CHAPTER 1
"Starsky! In my office now!"
(Where the hell are you Hutch? Its Monday morning, I'm usually the late one, not you. Now I have to face Dobey alone. Sounds like its gonna be ugly! You owe me one partner) Starsky barged into Dobey's office, plopped in the chair and put his feet up on Dobey's desk. (Maybe if I act relaxed it'll rub off on him - reverse psychology - been hearing a lot about that lately)
"What's up cap?"
"Your feet - ON MY DESK! Get um off now!"
Starsky reluctantly removed his Adidas from Dobey's desk. (Well, so much for reverse psychology - You better get here soon Hutch, I only have so many excuses up my sleeve this morning for ya pal)
"Where's your partner?"
"I'm sure he's on his way now cap. You know he's been having trouble with that piece of metal he keeps calling his car."
"Save it Starsky, that one's getting old. You could at least come up with a better excuse than that. How stupid do you think I am?"
"Well cap, its Monday, maybe he forgot to set his alarm."
"That's you Starsky, Hutch doesn't forget to set his alarm. Stop covering for him. I've heard it all before. You know, you both should take this job a bit more seriously, this is not a 'stop and shop' where you can just stop in and go whenever you feel like it."
"What did you need cap?" (Hutch - you better have a darn good excuse. I'm not in the mood for this today)
Dobey fumbled with some papers on his desk, gathered scattered paper clips, then reached for his coffee. "I don't remember! Now get out of here and find Hutchinson. You both have work to do."
"You got it cap. I'm sure Hutch will have a good excuse. Maybe he's doing some kind of charity work ---"
"Starsky! Out!"
Starsky wasted no time in exiting the grumpy man's office. (Hutch, wait til I get a hold of you buddy! You at least owe me lunch today for this)
Starsky looked at the pile of papers on his desk, not knowing where to start. (I hate Mondays!) He called Hutch's apartment but got no answer. (Guess he's on his way)
Another hour went by and still no Hutch. Starsky was getting a
bit nervous, but tried to shake the uneasy feeling. Two hours later
Starsky felt something must be wrong. It was not like Hutch
to be late in the first place, especially this late, and he would have
let Starsky know if something was wrong. He didn't. There had
been no word from his partner and they hadn't spoken since Friday night.
Hutch had planned to take his latest babe down to San Diego where they
were going to do some sight seeing and some boating. Kristy, Hutch's
latest girlfriend was new to California and had been asking Hutch to take
her to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, among other things. Starsky
got up to go back into Dobey's office. He reached the door
just as it opened. He was now face to face with captain Harold
(I hate Monday's) Dobey.
"Starsky!"
"Cap'n, listen, I can't find Hutch. I've called his place, my place, Kristy's place, Hutch's new girlfriend, and Huggy's. I can't locate him. Something might be wrong. This isn't like Hutch, he would have called me if he was not gonna be into work today or if he was gonna be late." This time Starsky sat in the chair in front of Dobey's desk - no joking - no excuses- worried. He had a bad feeling. (God Hutch, I hope you're okay. Last time you didn't show up for work it took me days to find you and I was almost too late. Forrest is in prison - you couldn't get trapped under your car again - could you?)
"Starsky? Stop daydreaming."
"Sorry cap'n. Hey, none of Forrest's goons are out of prison are they? Or even Forrest?" (Panic was beginning to set in)
"One step ahead of you Starsky. I know it might seem like I'm over reacting, but this isn't Hutch's style. I'm kind of worried myself. Forrest and all of his associates are right where they belong, behind bars. Anyone else you know who might be holding some kind of grudge on either of you?"
"Captain! The entire city! We don't make too many friends in this line of work, ya know?"
"Well, lets not panic yet. He'll show up - and when he does he's gonna get an earful!"
"Let me know if you hear anything cap, I'm gonna start looking. I'll check in with you later."
"Right - now get out of here!"
Starsky grabbed his jacket and hurried out of the door. He wasn't sure where to start looking, but Hutch's place was the obvious. He started his car and broke just about every traffic law to get there fast. Once at Hutch's he reached for the key above the door ledge and let himself in. Hutch's car was parked outside - the engine was cold.
"Hutch? Hey! If you're playing hide and seek with me you can come out now! Not in the mood for games buddy. Hutch! Where are you?" Starsky took careful inventory of Hutch's apartment. The livingroom seemed okay, nothing out of place, nothing unusual. Next he carefully inspected the bedroom and then the bathroom, both showing no signs of anything abnormal. The kitchen seemed uninterrupted as well. Starsky sat down on one of the kitchen chairs. (Where are you buddy?) Starsky opened the refrigerator to grab a Coke, he needed the caffeine. What he found stilled his heart. He found a single white envelope addressed simply to "Starsky." His heart fell. Picking up the envelope he wondered if he should notify Dobey first. He knew that bombs came in even smaller packages. (This is Hutch we're talking about. I'm not waiting. If Hutch is in trouble I need to find him as soon as possible) He opened the envelope and removed the note.
"Starsky,
I'm sure by now you know your partner didn't show up for work today.
He's taking a little vacation. Not the relaxing kind, if you know
what I mean. I've been watching the two of you for a while now, and
I know your routine. Be careful and do exactly as I say and you might
see your partner alive again. You'll be hearing from me. You
do anything other than what I say and your partner will suffer for it.
Hutchinson's been calling for you Starsky. I had to shut him up.
The rules aren't hard at all. You're the detective, figure it out.
I have something you want and you have something I want. Pretty easy
huh? No one else is to know about this. You involve cops or
anyone else and your precious partner is a dead man. It's your choice
Starsky. Follow my orders or plan a funeral for Hutchinson.
I'll be watching you and I'll be in touch."
CHAPTER 2
Starsky's first instinct was to call Dobey. He picked up the phone, but remembering what the letter said, he replaced the phone back onto the receiver. He looked around the room. (Is this psycho watching me now? What does he mean he's been watching us? How? When? Why? Hutch!) The door to Hutch's apartment opened. Starsky drew his gun immediately.
"Dave!"
"Kristy? What are you doing here? Have you seen Hutch?" Starsky replace his weapon, sorry he scared Kristy.
"Last night when he dropped me off at my place. I forgot my jacket in his car. He called to let me know it was here and said I could pick it up this morning."
"When did you see him last?"
"We got back about nine pm. He said he had to get home, that he had a busy day at work today. What's wrong Dave? Is Hutch okay? Dave?"
"Yeah - he had some errands to run. I just stopped by to - pick up some paperwork he forgot." (" No one else is to know about this - or your partner is a dead man.") Starsky shook his head to clear his mind.
"Kristy, did you and Ken Hutch have a good time in San Diego?"
"Yeah, it was great."
Starsky nodded. "That's great Kristy, glad you had fun. Listen I have to go. Why don't you grab your jacket and I'll walk out with you?" He didn't feel comfortable leaving anyone in Hutch's apartment. It just seemed like a violation of his privacy. Only he was allowed. (Why would he tell her to let herself in anyway? He must trust her I guess)
---
Two more days went by with no word from Hutch or his abductor. Starsky did confide in Dobey and Huggy, making it very clear that Hutch's life depended on them keeping the information as confidential as possible.
"Starsky, you know I can't do that. An officer has been kidnapped. Hutch could be hurt or worse, he ---. I'm sorry Dave."
"I know you're right cap'n. Why aren't we hearing anything from this psycho? It's been two days! What's he doing to Hutch! Damn it! If he hurt him I swear ---"
"Starsky, calm down. If we're gonna find Hutch we need to remain calm - keep focused and think clearly. When was the last time you slept? You look like hell."
"Thanks cap! You really know how to boost a man's self esteem!"
"You need to rest Starsky. I want you to go home and get some sleep. You're not going to be any good to Hutch if you collapse. Now get going. I'll call you if I find anything."
Reluctantly Starsky pulled himself up and headed home. "I'll be back in a couple of hours. Hey, what do you think this guy meant when he said he knew all about me and Hutch, and would be watching me carefully? Has to be someone close by."
"We're doing everything we can Starsky. We have an APB out on Hutch, I have all available officers working on the case and we've called in the FBI. We're doing everything we can son. Now go and get some rest."
"Yeah. See ya later cap."
---
Starsky was dragging, his body was aching and he did need sleep.
He was running on pure adrenalin. The door to the Torino felt heavy,
he was so tired, but what he found gave him a second wind. He picked
up the white envelope that rested on the driver's seat of his car, again
addressed to "Starsky." ( How the hell did this get into my car?
The doors were locked.
Great! The bastard has access to Hutch's apartment, my car -
what else?) Starsky was sure that the creep probably had access to
his apartment too. He opened the envelope.
"Miss your partner yet Detective? Hutchinson and I are having
a great time. Shame your not here to share the fun. Figure
out what I want yet? I didn't think so. Well, let me make it
easy for you. It's really very simple. I know Hutchinson's
family has money. If you want to see your partner alive again, you're
going to have to pay. Not so hard is it? I want $200,000 in
unmarked bills and you'll get blondie back. Even the smallest
error on your part and you can start writing a eulogy. I'll be in
touch with further instructions. By the way, have a good nap."
"Damn it! Who the hell are you? And how the hell do you know everything?" Starsky found himself observing all of his surroundings. Everyone was a suspect at this point. (It has to be someone close - someone who knows Hutch and I real well - but who?) "If you're listening you sick bastard, you better not hurt Hutch. I'll break every bone in your body I swear!" Starsky drove home to his apartment, took a hot shower and crawled under the covers, not bothering to dress. He was tired and knew he needed his strength. Sleep did not prove to be very restful - nightmares of Hutch calling for him plagued his dreams. He did manage to sleep for at least six hours. It was enough, he needed to find his partner. He had a bad feeling and if his dreams were any indication of Hutch's condition, he knew Hutch was in trouble. Starsky made his way to the kitchen to start a pot of strong coffee. That's when he found the third envelope. It was sitting on his kitchen table. (The bastard was here! Damn it! Who the hell are you?) He opened the offending envelope.
"Hope you had a good sleep. Can't say the same for that pretty partner of yours. I slept very well though, just so you know. There's a pawn shop down on Maple Drive called Elmo's. Go into the shop, to your left, find the pottery shelf. Your instructions will be in the red and black oriental vase. Don't waist any time. Your friend is starting to irritate me."
You son of a bitch! (Starsky threw on his torn jeans, a t-shirt
and grabbed his jacket. He was at Elmo's within ten minutes and retrieved
the forth note. He stopped at a phone booth along the way to make
a quick call to Dobey. He wasn't taking any chances, thinking that
maybe his car radio was bugged. He couldn't take any chances - not
with Hutch's life.
CHAPTER 3
Hutch woke, disappointed, frustrated and scared. He was stiff and sore from the ropes that bound his hands and ankles. At least the man had removed the gag and blindfold. He still couldn't see very well. His prison was a small dimly lit room with no furnishings. He had been lying on the cold hard floor for at least 36 hours now, but he had lost track of time. He heard the door to his cell being opened and tried to back himself into the corner. The last beating he had received was still very fresh in his mind.
"Well Kenneth, how was your night? Comfortable? Warm?"
"What the hell do you want?" Hutch's sore body and weakness made talking at all difficult.
"Now now, you don't want to bite the hand that feeds you do you?"
"Who are you? Why are you doing this?"
"You don't remember me do you? Didn't think you would, you never
noticed me back in school either. You and your wealthy jock friends.
You had everything Hutchinson. Always got the girl, had lots of friends,
and best of all your family had money. You know what its like to
go hungry because your parents couldn't afford food? To be cold because
your parents couldn't
afford heat? To wear rags because there was no money for clothing?
To be the laughing stock of the school! I got beat up more times
than I can remember, because I didn't "fit in", you wouldn't know
what that felt like now, would you? I couldn't go out for any after
school activities because I had to work - a damn paper route - every night
after school! But you Hutchinson! You were involved in everything!
Not all of us had such a cushy life Hutchinson!"
"Johnny? Johnny Williams?"
"Oh, so you do remember? I used to envy you and hate you at the same time. You had it all. Well, maybe it would do you some good to know how I felt!"
"Johnny, it wasn't like that. I didn't ask to be born into money. I didn't know how rough things were for you."
"Stuff if Kenny! It's a little too late for that now isn't it? I think we'll start with the water. See, our well broke and pop couldn't afford to get it fixed. We had to ration what we had, and when we did get water is was dirty! My sister and I took jugs around to the neighbors at night just to get clean drinking water from their outside water faucets. Yeah, we had to steal water! Disgusting isn't it?"
"Wait - Johnny --- I didn't know. Hutch's voice trailed off as the door was slammed shut. He was once again left alone, in the dark and cold room. Just thinking about the water made him thirsty. (He's not gonna let me die of thirst. Stop thinking about water Hutchinson! Starsky! Please find me soon buddy. You have to be looking for me by now.)
---
Starsky sat in captain Dobey's office, re-reading the last note he retrieved from the pawn shop.
"Starsky,
Guess you found the note huh? Thirsty? I bet a cold glass of ice water would taste really good right about now. Maybe not for you, but your partner sure would appreciate it."
Cap'n, this maniac is crazy! What the hell does this note mean? He's not letting Hutch have any water! He can't do that! What kind of game is he playing? Hutch will dehydrate! He could di---"
Starsky let the note drop to the floor, unconscious of the tears in his eyes, thinking of what Hutch might be going through. This game was getting old. He was feeling as though he let Hutch down. It had been two days now and he was no closer to finding Hutch than he was on Monday.
"Starsky, we'll find him. Obviously he's keeping Hutch alive. That's a good sign. It gives us some time. You're doing everything you can son."
"It's not enough Cap'n! Hutch is counting on me! Who knows what this sick bastard is doing to him! And why?"
"I'm sorry Dave. We'll find him."
"But will it be in time? He said he wanted money! Why is
he stalling now?"
CHAPTER 4
Hutch was dehydrating. It had been 24 hours since he had a drop of water. His throat was parched and it was difficult to swallow. He lay on his side, still bound, cold, terribly thirsty and hungry. He wasn't sure if he was glad or unhappy hearing the footsteps outside of the door.
"Well Kenny, how are we this fine morning?"
"Fuck you!" Hutch's voice was hoarse and he could only produce a whisper.
"Now I thought we went over this before. I'll give you some water, but I want you to apologize and say please first."
Hutch desperately needed the water. "Plea --- please?"
"I didn't hear an apology."
"I-I'm sorry, can I have some water? Ple-please?"
"Now that's more like it." Johnny moved over to Hutch and held the glass to his lips. The water was brown, dirty and warm, but Hutch took as much of it as he could.
"What do you say Kenny? All rich boys were taught good manners."
"Thank---thank you." Hutch knew that Johnny was wound tight and didn't want to provoke him.
"You ready for your workout? Didn't get to the gym this morning did you? Oh, I guess not, you were kind of tied up huh?"
"Leave me alone. Just get out!"
"Don't want you to get out of shape Kenny."
Before Hutch could say another word, Johnny's hands were on him again, first assaulting his head and chest, then as if that were not enough, pointed boots landed themselves into Hutch's back and legs. Hutch tried to move away from the attack, but was unsuccessful. He knew that a couple ribs had to have been broken and his lower back was on fire. He was sure Johnny had caused some internal damage as well. He soon was gasping for breath and begging for the beating to stop.
Johnny stood back, taking deep breaths. "Well, that was quite a workout Kenny, gotta keep fit!"
Hutch was once again left alone in the cold dark room, alone with his pain and fear. His emotions were becoming raw and he found himself crying and curling up from the pain. (Starsky, please be close. I'm not gonna last too much longer like this. This guy is crazy - he's gonna kill me. Please Starsk --- help me.)
---
Starsky stopped by Hutch's apartment on his way home. He was missing
Hutch terribly and needed to feel close to his partner. This was
the best he could do at the time. He let himself in with his key,
grabbed a beer and sank onto the couch. He looked through a book
Hutch had been reading and picked up some sheet music that Hutch had been
writing a new song on. (God buddy. Don't give up. I'm
trying Hutch --- I'll find you soon, I promise - please hang on.)
Starsky grabbed the quilt off of Hutch's couch and held onto it, closing
his eyes, taking in Hutch's scent from the quilt. He soon drifted
off to sleep, dreaming he and Hutch were jogging in the park. He
dreamt of playing basketball with Hutch, throwing Frisbee. The good
dream was
interrupted when the phone rang. Starsky jumped.
"Hello."
Well, well, officer Starsky. Sleeping well? Did you have dinner tonight?"
"Who the hell are you and where is my partner?"
"Now, now, who's in control here detective? You or me?"
"You Son of a ---"
"I wouldn't say that if I were you. Kenny would definitely have to be punished for using language like that."
"Don't hurt him --- please. Just tell me what you want."
"Soon Starsky, soon. Kenny and I have some things to go over yet."
"You said you wanted money! $200K! Tell me when and where!"
"Oh, I still want the money, but I'm having too much fun with your partner right now. I've decided to keep him a while longer."
"Hey!"
The phone line went dead. (How did he know I was here, sleeping,
and what is Hutch going through? Oh God Hutch! Hold on buddy
- hold on. I'll be there soon.)
CHAPTER 5
"Johnny, I need water and foo - food. I'm gonna die if you don't at least give me some water. Please."
Johnny sat across the room from Hutch, just watching his prisoner; enjoying hearing him beg and watching him shiver from the coldness of the room.
"Kenny, you had water yesterday. We need to ration remember? You'll just have to wait a while longer, and I couldn't afford food. That will have to wait too. Try not to think about it, that's what pop always told us when we were kids. Besides, we have other things to go over Hutchinson."
"Please - don't do this---"
"Oh Kenny, you're tougher than you think. Will power, you've got to have will power."
"Wha--- what are gonna do to me?" Hutch watched as Johnny got up and removed his belt. He tried to back up against the wall as far as he could, once again begging his tormentor to stop.
"I talked to Starsky today."
"Starsky?" Hutch's eyes met Johnny's.
"He said some things I didn't take a liking to. If I would have said those kind of things to my father, I would have gotten the belt for sure. So you see Kenny, you need to be punished. How else are you going to learn? I thought you knew better and I thought your partner knew better too. I guess not."
Hutch screamed as the first lash of the belt cut into his arm. Johnny pulled him away from the wall, making sure his prisoner was punished properly. He continued to strike Hutch with the belt until the screaming stopped. Hutch fell into unconsciousness and welcomed it.
---
Starsky came out of Dobey's office, totally defeated. They were no closer to finding Hutch now than they had been four days ago. He saw Kristy walking out of the office and called after her.
"Kristy? Wait."
"David - Hi, I - I just stopped in to see Ken. You know where he might be?"
"Kristy - he's missing. He's been missing for the last four days."
"I need to go David, I need to get out of here---"
"Kristy! Wait - come back!"
It was too late. Kristy ran out of the building, leaving Starsky behind. He went back to his desk and sank into his chair, looking at the empty chair across from his. (Hutch - God Hutch, please hang in there. I'm so sorry. Some detective huh? I'll find you buddy - please hand on for me.)
"Detective Starsky?"
"What?" Starsky said not looking up.
The cleaning woman handed Starsky an envelope. "I found this on the floor. Has your name on it."
Starsky grabbed the envelope from the woman's hand, thanked her and then tore the envelope open.
"Detective Starsky,
I want the money today. I'll give you until six pm tonight. You'll get further instructions later today. Kenny's not doing too well, but if you get to him before nightfall, he might have a chance."
"Cap'n!" Starsky threw the note on Dobey's desk. "We need to get the money now. It's just a feeling, but I don't think Hutch is okay. We gotta do what this lunatic says. It's Hutch's only chance."
"Starsky, we don't have that kind of money! I'll try to clear it, but I don't think we'll be able to get it. You know the Feds, they'll want to try and trick this guy first - talk him out of it."
"The guy is crazy! Their not gonna talk him out of anything! They've gotta help us! They have to help Hutch!"
"Calm down Starsky. I'll get them to help us. I have a few old friends. Let me see what I can do. Did you call Hutch's father about the money?"
"Yeah---"
"Well? What he say?"
"What do you think cap'n? The high and mighty Richard Hutchinson said he didn't have that kind of money to spare right now - that business was tight and his stocks were down! He still holds a grudge against Hutch, his own son, for becoming a cop. He told me to get Hutch out of this - that I probably got him into this mess in the first place. He's not taking any of this too seriously."
"I'm sorry Starsky."
"Hey! Wait a minute! This last note - it was delivered to me here - right here in the office cap'n! --- Kristy! Hutch's new girlfriend - she was just here and left abruptly when I tried to talk to her. Why didn't I think of this before? Damn it!"
"What is it Starsky?"
"Kristy! She would have had a key to Hutch's place. She could
have had keys made off of Hutch's key ring for my place and my car.
Hutch carries all of those keys on his key ring. She could have had
duplicates made easily. Put out an APB on Kristy Williams.
I'll see if I can find her now. Oh and cap'n - Get that
money!"
CHAPTER 6
Starsky didn't have to go far to find Hutch's "girlfriend". He found her leaning against her car in the police parking garage. He approached her carefully.
"Kristy?"
"David, I'm sorry."
"Talk to me Kristy. Do you know where Hutch is?"
"I didn't want to go along with this. Ken seemed so nice, even back in school." She started to cry.
"Kristy, I want you to come inside with me. I need you to talk to me."
Once inside Kristy told Starsky and Dobey about her brother, Johnny Williams.
"When Johnny found out I was dating Ken, he flipped out on me. You see, Johnny and I grew up in Minnesota, Duluth - same town as Ken. We went to the same school. Johnny said that Ken had everything that he never had - he was jealous. We grew up pretty poor - didn't have much. He wanted revenge. He said he always wanted to be like Ken, but Ken never even noticed him. I wasn't expecting Johnny to fly out here. He told me that he would make my life a living hell and tell our family what I really was if I didn't help him. I couldn't let him do that. I'm not proud of my past and of what I've become. I'm really sorry."
"Kristy, can you tell me where Johnny is keeping Hutch?"
"I really don't know. Johnny was staying down on Chestnut Street in some cheap hotel, but I'm sure that is not where he took Ken. I went there first - they're not there. You need to find them fast. Johnny's crazy and has a lot of anger inside. I really am sorry."
"Cap'n? Did you get the money?"
"Got it Starsky. We're ready as soon as Johnny lets you know where and when to deliver it."
"Kristy, you've been a big help. Thank you." Starsky led Kristy out to give a full report to one of the officers in the squad room and to be booked as an accomplice.
All Starsky could do now was wait.
---
"Starsky?" One of the officer's called the lone detective out from his thoughts. "There's a phone call for you - line two."
"Starsky here!"
"There's a phone booth on the corner of Second and Elm Streets. I want you to leave the money there in one hour."
"How do I know that Hutch is okay?"
"You don't. You're gonna have to take my word for it. He's alive - okay? After I get my money I'll call you and let you know where to pick up your partner. That is if you still want him back. Kenny's sure not too much fun anymore."
"Johnny---"
The phone line went dead. "Cap'n! We're ready. Corner of Second and Elm. Tell everyone it's a go. Remember, Johnny can't see any cops around or I'm sure he'll split. Hutch is in trouble, I know it. We can't take any chances."
"Don't worry son, you know our team is good. Johnny won't suspect anything. Now get going, here's the money." Dobey handed Starsky a large brown briefcase.
---
"Well Kenny, looks like that partner of yours still wants you back. Not sure why - you're not gonna be much good to him now. At least you got a chance to see how the other half lives. Remember it! That is if you live long enough!"
Hutch lay still, eyes open but not really focusing. The last beating was the worst so far and left Hutch paralyzed. The pain was unbearable and he was having trouble breathing. He had become sick which further dehydrated him and was suffering severe malnutrition.
"Hey! Pig!" Johnny gave Hutch another kick to his back.
Hutch only moaned, a few silent tears leaked from his swollen eyes. (I'm sorry Starsky. I don't want to die - but I don't think I can hold on. It hurts too much and I can't breath. I'm sorry - Starsky, I wish you were here. I never got to say goodbye---)
One more kick from Johnny left the blond man gasping for air as he once again fell into darkness.
---
Starsky followed Johnny's orders and left the briefcase in the phone booth. The team was ready to seize Johnny as soon as possible. Johnny picked up the briefcase and ran back to his car, not looking for oncoming traffic. He was hit head on and killed instantly. Starsky ran to the dead body, screaming at him to live and to tell him where Hutch was being held. Dobey had to pull Starsky away.
"Starsky - he's dead! There's nothing we can do about that! C'mon son - we'll find Hutch. There has to be a way. Lets go back and question Kristy again and also I've sent a team to investigate Johnny's room at the hotel on Chestnut Street. We'll find something. I need you to calm down."
Starsky let himself go into his superiors hold. He was beginning
to crumble. All of the hope he had a few minutes ago was now being
loaded into the coroner's wagon. He let himself cry for the first
time since Hutch disappeared.