CHAPTER 3

“Are You Crazy?” Hutch gasped as he gazed over at Starsky…he couldn’t believe that Starsky would give into it so easily.  Especially after the lecture he just received from him about Cassie.  What was his partner up to?

“It’s just another assignment Hutch…we can handle it.” Starsky said it as if it were no big deal…he knew it would drive Hutch crazy wondering why he was so calm about it. “When do we start?” He asked as he looked up at Dobey.

“The owner said you can practice tonight…and he’ll have to approve of your act…so you may have to audition for him tonight too.” He told them.

“No problem.” Starsky said as he headed for the door…then stopped as he looked at Hutch, who was still reeling from the conversation. “You coming?”

“Yeah…Yeah…” He said a little shaky as he got up and followed his partner into the squad room.

Starsky grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and picked up a day old donut out of a box on his desk…Hutch followed him without a word all the way to the car.  Starsky slid into the driver’s seat and Hutch got in the other side…still without a word.  They were both waiting for the other to speak…but it was Hutch who couldn’t stand the silence any longer.

“I don’t understand you…I mean I never would have expected this from you in a million years.” Hutch said to him…it wasn’t like Starsky at all to agree to something so outrageous.

Starsky pulled up to the convenience store and started to get out. “Want something?” He asked Hutch ignoring his obvious question.

“Wait just a damn minute…don’t you go anywhere …we’re gonna settle this thing here and now…” Hutch said in an angry tone.  “Just what the hell makes you so damn willing all of a sudden to take off all your clothes in front of a bunch of strangers.” He asked him.

Starsky closed the car door and put his arm on the back of the seat to get close to him so he could talk more privately. “You didn’t think it was such a big deal when you talked me into letting Cassie walk around showing off her panties…what’s the matter…is it different for a guy?” Starsky posed the question to him.

“So that’s what this is all about…you’re telling me that you’re willing to strip just to make me do it so you can prove a point?” Hutch asked.

“You’re the one that started this whole thing.” Starsky told him. “Now we’ll see if you can practice what you preach.”

“C’mon Starsky you gotta admit…this is a little different…I mean…” Hutch was at a loss for words.

“How is it different?…She can show her panties to the world and it’s ok. How is that different than showing yours to a crowd of screaming women…tell me.” He asked knowing that His partner couldn’t possibly come up with an answer…he had him against a wall and he knew it.

“Alright…you win…but it means you’ll have to do it too.” Hutch told him.

“I can handle it…the question is Blondie…Can you?”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------