That next morning, Gabby had made reservations for Hutch, Dee, Lila, Starsky and herself to go to a very nice restaurant called Rockefellers that evening. It was a quiet place with very good food and seemed the perfect spot to tell everyone the news.
Everyone met
at 6pm. Dressed very fancy, they looked very much out of character
from their normal attire. Lila sat beside Hutch, who sat closely
beside Dee. Lila leaned over to them, watching Starsky and Gabby
as they swayed slowly in the middle of the dance floor.
“I bet they’re going to announce their engagement.” She said gleefully.
Hutch and Dee smiled, as Hutch squeezed Dee’s hand.
They ate their dinner and Starsky watched proudly as Gabby ate everything on her plate.
“I can see you’re feeling better now.” Lila commented, watching her niece finish her meal.
“Oh yes, I do.” She said, then blushed a little. The waiter cleared their plates, then brought out a bottle of champagne along with five glasses, setting them in front of everyone. He popped the bottle, pouring some into each of their glasses. He set the bottle into an iced pitcher and left. Starsky took his glass and stood up, and Gabby stood beside him. Dee looked at Hutch and Lila, and they stood up, raising their glasses as well.
“So, my friend.” Hutch began, “To what do we owe this wonderful occasion to?” he asked, as Lila and Dee grinned in anticipation. Starsky put his arm around Gabbys’ waist, pulling her close to him.
“We, my friends, how can I put this?” he paused briefly. “We’re gonna have a baby!!” He had begun his speech quietly, but before he could finish he was shouting. Hutch and Dee were smiling and laughing after a couple of moments of letting the words sink in. Lila was stunned. She walked over to her niece, hugging her, tears filling her eyes.
“I wasn’t exactly expecting this, but I am so happy for the both of you!” she said, reaching for Starsky, hugging them both happily. The other patrons in the restaurant were standing, applauding them, as they couldn’t help but hear Starsky’s announcement. Dee walked over to Gabby and whispered in her ear.
“I told you those baby blues of his would get you in trouble.” She said laughing, and they hugged. It was a wonderful memory, something to hold onto forever. After the congratulations were given and a lot of teasing from Hutch, everyone went home. It had been a long past two days, especially for Gabby, and she was exhausted. They were going to have a long road ahead of them, with many plans to go through and many permanent changes to expect. But all Gabby could think of was sleep. They took Lila home and said their ‘good-nights’ and headed to Gabbys’ place.
After showering, Gabby pulled her pajamas out and dressed, completing her cozy look with slippers. Starsky grabbed his pajama bottoms out from his drawer.
“Ya know,’ he began, ”Half of my clothes are over here, and half of yours are at my place.” He paused. “Maybe we should find a place where we can put ‘em all together.” He said, grinning. Gabby smiled at him, then leaned over to him and hugged him.
“We’ve got plenty of time for that.” She told him.
“Yeah, about seven months worth.” He said, hugging her back. They walked hand in hand and got into bed. Gabby laid on her back and Starsky on his side, facing her. He put his arm around her stomach, infatuated with it. She just looked at him and smiled.
“Wont be this small
too much longer.” She joked, putting her hand on his. He smiled.
He began talking about the kind of house he wanted to find for them, all
the big plans that had been rushing through his mind all day. He
went on and on, rambling. He was still talking when he realized that
she was asleep. He was so happy. He couldn’t have planned things
better himself he thought, and he fell into a deep slumber.
Chapter Ten
The warehouse case had been dragging on for two months, and the two detectives had busied themselves with other smaller cases while waiting for the perps to hit again. Closing a purse snatching case earlier that day, they were in the squad room, finishing the paperwork.
“What are you writing?” Hutch asked his partner, who was busily typing, leaning into the typewriter with a look of concentration.
“Just my version of the arrest is all, pal.” Starsky answered, looking up at him.
“Haven’t you been scolded by Dobey enough about your artistic writing?” Hutch teased.
“Yeah, but I’m getting good at it now I think.” Starsky said, typing the final words onto the report and pulling the paper out from the typewriter. He got up and knocked on Dobey’s door, waiting for the gruff response telling him to come in. Inside for only a moment, he walked back out, then quickly walked over to his desk.
“C’mon. Let’s get outta here before he starts reading it.” He said, laughing as he and Hutch made a speedy retreat into the hallway. Once outside, Hutch stopped to take a breath of air and stretch.
“We still on for Huggy’s tonight?” he asked.
“It is Friday already?” Starsky said laughing, proud to use Hutch’s’ line before he was able to.
“She doesn’t know anything about tomorrow morning, does she?” Hutch asked as he got into the drivers’ side of the LTD; Starsky getting into the passenger side.
“Nope. I told you I could keep quiet about the baby shower.” Starsky said happily.
“You probably told her in your sleep.” Hutch teased.
“Did not!” Starsky said, hitting Hutch in the arm. They laughed all the way to Starskys’ place. Starsky got out from the car, wincing at the screeching noise the door made as he opened and closed it.
“You really need to fix that.” He said, matter-of-factly.
“See you at 7.” Hutch said, pulling out to leave and laughing.
Starsky walked up to his apartment, whistling as he walked up the steps. He found his door unlocked and walked in, seeing Gabby standing at the kitchen counter.
“You’ve been crying.” He said, walking towards her. She looked at him, putting her arms out, showing him her new outfit.
“Hey, that looks great!” he said, looking her over in her pink, white, blue and yellow maternity shirt, with light blue matching pants and flat white sneakers. She started crying again. Starsky walked over to her, grinning, holding her, realizing her hormones were probably at it again.
“I don’t want to go out tonight. I, I look like a cow.” She said, almost sounding like a child.
“Awe, come on now. You look beautiful. You’ve never looked better. You’re radiant.” He told her, smiling.
“I’m fat.” She answered him. “Lila just got me this.” She said, motioning her hand at her outfit. “I should be happy; it’s my first maternity outfit. But all I see is this.” she said, putting her hand down around her belly, which had just started showing roundly. Starsky laughed at her.
“That IS beautiful.” He said, looking at her with adoration. She just looked at him.
“I can’t wear this to Huggys’!” she said.
“Yes you can, and you’ll
be the most beautiful woman in the whole place.” He told her. “Now
let me get changed, will ya? We can’t be late for your maternity
clothing debut.” He said, teasing her. She wiped her eyes and smiled,
letting him go.
Chapter Eleven
They walked into Huggys’ bar and saw Hutch and Dee in their usual booth. Huggy walked up to them, whistling at Gabby.
“Lady Gabrielle, you look outstanding!” he said, putting his hand out to hers, pulling her towards him as he hugged her.
“Hey, hey-hey! That’s my lady you got in your arms there.” Starsky said, smiling. Huggy let her go, looking at the roundness of her stomach and touching it.
“Looks like that ain’t all you got there.” He teased. They walked over to Deanna and Hutch and sat down across from them, Huggy pulling a chair up to the table. Dee and Gabby began talking about maternity clothes, with Gabby relenting to the fact that she wouldn’t be wearing her jeans for a long time coming. Huggy gave Starsky and Hutch a look that told them he had something to tell them. Hutch nodded his head.
“Be right back.” Hutch
told them as he and Huggy got up and walked over to the bar. Hutch
ordered drinks for the table and Huggy began talking as soon as the waitress
left to take them over.
“Got a little word
from the street this evening my friend.” He began. “Seems your two
warehouse boys are getting ready for another hit.” He told him. Hutch’s
eyes lit up.
“Got any clues as to where that might be, friend?” Hutch asked.
“As a matter of fact, I do.” Huggy said, pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket and sliding it across the bar in Hutch’s direction. Hutch discretely looked at the paper, then put it in his pants pocket.
“Thanks Hug. We owe ya one.” Hutch told him, getting up from the bar stool.
“You owe me more than one.” Huggy said, smiling.
Hutch walked over to the booth and sat down, sipping on his beer. Gabby and Dee were over at the pinball machine.
“I think I’m gonna have to buy her one of those and put it in our new house.” Starsky said smiling, watching Gabby play. Hutch laughed.
“I don’t know who would be playing with it more; you or her.” He teased.
“So, what’s up with Huggy?” Starsky asked, still watching the girls across the room.
“We got a good lead on the next warehouse robbery.” he told him. Starsky looked at Hutch.
“When?” he asked bluntly.
“Tomorrow morning.” Hutch told him.
“Uh oh. Gabby’s baby shower.” Starsky said, looking to make sure the girls were far enough away that they couldn’t hear him.
“We’ll have these guys bagged by 9am. The shower doesn’t start until ten. No problem.” Hutch said smiling, sipping his beer. Starsky grabbed his, and they clinked their beer bottles.
The girls came back over to the booth, sitting down beside their guys. Gabby was smiling, but looked a little tired.
“I think we’re gonna have to call this a night.” Starsky said, looking at her, noticing the weariness in her eyes.
“Not on my account!” she said, protesting.
“No baby. We just found out we’re gonna have to work in the morning, that’s all.” Starsky said in a comforting tone. Dee looked at Hutch with a worried expression, wondering about their plans for the baby shower, but Hutch just looked at her and grinned, assuring her with his eyes.
“It’s not going to take us too long, but we have to get out there bright and early.” He said.
“The warehouse guys?” Dee asked.
“Yep.” Hutch said, putting some money on the table. They all got up to leave. Outside, Hutch and Dee had entangled themselves beside Hutch’s car, and Gabby and Starsky walked past them, giggling as they watched the couple necking. Starsky opened the door for Gabby, then hollered ‘goodnight’ to the other couple as he got in the car and took his lady home.
Gabby was looking weary as they settled onto the sofa in Starskys’ living room. Starsky pulled her shoes off for her.
“You’re spoiling me.” She told him, looking very happy.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” He said grinning ear to ear.
“What does that mean?” she asked.
Starsky reached into his pocket, pulling the red velvet box out, displaying it to her, then opening it for her, showing her the beautiful ring it had hidden inside. Just like in his dream, he had found a single carat heart shaped diamond. She gasped, looking at it, totally shocked, then looked at him. Tears came to her eyes.
“Marry me.” He said, pulling the ring from its’ holder and placing it on her finger. It fit perfectly. She reached out and held him tightly, trying to keep from sobbing. She was ecstatic.
“Let me think about it.” She said jokingly. He laughed at her teasing and kissed her full on the lips.
They lay across the bed, and she kept bringing her hand up towards her eyes, looking at the gorgeous ring he had put there. He watched her as she admired it.
“I can’t wait to show it to Dee in the morning, we’re meeting at the diner for breakfast at 10.” She told him.
“You are?” he asked innocently.
“Mm hmm.” She answered, nodding her head ‘yes’ as she held her hand high, looking at the ring.
“Like it, huh?” he asked, putting his hand across her stomach and rubbing it.
“David, I love it.
Almost as much as I love you.” She told him, leaning over to kiss him.
He kissed her back, then leaned over her to set the alarm clock.
She took full advantage of his position and pulled him down on her, kissing
him with a great intensity.
Chapter Twelve
Starsky cut the alarm clock off before it rang, catching it only minutes before it would have gone off at 6am. He got out of bed, leaving Gabby undisturbed and sleeping soundly as he got in the shower. He wanted her to get all the rest she could; she had a big day ahead of her, even though she didn’t know it yet. He reset the clock for her at 8am, so that she wouldn’t oversleep and miss out on the festivities. Getting dressed, he kissed her on the cheek, then quietly went out the door.
Hutch was waiting for him outside, right on time. It was 7am. Starsky climbed into the beaten car, smiling at his partner.
“Morning.” He said, as Hutch handed him a cup of coffee.
“Morning.” Hutch answered. They drove down through several side streets, then hit the main highway exchange before either of them spoke.
“Back up ready?” Starsky asked, checking his weapon as they pulled into a street that was directly beside a large brick warehouse.
“Yep, we’re all set and ready to go.” Hutch answered, parking the car and settling back into his seat. “Now we just sit and wait.” He said, sipping his coffee.
“And hope Huggys’ lead was right.” Starsky added.
They watched the back of the warehouse for over an hour, seeing no movement around the property. Then a dark blue Vega pulled up slowly, parking on the opposite side of the street from the warehouse. Starsky sat up, alert. A second car pulled in behind it, a green Pinto, and the driver got out, walking up to the first car. The driver of the first car got out as both men walked over to a large truck, which had pulled up in front of the warehouse doors. Starsky grabbed the mike from the radio. “All units, stand by, looks like we got us a taker.” He said, hanging the mike back on the side of the Motorola. Three other units called in, confirming his command. They sat and watched, letting the perps give them a show. Easing their way into the place, the driver of the truck stayed in its’ cab as the other two broke in; going in and out, retrieving goods at a very fast pace.
“They’re kids.” Hutch said, looking over at them. “I bet they aren’t even eighteen years old yet.” He added.
“And they’ve been practicing.” Starsky said sarcastically as they watched them moving about.
“Yep. We better get over there, the shift is going to start coming in around 9:30, according to the manager. We don’t want to get those folks mixed in with this.” Hutch said.
Starsky looked at his watch. It was 9:15am. He picked up the mike, telling all units to move in, and Hutch started the car, yanking it in gear and screeching the tires as they headed over to get the culprits. Sirens started coming all around the guys as they ran out from the building, each running to their cars and jumping in. They first one in the Vega pulled out, steering around Starsky and Hutch as they tried unsuccessfully to cut him off. A black and white unit gave chase, sirens blaring and they sped down the street; spinning tires until both cars were out of sight, turning a corner. The second man was not so lucky. With Hutch’s vehicle blocking him in, and a black and white unit pulling behind him, he reluctantly got out of the car, holding up his hands as the uniformed officers grabbed and cuffed him. The driver of truck tried backing out from where he was parked, already blocked in front by another black and white unit, and Hutch pulled his car behind it, hoping the truck would stop. It did, and Starsky and Hutch both jumped out and nabbed him; an easy grab since the man tried running behind their car. The back of the truck was still open, and they looked at all the thieves had gotten out from the warehouse. Boxes were thrown all over the inside of it, not stacked or even placed side by side. Starsky looked inside, walking the handcuffed man over towards the patrolman’s’ car.
“Remind me not to get them to help me move.” he said with sarcasm.
A patrolman came running towards them.
“The other guy just crashed into traffic up on Washington Boulevard near Simpson Road. They said he didn’t make it, and they want you two guys at the scene right now.” He said. “We’ll get these two downtown.”
Starsky and Hutch jumped back into the LTD. Starsky looked at Hutch as they sped down the road, turning up the side street. He turned on the siren and placed the bubble light on top of the car.
“I wonder why they want us up there.” He said.
“We’ll find out in
a minute.” Hutch said, expertly driving as he increased his speed.
Chapter Thirteen
Hutch drove up to the scene, pulling his car over to the side as they looked at the mess of snarled vehicles all over the road. There were at least eight; maybe nine cars involved. Apparently the kid had gone through the red light, hitting several cars of oncoming traffic and causing a chain reaction. Paramedics were already on the scene, along with fire trucks, and ambulances were fast approaching. Police officers were scattered all around the perimeter; a couple trying to direct traffic around the mess with the rest running around from car to car, checking on the wounded, calling the paramedics over where needed. Starsky and Hutch got out of the car, looking around in disbelief.
“Nooooo! Leave
me alone! Get away from me!” they heard a woman shrieking.
Starsky knew the voice.
It was Gabrielle. Panicked, he ran, looking around, as Hutch followed
quickly behind him. Starsky froze as he saw her blue Duster, crumpled
with the drivers’ side door mashed in, and Hutch ran into him. Gabby
was standing, backing away from the paramedic who was trying to help her.
There was blood on the side of her face and arm. A couple of firemen
were behind her, ready to stop her if she decided to run.
“Gabby!” Starsky hollered, running towards her. Another officer walked briskly over to Hutch.
“We recognized her when we saw her and called for you guys to get over here. She won’t let them touch her. I think she took a pretty hard knock to her head.” He told Hutch, watching as Starsky tried to get near her.
“Gabby honey, it’s me, David.” he said, trying to walk towards her. Gabby backed away from him.
“We’re scared to rush her and bring her down because she’s pregnant, and the paramedics don’t know what kind of injuries she’s got.” The officer told Hutch, who shook his head, but didn’t take his eyes from Gabby and Starsky.
“Baby, come on now,” Starsky began, “Let me take a look at ya, make sure you’re alright.” He said, trying to slowly inch his way towards her.
“You stay away from me!” she yelled, looking around her. She noticed the blood on her arm, then took her hand and put it on her forehead, seeing the blood from it. She turned and saw her car, and the shock of the accident came back to her. She looked at Hutch, who walked slowly towards her, then looked at Starsky. He could see she was remembering him. God she looked pale.
“David?” she asked, and he walked evenly to her, the paramedic close behind. Suddenly she screamed out in pain, grabbing her stomach.
“Gabby!” Starsky yelled, running to her.
“Oh my God it hurts.” She told him. She held his arm as he held her head up from the ground. The paramedic put a blood pressure cuff on her other arm, then checked her pulse.
“She’s going into shock!” he yelled as another paramedic ran over, moving Starsky above her as he started an IV. She screamed in pain again.
“David!” she pleaded weakly.
“I’m right here Gabby, I’m right here.” His voice was shaking with fear.
Within seconds, Gabby was unconscious. They put her on a backboard, then got her on a stretcher, putting her in the ambulance, taking off within seconds. Starsky rode with them, and Hutch was following in his car.
“Dispatch.” He said rudely into the mike of the Motorola radio. “”This is Zebra Three. Patch me through to Captain Dobey NOW.” He said forcefully.
“He’s not here, Hutch.” A voice said, coming through on the radio.
“Damn!” Hutch said, then
remembered the baby shower, knowing Dobey would be there. He told
the girl to call over to the Coral Diner and get ahold of Dobey.
Explaining everything that he needed to know, he told her to tell him to
let everyone know about the accident, and to bring Lila, Dee and Huggy
up to the hospital and send everyone else back home. She told him
she’d take care of it. Hutch sped down the road as he followed the
ambulance. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his hand shaking
as he pulled the car into the hospitals’ entrance.
Chapter Fourteen
Starsky stayed as long as they allowed him to in the ER with Gabby, but it wasn’t long before they were taking her upstairs to their obstetrics intensive care unit, scheduling a room for surgery. Instructing him the directions to the waiting area for that unit, he walked out from the ER and met up with Hutch, who waited impatiently for him. He told Hutch where he was going, and left as Hutch went to the reception desk, telling the lady that sat there about the people that would be there soon looking for them, and where they would be found.
Hutch found his partner up on the sixth floor, sitting down with tears running down his cheeks.
“Hutch.” He said, seeing him walk quickly towards him.
“I’m here.” Hutch answered, putting his arm around his friend as he sat down beside him.
“They won’t tell me anything. I can’t stand this sitting and waiting.” He said, hopelessness in his voice.
Captain Dobey arrived with Lila, Dee, and Huggy within a half hour of their leaving the emergency room.. Starsky stood up, his eyes focused on Lila as he went to hug her, holding her tightly. The room was quiet; no one spoke. Everyone just looked around at each other, watching Starsky as he paced miserably around the room. A nurse periodically came into the room, letting them know that Gabby was alright; when she was in surgery; when she had come out; and when she had come around from the anesthesia. She even came in a few times to bring them coffee. But it was a total of five hours before her surgeon came into the waiting room, looking for Starsky.
“Can we speak privately?” she asked as everyone gathered around them.
“These people are our family, you can speak freely. Now what’s going on?” he demanded, as the doctor looked strangely at the group.
“Gabrielle is going to be fine. She has a few minor abrasions and bruises, and she sustained internal bleeding due to the impact of the accident, but the surgery went without complications…” she began, but was cut off by Starsky.
“The baby.” He said in monotone, looking her straight in her eyes. She looked around at everyone, all eyes upon her.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Starsky. We did everything we could. The baby suffered too many traumas from the impact, and there was nothing we could do. I am very sorry for your loss.” She told him as he tried to keep his composure, tears streaming down his cheeks.
“Does Gabby know?” he asked, his words strained.
“Yes, she does.” The doctor answered. “I’m afraid we had to sedate her.”
“Oh my God.” He said, as Lila reached for him, holding him, and he let it go, crying as his body heaved from the pain.
“I’m going to go check on her again, and afterwards, you can see her. Before the sedative took effect, she was asking for you.” The doctor said softly.
Starsky nodded his head to acknowledge her, finally letting go of Lila, who was also crying. He looked around at everyone. They were all crying with him, trying to be strong for him, but it was just too difficult to do.
The doctor left, and everyone watched as Starsky and Lila held hands, no words spoken.
“Go be with her, David.”
Lila began, trying to regain her composure. “She’s going to be lost
without you.”
The doctor came
back in within ten minutes, telling Starsky he could go to her room now,
number 617. He looked around at everyone, wiping his face as he left
them quickly. Lila grabbed the doctors’ arm as she began to leave
the waiting room.
“Doctor, is Gabby going to be alright?” she asked weakly.
“Physically she’s fine.” The doctor said, pausing. “If you’re asking if she can still have children, the answer is yes. But mentally is another story.” She turned to leave when Lila grabbed her arm again.
“The child.” Lila said, and the doctor bowed her head a little, looking around at everyone, then back at Lila.
“It was a boy.” She said quietly, then left the room.
Chapter Fifteen
Starsky walked into the room, his steps slow and quiet. He saw her laying there, her face turned towards the window. He walked up to the bed, tears still falling from his eyes, but keeping himself composed for her sake. Her eyes were closed. Her face was pale and white; her hair pulled straight back from it, making her look much differently than he had ever seen her, even when she had been sick before. He put his hand around hers, noticing the coldness of it, and pulled the blankets up around her from the bottom of the bed. Her eyes opened, and, not moving her head to face him, she squeezed his hand.
“Gabby.” He said, letting her know he was there, hoping his voice would comfort her.
She didn’t move. He looked around at her, seeing her eyes were still open, and put her hand back down beside her, covering it with the blanket as he went around to the other side of the bed, hoping to make eye contact with her. Her eyes were on him, but her stare was blank.
“Gabby.’ He said sweetly, grabbing hold of her other hand, but she wouldn’t respond to him. Letting go of her hand, he grabbed a chair from the other side of the room, carrying it over to her bedside, sitting down in front of her. Her eyes were still looking in the same direction of the window.
”Gabby?” he asked sweetly, holding her hand again, pulling it up to his wet cheek, squeezing it tightly. Her eyes looked down towards him, but no emotion showed on her face. Tears flowed from her eyes as she looked at him, never making a sound. Seeing her this way seemed to reach into his heart and rip it in half. She closed her eyes again, falling back into a tranquilized sleep. Starsky sat there, weeping quietly.
Dobey agreed with Hutch and decided to take Dee and Lila home, Dee would stay with Lila as long as necessary, eventually bringing her back to the hospital as Gabby made better progress. Everyone looked worn and ragged, eyes swollen from the pain of the day. This day was supposed to be a happy occasion; Gabby’s surprise baby shower. Now it was nothing more than the day from hell, a nightmare that no one could be rid of. Huggy stayed in the waiting room with Hutch, while Starsky stayed in Gabby’s room at her side. Nurses brought him food, but the only thing he could muster was coffee or soda. Dobey had come back, bringing Hutch a change of clothes from his locker at the precinct. He could be so kind hearted when one of his people was hurting. He felt their pain right along with them. After he left, Hutch fell into a light sleep, exhausted from the turn of events throughout this retched day. He awoke to find a blanket had been placed on him, and Starsky sitting across from him, looking at him. Abruptly he sat up, looking at his partner and best friend.
“Gabby?” he asked, wiping the sleep from his eyes.
“She’s pretty much out of it.” Starsky said, rubbing his face with both hands. He grabbed a cup of coffee, handing it to Hutch.
“Why don’t you go home, get some decent rest?” Starsky asked, looking sincerely at his friend.
“No, I don’t want to.” Hutch responded, looking at his watch. It was midnight. He looked at Starsky, noticing how worn his partner was.
“Where’s everybody?” Starsky asked. Hutch took a deep breath.
“Dee’s at home with Lila, taking care of her, and Huggy’s been in and outta here all evening.” He said, pointing to the corner. Huggy was asleep in a chair, a blanket had been placed over him also, and he was slouched over in what looked to be a very uncomfortable position.
“Dobey left to take Dee and Lila home, came back once, and has been calling in almost every hour to check on you two.” He added. “Has she said anything about, you know, about the baby?” Hutch asked with concern. Starsky shook his head.
“She hasn’t said anything at all. She wakes up, has this blank stare, and cries. It’s like she’s still in shock.” He said, wiping a tear from his face. “I don’t even know if I lost a daughter or son.” He said, dropping his head.
“It was a boy.” Hutch
told him quietly, as Starky began to cry again, and Hutch held him, as
if for dear life.
Chapter Sixteen
It had been six days since the accident. The papers had been drawn for Gabbys’ release, but the doctor was very reluctant; concerned. She hadn’t been responding to anyone, not Lila nor Starsky, and she hadn’t spoken a word since her surgery. The doctor had strongly considered placing Gabby under 24 hour psychiatric care. Starsky told her that he would not leave Gabby by herself, and reassured her that Gabby would have someone with her 24 hours a day, at least until she began getting back to normal, whatever that was supposed to be after losing your child. Keeping the doctor from putting her in some psychiatric ward was his only focus as he talked to her. She finally agreed.
Dee had been wonderful, going to both Starskys’ and Gabby’s apartments, cleaning, doing laundry, and with Lila’s help, packing away all the baby items they had gotten here and there. Lila agreeing to put them all in her attic at home. Hutch adored Dees’ strength, and the fact also that she was so understanding and caring and supportive. Not only was she his lover, but she was the next best thing to a best friend of his besides Starsky. There was a long road ahead of them, and she was strong enough to handle it. ‘Thank God’, he thought.
Gabby was brought downstairs to the lobby of the hospital and Starsky was at her side. Hutch stood there waiting with his car parked at the doors.
The drive back to the apartments was severely quiet. Gabby just stared out the window as Hutch went into the pharmacy to get her prescriptions filled, never looking at Starsky, or anything in particular. Once they got home, she went straight into her room, laying down. Starsky went in and laid down beside her, putting his arm around her. She began to cry. Hutch was looking around, not knowing whether he should stay or go. He decided to stay, sitting down on the sofa. He could hear both Starsky and Gabby as they cried together in the bedroom, feeling the tears welling up in his own eyes.
Gabby turned to Starsky, his tears pulling her to him. She looked at him, his face surprised as he wiped the tears from it. She sat up, and he came up with her, holding her tightly.
“I’m sorry.” She cried, “I’m so sorry David!” she said hysterically, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Why are you sorry?” he said, crying with her. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Gabby!” he told her sincerely. “It wasn’t your fault honey.” He said, holding her tight, so upset from her pain, yet relieved at her outburst.
Hutch got up quietly
from the sofa and walked out the door. He went over to Lila’s, letting
her know that Gabby was responsive again and that David was taking care
of her. He walked over to Starsky’s apartment, feeling somewhat relieved,
deciding that they needed their privacy. He called Dee, telling her
what had happened and how he would be staying at Starskys’ because he wanted
to be close. Dee agreed with him, telling him she’d be by later.
Hutch then called Dobey’s house, letting his wife know the progression
of things and his plans to stay nearby. She told him she would
tell the captain, who was on his way home. She assured Hutch that
Dobey was very sympathetic and willing to do anything for his two best
detectives, including giving them as much time off as they needed.
Hutch smiled as he hung up the phone, then stretched out across the sofa,
losing himself into a much needed sleep.
Chapter Seventeen
It had been three weeks since the accident. Nothing was ‘normal’, but everyone was coping, trying to help Starsky and Gabby get through all the pain. Starsky had started going back to work again, trying his best to make the dull pain in his heart subside, and Hutch was there for him, every step of the way. Dee and Lila took turns keeping watch over Gabby, who could not be rid of the guilt she felt over the loss of their child. No one could convince her that it wasn’t her fault. Starsky would look her in the eyes, telling her it was an accident and that time would make the pain ease for them both, but she could see his hurt and felt it was because of her. He tried to be brave for her, but she could see through him. She had become a recluse of sorts, not wanting to go out from her apartment, not even to Starskys’.
Starsky and Hutch were wrapping up their first day at work together since the accident. It was a pained reunion. Starsky was quiet most of the time, but he was trying. They sat in the squad room, Starsky going over the files from his partners’ work in his absence.
“You’ve been busy.” He told him, a little grin on his face as he looked over the stack.
“It’s all been piddley crap. Nothing I couldn’t handle. I think Dobey took pity on me.” He answered, grinning. “How ‘bout we call it a day, eh partner?” he asked, getting up from his chair.
“Yeah, I think I’ve had about all I wanna take for one day.” Starsky answered.
The phone rang on Hutch’s desk and he picked it up quickly, pushing the chair up to his desk.
“Hutchinson.” He answered. “Deanna?” he asked. “Yeah, what’s wrong?” Hutch looked at Starsky. “Yeah, okay baby, we’ll be right there.” Hutch had barely hung up the phone before Starsky was up and out from his chair, walking around the desk beside him.
“What is it?” Starsky asked.
“It’s Gabby. She’s not at her place or yours or Lila’s.” He said as they both went out the door, racing down the steps and out to the car.
They pulled into the curbing in front of Starsky’s apartment, getting out .of the car quickly. Starsky looked around. Lila’s car was gone, but Lila was walking over towards them with Dee.
“Lila?” Starsky asked.
“Dave, she must have
taken my keys when I was over there this morning. I didn’t even know
the car was gone.” She paused for a moment. “I’m so worried.
In her state of mind these past few weeks, Lord only knows what she was
thinking!”
Starsky ran up towards Gabby’s apartment, looking to see if she had taken anything or maybe just left a note, while Hutch got back in the car and put out an APB, getting the license plate number from Lila and giving a description of her car and Gabby.
“Do not approach. I repeat, do not approach. Notify Zebra Three when you’ve made a visual.” He said, then set the mike back into place.
Dee took Lila back home, trying to assure this older woman yet again to not be worried, wondering if she was saying the same words she had said too many times before. Starsky ran back to his car. Hutch was already inside, and they left, dust clouding behind the wheels.
“She didn’t take anything that I could see, and didn’t leave any note for me either.” Starsky said, driving down the main streets slowly as he and Hutch looked down each side road.
“She probably just
needed to get out for a while. We have been smothering her a lot
here lately.” Hutch said, trying to comfort his friend.
“Yeah, but she didn’t
want to go out anywhere, not even to the store. And now all of a
sudden she just left like that. Something’s wrong. Something’s
wrong.” Starsky said, looking all around.
“Zebra Three, this is dispatch. That vehicle you’ve been looking for has been found at Forbes’ Park. It’s parked at the south entrance.” She said.
“Thanks Millie.” Hutch began, “Tell all units to back off, we’ll be there in five minutes. Oh, and cancel that APB for me, will ya?” he asked.
“Ten-four” she answered him.
Starsky drove over to the southern entrance of the park. It was a very beautiful area, with picnic tables and a playground close by. The trees were full of new leaves and vibrant. Lila’s car was parked the furthest down of maybe ten vehicles. He pulled the Torino beside it. Over towards a small pond was a picnic table with someone sitting on top of it, and Starsky knew immediately that it was Gabby. He took a huge breath and sighed in relief.
“I’ll be back in a
little while.” He said as he got out from the car.
Chapter Eighteen
Starsky walked slowly towards Gabby, not knowing what kind of reaction to expect with him finding her. She heard his footsteps in the leaves and turned towards him. She smiled.
“What are you doing out here, all alone like this?” he asked her sweetly.
”What are you doing finding me out here when I just wanted to be all alone?” she asked him. He bowed his head down, noticing the pack of cigarettes sitting beside her.
“I got scared.” He said, looking back up into her green eyes. She looked away from him, looking out at the pond.
“David,” she began as she grabbed a cigarette, “I’m going back to Virginia.” She told him, lighting it.
“What? But why?” he asked, completely shocked by her words. “You cant leave me now.” He said, putting his hand on her arm. “We have so many plans, so many dreams…” he said, letting the words drift off.
“I have to because of those plans, David. We made those plans because we were going to have a baby.” She said.
“We made those plans because we love each other!” he said, pulling her arm to make her face him. Tears were falling from her eyes, and he grabbed her by her shoulders. “I know you love me too, dammit!” Starsky said, tears welling in his own.
“That’s why I have to go.” She said, crying.
“Why Gabby?” he asked, choking on his words.
”I can’t get over this pain as long as I see it in you. I know that I didn’t do anything wrong to make us lose our baby, but every time I look in your eyes, I feel guilty, and even ashamed for putting that pain in your heart. All the ‘what ifs’ keep going through my mind and I can’t stop them. I can’t watch you suffering and worrying about me, and that’s all you’ve been doing. We need time to heal.” She told him.
“We can heal together.” He said, smiling at her. “We can get married, start our family, do all the things we dreamed about.” Starsky told her sweetly.
“No David. We dreamed all that when we thought we had a baby on the way and had to make those plans. Everything’s changed.” She said, looking away from him.
“No, Gabby. It’s not that way.” He said, looking at her, wanting her to look back at him. She wiped her face with her hand, looking over at him, smiling what he thought had to be the saddest smile he had ever seen.
“I’m so sorry David, but yes it is that way. You’ll understand as time goes by, when you meet someone else…” her words were cut off.
“Don’t you talk that way.” He said angrily. She put her hand up to his cheek, looking at him with all her love.
“I will be back one day. It’s not going to be forever. And I’ll always be with you here.” She said, taking her fingers and putting them over his heart. He pulled her hand up to his face and kissed it.
“Please don’t go.” He said, looking at her with more sadness than she could bare to see.
“I have to go because I love you too much not to.” She told him, weeping as she got up from the picnic table, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek, then walking away.
Hutch shifted his position in the leather seat of the Torino for the umpteenth time, feeling anxious as he watched Gabby and Starsky sitting on the picnic table. He watched as Gabby got up and walked over to Lila’s car, waving at him as she got into it and backed it up, driving it away. Starsky sat there, not moving, still on the picnic table, and Hutch got out of the car, walking over to him. Without saying a word, he sat down beside his best friend, whom he could tell was upset.
“You okay?” Hutch asked. Starsky shook his head, motioning that he was.
“Where’s Gabby going?” he asked gently.
Starsky took a deep breath, looking over to the pond, then looked at Hutch.
“She’s going home.”
The End, for now………………
Special thanks to Teej, Dee, and Lark,
Who helped me so very much to make it this far….
I’d have been so lost without your help and support!!!
Thank – You!!!!!!