* Thank you Judy - my beta reader for this series and the one who inspired it in the first place! *

‘My Best Friend’s Girl’ – by Stephanie White

Starsky was just returning from the grocery store when he heard the telephone in his apartment ringing. He fumbled frantically with the key in the lock until he got the door open. Dashing into his apartment and tossing the groceries on the couch, he lunged for the phone.

“Hello?” he said a little breathlessly into the receiver.

“Did I catch you at a bad time?” The decidedly feminine voice on the other end of the line said.

“Smokey! Nah, nothing doin’. I just got back from the store. What’s up?”

“Well, I was wondering if you could give me a hand with something.”

“For you doll, anything!” Starsky said with a grin. “But, uh…shouldn’t you be askin’ Hutch?”

“Well, it’s about Hutch. His birthday is next week, right?”

“Thursday, yeah. Why?”

“Well, we’ve been dating now for a little over six months and I wanted to get him something perfect for his birthday. I just don’t know what perfect is…you know him better than anyone, could you help me pick something out for him?”

“Sure, I can help ya there. It’ll be fun! Did you have anything in mind?”

“Well, I was noticing his watch doesn’t keep particularly good time anymore and I thought maybe a new watch. What do you think?”

“Comin’ from you? He’d love it.” Starsky said and Smokey could almost hear the lopsided grin she knew was on his face. “Matter of fact, I know there’s one he’s had an eye on. I could pick you up and take you to the store to see it. It’s a little out of my price range or I’d get it for him. Er…how much were you wantin’ to spend?”

“Let’s see the watch and if it’s too much, you’ll help me find something else. It is less than say $500, right?”

“You actually gonna spend that much on him?” Starsky asked, incredulous. “You must be in love!”

“I’d rather not do that much if push comes to shove. Actually, I can’t do quite that much.” She said with a laugh. “It’s just a figure I pulled from a hat.”

“Well, put it back in the hat. I think it’s something like a couple hundred. Is that too much?”

“Well, take me to see if its worth it and I’ll let you know.”

“I’ll be at your place in 45 minutes. Okay?”

“See you then!”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Marie was nervous. It was 85 degrees outside and the two men browsing in the jewelry shop were in long heavy coats. Unfortunately, since they weren’t doing anything obviously illegal, she couldn’t call the cops. She threw a look over to Jack, her manager and the owner of the store. He was obviously uneasy as well. He shrugged and motioned her to go help the ‘customers’. Meanwhile, he began to move himself slowly toward the silent alarm trigger…just in case.

“Er…may I help you two gentlemen?” Marie said with just the slightest quaver in her voice. She shuddered as the larger of the two men leered down at her.

“Oh, yes you can help me little lady.” He reached into his coat pocket with one hand and pulled out a canvas sack; with the other hand, he pulled a sawed-off shotgun out from under his coat. The other man pulled a .38 special out of his pocket and pointed it at Jack.

“You can fill this bag with all this lovely jewelry. You be a good girl and maybe we’ll let you live through this.”

Marie whimpered as she took the sack and moved to a display case to begin emptying the contents. Jack silently cursed himself for not moving faster…the silent alarm trigger was still four feet away.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Torino pulled into the parking lot of Jack’s Fine Jewelry. Starsky and Smokey Bear got out and headed for the entrance – completely unaware of the situation they were walking into.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Come on! Come on!” Said the man with the .38. “How long can it take to empty a jewelry case! We gotta get outta here!”

“Relax, would you! This little girl is moving as fast as she can, I’m sure!” The other man said with a sneer. “She knows what’ll happen to her if I think she’s slowing down.”

Marie sobbed as she fumbled with the keys to the next cabinet.

Jack started moving forward, “So help me! If you hurt her I’ll…”

“You’ll what?” said the smaller man, shoving the pistol into Jack’s face. Jack wisely shut up.

Just then, the bell on the door alerted them that there were customers coming in.

The man with the .38 turned at the sound and his eyes widened at the sight of Detective David Starsky.

“Dammit Harry! It’s a cop! He arrested me and Eddie a couple of months ago!” He raised the pistol to aim at Starsky’s chest.

Starsky saw the man’s finger tighten on the trigger and he knew he didn’t have time to go for his gun. He didn’t close his eyes, but in his head he was prepared for the shot that would end his life. He said a silent prayer that Smokey would get out of this alive and then he mentally said good-bye to his partner.

The shot rang out through the small store and everything seemed to slip into slow motion. There was a scream from beside him as Starsky felt himself being hugged tightly and a weight throwing him backwards. He fell on his ass against the wall and the weight that threw him down landed across his legs and stomach as the hug was abruptly released.

Starsky managed to reach his gun (thanking God that he’d decided to wear it on his day off), pull it and fire two shots, felling both the men with guns. Finally, he was able to take stock of himself and the weight pressing him against the wall – SMOKEY!!!!!!! She had thrown herself against him as the shot was fired. She took the shot meant for his chest in her back.

“GET AN AMBULANCE!!!!!” He screamed at the terrified store personnel. He gently pulled Smokey off of him so he could get his top shirt off and pressed into the wound on her back. Then he gently cradled her in his arms. Her eyelids fluttered and she looked up into his face.

“You…okay?” she gasped.

“I’m fine,” he said gently. “What’d you go and do that for, huh?”

“Hutch…” her voice was a whisper. “live…without…me…not…you.”

Starsky’s eyes slid shut. A tear still managed to escape. He took a deep breath and looked into the pain-filled green eyes of the woman lying in his arms. “Don’t talk like that, huh? You’re gonna be fine. You hear me! You can’t go like this! Hutch’ll never forgive me if I let you give up so easily. Come on! Promise me you ain’t gonna give up! Promise!”

“Promise.” He barely heard her say the word. Her eyelids closed and she was still.

“Smokey?” Starsky looked down at her. He moved his hand around to feel for a pulse on her neck. It was there…barely. However, she was no longer breathing.

Starsky quickly laid her flat and began artificial respiration – saying a prayer with each breath.

‘Please God! Don’t take her from Hutch! He don’t deserve this! He loves her so much! Please, let her be okay! Please!’

The paramedics arrived and had to pull Starsky off of the limp body. He watched numbly as they treated her and loaded her on the ambulance. He asked where they were taking her and as soon as the reports and crime labs were taken care of, he went to pick up his partner.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Detective Ken Hutchinson was sitting on his couch watching TV and wondering why he could get hold of neither his partner nor his girlfriend. Everyone involved in this conundrum did have the day off, so where were they?

As if in answer to his silent question, his partner burst into his apartment without knocking.

“Starsky! Where’ve you been all day?” Hutch asked with a grin. The grin faded as he looked at the blood staining his partner’s jeans and t-shirt. Starsky looked like he had gone three rounds with a vampire. “Starsk? Are you okay? What happened? Talk to me Babe!”

“Hutch…I think you better sit down.” Starsky said gently.

Hutch sat down warily. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach. That feeling turned to a stone in his gut that threatened to crush his heart as Starsky related the tale of the robbery. Starsky left out certain details…Smokey ceasing to breathe for one; but on the whole, Hutch got the entire story. As soon as Starsky finished speaking, Hutch dashed for his car keys only to be stopped by his dark-haired partner.

“What the hell are you doing, Starsky? I have to go to her!”

“I know that, Babe. But I also know you’re way too upset to drive. Come on, I’ll take you over to see her.”

“Like you’re in any better shape, Starsk.” Hutch snapped. “Gimme my car keys.”

“The Torino is faster.” Starsky said quietly.

“You win.” Hutch said even more quietly.

The two men raced out to the bright red car and Hutch reflected that he was never so glad to see the ‘Striped Tomato’ before in his life.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The two men raced into the ER. Hutch had the advantage of longer legs, so he got to the reception desk first.

“I’m here about Smokey Bear! She’s a gunshot victim. Where is she?”

“What did you say her name was?” the nurse asked. “Smokey Bear, is that a nickname? What’s her real name?”

“That IS her real name!” Hutch snapped. “Now are you going to tell me where she is or do I have to tear this place apart…”

Starsky stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on his partner’s shoulder. As soon as Hutch stepped back, Starsky gave the nurse a tight smile. He poured on as much charm as he could manage under the circumstances (not very much, if you want to get technical about it, but it was more than Hutch was capable of at that moment).

“She would’ve been brought in within the last couple hours or so. She was the victim in that jewelry store robbery.”

The nurse looked at her list. “Ah…yes. She’s in treatment room two. The doctors are with her now. Are you family?”

“I’m her fiancé.” Hutch said without hesitation.

“Well, we don’t have much information for you right now. As I said, the doctors are trying to stabilize her. Apparently she wasn’t breathing when the paramedics got to her. Luckily, someone was there who knew artificial respiration and kept her alive. If you’ll just go to the waiting room, someone will be in to see you as soon as they know something.”

When the nurse said Smokey hadn’t been breathing, Hutch felt his knees weaken. Starsky came up behind him and caught him before he fell. The nurse surprisingly didn’t seem to notice his weakness as she was talking. As soon as she finished speaking, Starsky politely thanked her and guided Hutch to the waiting room. He sat Hutch down in a chair and knelt in front of him, putting his hands on Hutch’s knees and looking up into his face.

“You gonna be all right, Babe? Can I get you something?”

“You were the one breathing for her, weren’t you?” Hutch asked in a low voice.

“Yeah. I couldn’t let her just check out like that, could I?”

“Thank you.” Hutch said, his voice breaking. Starsky stood up and sat down next to his partner. He put his arm around the taller man’s shoulder and Hutch leaned into his partner’s embrace. After a few minutes, Starsky was aware of dampness on his shirt and the shaking of the blond man’s shoulders and realized that Hutch was crying.

“It’s okay, Babe. I’m right here. She’s gonna be fine! She’s tough. Don’t worry. Everything is gonna be okay.” Starsky murmured, hoping he sounded more convincing than he felt.

After a few minutes, Hutch sniffled and sat up. Starsky looked around until he saw a box of tissues on a nearby table. He grabbed the box and offered it to Hutch, who took a tissue gratefully.

“Why did she do it?” Hutch moaned. “I mean, I’m glad you’re okay Starsk…you have no idea. But why?”

“She did it for you.” Starsky said so quietly, Hutch was sure he misheard.

“What did you say?” Hutch whispered.

“She said you could live without her, but not me. She did it so you wouldn’t have to live without me!” It was Starsky’s turn to cry and Hutch’s turn to hold him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Several hours later, they were still sitting there. Dobey had arrived – word got back to him that Starsky had been involved in the jewelry store shootout – and the three of them sat waiting for word on a very brave woman.

Finally, a doctor entered the waiting room. He looked around until he saw the three men sitting in the corner. He walked over and Hutch leapt to his feet so quickly, you couldn’t have sworn he had ever sat down.

“Are you here for Smokey Bear?” the doctor asked. Then, as Hutch nodded, “I’m Dr. Paul Samuels. I treated her when she came in.”

“How is she?” Hutch asked quietly, afraid of the answer.

“Lucky to be alive. The bullet lodged in her left lung. They just took her up to surgery to try to remove it. Hopefully she’ll be able to tolerate it. She was only barely stable when we had to send her up. It got to the point we couldn’t wait for her to stabilize any further.”

“So you don’t know if she’s gonna make it?” Starsky asked quietly, knowing Hutch wouldn’t be able to voice that particular question.

Dr. Samuels ran a tired hand through his dark hair and sighed. “If she makes it through surgery, her chances improve considerably. But even if she does make it through the operation, I can’t say definitely one way or the other.”

“Hey Hutch. C’mon, she’ll be okay!” Starsky said. “She’s a tough chick, you know that! She’ll pull through.”

Hutch smiled weakly at his best friend and then turned back to the doctor.

“The surgery ward’s waiting room is on the fourth floor. Someone up there will let you know when she gets out of surgery.” Samuels said as he was paged back to the ER. “If you’ll excuse me.”

They watched the doctor leave the room and then the three of them headed up to the surgery waiting room.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A few hours later, Starsky’s head snapped up. “Damn! Somebody’s gotta feed her pussycat! Can’t have a tiger goin’ hungry!”

Hutch looked up from where he had been sitting silently since they got to the waiting room. Starsky could see he was in no shape to drive.

“I’ll go, Babe. That cat actually likes me after all. You stay here and wait for news.”

“You sure, Starsk? I mean neither of us has been there without Smokey. You don’t think Pippa’d react badly if you showed up without her?”

“One way to find out.” Starsky said with a pale imitation of his famous lopsided grin. “I’ll be careful Hutch. Don’t worry. I’ll be back a little later. You want me to bring you anything?”

Dobey stood up, “Why don’t you pick up something to eat. He could use it…actually, so could I.”

Starsky nodded and headed out the door.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The first thing Starsky was aware of as he got out of his car was the roaring of a very hungry cat.

“Alright kitty. Let’s get you something to eat…preferably not me.” Starsky muttered as he made his way into the house (glad that the hospital had given Hutch Smokey’s personal effects – house key included). As he wandered through the living room, Pippa’s roars seemed to grow louder and more ferocious with every step. When he got to the kitchen, he saw the whip hanging on its hook by the back door. He grabbed it on his way through – just in case.

When he got to the cage, Pippa regarded him calmly. Her stance and expression seemed to say, ‘it’s about time someone remembered the cat!’

“Nice kitty,” Starsky said quietly, trying not to let his nervousness show. Pippa did like him the last time he visited, but Smokey was there to supervise. Would she still like him even though her mistress wasn’t present? “How you doin’? You hungry? Well, let’s get you something to eat, huh?”

Starsky made his way to the refrigerator where Pippa’s food was stored. He opened it and began putting meat in the small wheelbarrow that Smokey used to transport the large quantity of meat that the great cat required. He wheeled it over to the cage and cautiously opened the door to the pen. Pippa seemed to realize that this was a new, but not unfamiliar person feeding her. She padded over to where Starsky was unloading the barrow. Starsky jumped a mile when he realized that a) the cat was immediately behind him and b) he was still wearing bloodstained clothing. Fortunately, as Pippa had never developed a taste for human blood, and there was meat readily available, she chose not pay attention to Starsky’s clothing. He recovered quickly and moved out of the way to watch the tiger eat.

After a while, the big cat walked over to him and rubbed against his legs in an affectionate gesture. Starsky smiled and scratched her behind the ears.

“Yeah, I know you’re wondering where you’re mom is. Hopefully, she’ll come back to you soon. ‘Til then, you’ll have to put up with me, okay?”

Pippa seemed to understand and rubbed against his legs again as she headed back to her perch underneath the small shelter in the corner of the pen. Starsky checked the cat’s water supply and then, after refilling it, exited the cage and locked the door behind him. He turned around for one more look and then headed back to the Torino.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

By the time Starsky had stopped by his apartment to change out of his bloodstained clothing, picked up dinner from The Pits and got back to the hospital, Smokey was in recovery.

Hutch was in a comparatively good mood when Starsky returned to the waiting room. “She’s out of surgery, Starsk! She survived the operation!”

“Hey, that’s great Hutch!” Starsky said, relieved. “I told you! She’s gonna be fine! Now come on, let’s eat.”

Starsky, Hutch and Dobey ate in relative silence except for Starsky relating his tiger-feeding adventure. Hutch even allowed himself to laugh a little bit at Starsky’s story – once he stopped being frightened at the thought of his best friend getting into the cage with a tiger while wearing bloody clothes.

After they finished eating, Dobey said he had to get home and left. Starsky and Hutch sat and waited. A couple more hours passed and a nurse came into the room, looked around until she found Starsky and Hutch. Hutch had fallen asleep on Starsky’s shoulder and Starsky himself was nodding off when he noticed the woman in white walking over to them. He nudged his partner and Hutch awoke with a start – confusion in his eyes until his memory decided to remind him as to why he was there. Both men leapt to their feet to look at the nurse in anticipation. Starsky hoped for the best and Hutch expected the worst.

“She’s been moved to the ICU. She’s in room 322. You can go up and see her now.”

“How’s she doing?” Hutch asked, fighting to keep his voice steady – a fight he was losing.

The nurse sighed. “She’s hanging on. We nearly lost her on the table several times. They had to crack her chest at one point. She’s in a coma now. It’s going to be touch and go for a while. Barring complications, she should come out of it. She’s tough. Her determination is about all I can think of that’s keeping her alive. I wish I could give you better news, but it was a point blank shot – she’s lucky to have survived this long.”

During the nurse’s speech, Hutch grew more and more pale, until his blond hair was the darkest part of his body. He sank back down onto the chair as his legs decided they were too worried to hold him up any longer. Starsky absently thanked the nurse and then fell into the chair next to his partner.

“I told you she was tough!”

“How far can determination take her, though?” Hutch whispered tearfully.

“You’d be surprised, Hutch. I made her promise not to give up. Nice to see she honors a promise, huh?”

“Yeah.” Hutch said with a slight smile. “Thanks for making her promise. I do know she’s nothing if not honorable.”

“Yeah.” Starsky smiled encouragingly back at his partner. Then he seemed to remember something. “Hey, does she have any family that needs to be called?”

“Oh God!” Hutch said with a start. “Her parents are in Ohio I think. She’s got a sister in Florida. At least I think she said Florida.”

“Well, if we can get hold of her folks, they can call her sister.” Starsky said. “You got a number for them? I can call them while you go see her.”

“I should call them Starsk.” Hutch said.

“I was there when it happened. I’ll call them. You need to be with her. Let her know that you’re there. That always did wonders for my recovery. Just knowin’ you’re there is the best medicine that I know of.”

Hutch looked in Smokey’s purse that he had almost forgotten he had. He found her parents’ number in her wallet. He handed the slip of paper to Starsky and then made his way to room 322.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hutch entered the room quietly. It was extremely hard for him to look at the small figure on the bed. She was pale and still with tubes and wires attached to nearly every part of her body. This figure almost in no way resembled the full-of-life woman that Hutch knew she should be. He made his way over to the bed and pulled up a chair. He leaned forward and tenderly kissed her forehead. Then he took her hand gently – careful not to dislodge her I.V.

“Hey Beautiful,” he said quietly. “You know, if you felt you needed rest, there’re easier ways to get a vacation.”

Smokey couldn’t come up with a one.

“Thought you’d like to know, Starsky fed Pippa. I guess she really does like him. He still had blood on his clothes and she didn’t do anything awful to him. Don’t worry about your cat, we’ll take good care of her until you’re back on your feet.”

“Starsky told me what you did and why you did it. I know you’re right, I don’t think I could live without him, but living without you wouldn’t exactly be a picnic. So don’t you leave me like this, you hear me?”

If she heard him, she wasn’t in the mood to comment.

“Please come back to me.” He whispered. “I love you.”

There was nothing more to say, so he just sat there holding her hand in one of his while his other hand stroked her hair.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

He was still in the same position when Starsky found him. He put his hand on Hutch’s shoulder. When Hutch looked up, Starsky smiled encouragingly at him.

“I just talked to her folks. They’re coming out here tomorrow. They’re gonna call her sister too. I’ll pick them up at the airport and bring them over. Okay?”

“Thanks, Starsk.” Hutch said as he reached up and covered Starsky’s hand with his own. Then he turned back to Smokey. “Hey Beautiful, you’re folks are coming out to see you tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be great if you could be awake when they get here?”

If she thought it was a great idea, she wasn’t making her opinion widely known.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The next afternoon, Starsky was standing in the baggage claim area of LAX holding a sign with the names ‘JOHN & SHARON SMITH’ written on it. After a few minutes in the milling crowd, an older couple came over to him.

“I’m John Smith, this is my wife Sharon. Are you Detective Starsky?”

Starsky nodded and held out a hand, “You can call me Dave. Nice to meet you sir, ma’am.”

“Please, John and Sharon.” John said. “How’s my daughter doing?”

Starsky sighed. “I wish I could give you good news, but I can’t. I can’t give you much news at all. She’s in a coma and the docs aren’t sure yet if she’ll pull through.”

Sharon gasped and clutched at her husband’s arm.

“Hey c’mon!” Starsky said. “She’s tough. She’ll be okay. I made her promise not to give up.”

John smiled gratefully at the dark-haired man in front of him. “Our other daughter, Harriet is coming in today also.” He looked at his watch. “Actually, her plane should be landing any minute now. Would you mind waiting?”

“Not a bit.” Starsky said affably. “You know what airline she’s on?”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Finally, Starsky had the entire Smith clan and luggage tucked away in the Torino. He turned to John in the back seat and said, “Where are you stayin’? You plannin’ on stayin’ at her place?”

“Good Lord, no!” Sharon said vehemently. “I’m not staying in the same house with that animal! It’s dangerous!”

“I made reservations at a hotel near the hospital. Do you know the Holiday Inn on Harris Road?” John said.

“You bet!” Starsky said. “You guys want to stop there first?”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Two hours later, Starsky returned to the hospital with Smokey’s family. He led the way up to the third floor.

“My partner’s in there with her now. I’ll go get him out so that you can go in and see her.” Starsky said as he headed into the room.

Hutch was sitting in the same position that he had been for the last day and a half - one hand holding hers and the other in her hair. Starsky headed over to him and put his hands on Hutch’s shoulders, slightly surprised at the high level of tension he felt there. He gently started massaging the tension away as he leaned in and whispered, “Her family’s here. They’re waiting outside. C’mon Babe, let’s give them some time with her.”

Hutch sighed and rolled his neck under his partner’s ministrations. Then he stood up and gently released Smokey’s hand.

“Hey Love, your family is here to see you. I’m gonna let them have you to themselves for a bit. I won’t go far.” He whispered before allowing Starsky to lead him to the door.

As he walked out of the room, Hutch stopped at the sight of the family waiting in the hall. John was tall and dark with bright green eyes. Sharon was very fair with blue eyes. Harriet was the spitting image of Smokey – with dark hair.

“You must be Hutch,” John said as he stepped forward, hand extended. “Smokey has told us all about you. I’m John and this is my wife Sharon and our other daughter Harriet.”

“Call me Harrie,” said the younger Smith as she also shook Hutch’s hand.

“Nice to meet you.” Hutch said rather mechanically. Then he seemed to pull himself together. “I wish it could have been under better circumstances.”

Starsky stepped in, “C’mon Hutch. Let me take you home for a while. Give her family some time with her. ‘Sides, you need to rest for a bit.”

“I shouldn’t leave,” Hutch protested. He was about to plant his feet when the rest of the Smith clan also insisted that Smokey wouldn’t want him wearing himself down on her account. He finally reluctantly agreed to be taken home.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hutch walked aimlessly around his apartment until Starsky guided him to the bathroom for a shower.

“Hutch, you gotta pull yourself together! She’s gonna be fine! You just gotta keep telling yourself that. Now look, you have a shower and shave and I’ll make you something to eat, alright?”

“Thanks, Buddy.” Hutch said with a grateful smile. “She was right, you know. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Starsky just smiled and gently pushed him towards the bathroom.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After a famous Starsky omelet, Hutch was made by his partner to lie down – insisting that he didn’t need sleep. He was just like a stubborn child insisting that he wasn’t tired as he drifted off to dreamland.

Once Starsky was sure that his partner was sleeping peacefully, he headed out to plant himself on the couch until Hutch woke up.

A couple of hours later, he was himself nodding off when the telephone rang. He jumped up to grab it before it woke Hutch.

“Yeah?”

“Is this Hutch?” a shaky female voice said on the other end of the line.

“No, it’s Starsky. Who’s this?”

“This is Harrie, Smokey’s sister. You guys better get down here. Her heart stopped. They’re working on her now…it doesn’t look good.”

Starsky didn’t even look to see if he actually managed to get the receiver back on its cradle when he dropped it and bolted for the bedroom.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

‘Déjà vu!’ Hutch thought as he raced through the hospital lobby towards the elevators. ‘Seems like only yesterday I got that same call about Starsky. I got lucky that time. Please, let me be lucky this time!’

Starsky was having trouble keeping up with his frantic partner. If it weren’t for the fact that he had to wait for the elevator, Hutch would’ve left him in the dust.

When they got to the third floor, the medical personnel were coming out of the room. Hutch ran over to the Smith family as they were standing in the hall waiting. He stopped when he saw the air of defeat that hung around them.

“She’s gone, isn’t she?” Hutch said quietly, feeling the tears well up.

John shook his head. “No, they got her back…barely. They said she probably wouldn’t make it through another attack like that, though.”

Hutch felt relief crash in on him like a tidal wave. He leaned heavily against the wall. “At least she’s still here. Starsky made her promise not to give up and she isn’t going to!”

Sharon smiled at him, “I hope you’re right. I’ve never known my little girl to break a promise!”

“I am right.” Hutch said. “I have to be.”

“Why don’t you go on in and sit with her for a little while?” John said. “We haven’t eaten since we left Columbus. We’re going to go down to the cafeteria for a little while, okay?”

Hutch gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

“You enjoy scaring me half to death, don’t you?” Hutch asked Smokey as he once again planted himself at her bedside. “It’s just like the time you told me Pippa was just your cat! Scared me half to death when you came to the door with a real live tiger! Look, I know you’ve got your sense of humor, but I think this is taking it a little far…don’t you?”

Smokey remained unrepentant.

“Yeah, I know. I’m an easy mark. What can I say? I’m a sucker for you.” Hutch stroked her hair, brushing a few blonde tendrils away from her forehead. “This is the part where you wake up and say you’re a sucker for me too.”

She apparently hadn’t gotten that page of the script.

“Your folks seem pretty nice. I like your little sister too. I think she likes Starsky a bit. Maybe when you get out of here we could set them up.”

No comment from the peanut gallery.

“Okay, you’re probably right, she lives in Florida and he lives here in LA. Probably not the best idea I’ve had. Although, maybe…never mind. You’re right. It wouldn’t work.”

“Would you look at this? I’m handling both sides of our conversation. You’ve got to wake up before I start talking to myself - wouldn’t want that to become a habit!”

Hutch carefully lifted the hand he was holding and kissed the palm gently. “If you feel you have to leave, there’re a lot of less permanent ways of going, you know.” He felt the tears flowing. “I love you! Please don’t leave me like this!”

* * * * * * * * * * * *

When Smokey’s mother poked her head into her daughter’s room an hour later, she saw Hutch asleep in the chair. His fingers still entwined with hers while his head rested on his other arm on the bed. Sharon smiled fondly and quietly shut the door again.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The days started to flow together. Hutch was taking personal leave time to be with Smokey and Starsky stayed on desk duty until his partner’s return. The Smith family divided their time between the hospital and their hotel. Hutch relinquished his place at Smokey’s bedside at night to her parents. During the day, they took turns. Meanwhile, Starsky went to Smokey’s house twice a day to feed Pippa.

Within ten days, the doctors started weaning her off the respirator. Two weeks after the shooting, they felt secure enough to remove it altogether. However, she still showed no signs of waking up.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Starsky poked his head into Smokey’s room and was surprised to find no one in the room. He knew Hutch had gone home for a shower and change of clothing, but the fact that her family wasn’t present was a bit unexpected.

“Hey Kiddo. Your folks go for somethin’ to eat? Anyway, Hutch has gone to get cleaned up. Ya know, can’t have you wakin’ up to your man lookin’ like somethin’ the cat dragged in, can you?”

Smokey didn’t agree or disagree with that thought.

“Although it would be nice if he could come back here and see those beautiful green eyes of yours. Besides, if you don’t wake up soon, I might have to lay claim to that cat of yours. She really likes me and I’ll admit I kinda like her too. Granted, I can’t imagine what my landlord would say if I brought her home, I’m sure he’d get used to it. ‘Sides, who’s gonna argue with a guy and his tiger?”

“I know. He’d probably evict me. So maybe I’ll just take your house too.” Starsky said with a chuckle.

“Don’t even think about it.” Came a whisper from the bed. Starsky’s eyes widened as he looked at the figure in the bed – more precisely, as he looked at the open green eyes of the figure in the bed.

“Hey there,” Starsky said gently as he picked up her hand. “Welcome back, Kiddo!”

Smokey smiled weakly, “Hey yourself.”

Starsky said, “I’m gonna go get your doctor. Don’t go anywhere!”

“Where could I go?” came the soft reply.

Starsky gave her a full-blown, 100-watt lopsided grin as he bolted from the room. When he got to the nurses station, he saw his partner standing there talking to one of the nurses. When he heard rapid footsteps, Hutch looked up. His face registered panic as he saw Starsky running full speed for the nurse standing by the counter.

“Starsk? What’s wrong? Is it Smokey? Starsky! Talk to me!”

Ignoring his partner, Starsky’s full attention was on the nurse. “Get the doctor! Room 322. She’s awake!”

The nurse jumped for the phone to page a doctor and Hutch bolted for Smokey’s room with Starsky close on his heels.

Hutch burst into Smokey’s room with all the subtlety of a hurricane. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was even. Starsky nearly barreled into his partner as he ran into the room and saw Hutch standing still, watching Smokey sleep.

Hutch picked up Smokey’s hand, “Hey Lady. Starsky said you woke up for a minute. Don’t suppose you’d consider opening those beautiful eyes for me?”

“Never could refuse you anything,” Smokey’s weak voice was music to his ears. Hutch fell into the chair beside the bed and kissed her hand.

“Welcome back, Lover.” Hutch whispered. “I missed you.”

“Promised your partner I wouldn’t check out. Couldn’t break a promise, could I?”

“I’m glad you couldn’t. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“You’d have managed. As long as Starsky’s there, you’ll manage.”

“Maybe, but that doesn’t mean it’d be easy. Either way, I’m glad I don’t have to find out.”

Just then, the doctor entered the room, “Well, nice of you to join the land of the living again. You gave us quite a time, young lady.”

“Sorry, next time I’ll try to get shot a little less seriously.”

The doctor chuckled. “Why not try for not getting shot at all? It’s a lot less hassle.”

Smokey smiled weakly and Hutch allowed himself to laugh both at the doctor’s joke and the fact that Smokey was awake to joke with the doctor. Then the doctor shooed Starsky and Hutch out of the room while he examined her. Once out of the room, they ran into Smokey’s family coming back from the cafeteria.

“What’s going on?” Sharon asked as she saw the two detectives propping up the walls of the hospital corridors.

Hutch looked at her with shining eyes. “She’s awake! She’s going to be okay! The doctor’s in with her now.”

Sharon threw her arms around her husband and cried with joy. He returned the embrace and Harrie threw her arms around both of them.

When the doctor came out of Smokey’s room announcing that she was well on the way to recovery, the Smiths went in and Starsky put his arm around Hutch’s shoulder.

“Come on, Partner. Let’s let them have some time with her. Let’s go by Huggy’s. I’ll buy you a beer and we’ll celebrate.”

Hutch grinned at his partner. “Sounds good! Just let me go tell her where I’ll be. I’ll be right back and we’ll go.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A week later, Smokey was moved into a regular room. Hutch went back on duty, Harriet left for Florida again and her parents were going to stay until she got out of the hospital. Meanwhile, they moved in with Hutch until they were ready to leave (a Holiday Inn gets expensive after three weeks!). Smokey offered her place to them and was firmly rebuffed by her mother who didn’t like tigers very much.

“I’m really glad my daughter found someone like you, Ken.” John said one morning over breakfast. “Whenever she calls, she just has to tell us about some wonderful thing or other that you did for her.”

Hutch blushed, “Well, she’s a special lady and she deserves wonderful things.”

“She is a special lady alright.” John fairly glowed with fatherly pride. “I’m really glad to finally put a face with the name. I mean, we’ve been hearing so much about you – and your partner.”

“Yeah, Starsky really likes her too. I’m really glad they get along.”

“She said something interesting the other day. She said, ‘Starsky is just part of the package. If I want Hutch, I have to take Starsky too.’ Does that make any sense to you?”

Hutch nodded. “Starsky is my best friend. He and I have been partners for 9 years. Either of us would give up our lives for the other. He’s my brother in every way but blood.”

John smiled. “You’re lucky. I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend that good. I’m glad my daughter has the sense not to try and get you away from him. I don’t think she’d succeed.”

“No one will succeed at that,” Hutch said quietly.

Just then, Hutch heard the familiar honk of the Torino’s horn. “Speak o’ the devil. I’ve got to go to work. My car keys are on the hook by the front door. The car runs better than it looks - usually. I’ll see you later tonight.”

Sharon came out of the bathroom as Hutch walked out the door. John turned to her and said, “You know, I think she’s met Mr. Right.”

* * * * * * * * * * * *

A few days later, Starsky and Hutch were sitting in Smokey’s room when there was a knock on the door. It opened and Jack and Marie walked in.

“Hi, hope we didn’t come at a bad time.” Jack said with a smile.

Smokey looked slightly confused; she didn’t remember them, but Starsky did.

“Nah, that’s okay. Smokey, these are the people that were working in the jewelry store when you were…when we were there.”

“Oh. Sorry, my memory of the place is a little fuzzy.”

“I understand that. My name is Jack Thomas and this is my assistant Marie Edwards. I just have to say that was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen anyone do.”

“It wasn’t bravery,” Smokey said, beginning to blush. “It was instinct - upon reflection, not one of my better instincts. I should’ve just shoved him out of the way.”

“I wish you had,” Starsky said quietly.

“Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for stopping those guys and let you know if there’s ever anything I can do for either of you, just name it.”

Smokey looked at Starsky and then at the door. Starsky understood immediately. “Hey Hutch, let’s you and me go get some coffee for everyone. I’m sure these two can keep Smokey company for five minutes.”

Hutch seemed a little reluctant at first until Starsky grabbed his arm and practically dragged him down the hall to the vending machines.

Smokey then turned to the two very confused jewelers and said, “Actually, there IS something you could help me with. I have a very late birthday present to buy…”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Finally, it was time for Smokey to come home. Hutch drove her home where Starsky and her parents…okay, just her father…were waiting. Starsky had kept the place neat for her and even managed to get Pippa to wear a big red ribbon around her neck for the occasion.

Smokey’s smile was so wide it was a wonder her face didn’t split in two. Pippa came up to greet her and nearly knocked Smokey over in her excitement to see her ‘mommy’ again. Luckily, Hutch was there to catch her, or she would have hit the floor.

“God, this place has never looked so good!” Smokey exclaimed happily. “I can’t believe you got her to wear a ribbon! I’ve never been able to do it. Starsky, you are incredible. To think, just a few short months ago you were terrified of her.”

“Yeah, well. She’s okay once you get used to her.” Starsky said with a shrug. “As for the ribbon, I just explained why she had to wear it and she agreed.”

“Wait a minute Starsk,” Hutch said. “She can’t understand what you say.”

“How do you know? She’s wearin’ the ribbon, ain’t she?”

“He’s got a point,” Smokey said. “Sometimes, I really think she understands what I say.”

“Okay, I can see I’m not going to win this one.” Hutch said with a grin. “If you say she understands, then she understands.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Pippa came over and rubbed her head against his legs as if to say, ‘see – listen to them, would you?’

Hutch looked down at the big cat and was surprised to see understanding in the golden eyes.

“Maybe she does understand after all.” Hutch said – a bit more convincingly this time.

“Told you so.” Starsky said smugly.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Later that night, after everyone else had gone home, Hutch stayed to make sure Smokey got to bed all right (Just sleep! She’s not up for THAT yet!).

As he tucked her in and prepared to leave, he heard her say softly, “Stay?”

Hutch smiled, stripped down to his t-shirt and shorts and climbed into bed with her. He gathered her gently in his arms and lay there relishing the feel of the soft body next to his – knowing that he almost lost that feeling for good.

After a few minutes, she rolled away from him and reached for something on the nightstand. He looked at her quizzically when he realized she wasn’t reaching to turn off the light.

“Smokey? You okay?”

“Yeah, I just have something for you.”

“For me?”

“I sort of missed your birthday, didn’t I?”

“Well, you were a bit preoccupied at the time.” Hutch chuckled. “I understand.”

“Well, I figure if I’m going to get shot while shopping for your present, I’m damn well going to get the gift. No way I’m getting shot for nothing.”

“Starsky’s not nothing. That was the best present you could’ve given me.”

She smiled and handed him the small wrapped package. “Yeah well, this was what I was going to get you in the first place.”

He took the box with a smile and carefully unwrapped it – much to the consternation of Smokey (who was always in favor of just ripping the paper off as quickly as possible). Finally, he got the paper off and opened the jeweler’s box. His eyes widened at the sight of the watch that he had been coveting for so long. He carefully removed it from the box and held it up to the light.

“It’s beautiful! I’ve wanted this watch for months now. How did you know?”

“Starsky.”

Hutch made a mental note to thank his partner.

“It’s engraved – on the back.” Smokey said as she reached over to turn the watch over for him.

He smiled and playfully jerked the watch out of her reach and then turned it over himself and read the inscription.

‘Hutch, Love Always, Smokey’

“I love it.” Hutch said as he carefully put the watch back into its box for the night. “And I love you.”

She snuggled back into his embrace and basked in the security and love that the circle of his arms provided. He leaned down and gently kissed her before reaching for the light switch.

End.

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