Chapter Two
Their accommodations at the Sheraton Grand Hotel were incredible. They spared no expense on this one. Starsky looked around this huge hotel in amazement Usually when they went on vacation, they went with the bare minimum. This time they got it all; valet service, door man, maid service, bellhop, even a concierge. Although Starsky wasn't exactly sure what that last person even did, or how to pronounce it. Hutch would explain that later. After they were finished checking in, the bellhop took their luggage and led them to their room on the 9th floor.
The room was immaculately furnished, with a lounging area complete with love seat. A table and chairs for dining, and two queen size beds. It also had a balcony with a spectacular view of the San Diego harbor. Starsky quickly headed for the inviting balcony while Hutch was left to tip the bellboy. He then joined Starsky outside. Starsky took a deep breath, pounding on his chest, filling his lungs with the fresh sea air. It was a perfectly sunny day! It doesn't get much better than this! They thought.
"Feel that, Hutch? The sun beating down, the fresh air? Yep, this is going to be one fantastic vacation, partner!" Starsky stated.
"First things first, I need to unpack." Hutch went back inside and grabbed his suitcase, placing on the bed nearest the balcony, claiming his spot.
Starsky entered the room, went straight to the mini-bar, grabbed a water and childishly jumped on the other bed. Hutch was meticulously unpacking his clothes and placing them in the dresser. Starsky on the other hand, would do just fine living out of his suitcase.
Hutch retrieved his gun and holster from the luggage. They decided to check their weapons instead of trying to get clearance to carry them on board. Hutch put on his firearm, actually feeling more comfortable with it than without it.
Seeing this reminded Starsky that he too was 'naked' without his gun. He jumped up off the bed, grabbed his suitcase, unzipped it and dumped the entire contents on his bed. He claimed his weapon and holster, placing it ceremoniously on his shoulder. Both he and Hutch could practically sleep with them on; they were so used to wearing them.
"What's say we head downstairs and hit up that fancy restaurant? I'm starving, those peanuts on the plane just didn't cut it." Starsky begged Hutch.
"Sounds good to me." They pulled on their jackets and headed out the door. The hallway was virtually empty. As they reached the elevators, Hutch pushed the down button and looked over at Starsky who was pouting.
"What?" He asked innocently.
"I wanted to push the button." For a moment Hutch had forgotten just how immature his friend was.
"I promise, I'll let you push the buttons next time." That comment made Starsky smile.
The doors to the elevator opened and they entered. There were two men standing flat against the back of the car, wearing suits and sunglasses, giving each other a sideways glance. Starsky and Hutch stood towards the front of the elevator. Starsky pressed the Lobby button and smiled at Hutch for the opportunity. He then turned his head and with a nod, smiled at the man standing behind him. The stranger made eye contact, but made no acknowledgement of Starsky's existence. The curly haired detective shrugged his shoulders at hutch who returned the gesture.
The men in the back remained very stoic, making Starsky and Hutch slightly nervous. The doors opened and the two detectives exited, while the other men remained on the elevator. Hutch looked back this time, smiled and nodded, getting the same response Starsky did.
Not watching where he was going, Starsky bumped right into a young lady walking through the lobby. He reached out and grabbed her arm to keep her from falling. He was shocked to see the angry face staring back at him belonged to the pretty brunette from the flight.
"Let go of me," She yelled at him jerking her arm away. "What the hell are you doing, following me?"
"Following you?" Starsky replied. "I thought you said you weren't staying in San Diego?"
"I said the plane wasn't staying in San Diego, I never said what my plans were. Quite frankly, I don't think my plans are any of your damn business!"
Starsky could feel his face flush in anger. He raised his finger, ready to tell her off. Hutch grabbed his wrist, stopping him. She sighed and stomped away.
"Let it go Starsk."
"I tell ya, Hutch. I don't think this hotel is big enough for the both of us. Hell, I don't even think this city is big enough!" Starsky knew, that if she were staying at this hotel, and they continued to run into each other, it was going to be a long two weeks.
To Be Continued
Feedback: Please. I appreciate it. I crave it.
Disclaimer: I own no one and nothing :(
Authors Note: As for my mistakes, my beta did come home, so now they're his fault.
Dedication: To my three children that allow me the freedom to spend hours and hours writing, and my husband, too!
Chapter Three
It was too late for lunch and too early for dinner, so they ordered 'lunner'. When they finished their meal, Starsky left the table to explore the magnificent lobby of the hotel, leaving Hutch to pay the tab. Hutch smiled, shaking his head, thinking about how good his friend was at disappearing when it was time to shell out money.
Hutch joined his friend in the lobby, admiring the décor. Having his hands in his jacket, he pulled out the piece of paper with Heidi's number on it. Recalling the plane ride and the flight attendant, Hutch smiled. Seeing this, Starsky moved closer towards his friend. "So, ya' gonna give her a call?" He asked.
"I was thinkin' 'bout it." Hutch responded nonchalantly.
Starsky brushed against Hutch with his shoulder. "Go for it. Ya' know she's waitin' for your call." Giving his pal all the encouragement he needed.
Hutch walked over to the row of phone booths, patting his pockets for change. Starsky fished his hand into his slightly too tight jeans, and retrieved a couple of coins, handing them to his buddy, grinning widely. The tall blond picked up the handset, deposited the coins into the phone, and dialed the number. Before putting the receiver to his ear, he looked at Starsky, who was waiting to listen in on their conversation.
"Do you mind?" Hutch said. He really didn't need the added pressure of someone listening an analyzing his words. Which of course, Starsky would do.
"Oh, sorry!" Starsky said as he walked away chuckling to himself.
While Hutch was on the phone, Starsky wandered aimlessly around the lobby. Leaning against one of the many marble pillars, he could see directly into the hotel lounge. Seated at the bar, was Miss Congeniality herself. Starsky thought for a moment, looked back at Hutch, who seemed to be enjoying the conversation he was having on the phone, and foolishly headed for the bar.
Approaching the counter from the opposite side that she was sitting at, the bartender quickly acknowledged the new customer. Putting a coaster down in front of him, the young man asked. "What can I get for you, sir?"
Starsky read the server's name tag. "Let's see, Gibson, is it? I'll take a Corona, if you don't mind." Starsky placed his order just loud enough to cause the object of his disdain to look up. When he saw her look his direction, he quickly turned his attention to the pretty female sitting next to him. He truly hoped that his mere presence irritated the hell out of her. When the bartender returned with his drink, Starsky pulled out a bill, folding it in half, and held it out between his index and middle finger. Trying, almost too desperately, to look cool. When Starsky made eye contact with the unapproachable brunette, he raised his beer bottle in her direction symbolizing 'cheers', and gave her a Cheshire Cat smile. She just rolled her eyes and returned her attention to the big screen TV behind the bar. The young detective enjoyed his beer, thoroughly satisfied with himself.
It wasn't long before Hutch joined him in the lounge. Young Gibson noticed him immediately and addressed him quickly. Hutch placed the same order his pal had. "Corona, please."
"Well, how'd it go with Heidi?" Starsky pried.
"Good. Good. We're gonna try to meet tomorrow for breakfast. I hope you don't mind, but she's bringing her cousin. I thought we could double date. I don't think she felt comfortable meeting a stranger alone for the first time." Hutch shrugged and smiled at his friend, hoping he would agree, seeing how he already told Heidi it was fine!
"How could you do that? You know how much I hate blind dates!" Starsky objected, raising his voice.
"Ah, come on buddy, do it for me. You know I'd do the same if you asked me to." Hutch implored.
Starsky took a long swig of his cold beer, resting with one elbow on the bar, his back turned towards it. He looked at Hutch waiving his finger in his face. "Breakfast! That's it, nothin' else!"
Hutch smiled. "Breakfast!" He slapped his friend on the shoulder. "Thanks, buddy." Hutch looked past Starsky and saw the dark haired woman sitting on the other side of the bar. Suddenly he realized what his partner was doing in the lounge. "Ah Starsk, I thought I told you to let it go?" He said shaking his head in disappointment.
"What?" Starsky tried to sound innocent, but he knew exactly what Hutch was talking about. Glancing over his shoulder, catching her eye, and again raising his bottle to her. He finished his drink with one final swallow, looked at Hutch, and placed his empty back on the bar with a clank. "Let's get outta here." He said, smirking the whole time.
Thoroughly enjoying this whole interaction with her, he was now looking forward to running into her again, just so he could torment her. His maturity level not rising in the least.
The guys were very tired. Thy had gotten up early that day to get to the airport on time, not to mention the fact that traveling of any kind wears you out. They decided to go back to the room, maybe order a movie, hit up the mini-bar, shower, and turn in early.
They headed for the elevators. Even though Hutch reached them first, he resisted pushing the button. He waited for Starsky to get in place so he could do it himself.
As the doors opened, they were surprised to see three men inside, all dressed in dark suits, just like the last two guys. Starsky looked at Hutch, who was already staring at him.
"What's goin' on here, a convention for undertakers?" Starsky said quietly so only Hutch could hear him.
"I'm with ya' on that one." He replied. Again, they entered the elevator and turn towards the closing doors. Starsky and Hutch looked at each other curiously. There was something about these three suited men behind them that made the two detectives very uneasy. Call it intuition, or cops' instinct, but something wasn't right.
The detectives turned to face each other so their backs weren't completely to these strangers. They engaged in small talk, discussing their plans for tomorrow. They could see the three out of the corner of their eyes.
The men seemed to realize they were being watched and became nervous, looking back and forth at each other, fidgeting. But they never spoke a word. They reached the 9th floor and Starsky and Hutch got off the elevator. They turned to look at the trio as the doors closed and the elevator continued on its way….
To Be Continued
Chapter Four
Hutch was up early the next morning. By 7 am, he had showered and shaved, clearly excited about his breakfast date with Heidi. He wanted, so badly, to wake up his sleeping partner, just for the company. But he knew if he did, Starsky would kill him. The girls weren't expected for another two hours; they were planning on eating breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Besides, he'd probably just complain the whole time about the 'blind date' Hutch had forced him into. No, it would be best to let Starsky sleep for as long as possible. He chose to go for a walk instead, just to help pass the time. His friend stirred and grumbled in his sleep, as Hutch left the room.
As he reached the elevator, he had to grin at the fact that he was finally able to push the call button without someone making him feel guilty. The simple things that amused his partner, made Hutch smile. He loved his friends' childish indulgences. For someone who had seen the worst life had to offer and been subject to the actions of the lowest forms humanity, Starsky remained incredibly optimistic about life itself. Hutch fed on that energy. It gave him hope as well.
Hutch entered the elevator and reached out to push the lobby button, just as a young boy also reached for the same button. Hutch looked at the innocent face of this nine year old kid and instantly saw something that reminded him of Starsky. He retracted his hand and allowed the young man, the pure enjoyment of pushing that ever important button. The boy looked at Hutch, then over at his mother, who was acknowledging Hutch's' kindness with a grateful smile.
The elevator reached the lobby and the doors opened. With a gesture of his arm, Hutch allowed the woman and child to exit before he followed them. Despite the early hour, there was a flurry of activity around the entire lobby. There seemed to be an overabundance of employee staff moving at a hurried pace. He also noticed several security guards, or 'rent-a-cops' strategically placed throughout the bottom floor of the plush hotel.
Grabbing the attention of one of the staff members darting by, "What's goin' on here?" Hutch asked the woman, who was surely on a mission of great importance like checking the water glasses for spots.
"Just preparing for today's big event." She said somewhat surprised that this tall blond man had no idea what she was talking about.
"Big event?" He questioned.
"Hello!? The Sinclair Jewelry auction? Biggest event in San Diego since the Super Bowl?" Hutch just looked at her curiously, not understanding. "Where have you been? Jewelers, collectors, buyers, and traders, came from all over for this. Some of the finest pieces are being auctioned today!"
Hutch pretended to remember, nodding his head, "Oh, that auction." He said as she walked away continuing on her vital quest. He resumed his original objective, passing the time, wandering around the hotel enjoying the sitesHe went outside to get fresh air. The day was starting out beautifully. The sun was already shining; it was a nice 68 degrees out. There were a few white puffy clouds in the sky. It was early summer, but from what Hutch understood, even the winters here were pretty much the same. Now he knew why San Diego's motto was 'America's Finest City'. Yep, this was gonna be a perfect day!
Hutch walked around the back of the hotel. To the right, there were three tennis courts, only one of them being used. To the left, there was a large grassy park-like area with a gazebo. He thought it might be nice to take Heidi here, to get some quiet time, if she was willing. He continued around the building to the far left side. There he came across, what appeared to be, the loading docks. There was a mid-sized grocery supply truck unloading food for the kitchen. On the other side of the docks there was a Brinks armored car. It was surrounded by armed guards, at least eight in all. Plus the three armored car employees. Hutch deduced that with this much security, those must be some of the valuable items for today's auction. He was glad to see that the Sheraton Hotel had taken the extra security precautions. You just never know.
As he rounded the other side of the large building, Hutch was surprised to see two dark-suited men talking to a member of the hotel staff. The three men looked in his direction and dispersed quickly, all in different directions. Hutch knew, deep down, this should of concern to him; he realized something was amiss, but he was on vacation, Dammit! Maybe it was nothing, maybe the dark-suited men were part of the 'jewelers, collectors, buyers and traders, which came from all over for this'. He knew what he needed to do, he needed to talk to Starsky.
Hutch returned to the room a little after eight. He went directly to his partner's bed, shaking him. "Hey Starsk, time to get up, the girls are gonna be here in less than an hour." He moved to the loveseat, sitting on the edge.
Starsky rolled over onto his back rubbing his eyes wearily. "How'd I let you talk me into this?"
"Ya' love me and you know it." Hutch smirked as he picked up a throw pillow, launching it at his friends curly head. "Hit the shower, Gordo."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He said reluctantly as he rose from the bed and headed for the bathroom scratching his head and stretching backwards. For hotel beds, these were quite comfortable, he noted. He left the door open as he started the shower letting the water run. "I'm tellin' ya' Hutch, if this cousin of hers is growing a third arm, or has a beard, I'm outta there!" Hutch smiled and shook his head, but he knew Starsky was serious.
"Hey Starsk, you remember those guys in the elevator yesterday?"
"Yeah, what 'bout 'em?" Starsky said as he was standing in the doorway to the bathroom.
"There's somethin' fishy 'bout 'em?"
"Whadda mean?" Starsky went into the bathroom grabbing his toothbrush and putting paste on it, then returning to the doorway.
"I was out walking this morning, and back buy the loading bay, they were kinda hangin' out. They were talking to someone that worked here."
"What's so fishy 'bout that?" He said while brushing his teeth.
"Well, when they saw me lookin' at them, they all took off. I just get the strangest feeling." Hutch went on to tell Starsky about the jewelry auction planned for today.
"So ya' think someone's gonna hit it?" Starsky was all too familiar with his partners' gut feelings. They were usually correct.
"Even if I did, what can we do? We have no jurisdiction here."
"Yeah, and I doubt the local police are gonna give any merit to your gut feelin'. I say we keep our eyes and ears open, and hope for the best. If somethin' does go wrong, we let SDPD handle it, we're on vacation!" Hutch shrugged and nodded in agreement. Maybe he was wrong; it wouldn't be the first time.
"Hurry up and get your shower, I wanna get a table downstairs before the girls get here." Hutch said to Starsky as his friend closed the bathroom door.
To Be Continued