hunter and tell him that they were hot on the trail. Hutch made the call after they`d checked into their room.
“What did the Captain say?” Starsky looked at Hutch questioningly.
“He was less than thrilled and asked for details,” answered Hutch. He closed the door and let himself fall onto the bed next to his partner.
“Then what? Did you tell him the truth?” asked Starsky impatiently.
“Nope! Suddenly the connection got very bad and I couldn`t understand him anymore.” Hutch grinned broadly.
“Old tricks work anywhere, anytime!” Laughing, Starsky jumped up and looked out of the window. When he turned back to Hutch, he looked concerned.
“What´s eating you?” asked Hutch quietly.
“I still don`t like your plan, Hutch!” said Starsky once again.
“Yes I know, Starsk. Come on, let´s go to the pub at the entrance of the town. I`m hungry and maybe we can ask some questions about the ski lodge belonging to Brian Clarks.”
Starsky sighed, nodding. Together they left the guesthouse and walked along the main street towards the pub.
”Look!” said Starsky suddenly. He`d stopped abruptly in front of a poster that was stuck on a wall. A sledge race on medieval sledges was announced for the next day. Starsky and Hutch laughed at the sight of the strange-looking sledges. Too bad, they wouldn´t have time for the race.
While the friends studied the poster, they were observed through the window of the hairdressing salon, across the street. Brian Clarks couldn`t believe his eyes, when he saw the cops from Bay City standing only a stone`s throw away. What did they want here? Were they looking for him, or was it just a coincidence that they were here, exactly at the weekend when he was at his ski lodge? Fortunately, the barber hadn´t started yet. Brian Clarks mumbled something about a forgotten appointment and hurried to follow the two cops, just in time, to see the cops disappear into a pub at the end of the street.
The two friends had picked a table in the back corner of the room and had ordered steaks and beer. Brian Clarks watched the cops through one of the windows while the thoughts in his head swirled around wildly. If the cops were after him, why were they sitting here, drinking their beer and eating their steaks, as if they had all the time in the world? Could it really be just a coincidence? Maybe it was a strange twist of fate? Would he get a chance to settle a score with the blonde cop here and now? The guy, Hutchinson, was responsible for the arrest of his friend, Liam Mason. He should pay for it with his life!
Hutch wiped his mouth with a napkin. The steak had tasted excellent and the beer wasn´t that bad either. Searchingly, he looked around.
“Over there!” Starsky pointed with his forefinger to a door next to the counter. A plate over the door announced the way to the restrooms.
Hutch grinned broadly. “Be right back!” Patting Starsky´s shoulder, Hutch left the bar.
…………………….
Brian Clarks had watched Hutch leaving the room. He knew Hutch was heading for the men´s room. That was his chance! Immediately, Clarks sneaked to the back door of the pub and entered the pub. Cautiously, he peered through a curtain, which divided the back entrance from the hallway, just in time to see the door of the men`s room closing behind Hutch. Clarks grinned broadly. That was easier than expected. He pulled a knife from his pocket, flipped it open and entered the men`s room.
……………………..
Meanwhile Starsky scanned the dining area thoroughly. Several guests were sitting at the bar and some more at the tables. They were chatting, eating and drinking. Starsky didn´t know any of them. His searching glance got stuck at the door, where Hutch had disappeared two or three minutes ago. Starsky didn`t know why but suddenly he had a bad feeling and his neck hair stood on end. Immediately, he headed to the door, entered the hallway and looked around searchingly. With each step the bad feeling in his stomach increased. Where the hell was the men´s room?
……………………
The second Hutch had closed the door of the toilet cabin, he heard another guest entering the men`s room. The man went along the cabins to check whether the toilets were occupied. In front of Hutch´s cabin the footsteps stopped.
Before Hutch knew what was happening, the door was kicked open. Hutch had no time to react or get to safety. The heavy wooden door hit him painfully in the back and with an anguished cry he fell between the toilet and the cabin wall. Immediately, the attacker lunged at Hutch, trying to stab him with a knife. Hutch fought with all his might, but on his back and with an attacker on top of him, who pressed him down with his whole weight, he didn´t have the slightest chance. Hutch felt a sharp pain in his shoulder that brought tears to his eyes. Nevertheless he managed to grab the attacker´s wrist to avoid another stab. Clarks yelled furiously. With all his weight he pressed Hutch to the floor and tried to stab him again.
STARSKY!” yelled Hutch desperately for help when he realized, that he had no chance to escape. The knife blade was only a few inches away from Hutch`s face. Suddenly the door of the men`s room burst open and Clarks collapsed with a groan and Hutch was buried under him.
“Hutch? You okay?” heard Hutch a familiar voice out of nowhere and then Starsky`s head appeared in his field of vision. Bending down next to his partner, Starsky pulled Clark´s unconscious body away and helped Hutch up. Hutch shuddered and Starsky hugged him gently.
“Thanks, buddy,” whispered Hutch in Starsky`s ear. “That was close.”
“Yeah,” replied Starsky and ruffled Hutch´s hair with joy. “You´re bleeding!” he added worriedly, when he discovered the gash at Hutch´s shoulder.
Hutch looked at his shoulder and grinned. “Don´t worry, Starsk. It`s nothing serious! BTW, how did you floor him?” With this words Hutch pointed at Clarks.
Starsky grinned broadly and pointed with his forefinger at a toilet seat that was lying on the floor.
Hutch burst out laughing. “Serves him right!”
Meanwhile other guests had become aware of the assault and somebody had called the police. Starsky asked the arriving officers to inform Captain Hunter and to bust the still unconscious serial killer Brian Clarks.
“Come, Starsk! Let´s go home!” suggested Hutch, when Brian Clarks was arrested and Hutch`s injury had been treated.
Starsky looked at Hutch puppy-eyed. “Hutch? Does your shoulder hurt a lot?”
“No, why?” Hutch looked at Starsky questioningly, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, do you remember the poster with the sled race?”
“Yes,” said Hutch, already grinning inwardly.
“I`ve always wanted to drive such an old-fashioned sleigh, Hutch. What do you think? Can we stay here until tomorrow and enter the race?”
Hutch grinned broadly. “Sure, Starsk! We`ve solved the case so I think we deserve a break. Let´s phone Captain Dobey and ask for some days off.”
…and that`s exactly what they did. The two friends took part in the sled race and had a lot of fun.
The End
Author: hutcherie
Artist: mella68 (digital art/photomanipulation)
Artist: hutcherie (drawing, see part 2)
Fandom(s): Starsky & Hutch
Type: Gen
Rating: PG13
Word Count: 11.176
Characters: Starsky & Hutch (David Starsky, Kenneth Hutchinson)
Summary: There´s a serial killer in Aspen. The way the victims were killed, points to a killer, Starsky & Hutch had busted some years ago. The cops will be sent as advisors to Aspen but then……
Chapter 15 - Evidence
“I think that´s a bad idea, Starsk,” whispered Hutch. Anxiously, he looked around.
“Shhh!” hissed Starsky. Carefully, he fiddled with a lock pick in the lock of the backdoor of Brian Clarks` villa.
“Have you ever done this before?” whispered Hutch again.
“Sure! Shhh!” hissed Starsky. Concentrating, he chewed on his lower lip and worked at the lock at the same time.
“I hope for our sake, we´re not going to find an alarm system behind this door, Starsk.” Hutch couldn´t stop worrying about the whole situation.
“Or a watchdog, yeah I know,” mumbled Starsky and sighed. The door lock made a clicking sound.
“After you,” whispered Starsky. Opening the door invitingly, he made an impatient gesture.
Hutch threw Starsky a frowning look and entered the house. Starsky cast a last quick glance around and followed his partner unhesitatingly. Carefully he closed the door behind them.
Fortunately it was a night of a full moon and they could search the house without using the lights. Strangely, there was no alarm in the house, either at the front door or at the back door. It also seemed to have no watch dog. At least they hadn´t seen one yet.
The first room they searched was the living room. Starsky pulled a small flashlight out of his pocket and looked at the pictures on the wall more closely. What they had to find now, was a hint, why Jill had got the money from the lawyer.
“Going upstairs,” whispered Hutch. He pointed with his forefinger up to the next floor.
“`kay,” whispered Starsky. “Don`t wake the watch dog up!”
“Oh, shut up!” hissed Hutch and gave Starsky a Hutchinson-finger.
Starsky chuckled. Systematically, he started searching the drawers of the living room cupboard. He only found the usual stuff in it. Sighing, he went to the sideboard and rummaged through the drawers. Nothing!
In a bookshelf Starsky found something. There was among many old books a photo album. He went to the window with the album to look at the pictures more closely. In the moonlight he saw hand-written comments next to some photos, which interested Starsky more than the photos themselves. Beside one of the photos was written, Jill & Brian, 1977, Bay City. Jill and the lawyer Brian Clarks could be seen on the photo. Starsky whistled through his teeth. That was more than interesting.
Did that mean that the lawyer was involved with the killings in Bay City? At least he had been in Bay City in 1977. Was Clarks the accomplice of Liam Mason at that time and did he move to Aspen after Mason was arrested? Did Clarks kill people in Aspen in the same way Mason did it in Bay City? Was the $3000 Jill received hush money or did she blackmail Clarks? Had Jill been killed, because Clarks was afraid that Jill could give away his secret?
Starsky took the photo album and went up the stairs to tell Hutch of his suspicions. Reaching the second floor, he looked around for his partner.
“Hutch, I`ve found something,” he whispered into the darkness.
“Me too,” replied Hutch nearly inaudibly. He was sitting on the floor in the bedroom, leaning against the closet, holding a shoe box in his hands. When Hutch turned his face toward Starsky, Starsky could see the tears in Hutch´s eyes. Immediately he was at Hutch´s side.
“What the…,” was all Starsky could say before he saw it. The shoe box looked like a trophy collection. Next to a photo of Hutch lay a badge, a knife, fake teeth, some wristwatches, a fake moustache and several glasses.
“Is that…?” Starsky stopped talking when Hutch nodded.
“That´s Clay`s badge,” whispered Hutch.
“But how is that possible? I thought Clay was killed by Mason?” Starsky looked at Hutch questioningly.
“I thought the same,” said Hutch. “Mason was alone when we busted him, but….well, it seems that Mason wasn`t a single perpetrator.”
Starsky sat down on the floor, next to Hutch and took the box out of Hutch`s hands.
“I`m gonna have a closer look,” he said to Hutch and checked the box contents intently for a while. Hutch nodded. Lost in thought he ran his sleeve over his face.
“We`ve unmasked the killer, Hutch, and now he`s ours,” promised Starsky after he`d finished.
Hutch looked at Starsky doubtfully. “Really? How are we going to do that? May I remind you of the fact that we broke into his house. The evidence we found won`t be accepted in court without a search warrant. You know the rules, Starsk.”
“Yes, I do, and that´s why we`re going to clean up and leave the house before somebody catches us in the act,” suggested Starsky, raising his eyebrows. “By the way, guess what I`ve found.”
Hutch looked at Starsky from the side. “Do I look like I wanna guess?” he asked dryly.
Starsky sighed. He handed the photo album to Hutch and pointed with his forefinger at the note next to the photo of Jill and the lawyer Brian Clarks.
Hutch let out a low whistle. “Damn! We had two serial killers in Bay City and we`ve caught only one of them. That´s still OUR case, Starsk!”
“Yep,” said Starsky nodding, “and that´s why WE will solve the case, buddy!”
Starsky took a disposable camera out of the pocket of his winter jacket and shot a photo of the contents of the shoe box and another one of the photo of Jill and Brian Clarks and the interesting note next to the photo. Hutch watched the scene with big eyes.
“Now we have proof, Hutch, even if we can`t use it right now,” said Starsky. “We shouldn`t tell Captain Hunter anything at the moment, because I`m sure he wouldn`t have permitted our burglary.”
Hutch nodded. Agreeing, he said: “You´re right, Starsk. Let`s get outta here.”
Hutch thought for a moment and then he added: “Tomorrow we should pay this sleazy shyster a visit at his ski lodge. What do you think, Starsk?”
Starsky grinned broadly. “Brilliant idea, Hutch! I`m looking forward to seeing Clarks astonished face.” Together they cleaned up and then headed for the door.
Chapter 16 - The final act
“Do you have a plan, Hutch?” asked Starsky. Concentrating, he drove the car up the winding road, both hands on the wheel, eyes fixed on the road. Driving in the snow wasn`t exactly something Starsky had done often.
“Yep,” replied Hutch seriously. “I`ll play decoy and allow Clarks to catch me. You`ll save my butt and our colleagues can bust Clarks. Then we`ll get a warrant and be able to search his house officially. At last we`ll find the evidence and drive home.”
Starsky looked at Hutch slack-jawed. Baffled, he even took both hands off the wheel. The car skidded immediately and Hutch cried out: ”Watch it, Starsk!”
Starsky grabbed the steering wheel before the car could drive onto the sidewalk. “Are you crazy, Hutch?” he complained loudly.
“Moi?” asked Hutch, grinning innocently. “Who`s driving freehand? BTW, do YOU have a better plan?”
Starsky was thinking hard, but he had to admit, that Hutch`s plan wasn`t such a bad thing after all. He couldn`t pull a better plan out of the hat at the moment. “Nope!” he said, meekly.
“Very well, then that´s our plan,” said Hutch resolutely.
Starsky felt uneasy. “May I remind you that I`m unarmed, partner,” he added, frowning.
“Yep, I know, but I`m sure you`ll come up with something, buddy. You know I trust you!” Hutch patted Starsky`s shoulder reassuringly.
Starsky sighed. He didn´t like the plan at all. Well, at least they had an advantage over Clarks… they knew they had unmasked the killer, the killer didn´t have the slightest idea.
……………………
Starsky and Hutch looked around curiously, when they drove along the main street into the small town, where, according to the receptionist, Brian Clarks` ski lodge should be located. It was a typical tourist place. Locals as well as tourists with sledges and skis were running around, enjoying the wonderful sunny weather.
Starsky stopped at the next best guesthouse to rent a room. During their drive they`d thoroughly discussed the pros and cons of their plan but hadn´t come to a different result. Except for… they`d decided to phone Captain Hunter and tell him that they were hot on the trail. Hutch made the call after they`d checked into their room.
“What did the Captain say?” Starsky looked at Hutch questioningly.
“He was less than thrilled and asked for details,” answered Hutch. He closed the door and let himself fall onto the bed next to his partner.
“Then what? Did you tell him the truth?” asked Starsky impatiently.
“Nope! Suddenly the connection got very bad and I couldn`t understand him anymore.” Hutch grinned broadly.
“Old tricks work anywhere, anytime!” Laughing, Starsky jumped up and looked out of the window. When he turned back to Hutch, he looked concerned.
“What´s eating you?” asked Hutch quietly.
“I still don`t like your plan, Hutch!” said Starsky once again.
“Yes I know, Starsk. Come on, let´s go to the pub at the entrance of the town. I`m hungry and maybe we can ask some questions about the ski lodge belonging to Brian Clarks.”
Starsky sighed, nodding. Together they left the guesthouse and walked along the main street towards the pub.
”Look!” said Starsky suddenly. He`d stopped abruptly in front of a poster that was stuck on a wall. A sledge race on medieval sledges was announced for the next day. Starsky and Hutch laughed at the sight of the strange-looking sledges. Too bad, they wouldn´t have time for the race.
While the friends studied the poster, they were observed through the window of the hairdressing salon, across the street. Brian Clarks couldn`t believe his eyes, when he saw the cops from Bay City standing only a stone`s throw away. What did they want here? Were they looking for him, or was it just a coincidence that they were here, exactly at the weekend when he was at his ski lodge? Fortunately, the barber hadn´t started yet. Brian Clarks mumbled something about a forgotten appointment and hurried to follow the two cops, just in time, to see the cops disappear into a pub at the end of the street.
The two friends had picked a table in the back corner of the room and had ordered steaks and beer. Brian Clarks watched the cops through one of the windows while the thoughts in his head swirled around wildly. If the cops were after him, why were they sitting here, drinking their beer and eating their steaks, as if they had all the time in the world? Could it really be just a coincidence? Maybe it was a strange twist of fate? Would he get a chance to settle a score with the blonde cop here and now? The guy, Hutchinson, was responsible for the arrest of his friend, Liam Mason. He should pay for it with his life!
Hutch wiped his mouth with a napkin. The steak had tasted excellent and the beer wasn´t that bad either. Searchingly, he looked around.
“Over there!” Starsky pointed with his forefinger to a door next to the counter. A plate over the door announced the way to the restrooms.
Hutch grinned broadly. “Be right back!” Patting Starsky´s shoulder, Hutch left the bar.
…………………….
Brian Clarks had watched Hutch leaving the room. He knew Hutch was heading for the men´s room. That was his chance! Immediately, Clarks sneaked to the back door of the pub and entered the pub. Cautiously, he peered through a curtain, which divided the back entrance from the hallway, just in time to see the door of the men`s room closing behind Hutch. Clarks grinned broadly. That was easier than expected. He pulled a knife from his pocket, flipped it open and entered the men`s room.
……………………..
Meanwhile Starsky scanned the dining area thoroughly. Several guests were sitting at the bar and some more at the tables. They were chatting, eating and drinking. Starsky didn´t know any of them. His searching glance got stuck at the door, where Hutch had disappeared two or three minutes ago. Starsky didn`t know why but suddenly he had a bad feeling and his neck hair stood on end. Immediately, he headed to the door, entered the hallway and looked around searchingly. With each step the bad feeling in his stomach increased. Where the hell was the men´s room?
……………………
The second Hutch had closed the door of the toilet cabin, he heard another guest entering the men`s room. The man went along the cabins to check whether the toilets were occupied. In front of Hutch´s cabin the footsteps stopped.
Before Hutch knew what was happening, the door was kicked open. Hutch had no time to react or get to safety. The heavy wooden door hit him painfully in the back and with an anguished cry he fell between the toilet and the cabin wall. Immediately, the attacker lunged at Hutch, trying to stab him with a knife. Hutch fought with all his might, but on his back and with an attacker on top of him, who pressed him down with his whole weight, he didn´t have the slightest chance. Hutch felt a sharp pain in his shoulder that brought tears to his eyes. Nevertheless he managed to grab the attacker´s wrist to avoid another stab. Clarks yelled furiously. With all his weight he pressed Hutch to the floor and tried to stab him again.
STARSKY!” yelled Hutch desperately for help when he realized, that he had no chance to escape. The knife blade was only a few inches away from Hutch`s face. Suddenly the door of the men`s room burst open and Clarks collapsed with a groan and Hutch was buried under him.
“Hutch? You okay?” heard Hutch a familiar voice out of nowhere and then Starsky`s head appeared in his field of vision. Bending down next to his partner, Starsky pulled Clark´s unconscious body away and helped Hutch up. Hutch shuddered and Starsky hugged him gently.
“Thanks, buddy,” whispered Hutch in Starsky`s ear. “That was close.”
“Yeah,” replied Starsky and ruffled Hutch´s hair with joy. “You´re bleeding!” he added worriedly, when he discovered the gash at Hutch´s shoulder.
Hutch looked at his shoulder and grinned. “Don´t worry, Starsk. It`s nothing serious! BTW, how did you floor him?” With this words Hutch pointed at Clarks.
Starsky grinned broadly and pointed with his forefinger at a toilet seat that was lying on the floor.
Hutch burst out laughing. “Serves him right!”
Meanwhile other guests had become aware of the assault and somebody had called the police. Starsky asked the arriving officers to inform Captain Hunter and to bust the still unconscious serial killer Brian Clarks.
“Come, Starsk! Let´s go home!” suggested Hutch, when Brian Clarks was arrested and Hutch`s injury had been treated.
Starsky looked at Hutch puppy-eyed. “Hutch? Does your shoulder hurt a lot?”
“No, why?” Hutch looked at Starsky questioningly, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, do you remember the poster with the sled race?”
“Yes,” said Hutch, already grinning inwardly.
“I`ve always wanted to drive such an old-fashioned sleigh, Hutch. What do you think? Can we stay here until tomorrow and enter the race?”
Hutch grinned broadly. “Sure, Starsk! We`ve solved the case so I think we deserve a break. Let´s phone Captain Dobey and ask for some days off.”
…and that`s exactly what they did. The two friends took part in the sled race and had a lot of fun.
The End