Anniversary

By Monika

Chapter seven

"Mr. DuPont?" Concerned, Hutch called for help and tried to turn Harry on his side to prevent him from choking.

"What is it?" Jules DuPont rushed into the room – and relaxed. "That's one of his seizures. We have his medication, and when he gets the rest he needs, he'll be fine again."

Hutch was ushered outside. He realized that the house was abandoned. Obviously the inmates had returned to the vineyard and his visit had been in vain. Where else could he look for Starsky? He could only hope that George DuPont had spoken with his friends at the other wineries. If they had no clue about Starsky's destination, Hutch would have to call the police of Sonoma.

Walking back to his car, Hutch had the feeling of falling apart. This week should have become a time of mental recovery from the terrible things that had happened one year ago. This anniversary meant so much to him. With Huggy's help he had managed to plan the trip to Napa Valley for Starsky and himself, a quiet area with the chance to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Without thinking, he had given the money to make this trip possible, and now Starsky had disappeared. Hutch was losing faith that Starsky had only taken some time off. He would never do it without telling Hutch. The more Hutch thought it over, the more he was sure that something had happened to his partner.

Hutch stayed in his car for some more time before he decided to drive back to the hotel. If Starsky had appeared in the meantime all his worries would be gone. Hopefully Hutch put the car into gear and drove out of the parking lot. When he reached the main road to turn left he saw a brown Chevrolet passing by, driving in the other direction. For a short moment he had the impression that Jules DuPont was the driver.

Hutch mused about what personal reason Jules could have to stay outside the winery's management. Instead he worked with young people at the camp. Probably he felt a social responsibility.

Hutch hurried to their suite to find it still empty. He couldn't stand it any longer and dialed the number of Dobey's office at the precinct when he heard a knock at the door. He stopped the call and went to the door.

"Oh, Miss, um, Marie," Hutch said, and at the same time he remembered their date for lunch that day.

"Marie, I'm so sorry, but I totally forgot about our date." Hutch blushed and let her enter the room.

She looked around and smiled. "Don't worry, Ken. By the way, not too bad, the honeymoon suite." She giggled, but Hutch wasn't amused.

"I don't care about what name this room has. My partner has disappeared and I'm worrying a lot." Hutch sat down in one of the armchairs and Marie took place in one of the others.

Questioningly, she looked at him with sincere eyes. And Hutch told her all about this special friend of his, of their unique bond.

"There're people who think we're a little too close. Some rumors don't stop saying about us being gay." Hutch cleared his throat and continued, "but the truth is that Starsky is the brother I never had. We take care of each other and don't feel ashamed to show it."

Hesitantly Hutch watched Marie's face, not sure, if she would understand him.

Startled, he saw that she looked quite worried.

"I understand you, Ken. I know someone who's gay and has to hide his lifestyle because other people don't accept his way of life. It can destroy a man."

A little confused Hutch asked: "Oh, I didn't know. Are you worrying about this person? Nowadays nobody should be ashamed of his sexual orientation, but I know that people can react in a cruel way."

"You see, it's my brother Jules. I care for him like you for your friend." Marie shifted in her chair, and Hutch noticed the worry on her face.

"Is that the reason that he doesn't work in the company of your father? I met him today when I visited the camp." Hutch saw her pale face and assumed that there had been problems with their father; it was always the same.

"Yeah, you can't choose your family, but your friends," Hutch summed up and continued, "Your father has invited me to dinner this evening. He promised to do all he can and contact all the wineries in the area, to find out about Starsky's whereabouts. Let's hope that he can give me a hint," Hutch sighed.

"I'm there for you to keep you company afterward," her gaze fell on the large bed and she blushed.

"I mean, to drive around with you, looking for your partner – if you want."

"Thanks so much, Marie." Hutch was grateful for not being alone. He got up and unconsciously he pulled his shirt out of his jeans. He had to take a shower and get ready for dinner.

"I have to go." Marie headed toward the door. Hutch looked surprised, then he noticed that he was about to undress and he smiled apologetically.

"Please stay. I'll be right back. You can join me when I have dinner with your father. He wouldn't have any objections, I think."

She blushed again and Hutch felt a warm tingle rush through his body. If Starsky were here, he could have enjoyed the situation, have a little flirt with a beautiful girl…

She nodded and said, "I'll wait on the balcony." Hutch disappeared into the bathroom.

Standing in the dusk of the day, she wondered what was happening to her. This blond guy had caught her attraction as soon she had seen him the day before when he was strolling around looking at the paintings. Then they had spoken with each other, and she had noticed that her heart had started to race. So she had been looking forward to their lunch today and when he hadn't shown up and she felt a disappointment she had promised herself not to endure again.

Her last love had had no future as her dad had stated. John belonged to an old family who owned a winery her father had been eager to buy for years. John's family had to cope with financial problems, but they refused to sell the family business. The result was a fight and at last the ceasing of any communication between the two families. Marie had lost her lover because of this.

"A penny for your thoughts," said a soft voice near her ear, and she startled. Then she relaxed, sensing Hutch's warm breath tickling her cheek.

"Oh, nothing particular." She turned to step inside and savored his hand on her back.

The dinner with a very obliging George DuPont couldn't provide Hutch with any news. No one had seen Starsky and George DuPont seemed really depressed that his phone calls hadn't been of any use.

He wanted to know when Starsky and Hutch had met and if they had been separated one time before. Hutch shook his head. Then he remembered the time when Starsky had gone to attend the class about rhetorical speech in San Francisco.

"When was this class?" George DuPont was really interested. Hutch didn't remember the exact date. Maybe three years ago.

He said: "I think something is terribly wrong. I can't get any rest until I've checked out all the possibilities.

I should pay a visit to the camp, if you don't mind. This afternoon one of the boys had some health problems and later everybody was out in the vineyard again. Starsky has a soft spot for the social underprivileged people. Maybe he stayed there for a while yesterday…"

Hutch sounded ridiculous even to himself for worrying this much.

Mr. DuPont smiled encouragingly. "We'll find him, I'm sure. And then…" His smile got lost and he looked quite close mouthed.

"Dad, I'll accompany Ke…, Mr. Hutchinson, to our camp. Thanks for the dinner."

Supported by Marie's presence, Hutch drove them to the camp.

A black and white with mars light on, as well as an ambulance, were parked in front of the entrance.

"Oh my god, what has happened here?" Marie got out of the car, and Hutch felt like being punched in the gut. If they had found Starsky…

He rushed past Marie into the building between the hustle of paramedics and a very excited Mr. Hanson.

"What's going on here, Hanson?" Marie asked, and got the answer; "Miss DuPont, it's Harry Fowler. We just found him dead in his bed. This afternoon he had a seizure, I was told. Then he got his medication and it seemed he was feeling better. Now he's dead. A tragic incident for our institution."

He looked sad and noticed the relief on Hutch's and Marie's faces. "Miss DuPont, your brother is okay, though he isn't here at the moment. He said he had some errands to do. That was before Harry…"

"It's okay," Marie said softly. Then she added, "I'd like to talk to my brother. Did he say when he would come back?"

"No idea," Hanson said and shrugged his shoulders. Then he leaned forward and whispered; "You know he sometimes frequents that private club outside of Sonoma. Maybe he's gone there."

"Thanks." Marie nudged Hutch to leave the hall. "We should look for my brother. I'm a little concerned about him. He's very sensitive when it comes to accidents like this. Maybe he feels responsible for Harry's condition after the seizure."

They headed to the car and left the community.

"To me he acted quite normal," Hutch said remembering Jules' attitude toward Harry Fowler. "But I agree with you. It could be useful to talk to him."

Hutch thought of the small talk he had had with Jules that afternoon. He hadn't responded to Hutch's question about Starsky. He hadn't even asked what Starsky looked like. Hutch frowned.

"You know, this private club is mostly for guys who…," Marie started and Hutch nodded. Except some notes about the direction, both were lost in thought.

"Over there." Marie pointed to a small building surrounded by trees.

"69" it said on a red illuminated sign and Hutch chuckled lightly.

When they entered the dark bar, many eyes were focused on them and Hutch felt scrutinized by some of the men. Marie walked to the counter and greeted the barkeeper, a muscular guy in a tight tan top.

"Have you seen my brother, Hank?"

"Nice to see you after such a long time, Marie. I'm sorry, but your brother hasn't been here for some weeks. I remember happy times when he stayed here a lot with his friend. I don't remember his name, but since then I've seen him only a couple of times. Sorry. How are you?"

"Yeah, not so bad. If Jules appears, can you tell him to call me?"

"Of course. Wouldn't you like to have a drink? Your friend is a good-looking guy. Hey, it's on me!" He beamed at Hutch who exchanged a glance with Marie.

"Well, I understand. Have much fun, you two." He twinkled at Marie and turned to the next customer.

"I have no idea where my brother could be – and your friend either," Marie sighed.

Hutch said pensively: "Let's head back then. Tomorrow, in the morning, I'll call the police."

In the lobby of the hotel, they hesitated before both spoke; "I have to go now," and "Would you keep me company?"

They laughed and Hutch continued. "I have a well-filled bar in our suite and I hate being alone right now."

She couldn't resist those light blue eyes and nodded. "For a few minutes."

The minutes stretched and after two glasses of wine they ended with Marie on Hutch's lap. He pulled her close, hungrily searching for her lips. He let go of all the disturbing thoughts that had haunted him during the day. Here was a beautiful lady that responded to his kisses. When he felt they needed more space to explore each other, he carried her to the large bed feeling like a pirate who brought a treasure home. He chuckled and she looked up at him. "Are you making fun of me, Detective?" "Sure." He teased her and claimed her mouth again pressing his body against hers.

Only illuminated by the fire in the fireplace, they undressed each other and dove under the covers. Softly whispered words were heard, and some giggles, when he touched a ticklish spot on her soft body. Then there was nothing but responding bodies. Hutch let himself be carried away and their moans intensified when they climaxed almost together.

Satiated, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

Starsky thought he had misheard the spoken words "George DuPont". It was unthinkable that the junior of such an important winery would be able to kidnap someone. What else had Jules said?

"My father's going to kill you if he finds you."

Starsky shivered. He curled up to keep his body warm. What had they gotten into?

It was the second day that he was hidden in this old arch. He hadn't heard any noises that would have shown him that a road or a path was nearby. What if Jules didn't come back and nobody found him? He would starve to death.

Starsky tried to suppress the depressive thoughts. He sat up and decided to crawl to the door. He felt weak and it took a long time to reach it. As he had imagined, it was locked securely. He crawled further till he reached the other side of the room where he examined the old casks and searched for a tool he could use to defend himself. Jules had promised to show him who he belonged to.

Obviously Jules was gay. Starsky had always thought of himself as a tolerant person. Being gay meant a different lifestyle. It had never occurred to him that he would come into a situation where a creepy guy was about to seduce him.

The first time he was saved by getting sick.

Exhausted, Starsky crawled back to the mattress. The only way to get along with the guy, without being sexually molested, was to keep him talking and distract him from his plan.

Starsky lay down again. He didn't know what time it was and if Hutch was still looking for him. Thinking of Hutch in this situation, made him feel a bit uneasy.

He was longing for Hutch's presence, and he had to admit, he felt cozy and protected when Hutch touched him or put his arm around his shoulder.

The first night he had slept without any nightmares. Was it because Hutch was sleeping by his side? What did that mean? Starsky stared at the ceiling, sorting his thoughts.

Then he smiled, thinking of all the ladies he had fallen in love with. And Hutch was feeling the same. After his marriage with Vanessa though, Hutch had stopped dating a lot of ladies. But there had been several stewardesses who had taken care of Hutch's needs.

Suddenly Starsky chuckled. Hutch, forgive me my silly thoughts. I knew staying here for a longer time would drive me nuts, ya know? Buddy, I love you and I need you to take me away from this creepy guy – son of the great George DuPont! Hey, I promise not to get on your nerves with my quoting from Sammy Grovner's book. It's just entertaining, and by the way, we didn't have the chance to practice that rope-trick. Remember?

Starsky stopped his soliloquy. Suddenly he felt a big lump in his throat. He missed Hutch so much, needed him desperately. He buried his face into the mattress, falling into a restless sleep.

TBC

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