Chapter Nine

         Starsky watched Sharman as she paced nervously around the kitchen,

         “I’m going to go get another car tomorrow,” Sharman said briskly, trying to let Starsky know that she meant what she said.

         “If you need to go somewhere, I’ll take you.  No sense in you going out and through all that rental business again when I’m on vacation.  I can be your personal chauffeur.”

         “David, I don’t need a personal chauffeur.  I need space.”

         “Sharman …”

         “What?  What is the deal?  It was an accident.  I am fine.  I don’t need a baby sitter.”

         “I didn’t say you did.  Will you calm down?  I just don’t like the way that the accident happened today.  If you think about it, it kinda sounds deliberate to me.”

         “Is that what all this is about, David?  You’re thinking like a detective.”  Her voice calmed down and she began speaking softly.  “Look, it was just guy drunk.    That’s all.  And I’m fine.  Really.  Or couldn’t you tell?’ She leaned over to him and hugged him, and he accepted the hold gladly, putting his arms around her tightly as he returned the embrace. 

         “Alright.  Alright.  You go rent your car tomorrow morning.  But just be careful, will ya?  I kinda like having ya around here.”

         They both leaned back enough from their hold to look at each other, smiling warmly, then leaned into one another for a very intense kiss.  The knock on the door was a very unwelcome intrusion.

         As Starsky opened the door somewhat reluctantly, Hutch and Stephanie walked in.

         “Hi guys.  After Stephanie found out what had happened to you, Sharman, she wanted us to come by here on our way out to dinner and make sure you were doing okay.  So, how are you feeling?” Hutch asked, pulling Stephanie into a sideways grip around her waist, enjoying the warmth of her skin against his fingertips.

         “Awe, that is so sweet.  Thank you for worrying about me, but I am just fine.”

         “That’s great.  Say, would you two like to go out to dinner with us?”  Stephanie’s enthusiasm seemed genuine, although the grip that Hutch put on her side told her he wasn’t as thrilled with her invitation.  She looked at him, but all he could do was smile at her, thinking how generous and concerned she was to make such an offer.

 

<O><O><O><O><O><O>

 

         Dinner had been very nice.  They’d all agreed on going to a nice steak house that wasn’t too far from Starsky’s place.  Each had a good meal, and the conversation was focussed on Sharman.  But it wasn’t the detectives that were doing the asking, it was Stephanie. 

         By the time Hutch was taking her home, she seemed deep in thought, so much so that she almost forgot where to tell him to turn to find her apartment building.

         “Steph.  Steph?  Are you okay?” His touch was gentle as he put his hand on her leg.  She turned to him, smiling.

         “Where were you?” he asked, his voice soft and warm.

         “I was just thinking about Sharman.  You think she’s going to be alright?”  Hutch smiled at Stephanie, her concern for someone she barely knew was touching.

         “Starsky will make sure of it.  So, are you going to invite me in?”

         It was at that moment that Stephanie realized that they were parked in front of her apartment building.

         “As long as you don’t mind going to bed right away.  I have a very early day tomorrow.” She smiled a mischievous smile, and Hutch grinned.

         “Oh no.  I don’t mind at all.”

 

<O><O><O><O><O><O>

 

         Her hair was soft against his face, the smell of it intoxicating as he breathed in deeply.  When they had gone inside, he took notice of her wonderfully decorated and coordinated home, enjoying all the many items placed around, knick knacks and topics for conversation.  Then he noticed her eyes.  She had a worn look about her, like her day, also, had been long and full.  But she also had a look of darkened appreciation, a lust if you will, which he could not ignore.

         She never allowed him to think otherwise.  Not even changing clothes, she simply peeled out of the ones she had on.  Instigating, she was the one who chose their path that night. 

         Stripping from her binding clothing, Stephanie put her naked body up against him, kissing him deeply and showing him how badly she wanted and needed him. Within minutes, he was feeling a need for her that she could taste.  Each time he had tried to take over the situation, she regained control.  He enjoyed the refreshing change of pace, even though he desperately wanted to take the reins and take her there, right in the middle of the living room.  All the experts said that love was give and take; this was obviously her time for the taking.

She took him easily and he gave into the aggressiveness that he suddenly found so erotic that he could hardly suppress himself.  She had taken him to newer heights that surprised him in many peaks of gratifying sexual pleasure.  Just the thought of it had him aroused all over again.  Sleep came easily.

         When Stephanie woke, she turned over and faced him, kissing him without any words preceding.  He took her, morning lust overcoming any rational thought as he had to have her.  His need was strong and his passion stronger.  She relished in his prowess, melted in his expertise, and came over again and again in pure undeniable pleasure.

         “Hell of a way to start a day,” she purred, getting up and heading towards her bathroom. 

         “Who says it’s over with?” he spoke coyly, grinning ear to ear.

         “Unfortunately, I do.  I have to be at Huggy’s in less than two hours, then I have a full day ahead of me after that.  Sorry.”

         He heard the shower start, and thought briefly about joining her, but sleep took him over, and he let himself drift into it’s peaceful womb.

         When he woke again, it was to the silence of an empty apartment.  Stephanie had dressed and left him, making a pot of coffee and having a cup before she left, and he smelled it before he sat himself up, noticing the note beside him.   He smiled brightly and chuckled when he read it, getting up and helping himself to a cup of coffee as he became further aware of his surroundings.

         He fought the urge to look around, laughing at himself as his detective’s nature tried forcing it’s way out from his vacationing body.  Finding his clothes, he showered then dressed, deciding he’d go by Starsky’s on the way home.  Who knew, maybe Starsky would be hungry, giving him the perfect excuse to go to Huggy’s and see her again.

         When Hutch arrived at his best friend’s home, he was surprised to see him awake, dressed, and even alert.  After all, it wasn’t even nine AM yet.  Starsky smiled as he opened the door, happily inviting his friend inside.  Hutch returned the smile.  They stood there a moment, smiling at each other, when they both broke out into laughter.

         “I see you had a good night,” Starsky said smugly. 

         “Yeah, I’d say you didn’t do too bad yourself, pal.  You wanna go get some breakfast?”

         “Sure!”

         The drive over to the Pits was filled with ‘man talk’.  Starsky and Hutch talked of their separate, yet equally enjoyable previous nights.  Not going into much detail, but telling just enough in hopes of making the other jealous.  Each felt they had succeeded. 

         As Huggy ran around frantically trying to appease his customers, Starsky and Hutch sat at their normal booth.  Hutch was hoping to see his woman, feeling it wouldn’t be soon enough, and Starsky was hoping to see some food quickly appearing in front of him.  When Huggy finally came over to take their orders, he had a strange look on his face.

         “Where’s your help?” Starsky asked, a bit perturbed at waiting so long.

         “I thought she’d be home with Hutch.  Damn, of all the days for her to be  sick!”

         “Sick?” Hutch was genuinely surprised, making the look on Huggy’s face stretch even longer with concern.

         “You mean you didn’t know?”  Huggy was worried, sharing the same facial expressions as Hutch.

         “She was fine this morning.”

 

Chapter Ten

         Detectives on vacation have more time on their hands and vibrant imaginations that lead them astray at times.  Hutch was absolutely fearful of what could possibly have happened to Stephanie.  She’d been fine this morning, yet by the time she arrived at Huggy’s, she was pale according to him and telling him she’d felt ill and had to go back home.  But when Starsky and Hutch arrived at her apartment, there was no answer when they knocked on her door.  Fearing the worst, Starsky found an unlocked window on the terrace, stopping Hutch short of breaking down the door.  They entered, all be it unlawfully, only to find the apartment empty.  It wasn’t until after they had gone in that he realized her car was not there.  So the next step was an APB.  When he picked up the handset on the car’s radio, he suddenly stopped, looking a bit shaken.

         “What’s wrong?  Hutch?  What’s the matter?”  Starsky’s voice was filled with concern for his friend, who looked blankly from the radio to him.

         “I don’t even know Stephanie’s last name!”  Hutch took his fist and struck the dashboard, making Starsky grateful they had ridden in Hutch’s junker as he noticed the crack that formed.  Starsky smiled slightly at Hutch, then left the car.  He was back in less than two minutes.

         “Her last name is White.  Stephanie White.”  Starsky took the radio handset from Hutch gently as Hutch looked at him with questioning eyes.

         “It’s on her mailbox,” he said, not waiting for the question to be spoken.  As Starsky called in the APB, Hutch started his car, putting it in gear as the bulletin was announced over the radio to all units.  He noted the awareness of his partner, making a mental note to tell him later how impressed he was at his memory of Stephanie’s car, with all details, including the license plate of her personalized tag: Steph 01.  Now was just not the time though, he knew something must be wrong, and visions of his lady in her car, possibly unconscious in a ditch somewhere, had him rattled.

         As they drove around, looking aimlessly for the mustang that she drove, they didn’t speak.  Starsky was concentrating.  Not only was he concerned about the lady in his best friend’s life, but he suddenly filled with worry for his own special lady, wondering about what Sharman was doing and if she was alright.  He fought an urge to call her.  He wanted to be there for her; help her with the emotional roller coaster her step father had placed her on.  But he had realized how much stronger she was now, and that he had to wait for her to ask for his help.  He had to keep that distance, even if he didn’t like it.  And he really didn’t like the coincidences of her almost getting killed two times in the past two days.  Something just wasn’t right about it.  Not at all.

         “There!” Hutch spoke strongly, breaking Starsky from his wandering thoughts as he pointed to a parking lot in a plaza.  There sat Stephanie’s car, parked in front of Parker’s Pharmacy.  Hutch picked up the mike and cancelled the APB, then parked his car beside Stephanie’s, jumping from his seat as Starsky joined him, half walking, half running into the drug store.

         “She must’ve gone in to get some medication for whatever’s making her feel bad,” Starsky offered, as Hutch shook his head in agreement.

         As Starsky and Hutch entered the pharmacy and began looking down the aisles, Stephanie came out from the shop next door.  The first thing she noticed was Hutch’s car beside hers.  Just like Starsky’s Torino, Hutch’s LTD was just as recognizable thanks to the distinctive marks and dings which made it unique in it’s own way.

         “Crap,” she mumbled, exiting quickly from the camera shop as she walked hurriedly towards her car.  She wasn’t quick enough, though, as Hutch caught the movement outside and instantly recognized the form that walked away from them. 

         “Stephanie!”  she heard him, and heard the footsteps that quickly approached her.  She didn’t turn around.  Before she reached her car, Hutch was behind her, and Starsky was close.  Hutch grabbed her by her arm, gently turning her to face him.

         “Hey baby.  Are you alright?” he asked sweetly.  She looked from him to Starsky, then back at Hutch.

         “I’m fine.  Why?” she spoke quickly, as if keeping her guard up.

         “We went by Huggy’s.  He said you looked pale and didn’t feel well and you   told him you needed to go home.  But when I went back over to the apartment, you weren’t there.  I was worried.”  Hutch talked gently as he placed the back of his hand to her forehead, feeling it, checking her.  She smiled at him.  

         “You were worried about me?  Have you two been out looking for me?  That is so sweet.  I’m really touched.”

         “So, what were you doing over there?”  Starsky interrupted their tender moment, his question sounding a little demanding as he pointed to the camera shop.

         “Oh, I, I went over to look around a little, after I went to the pharmacy and got some aspirin I thought that since I was here I’d see what they had new in there.  I like taking pictures.  I kind of fancy myself an amateur photographer.”

         “I think you need to go home and rest.” Hutch was insistent.  “Come on.  I’ll take you home in your car,” he said, pulling out his car keys and throwing them over to Starsky.

         “Yeah, that’s a good idea.  You don’t look too hot,” Starsky added, looking her over.  She frowned a little.

         “Thanks a lot!” she said not liking his implication.  Starsky smiled.

         “You know what I mean.  You should get some rest.”

         “He’s right.  And I’m going to make sure you do.” Hutch led her towards the passenger side of her car, then opened the door for her.

         “But I have so much I have to do today, I really should …”

         “No buts.  You need to keep up your health or you won’t be able to do anything.”  Hutch was happy to take care of her, and she smiled, happy that he would be so willing.   With little reluctance, she sat in her car and Hutch closed the door behind her.

         “I’ll call you later, pal,” Hutch said, getting into the mustang and starting the engine.

         “Sure thing,” Starsky answered, smiling as they pulled out.  He got into his friend’s car and waited until the mustang was out of sight, then got back out, heading towards the camera shop.

         As he walked in, he was impressed with the equipment and gadgets he found in front of him.  Picking up a lens, he looked through it intently, admiring the quality of its sight.

         “May I help you, sir?” came the young voice of a teenager, looking proper in his bow tie as he stepped up to the counter in front of Starsky.  Starsky set the lens back down on the counter.

         “Yeah.  That woman who just left here.  What did she want?” he asked calmly.

         “Sir?”

         “You know, the pretty brunette with the curves all around.  Don’t tell me you didn’t notice her.” Starsky winked.

         “Yeah, I noticed.  But what’s it to you?” the kid was becoming cocky.  No problem, Starsky knew he had a lot more experience being cocky than this kid did.  He pulled out his badge and smiled.

         “Let’s try this again.  What did the lady want while she was in here?”

         “Oh wow.  Sorry, man.  She just turned some film in to be developed.  It’ll be ready in a few minutes.  She comes in here pretty regularly.  Hey!  Is she in trouble with the law?” The young man was curious, but more like a gossip than anything else.

         “That depends.  When will those pictures be ready?”

         “Fred’s almost done with them.  I’ll go check.”

         Within a few moments, the young man came back out, telling the detective that the pictures would be ready in just a few more minutes.  Starsky was appreciative, and opted to stay and wait until they were done.  Something just wasn’t right about this whole thing, and that little voice inside his head was nagging at him bad.  Asking to use the phone, he called his apartment, hoping that Sharman would be there to pick up the phone.  They had decided to meet back around noon, and he knew he’d be late.  But she wasn’t there yet, and he was making a mental note to try again later when the young man interrupted his thoughts.

         “Here you go, sir.” He handed Starsky the envelope, and Starsky took it.

         “How much?” he asked.

         “Five dollars and twenty three cents.  Double prints, 48 total.  Okay?”

         “Yeah, kid.  Okay.”  Starsky dug out the money and handed it to him. He walked out from the shop, not telling the kid to keep things quiet.  No, he wanted the clerk to tell Stephanie what he’d done.

         Once he got situated in Hutch’s car, he opened the envelope.  As he pulled out the stack of pictures, he saw the most beautiful sunset he thought he’d ever seen captured on film.  She definitely had an eye for photography.  There were several seascape shots, and a few pictures of some wildflowers.  He continued flipping through the photos.  Then he froze.

         “What the hell …”  There was a picture of Sharman and him coming out from his apartment.  He then saw one with his apartment in the background, with Sharman getting into the Torino, that one was slightly out of focus.  The last pictures had to have been taken this morning; Sharman in her new rental car, the replacement for the one that had just been wrecked.  The last was Sharman pulling away in the car from Starsky’s apartment.

         With a look that was a cross between determination and pure anger, Starsky started the LTD and pulled out, wheels squealing as they spun from the force he allowed it when he floored the gas pedal.

 

Chapter Eleven

         Stephanie was grateful for Hutch’s concern and care that he gently offered.  He had been so sweet, taking her temperature, taking her some hot tea, and taking her mind off from the many things it evolved around that morning.

         Other than a slight headache, she was fine, and she really didn’t want him worrying unnecessarily, but to tell Hutch the real reason she had decided so abruptly to take off from work at Huggy’s today was simply out of the question.  He wouldn’t understand.  He’d be negative, and she didn’t want to see that side of him, not unless she truly deserved it.  She felt justified in her actions though, and deep down, she knew she was right, so there was no need in discussing it with him.  For now.  She took off her shoes, then rubbed the back of her neck when she sat back in the chair.

         As if on cue, Hutch walked up behind Stephanie, rubbing her shoulders as she leaned herself back even further, enjoying his touch.

         “Can I get you anything?  Are you hungry?”

         Stephanie looked up behind her, seeing the smiling blue eyes that looked down into hers.

         “The only thing I want is you,” she purred.

         “I’m all yours,” he said, still smiling, then leaned down to kiss her.  She turned herself around, embracing him, wrapping her arms tightly around him.  She kissed him deeply, making both of them feel flush from the urges aroused.

         “Steph, I thought you weren’t feeling too good?”

         “I’m feeling better with each passing moment.”

         She began kissing him down his neck, letting her lips wander towards the closest ear lobe, sending chills down the back of his neck.  In return, his hands began to feel their way around her body, caressing each breast as they enveloped them and cherished the feel of their warmth and fullness.  When their lips met again, they kissed so deeply and with such emotion that she believed she could easily float away in pure ecstasy.

         When the door of Stephanie’s apartment burst open, Hutch threw himself on top of her and they both went to the ground.  He covered her defensively as he reached for and retrieved the gun from his holster.  Aiming high and removing the safety in a matter of seconds, he found his weapon poised on David Starsky.

         A look of angst crossed over Hutch’s face as he pulled the gun’s aim away from his friend.

         “What the hell do you think you’re doing Starsky?” Hutch was demanding, not questioning.  Before Starsky could answer, Stephanie stood up, placing herself only inches away from Starsky’s face.

         “Who in the hell do you think you are – busting into my house like that?  I oughta have YOU arrested!  What’s wrong with you?!”

         Hutch put his hands on her shoulders, never seeing this kind of anger emerging from her before and not knowing how far it would go, firmly holding her in place, making sure that the distance between them stayed as it was.

         Starsky grabbed at the envelope in his back pocket and pulled out the pictures from within it. The first one on top was of him and Sharman.  He forced it too closely in front of her eyes, making her blink a few times to be able to focus on it.

         “You wanna explain THIS to me?”

         Hutch was looking at it as well, still holding tightly on her shoulders, when he felt the tension in them suddenly elevate.

         “Where did you get those?” she asked quietly.

         “From the God–damned photography shop that YOU came out of this morning.  Now you better answer me.  I want to know what the hell you’re up to, sneaking around, taking pictures of Sharman.  You got something to do with these so-called accidents she’s been having?”

         “No!  Of course not!”

         Hutch removed his hold on her and took the pictures from Starsky, looking each one over carefully.

         “Steph, you want to tell us what’s going on here?”  Hutch asked calmly.  He was looking at her now, trying his best to believe that the woman he had fallen in love with was not capable of doing the things he knew his partner was practically accusing her of.

         Stephanie leaned herself down on the sofa, easing herself away from Starsky.  She looked deeply into Hutch’s eyes.  She was looking to see if he was asking or accusing.  He looked directly into hers.  He was asking.

         “I’m a private detective.”  She looked between Starsky and Hutch, who both shared a look of disbelief.  She continued.

         “After the second so-called accident when Sharman was hit by the station wagon, we all went out to dinner the following night.  When she and I went to the ladies room, I was asking her about the circumstances for the millionth time and she wanted to know why I was asking so many questions.  So I told her I was a PI and I wanted to follow up on some things and see whether these were really accidents or not.  She said she’d pay me to do it.  She was a little worried about it herself, because apparently there were more things involved than just those two near misses.  She didn’t want to tell you, Starsky, because she was worried about you smothering her into some sort of protective custody.”

         “Yeah.  I knew she didn’t want me thinking it was more than accidents happening to her, so I talked to Dobey about it.  He agreed.”

         “We already have an undercover cop following her around,” Hutch added quietly.  Starsky took a deep breath and calmed himself down.

         “You do?  Wait a minute.”  Stephanie got up and looked inside her purse, pulling out another set of pictures.  She fumbled through them, pulling two out and handing one each to Starsky and Hutch.

         “Is this your undercover cop or is this someone else following her?”

         “That’s not Murphy.  He’s the one who’s with her right now,.  Hutch told her, looking at her with surprise still in his eyes from finding out another side of her life.

         “Oh my God,” Starsky said, jumping and turning at the same time.  Hutch instinctively straightened up, looking at his partner.

         “Starsk, what is it?”

         “That man.  That’s her step father!” 

         Hutch looked more closely at the picture and the realization hit.

         Starsky ran out the door, Hutch was close behind him.  Stephanie grabbed her shoes and her purse and was with them before Starsky could start the Torino.

  

 

 

Chapter Twelve

         Stephanie sat quietly between the two men, grateful that neither had protested at her coming with them and feeling anxious about the turn of events.  Starsky was concentrating on his driving, taking them towards his apartment, where he and Sharman were supposed to meet a half hour ago.

         When they arrived at his home, Starsky was somewhat relieved to see Sharman’s rental car parked outside.  The tension seemed to lift from his face, and he finally looked at his passengers instead of focusing solely in front of his car.

         “Lemme go in there and talk to her for a few minutes, let her know what we know before we all come in ganging up around her, okay?”

         “Sure Starsk.  We’ll sit out here and give you two some time.” Hutch was understanding of his friend’s protective nature, and Stephanie was learning about it quickly, noting how similar the two men really were.

         They watched him walk up the stairs, then Stephanie turned towards Hutch, hoping he wouldn’t be too mad at her, and waited for his eyes to leave Starsky and turn to her.

         When he faced her, his look went from serious to a slight grin, then he looked down at the floor board of the car.

         “Seems there’s a lot I still don’t know about you.  You could have told me about being a private investigator.”  His eyes looked up at her, and she read the kindness that focused upon her.

         “Private investigators have an awful reputation for being wanna-be cops.  I know of a lot of scenarios where they actually get in the way of police investigations, and I know what most cops think of them.  Besides, I’m just starting.  I actually just graduated less than a month ago.”

         “You’re amazing, you know that?”

         Stephanie blushed as she took a deep breath, exhaling a sigh of relief.

         “Are there any other secret parts of your life I need to know about?”

         “A lady has to keep some secrets, just to make things interesting.”

         “Well, you’re definitely a lady, and you’re definitely very interesting.” Hutch leaned over and kissed her, then resumed his watch on Starsky’s apartment.

 

<O><O><O><O><O><O>

 

         Starsky walked in and immediately began calling for Sharman.  When she didn’t answer, he wasted no time in searching the apartment, all be it unsuccessfully.  When he ran towards the front door to go back outside, that’s when he saw the note taped on the back of the door.

 

‘Dave,

       My stepfather called and wanted to see me. I hope it’s a good sign.  I’m heading over there as soon as he picks me up, and will probably be home after 2pm.

       Wish me luck!

             Love,

          Sharman’

 

         He was only wishing he’d gotten home sooner.

 

<O><O><O><O><O><O>

 

         The drive over to the estate had been quiet other than Starsky’s one outburst when the traffic didn’t move as quickly out of his way as he wanted it to.

          “Why was her car still at your place?”  Stephanie asked quietly, not wanting to darken Starsky’s mood any further, but needing to know. 

         “The note said he was coming to pick her up. I’m assuming he didn’t know she was leaving me a note.  Hell, if the door hadn’t closed behind me when I went in I wouldn’t have seen it.”

         “Thank goodness you did,” she said quietly.

         They pulled into the estate, all three surprised to see the gates open as they drove through.  Starsky put the Torino in park, wasting no time before exiting the car and heading towards the front entrance.  Hutch turned to Stephanie.

         “You stay right here in this car, you understand?  I don’t want you getting in the way.” He stood outside the car and leaned in through the window.  “I don’t know what I’d do if you got hurt.” 

         She smiled at him.   “Please be careful.  I love you.” 

Hutch smiled at her words.  He knew she was scared for him, wanting him to know how she felt, just in case.  They’d only known each other a few days.  But he felt it, too.

         “I love you too, gorgeous.  Don’t worry.  And stay put!”

         Hutch ran towards the back, drawing his gun as he disappeared behind the building.

        Starsky waited until he saw his partner going towards the back, then tried the handle on one of the double doors in front of him.  It turned easily, and slowly, he eased the door open, leaning himself away from it to protect himself from any unknown assaults. 

         Listening, he leaned back into the entrance, and slowly disappeared inside.

         Stephanie sat in the car, feeling on pins and needles with worry and knowing there was nothing she could do about it.  The waiting.  God, if there was only something she could do to help.  If she could only be in there to see what was happening instead of sitting there, doing nothing.

 

<O><O><O><O><O><O>

 

         Starsky walked slowly into the foyer, looking around, his gun aimed towards the same direction of his eyes, listening for any signs of life inside.  He saw Hutch coming through the swinging door of the kitchen; at first holding his breath as he saw the gun coming through first.  With a sigh of relief upon seeing his partner, he motioned his finger to his lips, keeping the silence as he listened, hoping.

         Hutch looked through each of the doorways that were adjacent to the kitchen entrance, backing away each time when he found no one inside them. 

         Starsky did the same, checking everything from closets to the living room, finally signaling to Hutch the ‘all clear’.  He moved towards the stairs, ascending them quietly.  Hutch walked closely behind him.

         As they approached the top of the stairs, murmured words began filtering towards them.  Both detectives looked at one another, then inched quietly towards the direction they came from.

         Starsky stood on one side and Hutch on the other as they found the door that the voices were coming from.  Hutch made a questioning face to Starsky, who in turn shrugged his shoulders; neither knowing just what approach should be taken.  Finally Starsky motioned at the door handle, which was on Hutch’s side, and Hutch placed a hand on it gently, turning the knob.

         Gently nudging the door with the barrel of his gun, it slowly opened, first silently, then Starsky and Hutch both winced simultaneously as the door creaked a little, and immediately backed away from being in sight.

         “No!” Sharman’s scream was heard only seconds before the shots rang out, her step father aiming towards the opened door.

         Bullets flashed past them, instantly breaking the picture framing of a family portrait on the wall across from them, making it shatter as it crashed to the floor.

         Starsky looked at Hutch, each knowing the other’s moves without saying a word.

         “Brannigan!  You’ve got nowhere to go and you’re surrounded.  Why don’t you stop this before you get in any more trouble here?  No one’s been hurt yet.  We could tell them you cooperated and you’d get a light sentence.  Come on, don’t let this get any more out of hand than it already is.”

         Starsky’s words were answered with gunfire.

         “Sharman!  Are you alright?”

         More gunfire, then the sound of a clip being replaced.  Hutch frowned.  Not a good sign, knowing this psycho had more bullets and apparently no conscious thought of his actions, not caring who he hurt.

         “David!  I’m alright!  Don’t come in here!”  Sharman’s voice was  a shrill.  Starsky could hear her fear.  Then he heard Ed’s mumbled disdain and the sound of him slapping her with the gun; a sickening thud which was unmistakable.

         Down in the car, Stephanie had heard the shots, and couldn’t stand the unknown waiting any longer.  She grabbed the police radio, and held the mike tightly as she called for back up. 

         “Excuse me, you are on an authorized police band.  Who is this?” came the voice from the speaker, making her feel even more nervous.

         “I’m with Starsky and Hutch and they need back up!  I can hear gunfire, so get some help over here …” she looked around, trying to figure out the address.  She saw a sign posted on a wrought iron hanger, and could tell there was probably some kind of address on it.  She reached into her purse, searching frantically to find her glasses.

         “Eleven twenty-two Campbell Drive!  Please hurry!”

         Reaching into her purse again, she pulled out the 22 caliber pistol that she carried for her own protection and left the relative safety of the car.  She had only completed her training with it weeks before, but her feeling of dread for the detectives’ well being overrode her concern for her own safety, determined to render any help she could.

 

<O><O><O><O><O><O>

 

         As Stephanie entered the mansion, she caught herself looking around in awe.  It was so beautiful.  And so big.  But when she heard the sound of gunfire, her distractions left and she closed her jaw, quickly climbing the stairs. 

         Quietly she peeked around from the bottom of the steps, seeing Starsky and Hutch as they flanked each side of the door.  She watched them, signaling each other, understanding without words what their next move would be.

         “This is going to have to stop sometime, Brannigan.  Give it up!”

         “Go to hell!” was the only response they received, followed by gunfire.

         The detectives dived into the room after the gunfire subsided.  As Stephanie watched, they moved like lightning, rolling themselves on the floor and disappearing from her sight.  She gasped, standing herself up and walking into the hallway before she thought twice about it.  Leaning herself against a door across from the stairway, she waited, holding her breath, listening for what would happen next.

         When the door she leaned on opened, she fell in, finding herself in the arms of none other than Ed Brannigan.  This startled the fleeing man as much as it did Stephanie.  Both of them fell into the floor, giving the two detectives time to take control of the situation.

         Stunned briefly from the impact of her head against the door frame, when Stephanie looked up again, she saw Starsky and Hutch, leaning over her, guns aimed at the man she was on top of.  Quickly she rolled herself off from him, letting them take the disturbed man and cuff him.

         As sirens approached, Hutch stood above her cuffing their capture, and Starsky ran over to Sharman.

         Sharman lay half against a wall that she had sunken into, blood trickling down the side of her face from where Ed had slapped the butt of the gun.  Starsky knelt beside her, lifting her face towards him to take a good look.  He could tell she wasn’t fully conscious, and he talked soothing words to her, trying to lull her back to him. 

         As uniformed officers infiltrated the fresh crime scene, Starsky yelled for one to call an ambulance.  This time, he got no protests from Sharman.  She looked up at him, her eyes looking clearer than before, and she began crying.

         “Why?” she sobbed, then let her eyes close again as the tears flowed down her cheeks.  Starsky held her against his chest.

         “I’m so sorry, baby,” he whispered.

 

 

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