CHAPTER 8

Cassie heard the familiar roar of the Torino engine as it pulled into the drive. She got up and peered out to watch as they made their way inside. She walked over to the door and opened it to greet them.

“Where’ve you been?” She asked curiously. “You didn’t leave a note.”

“Sorry Cas…we didn’t expect to be gone so long.” Starsky told her. “We had something to take care of.”

Hutch walked in with a smile on his face and gave Cassie a small hug before following his partner into the kitchen. Starsky was pulling a beer from the fridge and was about to shut it when Hutch spoke up.

“Got one in there for me?” He asked as he came up from behind him.

“Yeah…sure.” Starsky answered him as he opened the door wider and pulled another one out to hand to him.

“So where were you?” Cassie asked again…not completely satisfied with the answer that she had received earlier. “Police stuff?”

“Yeah…just had to tie up a couple loose ends.” Hutch told her. “Nothing important.”

Cassie followed the two of them as they walked back into the living room to sit down. They were in a good mood so she took the opportunity to ask a question.

“Hey …do you think I can borrow the car for awhile?” She asked as she sat down next to Starsky.

“Where do you need to go?” He questioned her.

“I have to do a little Christmas shopping…and it would be nice if we had a tree.” She added

“Oh yeah…I was gonna pick one up this afternoon…” Starsky told her and then he turned to his partner. “How about it Santa?”

“You wanna drag a six foot pine needle disaster into this apartment…not to mention the mess it’ll leave in your car?” Hutch asked him.

“Who said anything about my car…I figured we could use the bomb.” Starsky teased him.

“Oh…I get it…” Hutch said a little annoyed. “Use my car because you wouldn’t
want to mess up yours.”

“Aw…C’mon Hutch.” Starsky begged. “Where’s your Holiday spirit?…Besides you have a bigger trunk.”

“Alright…as long as you help me clean it out later.” He gave in.

“Thanks Hutch…” Cassie said with a smile. “But I still need to borrow the Torino.”

“Why?” Starsky asked.

“Because silly…you can’t go Christmas shopping with me…then you’d know what I got for you.” She told him.

“She’s got a point ya know.” Hutch added. “We can pick up the tree while she ’s gone.”

“As long as you’re back by 5 o’clock.” He told her.

“That’ll give me plenty of time.” She told him. “I’ll be careful…I promise.”

He pulled the keys from his pocket and handed them to her. She kissed him quickly on the cheek and grabbed her purse from the kitchen counter and headed for the door.

“Hold it…” Starsky called to her. “Throw some jeans on before you leave.

“It’s not cold outside.” She told him.

“Just humor me will ya.” He said to her. “Those shorts aren’t fit for public viewing.”

“Alright…I’ll be right back.” Was all she said as she walked into her room to change.

Starsky waited for her to leave the room before speaking again.

“Did ya see that?” He asked as he looked at Hutch.

“See what?” He replied.

“No argument…normally I would have had to fight with her about it…didn’t you notice?” He remarked.

“So be thankful…What’s there to complain about?” Hutch asked him.

“She’s lost her spunk…Hutch…there’s something really weird about it.”

“So you’re telling me you’d prefer rebellion over compromise?” He asked curiously.

“I’d prefer honesty over this phony act of hers.” He explained. “That’s not the Cassie I know.”

“Well…maybe you don’t know her as well as you thought you did.” Hutch replied. “People change…maybe she’s just growing up.”

“I miss her Hutch…I can’t get used to this…she’s too perfect…it’s driving me crazy!”

“What’s going on out here?” Cassie asked as she stepped into the living room… catching the tail end of his last remark.

“We were just discussing possible retirement spots for Starsky…I suggested Cabio Point.” He kidded.

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