They were already late for work. It was hot and traffic was backed up. Starsky was glad they were not late due to himself. This one Hutch could not yell at him for, he thought. It had been evident to Starsky that his partner was in one of his bad morning moods and thought it best to just let Hutch get over it. Starsky did not want to argue with Hutch this morning and he knew that they always seemed to take out their frustrations on each other, both being the closest to each others heart. He decided to try some small talk. They were stuck in traffic, it was hot, they had Hutch's car and Hutch was in a bad mood. (What else? thought Starsky).

"Hey Hutch?"

"What?" his partner snapped back at him.

"I was just going to ask you how your date was with Jennifer last night".

"Sorry Starsk." "I didn't mean to snap at you, I've just had the most frustrating morning...one thing after another...now the heat...the traffic...and now we are late." "I don't feel like answering to Dobey today. Can we tell him it was your fault?" Hutch smiled.

"Its ok Hutch, I'll get you back," Starsky said in an attempt to keep the "air" light.

"Jen and I had a great time last night actually". Hutch started to recall the evening with a smile. "As hot as it was, we played some tennis before it got dark. I kept the game close but let her win in the last set". Hutch laughed a little. "Gotta keep um happy Starsk". "Then we went back to my place and watched a movie".

"Sounds nice," said Starsky. "So, how did the movie end?"

Hutch knew what Starsky was getting at and just shook his head with a "your bad" kind of smile.

"Your just jealous Starsk", Hutch said kiddingly. "I have no idea how the movie ended or what it was even about and neither does Jen". Hutch was now laughing.

Starsky was able to pull his partner out from behind another darkly clouded mood.

As they sat in traffic Hutch began to tell Starsky about his morning.

"Starsky, today started out as the morning from hell. First of all my alarm clock broke. Luckily I woke up, not too late, on my own. I went out for my run and almost tripped over my shoelace. When I went to tie it, and it broke!" Hutch rolled his eyes. "Then I came back to take a quick shower and the water was ice cold. It should have felt good, with this heat and all, but...well, it was the fastest shower I ever took. Then my blender went on the brink and I had to make my shake by hand. I spilled it all over my LA Dodgers T-shirt and pants. I had to change everything. I threw on these jeans, my hightops and this oversized New York Mets T-shirt that you got me". Hutch looked at Starsky, "You know I love ya Starsk, but why the METS?". Hutch left Starsky stew a bit, then looked over at his partner and gave him a smile and a wink. Starsky smiled. "There is nothing wrong with the Mets"....

"So, let's start over". Hutch said in a new and better tone of voice. "Good Morning". He said with a smile.

Starsky was now laughing too. (Mission accomplished) he thought.

"Hey Hutch, wanna throw some Frisbee after work"?

"Sure, why not. Maybe we can find a woman for you Starsk". "You have too much time on your hands. Wanna meet Jen's sister"?

"You just worry about your own love life Blondie". "I don't need any help in that department. Your taste and mine are not exactly the same you know...but thanks anyway buddy". Starsky replied with a small laugh, glad to have his more jovial Hutch back.

Traffic was still moving slowly and it was so hot. Starsky, being bored, turned toward Hutch and started with his favorite game again.

"Ok Hutch". "Think of a number between 1 and 10".

"Oh come on Starsk...you know I hate this game"?

"Come on Hutch, what else ya got to do? We're stuck in this God forsaken traffic jam. We gotta do something".

"Ok, ok", Hutch muttered. Hutch would do anything for his partner and friend, including the small and silly games that seemed to make him so happy.

"Got one"? Starsky said excitedly.

" Yeah, yeah Starsky, I am thinking of a number".

Just then they heard a call on the radio telling them of an armed robbery taking place at 312 Main St. Starsky and Hutch looked at each other, then Starsky picked up the radio mike to tell Mildred to log them in and that they were close enough to handle this call.

It was a small convenience store on Main St. Hutch parked the car about a half a block away and they made their way to the convenience store. Through the store window, Starsky recognized the man holding the gun to the owner's head as Bob Davis. Both Starsky and Hutch were familiar with the charades of Bob Davis and his two brothers Randy and Mike. This was not their first offense, and not the first time Starsky and Hutch had the so called "pleasure" of dealing with them.

The two detectives carefully and quietly investigated the situation. They had a plan to get Bob out without harming anyone. Starsky got close enough to talk to Bob. He remained calm and tried to talk him into giving it up.

Just then, Randy Davis appeared from a door in the back of the convenience store and spotted Starsky. Randy lifted his revolver and aimed it directly at Starsky.

"Get down Starsk"!! Hutch screamed. Hutch fired just before Randy pulled the trigger that would have landed a bullet into his partner. Randy was dead before he hit the floor.

Bob, still in the store holding a gun to the owner's head, not knowing what to do (go to his brother, stay where he was, go after the two detectives who had been destroying his life for the past two years, or just run). Bob began to shoot toward the store window where he spotted Starsky and Hutch. They took cover, Starsky at one corner of the outside of the store and Hutch at the other. Bob ran out in an attempt to get away. Still firing till he realized he was out of ammunition. Hutch got up slowly to pursue their criminal. Bob disappeared down the street. Hutch carefully went to the curb, looking in all directions for him.

"Hutch!!!" Starsky yelled. "Behind you! Across the street!" Hutch knew that tone of voice from Starsky meant trouble. Starsky spotted Bob across the street with his brother Mike, who was now aiming directly at Hutch with his fully loaded rifle.

"Look out Hutch!" "Get down!"..."Get down Hutch please!"

Hutch was caught for a moment, not knowing which direction to go for cover. There were no cars nearby for him to duck behind from where he was standing. He was wide open and an easy target.

Starsky yelled again, "Move Hutch Now!!!"

Hutch looked at Mike quickly and then connected with Starsky's eyes. He turned quickly to go behind a car that was parked across the street and to his left. It was the only cover he could find. (How did he find himself without cover he thought...can this day get any worse he thought quickly).

Hutch went to run for the only cover he could find. As he turned away from Starsky's pleading gaze he made his move. Never to reach his destination.

In all the confusion and urgency of the situation, Hutch did not think about the oncoming traffic. He turned only to be met by an oncoming car. He flew violently into the air and up over the hood of the car. He landed head first on the street. He now lay face down, arms and legs in all directions, bleeding from his head. Another oncoming car was able to stop only three inches from the severely wounded blond.

Bob and Mike both witnessed the accident that they were ultimately the cause of and ran away as fast as possible.

Starsky ran to Hutch's side. At first afraid to touch his partner, then afraid not to. "Hutch!" "Hutch, babe its me, can you hear me"? "Please partner, stay with me...don't leave me...I'm right here with you and help is on the way".

Hutch had a moment of consciousness as he tried to move. The pain in his head was too much and he stopped trying.

"Two" Hutch whispered.

"What"? Starsky replied softly.

"Two...is the number you were thinking of..."

"I'm sorry Starsk". "Be there ok"? "Its beautiful". Hutch then stopped responding.

Starsky was not sure what Hutch meant by his last five words and it scared him even more. He was afraid to move his now unconscious partner and just prayed, tears beginning to run down his face, as he heard the ambulance getting closer. He felt so helpless as there was nothing he could do to help his badly traumatized friend.

Starsky felt for a pulse but could not find one.

"Oh God" Starsky wailed. "Hutch, please...don't die on me!" "Don't leave me buddy". "Please don't leave me...please wake up! Please....."

Hutch found himself floating above the scene which had caused him so much pain. He felt confused as he saw Starsky kneeling on the road holding a man in his arms, seeming hysterical. As Hutch looked closer he recognized the man being held as himself.

"What the heck"...Hutch thought. He wanted to tell Starsky not to worry, that he was fine. He wanted to tell him not to cry, that everything would be ok. Hutch just did not understand what was happening, why he felt so good and yet so bad seeing his partner in such emotional distress. Hutch suddenly realized that he had crossed the barrier between life and death and that he was dead.

He felt a beautiful warm sensation when he saw his mother, who had died years ago.

"Kenny" she said with an outreached hand. "Kenny, I have missed you so much...don't be afraid...take my hand honey. Its gonna be ok...your home baby..."

Hutch thought it odd that his mother was speaking to him, although no audible words were heard and her mouth was not moving...but he understood her clearly. As Hutch took his mothers hand he felt wrapped in love. She lead him away from the scene below...Hutch looked back down at Starsky and wished he could tell him how beautiful it was where he was. He tried, but of course Starsky could not hear him.

As Hutch followed his mother the atmosphere changed. Suddenly he felt himself gliding through some sort of large tubing or tunnel. He was not afraid. He ultimately found himself in the presence of a beautiful white light. He had never known such peace. Here he was met by other family and friends who had died previously. He was extremely glad to see his uncle Bill, his mother's brother, who had been so good to him, treating him better than his own father. Again, no words were spoken, but they were heard clearly. Their eyes connected and he felt Uncle Bill's warm welcome for him.

"The Mets"? Uncle Bill said to his nephew in a nice but condescending manor. Then he smiled at the nephew he adored. "I can see that you needed me Kenny". They both smiled. Hutch told him that his best friend got the shirt for him and that "he meant well". Both laughed.

"Where am I Uncle Bill?" Hutch asked, "and what happened to me?"

"Son, you are home now". "No more pain, suffering or tragedies".

Uncle Bill ran his hand through Hutch's hair then rubbed the back of his neck.

"Oh Kenny" said Uncle Bill; "I have missed you so".

Hutch was greeted warmly by the others he had come in contact with and cared about on Earth.

Uncle Bill said, "I bet you never knew how many lives you touched when you were alive on earth, did you?". Hutch could only look on in amazement.

He moved further into the light and saw a dark curly headed figure approach him. He looked familiar.

"Hutch", the voice was so gentle and loving. Hutch knew who this was immediately.

"I am Michael Starsky," the figure said as he put a hand on Hutch's arm.

"I know," said Hutch. "Your son is my best friend and I love him very much".

"I know you do Hutch" replied the man that resembled Starsky so much. "My son could not have asked for a better friend". "He has been so fortunate to have someone who loved him so much". He went on. "You know, Davey did not have the best childhood...Oh how I loved him...he was my boy". "I didn't want to leave him, but was told it was my time to go and that I would not be able to return". "I know he suffered some severe child abuse and kept quiet to protect his mother and Nikki". "It broke my heart to see what my boy had to endure".

"Hutch, I have watched him over the years as he developed into a fine young man. I am so proud of him". "It was no coincidence that you and Davey arrived at the academy and grew to be best friends....friends like no other...a friend who you would die for and he for you". "He needed you Hutch".

Hutch listened to every word that Mr. Starsky was saying. He then communicated back telling Starsky's dad, "But I needed him too".

"I know you did son". "Davey still does need you...very much so". "He is only able to be strong because he knows you are there to support him". "After he met you, he began to laugh again...something that was lost early in his life". "He began to live again".

"Hutch...he's not ready to make it without you". "You need to go back".

Hutch was torn. He felt wonderful, peaceful, loved and happy where he was, but even in this heavenly place, he knew his partner did need him.

The paramedics pushed their way through the gathering crowd to reach their patient. They had to lift Starsky away from his partner. He watched as the paramedics did their quick evaluation of the light haired, pale man. Starsky was frantic and told them that he could not find a pulse and that Hutch was not breathing. The medics inserted an artificial airway into Hutch's throat and began CPR. One medic doing the compression's and the other bagging their patient.

It seemed like hours to Starsky, but Hutch was resuscitated in about 10 minutes. The medics looked at each other in surprise when they got a pulse and Hutch began to breathe. They gently rolled Hutch onto a hard backboard and secured him with the attached straps. They immobilized his head also and a cervical collar was applied, making it impossible for Hutch to move even if he did wake up.

They started an IV, applied a bandage to his bleeding scalp and started him on oxygen. Then they lifted him to transport him to the hospital. Hutch did not stir even once.

Starsky sat alone in the emergency room lobby, anxiously awaiting word on his partner. He was too scared to cry. Actually, he felt numb like none of this was really happening. He bought a cup of coffee that he could not drink, he paced, he sat, he stood, he stared out the window. (Hutch has to be ok...Oh God...please let Hutch be ok...he pleaded silently)...Starsky thought and rehashed parts of his conversation with Hutch just a few hours ago in the car. He thought of how happy he was when able to give Hutch a better morning, of the glances and smiles his partner gave to him, making his own morning better...he thought of Hutch laughing about his love life....Hutch playing tennis with Jennifer... (Oh God! I have to call Jennifer he thought). He decided to wait until he had news on Hutch, hopefully good news, to report to Jennifer and Captain Dobey

Starsky was deep in thought when the Dr. in blue scrubs came into the emergency room waiting room.

"Detective Starsky?" "I am Dr. Webster". He reached out his hand to greet him.

"Please call me Dave".

"How is he doc?" Starsky said nearly breathless.

"Dave, lets sit down over here". The Dr. gestured to the corner of the ER waiting room. "I won't mince words. Dave, your partner is lucky to be alive...he is in critical condition". "Mr. Hutchinson has a few broken ribs and some skin lacerations that we have already stitched up". "He has suffered severe trauma to his neck and spine. He has a fracture of the C5 vertebra in his spine and an enormous amount of swelling surrounding the spine. We are not certain yet as to the extent of his injuries in the spinal cord area. We must wait for the swelling to subside a bit more". "I am so sorry, but your partner may never walk again. His injury is high in the spine and he may not be able to move his arms or legs again".

"He will heal though won't he doc?" Starsky said in a frantic and shaky voice. He was hearing, but not hearing the doctor.

"I can't promise anything at this time. It does not look hopeful that he will regain any movement". The doctor wished he could tell Starsky something positive, but there just wasn't anything right now.

"What does this mean doc?" "What exactly are you saying is going to happen to my partner?"

"Dave, calm down and we can talk" said the doctor in an empathetic voice. He could tell that Starsky cared a great deal for his friend.

"Dave, we are and will do everything possible for your partner. He is going to need alot of support, both physically and emotionally. He is going to need you to be strong for him.

"What's going to happen to him doc?" "How will he live and function?"

"We can talk more about that later". The Dr. said seeing that Starsky was very upset.

"No doc, I want to know now!". "What does my partner have to look forward to?"

"Ok, please come with me to my office" the young doctor motioned him to follow.

Dr. Webster sat Starsky in the chair opposite of his desk. He began to tell him what 'Quadriplegia' meant for Hutch and his future. (and Starsky's future).

"Dave, Ken is going to need complete round the clock care. He will be totally dependent. He will need physical therapy to prevent muscle complications. His position will need to be changed frequently to prevent bed sores. He will have to have an indwelling catheter as he will have no control over his bladder, or bowel function. He will need someone to bathe him and feed him. He is powerless to do just about anything for himself. He may need to be suctioned, as he may be too weak to handle the secretions that build up and to prevent pneumonia. We can get him out of bed eventually and into a wheelchair, where he will have to be strapped in so as not to fall out of it and to remain in a sitting position. We can put splints on his hands and legs to prevent deformities".

"Dave, I am sorry to be so direct, but this is what happens and you wanted to know. The psychological effects will be devastating for him when he realizes he is no longer independent. This will be a major change to his lifestyle".

Starsky sat with his head down now, tears dripping onto his jeans. "He won't be able to handle this doc". "Can't anything be done for him?" Starsky was crying for the first time since Hutch was brought into the hospital.

Starsky walked into the Intensive Care Unit and then to his partner's room. He stood at the door for a moment, holding onto its frame, as he felt weak at how he saw his partner, his friend.

Hutch was in a circular type bed; his breathing was being assisted by a respirator. He was hooked up to machines that Starsky never saw before and he had IV's going into both arms and the catheter that Dr. Webster had told him about.

He walked a bit closer, becoming nauseous and weak as he observed a device that had been placed into either side of Hutch's head.

Dr. Webster walked in behind him just in time to break his fall. It had all been too much and he passed out.

Starsky came to by from the strong smell of ammonia. Dr. Webster had been waiving a smelling salt under his nose. He had been moved to an empty litter in the hall outside Hutch's room to lie down.

"I wasn't ready for this doc". Starsky said weakly.

Dr. Webster gave Starsky more of an explanation of what he saw.

"What you saw attached to your partners head is a type of traction called Crutchfield tongs". "This will lessen the pressure on the fracture in Ken's spine". Dr. Webster hesitated..."When he wakes up he may have excruciating pain in his head". "Are you going to be ok to be with him?"

"Yeah...yeah". "I'll be ok, I just wasn't prepared for that. I'll be ok now". "I want to go to be with him now". Starsky was still pale and weak, but was determined to be strong for his partner.

Starsky pulled up a chair to sit with Hutch. He lifted Hutch's hand in his own, realizing that he probably could not feel it. He wanted his partner to know he was there. He moved his hand to Hutch's shoulder. Just in case Hutch woke up, he wanted him to know he was not alone and that his partner was there with him.

Starsky tried to comfort his friend. He gently stroked his hair and spoke to him as if he could hear him. After a couple of hours, Starsky fell asleep, his hand still on Hutch's shoulder, his head on the bed next to Hutch's arm. He was exhausted.

Three days went by with still no change in Hutch's condition. He remained unresponsive. Hutch began having involuntary muscle spasms and he developed a fever. He had to be suctioned by the nurses several times as he was having difficulty swallowing the secretions that built up due to his lack of movement and severe weakness and in general his total condition.

Starsky was with Hutch all the way. He was feeling very guilty and had been blaming himself for what happened to his partner. "If only I hadn't told you to MOVE or to GET DOWN...if I had covered you better, If I'd have seen the car coming". Starsky was going through mental torment believing that he was responsible making Hutch's life a living hell that was only beginning for him. He wasn't eating, wasn't sleeping. He was getting very run down. He spoke to no one except Hutch, not knowing if he could even hear him. Other than talking to his partner, Starsky went inside himself and shut out the rest of the world. Dobey spoke with Dr. Webster who was also very concerned about Starsky now. It seemed to the Dr. and the nurses that Starsky was willing himself to die, not being able to handle the guilt they knew he was feeling and the hopelessness of his partner's condition. He needed Hutch now more than ever. He needed Hutch to hold him and knew that that may very well never happen again.

On the forth day as Starsky was dozing in the chair next to Hutch's bed he awoke to sounds of moaning. He became more alert and noticed that Hutch's eyes were open and he was trying to speak. Starsky jumped from his chair and was at Hutch's side immediately where Hutch could see him.

"Hutch"..."Hutch, calm down babe". "Try not to speak now. You're in the hospital and they have a tube in your throat to help you breath better".

Hutch looked at Starsky with fear in his eyes. He tried to speak again but was stopped when Starsky laid his hand on Hutch's cheek and shook his head 'no'". "Not now buddy. Let me get the doctor. Hang on Hutch, I'll be right back". Starsky spoke to Hutch in as calm a voice as he could". He didn't want to scare his partner.

Dr. Webster came in and assessed Hutch's condition. He decided that Hutch would be able to breathe on his own. The respirator and endo tube were removed. Hutch tried to move his head due to the pain that removing the tube caused but was not able. His throat was so sore and his voice a hoarse whisper. Tears ran down his face as he cried that his head hurt. The nurses suctioned him again which made him feel like he was choking. He tried to move away from them but again was not able. He was getting anxious, frustrated and felt confused. He called for Starsky with the little strength he had.

"Hey Hutch". "I'm here buddy". "Just try to relax...I know its hard, but please try for me". Starsky kept trying to calm his partner. He stroked his hair and shushed him lovingly until Hutch was once again asleep. Starsky sat back in the chair and cried. (I have to tell him, he thought) (I have to tell him that because of me he will never be able to walk again, play tennis, make love to a woman, be a cop, be a man...).

Hutch kept asking his partner questions which Starsky became very good at dodging. Hutch became frustrated and demanded some answers.

"Why can't I move Starsk! And why won't you tell me anything. You never held back on me before. Please Starsk. I'm scared he said softly, eyes pleading and filling with tears". Starsky came to his side where Hutch was able to see him and he stroked him where he could feel it. "I'm sorry buddy". Tears once again filling his own eyes.

Hutch was baffled as to what Starsky thought he had to be sorry for. "Its ok Starsky, you don't need to tell me your sorry. What would you have to be sorry for?"

It was then that Dr. Webster came in and felt it was time to tell Hutch the extent of his injuries and new findings. "Ken, My name is Dr. Webster. I have been treating you since you were brought into the hospital. You were hit by a car and have sustained some serious injuries. You have a fractured vertebra, that is why we had to put the traction into your skull. I think we can remove that very soon. There was some severe swelling around your spinal cord, but it has gone down and we have determined that your spinal cord itself has not been damaged".

This was news to Starsky. Before Starsky could say anything, the Dr. did say they just discovered this. (Ok doc, when are you going to tell him that he won't be able to walk again or move his arms). (When will you tell him that he will be a vegetable for the rest of his life)? Starsky thought.

The Dr. went on to tell Hutch that he had a rough road ahead of him and alot of work to do and that it would be a while before he could run the mile again.

"What doc?" Starsky was getting confused. "You mean he'll be able to regain movement in his arms and legs?"

Dr. Webster was honest with them both in saying that he did believe that Hutch would recover. "I was just coming to tell you that Dave. I am glad that Ken is awake now to hear it too".

Starsky thought "Thank God". (Hutch would never have to go through the agony and pain of thinking his life as he knew it would be over). There was at least hope now. Starsky took a deep breath and silently thanked God and promised himself that he would protect his partner better than ever before. 'If that was possible'.

Time heals.

Two weeks later Hutch was looking better and getting stronger. The traction had been removed from his head. He was regaining some movement in his extremities. He could now feel when Starsky held his hand. Physical therapy had become part of his daily routine. He was back on regular food and never complained when Starsky spilled things on his neck and chest as he fed him. Starsky went over exactly what happened on that hot day with the traffic jam and the close call his partner had endured.

Jennifer had become a regular visitor and fed Hutch when Starsky was not there, which was seldom. If it wasn't Jen or Starsky, it was Huggy or Mrs. Dobey who was there to make sure Hutch was eating and getting all the love possible. Capt Dobey even helped out, which made Hutch laugh seeing his superior become such a teddy bear. "Just like my kids" Dobey would mutter. "Don't get use to this Hutchinson" he would remind his detective. "I'm not gonna feed you when your back at work". "I expect you to be doing this for yourself very soon".

Starsky began to assist with Hutch's physical therapy. He would have him try to lift small objects and did not give up when Hutch dropped most of them. Starsky had been revived from his depression. All he needed was his partner and friend, and he had them both back.

"Starsk?" "I know that the Mets shirt you got for me was cut off me and destroyed when I came in. Do you think you could get me another one?" Starsky smiled and knew what his partner was saying 'between the lines' to him. He knew how lucky he was to be recovering and neither would ever forget the day that it almost all ended.

A few weeks later, Hutch was walking with assistance and was even able to feed himself. Not that he didn't make a mess, but at least he was feeding himself.

Starsky realized that Hutch didn't complain even once through this whole ordeal. This puzzled him. He had expected to have a difficult time with his partner and the moods that so often overtook him.

"Starsky". "I have something I want to talk to you about".

It was a Saturday and Starsky did not have to report to work. Starsky had the entire day, entire weekend to be with his best friend and his strength.

"Starsky, something happened when I was hit by that car". "I died didn't I?". Starsky had not told him of this. Of his partner arresting for over ten minutes.

Starsky was not sure how he wanted to respond to that question. His expression became sober and he said, "Yes, you did buddy". "I never felt so helpless, alone and scared in my entire life". "I am not ready to lose you buddy, I never will be".

"I know. Your dad told me the same thing".

"What!" "Hutch, are you ok?"

"Starsky, I saw you holding me in your arms, hysterical, my head bleeding. I saw the paramedics come and do CPR on me. I saw it all Starsk".

Starsky just listened to Hutch, his mouth hanging wide open.

"I went to a beautiful place Starsky. I never felt such peace before. I saw my mom and my Uncle Bill. I felt such love".

Starsky, I saw your dad. I talked with him. He is a wonderful man and loves you so so much. He told me how he is always with you and how proud of you he is". "He told me how awful he felt about what you went through when you were a kid, after he died". "He loves you Starsk. He told me how it was not a coincidence that we met at the academy and became best friends". "Your dad brought me back to you Starsky". "He told me that you needed me...I told him that I needed you". "Starsky, he is happy and is not suffering. He is in a place filled with love. We'll see him again someday. He'll be waiting for you with open arms". "Don't get any ideas of meeting him anytime soon though! You're stuck here with me for a long time".

Hutch lifted his arms with all the strength he could muster and reached for his partner. "I love you Starsky". "No more tragedies ok?".

Starsky held his partner and wept at what he was told about his father. "I believe you Hutch". "I love you too". "Don't go pulling any more stunts like this again huh?".

"I won't Starsk, I have had enough red beets spilled on me for a lifetime"....

Both laughed and thanked God again that they still had each other.

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