SNOWBOUND
By Tooki
Chapter One
Detective Dave Starsky shoved open the squad room door. He was about five feet eleven, dark curly hair; his blue eyes were flashing angrily. He stormed to his desk loosening his tie as he went. He plopped down at his desk, then shrugged out of his sport jacket. Starsky's clothing was a big departure from his usual attire of blue jeans and tennis shoes. Although the tennis shoes still adorned his feet, he had on a button down shirt and dress pants along with the jacket he had slung on the back of his chair.
Detective Kenneth Hutchinson pushed in the door only minutes behind his partner. He was taller at six-one, he had blond hair, blue eyes and looked totally flustered. His leather jacket was hung over one arm; he was always a much better dresser than his partner, rarely wearing jeans.
Detective Susan Carlston rounded out this trio, she was sitting at her desk finishing some last minute paper work. In her early thirties she was about ten years younger than her two partners were. Her long brown hair was pulled up into a ponytail and being only five-four the men in her life towered over her. She glanced up at Starsky, then looked to Hutch, wondering what the fight was about this time. Her brown eyes smiled as she watcher her best friend and her husband huff around the squad room. Susan and Hutch had been married almost three years and had a six-year-old daughter Jesse.
"Now what?" she sighed as she put the finishing touches on the final file.
"HE," Starsky growled, shaking his finger at Hutch. "Is trying to get me back to that…that god forsaken cabin."
"For heaven sakes Starsk," Hutch sputtered. "What do you think is going to happen?"
"Well let's see, should I make a list?" Starsky asked and began by holding up one finger. "First, you and I were almost killed at Dobey's cabin by some crazies wearing sheets. Then you and Susan were almost killed by Roffman…where? In the woods!"
"It wasn't the woods fault," Hutch snapped as he perched on the edge of Starsky's desk. "It's the off season up there, no one is around, quiet, trees, water."
"Stop right there," Starsky yelled. "I've heard all this before. Last time you talked me into this it was the off season. Some off season, bears, snakes in the fridge and people in robes doing some very strange things."
Susan stared at her two partners, they had a week's vacation and Dobey had once again offered them his cabin. Hutch had given Susan the impression that Starsky knew where they were going. "Hutch," Susan said clearly annoyed. "You told me this was all OK with Starsk or I would have never agreed to it."
Starsky's eyes widened as he stared at Hutch. Hutch just shrugged his shoulders; "I didn't want to listen to this crap all week long."
"Oh come on what else could possibly go wrong?" Susan smiled at Starsky then glared at Hutch.
"She's right ya know," Hutch added, giving Susan an award winning smile which she didn't return.
Starsky ignored Hutch; instead he focused on Susan and smiled his killer smile. "For you I'll go. But I swear one snake, one spooky noise and I’m out of there." He turned to Hutch. "You got me buddy?"
Hutch nodded and Susan smiled as she struck out her hand for Starsky to shake. "You got a deal and I'll even go with you."
A door behind Starsky banged open; a huge black man stepped into the squad room. Captain Harold Dobey had been a police captain for many years. He had short black hair, a black mustache and dark eyes that flashed when he was angry. He rarely if ever smiled and today he had a look on his face that you didn't argue with. "I need one of you to escort a prisoner," he said frowning.
"But Cap," Susan protested. "We are leaving for the cabin this evening."
"I know that," Dobey growled. "But I have no choice, if you get going now you will be back in plenty of time."
"I'll go," Starsky sighed getting to his feet. If he was lucky it would take a while and they wouldn't make it tonight. One less night no matter what the reason was OK with him.
"You have got to be in court in ten minutes," Dobey said.
"Oh yeah," he said as he began fixing his tie. "I hate court almost as much as I hate the woods."
"Nice try though," Susan winked at him, Starsky scowled at her.
"I'll go," Hutch said resigned to his fate.
"Want me to go with you?" Susan offered.
"Why don't you get things ready for the trip." Hutch suggested. "You and Starsk can go on up if I don't make it back in time. I'll follow you or come in the morning if it gets to late."
Susan raised her eyebrows at her husband, "Are you sure?"
He hesitated for only a moment, "yeah, I'm sure. No since in you two sitting around waiting on me."
Hutch slipped his leather jacket on, Dobey handed him a folder, "Here's your man," the captain said.
"I had better get to the court house," Starsky pouted as he started for the door. Going to court was right up there with paper work.
Hutch leaned across the decks and pecked Susan on the cheek, "see ya later."
As he started to follow Starsky out, Susan called after him, "Hutch."
"Yeah?" he said stopping to see what she wanted.
She came around the desk. Susan wanted to asked him again if he was sure about this but instead she said, "You be careful."
"Like always," he hugged her briefly. They tried to keep their displays of affection to a minimum at work.
Dobey gave the couple a stern look but it turned into a small smile. He cared a great deal for these three detectives. They often gave him trouble and didn't always follow orders but he wouldn't trade them of anything.
After Hutch left Susan stood staring at the squad room doors. "Why don't you go on Carlston," Dobey told Susan. "There's not much going on today."
"Thanks Cap," Susan smiled at him. She kissed him on his plump black cheek and dashed out of the room. If she hurried she could catch up with Starsky and give him moral support, none of them liked going to court.
Back in the squad room Dobey touched the spot where the detective had kissed him and shook his head as he went back into his office shutting the door.
Chapter Two
Susan handed Starsky the last box of canned goods. He carried it out to this bright red Ford Torino it had a white stripe that ran the length of the car and over the top tapering to points at the front. The car was his pride and joy. Hutch called it a 'striped tomato' which infuriated Starsky to no end. Starsky stored the box in the back seat the trunk was already full.
Susan made one last call to the station to see if Hutch had gotten back. When she appeared in the doorway of the townhouse she hared with Hutch, Jesse and their nanny, Edna Gray, Starsky looked at her with a questioning look on his face.
She shook her head, "not back yet, we better get going." Just as she was about to close the door, the phone rang. Susan held up one finger to tell Starsky to wait a minute. Then dashed back in to get the phone.
Starsky checked the car one last time he still wasn't happy about spending time in the cabin again. But if Susan was willing after what she had been through he guessed he could stand it a couple of nights.
While he was standing there thinking Susan crept up behind her partner and poked him in the ribs. Starsky jumped a foot and spun around. "Don't do that!" he gasped.
She laughed as she went around to get into the passenger's side of the car. "Let's get going. Looks like it's going to storm," she said casting a look toward the darkening sky.
Starsky looked out the windshield, "Maybe…"
"Don't even say it," Susan cut him off.
Starsky sighed as he started the car. "Was that Hutch on the phone?"
Susan shook her head, "Jesse," she smiled as she said her daughter's name. Mrs. Gray had taken Jesse back east. The older woman's daughter lived there; she had three kids one was just a year older than Jesse. "She's having a great time."
Starsky smiled too. He had a soft spot for Jesse. Hutch and Susan had made him Godfather. He took his job seriously, spoiling Jesse rotten much to her parent's dismay. He slowly backed the car down the driveway. "Are you sure we got everything?"
Susan gave him an exasperated look, "Starsky, we are going to Pine Lake whether you like it or not so stop trying to get out of it. I would like to get there before dark so if you don't mind stop stalling." Starsky gave her a sheepish look then pointed the car in the direction of Pine Lake.
Chapter Three
Hutch, his prisoner secured in the back seat of his brown heap was on the way back to LA. There was a hold up at he county jail and it took him almost two hours before he was able to leave. Hutch knew there was no way he could make it back in time to get up to the cabin. Now he wished his partners had waited for him. It made him uncomfortable thinking of Susan and Starsky all alone in the cabin all night. It wasn't that he didn't trust them exactly. But he knew how Starsky felt about Susan, even though he never admitted it. Hutch saw the way his partner watcher her when he thought no one else was looking.
Hutch shook the thoughts from his head and glanced at the sky. A few drops of rain splattered the windshield. He picked up the microphone, depressing the button he said, "This is Detective Hutchinson could you patch me through to Detective Starsky's car?"
"Sure Hutch, hang on," said the dispatcher.
After a few minutes Starsky's voice came over the radio, "Hutch?"
"Yeah, it's me. You guys on the way to the cabin?" Hutch asked.
"Just left," Starsky informed him.
"Looks like I'm not going to make it," Hutch said. "Got a little held up so I guess I'll see you guys in the morning."
Susan took the microphone from Starsky, "you sure you don't want us to wait?"
Starsky waited eagerly for Hutch's response but his face fell at Hutch's answer, "You're on your way, just be careful there is a storm brewing."
"OK," Susan said softly. "You take it easy too. See ya tomorrow."
"See ya," Hutch said and hung up the microphone. He really had wanted them to just turn around and wait. Then they could all go together in the morning but he knew he was being silly. He glanced at the sky once more. He hoped they would make it in time. The storm rolling in looked nasty and could produce snow at the lake.
Chapter Four
Susan looked over at Starsky, "Maybe we should turn back. Hutch didn't sound to happy about us going up."
"Hey if I turn back now you won't get me there tomorrow." If they had only known what they were in for they would have gladly turned back. But they continued on, watching the ever-darkening sky as they went. The closer the pair got to the cabin the rain began to fall then slowly turned to light snow. But by that time it was too late to turn back it was easier to continue on to the lake.
Starsky wasn't sure if he remembered his way to the cabin but after a few wrong turns they arrived at the Dobey place. There was already an inch or so of snow on the ground when they turned into the driveway.
He screeched to a halt in front of the cabin, "let's get in out of this weather," h said shutting off the motor.
"Grab a box," Susan said as she reached over the back seat to grab a plastic bag.
"Can't we do this in the morning?" Starsky moaned.
Susan looked at the thickening snow, "I think we better do it now."
Starsky nodded and grabbed the box and followed Susan to the steps of the cabin. She handed him the bag then produced a key from her pocket and unlocked the door. Susan held open the door for her partner, "Getting cold right?" she asked when he hesitated at going in.
Starsky nodded and went in, he sat the box on the kitchen table then turned to Susan. "I've got to go to the little boys room," he said. He tossed his car keys to Susan. "I'll be out in a sec."
Susan caught the keys, "hurry up," she glanced out the door. "It's really coming down."
She stood on the top of the steps watching the snowfall, it was so beautiful but also a little scary. Most likely they were the only two at the lake, maybe a few hunters but most people stayed away this time of year. The snow was beginning to settle on the branches of the pine trees that surrounded the cabin. Some were beginning to sag with the extra weight. It was so silent, no birds calling, or animals scurrying in the woods. A shiver ran up Susan's spine but it wasn't from the cold.
There were several inches of snow on the ground by the time the detectives got the trunk unloaded. Starsky brought in an armload of wood to get a fire going. He was busy trying to get it started in the fireplace while Susan put away their supplies. Once she was finished she came into the living room, a frying pan in hand.
"How about some dinner?" Susan asked. She stood watching Starsky struggle with the wood and matches.
"As long as it's not bear meat," Starsky mumbled under his breath as he struck his fourth match.
"What?" Susan asked not quite catching what he had said. Starsky didn't repeat what he had said. Instead he struck another match which the head promptly broke off of. After three more matches he tossed the whole box in the fireplace and sat back on his heels swearing to himself.
Susan shook her head at him and went back into the kitchen. She dug around under the sink. Finding newspapers and another box of matches she returned to the living room. She dropped the papers next to Starsky. He looked up at her she dropped the new box of matches in his hand.
"Thanks," he muttered. Susan wadded up some newspaper and handed it to Starsky. He stuffed it around the logs, then struck a match and held it to the newspaper. The paper caught fire and began to burn.
"Now how about some dinner?' Susan asked as she got up from the floor and placed the screen in front of the now roaring fire.
"Anything is fine," he said sullenly looking toward the window. It was too dark to see out but he had a feeling it was still snowing,
Susan sat back down next to him. She nudged him with her shoulder, "What's wrong?"
He looked at her, a smile spread across his face, "nothing."
"I won't let anything get you," she teased as she playfully pushed him over.
"Oh you won't," he said pushing her back.
They ended up wrestling around on the floor tickling each other until he finally pinned Susan's arms to the wooden floor. Both of them were breathing hard and trying not to laugh. Their faces were only inches apart the smiles faded as they looked at each other for a moment. They both felt the heat that they tried to ignore. Starsky leaned closer they were almost brushing lips when there was a loud crash from outside.
Both detectives jumped up from the floor. Starsky grabbed his sleeping bag and pulled out his gun. Susan hiked her eyebrows at him. "I wasn't leaving home with it." He said.
"You sound like American Express," she laughed. Then going over to her backpack Susan also pulled out her gun.
He grinned, "So I’m not the only chicken, uh?"
"But the way you talked about his place I wanted to be prepared for anything," she said as she went to the door, Starsky joined her.
Susan put her hand on the doorknob and tuned it slowly. She wasn't sure of what to expect on the other said of the door she cocked her gun. Starsky also readied his gun. Susan jerked open the door. They were both shocked by what they saw; they weren't prepared for this. A huge tree had fallen narrowly missing Starsky's car but blocking their only way out if they could have even gotten out.
"My car!" Starsky exclaimed.
"Forget your car," Susan breathed. "Look at all the snow," There was more that a foot and it was still heavily coming down.
Starsky started out the door, "My car!" he yelled again.
"Get in here," Susan called grabbing for the back of his shirt. "It's didn't hit you car."
Starsky came running back inside, stomping the snow from his tennis shoes. His curly hair was covered with snow. Susan reached up brushing the white stuff from his head.
"Is there a radio around?" he asked brushing the remaining snow from his shoulders. "I get the feeling this is a major snow store."
"I think you're right," Susan agreed. They began searching the cabin for a radio. The cabin wasn't huge but it was comfortable. There was a nice size living room; the kitchen was along the back wall. It was separated from the living room by a counter with stools lined up in front of it. There were three doorways leading to the bathroom and two bedrooms. One bedroom was Edith and Dobey's the second one held bunk beds for the kids.
Susan found a small portable radio on the bedside table of her boss's bedroom. She sat down on the edge of the bed hoping the batteries were good. Holding her breath she flipped it on, "…worse storm of the decade. Roads to Pine Lake and surrounding areas are already closed," the announcer informed the listeners. "It's a good night to stay in and snuggle by the fire. The roads that aren't impassable now soon will be. Before all is said and done we could have over five feet of snow. So seriously folks start at home."
A song began to play Susan turned the radio off. "Oh great," Starsky sighed. Susan looked up to see him standing in the doorway he joined her on the bed. "I'm telling you this place hates me."
"It's just a little snow storm," She grinned at him. But they both knew that this was no little storm. Susan frowned at Starsky, "I want to give Hutch a call so he's knows we are all right."
"Phone's in the living room," Starsky said. Susan handed him the radio as she went into the other room. He flipped the radio back on listening to the announcer relay information from the weather service. He realized they could be in big trouble if the storm didn't let up soon. They didn't have enough fire wood to keep them warm if the power went out.
Susan reappeared in the bedroom door, "Phone is dead," she said in a slightly shaky voice.
He patted the bed next to him she sat down Starsky put his arm around her. "I don't think Hutch would try to drive up here," he said trying to comfort her. He knew that was really why she was calling, she was afraid that he had tried to get to the cabin. Starsky hoped for all their sakes that Hutch stayed put, he hoped his friend trusted them that much. But after the incident on the floor earlier Starsky was beginning to wonder if Hutch was right to worry. He had never wanted to kiss someone so much in all his life. But he knew it wasn't fair to Hutch, Susan or to himself. Although she didn't seem to protest at what he was about to do which made him wonder how she really felt about him.
"How about that dinner," Susan said trying to sound cheerful. The sound of her voice brought Starsky out of his thoughts he nodded trying to smile.
Chapter Five
Hutch stared out the bay window of the townhouse the rain was coming down in sheets but he knew from the news broadcast there was heavy snow at Pink Lake. He was sure his partners had made it before the snow got bad now he hoped they just stayed put. Starsky wasn't very woods savvy and he could see his sometimes-bullheaded friend trying to drive out. Hopefully if that happened Susan would be able to stop him.
He wandered around the empty house as he paced Hutch began turning on every light until the place was a blaze. He went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator he wasn't really hungry but it was something to keep him busy. He spied a card board box of pizza Starsky had brought with him the day before. The curly headed detective was notorious for eating cold pizza and having a root beer for breakfast.
Hutch smiled to himself as he stuck the box into the oven to warm. Once the pie was hot he took it along with a bottle of beer to the living room where he watched a broadcast of the ever-worsening storm. After polishing off the pizza Hutch went back through the house turning all the lights back off. Somehow the lights and pizza had made him feel better. Deciding he should go to bed Hutch started up the stairs. Abruptly he stopped and stood on the stairs for a few seconds then he turned going back down.
At the bottom of the stairs was an alcove with a roll top desk. Both Susan and hutch locked their guns there to keep Jesse away from them. Taking out his key ring he selected a small key and fit it into the lock on the desk. Hutch pulled open the top drawer and rummaged around finally pulling out an address book, he flipped to the page marked 'D'. Finding Dobey's name, address and phone numbers for both his home and the cabin Hutch dialed the cabin number. There were a few clicks then buzz, then silence. He hung up the receiver then picked it up once again dialing 0. Hutch spoke briefly to the operator explaining the problem.
She tried the number herself then came back on the line, "I'm sorry sir, but the lines are down," she said sympathetically. "The storm you know."
"Thanks, " Hutch mumbled as he hung up the phone. Once again he started up the stairs and was almost to the top step when the phone began to ring. Hutch bounded the last few steps and dashed into the bedroom. "Susan?" he breathed, hoping against hope she had gotten through somehow.
"No," said a familiar voice, "It's your Captain."
"Cap," Hutch said not even trying to hide the disappointment in this voice.
"You worried about them too," Dobey said in more of a statement than a question.
"Yeah," Hutch said. "I know they are fine but I’m still worried. I tried to call, the lines are down."
"I know, I tried too." Dobey admitted. "They can weather the storm. There are a lot of canned goods, bottled water along with what ever you all took. There is plenty of blankets and wood for the fire place if the power goes out."
Suddenly Hutch was even more worried. He hadn't thought about he power going out or them being there so long that they would need extra food and water. "Cap!" Hutch said almost frantic.
"Hutchinson they will be all right," Dobey assured him. "I'm sure Carlston will take good care of Starsky," he chuckled. Dobey knew Starsky had no love for the woods. He was sure they would never get the detective close to the cabin again and was surprised that was were they were spending the week. "Go to bed, get some rest. I'm sure the reads will be open in the morning."
" Sure Cap."
"Oh and Hutchinson."
"Yeah Cap?"
"Don't you even think about trying to get to that cabin tonight," Dobey ordered. "The roads are closed, we'll end up looking for you."
Hutch sighed, "I wasn't going to," he said with out much conviction. He had been playing with the idea of trying to make it.
"I mean it!" Dobey barked into the phone. "That's an order!"
"OK OK," Hutch yelled into the phone at his captain. Then his voice softened, "sorry Cap it's just…"
"I know you are worried, hell so am I but there is nothing we can to tonight but sit tight," Dobey said. "We’ll call the Highway Patrol in the morning."
"All right," Hutch sighed and hung up.
Chapter Six
Susan threw together a quick dinner of hamburgers, canned corn and salad. After eating she and Starsky stretched out in front of the fire. He had been able to keep a nice blaze going and the room was nice and toasty. There wasn't much to do, no TV and they certainly couldn't take a moon light stroll. So they were left with the radio and the news of the ever-worsening storm something they didn't need a DJ to tell them.
While Susan had fixed dinner Starsky had gathered all the pillows and blankets he could find, he spread them on the floor in front of the fire. Neither one of them was much interested in going to separated rooms to sleep they felt better being together. But being in a bedroom together was out of the question.
The wind rattled the windows and howled around the corners of the cabin. The cabin grew colder as the temperature dropped even more; it hadn't been built to with stand a freak snowstorm. The two detectives kept the fire blazing but they were quickly running out of wood. The wind at times sounded eerie and the couple would huddle together then laugh at themselves for being spooked. It was like being in a Stephen King horror novel. Finally after talking for a few hours they both fell asleep.
It was almost midnight when Susan woke up shaking from the cold. The fire was just burning embers but it shouldn't have been so cold. Even though the small furnace was having a hard time keeping up it was helping a little. She eased up on the couch and fumbled with the lamp. Finding the switch she turned it but nothing happened. Susan felt a slight tingle of fear run through her. Shaking off the feeling she got up, it could just be a burnt out bulb but she knew she was just kidding herself the storm had knocked out the power.
Making her way into the kitchen Susan found the light switch on the wall. She held her breath and flipped it, nothing. She felt around until she found the counter then began going through the drawers until she found a flashlight. Susan turned it on and searched for the thermostat, finally finding it she shined her light so she could read the numbers…forty degrees and falling. The fearful feeling returned they had no heat and were out of firewood. They should have stocked up as soon as they had arrived but neither of them thought the storm would get this bad. There was another loud crash out side as another tree fell; it had been going on all evening. Susan just hoped that one of them didn't hit the house.
She went back into the living room, kneeling next to Starsky she whispered, "Starsk," she didn't want to startle him. He grunted but didn't wake up. Susan shook his shoulder, "Starsky wake up, we're in trouble."
His blue eyes popped open, "What?" he said sleepily rubbing his hands through his curly hair.
"The power is out," she explained
"Sure it's not just a fuse?" Starsky asked pulling up the blanket to ward of the cold
"I don't think it's a fuse," Susan said impatiently as he started to fall back to sleep. "We better get this fire going again, the temperature is falling fast. Starsky!"
"I'm a wake, I'm a wake, " he gathered the blanket around him as he got up. Susan grabbed one wrapping it around her. Crossing the room he said, "toss me the flashlight."
"I think the fuse box is over there," she pointed to the back corner of the kitchen.
"Yeah here it is," Starsky said shinning the light on it. He opened the box, checking each fuse carefully. "Damn," he muttered under his breath.
"They are all fine aren't they?" Susan asked wishing for a burnt out fuse.
Starsky nodded, "The lines must be all down," he sighed. "God I hate this place. Better go turn on the radio."
Before Susan went to retrieve the radio next to the couch she made a detour to the front window. The detective gasp when she pushed the curtain aside and looked out. She couldn't see Starsky's car; it was buried in a huge drift along with the tree branch that had nearly crushed the car. The snow was almost to the bottom of the window and showed no sighs of stopping.
Starsky came up behind his partner and looked over the top of her head; he too was stunned by what he saw. It had been a very long time since he had seen this much snow, in fact maybe never. He put his arms around her Susan leaned back against his chest. "We'll be fine," he said softly in her ear.
"I know we can last a week before the food starts running out but we might freeze to death before then," she said grimly.
"I don't think we'll be here that long," he laughed and turned her to face him. Then he frowned at a sudden thought he had, "I had better get some wood while I still can."
"Are you crazy, it's already too late for that. It's pitch dark out there and the snow is coming down so hard you can't even see." Susan looked up into his face sheer terror written across hers. "You could get lost."
Starsky left her standing by the window and went to put on his shoes and grab a coat. "Look," he said tying his laces. "The wood pile is just around the corner up against the cabin. I won't get lost, I'll keep my hand on the wall the whole time."
"But it's buried under snow," Susan protested, hoping to change his mind.
"Listen do you want to freeze?" Starsky asked her as he slipped his jacket on. "It's getting colder in there by the second. We might have enough food but it won't do us any good if we are frozen solid."
Susan knew he was right. She wasn't afraid of being left alone in the cabin, she was afraid of losing him. "Hold on a minute." Under one window was a window seat. She opened the lid; it was full of extra batteries, candles, more matches, fishing gear and just what she was looking for. She grabbed the candles and the matches then pulled out a coil of rope, just as she started to close the lid she grabbed a couple of packages of batteries. She went back to where Starsky was standing with his hand on the doorknob. "Here tie this around your waist," she said handing him one end of the rope. "If anything happens, you'll be able to find your way back.
He nodded as he took the rope. Starsky was glad she had though of it. Although he was trying to sound sure of himself, the thought of going out into he storm didn't thrill him. As he secured the rope around he is waist he said, "I'll be back."
Susan opened the door; the snow whirled in quickly blanketing the floor. Starsky planted a quick kiss on her forehead looked into her eyes for a moment then slipped out the door. It was like the detective disappeared off the face of the earth once he stepped through the curtain of snow. Susan could only tell that he was out there by the coil of rope that was getting smaller at her feet.
Suddenly the rope stopped moving she looked fearfully out the door, "Starsky!" she screamed into the howling wind. "Starsky." But it was useless, she knew he couldn’t hear her. She wasn't sure what to do. Common sense told her he had just reached the woodpile and was on his way back but she couldn't shake the feeling of dread.
A snow covered figure appeared in the doorway looking every bit like the abominable snowman. Susan threw herself into her partner's arms. Starsky dropped the load of wood he had almost falling back through the open door into the storm. She wrapped her arms so tightly around he couldn't even get the door close.
"For God sakes, I wasn't even gone five minutes, " he gasped for air. Between walking through the deep snow and then Susan having him in a death grip he was out of breath.
"Seemed like five hours," she said still hanging on too tightly.
He pried her arms from around him, "one more trip then we should be set."
"No!" she let go of him just long enough to slam the door. "You are not going back out there. We will just have to make due it's too dangerous."
Starsky was just about to argue with her when there was a loud crush, the sound of glass breaking and wood splintering. Snow tumbled into the living room from Dobey's bedroom. They both looked at each other horrified then rushed to inspect the damage. Stepping around the snow that had spilled into the room they peered into the bedroom.
A huge tree branch had fallen on the corner of the bedroom knocking down the outside wall. Snow and debris filled the room.
Susan looked at Starsky with wide eyes. "Shit," he exclaimed as the cold wind rushed into the cabin making it ever colder. "We have got to get this snow out of the doorway and get the door closed. That should help some."
Susan nodded and began looking for something they could use to shovel the snow out of the room with. In a few minutes she returned with a couple of pots and handed one to Starsky. He shook his head at her. "Well that was all I could find."
After about an hour of hard work they had the snow removed enough so that they could get the bedroom door closed. But the cabin was so cold they were worried they would never get the temperature back up. They both had on most of the clothes that they had brought will them, all the blankets they could find plus their sleeping bags but it didn't seem to be enough. Their hands and feet were numb with the cold; neither of them could stop shaking.
Starsky went to work trying to get the fire going again, once that was done the couple snuggled down in the blankets. The fire was beginning to warm the room slightly. Susan lay on her back staring at the ceiling wondering what Hutch was doing and glad that Jesse hadn't been with them. She knew he must be worried sick. Starsky lay on his side; his head propped on his hand watching Susan intently. A single tear slid from the corner of her eye and disappeared into the pillow. Starsky leaned closer to here, "we are going to be fine," he assured her.
She nodded but didn't speak for fear she would began sobbing. He put his arms around her drawing her against him. Their mouths were only inches apart. Slowly their lips touched gently then more passionately. Susan pulled away putting her hand on his chest. "Starsky," she said breathlessly.
"Susan," Starsky began. "I'm not going to give you a line like we might not make it until morning. I know we are going to be fine but…"
She looked at him, "What about Hutch?"
"He has nothing to do with this."
"He has everything to do with this. I’m his wife, you are his best friend, not even mentioning the fact that we are partners."
"Susan this thing between us isn't going to go away," Starsky said softly avoiding her eyes. "I think you know how I feel about you. And I think you have known for a long time."
She started to deny what he was saying but why bother they knew each other to well. Susan nodded, "I know you care about me."
"I love you." He said almost under his breath. "God help me but I love you. I don't know exactly when it happened. Just over time the way I felt about you changed. When you and Hutch got married I almost told you that day."
She touched his face gently. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"What was I suppose to say?" he asked taking her hand and kissing it. "I couldn't do that to Hutch or to you. Besides would you have left him for me?"
Instead of answering his question which she didn't have an answer for she said, "Hutch knows."
"Know what?"
"How you feel about me. He's been telling me for the last couple of years that you loved me. I didn't really believe him until I lost the baby, you were always there for me."
Her eyes grew sad as she thought about he baby she had lost. He had been such a comfort. Hutch was going through his own pain and it was easier to talk to Starsky.
Starsky saw the pain in her eyes, he knew she was thinking about the baby. He kissed her, "I love you," he said again. "I don't want to come between you and Hutch but I can't help what I feel."
"Am I the reason you have never had a girlfriend for longer than three minutes?" she asked looking at him sadly.
He nodded, "I seem to compare everyone to you, no one just quite measures up."
"Oh Starsk, I’m nothing special. You have dated some wonderful girls," Susan said sitting up looking at him in the firelight. "Libby is crazy about you."
He shrugged, "Libby is a great girl but she's not you."
" You need to find yourself some lucky lady and settle down." Susan smiled at him.
"Are you saying you don't care about me?" he asked also sitting up so that he could look into her eyes.
"I…" Susan looked away, she couldn't lie to him. She had feeling for him too all thought she had tried to bury them. She closed her eyes and leaned forward until their foreheads were touching. "You know it's hard loving two men at the same time." Then she shook her head. "No I guess it's really not that hard, I have been doing it for years. You tow are so different, you are funny and carefree where Hutch is more serious and stable."
Starsky leaned away from her. "I can be serious," he said sounding so much like a little boy that it tugged at her heart, this was what she loved most about him. "I can be stable too."
Susan began laughing at the expression on his face. "But I don't want you to change that's what I love about you."
"One night?" he asked looking down at their hands, he hadn't even realized that her hands were in his.
"Hutch will know," she said slowly.
"What do you think he's thinking at this moment? If what you say is true and he knows how I feel about you." Starsky said they were so close they could feel each other's hearts beating.
"Probably the worse," she smiled slightly. "I think he knows these feelings of yours aren't just one sided. He almost came flat out and asked me once if we were having an affair."
"And he still suggested we come up here alone?" Starsky ask amazed. "I don't think I would have done that if the situation was reversed."
"Maybe he trusts us, maybe he's testing, I don’t really know."
"So what do we do?"
Susan shrugged she knew what she wanted to do. But her loyalty to Hutch would stop her. She wondered what would happen now that their feelings were out in the open. It was easy before, she just pretended there were no feelings but now everything was different.
A few minutes later Susan got her answer. Starsky had lain back down with his back towards her. "I think I should ask for a transfer when we get back."
"NO!" Susan exclaimed. She grabbed his shoulder and rolled him back over to face her. "Starsky I need you." Then more softly she said, "I love you too." And this time she kissed him.
Chapter Seven
Hutch rolled over to look at the clock on the bedside table--three a.m. It seemed like hands of the clock were glued down. He sighed and got up, slipping on a robe he went down stairs. He stopped briefly to look out the window; it was still pouring, so he guessed it was still snowing at the lake. He went into the living room and flipped on the TV. There was a slow crawl of words along the bottom of the screen. Just as he feared it was still snowing at Pine Lake and they were now predicting at least five feet with huge drifts as high as twenty-five feet. And in LA they were looking at mudslides and flooding. Every time he saw a forecast it only got worse.
Hutch realized that most likely his partners would be stuck at least another day maybe two or three depending when the snow stopped. He wasn't worried they would freeze or run out of food or even sleep together. What worried him most was that Susan was more in love with Starsky than him and leave. He knew she had feelings for Starsky even though she hid it well. It didn't surprise him that they did have feelings for each other, they worked so closely together plus spending most of their free time as well together. Hutch felt jealous, not always of the love but of the friendship his partners shared. He knew Susan loved him very much. He knew that his partners would never purposely hurt him. He also knew that the situation they were in had to be very stressful and frightening.
The phone began ringing, at first Hutch was in such deep thought he didn't hear it. By the tenth ring he came around and grabbed the receiver, "Yeah?"
"Ken?" a woman's voice asked. "I'm sorry it's so late, I didn't mean to wake you."
"Edna," he said his face paling at the sound of the nanny's voice. "You didn't wake me, is everything alright there?"
"Oh everything is fine. I just got so worried about all of you. We have been hearing the broadcasts of the storm. I knew you three were planning on going to the lake." She explained. "I'm so glad you didn't make it."
"I didn't make it," Hutch said, "but Starsky and Susan are there, they went on ahead. I had some last minute police business and was suppose to follow them up but the weather go to bad."
"Oh Ken," Mrs. Gray said worriedly. "Do you want Jess and I to come home?"
"No, there is no need to worry Jesse just yet. They will be fine, I'm hoping the snow will stop soon and they'll be out by evening." Hutch told her.
"All right then but if you need me, you call," Mrs. Gray instructed.
After promising, Hutch hung up the phone. He sat there for a few minutes thinking then grabbed the phone book to look up the number for the Highway Patrol. Once he talked to them he placed a call to Dobey.
Even though it was almost four a.m. the phone only rang twice before the plump captain picked it up. "Dobey."
"It's me Cap," Hutch said soberly.
"You talked to HP didn't you?" Dobey asked. He had called himself an hour earlier. The captain hadn't been to bed all night. He was to worried about his detectives, he endlessly pace the kitchen floor. His wife Edith had tried several times to get him to come to bed before she finally gave up and went herself. All though he had played off the danger to Hutchinson he knew how deadly it could be if they lost the heat. He imagined that they probably hadn't brought in enough wood to last them more than the first night.
"Just got off the phone with them," Hutch said. "How did you know?"
"Good guess," Dobey answered. "Besides I called too."
"Then you know the roads won't be cleared until the snow stops."
"So I guess we just sit tight," Dobey sighed. "I can't sleep, I'm going into the office. I might as well catch up on some paper work."
"Want me to come in?" Hutch asked not wanting to just sit around the empty townhouse.
"You are on vacation, take it easy," Dobey said knowing full well that would be an impossibility for both of them.
"Some vacation," Hutch cracked. "I guess I'll go down to The Pits, see what Huggy's up to, get some breakfast. You know the number if you hear anything."
"You know I do," Dobey growled.
The Pits was a bar and grill owned and operated by Huggy Bear. He was a tall thin black man with short black hair and black eyes that sparkled with mischief. He was given to dressing very loudly in bright yellows, greens and pinks. He lived alone above the bar in a small but comfortable one-bed room apartment and was still in bed when he heard the pounding on the front door of the bar. He groaned as he rolled over to look at the clock. It was almost five a.m., the time his clock was set to go off.
The bar opened at six to accommodate the early risers who wanted breakfast, some ate theirs while others just drank. Huggy grudging got up, threw on a robe and staggered down the stairs. The pounding was still going on, "I'm coming, I'm coming," Huggy shouted grumpily.
He jerked open the door; Hutch stood there his hair as was his jacket soaked from the rain that was still falling. He stepped into the bar shaking the water of his shoulders. "Hey Huggy," Hutch greeted him.
"Hey Huggy?" Huggy Bear growled. "You wake a man out of a sound sleep and all you can said is hey Huggy?"
Hutch looked at his watch. "I guess it is a bit early." He walked over and pulled a stool from the top of the bar then sat down.
Huggy was about to really let his friend have it when he notice two things about Hutch. First there were no partners and second he looked very defected. Huggy suddenly wondered if Susan and Starsky had made their feeling known to their friend. Hutch wasn't the only one that had noticed the spark between the pair. The black man had often wondered about them but had never asked. "What's going on buddy."
"It's Starsky and Susan," Hutch said sadly.
Huggy sucked in his breath never thinking he could have been right. "You are kidding me?"
"What?" Hutch looked at him in surprise.
"I just can't believe they would do that."
"What are you talking about?" Hutch asked confused.
"What are you taking about?" Huggy asked slowly looking at the puzzled expression on the detective's face.
"They are stranded at Pine Lake in Dobey's cabin," Hutch explained. Huggy gave him a blank look that news had caught him off guard. It wasn't what he was expecting to hear. When he didn't say anything thing Hutch added, "you know the snow storm?"
Snapping out of it Huggy mumbled, "oh yeah the snow."
"What did you think I meant?" asked Hutch as Huggy slipped from behind the bar.
Waving off the question he said, "I've got to get dressed. Angie and Laura will be here soon. If I'm not back let them in." Huggy disappeared up the stairs.
"Huggy," Hutch called after him but the black bar keeper didn't stop.
Chapter Eight
The growing light from the window awoke the sleeping pair of detectives. Starsky had his arm around Susan; she had her head on his shoulder. They both blinked in the increasing light. It was freezing in the cabin and they were cold even under all the blankets and sleeping bags. The fire had died down while they were sleeping, and they were running low on firewood. Susan got up going to the window, jerking back the curtain; she let out a gasp.
The sight that greeted the female detective stunned her. Although the snow had left up some what was on the ground was more than half was up the window to where she couldn't see out. Starsky joined his partner at the window he peered out. Then went to the door, he carefully opened it. There was a wall of snow on the other side. Starsky quickly but gently closed the door the front of the house was buried in a snowdrift.
"So much for firewood, I guess we'll have to use the floor boards," Starsky tried a halfhearted joke.
Susan frowned at him. "How long do you think it will take somebody to dig us out?"
Starsky shrugged, "Who knows I doubt they will even try until the snow stops. At least Hutch knows where we are."
Susan left the window and flopped down on the couch she reached down pulling one of the blankets they had been sleeping under up to her chin. "Do you think they will come today?" she asked softly.
He sat down joining her under the blanket, "had enough of me already?" he teased.
"Never," she smiled
"Depends when the snow stops, it's going to take a while we aren't the only ones snowed in."
"Hutch must be going crazy by now. Try the phone again."
Starsky knew there was no way the phones could be working but for Susan's sake he tried it. There was nothing but silence, he held the phone toward her, "it's still dead."
She shivered as she reached for another blanket; "it's so cold in here."
Starsky agreed as he snuggled closer to her, "turn on the radio, maybe there is some good news."
Susan grabbed the radio from the coffee table and flipped it on, "…the storm is starting to whined down. We might get five more inches but the dig out will began soon. For people stranded help is on the way, stay put," the announcer advised. He droned on Susan turned it off.
"Well lets see what I can come up with to eat," Susan said trying to sound cheerful. She knew that as long as they could stay warm they weren't in any real danger but just the thought of being trapped unnerved her.
"I'll see if I can get this fire going," Starsky said looking at the smoldering embers.
The female detective went into the kitchen and began rummaging around. She found many different kinds of canned fruit and vegetables. Settling on a couple of cans of beans she began the search for a can opener. Most of the stuff they had brought was hamburger and steaks to grill. A gilled steak sure did sound good.
Starsky was stuffing paper around the few remaining logs they had when he spied a wooden chair standing in the corner of the room. He dragged it over and began chopping it into pieces with an ax he had found near the fireplace.
Susan came into the living room carrying the cans of beans and spoons. She looked at Starsky in horror, "Dobey is going to kill us!" she exclaimed.
"I really don't think he would want us to freeze to death do you?" Starsky asked as he tossed the last of the chair into the now blazing fire.
"That feels good," she said moving in closer to the fire. "I think I've lost the feeling in my fingers."
He smiled at her, "you find anything to eat, I'm starving."
She held out a can with a spoon stuck in it to her partner. "Here ya go."
Starsky made a face at the contents in the can, "this is it?"
"Unless you like raw meat," Susan giggled at is expression.
"No pizza?" he asked pulling out the spoon and smelling the beans.
"Sorry"
Starsky sighed and dung in, "I sure hope they find us before dinner." But they both knew that was highly unlikely.
The cabin began to warm up nicely. They ended up using two more chairs to keep the fire going. Susan found some canned meat and crackers for lunch, which was only slightly better than the beans for breakfast. The two detectives roamed restlessly around the cabin avoiding talking about what had happened the night before. But some of the looks that Starsky was giving Susan almost broke her heart. She knew that they should talk but was unsure of what to say. There was no way she could just walk out on Hutch, she wasn't sure that she would want to anyway. She loved him just as much as she loved Starsky.
The door was hopelessly blocked, Starsky was all set to tunnel out but Susan put her foot down. If the tunnel collapsed she didn't know if she could get him out. Finally he settled on clearing the snow from the window so that they could see out some. As promised the snow did stop just before dark. But they both knew that there would be no help arriving in the dark.
They listened to the radio a few times to see how things were going. But since the storm was over there wasn't much news. Just bulletins telling people to stay put and that help would be on its way the next day. It was the beginning to get dark on their second day in the cabin. Susan stared out the window hoping to catch the glimpse of lights coming to rescue them. Starsky stole up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. She leaned back against him and closed her eyes. She always felt so safe with his arms around her. Susan almost wished nobody would find them.
"Our last night together alone," he said softly in her hair. "I'm sure we will be out by tomorrow."
She nodded then turned around so she could look into his face, "I love you but…"
He put one finger to her lips, "no buts…this is our time right now. If that’s all I ever get then it will just have to be enough," he said sadly. "But know this, I'll always love you and I'll always be there for you no matter what happens."
Susan put her arms around him hugging him tightly to her wishing she could freeze this moment in time. "I guess we will always have the blizzard."
Then they both burst out laughing it sounded so melodramatic. They stood holding each other for a long time looking out at the snow. Finally it was too dark to see so they went to sit in front of the fire. They ate more canned meat for dinner and Starsky swore that he would never look at another can of meat for the rest of his life. They talked about everything and by the time the fire started dying they knew each other better than they knew anyone else in their lives even their partner. There was no more firewood or chairs to break up so they snuggled down under the pile of blankets holding each other for warmth. That's the way they fell asleep and that was the way they were found the next afternoon.
Chapter Nine
Hutch sat down in front of Dobey's desk sipping a cup of coffee. Dobey had paper work spread out on this desk but it was undone. Neither officer talked, they each sat lost in their own world of thoughts. The blond detective wondered what his partners were up to. There couldn't be a whole lost to do in a small snowed in cabin. He didn't know if they had power or not, but if he had to guess he would say not. But he had made up his mind that if Susan picked Starsky that he would bow out gracefully.
It was almost eight p.m. when the phone rang. The captain jumped, then grabbed the receiver, "Dobey here." He said into the phone. He listened a few minutes then said, "We will be there first light."
Hutch looked up at his captain with a questioning look, "what's up?"
"That was HP looks like you will be getting your partners back tomorrow," Dobey smiled. "They said we could join them in the morning. Starsky and Susan are the first on their list to dig out. But the captain said it was going to be a big job, it might take a while.
Hutch nodded, "Have they had nay contact with Starsk or Susan?"
The captain shook his head, "The lines are still down. It will probably be days before they are back up."
"So we still don’t know if they are alright then." Hutch said with out looking up.
"Snap out of it Hutchinson, that's an order," Dobey growled. "They are fine, you'll see for yourself tomorrow."
The captain and detective went to their respective homes to try and get some rest. Hutch agreed to pick up Dobey two hours before sunrise so that they would arrive at HP headquarters by dawn.
When the two officers arrived that the Highway Patrol Headquarters the next morning a snowplow was sitting out front warming up. Several pick up trucks fitted with plows were there too. They went into the station to talk to the captain, five or six men stood around dressed in heavy winter jumpsuits sipping coffee. Hutch knocked on a door that had Captain stenciled on.
"Come in," said a voice from in side. Hutch opened the door; the captain was sitting at his desk drinking coffee, as were his men outside. He got up from the desk and extended his arm to shake Hutchinson's hand. "Captain Dobey?"
Hutch shook his head, "Detective Hutchinson, he's Captain Dobey," he said introducing his captain who was standing behind him.
"I see," he nodded. "I'm Captain Donnal. Must be some pretty important men you got up there for you to come all this way."
Dobey stepped up to also shake the man's hand. "Well they are at my cabin, Captain Donnal."
"And they are my partners," Hutch explained.
The man nodded, "well that explains it. Alright then my men are getting ready to leave you either of you like to ride along?"
"Yes of course," Hutch said, eager to be doing something besides sitting and waiting he had done enough of that.
But Dobey shook his head, "I think I'll wait here."
"As you please," the captain said. "You may wait with me if you like."
The snow plowed started off toward Pine Lake, a pick up with three men plus Hutch followed. The pick up had supplies for hand digging out the stranded. The large plow only cleared the road then the men in the pickups had to dig out the people by hand. It was slow going; it took them about an hour to reach the Dobey place. Once they stopped to check on a stranded motorist but the car was empty when they opened the door.
One of the men shook his head, "Probably find them dead on the road or in the woods some where." The words made a shiver run up Hutch's spine and he was even more eager to get to his partners. He just hoped that Starsky and Susan had stayed put. They moved on with out finding anyone else.
Half of the Dobey cabin was covered in a big drift, only the left half was visible but there was a huge tree laying across the back half of the cabin. Hutch closed his eyes and said a small prayer hoping that they weren't in the back bedroom. The men jumped out of the back of the truck taking shoves with them. One man handed Hutch a shovel as they headed toward the buried house.
They began the slow process of shoveling out the snowbound cabin. It took nearly two hours to work their way toward the door. Once they hit something in the drive, they dug until they partially unburied Starsky's car. They uncovered it just enough to make sure the detectives weren't in side. Hutch shook his head when he saw how close the tree branch had come to smashing the car to bits. He knew that Starsky must have about had a fit.
Finally the door was visible, Hutch was worried because there was no moment from in side the cabin surely they would be up it was almost one p.m. Several times he was asked if he was sure someone was in there but the car sitting buried in the driveway was proof unless they tried to walk out. Hutch pushed that thought from his head.
With the last two shovel fulls of snow the door was clear, one man motioned Hutch to do the honors. Slowly the detective turned the doorknob; he was reluctant to enter what if they weren't in there what if they had tried to walk out. what if… Taking a deep breath he opened he door and stepped in. The room was dim and ice cold, the fire had been out for hours, Hutch walked slowly into the living room. At first he didn't see his sleeping partners on the floor in front of the cold fireplace. They were buried under several layers of blanket's their sleeping bags spread over that. Susan's head was on Starsky's shoulder their arms wrapped around each other for warmth.
Hutch knelt next to them; carefully he pulled the blankets away from their faces. He laid one hand on Susan's cold cheek, he touched Starsky with his other hand, he was just as cold. But they were both still breathing. Susan's eyes fluttered open, at first she didn't say anything, thinking it was just another dream. The colder she had gotten the she had dreamt.
"Susan?" he said softly rubbing her cheek. The crew from the truck stood in the doorway watching the scene.
Finally she focused clearly on his face. "Hutch?" she barely whispered.
When she spoke, Starsky opened his yes and looked over at Hutch, "Hutch is that you buddy?"
"I'm here," he said hugging them both; they were so cold it scared him.
"What took you so long?" Starsky mumbled.
Susan managed to get her arms out from under the blankets and clung to him. She couldn't remember ever being so cold.
"Let's get you guys out of here," one of the crewmembers said.
Hutch picked up Susan still wrapped in the blanket. Starsky got to his feet pulling another blanket around himself tightly. As they started out the door a life squad pulled into the driveway behind Starsky's car.
"We don't need that," Starsky protested pointing at the life squad. Susan agreed whole heartily as she struggled for Hutch to set her down. They had made it this far they sure didn't need a life squad now.
"Only way down," said one of the paramedics. The dig out crew was already in the pick up on their way to the next cabin. "Unless you want to dig your car out."
Starsky looked at his snowed under car then looked at Susan who smiled at him and nodded, "Let's go," he told the paramedics.
On the way down the two formerly stranded detectives were check out. Neither had suffered any ill effects from the cold but if they had been trapped several more hours frostbite would have set in. They were both commended for staying put.
"You would be surprised how many people try to drive or walk out of blizzards," one of the men told them.
Once the trio was a t the Highway Patrol Headquarters they were greeted by their over joyed captain. Susan sat huddled on a small couch in the captain's office; Hutch sat next to her with a protective arm around her shoulders. She looked at him; he was staring straight ahead.
"Hutch," she began slowly. "Starsky and I…"
"Don’t," he cut her off. Hutch turned to look at his wife. "It doesn’t matter, nothing matters except that the two of you are alive."
"But…"
Again he cut her off, this time with a question. "Do you love me?"
With out hesitation she said, "yes I love you, I always have, I always will."
He leaned over and kisser her on the forehead, "then that's all I need to know."
Starsky entered the office; he had been talking to one of the men about digging out his car. I’m going to stay here for a couple more hours. The sergeant found me somebody to dig out my car." Starsky grinned at them. "I'm not leaving with out my car because I'm never and I mean never coming back here, so don't ask."
Susan and Hutch laughed. Dobey came up behind Starsky, "so you don't like my cabin, uh?"
"Well…" Starsky began not wanting to hurt the captain's feelings.
Dobey patted him on the back, "I can't say that I blame you. In fact it seems like every time you guys take a vacation something goes wrong.
"You can say that again," Susan smiled at their captain.
"You two ready to head out of here?" Dobey asked Susan and Hutch. Then he looked over at Starsky, "So you are staying?"
Starsky nodded, Susan stood up and hugged Starsky tightly. "See you at home, be careful." She whispered.
He nodded at her, then said to Hutch, "you take care of our girl here."
"You know I will," Hutch hugged Starsky. "Don't be long."
Dobey and the two detectives left leaving Starsky to wait for someone to help him dig his car out.
Chapter 10
Later that evening as Susan sat in front of the fireplace, there was a knock at the door. Hutch who had been sitting next to her got up to answer it. Susan pulled the quilt she was sitting under up to her chin. She just couldn't get warm no matter who many covers she was wrapped in or how close to the fire she sat.
"Hi there," said a voice from the doorway.
Susan looked over the back of the couch Starsky stood there holding a small wrapped box with a silver ribbon around it. They just stared at each other for a few moments.
Susan said, "Well come on in." She patted the place next to her on the couch.
Hutch looked at Susan then Starsky, he had the urge to sit down between them but instead he asked, "Anyone want something from the kitchen?" Both shook their heads no. Hutch left the room; he had a feeling they need some time alone.
"Here," Starsky said holding out the wrapped box to her.
She took it, "What's this?"
"Well open it."
Slowly Susan unwrapped the box; she opened the top and peered down into the package. She gasped as she pulled out a beautiful water globe. It was a wooded scene and when she shook it light snow fell among the trees.
Susan looked at Starsky, tears formed in her eyes. "It's lovely," she said softly.
"If you don't want to keep it, I'll understand," he said looking intently into her eyes. Starsky reached over brushing a tear that had escaped from her cheek.
"Of course I want to keep it," she said getting up. She placed the globe on the mantle about the fireplace. "It will always remind me."
She sat back down next to Starsky; he kissed her on the cheek. Then he whispered, "I bought one for me too."
Susan smiled and nodded at them then asked, "did you get our car out?"
He shook his head yes, "Did you tell Hutch anything?"
"I tried to tell him but he says it doesn't matter," Susan said looking down at her hands. "Maybe someday I'll tell him what happened but not now, he doesn't want to hear it. I know he thinks the worse but…"
At that moment Hutch reentered the room carrying three bottles of beer. He noticed the water globe but didn't comment. He sat down in the chair next to the couch as he sat the bottle on the coffee table. Hutch grabbed one of the bottles then propped his feet up on the table along with Starsky's. Hutch just smiled at her and took a sip of his beer.
"Get your car out Starsk?" Hutch asked.
"Took some doing but a couple of the guys helped me," he said. "I packed up our stuff too, it's in the trunk. I didn't want to give you guys any excuses to try to get me back up there."
Hutch and Susan laughed. "I think my days in the woods are over too," Susan said. "I have had enough."
"We still have three days left of vacation, what do you want to do?" Hutch asked.
Both partners looked at him and groaned. "You have got to be kidding," Starsky exclaimed.
"Really, I don't think I ever want to go on another vacation as long as I live," Susan added.
"How about a quiet few days at home," Hutch suggested. Jesse and Mrs. Gray wouldn't be back until the end of the week.
"Sounds good," she sighed sinking back into the couch. "We can just bum around, cook out and watch TV."
Starsky smiled wistfully to himself as he got up to leave. "See you guys later."
Hutch stood up, "Where do you think you're going?"
"Home I guess," Starsky said starting for the front door.
Susan looked up at Hutch who winked at her. "I thought we were going to spend the rest of our vacation here," she said.
Starsky looked at his partners in surprised, "I didn't think you meant me."
Hutch put his arm around Starsky's neck. "Of course we meant you. It wouldn't be a vacation without you."
Starsky glance at Susan then back to Hutch, "Are you sure?"
Susan got up from the couch, "You think the foods still good?"
"It's probably frozen," Hutch said. "Let's go see. I could use a good steak about now."
"I'll bring in the suit cases," Susan said. "Toss me your keys Starsk," He came over to her dropping the keys in her hand. Starsky hugger her briefly then she pulled away form him and ran after Hutch.
Starsky stood staring after his friends; he couldn't believer Hutch would be so willing to still have him around. He hoped one day that Hutch would listen to what had really happened at the cabin. Finally he started after his two partners, "Hey," he yelled out the front door. "Could we order a pizza?"
The End
