False Accused and nonetheless happy   von alanqi
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                                   Prolog: 
                                   --------


Welcome, welcome dear Customer to the world of fandom 
where reality and fantasy meld in the blink of an eye,
hush, step closer, courageous one, 
enter the realm of freedom where free spirits live a second life
beyond all bounds of real life
never forget it is but fun
look into the mirror 
oh brave one, 
and see, see 
yourself, your friends, your heroes 
everyone you wish to see is already here, I promise
come on take a look,
yeah, that`s it look closer, 
closer
see the mist behind the curtain already forms the specters, don`t hesitate
go, go they are waiting for you…                       (my own, head of many
stories since 1995)

*************    385   **************



                                  Kapitel 1: 
                                  -----------


*************    385   **************
“Starsky, you won`t believe it?”
“What?”
“What what?”
Starsky rolled his eyes. “What won`t I believe? 
Hutch who had just seated himself in the Torino, waved a paper in his face.
“This. You won`t believe this. What the hell is wrong with people
nowadays?”
Starsky gently pushed the sheet out of his line of view as he enthusiastically
started the car and shot into the traffic completely ignoring the honking sounds
as he talked to his partner of oh so many years. 
“I don`t know Blintz, the usual I guess, alcohol, bad job-situation, lack of
money, drugs, take your pick.”
“I hardly think the meter maid is a candidate for drug usage.”
“Meter maid? Gave you a ticket?”
“No not exactly, this time she went in for the goods.”
“Oh Hutch, that girl has to make a living you know. It is her job and your car
is somewhat, eh, unusual, special I guess, in a crappy kind of way….”
“Watch it Starsk` that`s my car you`re talking about and it is
absolutely…”
“Don`t give me that crap again, a man has a car to represent himself, his
inner grandness that`s socially accepted and approved Hutch. Yours ain`t getting
you any dates.” Starsky gesticulated with wildly with his right to emphasize
his point. “Mind my words Hutch the ladies won`t jump your car.”
“That`s alright with me Starsk cause their busy jumping the owner.”
“With tickets.”
“I told you it`s not a ticket.”
“No? Then what`s that thing?”
“As I was telling my partner before that crazy bitch filed a complaint.”
“She did? Well she warned you about complaining if you insulted her again.”
“I didn`t insult her Starsky. She is short in the brain`s compartment.”
“I sort of think she might disagree on that observation, partner. So she filed
a complaint about an insult, what`s the deal, nobody`s gonna take that one
serious, they know you.”
“Do they Starsk? Can you honestly vote for that? After all that happened when
Van died. IA was after me like blood-hounds on a hunch, now they will be again
and it ain`t just a hunch.”
“IA doesn`t go after quarrels over parking tickets, if they did the whole
department would be under observation including our dear captain. We can`t
always find a legally supported spot to jam our car in, besides everyone knows
we`re on the run and the supported opinion is that catching the criminals is
simply more important. IA knows that, too. Jones called a meter maid a goron
last week the brunette with the skinny legs.”
“Yeah, but she ain`t accusing him of sexual harassment.”
“Of course not why would she? Wait a minute… Hutch! What the… will you
give me that sheet, now.”
“Starsky keep your hands on the wheel. Whoa… the road… truck,
Starsky…”
The Torino slid across the street. Brakes screeched. Wheels overturned. People
screamed, Starsky wondered if his partner would blame him latter for screaming
his throat raw. The candyapplered vehicle came to halt half on half off the
sidewalk. Hutch wiped his face with one big hand and took a minute to just
breathe before he threw his partner a sideway-look uttering a simple little
hoarse on the edges: “You did it again, partner.” before he went into full
lecture mode: “Didn`t I tell you years ago to drive safely, that was scare
brained crazy, what are you trying to do take me out of the picture before IA
gets to me. Thank you partner but I had hoped for a less drastic attempt to get
out of this.”
“Don`t be dumb Hutch. You distracted me with that talk and you know you did,
too. So don`t give me any of that. You don`t jump your partner with that kind of
talk in the car. It is bull and I know and I`m gonna tell them. Nobody messes
with my partner.”
“Starsky?” 
“Nothing. Get out of the car, Hutch.”
“What for?”
“Just get out of the car.”
“You`re throwing me out, now? I don`t believe you.”
“GET OUT OF THE DAMNED CAR.”
Hutch jumped up and was out of the door before Starsky could utter another word.
Starsky pulled the key and got out himself. 
“That`s great now my partner of a dozen years is…”
“Can it Blondie.” Starsky dished out while walking towards his partner. He
immediately grabbed Hutch by the elbow and dragged him into the nearest place.
This turned out to be a café that was obviously catering to high and mighty.
The two cops looked out of place amidst the other customers who were apparently
sharing special occasions. Hutch blushed and headed back to door but Starsky
refused to let go of his arm. He dragged the blond back through the
entry-curtains and continued withstanding to the counter.
“Good afternoon, lady. A table for two ,please. You know me and my partner
here have something to talk about and we would like a little secrecy. I am sure
you have just the right place for us.”
“Starsky, let go of me. This place looks way to pricey and we are still on
duty. And it`s called discretion.”
Starsky simply ignored the whispered plea and continued to chat on with the lady
who appeared to be the owner. 
“This café sure is lovely; you are one fine lady for sure. Know why I know?
My car is exactly the same color as these.” The lady smiled. The blond cop
sighed deeply. The Starsky charm was winning her over as expected. Wait, they
had left their car stranded on the sidewalk.
“Starsk`, this isn`t the time. Think about your car, abandoned on the
sidewalk, someone will report it. You will get in trouble with Dobey. Isn`t it
enough that it`s me. Come on, let`s go!”
The blond`s attempt to leave the café was once again nipped in the bud by the
secure grip on his arm. Apparently the owner was recovering from the unexpected
display of her new customers and since she politely smiled and gestured them to
follow her she seemed one of those who considered any business good business.
Starsky immediately followed and Hutch gave in to his partner`s grip. After all
they were police officers on duty and it was not a good idea to make a spectacle
of themselves… a fact that the brunette was presently blissfully ignoring. 
“Would you down it a bit Starsky we are drawing attention.”
“That`s just your blondness` causing, sweet thing. Thought you`d gotten over
that by now.”
“More like your Charles Bronson not matching inner city life.”
“Hey, that`s mean Hutch, I am just trying to help.”
“By making me loose half of my hard-earned money on one drink and a piece of
cake.”
“Don`t worry I got you here, I`m buying. Just relax and take the seat this
nice smiling lady offers you right now.”
“Oh. Thank you, miss. I`m terribly sorry I didn`t realize you were…”
“Sit down Hutch. Thank you, dear. Would you please bring us to cups of your
best brew and some of that wonderful cake in the glass-box.”
The lady smiled politely at Starsky but her lips twitched and she shook her head
as she went to fulfill the order. Bay City was home to strange creatures and
once in a while one dropped by or two. 
“Glass-box, Starsky? What are you five?”
“I was trying to be extra polite.”
“Oh that was what you were trying, honestly I couldn`t tell.”
“Shut up, I can act well behaved.”
“With a gun pointed at your neck, sure, I bet my life on it, but here.”
“Fine, I will just behave like the guy over there.”
“What are you doing with your hand?”
“I am apparently touching yours to calm you down.”
“That is ridiculous.”
“It works for the lady over there. She looked a bit upset, he did this and she
is back to normal again. You want me fitting in? I fit in like a glove. The guy
in the suit is well mannered if I copy his moves I´ll be, too.”
“…”
“Copying is a way of flattery.”
“Or a sign of lacks in the upside storage. In your case…”
“Don`t say it Hutch. Oh, look they seem to be celebrating something. He just
gave her a gift and his lady is blushing. That`s nice.”
“Yeah, absolutely wonderful. The order is coming.”
Two of the place`s staff approached the men`s table. One carried a tray with pot
and cup and immediately began to set up the table.  He bowed a little and left
without a word. The second one approached them rolling a service-table with a
display of nicely cut slices. She asked their preferences and handed each men
two slices before placing the table at their side.
“Hmm, Hutch, this is good. I mean real good, like pastrami you know the real
thing from the restaurant…”
“…your grandmother lived over when you were a kid. Really Starsk` comparing
finery to pastrami you sure are something.”
“They are eating now, too.”
“Who is?”
“The other couple. She is having the strawberry-cream something you`re eating.
He has something in chocolate, white-black, looks good, too. Not as good as mine
looks though. And the taste , Hutch you`ve got to have a taste.”
“Would you please stop waving your cutlery around, you`re not a baby boy! It
is great you like your sugar-schock-slice so much but remember buddy, I am not
the chocolate addict in this relationship.”
“Hmm, here have a bite.”
“Starsky.”
“The fork ain`t going away, pal.  Come on. See that`s great, right. Beats your
strawberry any day.” 
“Yeah it`s wonderful. Is there cinnamon in this? Starsk`, would you stop
staring at other people, now.”
“What are you doing with your fork Hutch, this is my plate.”
“Don`t get defensive I just wanted another taste to get clear about the
cinnamon. Yeah, definitely cinnamon -- and cardamom, too. I guess I could bake
something like that, just have to stock up on the spices and buy some nuts.”
“Funny. Oh, I guess I was wrong.”
“Huh?”
“They are not new to each other. How nice, wish I`d ever had a nice long-term
relationship like that.”
“What`s so special about them, now?”
“He just fed her a piece of cake with his fork and she was a bit embarrassed
because of the surrounding I guess, but she ate it nonetheless. My ladies never
did that. Did one of yours?”
“No, of course not, Starsk. It is sort of uncomfortable to share food like
that, tends to spill and girls are particular about their dresses getting
spilled on. Besides normally you try to suck up to the girl by ordering the same
to establish similarities in likes. You know similar preferences make you appeal
to the other.”
“Guess so. You like blondes after all. I don`t care about hair that much. She
is a brunette by the way.”
“Who?”
“The woman on that table.”
“Starsky, why are you telling me this.”
“To let you know she is probably not your type. Brunette, curly hair not too
big, looks sportive.”
“Starsky, I don`t have a problem with any of these.”
“I`m not saying you have.”
“Good we made a point here, partner, because I don`t want you sprouting
rumours again. Remember that meter maid hates me and she is a blonde.”
“So, some blond people are better than others, Hutch. They really are close.
I`d like that Hutch someone that close. Do you think she cooks his dinner?”
“I think I am not having dinner tonight. I`d rather…I mean…”
“I think she does. Whatever… oh come on take the pastry Hutch, it looks like
it was designed with you in mind. I think I`ll try that chocolate-nut cream with
cherries. I love a good cherry once in a while but they are hard to come by you
know. They have to be nice and sweet and velvety…”
“Velvety?”
“Have a nice texture, Hutch, like fine skin.”
“Sure, who doesn`t like fruits with fine clear skin.” Starsky clearly missed
the eyeroll Hutch used to emphasize his statement. 
“You pineapple guy. The peach`s friend, Mr. Coconut.”
“You`ll never get over my craving for healthy snacks, will you.”
“Oh don’t you tell me that you`d rather have butterfly bones than these fine
pieces of art.”
“That is the same as comparing apples and oranges and you know that!”
“Ok, all I am saying is if the apple works for you it`s fine but you can still
sample the orange and relinquish in the difference. Who knows your tastebuds
might have a change of heart.”
“Cute”
“Hm so how do you feel now?”
“Delightfully fed.”
“Thought so but I meant… Hey look, now she is getting a gift. My she looks
pleased, there is a card as well.”
“Starsky don`t squint your eyes like that it won`t help.”
“Happy Anniversary.”
“What?”
“That`s written on the card. I wonder if there is a number, too. Suppose that
is a ten. Amazing they know each other ten years and are still cosy.”
“Being comfortable around the other person is a privilege Starsky, a real
benefit for any working relationship.”
“Oh, you funny guy, you know full well that…” 
“Sure. Now please stop staring at them they are bound to get uncomfortable any
time soon. And it would be unforgivably rude to interrupt their moment of
privacy like that.”
“Fine, I`ll have my own moment of privacy then, when I`m going out with your
meter maid.”
“Are you nuts?”
“Actually I`ve been not seeing her since that day.”
“Starsky. She accused me of sexual harassment. History or not what is she
going to do to you if you suddenly jump her skirt, now. She is a real
crazyhead.”
“I don`t think she is crazy, I think she`s either jealous or has the hots for
you.”
“Why would she accuse me falsely if she was interested me? That makes no
sense.”
“Sure does. Hell has no fury like a woman scorned my mother used to say.”
“A wonder she couldn`t teach you to not stare at others.”
“You know Hutch I`ve never watched two people who seem that much like each
other’s home, it`s intriguing.”
“It`s just love, Starsky.”
“Just eh?“
“Do you really think that crazy girl has a thing for me? She is more the type
who will fall for your charms. I`ve gotten the impression that she doesn`t like
me, plain and simple.”
“What`s not to like,Blondie?”
“Don`t waste it on me, mushbrain.”
“I see them and wonder why I am not a home.”
“Because you are a castle, pal.”
“Funny, Hutch. Wanna lay out a doormat?”
“Never needed one before. I guess their doormat says `No sweeter place than
home´ though.”
“Sure suits them. Look their having champagne, now.”
Hutch finally decided to turn around and have a look. Just as he regarded them
quietly they glanced over at the men`s table. Hutch felt embarrassment creeping
up on him but smiled politely and nodded acknowledgement. The couple smiled back
and nodded, too. 
“Kind people and definitely a good match, Starsky.”
“Said so. Oh seems you impressed them, they toasted us.”
“Great. Can you now quit your infatuation with a certain couple in favour of
an idea.”
“Sure, Blondie. We`re gonna talk to her like we always do.”
“Are you suggesting we interrogate a fellow officer who accuses me. That will
only give her new ammunition against me.”
“Maybe it will stop her, too.”
“Starsky that girl knows I didn`t do a thing. She obviously doesn`t mind
accusing people of something they didn`t do. That is an obvious sign of a
twisted character if I ever saw one.”
“She probably craves the attention.”
“Well what else could it be about? She gets attention and gets me out of the
picture as a bonus if they believe her. The question is: what does she hope to
achieve by doing so.”
“Maybe she is after a raise in salary. Busting a dirty cop is sure gonna help
her move up the rangs.”
“Possible. Maybe she is just pissed at someone else being well liked.”
“That is a feat of your character Hutch. You`re easy to live with and easy to
like, besides the only attention you accept is friendly companionship. You`ve
never given the impression you want to be fawned about. Admirers don`t suit you,
pal.”
“Admirers make me gag, Starsk`. Most people who admire someone have a real bad
shortage of self-esteem.”
“Often comes as a package deal with lacking morals. Admiring brings out all
the bad habits in the admired as well as the people who admire.”
“You`ve been into my books again, haven`t you?”
“What? You don`t think I can produce one genuine psychological thought on my
own?”
“You can, but normally they come out crooked.”
“Great, my partner considers me the harbor of crooked thoughts.”
“Not only crooked thoughts Starsky. Come on let`s get back to our ditch before
Dobey blows a casket.”
Starsky signaled the waitress and paid the enormous sum without a single twitch.
He stood up and preceded Hutch to the entrance. As the Duo passed the table of
the celebrating couple, Starsky stopped and smiled. “You two look lovely
together, Happy Anniversary folks.” Hutch surprised all three by adding: “
And many happily shared years to come.” Then he grasped Starsky`s wrist and
tagged. “ Come on partner.” Lucky for them Starsky`s Torino was famous
enough around the area to not attract to much attention. Apparently people knew
it was not smart to call a cop on a cop, word on the street still favoured the
theory of crows along the knowledge that birds of feather will flock together.
The Duo drove off uncritisized. Later that day the two were on a stake out, when
Starsky uttered the urge to leave the car for a cup of brew. Hutch simply nodded
and watched his partner cross the street towards a shop. When Starsky returned
with to Styrofoam-cups Hutch took both until Starsky was seated in the car, then
he handed one of the cups back and sipped. 
“Starsky, what is in that coffee?”
“Guess Hutch? I thought you had unfaultable tastebuds.”
“It can`t be, honest Starsky, bubbly on a stakeout have you lost it.”
“That`s why it`s mixed in with the sweet coffee. Drink up, Hutch. You deserve
it.”
“You`re one crazy man, mushbrain.”
“How can I not be stuck with that kind of partner.”




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