Right out of the gate and we’re right back in as deep as ever. That had been Hutch’s first thought upon their first case since Starsky’s return to duty after the shooting. Several months of recovery later his partner was itching to get his feet wet. Hutch suspected Starsky was eager to prove his capability to do the job as well as before.

As pleased as he was over Starsky’s return, Hutch still brought his rough cynicism with him. There would be no more high expectation to win every battle and no more brash eagerness. He’d gone down that road before and more often than not, it was paved with bitter disappointment and even more tragedy. The only reason he stayed on the force was because of Starsky. I don’t have anything better to do, was his wry thought.

Hutch checked himself in the mirror while he waited for Starsky to arrive at his place. This undercover assignment seemed easy enough, but Hutch wasn’t going to call it that. Luther Kegan was a dealer. Not just any dealer, either. He was considered a respected businessman through his art dealings and real estate developments. It was believed through those businesses he smuggled in large amounts of cocaine and laundered the flow of cash.

All they needed to do was to put Kegan and the drugs in the same place. It would be enough to give the Feds, DEA and the Justice Department reason to invade Kegan’s businesses and various homes. Simple idea, yes. But Hutch knew a man like that didn’t get where he was by being stupid.

He told Starsky exactly that. But it soon became clear Starsky expected the task to be much easier than it appeared. Hutch supposed it was because Kegan oversaw the majority of his dealings personally.

With another stroke to his mustache, Hutch straightened. He took the comb through his hair one more time. The double-breasted midnight blue suit with the white shirt underneath gave off the right signals. Hutch checked the gold cufflinks. His father had given them to him for graduation.

He remembered his father’s declaration. A man’s success will be detected by the small details…never the large ones. The cufflinks were designed by an expensive jeweler for Hutch. The last time he wore them was his marriage to Vanessa. Since then they had sat in a small box at the top of the closet.

Hutch wasn’t leaving anything to chance. If he was going to play the role of successful buyer, he intended to be as convincing as possible. He had spent an entire day searching for the right wardrobe. Since he knew the case could last a few weeks, Hutch had bought several items and the US government had no problem footing the bill.

The door to the apartment opened and Hutch stepped out of his bedroom. Starsky, wearing his black suit, looked as dangerous as any bodyguard could get. While his wardrobe wasn’t quite as high-dollar as Hutch’s was, it got the message across. Intimidation was in every look and movement.

The grin filled Starsky’s face, sloughing off the dark aura he had exuded.

“Well, look at you!” Starsky strolled over and gave Hutch a once over. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think were a CEO of some super corporation.”

“Right.” Hutch rolled his eyes. “Did you get the car?”

“Yep.” Starsky headed to the kitchen and opened the fridge door. He rifled through the items and came out with a leftover sandwich. “It’s out front. Huggy’s pissed.”

Hutch walked over and leaned against the counter. “Playing chauffer was never his line of work.”

“Not only that. His cousin said if we got so much as a scratch on the Rolls, he’ll sue the city, the county, and any other governmental entity associated with this case.” Starsky took a bite of the sandwich.

Glancing at the Rolex on his wrist, Hutch said, “It’s about time. You ready?”

“Let me finish this,” Starsky said between bites.

After getting a glass down, Hutch moved around his partner and pulled milk out of the fridge. He poured a glass and slid it over.

“Thanks.” Starsky drank half, ate another two bites finishing off the sandwich, then drained the glass. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Hutch pointed at Starsky’s mouth. “Milk.”

Starsky started to wipe it off with his sleeve, then stopped. He glanced around and found a towel. He dried his mouth and followed Hutch out the door.

Once outside Venice Place, Hutch halted at the sight of the elegant black Rolls. He whistled. “My father swore he would buy one of these after he made his first million.”

Starsky couldn’t help but admire the car as well. “He didn’t?”

“He waited until he made five. I guess he wanted to make sure he’d keep it.”

Huggy stepped out of the driver’s side of the car and as he walked around the front, his eyes narrowed at Starsky and Hutch. “You two clowns owe me big for this.”

“Come on, Hug,” Hutch said. “It’s for a good cause.”

“Cliché has never been my style,” Huggy declared. He looked down at the uniform with disgust on his face. “If anyone sees me in this it’ll ruin my rep.”

Starsky couldn’t hide the smile. “You’re secret’s safe with us, Huggy.”

“I am not opening the door. You two honkies can do it yourself.”

Hutch stopped him from going back to the car. “You will play the part, won’t you?”

“Don’t I always?” Huggy stalked back to the driver’s side grumbling under his breath.

Starsky stepped forward and opened the back door with a flourish. “After you.”

Hutch slid inside and after Starsky crawled in, they were on their way. He found the small envelope in a leather pocket and opened it. He dropped the key into the palm of his hand and held it out. “You’ll hold onto this.”

Starsky took it and examined it. “Guess the Feds agreed with you.”

“Having the ability to flaunt will help secure our covers. The city can’t afford it.”

With a sigh, Starsky put the key in his pocket and leaned back in the seat. “Still hard to believe you walked away from it all.”

“Why?”

Starsky shrugged his shoulders. “Seems like too much to walk away from, but then if you didn’t we wouldn’t have met.”

“Glad you see the positives.”

With a chuckle, Starsky looked out the window. “I guess that’s why I’m the bodyguard. I’m easily impressed and you’re not.”

“Trust me when I say being wealthy is overrated.”

Starsky gave Hutch a wink. “I’ll try.”

Hutch smiled and after another few minutes they arrived in front of the large mansion. Limos and various vehicles were everywhere indicating the large party going on inside.

Valets stood at the ready and when their car opened, Starsky got out first. He did a quick scan of the area, then nodded. Hutch stepped out and after straightening the well-cut suit, he headed inside.

Starsky pulled out the exclusive invitation and once inside, his eyes traveled over the various guests. He stood close to Hutch. “See him?”

“Not yet.” A waiter passed by and Hutch took a filled champagne glass from the tray.

Both detectives’ eyes went to the top of the stairs at the man headed down. The guests turned and applauded. He wore his confidence and wealth as well as the tailor fit casual clothes on him. Dark wavy brown hair hung just below the collar and the sharpness to his face added to the firm control he held in place.

“Damn,” Hutch whispered.

“What?”

“We’ve got our work cut out for us, partner. Luther Kegan owns whatever world he’s in.”

“Hutch, quit worrying. He puts his pants on one leg at a time like everybody else. He probably had to waste a few people to do it.”

Hutch’s eyes never left Luther Kegan. The unease in his gut was growing and he didn’t like it. Everything told him this was dangerous if he voiced it, Starsky would blame it on having a huge case so soon after his return. Hoping for luck to find their way, he turned.

“Let’s mingle. We’ll get a look at the artwork and after a few hours get the introductions out of the way.”

Playing the dutiful bodyguard, Starsky nodded. Staying at Hutch’s back, he followed and stayed out of the conversations Hutch held with various people. He would answer a few questions, but his position didn’t allow for as much interaction as his partner. Starsky liked it that way.

He could take in the room, eye questionable guests and be prepared for any variety of getaways. He knew how edgy Hutch was about taking on a case like this so soon, but Starsky needed to prove to his partner and himself he was ready. His recovery had been hell and being back to what he was before the shooting was the goal. He wasn’t ready to chuck the badge, yet.

Only an hour had passed since their arrival and while they were crossing into another room a large abstract painting on the wall got Hutch’s attention. He wandered over and he breathed in the beauty and complexity of the art. Starsky was near his shoulder and Hutch took the moment to give his love of art the chance to appreciate the work.

“She’s my favorite.”

Hutch turned, along with Starsky, to see Luther Kegan standing close by. “It’s beautiful. I thought all of Forkner’s work was in New York.”

A wide smile spread across Luther’s face. “You know art.”

Hutch turned his gaze back to the painting. “All of his work was bought.”

Luther walked over and stood next to Hutch. “This piece popped up at a country home in France. As soon as word got out, I bought her. I couldn’t let her slip away.”

Art was personal to Luther, like a living breathing thing, and he would own it. Hutch filed the information away and stole a quick glance at Starsky who didn’t seem to mind not being included in the discussion. “You’re very lucky. There are people who would give their eyeteeth for a scribble on a napkin.”

“I call it knowing the right people.” Luther held his hand out. “Luther Kegan. And you’re Ken Hutchinson. Thank you for coming.”

“Invitations were hard to come by.”

Luther slid his hands into his pockets. “I don’t care to mix business and pleasure, but we need to get a few preliminaries out of the way. Walk with me.”

After another look at Starsky, Hutch followed Luther out to the large swimming pool. Lights decorated the area and people were milling about with some taking advantage of the water. They meandered through the stone pillars and Hutch felt like he was in the height of Rome’s wealth.

Luther motioned for a waiter and took two glasses from the tray. He handed one to Hutch. He eyed Starsky who wasn’t far away. “Friend?”

“Bodyguard, go-to man, assistant...” Hutch shrugged his shoulders.

“The dirty work,” Luther added. “Someone has to do it.” He sipped the glass and looked at Hutch. “When I got the word you were looking to buy, I checked you out.”

Hutch took a drink. “I expected as much.”

“You want to supplement the family business’ lack of business.”

“The company’s been in my family for three generations. Someone else can fail…not me.”

“You’ll need a large number of customers to keep satisfied.”

“Already taken care of.” Hutch eyed Starsky to pass the message.

Luther’s smile was a sharp one. “Of course you wouldn’t dive in not knowing who the sharks were.”

After a small raise of his glass, Hutch took a drink. “Of course.”

Taking a step closer to Hutch, Luther said, “Listen, rather than jump into business too soon I would like to get to know you better. Think your bodyguard would let you wander more than ten feet away so we can talk?”

“Sure.” Hutch turned and stepped over to Starsky and spoke in a low voice. “You okay with this?”

“I think he’s suspicious, Hutch. Just a hunch.”

“I think you’re right. Not much to worry about with a party this size.”

Starsky nodded. “I won’t be far.”

With great interest, Starsky’s gaze remained on Luther who put a hand on Hutch’s shoulder while they walked away. He spent the next few hours wandering and following Hutch with his eyes. His partner appeared interested in the dialogue with Luther and Starsky wondered what they were discussing. Given Luther’s desire to keep business and pleasure separate he knew it wasn’t all about buying cocaine.

~*~

It was growing late and Hutch was ready to leave. Luther was a far more interesting man than the drug dealer he expected. He was complicated with depth and thought. He wasn’t the criminal Hutch had readied himself for. His approach was growing more complex.

“We won’t be able to do any business until the day after tomorrow. I’ll be in San Francisco most of the day,” Luther explained.

“You have my contact information. Call me when you get back.”

“How about I do you one better.” Luther stood next to Hutch and looked into his eyes. “Have dinner with me tomorrow night…without your bodyguard.”

Hutch’s heart lurched and he hoped his shock didn’t show. He admitted to feeling a certain understanding with Luther, but this was out of left field. Maybe he was wrong about the suggestion. “I like to have him close by when it comes to business.”

“This isn’t business and I think you know it, Ken.”

Whether it was the warm closeness or the alcohol, Hutch couldn’t be sure. Luther read him far better than he had realized. He needed the distance to get his bearings and Hutch didn’t want to risk the case by turning down Luther. He had no idea how the man would react. “Yes, I know.”

“You’ve felt it, too,” Luther pressed. He reached over and pushed a strand of Hutch’s hair into place. “We owe it to ourselves to see how far it goes.”

“I came here to do business, Luther.”

Luther smiled. “Of course, but I didn’t expect the man I got. You didn’t either.”

Trying to keep his heartbeat steady was taking more work than Hutch planned. He took a drink from the champagne glass and set it aside. Even alcohol wasn’t having the desired effect. “Tomorrow night, then.”

The smile on Luther’s face was a victorious one. “I’ll see you at eight.”

Watching Hutch walk away, Luther folded his arms. The first time he laid eyes on Ken Hutchinson the attraction had been instant. There was more to him than the rich boy who couldn’t run a business. That much Luther was sure. He was looking at a complex man who had plenty of stories to tell.

His resources had been very thorough in the investigating of Ken Hutchinson and even with the vast amount of knowledge Luther had acquired he now suspected it was only the tip of the iceberg. Luther was determined to get to know the walking contradiction better.

~*~

Once in the Rolls, Hutch took a deep breath. “Huggy, get us to the Waldorf.”

Ignoring the grumbling of his friend, Hutch leaned back and rubbed his eyes. He looked at Starsky whose face was lined with worry. “Day after tomorrow we’ll get the details of the shipment.”

“Good. Maybe this thing will be over much sooner than we thought.”

Not for me. “I agreed to have dinner tomorrow night with him.”

Starsky pulled up his foot and slipped off the shoe. “I hate these things.” He rubbed his toes and looked at Hutch. “What’s wrong?”

“The dinner doesn’t include you.”

“What’s it for?”

Hutch shook his head. He didn’t want to tell Starsky, but there was no getting around it. “More getting acquainted.”

“But, I thought that’s what tonight was.”

“Starsk.” Hutch closed his eyes. “It’s a dinner date.”

“What?” Starsky exclaimed.

“Shhh.” Hutch pushed the button and the window came up behind Huggy. “Will you calm down?”

“No one said he was gay!”

“I doubt anyone knew. He’s a businessman and it probably doesn’t do him any favors by it being public knowledge.”

Starsky relaxed in the seat. “So he’s on the make for you. What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know.”

“Hutch, you can’t let him…well, you know.”

“I have no intention of fucking him or vice versa,” Hutch iterated. “I can play hard to get.”

“He doesn’t strike me as the kind who takes well to being led on.”

“It’ll be enough of a chase to keep him guessing.” Hutch doubted it would so simple.

The car stopped and after waving Huggy off, both men walked inside the expensive hotel. After arriving in their suite, Hutch slipped off the blazer and proceeded to remove the cufflinks.

Starsky sat on the couch and removed his shoes. He glanced at Hutch. “What’d you mean?”

“About what?” Hutch didn’t look up.

“Keeping him guessing. What does that mean?”

Hutch crossed the room and went to the large plate glass window overlooking the lighted city. “Do I need to draw pictures?”

After removing his socks, Starsky got to his feet and went to Hutch. “How far?”

“What?”

“How far will you go?”

Tired, Hutch ran his hand through his hair. “It may not take too much on my part.”

“But you don’t believe it.”

“Starsky,” Hutch said as he turned towards him. “There’s no way of knowing this soon. Tomorrow night I’ll have a better idea.”

“Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to find another way inside. The Feds think some of the pieces Kegan’s brought in from overseas are how he got the drugs in country.”

“It’s not enough and you know it. He’d get out from under anything he’s not directly involved in.” Hutch stepped closer to Starsky. “I don’t like it any better than you do, partner, but this is the in we needed. It’s no different than any other time we’ve had to go…” Hutch paused. “Above and beyond.”

The insinuation was clear. It was true and in a few rare cases the results had been a disaster. Starsky questioned if this would be any different. He answered with a silent resounding yes. Luther Kegan was a man and it wasn’t the fact Hutch had never been with another. It was the reality their suspect had already set his sights on him and considered Hutch as belonging to him.

Starsky remembered Luther’s stance around Hutch and the possessiveness in every move, in every look and in every word. Instinct told him that. How it happened so quick, Starsky couldn’t be sure. He knew their covers were intact. The Justice Department had made sure of it. His best guess was that Luther Kegan knew what he wanted from the very outset when he investigated his new business partner.

~*~

It was with nervous anticipation that Hutch arrived at Luther’s estate. Starsky had been subdued after learning of the dinner invitation and Hutch couldn’t blame him. If there were any way to get out of it without alarming their target, Hutch would have taken it in a heartbeat.

He was led in by at butler out to the pool. Hutch faltered at the intimate atmosphere and he gazed at the candlelit setting for two. The underwater lights in the pool added more to setting the stage for a romantic evening.

“Ken, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

Hutch turned and watched Luther headed in his direction. The clothing was far more casual than he expected. A loose shirt of pale Egyptian cotton and khakis looked good on him. Hutch hated admitting it. He almost regretted the plain white shirt and black slacks he wore.

“I haven’t been here long.”

The butler and maid appeared with the food and Luther dismissed them for the rest of the evening. “I was on an important overseas call and couldn’t get away. I hope you like filet mignon.”

“You went to too much trouble,” Hutch told him.

“Nonsense.” Luther opened a bottle of red wine and after pouring a glass, he handed it to Hutch. “I rarely get the opportunity to privately entertain anyone.”

Hutch sipped the wine and was impressed by the heady flavor. “This is good.”

“Only the best.” Luther picked up his filled glass and raised it. “Here’s to the future. May we be blessed by it.”

With a soft tap of his glass, Hutch nodded. He walked over to the chair Luther had pulled out for him and sat. When both were comfortable and eating, Luther looked at Hutch. “I was thinking of you today.”

Hutch took a small bite. “Oh?”

“I bought a new gallery and it’s being renovated.”

“San Francisco?”

Luther nodded. “On my last visit I found too many galleries offering art more for the inside of hotel rooms and not enough high quality sculptors and the like. When I was looking for pieces I was having a hell of time choosing since it’s an area I’m not particularly strong in.”

“And you think I am?”

With glittering brown eyes, Luther’s smile was one of desire. “I bet you have a great eye.”

Embarrassed, Hutch set his fork down and picked up the wine. “It’s just a hobby.”

“You know artwork, Ken. Don’t be so modest. I love your passion for it.” Luther pushed the food across his plate. “So how did you go from jet setter to running the family business?”

“No one else wanted it, plus it sounded like a good idea at the time. I wasn’t exactly at the top of the list to take it over.” It was easy to tell the story. Much of Hutch’s personal life had been used to secure his cover.

“Your father’s company was in trouble before you took the helm. I’m not sure if you’d be able to scrape up the cash you need without starting this endeavor.”

“You’re right there.” Hutch wiped his mouth. “In a few years a cousin will have his masters and he can have it.”

“Three years if I’m not mistaken.”

Hutch already knew the history, but the need to make conversation seemed to help divert from the real reason he was here. “Those two years in boarding school didn’t offer any reason for me to want to take it on. I prefer lifestyles of the rich and lazy.”

With a low laugh, Luther picked up his glass. “Everything about you says otherwise. Bored is more your style, Ken.”

He hated Luther’s insight into his life. “And you? How’d you wind up dealing when you have so much?”

“You’re aware it’s not how I made my money, I take it.” At Hutch’s nod, Luther continued. “I suppose one must start at the beginning. My father was a cold-hearted bastard. He was a truck driver and whenever he came home, he hit the bottle and then me. It was a brutal life.”

“Jesus.”

The smile appeared slow. Luther appreciated Hutch’s reaction. “When my mother died, he continued on the road and I was shuffled off to some relative. I was sixteen at the time.” He leaned forward. “It always pissed him off I never cried out or begged for him to stop. Somehow, I felt if I did, it would give him more power over me and I refused to give it. It made the beatings worse, but in the end, he lost control and I kept it.” Luther played with his wine glass as he spoke. “I worked my way through college, found a job working for a successful stockbroker. I kept my mouth shut, learned and made money. I invested it in real estate and a few other enterprises.”

“You’ve done well.”

“The drug dealing is for kicks, Ken. I love the rush and since cocaine usually finds its way into the hands of the well-to-do, I feel no remorse.”

Hutch toyed with his napkin. “It can be a nasty business.”

“I agree, but I’m different than your standard drug dealer. You see, I never kill. It’s messy and brings unwanted attention. I have other methods more to my liking.” Needing to drive the point home even more, Luther continued. “I did track down my father. He was still living in that same damn house. I bought the homes around it and sent an agent to him to make an offer. My father refused as I knew he would. The money offered was paltry compared to the worth of the house. Then, I sold shares of the property I had bought to a developer who was looking to expand on an idea. They took my father to court, he used up his pension in the fight, he lost and died in a homeless shelter.”

The retribution was unique and Hutch couldn’t find the words to counter them. He looked at Luther who brought the wine glass to his lips.

“My own form of reckoning is far more damaging than taking a life. Anyone can kill, Ken, but not everyone can wield power in such a personal way.”

Locking away the interesting piece of information, Hutch found his plate empty of food. He hadn’t noted his pace of eating during the conversation with Luther. He looked up when his dinner companion stood.

“I want to show you something.”

Hutch rose and followed Luther into the house. They went up the stairs past a large library and Luther stopped in front of a door. He took a key from his pocket and unlocked it.

When Hutch first entered, the darkness enveloped him and rather than alarm, there was a strange sense of comfort. He heard Luther’s footsteps behind him and section by section, lights over paintings appeared.

The illumination of artwork prompted Hutch to walk over to the nearest painting. Stunned, he moved farther down and looked at another. He stepped away and his eyes scanned each piece until they settled on Luther. “My God, this is incredible. Some of these I didn’t know existed.”

Luther moved farther down closer to Hutch and he looked at a rare piece. “It’s my private collection. From time to time I’ll have one displayed.” He ran his finger along the frame of one. “This is my favorite room in the house. I come here sometimes to think.”

“I don’t blame you,” Hutch said. He was in awe of the magnificent artwork. “I could spend hours here.”

“I knew you’d appreciate it, Ken. This is a special place for me and I rarely show it off.” Luther moved towards the end of the large room and stopped in front of a rather large painting. “I would never allow anything as lowly as drug money to demean this or any other private purchase.”

The value Luther placed on the art he possessed wasn’t lost on Hutch. He was beginning to doubt Luther used any artwork purchases to smuggle the cocaine. “I don’t blame you. Its purity would be tarnished.”

“I knew you’d understand.” Luther appeared relieved and he walked over to Hutch. “We’re alike, you and I. You understand my passions far better than most anyone else.” He took an intimate step closer. “I understand yours.”

Hutch heart pounded in his chest, his mouth grew dry and much to his surprise, his cock twitched. Luther’s nearness was overpowering and the headiness of it made him dizzy.

Before he could say anything, Luther’s lips were on his, demanding, wanting and expecting. The power would not be denied and Hutch’s mouth submitted much to his surprise. He was so taken aback by the command of Luther’s mouth Hutch steadied himself by taking hold of his arms.

He was pulled to the hard body and being nestled so close, the physical response almost swept him away. Upon realizing how easy it would be to allow it, Hutch broke away from the potent kiss and stepped back.

Luther almost smiled at the effect on him. “I’ve wanted to do that since I first laid eyes on you.”

Hutch touched his lips with his fingers trying to comprehend his reaction.

“Ken, forgive me for prying, but I must know. Have you ever been with a man?”

Still trying to get his bearings, Hutch took a deep breath. “How can you possibly know?”

“It was a guess.” Luther took a step closer. They were eye to eye and he wished he could take Hutch in this room. “I could get so lost in you.” He laughed a little. “You are the only person I’ve ever met that I’d willingly let go of my control for.”

“Never let it be said you don’t know what you want.”

“Exactly.” Luther was filled with desire for this man and he knew how easy it would be to seduce him. To move so fast was out of character, but he knew what he wanted and it was Hutch. He’d step back and let his future lover catch his breath. “Come on. We’ll finish off the wine and talk some more.”

For that, Hutch was thankful. He needed to get his head together. An Army of cops wouldn’t have been able to break the spell he had been under during the kiss and he was rattled to his core. As he followed Luther out of the room, Hutch prayed the case would end soon.

~*~

It was after midnight by the time Hutch returned to the hotel suite. Starsky was stretched out on the couch asleep and the TV blared. He turned it off and walked over to where his partner slept. Hutch wore an admiring smile as he studied him.

Starsky’s arms were under the small pillow in an attempt to snuggle to it as close as possible. Almost nothing could wake him. Hutch knew how deep his partner’s sleeps were. Even that he puts one hundred percent in. It never ceased to amaze him how passionate Starsky could be.

Upon studying Starsky, Hutch’s eyes went to his lips. He’d seen his partner kiss various women over the years and it always appeared he put as much of himself as possible into the act as he would anything else he loved doing. Hutch wished he could be more like Starsky, but more often than not, he would get caught up in his partner’s zeal and the ride was rarely disappointing.

For the first time since he had known him, Hutch wondered what it would be like to be the subject of a Starsky kiss. He loved Starsky and was curious how much of it would transfer into something physical. They were always affectionate, but Hutch’s wonderings were taking him beyond the usual musings when it came to his partner.

He shook his head and walked away. Luther’s desires were bringing out something unexpected in Hutch. He was still having a hard time adjusting to his body’s out of control reactions to the man. Needing a harsh shower, Hutch headed to the bedroom. He had to get it together. Since first laying eyes on Luther Kegan Hutch was having a hell of time keeping his feet under him.

~*~

It was midmorning by the time Hutch emerged from the bedroom. He was surprised to find Starsky sitting at the table with a large breakfast before him.

Starsky set the newspaper aside and reached for his orange juice and grinned. “Morning, Sleeping Beauty.”

Hutch nodded and rubbed his eyes. He sat across from Starsky and poured some coffee.

“What time did you get in last night?”

“Late.” Hutch sipped the hot drink hoping it would give him the needed start. “We should get a call later this afternoon.”

Piling strawberry jelly onto his toast, Starsky glanced at Hutch. When nothing else came, he said, “Well?”

Hutch picked up a fork and stabbed at his eggs. “Well what?”

“Last night. How’d it go?”

“Oh,” Hutch said as if he’d forgotten. He hadn’t, but he hoped Starsky would. “Fine.”

Starsky wasn’t happy with the short answers he was getting. “Is that all you’ve got to say?”

“I don’t think he’s running drugs through his art galleries or shipments.”

“The Feds don’t agree.”

“He loves art too much, Starsk. It’s hard to explain.”

“Try me.” Starsky couldn’t gage much from Hutch and he didn’t like it.

“Remember that time you told me about a gold watch you lifted from a store when you were a kid?”

“Sure. I wound up giving it back and getting a good grounding as a result of my honesty.”

“You had to have the watch and you knew there was no way you’d ever have the money to pay for it. Once you swiped it you hardly ever wore it for fear of someone discovering what you did and when you did have it out, you couldn’t enjoy it because of how you got it.”

Starsky set his half eaten toast down and leveled his gaze at Hutch. “You’re telling me Kegan would feel guilty by using artwork to smuggle drugs?”

Hutch shook his head. “Not exactly. He smuggles and deals because of the thrill he gets from it, but still looks down on it. Art is too precious for him and to bring it down to the level of drugs would take away the pleasure he gets from it.”

“I don’t think the Feds will buy it.”

“The Feds don’t know who they’re dealing with.”

“So who are we dealing with?” Starsky stuck a piece of bacon in his mouth.

“A very smart man who knows what he’s doing every step of the way.” Hutch pushed the food around on his plate. The kiss was never far from his thoughts.

“You admire him.”

“It’s not that.” Hutch struggled to explain. “He’s far more complicated than I originally thought. He uses control and manipulation to get what he wants, but he also has deeply seated passions he keeps separate from everything else. He doesn’t have to do this at all.”

“Sounds to me he’s sharing a lot of his passions with you.” Starsky was growing a deep hatred of this man because of his effect on Hutch.

“The smuggling and dealing is on the edge. It shouldn’t be a surprise.”

Toying with the napkin, Starsky gazed at Hutch. He had to ask. He had to know. “Anything interesting happen last night?”

Hutch kept his eyes down. “He showed me his private art collection. We went through a bottle of wine and talked.”

“Hutch.” When his partner’s eyes met his, Starsky leaned forward. “What happened?”

He was getting tired of being read so easily. “He kissed me. Satisfied?”

Starsky got his question answered and wasn’t sure how he felt about it. Another man had put his hands on his partner. Another man was playing havoc with his partner’s passions. Another man had kissed his partner. “And you let him.”

“Christ, Starsky!” Hutch tossed his fork down. “What was I supposed to do?”

“Tell him you’re straight!”

“Sure, and risk the case.” Hutch shook his head. “I told you the other night we’d do what we have to.”

“Hutch, I don’t like it.”

“Think I do? Starsky, it’s no different than the other times. If leading him on keeps us in and leads to our arresting him we do it.”

Leaning back in the chair, Starsky watched Hutch leave his unfinished breakfast and go into the bedroom. This case was going in a direction he didn’t like. The speed it was taking bothered him more than the direction. Hutch was off balance and Kegan was the reason.

~*~

It was late in the afternoon when Starsky and Hutch got the call. They were due to meet at Kegan’s estate and upon arriving were led into the large library on the second floor of the mansion.

Luther rose and he gave a smile meant only for Hutch. Plans had already formed in his mind to up the stakes in their new relationship and he looked forward to breaking down all of Hutch’s defenses.

Starsky regarded Luther with more suspicion and upon eyeing the man standing near the desk, his mistrust grew.

“This is my associate, Stuart Paxton.”

Stuart gave a short nod. His thinning hair and thick rimmed glasses gave off an appearance of a weak man, but Starsky read him far differently. Underneath the well-pressed suit was a gun as well as a fit body. This was a disciplined man and the way his hazel eyes regarded him, the misgivings were apparent.

“Gentlemen,” Stuart said. “I will be assisting with the transaction. I prefer trust between us.”

As a signal, Stuart reached inside his jacket and pulled out a handgun. He set it on the desk. Starsky hated it. The piece was expensive and specially made unlike his well-used berretta. It also forced him to expose more of himself and that he didn’t like. After a glance at Hutch, Starsky pulled his weapon out and set it next to the more costly one.

“Good,” Luther declared. “Would anyone care for a drink?”

“No,” Starsky said. He had spoken up over Hutch in order not to allow anyone to make moves not to his liking. “Let’s get down to it.”

“David’s a professional,” Hutch said. “He prefers cutting to the chase.”

Luther tilted his head at Starsky. “A trait I admire.” This was a man he knew he’d have to be more careful of. He didn’t have Hutch’s refinement and had little use for the finer things in life. It made for someone who took everything at face-value and trusted little. “How much are you looking to start with, Ken?”

“Twenty kilos.”

“So much?” Luther sat in the leather chair and leaned back. “I expected half that.”

“I spoke to some buyers and they’re looking for expansion as well.” Hutch took a seat on the sofa across from Luther. “Call it helping the little guy.”

Luther laughed. “That kind of load will take time.”

“How much?” Starsky asked.

“Stuart?” Luther asked.

“A week.”

“Not good enough.” Starsky kept his stance even and relaxed. He’d seen enough of deals go bad he was ready for anything. “Three days.”

“Won’t happen,” Luther told him. “We set the schedule and I will not deviate for you or anyone. If it’s not to your liking, you and you employer are more than welcome to take your business elsewhere, but you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who can fulfill your requirements.”

Hutch had told Luther he allowed Starsky great leeway in this deal and he was hesitant to speak up at this point. Overruling his partner during such a crucial moment would hurt the work they were trying to do.

“Fine.” Starsky took a look at Hutch and swore he almost saw relief in those eyes.

“How much?” Hutch asked.

“$700,000,” Luther answered.

“A kilo costs thirty grand on the street,” Hutch said. “We’re buying in bulk. Five hundred.”

“I have expenses,” Luther countered. “Six fifty.”

“Six,” Hutch answered.

A sharp smile grew on Luther’s face. He loved Hutch’s negotiating skills. “Agreed.”

The loathing in Starsky’s gut grew. “When and where.”

Stuart stepped forward. “I’ll let you know.”

Starsky shook his head. “Not good enough. We agree on a time and place now.” He turned his head to Luther. “Non-negotiable.”

The smile disappeared and Luther’s eyes shot to Stuart, then back to Starsky. “We have an out of the way location. The cocaine is dropped at a nearby airfield and brought to a small farmhouse.”

“I like to avoid unannounced visitors,” Starsky said. “I’ll send someone to scope the place out.”

Stuart went to the desk and opened up the top drawer. He pulled out a manila envelope and brought out several pictures. “We keep it secured. This should put your suspicions at ease.”

Starsky walked over and looked over the photos. One was an aerial shot and he glanced at Hutch who remained seated. The others were of the road leading to the farmhouse and the inside. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” Stuart said. “Go over them at your leisure.”

After putting the photos back in their envelope, Starsky said, “We’ll be in touch.”

Satisfied, Luther stood along with Hutch. “I look forward to a productive business relationship, Ken.”

“So do I, Luther.” Hutch took a look at Starsky and saw the impatience in his eyes. Luther would want to celebrate with drinks to start off their venture. “I do have to leave. Some problems have come up that require my attention.”

“Of course.” Luther walked Starsky and Hutch to the door. Seeing Starsky in the lead, he moved next to Hutch as they took the stairs. “I’m taking my boat out tomorrow. Please come.”

“I have an appointment…” Hutch searched for a viable excuse. Luther’s closeness was intoxicating.

“Break it,” Luther softly ordered. “You know you want to.”

To say he was torn was an understatement. Luther still affected him as strongly as the night of their kiss and he was frightened of his own reactions. On the other hand, they couldn’t afford to alienate this man before the transaction took place. Hutch still remembered Luther’s ruthlessness towards his own father.

“Where?”

“Come here. It’s docked close by. We’ll have a relaxing dinner when we get back. Around two?”

Hutch nodded. They were at the door and when he looked at Starsky, the questions in his eyes were going to be hard to answer. “I’ll see you then.”

“I’m looking forward to it, Ken.”

Luther’s handshake was telling in the hold and when Hutch felt his thumb caress the back of his hand, his heart trip-hammered crazily over the small intimate touch.

Hutch was out the door and followed Starsky to the waiting car.

~*~

Not a word passed between them on the way back to the suite. Once inside, Hutch stripped off the expensive clothing and put on his sweats. He came out of the bedroom and glanced at Starsky who had changed as well. His partner was at the table taking the berretta apart in preparation to clean it. Hutch crossed to the bar and fixed a drink.

“You’re seeing him again.”

Hutch kept his eyes averted and added ice to his drink. “Tomorrow.”

Starsky put the small swatch on the end of the pipette and pushed it into the barrel. “Are you going to fuck him or will he fuck you?”

His temper snapped and Hutch slammed the drink down. “We’ve been over this!”

There was no reaction from Hutch’s outburst. “I bet he’ll fuck you.”

Hutch whirled. “Damn it, Starsky! If you’ve got something to say, say it!”

Starsky set the items down and stood. He moved to Hutch and looked into his eyes. “He doesn’t just want you, Hutch, he thinks he’s already got you. What I don’t get is why you don’t see it.”

“No one owns me.” The words were spoken low tinged with anger.

“That’s not what I saw, partner.” When Hutch went to the large window, Starsky followed. “He’s got you set in his sights and if everything you told me about him is true, he won’t let anything he wants get away.”

“Luther can think what he wants. It changes nothing.”

Frustrated, Starsky turned and went back to the table. “Maybe you want him to own you.”

Disbelief flowed through Hutch and his eyes found Starsky. “Where in the hell is this coming from?”

“I don’t like it, Hutch. I don’t like Kegan and I sure as hell don’t like this case!” Starsky still remembered the possessive looks in Luther’s eyes. “I don’t like what he’s doing to you.”

“If you’ll remember, buddy, you were more than happy to take this assignment to prove to the rest of the world you still had it.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered if it was before the shooting or not.”

“Nothing we can do about it now.” Hutch headed back to the bar and retrieved his drink. “We’re in it.”

“Get out of tomorrow with him. Find an excuse.”

“Starsky, if I do…”

“Don’t give me that!” Starsky yelled. “You can’t come up with a sick relative?”

“I’m not risking this case because you don’t like the fact our target wants to fuck me!” Hutch yelled back. Just once, he wanted more control over his raging emotions. He took a deep breath. “We’ve got a week, Starsky. Let’s just get through it and put him behind bars.”

Starsky sat down and picked up the pieces of his gun. He hated the entire case with every fiber of his being. Everything told him this was altering his relationship with Hutch in ways neither was prepared for. He was tempted to confront Kegan, but the risks were too high. Stuart Paxton’s involvement upped them considerably. Starsky saw him as a dangerous man who did Kegan’s dirty work. Unable to concentrate, Starsky set the items down. This assignment wasn’t going to end at Kegan’s arrest. He was almost sure of it.

~*~

Exhilarating was the only word that came to mind during the time he was out with Luther. It wasn’t just any boat. It was a high class sports machine and taking it out on the open water with nothing to stop them was a new high for Hutch. He had to admit to his enjoyment and was pleased when Luther allowed him behind the wheel. He wished Starsky could have shared in it.

Surf splashed on them during the excursion and by the time they returned, Hutch was almost drenched. After a quick drive back to the estate, Luther brought Hutch to his bedroom. He could see the unease on the man’s face. Hutch needed to relax before he made his next move and the time wasn’t now.

After finding Hutch a change of clothing, he tossed them on the bed. “Hand over what you’re wearing and I’ll have the maid clean them before you leave.”

There wasn’t a reason to argue. Hutch couldn’t find a single excuse to turn him down. Luther stood expecting him to accede to his order. He took a deep breath and brought his hands to the top button. As he removed his shirt, Hutch remained under the steady gaze of Luther.

The lean body only brought more of Luther’s need for Hutch. Watching him undress was a pleasure in itself and one he doubted he’d ever tire of. He took in every line, muscle and arch. Luther’s eyes settled on the heavy bulge at Hutch’s crotch, but he moved them quickly to his future lover’s eyes.

Luther took the clothes and headed for the door. “I’ll be in the den waiting.”

Hutch was starting to believe Starsky had been right in making up an excuse not to be here. He dismissed it upon seeing the potential cost to the case they were building. The comfortable muslin outfit felt good and after slipping his sandals on, Hutch was more the bohemian than he would ever let on to his partner.

He arrived in the den to find another intimate meal waiting. Night was rolling in and the fireplace was alive with dancing flames. With a few lit candles scattered about it was the perfect atmosphere for seduction.

Luther approached Hutch with two wine glasses. He handed one over. “I hope you don’t mind, Ken. I wanted us to relax and enjoy each other.”

“Not at all.” Hutch forced a smile.

“Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

Taking the seat that Luther motioned towards, Hutch let a nervous breath out. The food looked delicious, the ambience was perfect and Luther played the perfect host. Hutch knew what he was facing and he readied himself for it when the time came.

Throughout the meal they chatted about art, sports and other areas of interest. Hutch found Luther to be engaging, intelligent and humorous. It passed so fast, Hutch was unaware of the time.

They moved to the leather sofa in front of the fire and with their wine in hand spoke of more serious subjects. Luther seemed to be probing for more than just standard ‘getting to know someone’ questions. Hutch remained on guard even with Luther’s close proximity.

Luther moved a hand to Hutch’s knee and relished the strong muscle under the thin fabric. “How long are we going to play around with each other, Ken?”

One look into Luther’s eyes told Hutch what he wanted. “You think that’s what we’re doing?”

“You knew I wanted you since our last evening together. I thought you would have become accustomed to the idea by now.”

As Luther’s hand continued to roam, Hutch took another breath. The intoxicating nearness was getting to him again. “It’s still new to me.”

With a sexy smile, Luther said, “It’s time to rectify it.”

The wine glass was taken from Hutch’s hand and set aside. He looked into Luther’s eyes which were growing dark with desire. Luther’s fingers ran through Hutch’s hair and the tingles sent delightful waves to the rest of his body.

This kiss was no different than the first. It was insistent, and Hutch’s mouth yielded to the demand. A soft moan escaped when Luther’s tongue snaked inside and subdued Hutch’s. Dizzy with excitement and the growing heat from his very being, Hutch gave in to the crazy need of his body.

Luther expressed his desire for more by pressing into the lean body. When Hutch’s hands traveled over the contours of his body, Luther almost smiled into the kiss.

Much to Hutch’s thrill, Luther was almost atop him. Even with the power this man had over his every need, he couldn’t help but respond in kind. The dominate position was clear and his body loved submitting. The potency of the lips on his and the tongue in his mouth was as addicting as anything he’d ever known.

A hand moved across Hutch’s chest. He barely noticed with his body’s needs overriding any reasoning. When it found his growing erection, he surged in response. So powerful was the reaction, Hutch broke the kiss and pushed Luther off.

He got to his unsteady feet and moved to the fireplace. With his hands on the mantel, Hutch looked down at the seductive dance of the flames. “It’s too fast,” he breathed.