This is a work of fanfiction, for entertainment purposes only. The characters and concepts of Hardcastle and McCormick do not belong to me, but to their creators.

Just a little moment at the Gull's Way Independence Day celebration.

Thanks, as always to Owl and LML for word count assistance and lots more.

Strange Beachfellows

by

Cheride

"You know the best part about holidays?"

"The food?" Hardcastle guessed, as juice dripped down his young friend's face.

McCormick put the watermelon slice aside long enough to drag a forearm across his chin. "No," he grinned, "but that's pretty good, too."

The judge returned the grin. "Can't argue with you there. But what's the best part?"

McCormick twisted in his lawn chair, sweeping an arm around to take in the surrounding lawn, the beach below, and the people mingling all over. "Look at all the people having a good time." He changed the direction of his gesture to take in the pale blue sky, a few billowing and whimsical clouds drifting slowly overhead. "And look at this weather! Even for California, this is a beautiful day."

"You're right about that, too," Hardcastle answered, his gaze tracking around to match McCormick's movements. "It's like it was special ordered for a picnic and fireworks."

"But the best part," McCormick continued after a moment of admiring the view, "is that it's sort of an equalizer. Brings people together, even if they might not think they want to be. I like that."

Hardcastle nodded his head slowly. "Yeah, I kinda know what you mean." He jerked a thumb down toward the sand. "Just half an hour ago, I saw Teddy Hollins having a hot dog with Mattie Groves."

Mark gave a small chuckle. "Exactly. But if you'd asked either one of them on any other day about that possibility, they woulda laughed in your face." He paused briefly, considering. "Well, maybe not Mattie," he amended. "She's pretty nice. But ask Teddy if he'd want to sit on a beach, roasting wieners with a circuit court judge . . . well, let's just say that I don't think his answer would've been appropriate for the courtroom."

"Maybe not," Hardcastle replied, eyes still taking in the scene below, "but maybe you don't give people enough credit. It doesn't always take something like a holiday to bring together unexpected combinations."

"I guess not," McCormick answered slowly, "maybe that's just when it seems most normal." Then he flashed a grin. "On the other hand, maybe sometimes all it takes is a little bit of felonious activity and a good working knowledge of the discretionary powers of the judiciary. Though I'm still not sure you'd call that exactly 'normal'."

"Hmph. The idea that there can be a 'little bit' of felonious activity is one of the least normal things you've come up with, kid." Then he winked at the other man as he pushed himself out of the chair. "But whatta ya say we equalize things just a little bit more? Wanna go down and get something else to eat?"

"Whatever you say, Kemosabe," McCormick answered, following the older man toward the steps to the beach. "Wouldn't want Mattie to be the only judge roasting wieners with a convicted felon."

"Now you're cookin', kiddo." He shot an evil grin at the man walking beside him. "I'll even find you a nice long stick."