FRIENDS FOREVER

By Kerry OK

The detective was in pursuit. This one was elusive though. Fast. Weaving like a running back. It would take more than speed to catch this one. Starsky took cover. He finally saw an opening and pounced. "Gotcha!" He said as they tumbled onto the floor. The little girl squealed with delight. "You got me grandpa!" the three year old giggled. "Yes I did." Starsky was grinning broadly. "Now we have to get your sneakers on, your dad will be here any minute." "Okay, if I have too." Jenny replied not to happy. "I like to stay here with you and grandma." "I know, I like it when you sleep over too." "But you have school today and I have to go to work and so does grandma, but you'll stay here again soon, I promise." Starsky's reply assured her and he was able to put her sneakers on.

Starsky did love it when she stayed over. He and his wife, Ruth, had three sons and he just adored his granddaughter. She looked just like her grandmother, with her chestnut brown hair and warm hazel eyes. She was the daughter of Ruth's son, Christopher DeLano. He was seven when they married almost 21 years ago. He met Ruth while he was recovering from Gunther's attack. She was an obstetrical nurse. He loved to visit the maternity ward. It made him happy, filled him with hope to look at the babies. Then one day he stopped looking at the babies and noticed the pretty nurse. It was pretty much love at first sight. Until she found out he was a cop. Her ex-husband was a cop and she didn't want to go down that road again. But Ruthanne Stern-DeLano found David Michael Starsky, irresistible. She never had any regrets. Their marriage was a happy one and together they had two sons, Joshua and Jason.

"Ruth," Starsky called up the stairs. "I gotta go soon and pick up Hutch." "We have to meet Huggy in his office and go over our testimony." "I mean, Mike." It was a tough habit to break, calling Huggy, Mike. Actually he and Hutch only called him Mike in public. When it was just them, it was Huggy and it always would be. But since he was an assistant DA it was the appropriate thing to do. Sometimes it was hard to believe old Hug was a lawyer. A damn good one too. He had been with the DA's office ten years. He had a beautiful wife, Joanna, for the passed 15 years and two great kids, Greg and Stephanie. Joanna had been his English professor and she encouraged him to pursue his jurist doctorate.

Hutch was getting impatient. He hated to be late, but as usual the lovely ladies in his life were still in the bathrooms. Three bathrooms mind you and he couldn't get into any of them. A wife and 2 daughters tend to keep a man from his bathroom. But he usually didn't mind, it was just that this morning he was nervous about court. "Anna, sweetheart are you almost done?" He cooed through the door. "Well dahlink, you could always join me?" "Honey, normally that would be a great idea, but Starsky will be here very soon and I've got to get going." "I'm almost done, one more minute, you want me to look pretty, no?" "You are always pretty, baby." And she was, golden blond hair and warm brown eyes and a dancer's body even after all these years.

Hutch and Anna had been married 18 years. Wonderful years. And to think he had thought he would never see her again. He can still remember Starsky telling him about her defection. The Kirov Ballet was in NYC and she defected. He couldn't believe it. It would be months though before they would meet again, but when they did, they picked up right where they left off. Anna danced with the American Ballet Theatre for awhile but after the birth of their first daughter, Natasha, she stayed home. Soon thereafter came Katrina, or Kate as she liked to be called. Anna opened a dance studio and that and taking care of her children and husband gave her a very fulfilling life.

"Ok, the bathroom is all yours." Anna said smiling. "Thank you, let's hope Starsky is late as usual this morning." Hutch grabbed his towel and hurried into the shower. "What should I wear?" Anna asked. "Huh?" Hutch couldn't hear her too well in the shower. "I said what should I wear?" Anna said louder. "Baby anything you want, and you really don't need to come to court." "But I want to hear you testify, give you moral support. And then you take me out to eat?" "Oh, I get it, you want to wrangle a date out of this." "Yes, I still love to date my husband." Hutch came out of the shower. "And I still love to date you baby." Anna pulled the towel off her husband, and just as things got a little hot, the doorbell rang. "It must be Starsky, his timing is impeccable." Hutch said ruefully. "Now I need another shower." Anna laughed. She threw on her robe and answered the door.

"Good morning, David" "Hiya Anna, is Hutch ready?" "Almost." "I've got to finish getting ready - you help yourself to whatever." But Starsky was already headed to the kitchen before she got the words out. "Starsk?" Hutch called as he headed for the living room. "In here." Starsky replied with his head stuck in the refrigerator. "It never ceases to amaze me how much you can eat Starsk." Hutch said smiling. "And it never ceases to amaze me how little you guys have in your fridge." Starsky shot back. "We gotta hurry Starsk." "Okay, Okay, nothing in here that could fill a bird anyway." "Anna, Starsky and I are going, I guess I'll see you at the courthouse." "Bye, bye, honey see you there" she replied.

CHAPTER TWO

Michael T. Brown, Assistant D.A. was what it said on the door. The nervous attorney was inside pacing. 'Where are those guys.' ' Want to run through their testimony one more time.' 'Everything has to be perfect.' God they worked so hard to break this ring. No mistakes. Starsky and Hutch were perfect as usual. Millions of dollars of heroin would never see the streets and a gang land murder was solved. But he knew the defense attorney would be trying everything he could to make the cops look bad. The slightest inconsistency, or even hint of misconduct he would jump all over it. "Mr. Brown, Detectives Starsky and Hutchinson are here to see you." The secretary said over the intercom. "Send them in." "Well gentlemen, can we get started." Huggy said impatiently. "Relax Huggy, it will be fine, we are ready." Starsky said trying to calm him down. "I know, I know its just that this one is BIG and the big gun attorneys are going be all over you guys." "Not to worry Huggy, my partner and I have it down cold. Hey it’s the truth anyway and you can't mess with the truth." Hutch said matter of factly.

The defense attorney, Ronald Berman was worried, he needed something to shake this case up. Finally it came. The secretary handed him the fax. Beautiful, Ben Forrest may have handed him just what he needed. Just a glimmer of misconduct, a shadow of a doubt about the arresting officer. Look what the "N" word did for O.J.

Starsky's testimony went perfectly. 'Piece o' cake. Huggy worries too much.' Starsky thought to himself. As Starsky came off the stand he noticed in the back of the courtroom, Bernie Policek, 'Wasn't he long retired, why was he hear?' He thought to himself but then let the thought pass as he took his seat.

Hutch answered Huggy's questions flawlessly. The jury looked convinced. Huggy sat back at the table breathing a little easier. Mr. Berman started his cross-examination.

"Detective Hutchinson" he began. "You have an impressive record, I must say." "Never a disciplinary action, nothing, perfect." Hutch just nodded, then said "Just trying to do the best job I can." Berman continued, "Nothing at all that could interfere with your duties." Huggy got up, "Your honor is there a question here?" he asked. "I was beginning to wonder that too counselor, could we get on with it Mr. Berman?" the judge instructed. "Oh yes I am sorry your honor." Berman got to the point quickly, "Detective Hutchinson, isn't it true that you were a heroin addict?" Berman said it while looking at the jury. Hutch's mind went blank. He couldn't believe what he just heard. That was one helluva question.

First his eyes went to Anna, her expression was of utter confusion, why would someone be asking her husband such a question. Then his eyes went to Starsky who was about to charge out of his seat if Huggy didn't put his hand onto his shoulder. Then of course Hutch looked to Huggy, for help, anything… Huggy would object but he knew it was useless. "Objection, your Honor" "It goes to credibility, your Honor." Berman shot back. "Detective Hutchinson says he tries to do the best job he can but if he has or ever had a heroin addiction I think we could beg to differ." "Alright Mr. Berman, I'll allow it." Hutch's heart sank there would be no reprieve, he would have to answer the question. "Detective Hutchinson please tell the court, were you ever addicted to heroin?"

Starsky was about to come unglued. 'That is why Bernie is here. He was there when I found Hutch strung out in the alley. Damn. How could this happen. That was so long ago and it was not even his fault.'

"Detective?" Berman pressed. "Yes." Hutch finally spoke. "I was addicted to heroin." "But, that was a long time ago, over 20 years, and I have never touched it since." "So you say, Detective," Berman continued, "There is no mention of it in your record, how did you kick it? Without detox?" Hutch knew where he was headed. If he even tried to say he was forced into it, it could be worse. That at the time, the police captain, good ole Capt. Dobey, and his partner covered it up and kept it out of Forrest's trial, just convicting him of kidnapping. Never a mention of the heroin. Cover-up in the police department and an implication of a cover-up in the DA's office, just the ammo Berman needed. Huggy jumped up, "May I have a moment with my witness your honor?" Hutch shook his head at Huggy. He knew what he needed to say. He also saw Bernie in the back of the courtroom, he looked at Starsky, 'Sorry buddy,' he thought, 'I can't keep you out of this.' He just wished Anna wasn't here. He never told her. The look on her face broke his heart. "Well Detective how did you deal with your addiction." Hutch gathered himself, took a deep breath and began. He spoke to the jury. "I had a heroin addiction many years ago, I am not proud of it, it is my biggest shame. But I did beat it, with the help of my partner David Starsky, I did it, we did it, cold turkey. I wanted to stop. He helped me. He helped me and I put the addiction behind me. I NEVER used heroin again."

Berman didn't press any further. He was satisfied. He wouldn't even need Bernie. He had subpoenaed him just in case. Nothing more need be said, it was out there. Just what the jury would do with this information was yet to be seen.

Hutch stepped down from the stand. He walked toward Anna. He had to explain. Starsky was right behind him. Anna was fighting the tears. She couldn’t look at her husband let alone speak to him. She just wanted to leave. "I am going home now, I can't talk to you right now." She said in a weak voice. "Anna, please." Hutch pleaded. She hurried out the door, Hutch wanted to go after her but Starsky stopped him. "Hey partner, let her go, you'll talk later at home in peace. Huggy wants us in our seats, he says it will look better if you stay until closing arguments." Hutch looked so lost, defeated. He nodded to Starsky and they went back into the courtroom.

Huggy had to do some fast adjustments to his closing arguments but they were eloquent, reminding the jury that even good people make mistakes and the past is past and one misdeed does not destroy a brilliant career. Hopefully it would be enough. Berman of course said just the opposite. Once bad, always bad. Bad cop. Poor judgement. Starsky wanted to belt him. Hutch just sat. But he looked at the jury, he knew they were looking at him. He held his head high when Berman spoke. The defeated look was gone. He did his job and he did it well. The case was turned over to the jury. The verdict wouldn't come soon enough.

Starsky drove Hutch home. It was a long quiet drive. "You know it wasn't your fault." Starsky offered. "What difference does it make how the heroin got into me. It got there." I just hope…" His voice trailed off. "Oh God Starsk, what if they acquit?" "No way." Starsky said, "No way." Hutch was so worried about how Anna would take the truth. Starsky felt she would understand. He was thinking about IA, he didn’t dare even mention that to Hutch. "I wonder if she called Ruth." Hutch asked. "You think Ruth would have told her something, she'll be so upset to know Ruth knew and she didn't." Starsky was confused, "Hutch what could Ruth tell her, she doesn't know." Hutch looked surprised, "I thought you told her everything." "No partner, that one was ours." Starsky assured him. Hutch replied, "Yeah, right. I guess another lesson about secrets learned today." They were at Hutch's. "See ya tomorrow, Starsk." Hutch got out of the car and slowly headed for the house.

Anna was waiting. The girls where at the mall with some friends. They were alone. Anna motioned for him to sit by her on the couch. She was calmer now. "Tell me, what happened, who did it to you." She looked right at him. "I realized as soon as I left you, that there was no way you brought this upon yourself." Hutch had tears in his eyes. He told her the story. About Jeannie, how he tried to protect her but he couldn't. How Ben Forrest, a mobster, wanted her back. How he was kidnapped, beaten and strung out on heroin. Why he and Starsky kept it a secret. He was so sorry. And he was afraid. Anna kissed him. She wished she could take all the pain away. She held him tightly in her arms, and she knew that she already had.

CHAPTER THREE

Starsky beeped the horn. He hadn't planned on picking Hutch up this morning, but his car was in the shop again. Hutch just couldn't stop buying those old, broken down, gas guzzling LTD's. It wasn't like the guy couldn't afford a better car, he did inherit quite a large some of money after his parent's passed away. Starsky figured their estate to be worth close to a million and there was only Hutch and his sister, Karen. But Hutch just had a thing for junk cars. Starsky on the other had great taste in cars. Just look at his Thunderbird. This was a car. He stroked the dash like one would caress the head of a beloved child. He loved the Thunderbird, but there were times he missed the Torino. There would never be a car like that again. A smile came across his face as he pictured the gleaming red car with its white stripe.

He beeped again, "Come on Blondie!" Although Starsky was in no hurry to get into the station today. He felt IA would be waiting. He dreaded it. And still no word from Huggy on the verdict. Even though closing arguments were just yesterday, it felt like an eternity had passed. Hutch finally appeared, he was smiling. 'That's a good sign', Starsky thought. Hutch got in the car. "Anna understood, she knew even before I told her." Starsky nodded and smiled back. "That's great partner, never had any doubt." Starsky hated to bring it up but in case his partner wasn’t thinking about it he had to be prepared for a possible backlash from IA. But before he could say anything Hutch said, "You know Starsky, IA will have something to say about this." "Yes buddy, I am sure." With that Starsky backed out of the driveway and they were on their way to the lion's den.

"Starsk," Hutch began. "I really didn't want to bring you into this." "But I didn't see any other way, especially with Bernie there." Starsky looked at Hutch with eyes that said 'you've got to be kidding' "Hutch, I am with you all the way, me and thee, like always." Hutch smiled. He was eternally grateful to have a friend like Starsky.

Capt. Chavez called them into his office. "You guys have good friends in high places." He said. "First let me tell you that IA isn’t going to do anything with this. I got a call from Capt. Dobey. He explained that decisions were made quickly with basically your safety in mind, Hutchinson." Hutch started to speak but was quickly cut off. Chavez continued, "Mr. Brown faxed a deposition from Jeannie Walton. All I can say is no one should ever have to go through what you went through. But it is ancient history. Now get back to work. There was another murder, the body is down by the docks." Yes sir Captain, we are on our way." Starsky replied because Hutch was dumbfounded. Finally he was able to say, "Thanks Capt." "No need to thank me, now get out of here."

Captain Chavez was a good guy. Always for the men. Starsky and Hutch liked him. It was just strange working under someone 10 years younger. But they never regretted passing on promotions that would have taken them away from the streets. Starsky and Hutch were not cut out for desk duty.

This day was turning out to be pretty good so far. "Zebra 3, call from DA Brown." The voice came over the radio. Hutch said, "Zebra 3 here, patch it through." He and Starsky both took a deep breath, would their luck hold out. "Hello gents, the verdict is in." "And" Hutch could hardly contain himself. "Guilty." You could see Huggy's smile through the radio. Starsky and Hutch let out a shout that could be heard around the world. It just couldn't get any better than this. "Huggy," Hutch said, "We will be celebrating later, how does Santini's sound?" "Great!" "Oh and Huggy thanks for what you did for me with IA." "No problemo, mi amigo, catch you guys later, over and out."

Now for the business at hand. Their mood quickly shifted as they approached the corpse on the dock. Same m.o. as the others. Two shots to the head and robbed. This was the third in three months. The victims seemed to have nothing in common except that they had something of value to be stolen. Two men and now a woman. They were all killed somewhere else and brought to the docks. But why not dump them into the water? The killer wanted them found obviously, wanted to taunt the police, catch me if you can.

Starsky and Hutch wanted to catch this guy. But they had made a decision. They had been on the force for over 30 years. It was time. Time to retire. They would make their announcement tonight at Santini's. Then they would give their "notice" 30 days seemed fair. They could work with that. Maybe they could wrap this last one up. If not they kept Sanchez and Holden up to speed on this case. Luis "Louie" Sanchez and John "Jack" Holden reminded them of themselves in their heyday. They were good cops. A little rough around the edges, mavericks. Kind of a Starsky and Hutch the next generation. They had taken them under their wing and they learned well. They could pass the baton.

Starsky and Hutch surveyed the crime scene. Just like the others, the body was clean. It was like the body just appeared there. It was hot. Starsky loosened his collar. He had never gotten used to wearing a suit to work. He missed the days of his Adidas sneakers and crummy blue jeans. But they were long gone. He knew Hutch had come to like the suits. It was good for him because Hutch could sometimes wear the weirdest fashion trends. The suits were at least predictable, except for the ties. God, sometimes he wore the weirdest ties.

CHAPTER FOUR

The gathering at Santini's turned into a full-fledged party. The three couples and the kids and of course the granddaughter. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have an announcement to make." They said in unison. Then Hutch took over. "After careful and thoughtful consideration, my partner and I have decided retire from the police force." There was silence. They didn’t expect that. "Yeah, yeah," Josh said, "we have heard that one before." Everyone else chimed in the same sentiment. "No really, this time we mean it." Starsky continued. "We gave our 30 day notice to Captain Chavez today." Anna and Ruth looked at them in disbelief. "Really?" Ruth ventured. "Really truly, honey, cross my heart." Starsky smiled at her. "Hutch and I are ready to give the boat heck, and finish up that dream house we've been building up in Pine Lake." I want to give more time to my photography and Hutch has got a lot of music to be writing." "And if that doesn't keep us busy enough," Hutch added, "We still have our volunteer work at the Boys and Girls Club." Anna and Ruth were thrilled. They had been waiting for this a long time. Now there was a really great reason to celebrate tonight.

CHAPTER FIVE

Starsky and Hutch needed a break in this case. Where were the murders taking place? How come no one saw anything at the docks? Was this guy a phantom or something?

"Zebra 3, Zebra 3 patch through from Capt. Chavez." "This is Zebra 3 go ahead." "There is a call in about a crime scene at 100 Marigold. A lot of blood, but no body." "We're on our way." Well that is exactly what it was. A lot of blood. But then again this was a crack house. Well with any luck the blood would match one of the victims. Could the killer be a crack head? It didn’t seem likely. A crack addict wouldn’t be able to commit the "perfect crime". They never found a scene like this before. They figured the killer cleaned up after himself. But maybe there was no time this time. But bring the victim to a crack house? The crime lab continued to comb the room. Crack pipes, human waste, garbage, just filth everywhere. And then he spotted it. A shell casing. "Starsk, look!" Hutch exclaimed. You would have thought he hit the lottery. Maybe they did.

Forensics concluded the blood matched the third victim, Susan McCabe. She had been last scene at a bar called The Shot Glass at about 1:00 am Friday. The crack house was 2 miles from there. They lifted a thumb print off the shell casing. It belonged to a crack addict named Frankie Patterson. This guy had no violent arrests at all. No robbery arrests. Just possession. This made no sense at all. They wanted to pick him up but he had no known address.

They went to the bar. No one remembered Ms. McCabe at all. Or so they said. The second victim was a man named Eric Sawyer. He was last scene at a gay bar called Partners. But the first victim was a 72 year old man named Richard Wallace, who had been last scene walking his dog.

They had a little better luck at Partners. The bartender liked them. He said he remembered Eric leaving with a white guy with curly brown hair, and a moustache. But he doubted any of it was real. A toupe definitely and the moustache looked phony. They went back to The Shot Glass to lean a little harder. Finally a waitress said she remembered Susan leaving with a white guy she didn't get a good look at his features but he had brown hair and glasses, a beard and moustache. Both did describe a man of the same height and build, approximately 5'8" and 160 lbs. No such luck with Mr. Wallace.

It seemed that it was very possible that both victims left with the same man. But where did Frankie Patterson fit in? He was a 5'11" black man. And Mr. Wallace? They would have to go back and have a talk with Mr. Wallace's son.

Ted Wallace was a nasty, arrogant man. His father was the first victim and he was furious with the police that they still hadn't found his killer. Hutch asked him to try to remember anything at all his father might have said, his actions, his routine, places he would go. Ted just said he told the police already, his father was a homebody since his mother died. He lived alone. Although his son and his wife lived next door. He had a housekeeper and of course his beloved dog. A pit bull that was very protective of him. He walked that dog the same time every night. That was another sticking point to Hutch. No one in the area heard a dog barking at all. A pit bull no less, usually very protective of their owners. The dog was just found sitting on the front stoop waiting for a master that would never come home. "Anything else officers." Mr. Wallace spat. "I sure wish you had something to tell me." "Well actually Mr. Wallace we are looking for this man." Hutch showed him a picture of Frankie Patterson. "Have you ever seen him around the neighborhood?" Mr. Wallace just rolled his eyes. "No, I don't think his kind live in this neighborhood." "Yeah, well if you think of anything at all Mr. Wallace, please give us a call."

CHAPTER SIX

After the detectives left, Ted Wallace got to thinking. He had some serious thinking to do. 'I have come to far to have it messed up now!' His mind was racing. He killed his father, so perfectly. He was out walking that stupid dog. When his son ran up to him, he had to come home with him it was an emergency. When he got his father to his house he brought him into the basement, which was covered with a drop cloth, the ones painters used. Two shots to the head. No fuss no muss. Just pick up the drop cloth. Take the wallet, the watch and of course you are the sole heir to his fortune. Call in Frankie to take the body to the docks. Leave the dog on the stoop. Perfect.

Step two. Kill someone else in the same manner. That fag! He was easy. Back to my house for a roll in the hay. Two shots to the head. Call in Frankie to take the body to the docks.

The woman was harder. Coke slut. Had to get high before we could have fun. That is why they wound up at the crack house. Frankie could get it for her. So he killed her there, not as neat but he could've cleaned up better if the merry revelers didn't show up. Perfect. Now the cops had a serial killer. But now they had Frankie. That would never do. He had to get rid of him, two shots to the head then to the docks. Perfect!

"Starsk," Hutch had that I got a theory look on his face. But Starsky was already there too. "Ted Wallace would you say he is about 5'8", 160 lbs.?" "Yeah," Starsky replied, "and he's got daddy's dog now too. Guess the mutt likes him." "And he's got the inheritance." Hutch finished.

They had to get to Frankie Patterson. And they believed they had to get to him before Ted Wallace. They had their feelers out. No Frankie. Luckily Wallace was having trouble reaching his partner in crime too. He had told Frankie that they were done, they broke off contact. This wasn't going to be easy.

Starsky and Hutch had been watching the crack houses. They had a feeling that this was the night. Maybe it was wishful thinking because this was there last day. Retirement began at 12:01 am. It was 11:30. Hutch had called Sanchez and Holden to come in after them. They were in on this case and he wanted them to make the arrest if they didn’t. Which was looking more and more likely.

Starsky was distracted. Tomorrow he would be fishing on his boat. "Earth to Starsky." Hutch deadpanned. "We still have 30 minutes. Could you keep an eye out." "Sure, sure. Maybe Sanchez and Holden will come in early?" "Whatever, Starsk." Then he saw him. Frankie was going into the crack house. "Starsk, its show time!" That got his attention.

They called out to Frankie to stop but of course that just got him moving faster. They followed him into the crack house. Wallace had followed him in too. Wallace saw the two detectives. This would complicate things but if necessary the crack addict would kill the two officers. Crazed Killer Kills Two Policemen the headline would read.

It looked like this was all headed for the roof. Wallace trailed behind them. Sanchez and Holden did get there a little early. They saw Starsky's empty Thunderbird. "I guess they went into one of these lovely buildings." Sanchez said to Holden. "What do you want to do?" Holden asked. "We'll just stay put, I guess they'll call when they need us."

CHAPTER SEVEN

Starsky and Hutch got to the roof. Frankie was nervous and jumpy. Starsky tried to calm him down. He was afraid he was going to jump off the roof. "We just want to ask you a few questions, Frankie." He tried to make him feel at ease. Hutch was surveying the roof while his partner tried to talk to Frankie. He noticed Frankie becoming more agitated. Starsky was getting tired. He was ready to just grab him, it was 11:55. Enough was enough. Hutch noticed fear in Frankie's eyes as they seemed to look passed him. Then he caught the glimpse of a shadow. He saw the gun come up, aimed at Starsky. Hutch drew his gun and in one fluid motion shot Wallace and pushed Starsky down. Wallace got a shot off too.

Sanchez and Holden heard the shots from the street. They headed for the building and up to the roof. When they got there Frankie was screaming. Holden grabbed him and cuffed him. Sanchez checked Wallace. He was dead. But nothing could have prepared him for what he saw on that rooftop. Starsky was cradling Hutch in his arms. He had taken a bullet in the gut or chest. The whole front of his shirt was covered in blood. Holden called for an ambulance and coroner's wagon. Sanchez tried to talk to Starsky but got no reply. He went downstairs to make sure the paramedics got to Hutch asap.

Starsky held his partner's face in his hands. "Look at me Hutch, please!" He begged. Hutch opened his eyes. "There you are, hold on Hutch. Don't close your eyes, talk to me babe." Hutch gave a weak smile, "What do you want to talk about." "That's good." "Uh, how about, fishing, we'll be fishing soon buddy." "Hutch was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. "HUTCH, STAY WITH ME BABE." Starsky's voice was sounding desperate now. "Take it easy partner." Hutch said softly. "Tell Anna, and the girls, I love them, and watch out for them for me." Starsky would have none of that. "No goodbyes buddy." "Please, tell them." "Fine, but when you are well you can tell them again yourself." Hutch was fading fast, where were the damn paramedics? Starsky was really scared. Hutch saw a tear roll down Starsky's cheek. He reached up and placed his bloody hand on his face. "I love you Starsk." Starsky turned his face into Hutch's palm and gently kissed it. Then he heard the chopper. 'Thank God, Sanchez called for an air lift.' The paramedics ran to Hutch and started working immediately. His pulse was weak. They worked fast and within a couple of minutes Hutch was in the chopper and they were gone.

Starsky rushed to the hospital. On the way he called Anna. She and the girls would meet him at the hospital. He needed his wife. Ruth was working tonight. Thank God she would be there. Ruth met Starsky in the emergency room. Hutch was in surgery. Anna and the girls were in the waiting area outside the O.R. "Honey, oh I am so sorry." Ruth had trouble keeping her composure but she wanted desperately to comfort her husband. But it was apparent he was inconsolable. He still had Hutch's blood on his face. "You have got to get cleaned up before you see Anna and the girls." "Yeah, right." He was just going through the motions.

They joined Anna and the girls in the waiting room. "Any word?" Ruth asked. Anna just shook her head. She couldn't speak. The doctor came out. "You are Det. Hutchinson's family?" They nodded. "He is alive, barely. He is in grave condition. We lost him once in the operating room." "It will be a miracle if he survives." The doctor gave little hope.

They looked at Hutch through the window of the intensive care unit. Starsky had been here before. Hutch was motionless. Anna and Natasha went in. Two at a time was all that was allowed. Kate and Starsky would follow. Ruth sat with Kate. Starsky just paced. He was angry. This wasn't fair! They had come so far. The past 20 years had gone by uneventfully. After Gunther, it was like nothing could go wrong anymore. Why this now! He wanted answers where there were none.

He heard Anna cry out. Code Blue! Hutch was gone again. The doctors worked diligently. Hutch was back, barely. Starsky and Kate went in. He looked at his partner, lying there so still.

The sun was coming up. Things had been quiet. Maybe there was hope after all. Then again CODE BLUE! Starsky looked at Ruth with terror in his eyes. She pulled him close and wrapped her arms around him. He put his face into her chest and dissolved into tears. There wouldn't be another code blue.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Christopher, his wife Dawn and Jenny pulled up to the house at Pine Lake. The festivities were getting under way. "Hey Mom!" "Party coming together nice." "Yes, we all need it. It has been a tough few months. It is time to get back to the business of living." "Think Dad suspects anything?" "I am sure he does, it is his birthday." "Where is he anyway?" "Out on the boat." Ruth answered.

"Hey Huggy, I think I got a big one here!" Starsky exclaimed. "Sure just like all the others." "Man you got the life Starsky, I still got to get back to work on Monday." "Well barrister, the halls of justice aren't done with you yet." "I guess not, but I don’t think I'll be doing 30 like you and Hutch." Starsky gave a wistful smile. "Yeah, me and Hutch." "Captain, you need another beer?" "Yes I think I could go for another one." Dobey replied. "You know I am glad you could make it Captain." "Glad I could too Starsky." "Hey, we need some beers up here?" Starsky called into the cabin. Hutch emerged with a tray of Weiss beers. "Hey turkey, these beers have to be served just right, frosted mugs and lemon." "Whatever you say partner." Starsky was beaming. Hutch looked great. You would never know he came this close… but that was all behind them now, forever. "Starsk, Ruth called, time to bring her in." "OK." Starsky turned the boat about.

Starsky tried to act surprised. But it didn’t matter. Hutch knew he had the big surprise all wrapped up. "Starsky, buddy I have a present for you." "Hutch, you here with me is all the present I need." Hutch smiled and blushed. "Starsk and company if you will all follow me." Hutch led them to the front of the house. In the driveway was the gift, which was obviously a car covered, with a big bow on top. Hutch said to his friend, "This is from me to you." Starsky dumbfounded replied, "It's a car?" Hutch laughing, "You must have been a detective." "Hutch you bought me a car?" "Yeah, you've been saying you wanted a sporty car to cruise around in." Starsky tried to smile, "Hutch you know I love ya, but our taste in cars is different." "Yeah." Hutch replied, "Mine's better." "But I think you're gonna like this little beauty, it’s a genuine Starsky original, complete with black leather interior, candy apple red with prerequisite white stripe." Natasha and Kate pulled off the covering. There she stood, the Grand Torino, aka the Striped Tomato. "Well?" Hutch quizzed. "Hutch, it's beautiful!" "I thought you'd say that." Starsky threw his arms around his partner and said with a devilish grin, "Wanna go for a ride?"

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