CHAPTER 5

The next afternoon Starsky met three more of the escorts: Jimmy Harris, an Elvis look alike, Angie Marker, a redhead with an attitude, and Susie Collins, a pretty blonde with a heavy southern accent that Starsky was pretty sure was faked. He also received his first assignment.

He listened as Shelia gave him a rundown on the client and the evening ahead.

"The client's name is Maggie Andrews and she is a regular. She's a bit eccentric but she's a good tipper. She normally wants to go out to dinner at a five star restaurant and then to a play so make sure you dress appropriately. It should be an early evening. You'll meet her at the Four Seasons on Fifth and Main at seven. The evening usually winds up around eleven."

"Anything else I should know?" Starsky asked

"Just be a good listener and let her do the talking." Shelia advised him. "I'm sure you'll do just fine. Maggie likes going out with the new escorts."

"Okay," Starsky said rising to his feet and leaving the office with a cocky strut to his step. Shelia smiled as she watched Starsky walk across the room. If he wasn't one of her employees she wouldn't mind getting a piece of that ass herself. She had a feeling that David Michaels was going to be one of her most popular escorts.

Starsky left the building with Matt and another escort named Rick Jenkins, who was a tall thin man with dark curly hair and snapping blue eyes. When they reached the street, Hutch jumped out of his battered LTD that was parked in front of the building. He strode towards Starsky with a determined step and a scowl on his face. When he got close enough, he grabbed Starsky's arm and tugged him towards the car. "I need to talk to you, Davey…please…just have a cup of coffee with me."

Starsky dug in his heels and made a show of removing Hutch's hand from his arm. "I told you, Kenny…its over. I don't want to see you anymore." He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the glare Hutch gave him when Starsky called him Kenny.

"You can't just walk away from me!" Hutch declared in a loud voice. "This isn't over! You can count on that!" With those parting words, Hutch stormed back to his car and pulled away from the curb with squealing tires.

"Who the hell was that?" Matt asked as he watched Hutch's car disappear down the street.

"Nobody. Just a guy that doesn't wanna take no for an answer." Starsky said

"I didn't know you swung both ways," Matt said with a thin smile as he looked at Starsky intently.

"I'll do pretty anything if the price is right," Starsky told him offhandedly, earning an appraising glance from Rick and an admiring look from Matt. "Look, I'll see you guys later. I got some stuff to do before my date tonight."

"Sure," Matt said "See ya later."

Starsky turned and began walking down the sidewalk towards his furnished room. Three blocks away from the agency, he saw Hutch's car parked at the curb waiting for him. Smiling, he darted around to the passenger's side and slid into the car.

"Did they buy it?" Hutch asked as he pulled into the flow of traffic.

"Yeah, I think so." Starsky said "At least now they think I swing both ways and that I'll do just about anything if the price is right. It also gives you an excuse to be seen in the neighborhood or hanging around the agency." He glanced at his partner "I need your help. I got my first assignment tonight and the lady apparently likes to eat in four star restaurants and go to plays. You gotta help me out. You know I don't know anything about that kind of stuff."

Hutch chuckled, instantly feeling sorry for his best friend. He knew that Starsky hated dressing up and going anywhere fancy. Hutch, on the other hand, had grown up in a wealthy upper class family where evenings at the opera and formal dinner parties were a regular event. He drove Starsky back to his hotel and the two friends went inside. For the next two hours Hutch gave Starsky a quick education in acting like he knew what he was doing. Starsky agreed to call him as soon as he got home from his evening out to let Hutch know how it went.

For the next two hours, Starsky tried to relax until it was time to get ready for his date. After a quick shower and shave, he dressed in his best navy blue suit and a white button down shirt. He knotted a red tie around his neck to complete his ensemble. He reluctantly traded his favored running shoes for a pair of black loafers. When he finished dressing, he left his room and went to the underground parking garage where the Torino was safely parked.

Sliding under the wheel, he drove up to the street and merged with the early evening traffic. At precisely seven o'clock, he pulled up in front of the Four Seasons where he was instructed to meet his date. A parking valet appeared as soon as he stepped out of the car and took his keys to park the Torino. Starsky grudgingly handed over his keys. He hated anyone else driving his baby. He even got nervous when Hutch drove it.

Starsky walked into the restaurant where he was immediately greeted by a man in a black suit and vest.

"|May I be of assistance?" The man asked in a snooty tone that Starsky had always hated.

"I'm meeting Maggie Andrews. I believe the reservation was for seven." Starsky told him in a cold, reserved voice.

"Of course, sir. Please follow me," the man said, his attitude immediately changing when Starsky told him who he was there to meet. It was apparent that Ms. Andrews was a well known and regular customer.

He led the way though the expensively decorated dining room to a private table in the back of the room. An attractive woman in her mid-sixties sat at the table. Her silver hair was neatly styled and she was dressed in a simple but elegant blue evening gown.

"Miss Andrews, I presume." Starsky said politely. He reached out and took the ladies right hand raising it to his lips for a gentle kiss.

"Hello, David," she said in a smooth, cultured voice. "Please sit down." Her faded blue eyes twinkled as Starsky sat down across from her. "I took the liberty of ordering for you." She told him "I hope that you like seafood."

"Yes, ma'am. I do." Starsky answered with a grin.

"Please, you must call me Maggie. Ma'am sounds so formal."

"All right, Maggie. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Shelia told me that I was your first client," she said with a smile. "Just relax and enjoy yourself. I promise I won't bite."

Two glasses of white wine were already on the table. Starsky lifted his glass and took a sip. The wine was sweeter than he preferred but the lady was paying for the evening. Their meal started with crab salad and a shrimp cocktail. The main course, a 4 pound Maine lobster, was served with melted garlic butter and warm, freshly baked breadsticks. For dessert, Maggie had ordered chocolate éclairs. During the meal, Starsky discovered that Maggie Andrews was a gracious hostess who seemed genuinely interested in Starsky.

After the meal, Starsky escorted Maggie out of the dining room. At the front entrance she turned to him and said, "My driver will take us to the theatre. He'll bring you back here afterwards to pick up your car." Starsky nodded in silent agreement silently reminding himself that the evening was her gig.

As they stepped outside a black limousine slid smoothly to a stop in front of them. Starsky opened the back door and helped Maggie into the car. The back of the limousine was large enough to seat eight people with ease. There was a mini bar and an intercom that allowed Maggie to communicate with the driver. Starsky settled back in the butter soft leather seat and tried not to look too impressed. There was plenty of leg room, a blessing to Starsky with his long legs.

"Would you like something to drink, David?" Maggie asked as the limo pulled into the traffic.

"No, thank you." Starsky said politely.

"Are you having a good time, dear?"

"Yes, I am."

"You're a very charming companion, David."

"Thank you," Starsky said with a slight blush coloring his cheeks at the unexpected compliment.

"You should be flattered. Some of Shelia's escorts aren't as accommodating as you are."

"Have you had trouble with one of the others?" Starsky probed carefully.

"Only one and he no longer works for Shelia. The poor boy was murdered about six weeks ago," Maggie replied in a subdued voice.

Starsky's interest peaked. It was obvious that she was referring to the first victim, Dale Bradshaw. "What kind of problems did you have with him?"

"Let's just say that he was rude and a bit too aggressive," Maggie said diplomatically.

Starsky decided to change the subject instead of pressing his luck by asking too many leading questions about the former escort. For the rest of the drive to the theater, they talked about more mundane topics.

They arrived at a downtown theatre where the play "Funny Farm" was playing. Once again, in deference to Maggie's social status, the couple was escorted to a private booth down front. The play turned out to be a comedy which Starsky found himself actually enjoying. When it was over, he knew that the evening was coming to an end.

The limousine drove back to the restaurant to return Starsky to his car. As he started to exit the vehicle, Maggie leaned towards him and stuck some bills in his jacket pocket. "I had a good time tonight, David. Maybe we can do it again soon."

"I'd like that," Starsky said sincerely, surprised that he actually meant it. He had enjoyed the evening and Maggie's company. As the limousine pulled away, the valet drove up with the Torino. Starsky drove back to his lonely room where he immediately stripped off the suit and tie.

Remembering the tip that Maggie had slipped into his pocket, Starsky picked up the suit jacket and reached into the pocket. He was startled to discover that Maggie had tipped him two hundred dollars. Maybe he was in the wrong line of work.

Putting the money in the nightstand, he flopped down on the bed dressed only in his black briefs and reached for the phone to call Hutch as promised.