Uncovered

CHAPTER 1

It had been six months since their trip to New York.  Starsky’s shoulder had almost totally recovered from the gunshot wound on the plane and the scar was barely noticeable under the patch of new grown hair on his chest.

Alexandra had named her baby Kenneth David Costa after the two men who saved the lives of the passengers that day and Delta Airlines had recommended that the two of them receive commendations when they arrived home.  Dobey happily complied.

 Cassie and his Mom had hit it off and he of course had been forced to sit through the standard lecture about how he should handle a teenage girl.  He knew his mother wouldn’t let him leave without one of her lectures…it was her way of still having a hand in his life…even though she knew he wouldn’t really listen to her.

 Hutch and he had hung out at some of his old favorite places…and he introduced him to some pretty strange characters.  Cassie spent a lot of time with his mom…shopping and going through old family albums.  Pictures of David and Nicki when they were younger…a mothers treasures.

 They did however get to go to one large Amusement Park together while they were there and spent an afternoon at a baseball game.  Cassie had a great time at the Park but got sick off of the stadium hotdog she was talked into eating at Starsky’s insistence…he told her it was so she could get the feel of the place.  He hovered over her as she heaved it onto the ground behind the bleachers and smiled.

 “Same reaction I had when I was a kid…” He told her. “Just like old times with my Dad.”

She just looked over her shoulder at him…holding onto her hair and still bending over, she said smugly  “Why did you make me eat it then?”

“How do you think I developed this cast iron stomach of mine?” He said still smiling at her.

“I shoulda’ listened to Hutch.” She told him as she leaned against the cement wall still holding onto her belly.

*******************

Starsky drove as if he was in a daze as the memories of the New York trip flooded his mind.  It hadn’t started out as well as he had planned but the rest of the trip had made up for it.  Cassie had brought up the subject on the way to school that morning and it was still on his mind as he rounded the corner near Hutch’s place.  

Hutch was watching through the curtains near his small dining table when he saw the Torino pull up in the drive.  He grabbed his jacket and picked up the remainder of his health food shake and downed it quickly…setting the empty glass down in the sink.  He threw his jacket over his shoulder and grabbed for the holster that was hanging on the back of the bathroom door. After a quick glance around to make sure he didn’t forget anything, he shut the door behind him.

“Hey Partner..” Hutch said with a smile as he climbed into the passenger side and threw his jacket in the back seat.

“So what’s it in the shop for this time?” Starsky asked as he shoved the gear-shifter into reverse and put his arm on top of the seat to glance behind him.

“Brakes…I almost hit somebody yesterday.” He told him.

“With the money you’re gonna pay to fix it you could put a down-payment on something better.” Starsky said as he shoved the shifter into drive again and sped off.

“I like my car…ok…it’s worth a few repairs here and there.” Hutch said with a look of frustration on his face…he hated it when Starsky put his car down.

“A Few?” Starsky asked smugly. “More than a few.”

“Alright…Alright…at least I don’t have the payments that you’re strapped to with this jazzed up tomato of yours.” He said in a bitter tone.

“Ok…Let’s just forget it…there’s something else I want to talk to you about anyway.” Starsky began.

“What.”

“Look Hutch…I know you like Cassie and you’ve been a big help to me where she’s concerned but I gotta tell ya you really stepped over the line this time.” Starsky told him. “You knew how I felt about it but you just couldn’t let it go…you had to back me into a corner about it.”

“Starsk…it’s something she really wanted.” Hutch said trying to ease his mind. “There’s nothing wrong with being a cheerleader…she’s a very pretty girl and she’s popular.  Why not? 

“Have you seen the outfits?” Starsky asked him. “They come with a special pair of underpants because they can be seen when she makes the slightest movement…girls who dress like that are just asking for it.”

“For what?” Hutch replied.

“We’ve worked rape cases before…you think they’ll be able to prosecute a guy when the girl’s dressed like that?” He said in a serious tone.

“You know something Starsk…your absolutely right…maybe we should go right now and buy her a chastity belt…and you can throw the key in the river.”

“Oh…Your hillarious.” Starsky said sarcastically. “I’m serious.”

“Teach her how to handle herself…Never to go anywhere alone…be careful around strangers…talk to her Starsk…because you can’t be there to hold her hand and if somebody really wants to get to her…it won’t matter what she’s wearing.”

“C’mon Hutch…you can’t tell me that it doesn’t matter what she wears…you haven’t seen her in that little outfit yet.” He told him.

“She look that good Huh?” Hutch asked with a playful grin.

“It’ll wilt your carnation.” Starsky said as he pulled into the parking garage.

CHAPTER 2

As Starsky and Hutch got out of the Torino in the police garage…they were running just a couple minutes late and decided that they’d make their usual unscheduled stop by the convenience store before heading out to the streets.  But first it was inside to check in with Dobey and grab a quick cup of coffee.

They walked into the squad room and headed straight for the coffeepot.  But, before Hutch could get his cup full they heard a familiar gruffy voice coming from behind them.

“Starsky….Hutch…in my office.” Dobey said in a professional manner as he held the door open for them.

“Sure Cap’n” Hutch replied and set the pot back down on it’s stand.

The three of them made their way quickly inside and took their usual positions…Hutch in one chair and Starsky in the other in front of Dobey’s desk.  Starsky very casually placed his feet up on one of the corners but they were immediately knocked back down with one brush of Dobey’s arm.

“Keep your feet off my desk.” Dobey growled at him. He was in more of a fowl mood than usual this morning but it wasn’t that evident until now.

“What’s going on?” Hutch asked in a calm voice as he motioned to Starsky to sit up straight…because Dobey was in no mood for his little games.

“You remember that body we discovered a few days ago.  The John Doe who was strangled and cut up.” Dobey asked them.

“Yeah…No leads…coroner said he was gay but that was it…aren’t Murphy and Johnson working on that one?” He asked.

“We found a little more information on him…he was a stripper…worked out of that new strip club on Olympic Blvd.” Dobey told them. “The Coroner says that the weapon was a Ginsu knife.”

“Ginsu…” Hutch asked.

“Yeah you know…the one that slices and dices…” Starsky teased him.

“Knock it off…” Dobey said in a harsh tone. “There’s something else I haven’t told you about the case…I didn’t feel that you needed to know everything since you weren’t assigned to it.”

“What else?” Starsky asked.

“The young man had been mutilated alright…it was missing.” Dobey said as he tried not to actually say the word.

“It?” Hutch asked.

“Yes….it….his…you know..” Dobey answered him.

“Wow…with a Ginsu…that’s cold.” Starsky replied as his whole body shook at the thought.

“So why are you telling us all of this.” Hutch asked…afraid of the answer…he really didn’t want to work around this case…they already had enough to do…but that wasn’t the reason.  Hutch didn’t want to deal with it because it involved gays and that made him a bit nervous.

“I want the two of you to take over…Two more of the strippers have come up missing and we feel that the murder may be linked to the club.” Dobey replied.

“You want us to pose as gay customers?” Starsky asked with a tone of disbelief…no way was he about to do that.

“The club only allows women in the door…all the dancers are men…only some of them are gay.” Dobey answered him.

“What then?” Hutch asked this time.

“You can’t pose as a bartender…we suspect him…and the cook in the back can’t know that you’re cops…you’ll have to pose as…”

“Strippers?” Starsky asked with a bit of shock in his voice. “You don’t want us to pose as male strippers do you?”

“This club has the men strip down to a small bikini bottom…not G strings…I thought that you might….” He was interrupted.

“No way Capn’…we gotta draw the line somewhere…I’m not about to dance like that in front of a bunch of screaming women.” Hutch told him.

Starsky thought about it for a minute…this was just the thing to get back at Hutch for Cassies’ skimpy cheerleading outfits…it would be just like a walk on the beach for him…it’s not like they’ll be totally naked…and maybe it would teach Hutch a lesson. Besides…Starsky thought it might even be a little fun…one of his secret sexual fantasies.

“Ok…Cap….I’m in.” Starsky said with a grin and then glanced over to watch Hutch’s face as his chin hit the floor.

CHAPTER 3

“Are You Crazy?” Hutch gasped as he gazed over at Starsky…he couldn’t believe that Starsky would give into it so easily.  Especially after the lecture he just received from him about Cassie.  What was his partner up to?

“It’s just another assignment Hutch…we can handle it.” Starsky said it as if it were no big deal…he knew it would drive Hutch crazy wondering why he was so calm about it. “When do we start?” He asked as he looked up at Dobey.

“The owner said you can practice tonight…and he’ll have to approve of your act…so you may have to audition for him tonight too.” He told them.

“No problem.” Starsky said as he headed for the door…then stopped as he looked at Hutch, who was still reeling from the conversation. “You coming?”

“Yeah…Yeah…” He said a little shaky as he got up and followed his partner into the squad room.

Starsky grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and picked up a day old donut out of a box on his desk…Hutch followed him without a word all the way to the car.  Starsky slid into the driver’s seat and Hutch got in the other side…still without a word.  They were both waiting for the other to speak…but it was Hutch who couldn’t stand the silence any longer.

“I don’t understand you…I mean I never would have expected this from you in a million years.” Hutch said to him…it wasn’t like Starsky at all to agree to something so outrageous.

Starsky pulled up to the convenience store and started to get out. “Want something?” He asked Hutch ignoring his obvious question.

“Wait just a damn minute…don’t you go anywhere …we’re gonna settle this thing here and now…” Hutch said in an angry tone.  “Just what the hell makes you so damn willing all of a sudden to take off all your clothes in front of a bunch of strangers.” He asked him.

Starsky closed the car door and put his arm on the back of the seat to get close to him so he could talk more privately. “You didn’t think it was such a big deal when you talked me into letting Cassie walk around showing off her panties…what’s the matter…is it different for a guy?” Starsky posed the question to him.

“So that’s what this is all about…you’re telling me that you’re willing to strip just to make me do it so you can prove a point?” Hutch asked.

“You’re the one that started this whole thing.” Starsky told him. “Now we’ll see if you can practice what you preach.”

“C’mon Starsky you gotta admit…this is a little different…I mean…” Hutch was at a loss for words.

“How is it different?…She can show her panties to the world and it’s ok.  How is that different than showing yours to a crowd of screaming women…tell me.” He asked knowing that His partner couldn’t possibly come up with an answer…he had him against a wall and he knew it.

“Alright…you win…but it means you’ll have to do it too.” Hutch told him.

“I can handle it…the question is Blondie…Can you?”

CHAPTER 4

They pulled up to the High school at 3:20pm to pick up Cassie.  She was waiting for them in her usual spot in front of the school…talking to a few of her friends.  She said a quick goodbye to Stacey and the other girl she had been talking to and got into the back as Hutch got out and lifted the back of his seat for her.

“We have a game on Saturday…I get to wear my outfit tomorrow to school because we’re having a pep rally.” She told them as Hutch got back in and shut the door.

“Terrific.” Starsky said as he gunned the Torino engine and headed for home to drop her off.

“We’ll be working late for the next couple of nights so you’ll be alone.” Hutch told her.

“Hey …can I spend the night at Stacey’s house then?” She asked.

“As long as you don’t stay up too late and you get all your homework done.” Starsky told her…he really didn’t want her to be alone and he liked Stacey’s mom.

“No problem…we can do it together.” She told them.

They dropped her off and went back to work. It would be a long day for them because they still had so much to do.  Now along with their already heavy case -load they had to deal with this stripper case later that night. At least they would have a couple of hours when they got off their regular shift to shower and change before heading up to the club.

Cassie cleaned house a little while she waited for Stacey to get home from school so she could talk to her…about an hour went by and she decided to pick up the phone and give her a call.

“Hello?” Stacey’s voice came through the telephone line.

“Hey Stace…listen…I’m gonna be alone the next couple of nights…Dave has to work late and I asked if I could spend the night with you tonight.” Cassie told her.

“Cool…my mom will love it…sometimes I think she likes you better than she likes me." Stacey kidded her.

“Great…hey what do you think of Taryn?” Cassie asked her …referring to the new girl at school that they had recently befriended.  Cassie thought she was kinda strange and a troublemaker…but she hadn’t told Stacey how she felt because Stacey seemed to like her.

“She’s pretty cool…do you really think she’ll be able to get us those fake ID’s?” Stacey whispered a little so her mom wouldn’t overhear the question.

“I don’t know?…What will we use them for anyway?” Cassie sounded uneasy…she knew that this could only lead to trouble.

“I don’t know…I never had one before…C’mon Cas you worry too much …it’s just for fun.” She told her…trying to ease her mind.  She always thought that Cassie was too much of a goodie goodie.

“Hey…do you think you can get your mom to pick me up?” Cassie asked her changing the subject.  Just the thought of having a fake ID would send Starsky through the roof and he was already unhappy with her about the cheerleading outfit.  She really didn’t want to cause anymore friction between them.

“I’m off restriction…I’ll come get you in the car…it’ll give me an excuse to drive it. Get ready and I’ll be there in a few.” She told her.

“Ok…I’ll be ready…Bye.” She said and then hung up the phone.  Cassie felt nervous as she hurried to pack an overnight bag shoving her cheerleading outfit inside.  She paced the floor as she waited…thinking about all the trouble she could get herself into with that ID.  Once her friends knew she had one…there would be no way to get out of using it.  She and Stacey had been good friends since elementary school and she knew that if she refused…she could loose her.  She was no match for a girl like Taryn Wade…and Stacey really liked her.

Starsky dropped Hutch off at the garage to pick up his car so he could go on home to shower and change and then headed for home himself.  It was around 6:oopm and he and Hutch would have to be at the club by 8:00pm so they could have time to practice and audition before they opened the doors to the public at 9:30. Not very much time to prepare but then again he really wouldn’t need much time.  He felt confident in the fact that he could put on a pretty good show without too much practice.  How hard could it be?

Hutch took a quick shower and shaved and then stood in front of the mirror in the buff…trying to picture himself as a stripper.  Then he put on a pair of briefs and went back to it…posing a little and trying to look sexy.  Then he sat down in one of the dining room chairs and threw his towel around his neck.

“Hutchinson you really got yourself into it this time…” He said to himself.  He wanted to back out of it…tell Starsky he couldn’t go through with it.  But it was too late.  He still couldn’t believe that he let his partner talk him into it…and what was even harder to believe is that Starsky would be so willing…he really thought he knew him better than that.

  After his shower and shave…Starsky put on a pair of his briefs and with Cassie gone he paraded himself into the livingroom…dancing and humming to himself.  He had always felt that he looked pretty good in the buff and in his underwear…it would be no big deal.  Just like a walk on the beach he thought to himself as he grabbed a beer out of the fridge and popped the top off.  As he sat and took a few sips from the bottle…he thought about Hutch.  Maybe it was a bit cruel of him to make him do it.  Hutch had been worried about it all day and by now he must really be on edge.  He thought about it for a minute. Should he let Hutch off the hook?

“Naaawww..” He said out loud and then tipped the bottle up…taking huge gulps until it was empty.

CHAPTER 5

A knock at the door to Stacey’s house sent her mother into the living room to answer it…wiping her wet hands with a dishcloth.  She answered the door and then called to the girls.

“Stacey….Cassie…you have company.” She yelled up the stairway towards her daughter’s bedroom.

A tall brown haired girl with blue eyes stood in the doorway waiting to be asked inside.  Stacey came down the stairway and caught a sight of her.

“C’mon upstairs…Mom…this is Taryn Wade…she’s new at school.” Stacey stated in a hurry and then the two of them made their way up the stairs.

“Nice to meet you…” Mrs. Taylor called up to them as they disappeared into the bedroom.  “Kids…” She said as she shrugged her shoulders and went back to the kitchen.

“Hey Cas…” A voice came from behind her as she lifted her pencil from the notebook and turned around.  It was Taryn…she really wasn’t looking forward to seeing her again.

“Hi..” Cassie mumbled and turned back around to finish her homework assignment.

“What’s up with her?” Taryn asked Stacey…the tension between them so very obvious.

“Nothing…what’d ya come over for?” Stacey asked her.

“I got em”…I thought you’d wanna see.” She told them as she pulled two small cards from her pocket.

Cassie was curious and put her pencil down…got up and walked over to them.  “Let me see.”

“Oh…I thought you really didn’t care about it…now all of a sudden you’re interested.” Taryn said smuggly.  “Here…it cost me ten bucks…pay up.”

Stacey pulled a ten dollar bill from her pocket and handed it to Taryn…who in turn produced the merchandise and held it out for her.

“I don’t know…I mean…Dave would really kill me…” Cassie said as she backed away.

“C’mon Cas…besides they’re already made and Taryn can’t get her money back now.” Stacey told her.

“But I only have 15 dollars and it’s for emergency’s.” Cassie told them. “What do I tell Dave when he finds out I’m broke.”

“Don’t tell him…Duh…what a little goodie goodie…if I’d known that you were gonna act like this I never woulda’ had one made for you.” Taryn said with a tone of sarcasm.

“Ok…here…” Cassie said as she reluctantly pulled out a ten dollar bill and handed it to Taryn.

“Who’s Dave anyway…” Taryn asked as she handed Cassie the ID.

“Just a guy that Cassie lives with…he’s working late for a couple of nights so she’s staying with me.” Stacey told her.

“Lives with…you’re living with a guy.” Taryn asked as she looked at Cassie.

“It’s not like that…he’s been taking care of me for the past couple of years since my father died.” She told her.  The one thing that she wouldn’t mention is that he was a cop…it was something she didn’t like people to know.

“So he won’t be there tomorrow night…perfect!  Let’s stay at your house for a sleep over…we’ll have the place all to ourselves.” Taryn suggested.

“I don’t think he’d like it.” She told her with a slight tone of fear in her voice.

“I bet he won’t mind if you ask him..” Stacey told her…she knew Starsky wouldn’t care…as long as Cassie wouldn’t be alone…she’d stayed there before with her when he had to work late.  Cassie just didn’t want Taryn there and Stacey knew it.

“Then it’s settled…we’ll meet at your place tomorrow night.  I’ll be here at 5:00 and I can ride over with Stacey.” Taryn said in a hurry. “My mom is waiting for me downstairs…gotta go.”

She quickly walked out and bolted down the stairs and out the front door…leaving Stacey and Cassie standing there holding the ID’s in their hands.

“You know you really have a big mouth…” Cassie said disgusted with her friend.

“C’mon Cassie what’s the harm in a little sleep over?” Stacey asked her.

“Cause I have a feeling it won’t be that simple…especially with her around.” Cassie told her.  “I don’t trust her.”

“Lighten up will ya…hanging around cops has really made you paranoid.” Stacey said smugly. “Where’s your sense of adventure.”

“I’m just worried about making it to seventeen and if Dave finds out about this fake ID…I won’t stand a chance.” She told her as she picked up her science book and went back to her homework.

CHAPTER 6

Starsky and Hutch pulled up to the club and slowly stepped out of the car…as Starsky turned off the engine.  They were both feeling nervous now. The prospect of what they were about to do… weighing heavy on their minds.  Since Starsky had put up such a strong front it was up to him to make the first move towards the door.  It wasn’t a game anymore…and Starsky was having second thoughts.

Hutch glanced up at the sign over the door…and felt his heart sink.  The name…”Roosters” shown in large neon letters.  It made him think of a farm and how the roosters strut around to get the attention of the hens…the very thought was repulsive to him.  He wondered if Starsky was thinking the same thing.

“C’mon Hutch let’s go.” Starsky called over to him as he stood there staring up at it.  At least, Starsky thought to himself…I wont have to go through this alone.

“Starsk…are you sure about this?” Hutch asked with a hint of fear in his voice.

“Let’s just get it over with…maybe it won’t be so bad.” He told him.  He knew exactly how Hutch felt now…as reality started to sink into his mind.  This really was a bad idea…but he knew it was too late to back out now.

Hutch took a deep breath and exhaled slowly…then he glanced over at Starsky and took a few steps towards him.  After a brief moment to look into his partners eyes… they both walked in together.

The lights were dim and it took just a second for their eyes to adjust.  The stage looked barren and there didn’t seem to be anyone around.  They took a few more steps inside inspecting the place in their usual manner…as police officers.  Observing their surroundings…taking in the atmosphere. Suddenly a voice came from behind them.

“You must be the new guys…we’ve been expecting you.” The young man said to them.

They turned around quickly to face him…and realized right away that he had to be one of the dancers.  Judging by his well-built physic and the way that he was dressed…which left very little to the imagination.  They looked at each other and then back at him.  Maybe they wouldn’t even pass the audition…they thought.

“I’m David and He’s Ken.” Starsky told him in a timid voice and reached out to shake his hand.

“I’m Peter…well, actually my name is Steven…but Peter sounds better.” He said to them.

“If you say so…” Hutch said with a smile…he tried not to laugh at him…but, Peter …better than Steven….Please.

“So….where do we go?” Starsky asked him…he knew what Hutch was thinking…he wanted to laugh too.

“Follow me..” The young man said as he walked backstage.  “Everyone’s getting ready..”

“They walk around like that as if it’s normal.” Starsky whispered to Hutch as they made their way backstage.

“I guess when you do this for a living…it is.” Hutch told him.

As they stepped backstage they where escorted down a small hallway and up to a door.

“This is our dressing room…it’s where we spend most of our time.” Peter told them.

He opened the door and said hello to the other men who where inside…a couple of them where undressing and one was rubbing himself down with some type of oil.  Still another was sitting in a chair lifting a small dumbell in his arm…curling it up and switching arms methodically.

“Hey everyone…I’d like to introduce you to David and Ken…they’re supposed to replace Mike and Tony.” Peter said with a smile.

The man with the bottle of oil walked over and reached out his hand. “Hi I’m Johnny…you fellows got any experience?” He asked.

“Not really..” Hutch said as he stepped behind Starsky. Unwilling to shake the outstretched hand in front of him.

Starsky put out his hand and felt the oily grip as it was wrapped around his palm.  Then he reached back and wiped his hand on Hutch’s shirt as he spoke.

“We’ll need a few lessons…but we learn fast.” He told him.

“The boss’l be here in an hour…I can show you a few moves till then.” Johnny offered. “But you’ll have to change first.”

“Change…into what?” Hutch asked.

“Your outfits…you only have a few to choose from…a cowboy…that was Mike’s…a construction worker…a soldier…nobody likes that one…and a monkey…the rest are taken.”

“A monkey…you gotta be kidding.” Starsky said with a look of surprise.

‘We only use him for private parties but if you want….” Johnny teased them.

“No that’s ok…we’ll take the other’s.” Hutch told him.

“You look like a cowboy to me…” Johnny said to Hutch. “And you can’t be a soldier unless you wanna cut your hair so I guess you’re stuck with the construction worker.”

“Fine…where do we change?” Starsky asked.

A roar of laughter echoed through the room…as Starsky turned a pale shade of pink.

“This is the dressing room…unless you wanna do it in the bathroom.” Peter told them. “The costumes are hanging over there on the rack.”

Johnny had disappeared from view for a few moments and came back into the room carrying two small items in his hands.  “Here…your gonna need these.” He told them.

“What…” Hutch asked as he pulled the cowboy costume down from the rack.

“Only the most important part of your act…unless you’d rather go on without them.” He kidded.

They both watched as he held out his hands to give them each a brand-new pair of bikini briefs, still in thier packages.  A black pair for Hutch and a red pair for Starsky.

“Terrific.” Starsky said as he took them from Johnny.

“Thanks…” Hutch said calmly as he did the same.

They disappeared into the bathroom to change as the others gathered together to talk quietly among themselves.

“They seem so out of place here…like fish out of water.” Mark said as he put down the dumbell he had been holding.

“The blonde one looks so nervous…I bet he won’t do it.” Johnny told them.

“Well I don’t care why they’re here…we all have our reasons.” Peter said. “But lay off the curly haired one…he’s mine.”

They emerged from the bathroom after a few minutes…wearing the costumes they had chosen…Hutch as the cowboy and Starsky as the construction worker…both felt uncomfortable in the strange clothing but Hutch even more so.  Bikini briefs were so binding…boxers were more his style.

“Ok you guys ready to get in some practice?” Peter asked them.

“Yeah…” Starsky said a little uneasy.

They watched as they were instructed on the many different aspects of such things as removing a shirt…either with both arms down letting it fall off the shoulders, or one shoulder at a time accompanied by different dance moves.  The costumes had snaps all the way down and around and the pants would come off with very little effort…but it took some practice to do it in one clean motion.  A feat that they watched but weren’t willing to attempt as of yet.

Starsky was a little more relaxed with it after a few minutes than his Partner.  Hutch found it difficult to keep his movements fluid. Thinking about the crowd of women was making him nervous and the fact that his mother would kill him if she knew what he was about to do.

The door to the dressing room opened suddenly.  Both Starsky and Hutch threw their eyes in that direction as they heard the squeak of the hinges.

“The Boss is here.” Johnny whispered to Hutch and Starsky’s eyes grew wide as he watched the tall figure enter the room. 

Long sexy legs and a short mini skirt walked over to him and with a velvet touch her finger lifted his chin up to stare into a set of pale blue eyes.

“You must be the new meat…” She said as she smiled at him.

CHAPTER 7

Starsky swallowed hard…she was very pretty and had an air of confidence about her.  Women like that always intimidated him…he liked his a little less brash.  Hutch watched him, as he seemed frozen in place at her touch.  Not at all the suave playboy image his partner normally reflected around women…he looked more like he was scared to death. 

“I’m Joe Joe…I’m sure the boys have told you all about me…but just in case they haven’t…I’m gonna lay it out for you.  I only have one rule here…as long as you play fair with me…I’ll play fair with you.  Make the customers happy and you’ll make a lot of money.  But, I’m not your pimp and my customers aren’t your tricks.  This is strictly business…no late night rendezvous for extra money…or to satisfy your sexual urges…am I making myself clear?” She told them.

“Crystal…” Starsky said in a weak voice…as he waited for her to remove her finger from beneath his chin.  It held him still as if bound by an unseen force.

She released him suddenly and he took a few steps back to stand beside Hutch.  Even from a distance she was dangerous…and they both knew it.

“Now…what do we call you?” She asked in a lighter tone.

“Ken…” Hutch said as he stretched his hand out to shake hers.

“David…” Starsky said as he cautiously reached his out as well.

She shook hands with them briefly and smiled.  “Well…lets see what you’ve got.” She said not wasting any time.

They looked at each other and then back at her…was she serious?  Right here? What did she want them to do …just take it off!

“What’s the matter… shy?” She asked them. “Honey when you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all…but if you need music we’ll pick something out for you and I’ll meet you on stage.” She told them.

“Music…good idea.” Hutch said in a panicked voice. “Can’t strip without music.” He couldn’t believe the words as they came out of his mouth.

“Oh yeah…that’s right…we can’t strip without music.” Starsky said in a bit of a playful but sarcastic tone…as he gave Hutch a devilish grin.

“Alright…Jimmy…set them up will ya…and I’ll meet you out front.” She told them as she turned around and walked out the door.

Jimmy walked over to them holding a handful of 45’s.  “Take your pick…they’re all good to dance to.” He said with a grin.

Starsky grabbed them all and halved them with Hutch.  They sifted through what they each had and then exchanged stacks…as if they were evaluating evidence at a crime scene.  Nothing really appealed to either of them for some reason…how do you pick music to embarrass yourself by?

“Why do I feel like condemned man picking out my own coffin.” Hutch asked his partner in a low voice.

“Well…that just about sums it up.” Starsky answered him not taking his eye off the labels.

Finally they made their selections and handed them back to Jimmy…letting him know what songs they had chosen.  Then they walked slowley towards the door and down the hallway…very slowly.

Joe Joe waited for them as Jimmy walked across the stage to the sound equipment to put their music on.

“Who goes first?” Hutch asked suddenly as the thought just crossed his mind.

“Guess we’ll find out when the music starts.” Starsky told him.

**************

An hour and a half later….(Sorry girls…but that’s how things work in Hollywood…besides, we don’t want to spoil the fun…saving it for later.)

Hutch walked briskly to the car and threw his jacket through the open window to land on the seat…then he rested his arm on the cold wet metal top and dropped his head down as he waited for his partner.  Starsky came out a few seconds later carrying two thick garmet bags slung over one arm with a serious look on his face as he glanced  up at his car and spotted  Hutch.  They both got in without a word and Starsky fired up the engine and left a trail of rubber behind them.

Five minutes into the drive home, Starsky spoke up.  “I just can’t believe it.” He said out loud.

“Well don’t look at me…I never wanted to do this in the first place.” Hutch answered him.

“Don’t even talk to me about it…” He said with a hint of anger.  “Since when did you become so damn popular?” He asked.

“I can’t help it Starsk…I just did what they told me…Hell…I just wanted to hurry up and get it over with.” He said in a soothing tone…trying to calm his high strung partner.

“Go home and Practice…She says.” Starsky mimicked in a disgusted manner.

“I thought you were pretty good.” Hutch told him.

“Don’t try to make me feel better…She loved you…she practically fell all over herself cheering.” Starsky said still disgusted.

“Don’t feel bad Starsk…like I’ve always said …when you’ve got it…Flaunt it.” He kidded him.

CHAPTER 8

Present day:

Momo was hosting the annual shfanfic get together.  It was a crisp Friday in October and she had the stage set for some real fun.  VCR standing at the ready with every ep on tape and a table full of treats.  She would have a large surprise for them later on that night…for those who chose to partake of it.  An evening at a new club…not for the timid…but then again…who among the list was timid.  She knew they would enjoy it.

(Pebbles and CJ also had a surprise in store for them…something never before attempted in the history of shfanfic…with keyboard and imagination at the ready…they waited for their plan to take shape.)

Back to 1976:

Cassie waited for Stacy and Taryn to arrive at her place.  Starsky hadn’t been told that they would spend the night yet and Cassie knew that he would be working late again.  She hoped that when he walked through the door to change before his second shift…wherever he was going…that he would be in a bad mood.  Maybe he would say no. Maybe she could get him to say no. 

She really didn’t want to spend the evening with Taryn…even if it meant disappointing her best friend. 

After a busy day on the street working on a few other cases…interrogating witnesses and running down a few leads that led nowhere…Starsky was tired.  He knew he still had to dance later that night and had just enough time to shower and eat his dinner…which he hoped would be waiting for him as usual.  Cassie helped him off with his jacket as he walked into the apartment. His shoulders ached and he groaned as he slid his holster off and hung it up. 

“Rough day?” She asked him in a concerned tone…she had to test the waters…before asking her question.

“Just one of those days when I have to remind myself why I wanted to be a cop.” Starsky told her. “Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth the effort.”

“Dinner’s ready…but I’ll keep it warm for you if you wanna take a shower first.” She said as she untied his shoes for him.

He leaned as if almost sitting on the back of the couch as he let her remove his shoes and smiled down at her.  “I sure am glad I have you to take care of me.” He told her.

Cassie figured now would be the best time to bring it up…before the girls arrived. “Dave…I know your gonna be working late and Stacey wanted to know if she and Taryn Wade could spend the night with me.”

“You know I don’t mind…as long as you won’t be alone.” He said in a tired voice.

“Wait…let me finish…I don’t want them here…I want you to tell them no.” She told him.

He looked at her with a puzzled expression. “Why not…you mad at Stacey?”

“No…but I …” A knock at the door interrupted the conversation.

Starsky leaned forward and walked over to answer it. “Must be them.” He said.

“Remember what I told you.” Cassie whispered to him as he reached for the doorknob.

“Hi” Stacey said with a smile as he watched the headlights of a car pull out of the driveway…a light tap on the horn gave him a friendly hello as Stacey’s mom drove away.  He gave a quick wave and looked back at Stacey and the other girl who stood in his doorway.

“Come on in.” He said as he opened the door wider for them and noticed the small overnight bags they both carried. “And who’s this?” He asked already suspecting the answer.

“This is Taryn Wade…David Starsky.” Stacey said as she motioned back to him.

“A pleasure to meet you.” Starsky said politely as he shook her hand. “You’ll have to excuse me…I’ve gotta get ready for work.” He said in haste as he headed for the bathroom.

“Hi Stace..” Cassie said in a guarded tone. “I haven’t asked him yet.”

“Well ask him…” She said annoyed. “ My mom already thinks we’re staying.”

“As soon as he gets out of the shower.” Cassie told her confidant in the fact that he would tell them no.  She set the table as Stacey and Taryn watched TV…deciding to make them wait till Starsky was dressed so they could all eat together.  After a few minutes she walked into the living room and sat down on the couch next to Stacey.  They had been talking and laughing but Cassie didn’t know what it was about.

“Wow…Cassie…you didn’t tell me what a hunk he was.” Taryn said in a whisper.  “He’s not your dad…gee…you’re stupid if you don’t take advantage of it.” She told her.

“What are you talking about?” Cassie asked her annoyed.

“God look at him…don’t tell me it hasn’t crossed your mind.” She said.

“You better not let him hear you talking like that…just drop it will ya.” Cassie told her abruptly. “I mean it.” Speaking a little louder than she intended.

“What’s all the yelling about?” Starsky asked in a non-threatening tone as he stepped out of the bathroom wearing a bathrobe and rubbing his wet hair with a towel.

“Nothing…just girl talk…hurry up and get dressed…we’re waiting for you.” Cassie told him.

“Ok…Ok…go ahead and start without me…I’ll be out in a few.” He said as he disappeared behind his bedroom door.

Dinner passed quickly as Taryn kept giving Starsky looks across the table that made him nervous…the kind of looks that a teenage girl shouldn’t know how to give.  He knew she couldn’t be like Cassie…a virgin.  Her eyes suggested things to him that he could go to prison for.  He hurried to eat as much as he could before putting his unfinished dinner plate in the sink.

“Didn’t you like it?” Cassie said as she watched him set it down.

“Yeah…but Hutch’ll be here any minute and I gotta be ready…we can’t be late.” He told her walking over to her and kissing her on top of the head.

“Ask him.” Stacey whispered as she gave Cassie a nudge.

“Hey Dave…the girls want to know if they can spend the night.” She gave him a look to remind him of what she had told him earlier.

He really didn’t want her to be alone…and he knew if he said no that he would have to take the other two girls home and he just didn’t have the time.

He decided to go against her wishes and make it up to her later.

“Yeah…fine by me.” He said as he quickly walked towards his bedroom.

“Excuse me for a minute.” Cassie told her friends and she followed him down the hall.

She stopped him just outside his bedroom door. “I thought I told you I didn’t want…”

“What’s the harm…so you have to put up with them for one night…watch TV and eat some popcorn…what’s the big deal?” He told her. “Besides all that, I have to leave in a few minutes and I don’t have the time to take them home.”

“I coulda taken them home in the Torino.” She protested. “But it’s too late now…you already said they could stay.”

I’m sorry…I’ll make it up to you…later…” He paused as he heard a familiar knock on the door.  He turned and headed for the door leaving Cassie in the hallway.

“Who’s there?” He asked as he stood ready to turn the doorknob.

“Your better half.” Hutch called to him from the other side.

Starsky opened the door slowly and motioned for his partner to step inside.  Hutch looked around and spotted Stacey and Taryn in the kitchen.

 “Keeping busy?” Hutch teased as he moved closer to Starsky’s ear. “You know someone other than myself might get the wrong impression of you…entertaining young girls like this.”

“A regular comedian…you got your stuff?” He asked referring to the garment bag with his costume.

“Oh yeah…ready to go.” Hutch told him.

“I gotta grab mine…be right back.” He told his partner as he headed for the bedroom.

Taryn stared at Hutch as he stood near the front door…Tall …Blonde and …gorgeous…she couldn’t take her eyes off of him.  Cassie was one stupid kid.  Two great looking Hunks?…and she has them all to herself.

Hutch noticed the pair of eyes as they looked him up and down.  He glanced over to see her face peering at him from the other side of the kitchen counter.  Her stare made him feel very uncomfortable…something about the look she was giving him made him smile uneasily.  Starsky better hurry up he thought…or I’ll leave without him.

They both said their goodnights to the girls and headed quickly out the door.  As the headlights of Hutch’s car left the driveway…Taryn watched out the window.  Then she turned to face Cassie and Stacey and let out a laugh. 

“Where’s the keys?” She asked.

“What keys?” Cassie replied.

“The keys to the red one stupid…” She told her. “We’re going out.”

To Be Continued....

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