Starsky took in all of the information that Hutch could give him and was intent on finding some answers). He was torn, he didn't want to leave Hutch, seeing how afraid he was, but if he didn't leave, he may never see Hutch alive again.
Hutch wanted to come with him, but was too weak and sick. He was taken to the intensive care unit.
"I promise you Hutch. I'll get whoever did this and find out what was in the hypo. You don't go anywhere on me okay?"
"I'm not going anywhere Starsk. Hurry okay?"
After a long locked glance, the four blue eyes detached themselves. Starsky bolted out of the ICU room and Hutch was left to wait. The pain in his stomach was already starting and it was becoming more difficult to breathe. He was hooked up to all sorts of monitors, IV's and oxygen. All of the things he hated.
(Starsky, be careful - and hurry - counting on ya buddy. I'm don't wanna leave ya yet.)
---
Starsky talked to every snitch, every working prostitute and the general population near the Silo, looking for clues - anything to go on. His mind was back in the ICU room with Hutch, but he knew he had to focus if he was going to save his partner's life. He found Stella, still behind the Silo, leaning against the dumpster. He knew immediately she was strung out and was about to go on with his search when he heard her say, "You - it was supposed to be you."
"What? What'd you say kid?"
"I didn't want to do it, but I needed - the money."
"What's your name kid?"
"Stella."
"Okay, Stella, what are you tryin to tell me?"
"Why should I tell you anything!"
"Hey, I thought we were friends?" Starsky took out a $20 bill and put it in her hand.
"Will you talk to me now?"
Stella looked into the soft blue eyes, noticing both panic and fear. "Like I said mister, I needed the money. I didn't know what the guy had in mind. Did he hurt you?"
"STELLA! Focus for me will you? I need your help. Please. I'm not hurt - but my best friend is laying in the hospital and is - he's dy - he's really sick. You can help him to get better." Starsky was getting very nervous and found himself continually checking his watch.
---
"Starsky? Where is Starsky? I need him here."
The poison was running its course and taking its toll, having no mercy on its victim. Hutch was in severe pain, but refused anything that would cause him to sleep. He had to be awake when Starsky got back. He had to see Starsky one more time. He was afraid if he took the pain medicine, he would never again wake up. Huggy stayed by his side in Starsky's absence - sponging Hutch's feverish face and neck, trying to keep him calm.
"Hutch my man, try to relax. Why don't you let them give you something for the pain? I'll wake you when Starsky gets back."
"No --- I might not wake up. If I go to sleep it might be over."
Huggy stayed by Hutch's side, continuing to talk to his blond friend who was at times now delirious, calling for Starsky constantly, retching and crying. It broke Huggy's heart when in Hutch's half lucid moments, he asked Huggy if he had already died. Huggy could only listen to his agonizing friend. Huggy reached up to wipe at the tears falling from the light blue eyes as he saw Hutch struggling to move unsuccessfully.
"Huggy, tell Starsky I'm so sorry. I don't want to leave him.
It's too soon. You stick close to Starsky for me? It's not
gonna be easy for him."
"Hey blondie, you can talk to Starsky yourself when he gets back. He should be back soon."
---
Starsky took Stella down to the station and filled Dobey in on what he had found. He asked that Dobey find out what he could from Stella, that he had to get back to the hospital to see Hutch.
Walking into the intensive care unit, Starsky's heart began to pound, fearing what he might find.
"Hutch? Can you hear me babe?" Starsky lowered the siderail and sat on the side of the bed, taking Hutch's hand in his own. "Come on buddy, open those baby blues for me."
"Sta…"
"Its okay buddy, you don't have to talk now. We got a break Hutch. I found the girl who put something in your drink - only it was meant for me. You gotta stop drinking by beverages blondie."
"No - not you. Nothin' can happen to you."
"'Hey, shh, I'm right here. We're close buddy, close to finding the guy who did this. You gotta stay with me here okay? You got a lot to teach me remember? About how to pick up girls?"
"I'll try - it hurts Starsk - it hurts so bad, and I can't move - can't see too good."
"I want you to rest for me now buddy, I got some more work to do, then I'll be back."
"No Starsk - don't go. What if --- How much time do we have left?"
"We got plenty of time bronco. You hang on - you fight this Hutch. I'll be back real soon."
Starsky knew he had to leave the room quickly. He just made it
to the outside of Hutch's room when his own tears began to fall.
He looked at his watch and ran for the stairwell.
"SOMETIMES EVERYTHING IS WRONG,
NOW ITS TIME TO SING ALONG,
WHEN YOUR DAY IS NIGHT,
HOLD ON --- HOLD ON.
WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE LETTING GO,
YOU THINK YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS LIFE,
HOLD ON --- HOLD ON."
R.E.M.