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Sex Lies And Videotape
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Chapter 1 “Oh say you’ll always be my baby The sounds of Barry Gibb echoed around the dark disco as the handsome sable haired man and his woman danced together in the middle of the floor. The man was a whisker shy of six feet tall and was of a slim muscular build. His dark, curly hair was worn longer at the back than the sides, the riot of chocolate curls brushing the collar of his white jacket at the back while a single errant curl fell forward onto his brow to lie above unruly dark eyebrows. Beneath those eyebrows cerulean blue eyes sparkled with life and vigor and intelligence out of a ruggedly handsome face which wore a light tan and which lit up when a genuine smile flitted across his features. His body moved with a feral grace to the music. He was 35 years old, in the prime of a life which had been almost snuffed out and now approached living with a zeal which left his friends breathless. David
Starsky had lain in a hospital bed for three months after James Gunther had given orders for hired hitmen to gun him down.
Five bullets had ploughed into his body that day in the police garage and as a result several things had happened to him.
Perhaps the most significant was that he had died for three minutes. After that he’d fought his way back to life for
four months and then fought again to get out of the wheelchair he’d been confined to for a further five weeks. After
that he’d surprised everyone by enduring months of agonizing physiotherapy to return to the streets as a cop thirteen
months after the original hit. And his zeal for life, which had always bubbled under the surface, had risen to new heights.
His return to the side of his partner, Hutch, out on the central streets of Flippancy, which had once been one of his downfalls, was now relegated to the dimmest recesses of his mind. The new Starsky was erudite, sensitive as always, more fun loving than ever, and now, two years on from his miraculous recovery, more determined than ever to enjoy life to the full, settle down and start a family. The navy blue shirt he wore beneath his white jacket hid the scars of the bullets and multiple surgeries and he’d come to terms with what he thought of as defects on his body. Never vain, he had however been shy of showing himself to women, somehow ashamed of the tramlines, puckers and divots decorating his chest and back. But as the months passed, once again he became comfortable in his skin, not least because Hutch, his constant companion through the pain of the attack and recovery had encouraged him - sometimes bullied him into going out and getting on with living. Now, slim hips once more filled his tight jeans although the customary blue Adidas had, for tonight at least, been replaced by comfortable loafers. Those hips now shimmied and danced to the tunes from the DJ’s record deck as he held on to his woman, head resting on the top of hers as he breathed in the perfume of her shampoo and the citrus aroma of Eau de Lancôme which she habitually wore. Across the room, Hutch was dancing with his fiancée Sarah and the blond glanced sideways at his partner, admiring how he looked with his girl and thinking for the hundredth time how well matched they were and how good she was for Starsky. The shooting had proved to have been a long hard slog for the blond too. Hutch would have preferred it if he’d been shot instead of his partner. For the blond to have to witness Starsky’s battle back to fitness had been almost as painful as Starsky’s physical pains, and added to that, he’d provided the emotional crutch the brunet had needed when things got tough or just too painful to carry on. During those first long dark months, the flaxen haired cop had put his own life on hold while he cared for his buddy and it was only once Starsky was back on his feet physically as well as metaphorically that he’d started to allow himself to live again. And then his long time friend Sarah had been there for him and their friendship had blossomed into something bigger and stronger and the previous month, after a heart to heart with Starsky, Hutch had finally got down on one (slightly arthritic) knee and handed a solitaire emerald cut diamond ring to his girl and asked her to marry him. Now, as the blond watched Starsky and his own woman dancing, he wondered if maybe there may be more proposals in sight. Gina
Bianchi was ten years the brunet’s junior. At 25 years old, she was 5’ 2” tall and slim but not skinny.
Moss green eyes shone from a sweet face which was not pretty so much as classically beautiful and her eyes were fringed with
lashes thick and dark enough to rival Starsky’s own. Her hair was the darkest brown and shone black in most lights.
She wore it long and it reached in a straight silky curtain down her back almost to her waist. Her clothes were simple, understated
and inherently reflected the culture from which she had come. She was originally from The
two cops had been called to a robbery at a large lawyers’ office in the centre of the city at They had been met by the man who owned and ran “Ramsey, Ramsey and Mahoney, Attorneys at Law” and had been bowled over by the man’s attitude. Ian Ramsey was not only a successful lawyer specializing in defending big conglomerates sued for personal injuries by staff and customers, he was also a hard nosed businessman. He was a tall, floridly handsome man, standing over 6’4” tall and was muscular, his hours at his private gym and spa telling on the large chest and flat abdomen. His face was long and tanned and he had a sharp, square chin and strong jaw-line although his eyes were hooded and slightly cruel and were dark, dark brown. The only think not to like about him was that he had a limp, damp handshake that left Starsky wanting to dry his hand down the sides of his jeans. They’d
taken the details of the robbery efficiently while Ramsey had continued a tirade about the low lives of As the brunet had pushed his angry partner out of the room, he’d literally tripped over the girl on her way into work. She’d dropped a sheaf of papers onto the floor and they’d both bent down at the same time to pick them up, banging their heads in the process. As they’d stood up, Starsky had apologized and asked if she was ok, and Gina had asked him if he was hurt. Their eyes had met and if anyone soapy enough had asked, the brunet would have said it was love at first sight. They stood for a couple of seconds saying nothing before Ian Ramsey stood at the door of his office and barked for his PA to come in and stop acting like a teenage fool. She looked apologetically at the cop and mouthed sorry to him and on the spur of the moment, Starsky had taken her hand and asked if she’d have dinner with him that night. To his surprise she’d agreed and over the course of the next week or so they saw each other almost daily and as they got to know each other, it became clear to Starsky that this might be the woman he could fall in love with. Gina seemed to think that she too could settle down with a curly haired exuberant puppy of a man and their relationship blossomed although it had not been without problems. After their first date that night, Gina had gone into work the next day to face a man with a face like thunder. ‘Where the hell were you last night? I needed the depositions for the Hilliard case typing up for today and I tried to ring you’ he shouted. ‘I…I was out. I had a date’ she had said uncertainly. She’d come to Ramsey, Ramsey and Mahoney after being headhunted from their main competitors across the city and Ian Ramsey himself had come to see her to offer her a thousand dollars per year more salary, a company car, health benefits and use of a private health spa. The lawyer had fallen for her youthful good looks and the air of the exotic which her Italian accent could bring to his office and had seemed pleased with her performance, although she admitted to herself, he was a control freak and was also slightly creepy. He behaved as though he owned her both at work and out of it – as though she had no life to call her own and although she resented it, the benefits of working for him meant that she kept her mouth firmly shut. ‘Out with who?’ he had demanded. ‘A man……my boyfriend.’ She’d smiled to herself at the thought. She’d enjoyed her first encounter with the cop. He had an easy way with him and the ability to make her feel special just by being in the same room. ‘I didn’t know you had a boyfriend’ Ramsey had said. ‘Anyone I know?’ ‘Um…..no, not really.’ Ramsey had crossed the room to her, putting his finger under her chin as he drew her up to look into her eyes. ‘And what sort of answer is “not really”?’ ‘Well, you don’t know him, but you have met him’ she’d explained reluctantly. That was the big thing about Ramsey; the secret to his success. He had an uncanny ability to wheedle information out of even the most tight lipped of individuals. ‘And this mystery man is……?’ ‘He’s called Dave Starsky. The cop that’s investigating the robbery.’ ‘Oh Gina, darling! Why him? Why a low life like him? Trust me, my dear, policemen are almost as bad as the men they chase down and arrest. I know these things. You could do so much better for yourself. Take Philip in accounts. He’s had the hots for you for some time. I could set you up if you like……’ ‘No, its fine…..honestly’ she had hedged and had sat down to start typing the depositions, although from that moment on, Ian seemed to spearhead a vendetta against Starsky’s name and all the men in the office offered her advice on how to dump the cop. He wasn’t good enough; he’d never earn enough; she’d find someone who’d be able to keep her in the manner to which she’d like to become accustomed. And through its all she smiled politely and carried on with her dates. Now Starsky nuzzled her neck as the music drew to a close. The new disco was right on the beach and as the final strains of “More Than A Woman” died away, they set off hand in hand down to the waters edge and stood watching the stars spread like a diamante throw across the velvety warm night sky. ‘Do you want to come back for coffee?’ Gina asked as Starsky put his arm round her shoulders. ‘Sure, but don’t ya have to be up for work tomorrow? Wouldn’t want to piss King Ramsey off any more would we?’ The brunet nuzzled her neck and kissed her lightly. The previous week had seemed to be filled with dates that had to be cancelled at short notice or with dates cut short because of Ramsey’s requests. ‘It will be fine’ she assured him and followed hand in hand as he led her back to the car. They drove through the late night streets, Gina’s head resting on Starsky’s shoulder she tried not to think of the things they said about him at work. Oaf, cretin, lay about. All names that sprang to their lips, but she knew different and as she pushed open the door to her penthouse apartment, he pushed her back against the wall and kissed her fiercely. ‘I think I love you, beautiful Italian lady’ he breathed into her hair. Her skin tingled at his touch and her hand reached for the buckle of his belt just as the telephone rang and ruined the mood. ‘Don’t answer it’ he pleaded holding her close. She struggled to get free. ‘I have to. We have an important case tomorrow.’ She picked up the phone and the brunet saw the look of frustration flash across her face, knowing their date was at an end. ‘I um….. I have to go. He wants me’ she tried to explain. ‘Just who are ya goin’ out with here? Him or me?’ Starsky snapped. ‘You. I’m going out with you, but you know what he’s like. I’m sorry Dave. I can see you tomorrow?’ ‘Yeah, sure, till ratfink calls again’ Starsky replied angrily. ‘It’s not like that. You don’t understand. He’s good at his job and….’ ‘Oh my God! You really like him? You’re prepared to go and work with him all night when we could….. What is it with you Gina? I thought what we had was something good?’ ‘It is Dave, it is’ the girl whispered, tears coming to her eyes. ‘Well if it is so good, tell him to piss off. Tell him he don’t own you.’ ‘Don’t do this to me Dave, please, don’t make me choose. The job means a lot but you mean more to me.’ ‘Prove it Gina. Prove it by telling him you’re having a night off.’ Gina looked at him in despair. ‘I can’t’ she said softly. ‘If you go back to work tonight, don’t think I’ll be waiting honey. I can’t share you with someone else. If ya go now, I’ll know it’s not as serious as I thought’ the brunet yelled angrily. She shook her head at him and reached for her coat. As she walked to the door Starsky picked his keys up and stalked out of the door in front of her. Gina tried to run after him and as she watched his departing back she called after him. ‘Dave….I love you…..’ Chapter 2 Gina made her way out of the apartment, determined not to look back. She couldn’t
handle the accusation and hurt that she knew would be harboured in her man’s beautiful indigo eyes. She closed the door
behind her, knowing Starsky would let herself out and took the steps down to her car quickly. She hated running out on the
brunet and she hated that Ramsey had such a hold over her. Although she found her boss attractive, he certainly wasn’t
her sort. She preferred rugged, honest men without a trace a deceit, just like Starsky, while Ian Ramsey was good looking,
but slippery as an eel and too smooth. The man was good looking and knew it. He flaunted his power and wore it like a token
on his sleeve, wining and dining his favoured, powerful clients and their wives, instinctively knowing when to buy a discrete
gift or when to praise. All in all, Ramsey was a well connected hyena, feeding his own addiction for power and money at the
expense of everyone else. The woman got into her car and drove carefully over to her office block. As
she got there she looked up at the ten story building and saw with a sigh that the lights on the tenth floor were on, electric
eyes looking out over the darkened city. Only Ramsey would be working at that time of night. Well Ramsey, and his PA who didn’t
seem to have a life of her own any more. She got out of her car and let herself into the back door of the block, taking
the executive lift up to the top floor and as the lift doors sighed apart, she saw her boss sitting in his oak panelled office,
feet up on the desk top as he watched flickering images on his television. As he heard the lift stop, he hurriedly switched
off the TV and looked up. ‘Gina. I’m sorry to bother you honey? Were you out?’ ‘No, I’d just got back, but….’ ‘Did I disturb you?’ he asked, his face blank and unassuming. ‘Well I um…..no, no it’s fine’ she finished lamely. ‘Oh Gina honey. I did, didn’t I? I interrupted. Was it your boyfriend?
What’s his name? Dennis? Donald?’ ‘Dave. Dave Starsky. It’s ok. He was just going’ she lied
as she sat down across the desk from her boss. She crossed her legs, her plain black shift dress riding up her thighs and
self consciously she pulled the hem down. Ramsey leaned forward as though to reach for his pen and took a long look at her
slim stockinged legs. ‘What did you want me to do?’ she asked, her pad and pencil at the
ready for his dictation. He snorted. ‘You should know better than to ask me questions like that’
he grinned. ‘Especially when you’re dressed so elegantly. Gina blushed and looked away as Ramsey got up from behind
his desk. ‘Where were you tonight?’ ‘Out.’ ‘Well yes honey. But where?’ ‘The new disco on the beach.’ ‘Well that’s a coincidence. The witness I need to interview? He’s
there now. That’s where we need to see him. I need you to take the dictation. After that maybe we can combine business
with a little pleasure?’ Gina stood, distancing herself from the big man. She hated that he invaded her
space like that and although he was attractive she wasn’t the sort who wanted to mix up her work and private lives.
She thought it odd that she should be taking dictation at a disco at almost 1:30 in the morning, but Ramsey had always prided
himself on seeing clients at times and places to suit them so maybe this was just once of those occasions. She tucked her
pad and pencil into her purse and followed Ramsey back down to the parking lot. ‘We can take my car’ he said. ‘I can drop you back at your
place after and send the limo for you in the morning.’ She hesitated, but then got into the huge Jaguar through the
door he held open for her and sat back as he drove her back to the beach. oOoOoOoOoOoOo Starsky threw the keys down onto his table as he flopped down onto his sofa
and sighed. He hated sharing his girl with anyone else, even if the “anyone” was the most influential lawyer in
And then he’d done it. He’d really done it. He’d presented
her with red roses and asked her to marry him and she’d smiled, asked for a wheelchair to get her out of there and asked
him to take her on a giant slide. Days later, she was dead and with her, a piece of David Starsky died too. There and then he promised he’d never again get close enough to a girl
for them to be used to get to him. But time heals, and Terry’s voice sounded less and less in his head until all that
was left was a distant echo now and again when he really needed to hear her. And then there were other girls although none
were as special as Terry. He tried not to compare them because that just wasn’t fair, but as time went on his comparisons
stopped too. Terry was a beautiful piece of his past and a memory to be treasured, but Starsky was still very much alive,
even more so since Gunther had tried to kill him. And maybe now was the time when he should settle down. With Gina. She too
was witty, self assured and understanding. She was good for him, calming him when his famous temper threatened to get the
better of him, laughing with him at joked that even he knew were pathetic and inflaming his passion like no-one had since
Terry. She was too special to him to spoil their relationship with a stupid argument. So she had to work again. She was a
PA for Gods sake, and already earned almost twice his cop’s salary. Good pay was the reward for hard work and if he
as to continue this partnership, he’d have to get used to it. Tiredly, Starsky stood to make his way into the bathroom and as he started to
brush his teeth, the telephone rang. The brunet spat out the toothpaste and dropped the brush into the sink, rushing into
the living room to grab the phone. ‘Gina?’ ‘You should be so lucky. It’s me buddy.’ ‘Hutch….great. What’s up?’ ‘Well I’m glad to hear you too Starsky old man. Did I disturb something?’ ‘Changing the subject rapidly, why the late night call? D’ya miss
me so much?’ ‘Don’t kid yourself! No, my car’s broken down and um….I
wondered, could you come back to the disco and pick us up? Sarah’s tired and we wanted to…..’ ‘I don’t wanna know about your secrets, ‘specially when I
aint gone none myself. I’ll be there in 20 minutes’ the brunet grunted. Hutch and his damned cars. Why couldn’t
he just get a decent set of wheels? Grumbling under his breath, Starsky pulled his loafers back on and trotted out to his
car, following the coast road back to the disco. The lights were still on and the music was still playing as he got back and
as he parked up he could see Sarah waiting at the bar with another girl. Hutch was nowhere in sight and he cursed again as
he walked over to his partner’s fiancé. ‘Where’s Blondie?’ he asked. ‘Oh hi Dave. Thanks so much for coming to get us. I keep telling him to
get anew car, but he won’t. Just keeps going back to the same old second hand car lot. They sucker him every time!’
She reached up and pecked the brunet on the cheek. ‘S’ok honey. I’ve been telling him the same thing for years,
but will he listen? It’s like the older and rustier they are, the better he likes ‘em. I think its inverted snobbery.
But I thought he might have changed when you came along.’ ‘I think hell will freeze over before he buys something half way decent’
Sarah grinned. Starsky looked around ‘Where is he?’ ‘He went to the bathroom. He’s been gone ages. I’ll go look
for him.’ It was Starsky’s turn to grin. ‘It’s his age. It starts to
go after a while. From now on, he’ll never be out of there, you’ll see.’ Sarah slapped him gently ‘Dave, you’re awful. Let me go get him.
Oh, by the way this is my cousin Helena. Be right back.’ The cop watched as Hutch’s girl walked off across the dance floor as he
leaned casually against the door lintel, hands in his pocket. He chatted to Back inside, at the far side of the smoky dark room a girl in a black shift
dress stood waiting for her boss. Gina had been uncomfortable about coming back into the disco with Ramsey, and she clung
to the wall as her boss disappeared. It never occurred to her that she should be taking notes of the witness statement. All
her attention was on a certain curly haired brunet cop who was stood with a pretty girl at the door. How could he? How could her boyfriend come back here after their argument and
pick up with the next girl who came along? And she wasn’t even very pretty! Gina was torn between going across to him
to challenge him and stowing her anger away for later. And yet……he didn’t look like he was hooking up with
the girl. He didn’t have his arm round her and the kiss he gave her was perfunctory. A friendly peck, nothing more.
She sighed confused, but at the same time more than a little hurt that instead of moping at home waiting for her, he was out
once more on the town. She thought there was more to their relationship than that. As Starsky met Hutch and Sarah, he and the girl headed for the door just as
Ramsey came back. The lawyer looked in the direction of the door and saw Starsky’s back and he smiled to himself. Perfect.
Just what he needed. ‘Gina honey, I’m sorry I left you all alone here. And you didn’t
even know anyone’ he said smoothly and waited for her to tell him whether she’d seen her boyfriend or not. She
remained quiet, but Ramsey could see she was upset and he leaped at his chance. ‘Do you want a drink?’ he asked.
‘You look a little pale.’ ‘Uh? Oh, no….thank you. I’d like to get out of here’
she said shakily. ‘Just a little one darling. I won’t take no for an answer’
Ramsey said smoothly and disappeared to the bar. Gina had no option but to wait as Ian had the car. She sighed, wanting the
night to be over. Why did she have to come here? Why did Ramsey have to need her to work? And why was Starsky suddenly with
another woman? Ramsey walked back across the dance floor with a flute of champagne in his hand
and handed it to her. As she tasted it, she realised there was brandy in there too. A lethal combination by anyone’s
standards and she was already feeling light headed from lack of sleep. But her anger at her seeming betrayal by her man urged
her on and she took a deep draught of the drink, feeling its welcome warming fire trailing down her throat. Ramsey smiled
and watched as she drained the glass. ‘Better?’ he asked. ‘Yes, thank you.’ ‘And now I should get you to bed huh? Your place or mine?’ he asked
and smiled again at the confusion in her eyes. ‘Sorry. My joke in bad taste. Come on, let’s get you out to the
car.’ Gina wobbled a little on her high heels, the drink having gone straight to her
head. Ramsey caught her round the waist and supported her out to the car where he solicitously helped her in and closed the
door. Getting into the drivers side he looked sideways at the girl who had rested her head back on the seat, eyes closed.
He started the engine, turned up the heat and drove wordlessly back to his penthouse. As he stopped the car, Gina woke up
and looked around in confusion. ‘What are we doing here?’ she asked ‘You looked a little sick. I was feeling mad at myself for dragging you
out so late at night and I thought the least I could do would be to make sure you’re ok. Come up and I’ll fix
us a drink before I take you home.’ ‘I really should be getting back’ she protested hesitantly, but
then found herself getting out of the car and following Ramsey to the elevator to the top floor. Once inside, she sat down on the edge of the white sofa while the man fixed
drinks. He handed her another large brandy in a warmed bubble and sat beside her. He smiled, amused as she took the drink
and downed it quickly and he hurried to refill her glass. Gina was feeling warm and relaxed and contented. The brandy had
warmed her through and suddenly her boss didn’t seem quite so bad, while in her mind Starsky had turned into some sort
of two timing ogre. As Ramsey watched her eyes lose their focus he knew he had her. Quietly he took
her glass away and moved a little closer. She's shuffled away and he left her for a moment before getting closer to her again.
Ramsey put his arm around her and this time, the closeness of the man and the smell of his aftershave soothed her senses.
This time she didn't resist as he put his arm around her and leaned close. He took a handful of her long silky hair, his fingers
entwined in it as he pulled her towards him, their lips barely grazing in that first tentative kiss and as his moth claimed
hers and she felt the first tingle of erotic excitement, she felt his hands at her back as he started to unzip the back of
her dress. Gina pulled away from him trying to stop him but his hands were insistent and he whispered in her ear sending tingles
down her spine. ‘Relax darling. You know you want this and God knows I do. Just relax and let me do this for you. I can make you so happy. You’d want for nothing.’ Gina tried to think straight. This wasn’t right. She was Starsky’s
girl and she’d never two timed a man before. But she’d seen him in the disco with that other woman. He obviously
didn’t care about her. And what if she did this? Ramsey was attractive, rich, powerful…… She leaned into
him and nuzzled his neck as he directed her hand to his crotch. She felt his need and her hand worked at unbuttoning his waistband. Gently Ramsey pulled her to her feet and guided her into his bedroom. An enormous
bed stood in the centre of the room, mirrors lining the wall behind it and Gina didn’t pull back as he led her to the
bed and pushed her down gently onto it. She watched as he deftly unzipped his pants and stepped out of them, flinging his
shirt to join them on the floor and as she lay on the bed he blew a kiss to her. ‘Won’t be a moment’ he whispered and disappeared into the
living room again. Swiftly he opened a panel on one of the walls and a door opened revealing a bank of video recorders. He
ripped the cellophane off a brand new video and inserted it into the recorder and as he checked on the monitor that the bed
was in clear view, he pressed Play and headed back to the bedroom. The girl was still waiting, looking wanton and desirable
on the bed and he grinned to himself. ‘I’m sorry darling. Just had to take care of some business he said,
coming to sit by her on the bed. She looked up at him, her eyes soft and unfocused. ‘S’ok’ she murmured as he started to kiss up her neck. Within
minutes Ramsey had peeled off her dress bra and panties so they her olive toned slim body was spread out for him to enjoy.
Ramsey looked at in appreciation and nuzzled the side of her neck. ’You
look lovely for me’ he said as his kissed played over her lips before his tongue forced its way into her mouth and claimed
every part of it as his own. As his mouth continued to excite her, his hands worked on her body, his fingers circling her
breasts and reaching for each pink nipple in turn. She moaned into his mouth and his hands dipped lower until she could feel
him parting her and dipping gently inside. She moaned again as one finger was joined by the next and then another as he started
to dip in and out of her. Suddenly there was a tiny mechanical whirring noise close to her and a moment
later something small and rubbery being pushed against her. The vibrator fit snugly against the centre of her body and she
felt the thrill of the vibrations on her clit sending sparkles though her belly. She shrieked and clawed at the sheets at
the powerful stimulus. ‘Oh yeah….oh God yeah’ she moaned as Ramsey played her like
a harp. She ground her hips against him, her hands carded into his hair and felt his erection hard between them. Suddenly
she felt pressure on the back of her head, forcing her down as Ramsey flipped over onto his back. She was faced with his hard
cock inches from her mouth and greedily she sucked him in as he writhed beneath her. Mmmmnnn oh yeah, oh yeah baby, that’s good, soooo good’ he moaned,
pushing her head more firmly. He filled her mouth almost cutting off her airway as he ground himself into her but finally
the pressure slackened and she lifted her head, slightly breathless. Ramsey took a hold of her hips and in one deft movement
he turned her and set her on her hands and knees as he positioned himself behind her. She felt his cock pushing at her body
and as he thrust himself into her, he took a handful of her hair and pulled it so that her neck stretched back and she could
see the two of them locked together in the mirrors. Together they rode to a climax which shook them to the core, but almost as soon
as he’d finished and had rolled off her to catch his breath, he looked at her coldly. ‘Wow, Good fuck huh? We should do that again some time. Get your clothes
together darling. Take one of the fleet cars to get home and um…..close the door behind you, there’s a good girl.’ Chapter 3 Gina gathered up her clothes, tears in her eyes. She couldn’t believe
that he’d done that to her, although she realised belatedly that she should have known better. Ramsey was cold, calculating
– a natural bastard and with all his usual powerful, moneyed connections he really had no need to have someone like
her. To Ramsey, she was little more than a personal servant paid to do his work and now apparently his own personal whore. She took a final look at the man on the bed and rushed from the bedroom, closing
the door behind her so that she could dress in privacy. As Ramsey heard the doors to the penthouse elevator swish closed,
he got up and still naked he padded into the living room, took the video from the recorder and returned to the bedroom. He
re-inserted it into the player on the dresser and turned on the television set as he lounged back on the bed. As the recording
of his sexual encounter with his secretary unfolded before his eyes, his hand went down to his stiffening cock and he massaged
himself with a practiced hand, timing his climax to the one recorded on the screen. As he lay gasping with a smile on his
face, he realised that this was just the start. Gina stood in the small car of the elevator, tears streaming down her face.
She could never remember feeling so dirty or cheap and she longed to bathe and brush her teeth to rid herself of the memory
of her boss on her body and in her mouth. Dave would never have treated her that way she knew and she found herself longing
for his gentle caring touch and his soft She slept that night although it was a restless and dream filled sleep where
Ramsey morphed into Starsky who turned into a complete stranger and she slept with each of them in turn. By the morning she
felt physically ill and toyed with the idea of ringing in sick to work. She could hardly bear to think of being in the same
room as Ramsey and the memory of him forcing her down onto his waiting shaft left her shivering in despair. As she got into the shower for the second time in four hours, she tried to scrub
that dirty memory from her body, her mind jumping through mental hoops as she tried to decide what to do. She’d never
cheated on a boyfriend before and certainly not one as special as Dave Starsky and she wondered if there was any way to salvage
the situation. She was pretty sure that he hadn’t seen her at the disco otherwise she was sure he would have come over
to her to see why she was back. So maybe she should just say nothing. If Starsky didn’t meet Ramsey, then
maybe nothing else would ever come of that horrible mistake of a night. And she was sure that she’d never make that
same mistake again. Ramsey’s betrayal of her was almost more than she could bear and his treatment of her made her feel
cheap. As she stepped out of the shower and reached for the towel, the telephone rang. Starsky spent the night berating himself for arguing with his girl. She was
such a sweet, honest and uncomplicated woman that for the first time in a long time he felt he could relax with her and maybe
even settle down with her for good. So why did he feel so uncertain and jealous about her having to work odd hours? It wasn’t
as though he had a regular ‘Gina, honey. It’s me. I’m real sorry. I was an idiot. I should
never have yelled at ya.’ The woman’s heart leapt and then plummeted. She wasn’t ready for
an encounter with her man. The night was too raw and new and she needed to get her head in order before she could talk to
him properly. But there again she was eternally grateful to him for phoning her and a loving warmth ran through her body as
she thought of her tender man. ‘It doesn’t matter. It was a silly argument. It should be me apologising
to you’ she said quietly, realising that it wasn’t just the argument she needed to apologise for. She willed herself
to be careful and keep it neutral. What he didn’t know couldn’t possibly hurt him. Starsky heard the control in her voice and misinterpreted it, thinking she was
still angry at him. And who could blame her, he thought. He’d been a possessive asshole and she had every right to be
mad at him. He swallowed. ‘Will you forgive me?’ he asked. Gina felt a tear prickle in the corner of her eye and she wiped it away. ‘S’ok.
Don’t talk about it any more. What’s done is done.’ ‘Can I see you? Tonight?’ Starsky asked a little too eagerly and
felt as though he’d been punched in the stomach when there was a slight hesitation on the other end of the phone. ‘Um….sure. of course.’ The brunet smiled to himself. Wonderful girl. ‘I’ll come over and
pick you up at yours at about 8? If you aint workin’?’ ‘No. No I’m not working’ she told him. ‘8 will be fine.
Where are we going?’ ‘A nice little Chinese restaurant I found. You’ll love it. I just
wanted to make it up to ya.’ She sighed, feeling guiltier by the minute. ‘You have nothing to make
up to me Dave. Don’t do anything special. Maybe we could do Italian?’ Starsky snorted. ‘No Chinese is fine. I have an allergy to Italian restaurants.
I’ll tell you about it some time. See you tonight honey.’ He put the telephone down and grinned to himself. The
call had gone better than he thought and he felt happy and relieved that he hadn’t lost her through his hot temper. Across town, Gina too put down the telephone and tried to calm herself. She
felt awful for being dishonest with Dave, but more than anything else, she promised herself she’d keep what had gone
on between her and her boss from Starsky for ever. If she was careful, he need never know and she would be more careful and
more caring in future. If nothing else, this stupid incident had proved to her that she loved David Starsky above all others. oOoOoOoOoOoOo Starsky put down the telephone and sighed. What a fantastic girl she was and
what an asshole he’d been to be jealous of her working. She was smart and intelligent and so not the sort of girl he
usually dated. And yet she made him feel confident and comfortable and he loved every second he was with her. And the sex?
Oh my God the sex was fantastic – earth shattering even. In that department he knew he’d never had anyone like
her. He didn’t know whether it was because she from a different background, or whether they taught eclectic subjects
at the Swiss finishing school she told him she’d attended, but she was absolutely amazing. He finished getting himself dressed. He dressed carefully since his near death
experience at the hands of James Gunther. Partly that care came from the fact that he was stiffer than he cared to let on
first thing in a morning. The fifth bullet, the one that had ripped through his upper left chest and nicked his heart had
taken out muscle as well as flesh and some bone and it had been that single shot more than all the others that had caused
him the most problems. His left arm had remained almost lifeless for some time after the shooting and he’d sweated blood
and tears in getting his dominant hand and arm to work again. Not even Hutch saw how painful it was on occasions, but the
brunet knew that so long as he could hold his Smith and Wesson unwaveringly steady and shoot four golds out of five on the
range, he was still in shape to watch his blond partner’s back. The other reason he dressed carefully these days was because of Gina’s
influence. Although he still favoured his jeans and tee shirts, she’d steered him towards fitted, designer jeans that
skimmed his hips and hugged his butt to perfection and encouraged him to top them with polo shirts or Ben Sherman button down
shirts open at the collar. Today he chose a pair of black It had been replaced some time ago by a soft, fitted black leather jacket that
matched well enough with most pairs of his jeans and now he settled it in place, snagged the keys to his car and skipped down
the stairs from his apartment. Ten minutes later he was outside Hutch’s place, honking on the horn impatiently while
he waited for the flaxen haired cop to put in an appearance. Hutch emerged a minute later, his fingers to his lips and as
he got into the car he shushed his buddy. ‘Keep it down will ya? Sarah’s still sleepin’ and I don’t
want to wake her.’ ‘Late night?’ Starsky asked, turning the car and heading down town.
He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively ‘Yeah, but not how you think’ the blond muttered grumpily. ‘No? No hot sex after the beach?’ ‘No, more like hot temper. We had one doozy of an argument and she kicked
me out of my own bed. I slept on the sofa all night. And when I say slept I mean that in the loosest sense of the word. I
just hope she sleeps it off this mornin.’ ‘Well at least you had company.’ Hutch looked sideways at his partner. ‘Gina didn’t come back huh?’ ‘Nope. That Ramsey guy has her wrapped round his little finger an’
we were kinda into an argument last night ourselves. But then I got to seein’ reason and I um…..called her an’
apologised first thing this mornin’.’ ‘Wow, you did? Starsk I have to tell ya. I’m impressed. It’s
not like you to admit you’re wrong.’ ‘What’s that s’posed to mean?’ the brunet snapped. ‘Nothin’ Hutch smiled innocently and lapsed into silence for a few
minutes. ‘What was it about? Your argument?’ Starsky broke the stillness
in the car and shook Hutch from his thoughts. ‘Uh? Oh, it wasn’t…..it was.’ The blond sighed. ‘Sex.’ ‘What, lack of it?’ Hutch snorted. ‘Oh my God no. It’s just she likes um….well
she’s real good at…..I never had anyone who did it like she did. Starsk she gives the best blow job this side
of the Pacific, but….’ It was Starsky’s turn to snort. ‘Don’t sound like there’s
much of a “but” to it, ya lucky dog.’ ‘You mean Gina doesn’t?’ Starsky indicated left and ran the car up the “on” ramp to the freeway,
edging his way into the traffic. ‘Well yeah, she does, and she’s one of the best…..well the straight sex
is awesome. But she….. Hutch can I ask ya sumthin?’ ‘Yeah, what?’ ‘Um, well. When Sarah um…… goes down on you, does she um….does
she finish?’ Hutch V’d his eyebrows. ‘What?’ ‘Does she finish? Does she um….spit or swallow?’ Starsky ended
in a rush. ‘Starsk!’ ‘Well ya said I could ask.’ ‘Uh huh.’ ‘So?’ Starsky prodded his buddy. ‘What does she do?’ Hutch’s face took on a beatific look ‘She takes the whole lot an’
she swallows. And where the hell would she pit anyway? Why?’ Starsky grunted and sighed ‘Nuthin.’ ‘Uh uh. Not fair. I told ya my bedroom secrets bud. Ya can’t just
leave me danglin.’ Ya gotta spill now.’ ‘She’s good enough’ the brunet muttered quietly and concentrated
on the road. ‘Wow, sounds it. What’s up Gordo? Not getting’ enough? She
got you on short ration or somethin’?’ ‘No! Well…. No, I’m not goin’ short exactly. Its just…..’ ‘Just what? C’mon buddy, don’t be bashful. What’s she
done to get ya all tongue tied?’ ‘Well that’s just it aint it? She’s supposed to get tongue
tied, or tired tongue or sumthin. But she don’t. She’s like……she’s real good at straight stuff
and I’ve never had a girl who’s so passionate, but there’s just two thinks spoilin’ it an’ I
just wondered if I was kinda…… different.’ Hutch looked at his partner’s discomfort and smiled. It was so like Starsky
to be so full on with things that didn’t matter to him. But the minute he got serious with a girl he came over all shy
and sensitive. He tried not to make fun and started again. ‘Just tell me. It’s probably nothin.’ ‘Ok well…… She gives great oral until I get to that point
where…..’ ‘Where ya get that real goofy look on your face and your eyes cross?’
Hutch couldn’t resist butting in. ‘Shudup. My eyes don’t cross an.’ Well anyway. We get to that
point an’ she’s been busy with the tongue an’ the whole scene an’ I’m getting’ to the
point of no return an’ she just gets off me an’ finishes with her hand. An’ I don’t know what’s
up but she’s the only girl I’ve had that does that an’ I just….wondered’ the brunet finished
lamely. He looked at his partner expecting a joke, but Hutch’s face was composed. ‘Not all girls like to swallow buddy. Yours just doesn’t an’
you’ll have to get used to it. What’s your other problem?’ Starsky sighed again. ‘Don’t matter’ he pulled up outside
the metro and slammed the selector into park. ‘I got a date with her tonight anyway. Things’ll work out.’ Chapter 4 Throughout the morning the guys cruised the streets. There had been a resurgence
of sex crimes in the city and Starsky and Hutch had been on the trail of Janos Martini for weeks. The flake who had originally
reinvented himself as “Sexational Films” and been illusive to sat the least, but they had finally got a lead on
him through a girl who ran with the same stable as Sweet Alice. Marta had been unwilling to give the detectives too much information
but she did say that Martini was getting in way over his head and his videos had gone from X rated to “banned”
almost over night. The duo were keen to find out just what that meant, but for the moment they were keeping a low profile.
Janos Martini knew them of old and they didn’t want to scare him away before they could nail him. By ‘You said you’re seein’ Gina tonight?’ Hutch said as
he sipped his Cola and looked on in disgust as his partner demolished the burger in record time. ‘If you eat like that
buddy, you’re gonna give yourself heartburn.’ ‘M’fine’ the brunet mumbled indistinctly through his final
mouthful. He swallowed the last of it down, flicked the crumbs from the front
of his jacket and threw the paper wrapper into the trash can by the side of the cart. ‘Yeah I’m seein’ her.
You seein’ Sarah?’ A shadow fell over the blond’s face. ‘Dunno. I love her to bits
an’ all that, an’ I’m sure she’s the one, but she said some pretty damming things last night. I just
feel like I need a bit of space.’ ‘What did she say?’ Hutch blew out his cheeks. ‘That I didn’t need a wife coz I was
married to the job. That she didn’t want to be alone so much and…. Doesn’t matter.’ ‘Must do if it’s got ya so riled up. Tell me’ the smaller
man urged as they both got back into the car. Hutch looked uncomfortable. ‘She said she didn’t want to be in a
marriage with three people in it’ he said in a rush. Starsky wiggled his eyebrows. ‘Is there sumthin you aint tellin’
me buddy? Ya got a secret stash of hot sex goddesses somewhere?’ The flaxen haired man looked at him with pain in his eyes. ‘Shudup will
ya. I’m tryin’ to be serious an’ I think she has a point.’ ‘Huh?’ ‘She meant I’m always with you; always on the job. We spend so much
time together that she feels pushed out……an’ maybe she’s right’ he finished quietly. There was
silence in the car so thick it could be cut with a knife. ‘You want a new partner? Is that what you’re tellin’ me?’
Starsky’s voice was so lost, so scared that Hutch wanted to gather him up and hug him. ‘No. Oh God no Starsk. I couldn’t do this job with anyone else but
you. You need to ask me that after all we’ve been through? Besides, who else’d have me? It’s just……
it’s hard to explain, but this job takes over. It was fine when we were footloose and fancy free. But now? With me havin’
Sarah, an’ with you meeting Gina….. Maybe its time to step down a gear huh? We aren’t getting’ any
younger.’ Starsky snorted. ‘Hutch, we’re 35, not 85. Prime of our lives!’ ‘Yeah, an’ how many times have those lives come near to bein’
snuffed out huh? When you were shot I thought I’d die right along with ya, an’ I consider myself a strong type
of guy. An’ I got to thinkin’. Would I want to put Sarah through that?’ ‘Well Gunther’s behind bars’ the brunet protested, but he
was beginning to see the force of Hutch’s argument. He’d accused Gina of being married to her job and yet there
was he, riding the streets with his partner, working long hours, cancelling more than enough of his own dates with his girl.
Maybe Hutch was right. But he doubted either of them would be able to give it up completely. ‘Gunther might be in jail. But there are always other Gunthers hidin’
round dark corners an’ somehow, having a girl makes me want to avoid ‘em at all costs. Even if those costs involve……
Well. I know it hasn’t come to that yet, an’ I’m ramblin’. Just call us in as rollin’ and ignore
me huh?’ Hutch said as lightly as he could. Starsky grabbed the mic. and called them in, but as he gunned the big engine
of his car he thought hard on what Hutch had said. Was it time to quiet? Was it time to start thinking seriously about how
much he gave to the job? The brunet’s Dad had always told him that a safe cop was one who was into
the job one hundred and ten percent. Anything less meant certain early death, and so he’d always given at least that
amount if not more. Just like Gina seemed to give to her job. His girl had never complained when he cancelled. She’d
never pulled her face when he’d come in tired and angry and had talked of flakes and whippos rather than love and romance.
She was one in a million and yet he’d accused her of thinking more about her job and her boss than him. Damn he was
stupid! She was special, and he needed to make it up to her. As they turned the corner of the street, up ahead he saw a flower stand on the
corner of the street and he slowed and pulled up by the side of it. Ignoring the questioning look from his partner, on impulse
he got out and returned a moment later with a dozen red roses wrapped in cellophane and tied with an enormous red ribbon.
He put them gently on the back seat and set the car motion without a word and it wasn’t until they had gone a couple
of blocks that Hutch finally questioned him. ‘Where are we goin’ buddy. This aint the way to Martini’s
hideout.’ ‘Nope’ ‘So ya got another lead?’ ‘Nope.’ ‘Jeez buddy! We gonna play 20 questions for the rest of the day?’ ‘I need to go over to Gina’s office. What ya said – about
Sarah. It kinda struck a chord. I balled her out last night coz I was mad at her boss makin’ her work again an’
when you were sayin’ what Sarah had said, it made sense. I phoned Gina this mornin’, but I want her to know she’s
special’ he grinned shyly. ‘Ya think it’s too soapy?’ Hutch grinned back. ‘Comin’ from you? No. Just be quick Casanova.
We still have Martini to find.’ Starsky pulled up outside the office block and took the flowers from the back
seat. He was a sensitive guy who at heart was a big romantic. While on the outside he seemed quite prickly and superficial,
deep down Starsky was a one woman guy who loved nothing more than to wine and dine her and then spend hours making slow passionate
love in front of an open fire on a pale sheepskin rug as candlelight flickered round the room. ‘Won’t be too long’ he said as he closed the door. ‘Just
gonna deliver these…. an’ take that smile off your face. Ya know you’d do the same thing.’ Hutch snickered. ‘Sure thing buddy’ he muttered and watched as those
impossibly tightly swathed hips strutted across the parking lot and into the building. The blond examined his feelings. He hated arguing with Sarah. She was a good
girl. He’d met her while he’d been in the hospital recovering from a kidnapping by Diana Harmon. The flaky nurse
had taken a liking to him and despite being committed to a mental hospital for her problems, she’d escaped and had made
it back to Bay City, where she’d kidnapped him and had let her Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy affliction play
out painfully and devastatingly (See Truly Madly Deeply, by this author). Sarah
had been his nurse in the hospital and her caring and compassionate nature had finally penetrated the blond’s pain and
despair and their relationship had grown from there. Based on caring and what he thought all along was love, now Hutch was
having second thoughts. He’d been convinced Sarah was the one for him. She was plain, but not ugly. She had a caring
way with her and she loved nothing better than to cook for him and be the perfect little housewife. The blond, however, was beginning to feel claustrophobic around her. The relationship
that had been based on her care for him in hospital had grown into a physical relationship too, but he still felt as though
she tried to mother him. And for the big flaxen haired man, that just wasn’t right. He needed to be in charge in a relationship.
He was the protector, not the other was around. And when she clucked over him and fussed and told him he looked tired and
he needed to rest, he felt suddenly emasculated and powerless. The final straw had been her accusations that he thought more
of his partner than he did of her. It had brought Hutch up short and had made him consider and reassess his position. And
the more he thought about it, the more he realised that there may be something in what she said. In all the times after the Gunther shooting when he’d sat by the side
of Starsky’s bed, or watched as the brunet pushed himself to his limit and beyond during his gruelling physiotherapy
sessions, his admiration for his partner’s fortitude had escalated. His feelings of admiration for the curly haired
man had changed subtly, the dynamics of their partnership shifting so that what had once been care to watch his partner’s
back now morphed into watching out for signs of strain, tiredness or pain. His physical care of the smaller man during his
recovery had awakened a knowledge of Starsky’s body that would take a woman a lifetime to learn. Hutch had taken over
the massage and exercise regime from the physios and he knew each muscle, each bone and ligament intimately. He knew what
would make Starsky groan in pain or purr with satisfaction. His hands could elicit whimpers of pleasure or yelps of discomfort
and as the months of recovery had gone on, he ensured he kept up that knowledge. He’d never admitted to himself until
now that maybe he’d done that for some other reason than to simply aid his buddy. Maybe he had other feelings to? Hutch snickered to himself at his tomfoolery. He wasn’t gay! He’d
never had any feelings for another man – ever. He was as red blooded a heterosexual as anyone. And yet, as he’d
watched those hips strut away to deliver flowers to someone who could become equally important to the brunet as he was, he
felt a surge of something uncannily like jealousy. Inside the building, Starsky took the elevator up to the top floor and walked
along the carpeted corridor to the main office. Ramsey had his own oak panelled office in the corner of the bigger office
and Gina worked at a desk right outside it, tucked around the corner from the rest of the PAs and clerks. As he pushed open
the big glass doors to Ramsey, Ramsey and Mahoney, he spied his girl before she had chance to look up. He crossed the space
to her in half a dozen steps and by the time she raised her head, Starsky was standing in front of her desk, the bouquet of
roses outstretched. ‘Dave? What are you doing here?’ she asked quietly. She’d
never expected to see him in her office and she could see a couple of the other partners looking their way. The same men who’d
told her she could do better than a cop. They looked down their noses at the man dressed in jeans and trainers and she wanted
the ground to open up and swallow her not because she didn’t want to be seen with the brunet but because she didn’t
want Starsky to be hurt by their words and actions. Starsky smiled at her. ‘I couldn’t wait till tonight. I needed to
apologize in person and give you these.’ She took the flowers and buried her head in their fragrance. ‘They’re
lovely. Thank you’ she murmured. From inside his office she could see Ramsey looking at them. He had a scowl on his
face and Gina hated that he saw the two of them together. She had kept her boss at bay for the whole of the morning, ashamed
and uncomfortable at what had gone on the previous night although Ramsey had said nothing. It was as though to her boss, the
escapades of the previous night had never taken place, although she could feel his eyes boring into her when he thought she
wasn’t looking. ‘It’s a lovely thought but……’ she looked around
at the man in the office and Starsky followed her gaze. ‘But I shouldn’t have come. Sorry honey. I goofed again. I just….’ She smiled. ‘It’s fine. Just go and I’ll see you tonight’
she said as he pecked her on the cheek. What was it with him all of a sudden? The telephone call this morning and now the
flowers? Guilt? It must be. He felt guilty for seeing that girl at the disco. Although she carried a fair amount of guilt
herself for….. Damn, life could be complicated! As the brunet cop turned and left the office, Ramsey looked out at his PA with
the bunch of flowers on her desk and he snickered to himself, his mind going back to forcing the girl to give head the previous
night. She hadn’t wanted to, he could feel that in her. But the power he felt at forcing her was intoxicating and Ramsey
was a man who lived for power. He nodded. Oh yeah. This was perfect. With the cop in the picture, he could win over the both
of them. Chapter 5 Starsky prepared himself carefully for his night. He’d taken extra trouble
to make sure his small apartment was even more clean and tidy than was usual and now he turned his attention to himself. A hot shower was the first order of the day and as he stood waiting for the
water to heat up, he idly looked at himself in the mirror and snorted softly. It aint
the age Davey, it’s the mileage. He traced the tram-lined scars from upper chest to below his ribs, the divots of
puckered flesh where the bullets had hit, the empty little spots that had once housed drainage tubes and the tiny scars giving
testament to the central lines he’d endured to feed the drugs and fluids into his system. All of them leaving their
mark and all of them eclipsing the scars he’d carried from previous jobs gone wrong. But that was the irony. He wasn’t
even working when he’d been gunned down. He sighed. Just one more pissed off business man out for revenge. How he hated
the powerful suited types with their big flashy cars, sumptuous offices and fly attitudes to other people’s lives. Putting his dark thoughts behind him and with the steam from the shower blurring
his reflection in the mirror into soft focus, he stripped off his boxers and got into the shower, working his stiff muscles
under the hot water until he was once more supple and the residual aches of the day had departed. He wanted to be on top form
for Gina tonight. The evening was all about showing her just how much he loved her, and then maybe a night of incredible sex,
if he played his cards right – and disconnected his phone so that Ramsey couldn’t contact her! Starsky scrubbed his hair with a new sandalwood scented shampoo that complimented
his favourite soap and aftershave and ducked his head back under the water to rinse off, staying there for another few minutes
as he luxuriated in the heat and the force of the shower on his body. That was the one thing he’d missed in his recovery
– not being able to shower. And no-one would ever tell him that bed baths were erotic – especially when delivered
enthusiastically but slightly clumsily by his blond partner. The brunet dried off and walked naked into his bedroom where he stood for a
moment in front of the wardrobe deciding what would look best. Eventually he plumped for the comfortable and predictable and
pulled on his butter soft, almost white jeans and a navy blue polo shirt which he thought matched his eyes. Leaving his feet
bare and finger combing his curls into some sort of order, he appraised his reflection in the mirror. Not exactly a film star,
but he’d do. As he closed the drawer to his bedside cabinet, the doorbell rang and a glance at his watch told him Gina
was right on time. Padding into his living room he opened the door and smiled at her. She looked
ravishing in a pale blue gypsy skirt and a white lace top that fell off one shoulder provocatively. She smiled back a little
nervously and handed him a bottle of red wine. He kissed her and let her in, taking the bottle from her. For some reason he
too felt nervous and as she made herself at home in the living room he frantically searched his kitchen for a corkscrew. After
rummaging in his drawers and looking in the back of his cupboards he cursed under his breath. How the hell could he tell her
that her bottle of vintage wine would have to remain unopened because he didn’t have a corkscrew? Desperately he looked
round, then took a hold of the bottle and cracked the neck on the edge of his counter. It broke clean off, spilling some of
the deep purple contents on the floor, but at least he’d gained access and to disguise his fumbling, he poured the rest
of the bottle into a jug and snagged two wine glasses. Walking into the living room, he sat down beside Gina and held a glass out while
he poured her a drink. She took it and sipped it appreciatively and looked back at him. ‘I’m sorry honey. I should never have yelled at you last night.
I felt so bad afterwards, I could have kicked myself’ he said, putting his hand round her shoulders. ‘You could have called last night’ she said, still thinking about
the sight of him at the disco with the other girl. How could he be so casual about that? ‘I was going to’ Starsky explained. ‘I was gonna pick up the
phone and then Hutch phoned and said his damned car had broken down and could I come back to the disco to taxi him an’
Sarah, an’ Sarah’s cousin back to her house. So I got there, ferried them back an’ got back here too late
to phone ya. Like I said, I’m sorry.’ Gina listened to the explanation carefully. It was said with neither deceit
nor artifice. That was one thing about her man, she could always tell if he was hiding something from her, and she knew instinctively
that he was telling her the truth. She smiled to herself. How could she have doubted him? ‘I shouldn’t have flounced out on you like that. I know it isn’t
fair that I have to work late, and believe me, I won’t be doing it again. Enough is enough’ she said forcefully. ‘Hey, don’t change just coz of me. I don’t want ya losin’
a chance of promotion or sumthin just coz I was an asshole.’ ‘It’s not because of you. Trust me, I’m not working late for
him any more, I promise.’ Starsky leaned forward and kissed her, his tongue seeking entrance to her mouth
and as her lips parted and she carded her fingers into his hair at the back of his head, he explored her, renewing his acquaintance
with every part of her mouth and tongue until she moaned into him and pressed her body against his. They parted slightly breathlessly and the brunet changed direction, nuzzling
down the line of her neck as his left hand slipped beneath the lace top. She wore no bra and her nipples sprang up pert and
firm beneath his gentle touch. He stroked down her side and circled her nipple with his finger, pinching gently between his
finger and thumb as she mewed in pleasure next to him. Starsky felt her hand on his groin, checking out the bulge in his pants and
he shifted slightly giving her more access and deftly she unzipped his pants and inserted her slim hand inside. He sighed
as she stroked his cock and whispered into her ear ‘We can be more comfortable than this. Ya stayin’ the night?’ She giggled. ‘You say the most romantic things Dave Starsky. If that’s
an invitation the answer’s yes.’ ‘Good’ he growled and pulled her up from the sofa as he led her
to the bedroom. ‘Supper is casserole an’ you know why I like casserole?’ ‘No’ she said quietly ‘He grinned ‘Coz it has to be done slowly for at least four hours.
Just like me.’ Gently the brunet pushed the girl back onto the bed and she shuffled around
until she was lying on her back looking up at his expectantly. He lay down beside her, propped up on his elbow as he tenderly
ran his hand down her body to her waist, pulling the blouse out from her waistband so that he could run his hand over her
warm flesh. She purred and sat up so that she could pull the blouse over her head. It fit her body perfectly, outlining her
breasts and as she pulled it up, they sprang free and he bent and kissed the pink nipples as he pushed his hand up her skirt. Gina lay back and allowed him to explore her body. This was so different than
her disastrous night with Ian Ramsey and yet she couldn’t ignore the memory of those other hands on her and the slimy
voice whispering dirty things into her ear. She tried to close her mind to it, her body tensed as Starsky ran his hand up
the inside of her thigh. He stopped uncertainly. ‘Did I hurt ya?’ he asked, his handsome face showing nothing but
concern. She shook her head. ‘It’s nothing. Here, let me reciprocate.’
Her hands moved to his shirt and she deftly pulled it off over his head and pushed him back until he was lying besides her.
No-one besides Hutch had seen his body like she had and the brunet was at ease with her scrutiny of the scars, tramlines and
dimples decorating his chest and back. She bent and kissed the long scar that lead up the front of his chest, the one that
was still so sensitive that he shivered at her touch. She smiled and moved higher, taking tiny bites of his flesh and worrying
them between her teeth before letting go and moving on to new pastures. She left tiny red passion marks behind her, her fingers
massaging them lightly so that Starsky moaned and arched his body towards her asking for more. Finally needing to take the lead himself, and with his jeans now in a puddle
on the floor, he sat up and flipped the girl onto her back. She looked up at him with dazed, passion clouded eyes as he started
his own exploration of her body and as his lips worked wonders on her breasts and neck, his hand wandered southwards, trying
again to gain access to her secret places. Gina tried to relax, reminding herself time and again that this was her man
- the man who loved her and as the brunet’s fingers dipped inside her she tried to relax tensed muscles and accept him.
But she was still sore from Ramsey’s invasion the previous evening and however she tried, it hurt her. Desperate not
to spoil the mood, she turned the tables and took a hold of his hand, clutching it to her. ‘What can I do for you?’ she whispered. ‘Tell me. This is
your night.’ Starsky stopped his exploration. Oh my God, all his dreams come true. What could
she do for him? Where did he start? ‘Just love me’ he said carefully. ‘Love me for who I am.’ She kissed his nose. ‘Of course I love you, silly man.’ Her kisses
followed a path south, until she was once again exploring the forested acres of his chest, the lower still until she was at
the margin of the black wiry hairs at his groin. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, and telling herself she had to do this
to prove to herself that she could, she slipped lower still and Starsky felt her breath hot and humid on his cock. The brunet groaned as he felt wet lips circle him and draw him inside. The suction
was powerful, the pull on his cock hard and firm. He moved his hips experimentally. She’d never gone down on him so
early before and he wanted this to last, but the way she was attacking him, her tongue and talented lips working so hard on
his he could already feel the heat in his balls and the tension as his climax appeared on the horizon. ‘Oh God’ he moaned. ‘No, slower, make it last honey mmmmnnnn,
shit that’s so good’ he crooned softly. And still she continued, working her way up and down his shaft as he hovered
over the precipice of a thunderous climax. When she wasn’t sucking him into her mouth, she was licking down his length
slowly and blowing cool air gently onto his tip. He groaned again and couldn’t help but thrust upwards into her mouth
although he remembered that she’d said he was too big for her to take in whole. ‘Gina’ he mumbled ‘Oh God honey, I can’t hold on, I’m
nearly there. Just gimme ……mmmmnnnn oh my God that’s so good. I’m gonna….can’t hold on
honey, I’m comin’ he whispered, delighted that for once he was going to get to finish in the way he wanted. But
instead, as Gina felt his cock turn to the consistency of granite, she lost her composure, snapped her head away and took
him in her hand finishing him in two soft strokes so that he spilled his essence over his own belly. She sagged back against him, hearing his pained gasps as he tried to get his
breath under control and without thinking she got up off the bed and headed for the bathroom, her memories of Ramsey too fresh
for her to handle. In the bedroom, Starsky sat up and grabbed for his tee shirt wiping his belly
as he wondered what had made her stop so suddenly. Had he done something wrong? Had he said something he shouldn’t?
Why were relationships so fuckin’ complicated? He heard her in his bathroom and swung his legs over the side of the
bed, padding out into the living room and was startled to see that she was once again dressed. He looked at her, confused. ‘Gina? What’s the matter honey? Are you ok?’ She looked at him tearfully. How could she tell him about Ramsey? She’d
vowed to keep that to herself and besides, after such a tender show, how could she possibly tell the truth now? She wiped
her eyes angrily. ‘I’m sorry Dave. I shouldn’t have come tonight. I um….
I have a headache and….’ ‘Headache? Are you sure that’s all it is?’ Starsky hadn’t
been a cop all those years without learning how to read body language. And she was uncomfortable, angry or upset about something.
‘Have I done sumthin? Did I hurt ya?’ ‘Oh God no. You’re….. you’re wonderful. It’s me,
it’s my fault’ she mumbled. ‘Can I get ya sumthin for your head? I got aspirin’ he offered. ‘No, it’s going away now’ she lied. The look of compassion
and hurt in his eyes was more than she could bear. How could she contemplate leaving him? But there again, How could she have
two timed him with that snake earlier? ‘You sure you’re ok?’ Gina smiled wanly. ‘Yeah, I’m sure.’ ‘Then come back to bed and we can finish off’ he smiled gently.
‘We only got to second base and I need to make sure we get a home run.’ Gently he took her hand and led her back
to the bedroom. For half an hour or so they lay next to each other, comfortable and undemanding,
each cuddling the other without making any demands, but as the night wore on, Starsky couldn’t help but allow his hands
to start petting her again, his fingers roving over her body gently at first and then more insistently. And this time, Gina
responded to him, echoing his movements with strokes of her own until once again Starsky’s cock rose up proud and ready
between them. ‘Are ya ready honey?’ he whispered into her hair a he leaned over
her, positioned and ready. She nodded a little hesitantly. ‘Uh huh.’ ‘You ok? he said as he eased himself in until he was sheathed part way
inside her warm body. She closed her eyes, acclimatising herself to his bulk inside her. ‘So big’ she sighed as she felt him start to move gently in and
out. She’d told him once before that either he was too big or she was too small to take him completely and now she could
feel him holding himself back. But pretty soon, he’d picked up the momentum and she tried to open herself to him more
fully. He didn’t hurt her on purpose but as he finally came with a rough shout, she yelped once at the huge invasion
and he kissed her, apology in his eyes as he toppled sideways and held her close. ‘I love you Gina Bianchi. Don’t ever let anyone come between us
huh?’ Chapter 6 The next morning, early, Starsky dropped Gina back at her apartment so that
she could shower and get ready for work. They’d had a wonderful night during which they’d made love two or three
more times and each time the brunet claimed her body as his own, he’d erased a little bit more of Ramsey’s hold
over her so that by the time she’d fallen asleep in his arms, head cushioned on his chest, she’d resolved to hand
in her notice and look for somewhere else to work. She had the skills and the qualifications and she knew she could do without
the money and the fancy car. Nothing was worth jeopardising her happiness with the tall dark handsome cop. Starsky was feeling mellow. Despite his complaints to his partner that his girl
didn’t let him finish down her throat, Gina made up for it in other ways. She was one of the most caring women he’d
ever met and she could please his body in many other ways than the typical blow job. Although he missed that, he was more
than happy with their night and he sang as he drove along, his voice melodious if not quite as smooth as Hutch’s. Gina laughed out loud as he started the refrain of the comic song “Does your chewing gun loose its flavour on the bedpost overnight?” and gently
punched him on the arm. ‘What am I gonna do with you? Most men would be singing love songs to
their girl after a night like we’ve just had. But you……?’ Starsky grinned widely. ‘I aint most men honey.’ ‘I know that’ she replied happily and rested her head on his shoulder
as they drove. Five minutes later, the brunet kissed her tenderly and said goodbye as he watched her perfectly formed ass
shimmy up the steps to her apartment. Happily, he turned the car and drove off to collect Hutch, secure in the knowledge that
his girl loved him as much as he loved her. Gina showered quickly and pulled on her Channel suit, its pinstripe black fabric
hugging her figure perfectly. She topped it with a sugar pink blouse and a pair of plain black court shoes, pulled her hair
up into an elegant chignon and rushed down to her car. She wanted to be in before Ramsey so that she could write her letter
and have it on his desk first thing. Pulling up in her parking space in the company parking lot, she got out of the
car, straightened her skirt and took the elevator up to the top floor, stepping out into the hushed office and over to her
desk. As she passed Ramsey’s office she was brought up short to see her boss already in his chair, although it was turned
so that his back was to the door. He was looking at flickering images on his private television, but the screen was angled
in such a way that she couldn’t see the images. She did however hear the low guttural moan which sounded suspiciously
like her name. She froze, watching curiously. Ramsey was lost in his own world, the scenes that were hidden from his PA being
highlighted by his slow rhythmic stroking of his right hand against his groin. He replayed the video tape of his night with
Gina again and again, his erection getting harder and more insistent by the moment and as the women watched unnoticed he grabbed
for a handful of tissues, flung his head back and released himself into the soft paper handkerchiefs groaning her name aloud. Gina ducked back out of the office and rushed to the ladies bathroom where she
closed the door and rested her back against it breathing heavily. Oh my God! What had she just witnessed? He had called her
name, she could hear him and she was left in no doubt as to what he was doing while he moaned it. She shivered, left now in
no doubt at all as to what she should do. Opening the bathroom door, she ducked out and headed for another desk belonging
to another PA at the other end of the open plan office. There, she sat down at the typewriter and hurriedly typed out her
letter, sealing it into a plain white envelope and writing his name in a confident round hand on the front. Standing, she
took a deep breath and marched into his office as he spun round in his chair, his eyes wide. ‘Gina! I didn’t expect you so early darling.’ ‘I wanted to get in early’ she said quietly ‘You did? Were you out last night?’ She didn’t answer for a moment and he nodded. ‘That’d be a
yes. Seeing that no good cop again? How many times do I need to tell you that you could do so much better? He’s no good
for you. What the hell can he give you that one of our lawyers couldn’t?’ ‘Love’ she answered before she could stop herself. ‘Aww, aint that sweet? Love won’t buy the next Mercedes darling.
It won’t buy the next Cannel suit or the next holiday in ‘I don’t want any of those things. I have Dave. And I have something
for you too’ she said and slapped the envelope down on his desk. Ramsey took it and looked at the handwritten name on
the front. ‘”Mr Ramsey”. Very formal Gina. What’s this all about?’
he ran his thumb nail under the flap of the envelope and pulled the single sheet of paper from within. Flattening it out he
read it swiftly and looked up. ‘Resign? Why?’ She stared at him incredulously. ‘After what happened the other night?
How can you ask me that? How can you behave like nothing happened? I was…… ‘ ‘A damned good distraction. And if I recall, you didn’t put up a
fight. You were as willing a participant as I was. Don’t come the wounded party with me Miss Bianchi, now take this
away and don’t be such a silly little girl.’ ‘I’m not being silly and my resignation still stands. I’ll
draft an advertisement out for a new PA for you today. I leave at the end of the week.’ She turned to go. ‘Gina, darling. Don’t be stupid. What we did was fun and you were
so good in the sack. But it was just that – fun. You didn’t…. ‘He smiled a slow smile ‘Oh my
God darling. You didn’t think there was anything in it did you? You’re an even sillier little girl than I took
you for. Now run along and get back to your desk. We’ll pretend this never happened.’ She glared at him. ‘But it did happen, and I can’t forget. I feel
cheap and dirty and used. And I can’t work for you any more when I don’t have respect for you.’ ‘Respect? Well maybe you won’t have respect for me. That’s
neither here nor there. But how about fear? Try that on for size Gina darling. Fear can make us do a lot of things we’d
prefer not to.’ ‘Are you threatening me?’ Ramsey grinned. ‘Threats? No my dear. Not threats. The fear is a promise.
Now get back to work.’ Gina walked out of his office in a daze, unsure what Ramsey meant by fear. Fear
of what? She sat at her desk and stared at her typewriter for a long time without actually seeing it, her head in a whirl
and her heart easing down from its staccato rhythm. Eventually she managed to pull herself together and told herself that
she was just being silly. Ramsey was a high flying lawyer. He wouldn’t throw away his reputation and his career by doing
anything as stupid as holding a vendetta against her. They’d had one night together and although she had been silly
enough to think that her boss might have cared for her, she now realised he’d wanted nothing more then relief from her.
OK. So be it. But she didn’t have to be in the same room, office or even building as him. And so at lunchtime, she went
out and bought a newspaper and spent her lunchtime circling likely adverts in the “positions vacant” column. Starsky meanwhile was almost half way to his partner’s house when he got
a call on the car mic. He picked it up, full of bonhomie and pressed the button. ‘Goooood mornin’ Mildred. An’ how are you this wonderful fine
day? The sun’s shinin’ the birds are coughin’ an’ it’s good to be alive.’ There was a chuckle form the other end of the call. ‘Take it you had a
good night sweetie’ she sounded down the line. ‘Oh yeah. The love machine was workin’ overtime.’ ‘Well get the detective machine warmed up honey. Dobey’s asked for
you an’ Hutch to get down to a factory on the east side. Reports of a fight and an injured girl.’ Starsky’s grin faded as he heard the address Mildred gave him. ‘Can’t
someone else take it honey? I haven’t even picked Cotton Top up yet. We aren’t logged as rollin.’ ‘Sorry Starsky. The Captain asked for you two. Control out.’ The brunet sighed and slammed the mars light on top of his car, pressing the
gas pedal until he was threading through the early morning traffic neatly and quickly. He came to a shuddering stop outside
‘Mornin’ the blond said laconically. ‘Wow. Mornin’ to you too. What’s with the long face? Lost
a dollar and found a dime? The smaller man asked. Hutch propped his head up on his hand as the car swerved round anther corner,
heading for the factory. ‘Something like that. We were goin’ really well, me an’ Sarah. We’d made
up for the argument an’ she was bein’ all…… well you know. Said she was sorry she’d flown off
the handle an’ all that an’ we were just about to go for the encore when Mildred rang and told me about this shout.’ ‘An’ I take it the future Mr Hutchinson didn’t take too kindly?’ The blond snorted. That’s an understatement. She bounded off the bed an’
she was dressed before I could say anythin.’ Then she told me I needed an attitude adjustment and that it was either
her or the job.’ Starsky’s face fell. ‘Shit!’ ‘Yeah. Shit is right. God I hate this!’ ‘An’ so what did you tell her?’ Starsky asked. ‘Didn’t. But I’m here aren’t I? I guess she got the
message.’ ‘She’ll be fine buddy. You’ll see. I guess it’s always
tough to know you’re sharin’ your marriage with BCPD but she’ll come around, you’ll see.’ Hutch sighed. ‘I dunno. An’ maybe….. Oh forget it.’ ‘You don’t think she’s getting’ cold feet do ya?’ The blond braced himself as the The detectives drew their guns, checked their ammunition and then headed up
the small staircase at the back of the building. They holstered their weapons as they got to the top of the steps and saw
the usual circus of uniformed patrol men, forensics and police photographers at the scene and they flashed their badges at
the man on point and ducked under the black and yellow police tape into the small room. It was set up as a small film studio with a central raise stage affair in one
corner surrounded by reflective aluminium umbrellas and cameras on stands. The equipment was of good quality but it was the
stuff hung on the walls around the room that leant it a seedy air. Line upon line of whips, chains, leather restraints and
items Starsky preferred not to think about hung in serried ranks along the wall. On the stage itself was a bed with a wrought iron frame hung about with handcuffs
and ropes and on the bed a battered and bloody naked figure lay, surrounded by three officers all trying to preserve its dignity
while not disturbing the crime scene. The bed was draped in blood stained sheets and there was a smell of burned hair and
flesh in the air. Starsky stepped up and took quick instructions from the uniform in control of the incident. ‘Seems this studio was set up some time ago. They specialised in the kinkier
stuff until recently but now it appears they’ve made a change in policy. Ever heard of snuff movies?’ The brunet nodded. ‘Yeah, but I thought that was just an urban myth. No-one
would really want to have sex with a girl while they’re killin’ ‘em……would they?’ The flatfoot swallowed hard. ‘That’s what I would have thought too.
But if they aren’t doin’ that, then someone got mighty pissed at her’ he stood to one side as Hutch approached
the bed slowly and as he got there, Starsky heard his pained voice as he knelt by the bed. ‘Oh my God……Sweet Alice.’ Chapter 7 Starsky rushed to Hutch’s side as the blond knelt by the side of the girl
on the bed. Softly the blond put his hand up to cup her face, trying to ignore her once
beautiful hair which seemed to have been burned off in parts. Now it lay against the bed sheets in a soot laden mass. ‘ With difficulty, her blue eyes struggled to open and she looked up at him. ‘Hey….handsome
Hutch’ she managed to rasp through her swollen throat. Her hands fluttered down to her naked body, trying unsuccessfully
to cover it and the blond detective looked around. ‘Have ya taken the photos you need? Can we get her a cover someone?’ A uniformed cop handed him a bathrobe and tenderly Hutch laid it over ‘Who did it honey? Why? Was it Janos? ‘No…..it….’ her body stiffened and she gave a little
cry ‘Hutch it hurts….. I hurt, make it stop.’ ‘I will. I will honey. Try not to move that pretty little head huh?’
Just hold on a while longer. We’ll fix it. We’ll make it all better.’ Hutch’s soft tones seemed to
ease her and she relaxed a little, her eyes focused on her Handsome Hutch as he stayed by her side. In the background, Starsky
prowled like a caged tiger, unsure how he could also comfort the woman. In the end, he settled for directing proceedings and
making sure the forensics guys were as thorough as they could be. He winced each time Hutch was still talking to ‘Don’t leave me’ she whispered frantically looked around for
the blond. ‘I’m scared Hutch, don’t leave me’ and Hutch came back to her side immediately, kneeling
by the side of her as he took one blood stained hand and held it. The medic continued to work, talking softly and gently to
the frightened women as the blond let his other hand rest against her cheek. She snuggled into it with a sigh. ‘Don’t
go’ she said again. ‘I’m not leaving you honey. And Starsky’s right here too.
We’re here. We aren’t goin’ anywhere. We’ll look after you. We won’t let them hurt you again.’ The paramedic looked up. ‘Are you a relative?’ ‘No, just a friend. How is she?’ ‘We’ll know more when we get her to the hospital. The most worrying
thing is the damage to her throat. The rest I think maybe looks worse than it is. The cuts and bruises will fade and her hair
will grow again. We need to get her over to ‘Can we come?’ The medic looked doubtful but In the relative quiet of his car on the way Starsky was brimming over with questions.
‘How is she?’ Hutch looked up and took the cup. ‘About like you’d think. Some
of her hair has been burned clean away, she was strangled almost to death and from the look of the wheals on her body they
obviously enjoyed themselves first. Shit Starsk, that’s torture – out an’ out torture.’ ‘I know buddy. An’ we’ll get the sickos that did it for sure.
Did she manage to say anythin’ else?’ ‘No. She was pretty well whacked up on pain meds by the time we got here.
The only thing she was clear about was that she didn’t want me to leave. She was insistent about that’ Hutch snickered
softly while Starsky grinned at him. ‘She always did have a soft spot for ya Blondie. Ever since that night
at the Pits. The first night ya met her, remember?’ Hutch snorted. ‘How could I forget? You set me up good an’ proper.
And there as me tryin’ to be a good friend to my new partner.’ Hutch let his mind wander back over the years. ‘……..He
said your name was ‘Uh
huh. Around here folks know me as Sweet ‘Coz
you’re a lovely girl?’ ‘That…..an’
they say I taste nice!’ she giggled as she nuzzled his neck. Hutch
choked on the mouthful of beer he’d taken, the fine spray cascading across the bar. ‘T taste?’ he stammered,
his cheeks colouring. ‘Uh
huh. You could maybe come ‘n’ find out?’ she asked in a sultry voice. ‘Maybe
another time Sweet She kissed
him softly then shimmied away. Hutch looked confused. ‘She’s a….?’ ‘Yeah,
an’ a good one, I’ve heard’ the brunet smirked. ‘Haven’t tried her myself.’ ‘Tried
her…..Starsk! She’s a hooker!...A cute one, but she’s a….and you……with……?’ ‘Don’t
tell me you never have, Blondie. Oh wait, you had the wonderful Van to keep you happy, but that’s been…what? Two,
three years now?’ ‘I’ll never know why she took a shine to me, but it’s never faded, has it?’ ‘She’s attracted to your animal magnetism’ the brunet grinned and straightened as the doctor
came out of the cubicle and headed for them. ‘Are you friend or relatives of Alice Sawyer?’ ‘Friends. We’re cccops, but we’re…. we’re friends too’ Hutch said quickly,
his stammer apparent in his eagerness to get news of the woman. ‘How’s she doin’?’ ‘Not too good, I’m afraid. The damage to her throat is quite extensive and is usually the case in
these kinds of crush injuries, they are continuing to swell. I’m afraid we need to put her to sleep and put her on a
respirator in order to preserve her airways. I need someone’s consent to do that and as she doesn’t have any relatives
here, I wondered if you would….’ ‘Can I see her Doc.? She ought to know what’s goin’ on’ Hutch asked. ‘Of course. She’s very sleepy, but I think she could appreciate a friend at the moment. Just try
not to tire her huh?’ The two detectives brushed aside the white curtain and entered the small cubicle. ‘Hey’ she whispered. ‘I said I wouldn’t leave. How’re ya doin’?’ ‘I’m not so scared when you’re here’ she said shyly, ‘but I hate these places
an’ sometimes, coz of what I do, they don’t treat me too nice.’ Starsky came around the other side of the gurney and held her other hand in his. ‘Hey honey. I hate ‘em
too. But they’re gonna take real good care of ya. Me an’ Hutch’ll see to that huh?’ ‘Uh huh. You just tell us if you don’t get the best of everything’ Hutch added. ‘Only
the best for our pretty lady.’ The blond closed his eyes, trying to compose himself. He knew ‘You’re beautiful to us no matter what honey. An’ I promise when you’re feelin’
a bit better we’re gonna get the best hairdresser to come in an’ make ya even prettier all over again.’ ‘Coz we love ya!’ Hutch took up the conversation. ‘ ‘Yeah’
she said in a small voice. ‘It scares me some.’ ‘I
know, I know’ the blond’s voice was gentle, not wanting to upset the woman any more than he had to. ‘The
Doc says you have some damage to your throat and it could make breathin’ a little hard for a while, so he wants to fix
it.’ ‘He
wants to put a tube in your throat and have a machine help you to breathe. Don’t worry honey, you’d be asleep
the whole time. You wouldn’t know anythin’ about it, honest.’ She gripped
his hand all the harder. ‘I’m scared’ she rasped and set off a bout of coughing. By the end of it, she was
limp and drained and Hutch was soothing her forehead. ‘Sssh.
Don’t try to talk, you’ll make it worse. Do you want me to sign the form to let him do it?’ She nodded.
‘Stay with me. At least for a little while, till I’m asleep?’ ‘Sure
thing honey. No problem. Starsky can tell the doc an’ I’ll stay right here. I won’t leave ya, I promise.’ The brunet
looked at his watch. ‘Its gone Hutch smiled
‘Sure, thanks Starsk.’ The
curly haired cop leaned over Chapter 8 Starsky received a cold reception from Sarah when he rang her to
let her know that Hutch would once again be late home from work. He avoided telling his partner’ fiancé exactly where
her man was. It was bad enough he was late. It would add fuel to her flames if she found out he’d been sitting with
a hooker in the hospital and holding the woman’s hand as though he were her lover. Instead he plumped for being general
in the extreme. Yes, he‘d been working with Hutch. No, he didn’t know what time he’d be home. And no, he
didn’t think it was a good idea for her to phone and complain to Dobey. By the time he’d come off the phone he
was angry at Sarah and almost sorry for Hutch who had always though of the girl as angelic. How things change! His next phone call was to Gina. He’d been thinking about
his own girl all day and he’d wanted to take her more flowers, but things had got out of hand with ‘Hey honey it’s me’ he started. ‘Dave! How lovely. You rang me!’ From the interior office Ramsey heard the name and quietly picked
up his extension phone, covering the mouthpiece so that he wouldn’t be heard. He listened intently. ‘I was wonderin’ if my wonderful girl would like to
come out to dinner tonight?’ Starsky said. ‘Of course. I have something to celebrate.’ ‘Ya have?’ the brunet asked ‘Yes. I handed in my resignation today. I’m a free
agent as of the end of the week.’ ‘Wow! That’s givin’ up a lot honey. What brought
that on?’ She paused for a split second and in the inner office Ramsey too
wondered what she was going to say. ‘Ohh, I didn’t like how they treated you. And I’m sick of the um….
office politics. So I decided to get out. I gave Ramsey my letter this morning.’ ‘Then it’s a celebration! I’ll pick you up at
‘Lovely. Where are we going?’ ‘The new restaurant that’s opened in the centre of
town. The Gauguin. Its Polynesian food’ the brunet said proudly. She smiled at his tone. It
was just like Dave to be so excited about anything new. Just like a little boy, especially when the new entailed food. ‘That’s
wonderful. I’ll be ready at ‘I love you too honey’
Starsky sighed as he put down the telephone. The meal would probably cost him half a month’s salary, but he didn’t
care. He had Gina and that was all that counted. Back at the office of Ramsey,
Ramsey and Mahoney, two phones went down simultaneously. But while Gina smiled to herself and set about thinking of what she
would wear that evening to impress her man, Ramsey picked up the phone again and made a reservation of his own. At ‘Um, have you seen Dave
Starsky? He was due to pick me up at ‘Well not tonight honey’
the brunet growled. ‘Tonight is a special night.’ ‘It is? Why?’ ‘Coz tonight I want
to show you how special you are to me’ he said softly and took her hand to escort her down the steps. Gina had dressed
carefully too and wore a long black lace skirt and a pale blue halter top. Unintentionally she matched her man perfectly and
as he got into the car, gathering her skirt around her, she couldn’t help admiring the strut of his hips as he trotted
around to get into the driver’s seat. The night was warm and they
drove with the windows down letting the cool evening breeze ruffle their hair. The stars were out and as they got to the restaurant
a girl in a grass skirt and very little else welcomed them while a parking attendant held his hand out for Starsky’s
car keys. Gina smiled to herself as she saw the hesitation on the brunet’s face before he handed them over. Starsky
hated anyone driving his baby. They went into the restaurant
which was decorated with cope Gauguin paintings on the walls and floral displays of exotic flowers on all the shelves around
the booths. The waitresses all wore the same grass skirts while the waiter, incongruously wore black dinner suits. It gave
the place an eclectic, unconventional feeling which went well with the almost surreal paintings. The couple were show to a
small booth above which hung a picture entitled “Men on the Beach”. Starsky appreciated the vibrant colours of
the piece but secretly believed he could have drawn them better himself. They sat down and he ordered two Pina Coladas as
they waited for the menu. As the drinks arrived, served in half pineapples and with umbrellas
and straws and tiny dancing girls on sticks, Gina snuggled up to her man and put her head on his shoulder. ‘This is perfect’ she murmured, her eyes closed as
she soaked up the ambience. But instead of hearing Starsky reply, an annoying, chillingly familiar voice sounded instead. ‘Gina, darling!’ She opened her eyes and look directly into Ramsey’s pale
blue ones and immediately her nerves were on edge. ‘Isn’t this a divine place?
I come here every chance I get. I have a table permanently reserved. Is this your first time here? I don’t suppose
cops can afford to eat here very often’ he said ingratiatingly. ‘Yeah, but we get by at the hamburger stand for the rest
of the time’ Starsky grunted good humouredly. Nothing tonight would spoil his enjoyment. ‘Oh I say. I’d be honoured if you’d come over
and join me at my table. I have one or two friends here, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind’ Ramsey said with
an oily smile. ‘Oh no, please Ian, we wouldn’t want to intrude’
Gina jumped in immediately. She couldn’t bear the thought of having to spend a whole evening with the man who’d
threatened her that morning. ‘But I insist’ Ramsey said expansively and without
further ado called over the waiter and had the man gather up the drinks on the table and follow him over. Gina mouthed “sorry”
to Starsky and the two trailed behind like lambs to the slaughter. They wound their way between the booths and tables to a
table for eight in the prime position in the restaurant. There were already four people sat there – two lawyers from
the office with their well dressed and slightly snooty looking women. Ramsey indicated Gina and Starsky should sit down and
did the introductions, making sure everyone knew that Starsky was a cop from the inner city, as if that made him somehow a
second class citizen. Moments later, the waiter brought over the menu and handed them
around. Starsky stared at the rows and rows of French names and his second grade teacher’s voice rang in his head. ‘You’re hopeless at languages David. Stick to working in ‘Perhaps Mr Starsky would care to order for us all?’
he asked expansively. The brunet looked up sharply and saw the others looking at him
expectantly. He swallowed and went back to the menu. L’entrée Francais
L’entrée Polynesia Pate de foie gras
Ahi Poke La piperade
Lomi Lomi Pissaladière
La salade (de) chèvre La salade niçoise La soupe à l'oignon What the hell was he supposed to choose? It could all be stewed car parts with a side of tree for all he knew.
Shit! Gina looked venomously at Ramsey, understanding now why he’d put on the display of friendship. He didn’t
want their company. He was using this as a chance to get back at her for handing in her notice! He wanted to belittle Starsky
and he was doing it in the most public way he could. She knew at that moment she’d made the right choice in getting
out and she took a breath. ‘It would be very bad manners indeed for two new guests to dictate what everyone should eat. We don’t
want to impose.’ ‘Oh it’s no imposition Gina. Mr. Starsky will make a superb selection for us all’ Ramsey said
with a wolf-like grin. Starsky looked at the menu and then summoned over the waiter. ‘What does the chef recommend today?’
he asked as calmly as he could. The waiter puffed up his chest importantly. ‘Ichiban Ahi as a starter and for the main course Lau Lau.’ ‘Great’ the brunet sighed. ‘We’ll have that all round.’ He breathed a sigh of relief
and was just putting down his menu when the waiter handed him another fat tome. ‘The wine, Sir?’ Ramsey grinned. ‘Oh yes, the wine Mr. Starsky. Would you care to order that too?’ The cop looked at the wine list and cringed. ‘Sure’ he said with a confidence he didn’t feel. St Veran Louis Latour St Francis Chardonnay Laurensford Sauvignon Blanc Salena Estate Terrazas Alto Malbec Chateau Starsky was
at a loss until his mind went back to the night in the Italian Restaurant all those years ago. What had his partner told him
then? Vino de Casa – house wine. That was it. With a flourish, he put the wine list down and ordered four bottles of
the house wine, two white, two red as the waiter nodded in approval and Gina squeezed his hand encouragingly. Across the table,
Ramsey glared, his sport at an end for the time being. As the night
went on, the slimy lawyer made as much as he could of the cop’s inadequacies and Starsky tried for Gina’s sake
to be calm and not rise to the bait. It helped that his girl sat close to him, her hand always on his knee and he head for
the most part resting on his shoulder. Throughout the uncomfortable meal, Ramsey constantly singled the cop out for questions
about the law, always technical and always difficult and always Starsky answered in the same way. He wasn’t a lawyer,
but this was his opinion. By the time
the desert course arrived, he’d had enough. His blood was at boiling point and if Gina hadn’t been there he’d
have let his temper go and ripped into the smarmy man. But he knew he couldn’t and so when things got too much, he excused
himself and made for the gent’s bathrooms, hiding in there until his temper had cooled some. Meanwhile,
out in the restaurant, Gina sidled over to her boss and glared at him. ‘There
was no need for any of that. He’s done nothing to you and yet you treat him like some kind of moron.’ ‘But
that’s what he is Gina darling. A moron. All cops are. I swear they have a frontal lobotomy before they join up. I’m
just making you see how much better you could do. I’m trying to show you the error of your ways darling.’ The woman ripped
her arm away from Ramsey’s damp hand. ‘I’m happy to be getting out of it’ she snapped. ‘Are
you? Are you really sure you should get out?’ Ramsey put his hand into his inside pocket and pulled out an envelope.
He pushed it towards Gina and she took it uncertainly. ‘What’s
this?’ she asked ‘Just
a little reminder that you should stay. Take a look.’ With shaking
hands, the woman opened the envelope and gasped at the photographs inside. All were glossy Polaroid’s of her and Ramsey
in the throes of having sex, all timed and dated and leaving nothing to the imagination. She was stunned. How had he got them?
What had she done? She stared at him, lost for words. ‘And
don’t think you can destroy them darling. I have the negatives of course. Oh, and also the full colour video from which
I took the stills. Stay with the firm, otherwise your dirty cop boyfriend and all his friends at the Bay City Police Department
will have a free showing.’ ‘You
wouldn’t’ she gasped. ‘Not
if you stay. But set one foot out of line….. make one false move, or try to tell anyone and…. Well let’s
just say your man isn’t going to respect you very much. And you two seem so much in love.’ ‘We are’
Starsky’s voice sounded behind her. Gina dropped the photos and scrabbled under the table to pick them up, stuffing
them back into the envelope before she got up. ‘What’s up honey?’ the brunet asked. ‘Nothing’
she muttered. ‘I um… I have a headache. Will you take me home?’ Chapter 9 The couple
drove home quietly. Starsky worried that he’d completely shown his girl up at the restaurant with his lack of knowledge
of the finer aspects of Polynesian cuisine although he felt absurdly proud of himself that he’d managed to keep his
notorious temper in check. But still. Ramsey had made him feel like a country bumpkin come up to the big city as a treat when
what he’d really wanted was a quiet romantic meal with his girl. He had a suspicion that the lawyer had known all along
that he and Gina would be at Le Gauguin that night, but he couldn’t figure out how. Although he did promise himself
that he’d find out sooner or later. Gina on the
other hand was quiet for a very different reason. Her dalliance with Ramsey two nights ago had left her feeling raw and vulnerable
but as time passed she had almost convinced herself that Starsky would never get to find out what had gone on. Now, with the
surprise arrival of the photographs she was once again antsy and on edge, her mind going over the facts. She felt sick to
her stomach that once again her boss had some kind of hold over her when all she’d wanted to do was get out of his life
and out of his sight. Now she was trapped. Trapped into doing whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it, all because of one
lousy slip of her judgment. The car drew
to a stop in front of her apartment and Starsky turned off the engine. He turned to her and put his arm around her shoulders
drawing her to him. ‘How’s
your head honey? Feeling any better? I’m sorry. I wanted tonight to be so special for us.’ She smiled
weakly. ‘And it was for a while. I guess the only saving grace is we left Ramsey to pay the bill.’ ‘Hey
we did!’ The brunet’s face lit up for a moment at the thought. When he’d seen the prices on the menu he’d
gotten a sudden pain in his wallet and although he was by no means a cheapskate, he suddenly felt vindicated for the misery
the lawyer had put him through. ‘Shall
I come up an’ tuck you in?’ he asked with a slight wiggle of his eyebrows. ‘No!
No, I’m fine. I just need to take some aspirin and lie down. A night’s sleep will see me right’ Gina lied,
hating herself for doing it. The brunet looked so crestfallen, but she hardened her heart. |
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