As He rounded the corner near Hutch's apartment, Starsky was eating a chocolate donut while trying to hang onto a very hot cup of coffee.( A feat that he had mastered after 7 years of taking this early morning drive over the potholes in this part of town)

He pulled up to the front of the building and managed to open and close his car door without spilling one drop. With the engine running and the window rolled down, Starsky approached the entrance and ran up the stairs humming to himself. He banged on the door holding both coffee and what was left of the donut in one hand.

"Hey, Hutch...it's me..Come on were gonna be late!"

Hutch cheerfully opened the door.

"Ok..Ok... It's not like we're gonna get fired for being a few minutes late you know"

"Well, It's getting close to the end of the year"

They walked down to the street and slid into the still running torino.

Hutch looked puzzled, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Dobey is supposed to consider us for a raise soon"

Starsky puts the car in gear and guns the engine as he squeals the tires and takes off.

"You know we won't get one Starsk....do we ever?"

"

We got that increase six months ago"

"So did everyone else ....it's called the cost of living...even garbage men get that."

Starsky turns to Hutch with disappointment. "Don't do that"

"Do what?"

"Compare us to garbage men"

"Why not? We clean up the streets just like they do...only they get paid better"

Starsky looks straight ahead.... 'You just ruined my good mood"

Hutch looks at him and grins..."Sorry...the truth stinks don't it."

"Ok.... Enough with the garbage jokes...lets just get to work."

At the Station they find Captain Dobey waiting for them..."Where have you two been?"

"Sorry Cap" Starsky pleads..."It was Hutch's fault."

"I don't care who's fault it is ...I have someone in my office who wants to see the two of you."

They glanced at each other and follow Dobey into the office.

A tall dark haired man stared out the window of Captain Dobey's office as they entered the room.

Dobey cleared his throat. "I'd like to introduce you to..." (the man turned around)

Hutch interrupted...."You don't have to introduce us Cap. I'd know that mug anywhere...How you doin' Jim?"

Hutch exclaimed as he rushed over and lifted him up in a big bear hug..."what are you doin' in this neck of the woods you old sidewinder?"

"My precinct sent me over to help you two roughnecks with a drug bust...They said you might need someone with experience." Jim grinned at Hutch and then at Starsky.

"Jim Bryant as I live and breath. Where you been hidin' out?" Starsky smiled. "We thought you got canned after that last stunt you pulled."

"Well you know that wasn't entirely my fault...She had me all tied up."

"For five days?" Starsky grinned..."Must have been one hell of a stakeout."

"By the way..." Hutch asked. "How's little Cassie ....she must be 11 or 12 by now."

"Try 14. My how time flies...she's growing so fast I can't keep up with her."

Dobey broke in....."I hate to break up this tender reunion but we do have police work to do."

"Ok Cap...." Starsky replied. "Fill us in...what's the set up"

Dobey sat down and the other three found chairs and pulled them over...."We have it from a reliable source that the deal goes down tonight. These guys aren't your run of the mill drug dealers....They have a reputation for sneaking through our defenses....This isn't the first time we have had them under surveillance...Narco has already lost two good men trying to catch these guys with the goods."

'You mean they have no problem with blowin' away a cop." Starsky looked intense.

"Right" Dobey replied. "So be on your guard, they know how we operate and they'll probably be expecting you so no heroics." Dobey's eyes met Hutch's..."I mean it.... watch your backs out there."

"Down at the old Amusement Park around 10:00 p.m. ...you know the one they used to use about 7 years ago."

Hutch answered...."Yeah.....we know the place....same place we found that body of that kid in the van a few years back."...Hutch looked at Starsky "You know...Julio ...you remember."

"Sure...I remember." Starsky turned to Dobey "How many guys we talking about...I mean how many of them and how many of us?'

"We suspect there will be about six bad guys at the meet and we will have four marked squad cars there to back the three of you up."

"Sounds like fun. "Starsky half grinned "So Jim, what's say we go over to my place after our shift is over and map out some strategy?"

Dobey glared at Starsky. "This isn't a game...Don't get too damn cocky!"

"I hear you Cap." Starsky smiled "relax..we're not rookies you know."

As they got up and walked out the door the look on Dobey's face made Hutch turn around and say. "Don't worry Capt' ...I'll take good care of them." Hutch winked and the three of them disappeared.
 
 

Starsky lived in a two bedroom apartment alone. He had discovered that a one bedroom just wasn't big enough to hold all of his stuff and the extra space came in handy. Many interesting articles decorated the walls along with a flashing traffic light which he insists was given to him. It was the perfect bachelors retreat stocked with everything he would need for a romantic evening alone with a sweet young thing.

When they arrived at his place...Starsky popped open a couple of sodas..(Beer would be out of the question since they would have to be back on duty and with their wits about them later)...

"So what's been going on with you Jim?" Starsky asked.

"Well.." Jim started..."My wife..Lisa...you remember Lisa..."

They both shook their heads.

"She died last year..." His voice very soft. "There was nothing anyone could do."

"Oh Jim.." Hutch put his hand on his shoulder "I'm sorry..must have been real hard on you and Cassie"

"It was a real blow to us both.." Jim said "Cassie took it pretty hard."

"Anything you need...just name it." Starsky said softly

"We'll be alright.....Just taking one day at a time."

"So where is Cassie now?" Hutch asked.

"She's staying over at a friend's house for the night...I'll pick her up in the morning."

It was around 7:00pm when Hutch and Jim left Starsky's..they wanted to change and meet back at the station before setting up the stakeout. Starsky took a long hot shower and put on a fresh pair of jeans and some aftershave lotion before heading out the door...He might as well smell good if he was going to be cooped up in the car with the guys later. He grabbed his keys, locked the door and jumped in his car.

As Starsky drove to the station his thoughts where on past memories of Jim and the good old days. The remark he had made earlier that day when he had first laid eyes on Jim in Dobey's office.....The time Jim had turned up missing for five days and later had said that he was on police business...Starsky had known where he really was. It was when Jim had meet Lisa and they had gotten married and took off on their honeymoon. He had no vacation time coming so he just kind of vanished and told the guys to cover for him. That was when Hutch and he where assigned to this precinct and they lost touch with him.

Lisa was Cassie's Step Mother but they became very close right from the start...Starsky remembers how she looked....Blonde hair and pale green eyes...and those sexy legs. He would have tried for her himself if Jim hadn't seen her first. Felt real good to see him again after all this time....maybe we could spend more time together after this was all over. He hadn't seen Cassie in a long time and was curious to see how she had turned out...she was so cute back then.

He pulled up to the station and turned off the ignition. He had spotted Hutch's car as he drove up but he didn't know what Jim was driving...maybe he had arrived with Hutch. At any rate he continued on inside ready to face whatever the next few hours would bring.

Jim and Hutch where already waiting for him when he walked in.

"Ready?" Hutch said. "We've just been wondering who's car to take"

"What's to discuss?"

"You don't think we're gonna take that red striped tomato out there do you?" Hutch remarked "Even in the dark it'll stick out like a drunk at a funeral!"

"Same old Hutch," Jim laughed "still picking on you is he?"

"Same old Hutch" Starsky replied "We can park on top of the hill by the trees,...we won't be spotted up there."

"OK..you win....but if we get made I swear I'll ......"

"Oh save your breath Hutch." Jim interrupted we'll be fine.

"Captain wants you guys in the briefing room." a uniformed cop said as he walked past the doorway.

"C'mon let's get going, don't want to keep the Captain waiting." Jim remarked.

"Now that you have decided to grace us with your presence.." Dobey said with an air of sarcasm "We can get started...does everyone have what they need?"

"Ran down the list with them already Sir." came a voice at Dobey's right. Officer Milton...who had been on this type of assignment before...(borrowed him from Narco because he was familiar with the case)

"Remember to maintain radio silence use the frequency on your portable units to communicate...we suspect they listen in on the police band."

"Don't be heroes out there.." Dobey stressed "We've already buried two good men ...don't want to loose any more!" "Good Luck and watch each other's backs...these guys are very unpredictable...now get going."
 
 

As they left the building and approached Starsky's car, Jim was adjusting his holster and tucking his shirt in a little tighter.

"Nervous?" Hutch had noticed "We'll be alright...your with us remember?"

"I don't know what it is." Jim admitted "I just have this strange feeling...probably nothing."

"Don't do that to us Jim." Starsky said as he opened the car door "You know how I worry when people start talking like that."

"He's right , he really hates bad vibes....makes him real jumpy." Hutch half smiled as he lifted the passenger seat to let Jim get in the back. "Lay off the negative comments..ok"

"Sure ..Stupid thing to say." Jim replied "Sorry I brought it up."

The torino let out a growl as Starsky fired it up and left a trail of rubber behind as he left the parking lot. He loved to do that..it had given him a reputation...one that he was proud of.

Starsky drove the long way around the fair grounds and parked on what he thought was the best vantage point at the top of the hill...just where he had said he would.

He turned of the engine and adjusted his seat back. "Might as well get comfortable" He said "We're a little early"

Hutch was glad to have the seat adjusted...his longer legs were getting cramped.

Jim was the one left with less room to move...but he really didn't mind.

Hutch grabbed the radio (the hand held portable) .

"This is zebra three..all units report."

"Morgan and Phillips here"

"Thomas and Jones...in position"

"Milton and Reynolds....standing by"

"Hill and Baker....ready"

It was a fairly dark night with the moon coming in and out of the clouds. Hutch had not been concerned about the marked police cars because they where hide in strategic places and concealed by their darker paint jobs.

Starsky's car, however, had that bright white stripe that may be seen if the moonlight hit just right .

If they caught a glimpse of it he knew it would be all over....nervous was at this point... an understatement.

"Ok...Just sit tight till we give the word...stay alert...out."

"Wonder just how reliable Dobey's source was?" Starsky mumbled almost as if he were talking to himself.

The silence and the tension had to be broken by conversation, Starsky hated these moments.

"Maybe they won't show and we can all go out for a beer." Jim said hoping to get a laugh.

"Looks like we're not gonna get that lucky" Starsky had had his eye on the front entrance and just spotted a car approaching.

He straightened up in his seat to get a better view and soon noticed another vehicle following behind.

Just then the first car made a turn inside the grounds and a headlight beam came right across Starsky's car!

"DUCK" Starsky yelled to the other two and they all vanished from view.

"Do you think they saw us?'' Hutch was shaking...it was what he had feared from the beginning.

"I Don't Know" Starsky said almost yelling "looks like their headlights need adjusting"

"Well ..do you wanna go down there and recommend a good garage?" Hutch said smugly

"Pipe down will ya..your making me nervous" Jim said ".if they had seen you they would have haled ass by now."

"Ok..." Starsky said in a calmer voice. "Let's just watch them and see what they do."

The two cars meet near the carousel and three men emerged from each vehicle. Four of them carrying large weapons...they seemed to be suspicious of each other, which was not uncommon for this type of meeting.

Starsky put his right arm on top of the seat and turned sideways so he could speak to both Hutch and Jim.

"Well , who's wants to be the pigeon?"

"I'll do it" Jim said "I know how these guys think."

"NO way.." Hutch insisted "I'll do it..you have a daughter to think about."

"What's your plan?" Starsky said eagerly.

"Lost dog?"

"Good a plan as any...we'll move in and take positions around them."

"Sure you'll be alright?" Jim asked Hutch concerned

"Sure ...it's my best line.....trust me."

Starsky took the bulb out of the dome light earlier that day...He had been in this situation before.

The three of them carefully opened the doors got out of the car and slowly made their way down the hill.

Hutch made his way down the hill towards the walkway were he would start his diversion. Starsky and Jim went in opposite directions each taking cover behind one thing or another ...moving up slowly to get in position and wait for Hutch to make his move.

Hutch began walking toward the men whistling loudly and calling out...

"SKIPPER......HERE BOY.......SKIPPPEEER....."

"Hey fellows.." Hutch asked (as if he didn't see the guns....the black suits....or the more than 10 pounds of dope that was now lying in an open briefcase on top of the trunk....) "Have you guys seen my dog?"

Hutch didn't give them time to answer..."He's about this big (pointing to his knee cap) and he's .....HEY THERE HE IS!" Hutch pointed behind them and (believe it or not they were actually dumb enough to glance back) he ran over to a nearby tree and yelled...POLICE.....FREEZE...drawing his gun and bringing it down in almost the same smooth motion.

Starsky and Jim were ready for the gun play with guns already drawn. Starsky grabbed the radio and yelled. "MOVE IN!!"

The six men were caught completely off guard but managed to scramble behind the cars for cover shooting as they ran. Moments later squad cars came from all four sides completely surrounding them officers jumped out with guns drawn using their cars for cover.

Now it was just a matter of how long they would keep the shooting up and how hard it would be to get the cuffs on them. .....they weren't going anywhere.

The sound of Hutch's gun was unmistakable...more like a canon than a gun. Starsky always felt a sense of security whenever he heard it. Starsky also realized that with all the fire power these guys had they weren't about to go down easy.

The shooting went on for a good ten minutes with three of the bad guys shot and lying motionless on the ground...The other three were feeling a little outnumbered. They all at once began to act like they were going to surrender...lifting their hands up slowly but ......Hutch wasn't all too sure of their sincerity.

Jim began to walk out from behind the corner of the small building that had been protecting him......Starsky caught a glimpse of this from the corner of his eye and called out to him. "JIM DON"T......."

Two rounds were fired at Jim before he could take two good steps and he fired one shot back as he fell to the ground.

It was all over in a heartbeat...one blast from Hutch's gun sent the gunman to the pavement...the remaining two had had enough and offered no more protest as they were handcuffed and shoved into the back of squad cars.

"CALL AN AMBULANCE!!!" Starsky screamed as he ran over to his motionless body...Jim had a bad feeling...Starsky thinks back to earlier that same night......"JIM. can you here me?"....."JIM"

Jim came to for a minute....his eyes rolling back into his head from the terrible pain in his chest and stomach.

"Starsk......" he said in a very weak voice.

Starsky put his head on his lap and gently cupped his face in his hand..."Don't try to talk Jim...ambulance is on the way...your gonna be alright...just hang on....oh god just hang on.."

Hutch ran over and took off his shirt...ripped it into and tied it tightly around Jim's chest and gave Starsky some to hold pressure on the gapping hole in his belly......."I'll hurry that ambulance up" Hutch said as he turned and walked away.

"Starsk..." Jim said again..."You have to promise me.."

"Shhh....try not to talk now...save your energy.." Starsky said softly.

"Listen to me......You have to promise me.." he was fighting to get the words out...every breath like a thousand knives in his chest. He grabbed Starsky by the shirt and pulled him nearer.

"Take care of Cassie for me..."

"I'll take care of her till your back on your feet again"

"No.....promise me you'll take her if I don't..."

"Don't talk like that....your gonna be alright"

"Promise me Damn it....do this for me please."

"I don't know if I can.....Jim ....I just don't know."

"She has no one but me....no relatives....no one...promis....." His voice getting weaker now.

Starsky just wanted him to stop talking...to save his energy....if he had to do this to get him to calm down...but what if.......what if......"Alright Jim...I promise I'll take her....but I won't need to...your gonna be alright."

Four Ambulances pulled up one behind the other and began to load the most critical of the wounded first....Jim .....then the other gunmen......Jim's Ambulance was the first to leave ....Starsky handed Hutch the car keys and rode to the hospital with Jim.....It all seemed like a bad dream...Hutch thought to himself as he fired up the torino and headed after them.

Authors Note: This was my fantasy as a child, the young girl in the story was me. I used to get lost in it during English and Science class...I never had a father so this was my way to cope with it....They were my heroes. It's a wonder I made it through High School. I'm glad I have a chance to share it with someone who would understand.
 
 

The Hospital was very busy that night with accident victims, broken bones, head injuries, not to mention the cold and flu season which had a dozen or more children in the waiting room with high fevers and runny noses.

The nursing staff was short handed and the whole place was going crazy. Great night to get shot.
 
 

When they arrived at the Hospital, Starsky was the first one to get out of the Ambulance. He helped the Paramedics with Jim and they headed through the entrance. Starsky held a bag of fluid up as high as he could with one hand and held Jim's hand with the other. As he rushed down the hallway he looked down at Jim who was by this time completely unconscious and very pale.....He looked like he was dead. Starsky had seen the color of death before....It scared the hell out of him!

Stopped at the entrance of the Trauma unit...Starsky could go no further. He decided to walk down the hallway towards the waiting area to see if Hutch had arrived yet...Thoughts of what had just happened flooded his mind.

Why did Jim have to step away from the wall...What was he thinking? All the years of experience....one false move and now...it could all be over for him.

As he entered the waiting room, Starsky saw all the children there with their parents....the noise and confusion.

He thought about what he might have to deal with if.....if...but he couldn't think about that now. The courts would never go for it anyway....a single guy with his salary..how could he...... Still he would hate to see her wind up in some foster home or worse.....This was too much for him to handle on his own...he needed Hutch.

Hutch drove up in the torino and parked near the emergency room entrance...far enough away so he wouldn't block any traffic . He walked in quickly...almost at a jog..and found Starsky leaning against a wall drinking a cup of coffee. He could see that there was no room to sit so he dropped some change into the vending machine and got himself a cup. Starsky was glad to see him but when their eyes met ...He just couldn't find the words.

With all the noise around them...the bells going off...the children crying...the nurses over the intercom...this just wasn't the time to bring it up.

What he had been forced to say to calm Jim down.....the words that were spoken...the promise he made...Hutch might call him crazy....He had to try to get it out of his mind. After all Jim wasn't dead yet and he'd seen guys pull through before when he thought they were done for....he couldn't let it get to him.

Hutch could see the concern in Starsky's eyes and he knew something was bothering him...something more than Jim...but ...he would tell him ...he never kept anything from him.

"You ok Buddy?" Hutch asked "How's Jim doin'"

" I don't know...to early to tell."

Hutch leaned against the wall and put his hand on Starsky's shoulder....that was what he needed right now...no conversation....just to know that Hutch was there for him was enough to ease his tension ..at least for now.

Captain Dobey was at home when the dispatcher called him....he wasted no time in getting to the Hospital and arrived only six minutes after Hutch. Out of breath , he walked through the double doors and saw Starsky and Hutch ...both leaning against the wall...their coffee cups almost empty.

"Ok...what happened...how's Jim?" Dobey asked insistently.......(silence)

"Well.....someone better talk to me.....I couldn't believe it when the station called ...what was he thinking?"

Neither Starsky or Hutch wanted to be the first to speak.

"Answer me !"

"I don't know Cap..." Starsky started "He just stepped out...I asked myself the same question...I don't know what he was thinking!"

"How is he?"

"We don't know Capt'.....they haven't told us anything." Hutch added

"Has anyone tried to get hold of his daughter?" "What's her name?"

"Oh no...Cassie......I forgot...." Starsky felt so stupid....all this time he only thought about himself...he hadn't considered what this might do to her...her father could be dying...she should be here.

"I'll call the station and have his file pulled " Dobey reached for the payphone on the wall next to them.

"Wait......" Starsky remembered something Jim had said..."She's spending the night with a friend...how the hell we gonna find her?"

"This is Dobey....pull the file on Jim Bryant..Detective first class and give me his home address." Dobey yelled into the phone "I need it NOW."

"You guys are going to have to ask the neighbors.....someone must know where she is." Dobey suggested.

"You mean go door to door at this time of night....." Hutch smiled "Could piss a few people off"

"It's not like we haven't done it before." Starsky insisted "we have to find her tonight."

Dobey quickly jotted down the information on a note pad and handed it to Starsky who ripped off the top page and handed it back.

As they raced out the door and jumped into the torino ...Dobey felt a little relieved..he could see how upset they were and he was glad that they had something to do...something to keep their minds occupied.

Dobey knew how much they hated to play the waiting game and sitting around here or pacing back and fourth wouldn't do them any good.....or Jim for that matter.

Starsky read off the address to Hutch as they headed out of the Hospital parking lot. Hutch decided to put the flashing red light on top of the car so they could run the lights and make better time. No need for the siren...Hutch was getting a headache and could do without the noise.

"You alright Starsk..." Hutch had asked him at the Hospital but thought he might be more willing to talk now that they were alone.

"Can't believe it.." Starsky wasn't ready to tell Hutch yet....he didn't want to bring it up while there was still a chance that Jim would pull through...what would be the point.

"I know.........I can't believe it either.....Jim had too many years on the force to make a move like that."

"It's the work we do....Postal workers....Truck Drivers....Attorneys....even guys in the army have less chance of getting wasted than we do." Starsky sounded bitter.

"Maybe we should have been Garbage Men..." Hutch said with a smile

Starsky let out a small laugh "You always have a way of making me feel better"

"That's my job.......Partner." Hutch said in a calm voice....(He gave Starsky a light slap on the leg.)

They pulled up to the address and parked on the street...Hutch took down the light and put it away.

"I really don't feel right about knocking on doors ....the way I'm dressed" Hutch said

"You think jeans and a t-shirt make you look less like a cop than usual?"

"Good thing I decided to wear one or I'd really look stupid"

"Well ..." Starsky teased "At least I know that you'd give the shirt off your back for me."

"Very Funny...." Hutch replied "You take that side and I'll take this one."

Starsky went up to a house where he saw a car and a light in the window...at least maybe he wouldn't be waking anyone up. He knocked on the door and stood back to wait for an answer.

Hutch took the House across the street...it had a car outside but no lights.

An old man answered the door on Starsky's side.

"Yeah....what do you want?' The old man said in a grumpy tone.

"Police Sir...." Starsky said in a professional manner as he flashed his badge "We're looking for a young girl...."

"No young girls here......." He said a little more pleasant "But if you find one....send her over."

The old man shut the door in Starsky's face.

Hutch rang the doorbell wondering about the reaction he would get when they saw him in his undershirt.....How professional could he be?

After a few seconds a light came on and the door opened slightly.

Hutch cleared his throat....."Police ma'am'...." holding his badge up so she could see it "We're looking for a young girl named Cassie Bryant."

"Cassie lives across the street. .but she's not home now...her fathers a cop you know." The woman said. "What's the matter..is something wrong?"

"We just need to find her...do you know where she might be?" Hutch asked with concern.

"She's probably over at Stacey's house........they're having a big slumber party over there tonight ...that's where all the girls are....my daughter is there too."

"Thank you ma'am'.........You've been a big help" Hutch turned around...."STARSK.....I FOUND SOMETHING."

"Cassie's not in any trouble or anything is she....?" The woman asked "She's such a sweet girl"

"Can you tell me where Stacy lives?" Hutch almost forgot to ask.

"Sure....two blocks down on the corner...big two story house with brown trim...you really can't miss it."

"Thank you very much.." Hutch mumbled as he headed back to the car

"Your welcome officer" The lady called back.

"Got something?" Starsky asked as he opened the driver's door

"Yeah..." Hutch replied "Two blocks down on the corner...two story .brown trim."

Starsky started the engine and headed down the street.....slamming on the brakes as he almost passed by it.

"Bingo...two story..... brown trim."

They parked on the street because there were already two cars in the driveway. Starsky turned off the engine and they started to get out of the car...Hutch stopped when he saw that Starsky wasn't moving.

"What's the matter?" He asked

"What do we say to her Hutch?....I mean how do we break it to her?...you know I'm no good at this."

"We'll just have to find a way Buddy." Hutch was trying to be helpful "I'll be right here...it'll be alright."

They got out and headed up the walkway ...rang the doorbell and took a deep breath.

They could hear loud Disco music coming from the second floor and there were a few lights on in the house.

As the door opened...the music got louder...."Can I help you?" The lady said as she answered the door.

"Police ma'am'" Hutch and Starsky both presented their badges "We're looking for Cassie Bryant."

"Come in and I'll get her for you." She opened the door further and they stepped inside.

"Is everything alright?" She was puzzled "Her father is a policeman is he alright?"

"We just need to see her ma'am'.....it's urgent." Starsky replied in a professional tone.

Two young girls came downstairs with nightgowns on ...laughing until they saw Starsky and Hutch.

"Go get Cassie for me please .....these two men want to see her." The woman said in a commanding tone.

Neither Starsky or Hutch were prepared for what they were about to see.....They had remembered Cassie as this cute little girl with ribbons in her hair and chubby cheeks. They weren't ready for this.
 
 

As Cassie started down the stairs .....they just stared at her with open mouths.....they were both speechless.

She was only Fourteen but ....if not for her innocent looking face....She could pass for ....well.

Starsky couldn't believe his eyes...She was an angel....more beautiful than he'd ever imagined.

Hutch stared at her legs for a minute and then shook his head...She was Jim's daughter after all.

Dressed only in a short nightie and slippers she walked down the stairs slowly....unsure of who these two guys were.....She got to the bottom and looked at Starsky...."Dave ...Dave Starsky ...is that you?"

"You remember me?" Starsky wasn't sure that she would.

"Sure.....long time ago...and you must be Hutch....I think I remember you too...my dad he used to talk about the two of you all the time."

"Is there somewhere we might talk to Cassie alone?" Hutch asked

"In the den...come this way." The lady walked over to a small set of glass doors and opened one of them.

They went into the den and Hutch tried to shut the door behind him when the woman held it for a moment.

"Cassie are you gonna be alright?" She sounded concerned.

"Sure...I'll be fine don't worry." Cassie smiled

Hutch closed the door and pulled up a chair for her to sit in....this was gonna be hard....real hard.

Hutch dropped to one knee in front of her and said softly to her..."We have something to tell you....." Hutch motioned for Starsky to come closer but he stood there a few feet away....He couldn't do it.....He couldn't deliver the news to someone else...He couldn't be the one to hurt her that way.

Somehow Hutch knew exactly what Starsky was thinking...He knew Him and what happened to him when he was ten...How this could cause those memories to start flooding back again......Hutch knew.

Starsky walked over to the window and stared out of it.....trying to block what was about to happen out of his mind...trying not to hear the words.......Praying that Hutch will be gentle with her...He just couldn't.

"Cassie....." Hutch spoke very softly "There's no easy way to tell you this...." His voice was starting to crack.

"What's wrong.......is it my father?" She said confused, "Tell me."

"He's alive..." Hutch didn't want her to lose hope. "But he's been shot and he's unconscious....you should come with us to the hospital."

"Wait for me.....let me get dressed and let Mrs.. Taylor know....I'll be right back."

As she stood up and left the room...Hutch looked at Starsky and Starsky at Hutch.

"Pretty mature for fourteen..." Starsky commented.. "It went better than I expected."

"Yeah...she took it like a lady...." Hutch noticed "The girl's got spunk."

They walked out of the den and stood by the front door waiting.....but not for long...Cassie had thrown her jeans and shirt on...slipped on her shoes and kissed Mrs.. Taylor goodbye in a matter of only about 6 minutes.

"Let's go..." She said eagerly...."Daddy needs me."

They walked quickly down to the torino and Hutch lifted the seat and got in back. She slid into the front and waited for Starsky.

The torino again growled and speed off as Starsky got behind the wheel. He wanted to say something to her but waited for her to speak first....She was quite for a few minutes.

"I guess he's still in surgery...." Cassie finally said...."We may have to wait for awhile."

Starsky glanced back at Hutch ...who had the same confused look on his face. No tears....not yet.

Hutch thought to himself...maybe the death of her mother and having to be the woman of the house is what had made her so strong...what made her grow up so fast...He was impressed with her attitude.

"He may not be able to have any visitors until tomorrow..." Starsky said trying to keep her spirits up..."You can spend the night at my place if you want to...You shouldn't be alone."

"Thanks ...but I think I'll stay at the Hospital till he wakes up..." Cassie was a little leery of the invitation.

and Starsky heard it in her voice.....He understood....

"We'll stay with you....." Hutch said softly "We want to be there if he wakes up too."

As they pulled into the emergency area parking lot and found a space....Cassie closed her eyes and said a prayer....out loud......Starsky turned the engine off and both bowed their heads...this was very unexpected ...it touched both of them deeply....they weren't ready for this show of honesty.....this wasn't something you would normally do in the presence of almost complete strangers....another surprise.

They stepped out of the torino and headed inside ...Starsky with his arm around Cassie...barley touching her..He knew she was leery of him...He knew she didn't completely trust him.....it was normal.

Dobey was still waiting inside...sitting down now since most of the children had been seen and were now gone.

"Captain Dobey...I'd like you to meet Cassie Bryant.." Starsky said with authority.

"So I see you found her...I knew you would." Dobey smiled "A pleasure to meet you."

"How's my father?" Cassie said wasting no time getting down to business.

"They haven't told me anything...I've been asking but he's still in surgery won't know for awhile."

"I guess we'll just have to wait...Daddy's been shot before....He's strong...He'll be alright." Cassie stated.

Starsky looked at Hutch...what is this? She's trying to make us feel better...I thought we were dealing with a kid here....this was too strange.
 
 

The four of them waited...and waited..................and waited...................and waited.

Several hours went by as they sat and paced the floor ...and sat ...and paced the floor some more.

Sunlight crept up on them before they realized it and Hutch had dozed off for a few minutes...as he woke up he found Cassie's head leaning against his shoulder and Starsky's head on his right leg.....He woke Starsky up and they both looked at Cassie...like an angel...she slept so peacefully...they both smiled.

The doctor who had been working on Jim for most of the night was coming down the hallway...as he approached... Hutch had to wake Cassie from her slumber...He gently touched her face...Her eyes opened.

Dobey stretched and yawned as he stood up....his back was killing him from sleeping in that plastic chair.

"Are you relatives.?" He said curiously

"This is his daughter and we're police officer's...friends of Jim...How is he?" Starsky blurted out

"Any other relatives here in town?" The doctor asked.

"No...Cassie spoke up....just me...I mean it's just the two of us." She added

"I don't have good news gentlemen...." He started. "We ran into some complications....bullets did allot of damage...we don't think he'll recover."

"What do you mean?" Starsky insisted "You mean you can't do anything for him...you mean he's gonna die?"

Starsky had the words out of his mouth before he thought about Cassie and the fact that she could hear him.

"I want to see him..." Cassie spoke up. "I need to see him."

"You can see him if you want to ...but be prepared...he won't be able to talk to you....he's hooked up to a machine." The doctor told her

"I'll go with you if you want me to ..." Hutch said with a concerned smile "You shouldn't do this alone"

"I'll be fine...I need to do this alone...please understand..." She was trying to hold back the tears that had started to form in her eyes...Hutch could see it...He let her go ...holding onto her hand until she pulled it slowly away................

As she disappeared down the hallway..Starsky looked at Hutch....

"One tough little cookie..." Hutch remarked

"Yeah.....wonder how well she'll handle this later though.....she can't keep this front up for long you know."

Starsky was concerned for Cassie...and for himself...all the what ifs since the shooting are surfacing...he headed towards the window to look out at the morning sun.....If Jim dies...his life will never be the same.

Cassie followed the Doctor down the hallway through a couple different passageways and up the elevator to the third floor where they kept the more critical patients. He opened the door for her and she walked in slowly....not knowing what to expect. She had been to see him the last time he was shot ....a couple years earlier but, this time was different.....more serious.....at least he was awake and talking then...assured her he would be alright ...and he was. As she crept closer to the bed...the large machine that was keeping him alive...the sound of the oxygen bag he was breathing into...she realized that this time there would be no reassurance...she was truly alone.

Starsky , Dobey and Hutch decided they would follow Cassie after a few minutes and be near in case she might need them. All three were concerned about her.....how she would react to what she was about to see.

During the short elevator ride......

"She's only fourteen..." Hutch said softly.

"Poor kid..." Starsky sighed. "Wonder when it'll happen?"

"What?"

"The inevitable" Starsky looked worried.

"Don't bury him yet..." Dobey broke in "We don't know for sure he won't make it"

"Right ....Capt'.." Hutch sighed "Right"

Cassie spoke very softly to her father. "Daddy....Daddy....I know you can hear me..."

She reached under the blanket and found his hand...she picked it up and kissed it softly.

"I'm scared Daddy.....I'm so scared....I don't want to be alone .please don't leave me Daddy.....please wake up."

She sounded much younger ...in her father's eyes she was still a little girl....she felt like a little girl now...a very frightened one.

There was a small waiting area near the elevator on the third floor. They asked the Nurses station for Jim's room number and decided to wait a little down the hall ....close enough to see the door.

About 15 minutes went by ....Dobey glanced at his watch and looked over at Hutch..

"I have to get back to the station..." Dobey admitted "I still have a precinct to run ...I'm giving you guys the day off....keep me informed of his condition.....and give Cassie my best."

"Sure thing Capt' " Hutch replied. and Dobey disappeared into the elevator.

"Starsky yawned and then looked over at Hutch...

"Don't do that..." Hutch said...then he yawned too.

"We both need some sleep.......maybe we can get Cassie to ........"

"She won't go with us.....you know that....if you were her would you trust two guys you hardly knew?"

"I guess you're right" ......." Starsky said ..he walked over and put some change in the vending machine..."Want something?" he asked Hutch.

"No th............" Hutch didn't get a chance to finish his words......."CODE BLUE.......ROOM THREE FIFTEEN"

"CODE BLUE.........ROOM THREE FIFTEEN"

Cassie held her father's hand for a while...praying and letting the tears fall down her face...she felt guilty to be thinking of only herself but she couldn't help it......she needed him........she was so afraid of living without him...not knowing what would happen to her..........where she would go...it wasn't fair........she loved him so much ....she was too young to remember her real mother....but it hurt to loose Lisa......she wished she was here now.

As she stood there looking at him...crying...holding his hand.....she began to sing to him...a song that he used to sing to her when she was very small..........softly she sang and as she sang..the sound of her own sweet voice was calming to her....soothing her......it was what she needed to do. Jim's hand tightened around hers as she sang.......she noticed it and sang a little louder...she knew he could hear her..........but then.

He let go of her........the steady sound of his heart beating....... was replaced by a long single tone.

CODE BLUE......ROOM THREE FIFTEEN!

CODE BLUE.....ROOM THREE FIFTEEN!

Doctors and Nurses came rushing into the room...................Cassie stepped back and watched as they worked to save her father....tears running down her face..........more scared than she had ever been in her whole life.

Starsky and Hutch ran over to the door and stood anxiously outside.....

"Cassie's in there" Starsky looked at Hutch......

A nurse saw Cassie standing in the corner and quickly escorted her outside..."You need to leave now Honey.."

She said and closed the door behind her..........

Cassie stood there for a moment ...starring at the door......feeling lost...so totally lost.

She looked to her left and there was Hutch...looking down at her.....He held out his arms and she fell into them...all her emotions breaking free....moaning in agony.....pain shooting through her chest.........Starsky watched as Hutch hugged her and stroked her hair....."it's alright.......Cassie " Hutch whispered to her softly..."Let it all out now...it's gonna be alright."

Starsky felt for her..........that old familiar pain..............the pain he had carried with him for such a long time........He could hear it in her voice.........as it ran all the way down.... into the depths of her soul..........and his.......he felt a bond with her..............he wanted to drown it out...........the pain...........the sound.... of a heart breaking.

Starsky reached for the wall beside him...........turned his face away from them........so Hutch couldn't see the tears that had begun to make their way down his face

Jim was gone now...............................the what ifs where no more........this was the moment Starsky had hoped wouldn't come..........He had to tell Hutch what he had done.........He had to tell him....about the promise.

Hutch held Cassie for a long time....He wouldn't admit it to Starsky but it took all he had not to let his tears fall too. He was trying to be strong...somebody had to be. He could see Starsky falling apart even though he tried to hide it from him.

The Doctors and Nurses had left the room while Hutch, Starsky and Cassie stood in the hallway...they didn't have to say anything...you could tell by the way they walked out that they couldn't save him......the room was quite.

Hutch walked Cassie down to the waiting room and set her down.....Starsky followed behind them. A cup of water in his hand...he walked back over to Cassie and handed it to her...."drink this" he said calmly.

She took the cup from him and sipped on it through tears.

Starsky took her by the hand and held onto it with both of his.

"I know you may not trust me..." he said softly "But...I want you to come stay at my place for awhile...I promise you it will be alright....I want you to be comfortable.....I don't want you to be afraid."

Cassie could see that he'd been crying too.....his eyes were puffy and his nose was red. Her heart went out to him...."I didn't know you knew my father that well..." She said softly "I thought you just worked together."

"I lost my father when I was very young... I know what you're feeling" He confessed "I just want to help you get through this."

Hutch was concerned...He motioned for Starsky to come over to him.

"Are you crazy?" Hutch whispered to him "You can't take her home with you."

"Why not......where else is she gonna go?" Starsky insisted

"She's not a stray puppy....she's a fourteen year old girl with a body of a ......you could loose your job over this."

"Hutch.....I have to do this....I have to take care of her."

"Why you?" Hutch protested "Why does it have to be you?"

"Just cover for me for a few days....just a few days till I can work this out"

"She means this much to you...ok...fine." Hutch gave in "But, you better figure something out soon..."

"I've got some time off coming...tell Dobey I'm takin' it now."

"What if he asks where she is?" Hutch said "You know he's gonna ask."

"just tell him the truth....that she's with a friend."

"What about the funeral?" Hutch asked

"I'll bring her...have Dobey make the arrangments...he was a cop...killed in the line of duty...they should give him one hell of a funeral." Starsky concluded "Now let us get outta' here will ya."

Starsky walked back over to Cassie and put his jacket over her....he stood her up slowly and walked her to the elevator.

Cassie was curious...."What were you and Hutch talking about?"

"You.....I'm not gonna lie to you....you're too smart for that."

"I hope you aren't going to get into any trouble...."

"It wouldn't be the first time."

"What do you mean.....it wouldn't be the first time?"

Starsky looked at her and smiled. "Oh...I've been known to bend the rules.....now and then."

"You sound just like Daddy.." Cassie tried to smile.

"Sometimes you just have to do.........." Starsky added

They walked out of the elevator and down the long hallways that lead back to the emergency room entrance.

Hutch grabbed a payphone and called Dobey at the station.

"Hello....Cap it's Hutch."

"Jim didn't make it...................She's fine...................She's with a friend..........................Can you make the arrangements?"...................................Starsky took it hard he wants to take some time off.......................just thought you'd want to know.......................I'll check on Starsky later.....................yeah, I'm sorry too....................I'm gonna go home and get some sleep...................call you later."
 
 

Starsky and Cassie climbed into the torino and headed out of the parking lot.

"Can we stop by my house?" Cassie asked " I really should pick up some of my stuff."

"Sure.....need anything from the store?" Starsky replied "I have to get some gas."

"No ...I'll just wait in the car."

Starsky stopped at a station and filled up the torino..then they pulled up in front of Cassie's house. They got out and went inside........He waited for her to pack up a few things and he looked around. There was some mail sitting on the kitchen table and Starsky picked it up and rifled through it. Among the normal bills and junk mail....Starsky found a few Doctor bills for Jim....He made a mental note of the Doctor's name.........why was Jim seeing a Doctor ? he thought to himself.........looks like too many bills just for normal checkups.

Cassie came out with a suitcase full of clothes and grabbed her toothbrush out of the bathroom. "Guess this will do for now....she said......I don't know what I'm gonna do with the rest..........." She lifted up a picture of her Dad and stood still for a moment....then she opened up her suitcase and shoved it inside............."What are you gonna do?" She asked "Are you gonna try to find someone for me to stay with....Foster Parents or someone?"

"We're gonna take one day at a time.....don't worry about it right now..........lets go."

They walked out the door and Starsky took the keys from Cassie , locked the door and put them in his pocket...he would need them to come back and put the rest of her stuff in storage.

He opened the passenger door for her , walked around and then slid into the driver's seat.

"Where do you live?" Cassie asked.

"Oh..not far..." Starsky looked at her and smiled "It's ok....everything will be alright...trust me."

"I trust you...." Cassie said and smiled back at him...she was starting to like him.

Starsky started the engine and headed for home.
 
 

On the way to his apartment, Cassie was very quiet....Starsky didn't mind...it gave him time to think about everything...what the hell was he doing........Hutch might be right. Still he'd always prided himself on keeping his word...no matter who he gave it to........Dobey....Huggy....Hutch.....or even some junkie on the street...it didn't matter.....if he gave his word ...he kept it.....it was part of who he was. Jim knew it......everyone who knew Starsky .it was something he had learned from his father.

Hutch called a cab and waited for it near the emergency room entrance .He couldn't go home and sleep...too many thoughts running through his head...Why did Starsky feel that he had to do this .....Did he know what he was doing? .......Did he just feel sorry for her or was it something more than that..........something he wasn't telling him....Hutch had a feeling.

The cab pulled up outside and he got in and headed back to the Station....He had to pick up his car.

When Hutch arrived ...he decided to go in and see Dobey for a few minutes.......

He knocked on the door to the office...."Come in..." Dobey sounded grumpy as usual.

"Hi Capt' ...just thought I'd check in....."

"Come on in..." Dobey said "I've been on the phone all morning...with the Hospital...the Funeral Home...The Coroner's Office....."

"The Coroner...? "Why?"

"To set up the autopsy" Dobey explained "That punk you shot is still alive and we're gonna need the evidence for his trial......It's standard procedure...you know that."

"Yeah.......right." Hutch ran his hand down his face.

"So where did you say Cassie was?" Dobey questioned him

"She's staying with a friend." Hutch didn't like to lie to him, but he'd done it before for Starsky.

Dobey sat down and put his hand on his head. "I've been checking for any possible relatives she might have...someone to take her in...so far nothing."

Hutch paced back and forth for a minute...." How about distant relatives...Cousins....Aunts.."

"OF COURSE I CHECKED....do you think I don't know what I'm doing?"

"Sorry Capt'.......I didn't mean......."

"It's alright Hutch.......I'm just irritated...and tired." Dobey added "I just got off the phone with Child Welfare Services when you walked in......Better to get her settled as soon as possible..."

"WHAT?" Hutch was surprised ...."Why?"

"Because she's a minor with no relatives to speak of....it's my duty to get them involved....what did you expect me to do?"

"I have to go.." Hutch said suddenly "I'll see you in the morning."

"I don't mind if Starsky wants a few days off......but I expect to see your report and his on my desk by tomorrow afternoon......If your going by to see him...take a couple blank ones with you."

"Sure Cap...." Hutch half saluted "Will that be all"

"Go on....Get out a here."

Hutch grabbed a handful on his way out and wasted no time getting to his car....He had to tell Starsky that he was running out of time.....But, first he'd stop by his house for a change of clothes...He could take a shower at Starsky's place.

When they arrived at Starsky's place...he carried Cassie's suitcase in for her. She looked around at the strange but friendly surroundings......pretty clean for a guy who lives alone she thought...Cassie had always felt that men were very sloppy...leaving things all around.

Not Starsky.....raised by a strict mother who felt that a boy could wash dishes and clean house the same as a girl...Starsky learned to be neat...he actually liked it...although he did let things go a little from time to time.

"So you live here alone?" Cassie had known the answer but wanted to make conversation.

"Just me and Milo" Starsky answered "Come on...I'll introduce you"

Starsky led her over near the stereo ....there was a set of small shelves just above it.

"Milo......I want you to meet Cassie." He said proudly.

"Where is he?" She was curious.

"Right here." He picked up a large plant from one of the shelves ...it was green and full with long hanging vines.

"He likes it when you talk to him..."

"Your not serious." She tilted her head.

"Really.....Hutch gave him to me..........you should have seen him when I first got him."

"Was he much smaller?"

"Well actually....he was a little bigger.........Hutch says it's because I'm so boring."

Cassie laughed.......It was such a sweet sound........it made him laugh too.

He gently put the plant back on the shelf...spreading out the long vines.....so they wouldn't get caught underneath.

"Do you mind if I take a shower?" Cassie asked softly

"Go right ahead...........I'll make us something to eat.........There's some towels in the bedroom."

"Where?"

"I built a shelf for them in my room....you'll see them."

Cassie put her suitcase on the couch and took out a white pair of jeans, a white and pink ...low cut shirt, some underwear and a pair of white socks. She closed it back and stood it up on it's side.......out of the way.

Cassie walked into the bedroom and looked at Starsky's bed...it was so big and it looked so soft....she wondered if he was going to sleep on the couch....she would love to have that big bed all to herself. She grabbed a towel and made her way towards the bathroom.

As she walked out of his bedroom she could her him in the kitchen....men always make so much noise when they cook anything.....she thought to herself...she smiled and disappeared behind the bathroom door.

A loud knock on the door almost caused Starsky to drop the bowl of sugar he was holding....he put it down and walked over to answer it......."Who's there?"

"The Boston Strangler" Hutch's teasing voice called back.

Starsky opened the door and motioned for him to come in with his left arm...."That's the password" He said.

Hutch was holding his folded clothes under his arm......"Hey...mind if I use your shower?"

"already occupied.........I'm next....guess you'll have to wait your turn." Starsky grinned.

"I went by the station earlier........I had to come by to tell you..."

"Tell me what?..............Want something to eat?"

"Dobey called Child Welfare about Cassie......you won't be able to hide her here for long."

"You didn't tell him........"

"No...of course not...I told him she was staying with a friend......you know Starsky you're only putting it off.."

"What?"

"Like you said ......the inevitable."

They both heard the shower stop......."Don't talk about this in front of her." Starsky pleaded.

"You're gonna have to let her go....She's not your responsibility."

"Just until tomorrow morning....give me time to figure out what to do..."

"I hope you know what your......." Hutch was interrupted.

"What are you two talking about?" Cassie was standing on the other side of the kitchen counter.

"Nothing important...........I made some punch and a can of stew....you hungry?"
 
 

Cassie had had enough of them treating her like a baby.....she knew she wouldn't be able to stay there...She understood more than they knew.....and it was time to put the cards on the table.
 
 

"OK..........." Cassie said..."I want to know what 's been goin' on.....I appreciate how you guys have been taking care of me...but I'm not stupid......I know I can't stay here......I mean let's face it....The courts will decide where I'll end up and you can bet they won't let me stay with Dave...."

Starsky walked around the counter and up to her slowly....He put his hand gently on her face and ran it down her neck to her shoulder. "Cassie I'm sorry..."

"Look...why don't we all just sit down and talk this out .......like adults." Hutch said.

Starsky led Cassie over to the couch and sat down beside her...resting his arm behind her....Hutch walked over and sat on the other side.

"I have something to tell you....Both of you.." Starsky began.

They looked at him .....

"I was with Jim right after it happened....He was awake for a few minutes........He asked me to do something for him." Starsky reached for Cassie's hand and held onto it....."I don't know....He said he had a bad feeling even before it happened........I guess maybe I should have listened to him."

"What did he say?" Cassie asked..."Tell me."

"He told me to take care of you Cassie.....He made me promise.........That's why I have to try....He was my friend."

"Oh my god......So that's what this is all about......" Hutch put his hand to his forehead and looked down.

Cassie stood up and paced the floor.....she seemed a little angry with him.

"So all this time.....you were just......just so you wouldn't feel guilty........." She stopped at stared down at him.

"My father had no right to do that.......I don't want anyone to feel obligated to me.....I can take care of myself."

"CASSIE ...." Starsky yelled as he stood up and grabbed her by the arm...."I want to do this.....I might not have felt that way before I saw you.....but now I really want this.....I wanted you to know so you could decide for yourself .....it's your choice......I'm saying if you want to ....I'd love to try to make it work."

Cassie looked into his eyes....she could see the honesty of his words....he really meant what he said.

"I'd like to stay...but, how can I?..........unless you have a magic wand in you're pocket ." Cassie smiled.

Hutch stood up and put his arm around her....and Starsky. "Well ....I guess we'll just have to find one." He said.

"Who's hungry.....?" Starsky laughed.

"I'm starving....." Cassie looked at Hutch.

"I'm gonna take a shower..." Hutch replied..."and then I'm taking us out to eat."

"What about the stew?" Starsky asked.

"Give it to Milo...." Hutch winked at Cassie.

"Ha...Ha...very funny..." Starsky ran over to the Bathroom and shut the door.

"Hey!" Hutch yelled.

After Starsky and Hutch were dressed...they all went down the "The Pit".

It was a light crowd ...slow for a Saturday night.......they found a booth and sat down.

Huggy came out of the back holding a tray of hot food and served it to a young couple seated at a small table near them......"enjoy..." He said and turned to great his friends.

"So what's a lovely young woman like yourself doing in the presence of these two no class bums?' Huggy smiled looked at her "Don't believe a word they said about me...unless it was a compliment."

"Cassie I'd like you to meet a good friend of ours....Huggy bear...this is Cassie Bryant." Hutch stood up.

"The pleasure is all mine my dear...." Huggy took her hand and kissed it.

"Nice to meet you too." she said with a smile. "is the food good here?"

"Is the food good here she asks..........my darling the food is so good here...Presidents and kings come here to partake of my fine quizine."

"It's fine as long as you stay away from the bologna...." Starsky said out of the side of his mouth.

"Huggy takes some getting used to.." Hutch raised his hand as if to block Huggy from hearing him.

"Well...I like him...." Cassie said..."Bring us the house special for three..." She kidded.

"NO... not that...." Starsky said...."How about a menu instead."

"Suit yourself........I'll go into the kitchen and clean one off."

"Funny guy..." Starsky called to him.
 
 

They spent a few hours talking to each other and Huggy...eating and getting to know her better........Cassie talked about her friends and her school and all the things that are part of a fourteen year old girls life....Hutch and Starsky both enjoyed it...and Huggy always made the conversation more interesting......It felt good to put their problems on the back burner for a little while.

Hutch dropped Starsky and Cassie off at his place and handed him a blank report form..."We have to turn it in by tomorrow afternoon." He said and headed back home.......Cassie got ready for bed and walked out to the living room to say goodnight to Starsky....

"So ...where do I sleep?" Cassie asked him as she plopped down on the couch...brushing her long blonde hair.

"Well...I have the spare bedroom...but it's full of my old junk right now...didn't ever plan on company."

"You know" Cassie offered. "I really don't mind sleeping on the couch tonight....you look so tired and I'm allot younger."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Starsky leaned towards her and gave her that shit eating grin of his.

"Oh....nothing....just that I probably wouldn't wake up with a sore back tomorrow."

"Oh...and I would because my old bones couldn't handle it."

"Yeah...something like that." Cassie teased him.

"Well...you know something.......You're probably right......after all I do have this bad shoulder....and an old football injury....you can sleep on the couch."

"Wait a minute......" Cassie looked at him sideways..."You'd actually make me sleep out here."

"It's you're own fault..." He laughed at her...:"Next time...don't try to con a con man."

Starsky stepped into the bedroom and came out with a pillow and a blanket....He brought them over to her and kissed her on the forehead. "Don't forget to brush your teeth."

"A real gentleman..." Cassie called out to him as he disappeared into his room.

"Goodnight Princess." Starsky called out as he shut the door to his bedroom.

Cassie turned out all the lights except for the small lamp next to the couch....she opened up her suitcase and took out her father's picture. Something her daddy used to say to her every night before she went to bed..."Goodnight Princess"....how could Dave had known....just a coincidence..........maybe daddy made him say it.....at any rate ....it was sweet.......she kissed the face of her father and turned out the light. "Goodnight Daddy" she said softly and fell asleep...still holding it.

The next morning came all to quickly...Starsky was still in bed at 8:30 when he was awakened by sounds coming from the kitchen.

He stumbled out of the bedroom yawning and banged his big toe on the door frame......."Shit" he yelled.

"Such language so early in the morning.....I am a minor you know." Cassie joked with him.

"Yeah .......well..........You're old enough to know not to repeat what you hear." He said as he leaned against the wall and rubbed his toe.

She walked over to him and put her hands behind her back........"It's Sunday....they won't be looking for me today...They're not even open." She announced "I made some breakfast and I was thinking....

"Uh..Oh....." Starsky said "Whenever a lady says those words...it usually involves cash..."

"No....I have an idea."

"I'm open to suggestions.."

"My Daddy had a lot of books about the law....there at the house...we could go get them."

"I have books here...but Nothing on legal procedures that involve minors."

"Daddy does..." She insisted. "Maybe we can find something....we only have today."

"Sure I guess it's worth a shot." He said .

They ate a quick breakfast and headed over to Cassie's house....Starsky unlocked the door and stuck the key back in his pocket. Cassie went over to a small desk in the living room and opened the bottom drawer...She pulled out a couple books from there and then headed into her father's room...."Lately he'd been reading in bed....he had some books in there too."

Starsky felt uncomfortable in the house....He didn't want to stay there any longer than he had to. "Come on ...let's go." he said..."I still have a report to finish."

"Ok...I think I have them all.." Cassie called to him...and walked out of her father's room.

"We'll have to pack everything up in a few day's..." He was thinking out loud. "I'll have to call the people that own the house."

Starsky knew that the house was rented.....Jim didn't have real good credit.......he was sure he only had till the end of the month to clear it out.

"I sure am gonna miss it." Cassie said. "We had a lot of good memories here."

"C'mon.." He put his arm around her and walked her out the door.

The phone was ringing when they got back to the apartment....Starsky bolted over to answer it...."Yeah."

"Hey....Where you been?"

"Over at Cassie's house."

"Listen... we came up with something kinda strange......I need to talk to you alone.."

"What about her?...I shouldn't leave her alone."

Cassie broke in...."If you have to go somewhere I can stay with Stacy for a couple of hours.....Mrs.. Taylor must be worried about me."

"I'll meet you in twenty minutes.....Where?"

"At Huggy's......Ok?'

"Sure"

Starsky hung up the phone and Cassie called Stacy....

"Don't tell anyone where you've been...for now ok." Starsky told her.

He dropped her off at Stacy's and hurried over to Huggy's........Hutch was sitting at the bar waiting for him.

"Ok....What'd you come up with?"

"You're not gonna like it........" Hutch started.

"Tell me anyway...Huh." Starsky sounded annoyed.

"We got the Coroner's report a little while ago..." Hutch continued. "I don't know if it means anything but, Jim was sick."

"What do you mean .....sick as in dying?' Starsky could see it in Hutch's eyes.

"Yeah...Cancer...he only had a few months left........Starsky.........he had to have known about it." Hutch said.

"Jesus....." Starsky's words got a little softer..."You think he walked out from behind that building on purpose?"

"It makes sense doesn't it.....look ...the man knows he's dying and he has a clause in his insurance policy that pays almost double if he gets killed in the line of duty..." Hutch went on....

"I checked something else...Jim recently increased his insurance by a hundred grand......Cassie stands to inherit a lot of money when she turns eighteen."

"My God.......you mean he set this whole thing up........being assigned with us.....guys who had already killed a cop or two.......even me as the Dupe.......he knew I couldn't say no.........he had it all figured." "It fits........doesn't it?" Hutch added "I checked with Captain Anderson.....according to him...Jim had been taking a lot of risks lately...........he also said that he had requested to be assigned with us on this case."

Starsky sat there ...not believing what he was thinking.....then he remembered something...."I found a pile of doctor bills in his house......a Doctor Martin Samuels......we just picked up some books from his place....Cassie said he'd been reading up on juvenile law lately.....he must have been preparing for this for months."
 
 

They both decided that it was time to bring Dobey in on all of this.....but they had to convince him to keep quiet about it..........the punk that killed Jim might get off on some stupid technicality...........the defense attorney would love to get his hands on information like this......Cassie might even lose the insurance money.....at any rate they where over their heads and they still had to find a way to keep Cassie.

Starsky had brought his report with him to Huggy's and put the final touches on it before following Hutch to the station to see Dobey. They were not sure what reaction they would get out of him but they knew that they needed his help. It would mean telling him everything........all of it.

Dobey was on the phone when they arrived and he motioned for them to come in....They sat down and listened in on the conversation....

"It has nothing to do with his death......I only want cause of death noted....that's all....leave it out of your report....That's my order." There was a pause......"Do it for me Sam....." He said more calmly "Please.....right....talk to you later....Thanks."

Dobey hung up the phone and wrung his hands ......they could tell he was stressed out.

"We have to talk to you Capt......." Hutch began. "We think that Jim might have set this whole thing up......."

"I already figured that out on my own....." Dobey pointed at them...."What do you think I did before you two came along.....manage a McDonalds?" ........"The Coroner has decided to leave it out of his report."

"With a little persuasion." Starsky added..."What about his doctor?..........They may call him to testify.......It may still come out."

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Dobey remarked....."Don't want to give them anything they can use if we can help it."

Hutch had gotten up to get a drink of water out of the cooler and was thinking to himself in the corner....."Do you have his personal effects Cap.......maybe he had something on him.....something he might have wanted us to find."

"I have them in my drawer ...but there isn't much to speak of....just his wallet..his gun holster and badge.....nothing else on him....I didn't get his clothes."

"Let me see his wallet..." Hutch insisted..."maybe there's a phone number....something....anything."

"How about a key?" Starsky said as he produced a small metal object from a fold inside.

"Looks like it belongs to a mailbox ...." Hutch starred at it.

"Or a safety deposit box.." Dobey added.

"It belongs to a bank...I recognize the emblem." Starsky noted...."Hutch and I will check it out and catch up with you later.."

"I thought you were taking a few days off." Dobey smiled.

"I am....."

"By the way..." Dobey called to them as they were about to leave..."Child Welfare wants to see Cassie here in my office tomorrow afternoon...unless we come up with a relative or someone by then....I'm counting on you to have her here."

"Sure Capt'...." Starsky mumbled as he disappeared behind the door.

"Why didn't you tell him...you know ....I thought we had agreed to tell him everything."

"Not yet.....we still have until tomorrow." Starsky was hoping for a miracle....even praying for it.

They drove to the bank where the Starsky had said the key belonged and flashed their badges so that the teller would get the box for them....They walked over to a small office that was unoccupied to pick through the contents ......What they found was amazing......Jim's entire plan....laid out before their eyes!

A will signed, notarized and dated about a month before his death......Cassie's Birth Certificate..........insurance papers with Cassie as beneficiary but the one thing that surprised them both was what was on the bottom of the stack.

"Look at this....." Starsky whispered as he pulled it open..."Custody papers.....My full name and Cassie's......

Jim gave me Custody of Cassie....Look it's right here in black and white.....I can't believe it!"

Hutch whistled......"He really covered all the bases.....didn't leave anything to chance......unbelievable."

"Is it legal....Will it stand up in court?" .....

"I'll know for sure when I show them to Barney...." Hutch said. "He's a lawyer and a good friend of mine...He'll tell me ....but I can't ask him until in the morning."

"I have to go pick her up....She's over at her friend Stacy's house.......I won't tell her...don't want to get her hopes up."

"You can't ever tell her.....she'll wonder why he did it...." Hutch decided.

"You're right.......better she doesn't ever find out."

"You go and I'll take these with me....I'll see Barney in the morning and meet you at the station around 9:00."

"Take me back to my car?"

"Sure."

After Hutch dropped him off, Starsky picked up Cassie and made a stop by the grocery store on the way home....Cassie picked out some ingredients and told Starsky she was going to make dinner for him...He paid the bill and they went home.

While Cassie was busy in the kitchen...Starsky called Hutch .....he was very nervous about it all and needed to talk to him.

"Hey....what ya doing?" Starsky began

"I was just about to call you....I've been reading his will." Hutch said.

"And......."

"He requested that his doctor never discuss his Cancer with anyone under the Doctor Patient privacy act."

"Will it keep them from making him testify?" Starsky whispered.

"Maybe.....Barney will tell me tomorrow."

"Can't you reach him tonight?" He asked.

"No...already tried.....Patience......Patience... in the morning. "Hutch assured him.

"Ok....Ok.....Goodnight." Starsky added

"Goodnight partner....kiss Cassie for me."

"Right." He hung up the phone.

"OOOWWW" Cassie yelled from the kitchen.

"What happened?" Starsky yelled on the run.

"OH....I got a splinter on that old wooden spoon." She cried

"Hang on......Sit down and I'll be right back."

He came back with a needle and a bottle of iodine...."Hold still....I'll try not to hurt you." He said.

"OOUUCCHH....." She screamed as the needle barley touched the tender spot on her finger.

"If you don't hold still I can't get it out." He smiled at her.

"Be careful will ya." She protested..."It hurts."

One more prick of the needle sent the projectile free....he pulled out the iodine and rubbed it on....blowing gently to relieve the pain......

"You're pretty good at this..." She looked at him and smiled...."I couldn't have done it better myself."

"Well...my little brother Nickie used to get them all the time...I've had practice."

They ate the dinner she prepared for them and Starsky really enjoyed it. Lasagna and garlic rolls....He was surprised at her ability. He helped her clean up the kitchen and they got ready for bed. Cassie pulled out the pillow and blanket she had used the night before and laid them on the sofa..."You take the bed tonight......" Starsky offered..."I'll sleep out here."

"Really......"

"I would of taken the sofa last night if you hadn't.....well I guess I felt you needed a lesson."

"That's ok.......I didn't mind...Sure it's alright?" She asked.

"Sure......go to bed now....tomorrow's Monday."

"Will you take me to school in the morning?"

"No problem......" He kissed her forehead..."Now get..."

Cassie set the alarm and sat her father's picture beside her on the nightstand...She spoke softly to him for a few minutes and drifted off to sleep.

Dobey had told them that Jim's funeral would be held on Tuesday afternoon....they would have the wake tomorrow night.....Starsky was having a hard time sleeping.....Not because of the uncomfortable couch .well not just because of it.

Cassie awoke at 6:00am and went out to the living room to get her suitcase...as quietly as she could so she wouldn't wake him up. She looked at him for a moment as he slept....he was so cute....she hated to wake him up to take her to school. She would let him sleep for a while longer.

Hutch was up ...had taken a quick jog....showered and had his early morning health food drink before walking out the door at around 7:30am. He wanted to get to the station and call Barney as soon as he made it to his office, which probably wouldn't be till around 8:30 or 9:00. Hutch had been up late going over Jim's papers...he was anxious too......

Cassie woke Starsky at 7:00 and told him she was ready to go...she had packed her books in her suitcase and now had them waiting by the front door.

Starsky got up slowly...arching his back and moaning.......stiffness in his shoulder made it hard for him to get a good stretch. "Give me a minute..." He said and walked toward the bathroom to take a quick shower...stopping to grab a towel from the bedroom as he went.

Cassie had some cereal while she waited for him and they headed out the door to drop her off. "My friends know what happened to my father.." She said, "Stacy told them already....it's gonna be a rough day."

"You'll get through it..." Starsky glanced at her. "The first day is always the hardest."

He dropped Cassie off at the High School and headed to the station to meet Hutch.

On the way..he stopped to pick up some donuts....and cup of coffee. He would be a little early but he was impatient.....it was around 8:30 when he arrived.

Hutch had called Barney at 8:00 and then again at 8:15...Barney finally answered and informed Hutch that he had an early appointment coming in...Hutch assured him that he wouldn't take long and was invited over.

Hutch and Starsky just missed each other by a few minutes......Starsky waited for him at the station with anticipation.

When Hutch got back at 9:15 Starsky was on his second cup of stationhouse coffee.

"What did he say?" Starsky asked eagerly.

"He said they would hold up as far as he could tell......Looks like we found your magic wand." Hutch was smiling.

They both walked into Dobey's office to drop the bomb on his desk......the custody papers.

Dobey picked them up and looked at them curiously..."What's this?"

"Jim gave me custody of Cassie" Starsky blurted out...."Tell those people at Child Welfare they can stuff it!"

Dobey's eyes got large......"You have Cassie?............Do you know what you're doing?"

"He knows what he's doing......Jim wanted it this way...........it's all legal." Hutch broke in.

"Is it what you want?...a lot of responsibility........are you sure?" Dobey questioned.

"I've never been more sure of anything........she belongs with me." Starsky admitted.

"Well......I'll call them right now...I'm sure they'll be pleased."

"Let's hope."

Dobey spoke to Mrs.. Jones from Child Welfare and ran down the story with her.......he got a quick response and then hung up.

"They want to keep tabs on her...inspect your apartment from time to time....it's routine." he said.

"That's all they said?" Starsky asked.

"That's it."

"WHOA............ALRIGHT......" They both jumped up and shouted.........."We have to surprise Cassie." Starsky gleamed with excitement.

They decided to take the day and do something special for Cassie. Hutch went by and grabbed Huggy who was more than happy to help...they got a storage van and headed to Cassie's house where Dobey and Starsky where already boxing things up....keeping everything from Cassie's room separate of course.

Loading the furniture and kitchen boxes and then Jim's room in the back and saving room for Cassie's things last so they could get them out easy.

They arrived at Starsky's Apartment four hours later and began unloading only Cassie's room...Dobey and Huggy took the rest of the furnishings to a storage facility and put the bill on the police department's account.

Starsky managed to get all of his stuff out of the spare room....parting with some of his memories to charity to make room for Cassie...it took them the better part of the rest of the day to put her bed together and place her things around the room in the order that she had had them before.

Starsky looked at his watch ..."It's 3:00...I have to pick her up from school"

"Go get her....I can't wait to see her face....." Hutch said as he continued to work...putting up her posters.

Starsky wasted no time in getting to the school and Cassie laughed as she got in.

"What's so funny?"

"Everyone was so interested in who that guy was that dropped me off today that they hardly mentioned my father." She laughed. "They think you're cute."

"They do huh.." Starsky laughed.

"Yeah..of course I can't see it...." She teased.

"Ha....Ha.....Hey.......Hutch and I have something to show you."

"What?"

"UH....UH....UH......You're gonna have to wait."

Hutch heard the unmistakable roar of the torino engine as it pulled into the driveway....He quickly looked around the room...straightened the bedspread and waited to surprise her.

Starsky made Cassie close her eyes as he guided her through the apartment and into the doorway of her new bedroom......Hutch was standing in the center of the room ......ready.

"Can I open my eyes now....What's goin' on...." she said as she smiled.

"SURPRISE......" They both shouted at once ......watching for her reaction.

She stood there in amazement...it was her room...her bed...her nightstand...all her stuffed animals....even her David Cassidy and Leif Garrett posters......she was speechless.......tears started to form in her eyes and she could feel a heavy lump in her small throat....her curtains and her rug.....it was all just how she had left it....almost.

"How........Why....." She really didn't know in what order she wanted the questions answered.

"You're home now Cassie..." Starsky said..."...you don't have to worry about anyone ever taking you away.

No one.........I promise you."

"You and Hutch did this..................it must have taken you all day...............it's so beautiful........Thank you.....but....how did you get them to agree...............did they say it was alright....just like that?"

Hutch took her by the hand and lead her over to her nightstand....he picked up the picture of her father that Starsky had placed there and gave it to her............"We found that magic wand we were looking for..." He said as he picked her head up softly with the end of his finger...."You're father had it all along."

She hugged Hutch tightly still holding her father's picture and then turned around and hugged Starsky........"Daddy was so lucky to have good friends like you she said....and so am I."
 
 

written for entertainment purposes only....hope it did just that.

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