Chapter four
"I hope the tour hasn't started yet," Hutch hissed, crossing the lobby in a double quick stride. Starsky followed trying to arrange his disheveled curls. Who was to blame for oversleeping?
When Starsky had woken up it hadn't bothered him that it was nine thirty. They had all the time in the world and a breakfast buffet would be waiting for them long enough. He had trudged into the bathroom to take care of business. He was still tired and longed for a little more sleep. He crawled back into bed snuggling up into the soft covers.
Hutch stirred, opened his eyes and looked around. The sun was shining through the light curtains; it was going to be a nice day. The guided tour through the winery was booked for today. Hutch turned around and smiled at the sight of his partner curled up next to him. Obviously Starsky had had a good night without any nightmares. Then his gaze fell on the alarm clock on the nightstand.
He frowned. He had in mind that the tour through the winery started at ten am. Half an hour time to get up, have a shower, have breakfast – impossible.
"Starsk, we've to get up – pronto!" He nudged his friend, with the result that Starsky only dove deeper under the covers.
"I'm tired,"
Hutch heard the muffled sound. "Sorry, pal, but we shouldn't miss the tour!"
Hutch got up and hurried to the bathroom. Hopefully Starsky was awake when he returned.
Far from it! Starsky had occupied the bed lying diagonally on it. Hutch sighed. Plan B was required.
Hutch drew the covers back and ran his fingers in a feather like touch up Starsky's back.
"Don't worry, it's only a little spider, none of those hairy ugly things …"
With a cry, Starsky jumped up, thrashing around.
"Now you're awake, aren't you?" Hutch smiled cheerfully.
"You're mean!" Starsky looked up and down his body to check for unbidden insects. He fled into the bathroom when Hutch pretended to find his ticklish spot.
And now they were in the lobby, without breakfast, without any coffee, half asleep… Starsky bumped into Hutch. "Why'd you stop?"
"Don't know where the group is." Searchingly, Hutch looked round.
"You belong to the guided tour, gentlemen?" The receptionist pointed to a large door. "It starts in the Blue Room."
"Thanks." Starsky let Hutch go first.
About twenty people looked at them curiously as they entered the room. Hutch nodded to the man on the podium. "Sorry for being late," he mumbled. They found two seats in the back row and sat down with a sigh of relief.
"Reminds me of our first day at the Academy. We were late… you because you had missed your train and I," Starsky coughed lightly, "had overslept."
"Yeah, some things never change," Hutch whispered.
They looked at the man standing in front of the group. He was in his sixties. White hair, neatly combed, and a dark blue suit gave him an impressive appearance.
The golden buttons of his club jacket sparkled in the morning sun.
"Add some insignias and he looks like an officer of high rank," Starsky said lowly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce myself to you before the tour through the winery starts. My name is George DuPont. We're leading this business into the third generation. You will have the opportunity to taste exquisite wines. We've gotten some remarkable awards for our products – before I forget: For those who are interested, I'm proud to present my art exhibition to you in the adjoining room. The paintings are purchasable except one original from Picasso. He gave it to me when he stayed here for the summer some years ago."
"Not at all boastful and self-important," Starsky whispered.
"Yeah, very simpatico," Hutch replied.
"…Mr. Hanson will lead you now through the winery, and I'll see you at the picnic we've arranged next to the vineyard about lunch time…"
The visitors clapped politely and moved to the exit door. Mr. DuPont watched them leave and Starsky was struck by the glance the owner threw at him.
"Hutch, did you notice the way he looked at us? We were late, but…" A growl was to be heard and Starsky patted his stomach.
"Hey, calm down, picnic is soon," he talked to himself and Hutch noted: "Just a couple of hours, buddy."
They followed Mr. Hanson through the morning sun along wide paths till in front of them the large entrance to the winery came in sight.
Darkness surrounded the group when they entered the arches. They were led through different rooms, and Mr. Hanson explained to them the production and storing of the precious wines. Hutch inhaled the air. It reminded him of his parents' wine-cellar with its special, hard to define, odor.
Starsky tugged on Hutch's sleeve.
"Yeah?"
"I'm not feeling so good. Feel dizzy, think I have to sit down," Starsky said and he sagged down.
"Whoa buddy, come on, relax." Concerned Hutch looked at his friend, noticing the sweat-beaded face.
"What's wrong?" He crouched near his partner on the hard floor running his hand up and down Starsky's arm.
"Can't keep going. You gotta tell Mr. Hanson," Starsky said and both saw that the group had disappeared around the next corner.
"You know what? I think it's your empty stomach that makes you feel so weak," Hutch assumed. "I feel a little strange myself. So let's get you outside and go back to have something to eat first."
"What about the tour?" Starsky asked a little embarrassed.
"We can explain it later. Can you get up?"
"Just a moment." Starsky took deep breaths. After a while his vision cleared and with a nod he let Hutch pull him up, grateful for his friend's strong arms supporting him.
"I'm such a baby," Starsky chided himself. Hutch tightened his grip on his partner and very slowly they made their way back through the dark corridors toward the exit.
"Hey listen," Starsky paused and gazed down a large hall to the right. "Thought I heard footsteps. Can't be the group." He shivered, suddenly remembering that he had had a vision the day before of being watched.
"Don't worry." Hutch said reassuringly. He opened the door and ushered his friend into the bright sunlight.
"How're you feeling now?"
"Better already. Only need something to eat," Starsky walked very slowly towards the hotel. Resting several times to catch his breath, they finally entered the lobby.
"Sit down here. Be back right away."
Starsky slumped down in the soft leather armchair, glad that he had gotten away from the sickened atmosphere in the winery.
"Here you are."
Starsky's eyes went wide. On a tray was a big slice of pizza, next to it a root beer. On the other side a sandwich and a glass of milk.
"Your choice." Hutch smiled and put the tray on the coffee table in front of them.
"Hope you don't mind." A grin spread over Starsky's pale face and he took the pizza and dug in. After downing half of the root beer Starsky looked at Hutch who had finished his sandwich and was savoring the cold milk.
"What did you do to get these wonderful things?" Starsky asked, taking another bite from his pizza.
"Had to play up to the cook," Hutch stated dryly and watched amused when Starsk almost choked on the last mouthful.
"The cook?"
"Yeah, she's not that bad." Hutch finished with his milk, leaving a white moustache on his upper lip.
"You're a clever shit – but I love you anyway," Starsky snorted and motioned to Hutch to wipe the milk off his lip.
"Now we need to join the group again – except they're still in the winery." Starsky stretched and Hutch noticed that the paleness on his friend's face had gone.
"As far as I know the next thing is a walk through the vineyard. And then there will be a picnic."
"Then off we go!" Enthusiastically Starsky jumped up and reached out to pull Hutch upward, too.
"Look, Mr. DuPont is at the reception desk. Maybe we should ask him where exactly the tour is heading to?" Hutch said, but Starsky drew him to the exit.
"We'll find it by ourselves, pal. Come on."
Starsky couldn't get out of the lobby fast enough. He had the dim feeling that Mr. DuPont had it in for him. But he couldn't imagine why. They had been late for the guided tour, on the other hand it wasn't comparable to any important briefing.
They hurried past the winery and followed the trail up to the vineyards. Finally they heard voices and rounding the next corner they saw the group holding grapes in their hands.
"Hey, there you are!" Starsky shouted. Again curious eyes looked at both men.
"Sorry, but we had to deal with a problem," Hutch explained shortly.
Chatting with the other people they were led through the vineyard, were allowed to taste some grapes, and got interesting information about how the DuPonts ran their business.
A Foundation had been formed to take care of young people who had come into conflict with the law. The DuPont family had built a camp not far from the residence where the young people could learn a job and learn how to deal with life. In the fall they helped with the vintage and could earn some additional pocket money.
Starsky listened, impressed. When he was young he had hung around with his friends in Brooklyn, New York. There hadn't been big chances that you could flee the wrong circles.
It had been the reason that Rachel Starsky had sent him out to California to live with his Aunt Rosie and Uncle Al.
Pensively Starsky looked down, absorbed in thought. Unconsciously, Hutch let his hand linger on Starsky's back.
"It's a good idea with the foundation, don't you think?" Hutch tried to distract his friend.
"Yeah, you're right. D'you think Nicky's fine?"
Hutch sighed and removed his hand from Starsky's back. Nick, Starsky's younger brother, was the weak point in the Starsky family. He still made Starsky responsible for being left behind. Whenever they met, he reiterated that he had needed his brother, had longed to be with him – but Starsky had chosen to go to LA. Since then, Nick's lifestyle had caused enough trouble for all of them. Not being able to lead an honest life, he had urged his older brother to assist him with money. On the other hand, he pretended to be involved in some big business. Starsky had believed him; at least Nick was his younger brother, and he loved him.
One disappointment had followed another. Hutch suffered with his friend who refused to acknowledge what kind of brother Nick was.
Nick hadn't even visited Starsky during his recovery, had only called several times to show off his qualities with the "chicks" as he called his acquaintances.
"This camp could have been the right place for Nicky," Starsky mused. He knew that Hutch couldn't stand Nick and that they had had fierce arguments about how to treat Starsky's younger brother. Hutch had realized very soon what Nick had in mind when he dropped in, pretending that he cared for his older brother. He had to hide from a guy he owed thousands of bucks to or he needed Starsky to bail him out from any obscure business.
Anyhow, Starsky had kept faith with Nick. Honestly said, he felt guilty that he couldn't have been there for his younger brother. He himself had fought against being sent away from home, remembered that he hadn't come home one night. But in the end he had to give up.
"Hey, don't you think so? Would have been good for Nicky," Starsky repeated and looked over to Hutch.
What he saw made him cringe. Love, concern and the willingness to protect him could be seen in Hutch's eyes.
Starsky was aware that the most important person in his life wasn't Nick, but the man by his side. Unconsciously he leaned into Hutch, savoring the closeness of his best friend.
He concentrated on Hanson again who was pointing into the distance and saying: "When you look north you can imagine where the new golf course is. Whenever you feel tempted to try your luck you're invited to play some golf – it's free for the guests of the hotel. Hope you enjoyed the tour so far - and now we have arranged a picnic for you. The weather is on our side and you can choose the wine you'd like to taste!"
Approving comments were made as the group followed Hanson along a small path, and then they could see a large pavilion where benches and a long set table invited them to eat and drink.
Starsky rubbed his hands looking at the delicious food they offered.
"You're insatiable, aren't you?" Hutch smiled. He wasn't hungry at all, but to sample wines was appetizing enough. Soon they were enjoying the picnic under a light blue sky and a warm breeze.
"Try this wine, it's even getting better and better!" Starsky beamed at Hutch, his face flushed from the good food and several glasses of wine.
"What about this one?" Hutch countered and they clinked glasses, not needing to explain what this trip meant to both of them. Still alive and being able to relax in a luxury place.
"Haven't seen the boss of the winery, Mr. DuPont," Hutch stated leaning back into his chair.
"Don't need him," Starsky mumbled, taking a last sip from his wine.
"Ladies and gentlemen, when you have finished, I want to thank you for having booked our guided tour. I hope you got a lot of useful information about our business. Our wine shop is open till late evening. So if you want to add some excellent wines to your own wine cellar, don't hesitate to order some. Mr. DuPont gives his best regards to you and excuses himself for not being present right now. He's occupied with the big charity performance that takes place tomorrow. Follow the main path back to the hotel, but if you like, feel free to walk around the estate. Bye."
Hanson collected the tips and Starsky nudged Hutch to look for some money in his pockets. Then the group made from the pavilion using mostly the main path.
"Hey, what about climbing up that hill and having a view over the countryside?" Starsky was already halfway up the elevation. Hutch followed in long strides.
"From here you have a great view! Settle down!" Starsky lay down on the soft ground braced on an elbow.
"You tired, buddy?" Hutch smiled sitting down by his friend's side.
"Far from it!" Starsky explained, at the same time suppressing a yawn.
He looked over the vineyards assimilating the peaceful atmosphere.
"Hutch, now I understand why you love the outdoors. At a place like this you get distracted from the daily grind. The air smells like grapes and the sky is the color of…your eyes." Starsky chuckled and rested his head against Hutch's thigh. Hutch got the impression that Starsky was falling asleep.
Shifting a little, Hutch got more comfortable. In a protective gesture, he laid his hand on Starsky's shoulder. His mind went back to his childhood, when he had stayed outside to flee the lonely atmosphere in the house. The demands of his parents' social life had left little time for him. So he had spent hours alone in the surroundings of the large estate, wishing for something that could bring him out of his loneliness. During vacations he and his little sister, Karen, had been invited by their grandfather to stay on his farm. There, Hutch was surrounded by loving people. His grandpa had told him that one day Hutch would find a real friend and that he should never give up hope to make his dreams come true.
Hutch looked down at his sleeping friend. His grandpa had been right. Hutch had stood up to his father and had decided to attend the police academy instead of continuing medical class. The rest was history.
There was a rustling behind him and Hutch turned around to see a rabbit disappearing in its burrow. Disturbed by the movement, Starsky lifted his head and looked confused at Hutch.
"Don't tell me I fell asleep." Slowly he sat up and got to his feet, ran his fingers through his disheveled hair and reached out a hand.
"Let's head home, okay? By the way, I'd like to have a look at the golf course. Maybe tomorrow we could try our luck."
He helped Hutch to get up and they turned in direction of the golf course.
"If you don't mind, I'd prefer to have a look at the paintings Mr. DuPont mentioned earlier. You remember the Picasso and some other rarities?" Hutch proposed.
When he noticed Starsky's indecision he said: "Hey, why not doing what each of us wants? You search out the golf facilities and I'm choosing the painting you're gonna give me for Christmas, right?" Hutch grinned at Starsky and got the expected answer. "In your dreams!"
They parted, Starsky with a map from Hutch in his hands to find his way back, and Hutch looking forward to visiting the art exhibition.
Starsky unfolded the map. Examining it, he saw that he should keep to the right, past the hotel up a hill. He breathed the clear air and cherished the sun on his skin. It was a wonderful late summer day and if it continued to be this warm the next day they could try their hands at golf.
Starsky whistled the tune they had sung in the car on their way to a carefree week in Sonoma when he sensed something strange. It was as if someone was following him.
He looked back down the path but couldn't see anybody. He walked a little faster hoping that he could escape the strange sensation. The golf course wasn't in sight yet. Hedges lined the path on both sides. Starsky's sixth sense told him that he wasn't alone, that there must be someone watching him like the first day when they had made a walk in the dark.
He cursed himself for not having taken his Beretta. It lay safe in the bottom of his bag.
Maybe his fears were unfounded and he should relax…
"Stop!" A sharp voice came out of a bush on the right. Starsky stopped walking and his heartbeat went up.
TBC
9