{"id":81,"date":"2017-06-10T02:49:23","date_gmt":"2017-06-10T02:49:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/?p=81"},"modified":"2020-11-01T22:13:29","modified_gmt":"2020-11-01T22:13:29","slug":"june-10th-tendency-to-jam-part-1-by-mvernet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/?p=81","title":{"rendered":"June 10th- Tendency To Jam Part 1 by mvernet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><u>Note<\/u><\/strong>: This fic was inspired by reading the <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a style=\"color: #008000;\" href=\"http:\/\/archiveofourown.org\/works\/5815615\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Starsky and Hutch Compendium<\/a><\/span><\/strong> by\u00a0<strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><a style=\"color: #008000;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.starskyhutcharchive.net\/viewuser.php?uid=537\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">K. Hanna Korossy<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. This wonderful and thorough work mentioned that Starsky\u2019s Smith and Wesson had a tendency to jam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It\u2019s been said by some wise old soul that a gun chooses the cop rather than the other way around. Starsky knew why he chose the Smith &amp; Wesson 59, 9 millimeter automatic. His father, who had also been a cop, carried a Smith &amp; Wesson 39. He had many memories of his father lecturing him on how that gun was a tool and not a toy, followed by threats of what Pop would do to his hide if he ever messed with it. He remembered how he watch with fascination as his father would clean the weapon until it gleamed, then set it in the locked metal box. The smell of gun oil still brought Starsky back to a time of safety, comfort, love, and the feeling of being held in his Pop\u2019s strong arms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">He had many a discussion with Hutch and his brother cops about their firearm choices. Debates about pros and cons of each type were a preferred topic of bored policemen everywhere. Squad room walls heard endless conversations about the <em>cannons<\/em> that might be too heavy to raise quickly in a firefight or the smaller caliber automatics that had a tendency to jam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">No cop wants to wield his weapon, but having it nearby, just an instinctive grasp away, was a great comfort when dark, filthy alleys turned deadly and fear gripped the heart. Most cops silently thanked the heavens for their piece when the hefty weight they carried saved lives. They paid their respects by caring and cleaning their quiet partner regularly. It was practically a holy ritual for most. The smell of the gun oil, the rhythmic whisks of the barrel brush, the smooth sound of the polishing cloth, all tended to realign in their minds the somber reality of the job and why it was necessary.<\/span><br \/>\n<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky kept his gun cleaning kit under the sink in a tattered and stained shoebox left over from when his beloved Adidas were squeaky new. He had given Hutch a beautiful tooled leather, monogrammed cleaning kit for his thirtieth birthday. But unless Hutch returned the favor someday, it was beyond him to spend that kind of money on himself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky was sitting at his kitchen table, cleaning his gun on a Sunday night, as was his habit, when Hutch opened his front door just enough to stick his head through.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cKnock, knock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky barely looked up from his polishing. His partner at his door was as natural as his hair curling in the rain. \u201cHey, Hutch. I thought ya had a hot date tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch sauntered in. That he was still in the casual Hawaiian shirt and jeans he\u2019d worn since Friday spoke volumes to Starsky. As did his lack of holster and slightly tipsy upper lip curl. But it was impolite to read body language, dirty laundry, or your partner\u2019s mind without permission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCancelled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky looked up to scan his partner\u2019s face for signs of heartache. Satisfied that Hutch was either feeling sorry for himself or simply bored, he returned to his cleaning. He could easily deal with either or both those problems as soon as his task was complete. \u201cHer loss, partner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch wandered to the fridge and took out a single beer, but didn\u2019t offer Starsky one. Starsky never drank before or during the cleaning of his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch walked to the table and flicked a finger at a torn bit of cardboard on the old shoebox with a smile. \u201cGuess you\u2019ll be needing something new to keep your supplies in, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky smirked, knowing a present was in his future. Hutch had a tendency to ignore birthdays, especially his own, and had a definite disdain for traditional holidays. Starsky didn\u2019t mind. The blond literally showered him with gifts both full of meaning and full of bologna simply because it was sunny out after raining for three days or because he won a football pool. Not to mention the thousands of dollars in dimes, quarters, coffee, and candy bars Hutch had supplied him with over the course of their friendship, while expecting nothing in return.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch walked to the couch and sat heavily with a soft sigh. Starsky flashed him a concerned look as Hutch fell limply back on the couch cushions and downed his beer. Starsky grimaced slightly. Hutch was thinking again, probably about past failures in the love department and definitely feeling sorry for himself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky forced his mind and his hand to slow down. The last part of his ritual was the most important. A visual inspection of his gun. He checked all moving parts, listening carefully to the well-oiled clicks and snicks. He knew by heart the sounds that meant all was in order.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Finally finished and satisfied, Starsky put his cleaning supplies away and turned all his attention to the forlorn lump inhabiting his couch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky braved the heat from his patio grill and a California July for the sake of two steaks. Thankfully, his apartment had air conditioning and even his country boy partner was content to eat the fire-seared t-bones in electronically controlled comfort. Hutch whipped up a tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad dripping with homemade vinaigrette. Starsky had to admit it was tasty and a cool complement to his grill-striped beauties.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Feeling sated and comfortable with each other\u2019s company, they decided on a game of chess. Half way through the relaxing game, the chessmen were left to stare each other down as the partners talked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cStarsk, I just can\u2019t do it anymore. The girl who cancelled, ummm. Shit!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWha\u2019? Wassa madda?\u201d Starsky looked up from the chessboard, his head resting lazily on his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI can\u2019t remember her name, Starsk! That\u2019s what I mean. I can remember a suspect\u2019s name from a case three years ago, but the name of the girl I met on the beach and was planning on banging tonight? Zip, nadda, can\u2019t recall. What the hell is that about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHutch. Give yourself a break. Obviously, the girl meant nothing to you or\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cNothing, yeah. Nothing. She meant nothing, and if I had screwed her into the mattress tonight, that would have meant nothing. Does that even sound like me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky sat up straighter. \u201cNo, babe. That\u2019s not you at all. But you\u2019ve been through so much heartache. The beach babe was just for sex. You knew that, she knew that, too. It will take someone really special to open up that big blond heart again. I for one think you\u2019re worth a little effort. Take it slow, blondie. Someday, someone will know you are worth fighting for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch suddenly found the floor very interesting as he slowly nodded. He composed himself and looked up. \u201cStarsk, sometimes I\u2026 I wish\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky felt something odd happening. Like something was tugging at his heart and making it dance in his chest. Hutch was so beguiling; his blue eyes held the essence of all the heartbroken love songs ever written. His whisper of a smile tore a hole right to Starsky\u2019s dancing heart and joined it for a tango.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWadda ya wish, babe? Tell me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch tilted his head and looked away. \u201cIt\u2019s really stupid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHey. If it\u2019s somethin\u2019 you want, it ain\u2019t stupid. Just think of me as your wicked godfather.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch smirked. \u201cWicked godfather, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWell, I sure ain\u2019t your fairy godmother. Now tell me your wish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch found that fascinating spot on the floor again and Starsky waited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cSometimes I wish I could have that once in a lifetime, really special, shout your love from the rooftops, give all you got, kind of love\u2026 with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky\u2019s eyes widened and his dancing heart fell to the floor in shock. He swallowed and opened his mouth a few times to speak, but nothing came out but an awkward, \u201cHutch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch slowly raised his head and looked at Starsky briefly before quickly backpedaling. \u201cYeah, crazy, huh? If only\u2026 what ifs. Th-they drive you nuts, right? I mean, I\u2019m a man, you\u2019re a\u2026 you\u2019re not a\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHutch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch stood and held both hands in front of him as he made his way to the door. \u201cDon\u2019t mind me, Starsk. I gotta go. I\u2026 I.need to clean my gun too, and my kit\u2026 you know\u2026 it\u2019s at my place, so I\u2019ll go. There. Yeah. See you tomorrow, buddy. Thanks for dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch bolted for the door and slammed it behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky still hadn\u2019t moved. \u201cAw, Hutch&#8230;.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky was at Hutch\u2019s place bright and early the next day. He had thought long and hard about what Hutch\u2019s wish would mean to them both. He had to come to grips with a lot of things from his past.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The women he knew he loved in his life, even Terry if he dared to admit it, never came close to the love he felt for Hutch. He always knew if things had been different and Terry was just his casual girlfriend and she forced him to choose between herself and Hutch, she would have lost. But he remembered the reality of Terry and Hutch with a smile. Hutch had stood by him, never demanding anything for himself, content to be second best, to be<em> just<\/em> his partner. Isn\u2019t that real love, especially if secretly Hutch was hurting and wanting more?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By the time late last night turned into early this morning, he found a peace within him that was followed quickly by an overwhelming joy. Hutch could be his. He could hold that beautiful blond heart in his hands and pour his brimming love all over its tender wounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">And guaranteed, Hutch would do the same for him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky didn\u2019t know how they would do it, but he wanted it done. He knew his partner would think it to death, but Starsky was determined to give it a try. He\u2019d give his skittish Hutch all the time he needed and he\u2019d take his clues from him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky sipped on his hot coffee and popped half a donut into his mouth. He glanced down at the second coffee and blueberry muffin he\u2019d bought for Hutch. It was going to be a good day. He honked his horn three times in quick succession, the partner\u2019s signal for all\u2019s well but move your ass.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch scrambled out of his apartment, his eyes bleary and his golden hair going in eight directions at once. He was wearing his shoulder holster over a green tee shirt in deference to the summer weather. He was struggling to pull on a light cotton shirt to hide his Magnum from public display, but his struggles were in vain since his shirt was upside down. When he reached the Torino, he was frustrated and red faced and threw the offending shirt through the open window at his grinning and well-groomed partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cMornin\u2019, Hutch! Beautiful day isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch glared at Starsky. They were dressed similarly as often happened. Starsky had on a wrinkle free yellow tee shirt under a lightweight, pinstriped button-down shirt. But that\u2019s where the similarity ended. Where Hutch already looked frazzled and fried, Starsky looked cool and confident.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch muttered. \u201cBeautiful,\u201d in his most sarcastic tone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky just grinned wider. \u201cI bought ya coffee and a muffin, partner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch spotted the white bag with his favorite bakery\u2019s logo on it waiting for him. He took it in hand and pulled out the lidded coffee cup, stopping a moment to inhale the aroma of the freshly baked blueberry muffin. He aimed half a smile Starsky\u2019s way. \u201cThanks, buddy. Smells delicious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky pulled away from the curb with a simple, \u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch remained quiet on the ride in and sat silently through Dobey\u2019s Monday morning briefing. Starsky was willing to let Hutch have his awkward silence for a while. But the more he watched his suffering partner, the more he knew he wanted to be the one to end that suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The conversation, he knew, would be like crossing a minefield. Each step would hold the danger of destroying their friendship. But Starsky felt if their relationship was strong enough to move on from caring friends to a lifelong commitment, they had to attempt to face the battlefield to make it through to the other side. In other words, he had to get Hutch to talk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Dobey had given Starsky and Hutch a file from an incident that had happened early Sunday morning. It looked like a case of domestic abuse gone wrong. A battered woman had fought back against her abusive husband and shot him. The neighbors had all agreed that although the incident was a tragedy, they were not surprised. The murdered man, Greg Hastings, was disliked by all and would be mourned by none.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There were two strange things about the crime. The first was that the wife, Connie, had no new bruises at the scene; there was, however, plenty of evidence of past abuse. The second was that the murder weapon was nowhere to be found. Connie Hastings, now in custody, claimed that she couldn\u2019t remember what happened to it after she shot her husband. She was too distraught. The officers at the scene never found the gun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky and Hutch had agreed they should revisit the scene and interview the neighbors themselves. Their radar told them something was off about the situation. Hutch was still reading the neighbors\u2019 statements intently when Starsky tapped him on the shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCome on, buddy. Let\u2019s get lunch then go visit the crime scene.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI\u2019m not really hungry,\u201d Hutch mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky sighed. \u201cThen you can watch me eat and make nasty comments. That\u2019s like sustenance to people like you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cPeople like me?\u201d Hutch bristled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYeah. Grumpy, dumb blond partners.\u201d Starsky lowered his voice. \u201cHutch, enough already. We need to talk. Let\u2019s go to lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch hung his head. \u201cSorry, Starsk. Yeah. I&#8230;I\u2019m coming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky ruffled Hutch\u2019s hair that still looked a little off its game. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Hutch. I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky sprung for two sodas and two chili dogs at a local drive-up . One with the works and one naked except for the bun. He figured the Torino in the middle of a busy lunchtime crowd was the best place to talk without interruption. He parked the car in a sliver of shade from a derelict building. Hutch set his hot dog on the warm dash, not intending to actually eat it. He did take the soda can gratefully, popped it open and downed half before Starsky managed to get into the car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky took a large bite out of his dog, wiped his mouth with a paper napkin, and turned towards his partner. \u201cHutch. I been thinking about your wish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch interrupted immediately. \u201cStarsk, I was just feeling sorry for myself. I didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYou didn\u2019t mean what you said?\u201d Starsky looked right into Hutch\u2019s eyes daring him to lie to him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch folded. \u201cNo. I meant it. But it\u2019s just a fantasy. I mean what could be better than having you as a partner, a real partner in everything. I already love you with all I\u2019ve got. I trust you implicitly. And you would rather die than hurt me. You know all that. It would be\u2026 a nice life, Starsk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky did his best to act cool while fireworks were going off in his brain. He took another leisurely bite of his chili dog, stopping to lick some sauce off his fingers, knowing Hutch was probably holding his breath waiting for an answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cIt\u2019s a good wish, blondie. I like the idea of makin\u2019 all your wishes come true. Makes me feel kinda magical. Let\u2019s do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch did stop breathing at that point. His eyes grew wide, his mouth twitched, and he almost dropped his soda, but Starsky grabbed for it and put it down. He took Hutch\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHutch. It\u2019s all right, babe. I\u2019m not shitin\u2019 ya. I love you and I trust you, too. We can figure this out. We\u2019ll go slow. I mean, it\u2019s me and thee. We\u2019ll\u2026 experiment together. Now breathe, babe, breathe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky held Hutch\u2019s hand and waited until the color came back to Hutch\u2019s cheeks. \u201cHutch, I gotta know. You ever been with a man before?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch looked down and shook his head; the power of speech had not returned yet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cMe neither. That\u2019s probably good. We can explore together. And we\u2019ll start tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch looked up slowly and smiled. The smile was sweet, sincere, and devastatingly sexy all at the same time. \u201cO\u2026 Okay, Starsk.\u201d Hutch picked up his naked hot dog and took a huge bite. \u201cMmmmmm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky was now the one rendered speechless.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky and Hutch knew it was very bad form to be grinning at a crime scene. But they were both high on the thought that tonight Starsky would make Hutch\u2019s wish come true. But until then, they decided to split up, to search the crime scene more efficiently and keep themselves from groping each other in the empty house. Starsky took the upstairs and Hutch downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch was carefully going over the kitchen when a tall, mournful-looking man appeared in the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cUm\u2026 excuse me, Officer? I\u2019m the landlord, Mr. Stevens,\u201d he introduced himself. \u201cI wonder if you could tell me when you might be done? I\u2026 I don\u2019t want to impede your investigation in any way. It was a terrible, terrible thing that happened. I was just wondering.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch gave a tiny shrug. \u201cI understand, Mr. Stevens, but I can\u2019t give you an exact date. I will make a note to personally inform you when you can clean up. That shouldn\u2019t be too long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stevens gave a timid smile and nodded. \u201cI\u2019d appreciate it. What are you looking for anyway? Maybe I could help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stevens took a few steps towards Hutch who was standing in front of the refrigerator where he\u2019d been getting ready to take a look inside the upper freezer section.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr. Stevens. You shouldn\u2019t enter a crime scene. We don\u2019t want your fingerprints all over everything. Thank you, but I really need you to wait outside until the scene is properly processed. You understand,\u201d Hutch explained respectfully but firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cSure, Officer. I understand. Thank you. I\u2019ll just be going.\u201d Stevens retreated toward the door and Hutch turned back to the freezer. He began to rearrange the contents so he could see all the way into the back. He grabbed an open, half gallon ice cream box and was surprised by the weight. Unless the Rocky Road had started using real rocks, he found the gun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cClose the freezer door, Officer. Then raise your hands and turn around.\u201d The timid landlord had turned into a tiger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch felt a shiver run down his back caused by more than the freezer\u2019s icy smoke. He closed the door slowly, raised his cold hands and turned. Stevens had a gun aimed at him dead center. Hutch was nervous but he knew he had a secret weapon. Stevens didn\u2019t know Starsky was in the house.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch decided to take a calculated risk. \u201cSo, I take it the murder weapon is in the freezer. But how would you know? And why would you care?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stevens looked frightened at Hutch\u2019s guess and almost remorseful. That\u2019s when Hutch instinctively realized that this might be a case of a good man gone bad. \u201cYou must have known Connie pretty well. What her husband did to her was a shame.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHastings wasn\u2019t a man. He was a monster. He made Connie\u2019s life hell. Everyone hated him. No one will mourn him. Can you imagine that?\u201d Steven\u2019s face contorted in pain \u201cTo live your whole life being such a bastard that in your death no one would mourn? What is a life like that worth? As an officer of the law, your funeral will be packed with mourners. That\u2019s the way to live. I\u2019m sorry to have to take yours, but I love Connie and soon she\u2019ll be released and we\u2019ll go away together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky had started down the stairs when he heard voices. Hutch was having a conversation with someone and, though he didn\u2019t hear the words, he couldn\u2019t mistake Hutch\u2019s \u201cmove along, nothing to be seen here,\u201d official tone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But then Hutch\u2019s tone changed. He was in trouble. Starsky reached for his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch strained to hear his partner\u2019s footsteps. At the same time, adrenaline made him lightheaded. He had to keep Stevens distracted. \u201cConnie struck me as a gentle lady who had reached the end of her rope. She admitted to killing her husband after he abused her,\u201d Hutch told him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stevens grew frantic. He pointed to himself, but kept the gun aimed at Hutch. \u201cConnie was going to leave Hastings for me, but she was afraid to confront him. She asked me to kill Hastings before he could hurt her anymore. What kind of man would I be if I said no?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stevens squeezed his eyes shut and when he opened them they blazed with desperation. \u201cThen Connie said it would be better if she took the blame. She would claim self-defense and never serve time. She took my gun from my hand after I shot him and shoved it into a box of ice cream in the freezer. She told me to get it out later and get rid of it so it couldn\u2019t be traced to me. But you ruined everything. See, I just bought<em> this<\/em> gun on the street. It\u2019s untraceable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cStevens. Listen to me. No gun is untraceable. You don\u2019t want to kill me, I know it. Besides, lots of people know where I am right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/divider02.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"131\" height=\"50\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">That was Starsky\u2019s cue. He moved out of the shadows, hands steady, gun raised and pointed at Stevens. \u201cYeah. Like his partner. Drop the gun. Now.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stevens jerked around and came face to face with Starsky. Starsky could see him sweating in the July heat and saw terror flash across his features. It was clear Stevens didn\u2019t know what to do. He wasn\u2019t a hardened killer. All he wanted was a life with Connie. And love makes you not think straight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Then Stevens turned back to Hutch and put his finger on the trigger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky had no choice. He fired his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Nothing happened. His gun jammed!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stevens pulled the trigger and Hutch grunted and fell.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0Starsky aimed at Stevens a second time. Again his gun misfired.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stevens smiled and turned his gun on Starsky. It seemed as if he didn\u2019t care if he lived or died. Then he closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Then the roar of Hutch\u2019s Magnum filled the room. It was Stevens\u2019 turn to fall to the floor, a bullet in his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch was alive! And since Hutch was alive, Starsky wanted to live, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With a frustrated cry, Starsky threw his useless gun across the room and ran to Hutch\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cStarssk. Starsk,\u201c Hutch moaned through his pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHutch. Oh, God. Hutch.\u201d Starsky ran his hands over Hutch\u2019s body, hardly believing that he was still breathing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/?p=85\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Click here to read Part 2.<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Note: This fic was inspired by reading the Starsky and Hutch Compendium by\u00a0K. Hanna Korossy. This wonderful and thorough work mentioned that Starsky\u2019s Smith and Wesson had a tendency to jam. It\u2019s been said by some wise old soul that &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/?p=81\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-81","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-slash"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=81"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":288,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81\/revisions\/288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=81"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=81"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=81"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}