Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone
jmhenderson
 

Chapter One

         Gabby had left for Virginia to stay with friends and try to recuperate from both the trauma of losing her child, and the trauma of giving up David.  Feeling it was for his own good, she believed it to be the best thing that she could do for him.  She felt he could deal with the pain and not have to feel obligated to take care of her and be strong for her, and he would heal better without her being around as a constant reminder.  It had been six weeks since she left, two and a half months since the loss of their child.

         Staying in a family friends’ cottage just outside of King and Queen County, she was once again a recluse; pretty much as she had been before David Starsky came into her life.  Given too much time to think about him, and too much time to feel sorry for herself, she began painting again, pouring her feelings into her work.  It showed.  The intensity of her artwork had grabbed rave reviews from the critics.

         Her few selected friends were very supportive, but none more so than the one she’d never expected:  Huggy Bear.  She had called him only once, five days after she had left California; just wanting to make sure that David was doing all right.  He told her that he was ‘as well as could be expected’, and convinced her to give him her phone number in Virginia, so that if ever necessary, he could call her and tell her any news.  But he began calling her once a week, checking on her, making sure that SHE was alright.  He was amazing.   Only a very few people gave him credit for having any brains other than the street smarts he seemed born with, but he was more intelligent and very much more compassionate than half the people she’d known all her life.

         When the phone rang on that Thursday morning, she knew it was him.  She answered it, smiling as she said ‘Hello’.  But it wasn’t Huggy.  The smile dropped from her face as she listened,  wondering who was calling her on this unlisted line.  The man who spoke was somber and his voice was harsh.

“Gabby?” he asked.

“Who is this?” she demanded.

“I’m a friend of Huggys’.” he answered.

“And?” she said.

“Huggy’s at the hospital.  He asked me to call you.”

Her mind raced, the blood draining from her face.  She knew.

“It’s Starsky.  He’s been shot, and they don’t know if he’s gonna make it or not.”

         She couldn’t remember if she thanked the caller or not.  She hung up the phone, grabbed the phone book, and then booked herself on the next available flight heading out from Richmond International Airport.  She drove furiously getting herself there, being almost an hour from it, and the speeding ticket only made her drive faster once the officer was out of sight.  She made it;  leaving on a Delta flight within two and a half hours of the call.  Her hands shook and her face was pale, and the fear of wondering if she would ever see him alive again ran through her mind over and over.

         After eleven hours of flights, transfers, and standing by, she arrived in Los Angeles, renting a car and again driving much faster than she should, oblivious to anything on the road that wasn’t in her way.  Starsky would kill her for driving like this, she thought.  Tears began to fall from her eyes, wondering if he’d ever get that chance.

         She was totally unaware of how long it took her to get to the hospital, or even how she’d gotten there for that matter.  Night had fallen, and the hospital parking lot was quiet.  She wondered if visiting hours were over yet, then realized it didn’t matter.  All she knew was that she was there, and she would see him; she had to see him.  She would make up for all the pain she caused him and they would be happy, and no bullet could take that away from them.   Nothing could.

         She got out from the car and began walking quickly towards the hospital entrance.  She didn’t see the van that drove towards her, and paid no attention to the two men that got out from it.  Grabbing her from behind, she found herself being lifted off her feet.  She tried to scream, but one of the men took his fist and slammed it across the side of her face, knocking her unconscious.  They threw her into the back of the van, speeding away in front of two nurses that had just walked outside.
 
 

Chapter Two

         Starsky and Hutch arrived at the hospital 45 minutes after the ‘incident’.   A black and white unit was in front, taking the two women’s report of what looked to them like a woman being abducted and taken away in a blue Chevrolet van.

        “Hey Charlie.” Hutch said, addressing the patrolman.  “Need any help?” he asked as he and Starsky stopped briefly beside the car.

        “No, I think I’ve got it.  But thanks.” The officer said.   Hutch nodded as he and Starsky walked quickly into the hospital.  They walked through the lobby towards the elevator, going upstairs to room 422.

         They walked quietly into the room, looking at the man who was lying there.  It was Huggy.  He had been beaten pretty badly that morning, his face was swollen and red.  His right wrist was bandaged, and his left arm had an IV line running into it.  He looked at the two detectives as they walked in.

        “Hmmm.  NOW comes the Calvary.” He said, trying to smile, but wincing at the pain.

        “We were here with ya this morning, but you were out of it.” Starsky said.

        “What the hell happened to you?” Hutch asked, looking him over.

        “Who’d you piss off this time, Huggy?” Starsky added, grinning at his friend.

        “I don’t know, man.” Huggy answered, closing his eyes as he leaned his head back.  “All I know is that they weren’t your every day, run of the mill mugger-types.  I was just heading back to my place when I got blindsided.  They didn’t even take my wallet – not that they’d have gotten anything if they did…” he said.

        “Where were you coming back from so early in the morning?” Hutch asked.

        “A little female companionship, that’s all.” He answered, trying to smile, but giving up the effort.

        “What’d they take?” Starsky asked.

        “They got my address book and my watch and my gold chain.” He said, showing them the mark it had left when they ripped it from his neck.

        “That’s a strange combination.” Starsky said, a puzzled look on his face.  “You think they just wanted your address book, and took the other stuff to make it look like a mugging?” he asked.

        “Well, maybe, but there wont nothing in that address book worth taking .” Huggy answered, putting his left hand to his head and rubbing it, hoping the massage would ease the pain.
It didn’t.

        “Well, you need to rest, and they’re gonna keep you over night, so we’ll come back in the morning and take you home.” Hutch said, smiling.  Huggy nodded his head slightly in agreement, wincing.

        “Hurt pretty bad?” Starsky asked, looking his friend over.

        “Could be better.” Huggy answered.  “Thanks guys.” He said, hardly able to keep his eyes open.

        “Goodnight Huggy.” Hutch told him, then he and Starsky left the room.  They walked out into the cool night air over towards Hutch’s car.  The black and white unit was still there, and the two nurses were leaning on the patrol car while the officer talked on the radio.

        “Something ain’t right about this thing with Huggy.” Starsky said as he got in the LTD.

        “You got that feeling too?” Hutch asked, starting the car.

        “I got a really weird feeling.  I don’t know how to describe it.” Starsky answered.

        “Uh huh.” Hutch began, “You’re probably just hungry.” He said, smiling.  Starsky smiled back at him.
 

         Gabby could hear voices faintly behind her, but she couldn’t recognize them.  Her face felt as if a baseball bat had been used on it for practice.  Her whole body hurt her, aching from the cold dampness she could feel around her.  She moaned, stretching her legs out, but soon realized that her hands had been tied behind her.  She heard the sound of someone’s’ footsteps coming towards her.

        “Not yet little lady.” A voice said as she tried to turn herself to see who was talking to her.  A handkerchief was placed over her mouth and nose.  She tried to holler, then back away from it; the odor making her nauseous, but the hand forced it over her face, and soon she was unconscious again.
 
 

Chapter Three

         Starsky and Hutch picked up Huggy at 11am, the normal discharge time for most patients in the hospital.  He was stiff from the pain, noticing all kinds of new places where his body was aching.  He hadn’t been able to sleep very much, and all he wanted to do was get to the apartment above the bar and rest.  They drove him to the Pits, and helped him as he walked into the bar.  Jill, one of his waitresses, came running up to him, shocked at the sight of him.

        “Oh my poor Huggy!” she exclaimed, touching him gently and looking concerned.

        “I’m okay, Jilly, it’s alright.” He said, taking a deep breath and finding the nearest table to sit in front of.  Starsky and Hutch sat down beside him.  “How was business last night?” he asked, wincing as he looked up at her.

        “I was so busy I ran into myself at least three times.” She exclaimed.

        “Really?” Huggy asked, trying to smile.  “Business that good?” he asked.

        “No, nothing like that.  That dumb waitress you hired, Glenda, didn’t bother showing up.  And since she was scheduled to be here at 11 this morning, I’m going to take a wild guess and say she ain’t planning on coming back.” She said in a huff.

        “Damn.” Huggy said, looking down on the table.

        “I’d have never thought she’d pull something like that, especially as fond as she was of you, all up under that stuff like it was made of gold.” She said, rolling her eyes.  Starsky and Hutch tried not to laugh out loud, only succeeding by not looking at each other as they grinned.

         “It’s the truth!” Jill said, trying to justify her statement to them.  “That girl started working here two weeks ago, and within two days she had him wrapped around her finger.  Turned him into a whining little puppy!” she said, looking down at him.  Starsky and Hutch could not hold back any longer, and began laughing out loud.

        “You going to be alright now Huggy?” Hutch asked, looking at the clock on the wall.  It was 12:15pm.

        “Yeah, I’ll be fine.  I’m going up and see if I can’t get some sleep.” He said, standing up slowly as Jill stepped beside him, ready to help him make it up the stairs.

        “Okay friend.  We’ll be at the precinct if you need anything.”  Starsky said, and he and Hutch got up from their chairs.

        “Oh, by the way, Hug.  Who were you with the other night before you got mugged?” Hutch asked.  Huggy shook his head slowly, looking at the two detectives.

        “Glenda.” He said, smirking his face.

         Starsky and Hutch looked at each other, raising their eyebrows, then left the bar.
 

         They arrived at the station at 12:35pm.  Once inside the squad room, Millie looked up, giving them a serious glance over her glasses.

        “Dobey wants you two in his office right now.” She said.

        “We in trouble again?” Starsky asked her as he put his arm around her shoulder.

        “Probably.” Millie answered, smiling.

         Hutch knocked twice on the Captains’ door and turned the handle, opening it in time to hear Dobey yelling for them to come in.  His look was very serious, yet not angry like they were used to when being summoned in there.

        “Sit down.” He said, looking at his men.  Starsky looked at him, feeling a little uneasy.

        “What’s going on Captain?” Hutch asked, taking a seat.  Starsky sat down beside him.

        “When you two went to the hospital last night, did you see anything out of the ordinary?” Dobey asked, choosing his words carefully.

        “Well, we did see a patrolman there talking to a couple of nurses.” Starsky began.  “Why?”

        “It looks like there was an abduction last night from that parking lot.” Dobey began.

        “You’ve got to be kidding.” Hutch said, shaking his head.

        “No I’m not kidding!” Dobey hollered.  He looked at his two detectives, then at Starsky.  “Two nurses saw two men take a woman that looked unconscious and throw her into the back of a van.  We found an abandoned rental car in the parking lot, and we traced it to the airport.”  He paused, and his voice softened.  “David, the car was rented to Gabrielle Dowdy.”

         Starsky felt the blood draining from his face.   “Gabby?” he asked, wondering if he could have possibly heard the Captain correctly.  Hutch sat up straight in his seat.

        “Are you sure Cap?” he asked, looking at Starsky, whose face had gone blank, then back at Dobey.  ‘”I’m positive.  I went out to the airport this morning and got the girl to come in that had worked last night.  I asked her for a description of the woman who rented that car.  She described Gabby perfectly.”

        “Oh my God.” Starsky said, jumping out of his seat.
 

Chapter Four

         Gabby woke up to the sound of two men in the middle of some kind of argument.  She was sure she’d heard Starsky’s name mentioned.  Her head throbbed so badly that she felt she must be getting a migraine.  She moved around restlessly.  She heard the voices shushing each other as the walked towards her.

        “Nice of you to join us.” One said, grabbing her arm and jerking her up into a sitting position.  She moaned from the pain; not only was her head screaming, but the rest of her body ached as well.

        “What’s the matter pretty lady?  You got a little headache?” the younger of the two asked sarcastically.  She looked up at him, only able to see him out of one eye.  The other was almost swollen shut.  She said nothing.

        “I’m going to be making a little call in a few minutes, and you’re going to do what I say.   You’ll talk when I tell you, and if you don’t, I’m going to kill that ex-fiancée of yours!” the older man told her as his lips pulled back into a smile.  She just looked at the two of them and remained quiet.  The older man looked at the younger one and told him to get him the phone as he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket.  He sat down in a chair beside Gabby and began dialing.
 

         Starsky ran out from the office, and Hutch chased after him, with Dobey close behind.  He caught himself as he almost fell over onto his desk, his thoughts racing through him faster than he could comprehend them.  Hutch stood behind him, his hands on his shoulders.  Every image of Gabby was racing through Starskys’ mind.  Dobey pulled Starskys’ chair out from his desk, motioning for Hutch to get him to sit down.  Gently easing him into the chair, Hutch looked around, noticing everyone in there was watching.  Dobey noticed it too.

        “What are you all looking at?!” The Captain bellowed.  “Get out of here and find something to do!” he yelled, and everyone quickly did as they were told.

         Starsky was in a state of shock.  Dobey had gotten him a cup of water, but he just looked at it, then looked at the two men who stood in front of him.

        “I, I don’t understand.  Why would she even be there?” he asked, his eyes pleading for an answer.  Hutch looked at him.

        “You know she could have only come back here for you, Starsk.” He said, his words gentle and soothing as he knelt down beside him.  Starsky looked at him, his eyes filled with tears.  Dobey pulled a chair up beside him and sat down, putting his hand on Starskys’ arm.

        “At the hospital?” Starsky asked, his eyes showing fear.
 
 

Chapter Five

         The phone rang on Hutch’s desk, and he glared at it.  It rang several times before he stood up and grabbed it, his moves swift and angry.

        “Hutchinson.” He yelled into the phone.

         The line was silent for a moment, then a gruff male voice came through.

        “Detective David Starsky.   Please.” The man said, a sarcastic emphasis on the word ‘please’.  Hutch’s facial expression changed, then he began to reply, looking at Dobey and Starsky intensely.

        “Hold on a minute.” Hutch replied, trying to answer without indicating the intuition that grabbed him, making his hair stand up on the back of his neck.  He covered the phone with his hand, motioning for Starsky to pick up his phone and for Dobey to listen in also.

         Starsky picked up his phone, after waiting a moment for Dobey to get to one on another desk, and pushed down the button that flashed in front of him.

        “Starsky.” He said, listening to the silence and glaring at his partner.

        “Well, well detective.  It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?” the voice grabbed Starsky in the pit of his stomach, making him feel like he was going to retch.  Hutch’s facial expression indicated the same.  They looked at each other, and the silence on the phone continued.  Hutch motioned to Starsky to keep talking.

        “Prudholm.” Starsky said bluntly.

        “How nice of you to remember me.” He said, almost as if he’d been remembered by an old friend.  “Let’s play a little game, shall we?” he asked, speaking kindly into the phone.  Dobey walked around towards his office, ready to start a trace on the call.

        “I don’t play games.” Starsky said, his hand curling into a fist.

        “You’ll want to play this one.” Prudholm said coldly.  Starsky could hear him as he shifted the phone, sounding like he was moving with it.  “Can you tell me whose voice this is?” he said.  Prudholm held the phone out towards Gabby, but she wouldn’t speak.  He took the receiver and slapped her on the side of her face with it.  The pain screamed through her body, but she still wouldn’t speak; not even letting out a moan; only gasping for air.  Starsky and Hutch glared at each other as they heard the sounds and knew what was happening.  The phone was now half covered by Prudholms’ hand, but they could hear him speaking to her.

        “If you don’t talk into this damned phone I’ll go out there and kill him and his partner right now.”  His words were evenly spoken and threatening.  He held the phone to her face again, and she backed away from it, fearing he would hit her with it again.  The pain from the blow she received was sending waves of blackness across her.  She went to open her mouth, but fell into unconsciousness and slumped over.  Prudholm composed himself, then pulled the phone back up to his face again.

        “Well Starsky, seems your ex-fiancée can’t speak right now.  Isn’t it funny how she’s so brave for you?  Even after all this time, after all the pain you caused her.”  Starsky’s face clearly showed the anxiety that took over him.  “Oh yes, Detective, I know all about that.  I’d say there isn’t much I don’t know about you.  You can thank your good friend, Huggy Bear for that.” He said, laughing.  Starsky and Hutch looked up at each other.

        “What do you want.” Starsky said evenly.

        “In due time, detective, in due time.  I’ll keep in touch.”  They heard the click of the phone as Prudholm hung up.

        “Oh my God.” Starsky said, slowly hanging up the phone.  He jumped up quickly, heading for the door, and Hutch went after him.  Dobey came quickly from his office, seeing them as they were heading out.

        “Where are you two going?” Dobey yelled.  Hutch turned to face him.

        “Huggys.”
 
 

Part Six

         The Torino pulled into the alley behind the Pits, and Starsky and Hutch ran into the back door, oblivious to the commotion going on in the kitchen during the busy early evening rush.  Coming through the bar doors, they saw Huggy, sitting at the end of the bar, his hand holding his head.  Jill spoke as she rushed past them, carrying a tray full of food towards one of the tables.  Starsky moved swiftly over to Huggy with Hutch close behind.  He grabbed Huggy by his arm and spun him around to face him.  Huggy looked at him in pain and disbelief.

        “Starsky!” Hutch hollered, grabbing his partners’ arm.

        “I want you to tell me why George Prudholm has Gabby hold up hostage somewhere and he is thanking YOU for getting her!” He said, his anger flaring in his eyes.  Huggy was speechless.

        “Starsk.” Hutch began, pulling his partner’s arm.  “This is probably just what Prudholm wanted you to do.” He said, his voice calming as he tried to make sense out of this nightmare.  Starsky looked at Hutch, then at Huggy, and took his hand and threw Huggys’ arm away from it.  Everyone was staring at them.

        “Upstairs.  Now.” Starsky said, halfway helping Huggy to his feet as they walked quickly up the stairs.

         Once they had closed the door to Huggy’s apartment, Starsky wasted no time wanting answers.

        “I don’t know how Prudholm knew to get to Gabby.” Huggy began.  “She’s my friend, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her, and you know that!” he said, his anger rising as he spoke.

        “Huggy, Prudholm’s got her somewhere, and he said that you gave him all the information about her and Starsky, and that we could thank you for it.” Hutch said.  Huggy looked blankly as he sat on his sofa, then looked at Starsky and Hutch and heaved a heavy sigh.

        “Gabby called me a week after she left here.” He began, looking back and forth at them.  “She just wanted to make sure Starsky was alright and all that.  I talked her into giving me her phone number in Virginia, so that in case something happened that she should know, I’d be able to call her.  I’ve been calling her once a week since then, making sure she was doing all right.  She made me promise not to tell you guys before she gave it to me.”

        “You should’ve told me about it, dammit!” Starsky yelled, turning himself away as the anger rushed him.

        “Wait a minute.” Hutch began, looking thoughtful.  “How did Prudholm know anything about all this?” he asked, his left eyebrow raised.  “Who did you discuss this with?” he asked Huggy.

        “Glenda.” He said.  It was all he had to say, but he went on.  “She used to come by here a lot when you two were together, when Gabby was, was, uh…”

        “Carrying my child.” Starsky said quietly.

        “Uh, yeah.  Sorry man.”  Huggy said, and Starsky nodded.

        “And?” Hutch said a little impatiently.

        “And when all was said and done, uh, you know, after the accident, and Gabby had moved away, she started coming in here more and talking to me.  Now that I think about it, she was asking way too many questions about you guys, but I just thought she was flirting with me, ya know?”  Huggy said, looking sadly at his friends.  “She was around so much, that after a while, when I needed the help and she asked for a job, I had a good feeling and just hired her.  It was all a damned set up and I was so stupid!  I never saw it coming.” He said, lowering his head, feeling ashamed for the betrayal that had fallen upon his friends.

        “Prudholm and Glenda must obviously have some sort of connection.  And she had to tell him that you had Gabby’s number in your address book.” Hutch said matter-of-factly.  “It wasn’t your fault Huggy, this had obviously been planned on for a very long time.”

        “He must’ve set it up to look like a mugging, gotten her phone number outta your address book, and gotten Gabby to come back here somehow.” Starsky said, putting the final pieces of the puzzle together.

        ”He had to tell her you’d been hurt, and that’s probably why she went to the hospital.” Hutch told his partner.

        “Jesus.” Starsky said, half sitting himself on the edge of the sofa.  He looked at Hutch.  “I can’t go through this again.” He said, putting his head down.  “I just can’t.”  Hutch walked over to him, putting his hand on him, trying to comfort him.

        “You’re not going to be alone in this.” He said sincerely, looking at his partner.  Huggy just looked at them, feeling guilty as hell and not knowing what he could say to make up for this.  Hutch sensed this.

        “Huggy, man, this isn’t your fault.” He said, looking at him with sincerity.

        “Yeah?  Then why do I feel so damn bad then?” he said.  Starsky looked over at him, then dropped his head back down.

        “You had no way of knowing what was going down here.” He said, trying to relieve the guilt of his friend, yet not able to look him in the eyes.

        “I should’ve.  I been on the streets too damned long not to see a set up a mile ahead of me.  Man!  This is all my fault!” Huggy said, looking miserable as he stood up and began pacing.  Hutch watched him, not knowing what to say.

        “It’s not your doing, it’s Prudholm, and I’m going to find him… and I’m gonna kill that bastard.” Starsky said, standing up, adjusting his shoulder holster.

        “Hold on Starsk.  First we’re going to have to find him.” Hutch began.  Starsky waited for him to begin a speech about being good cops, better than vindictive, and killing no one.  Instead, Hutch looked evenly into his eyes.  “Then we’ll kill him.”
 

Part Seven

         Huggy began making phone calls as Starsky and Hutch looked very impatiently around the apartment, itching to get out in the streets and find Gabby.  There was a knock on the door, and Huggy nodded towards Hutch to answer it.  He did, and Jill was standing there.

        “Starsky’s got a phone call downstairs.” She said quickly, then ran back down to tend to her customers.  Starsky looked at Hutch, hearing what she’d said.

        “Can’t be Dobey, he would’ve asked for both of us.” He said, as they quickly left down the stairs.  They got to the phone and Starsky took a deep breath before picking up the receiver which laid on the bar.  Hutch was standing beside him, his ear beside Starskys’ as the phone was held between them.

        “Starsky.” He said, his voice firm and steady.

        “Miss me?” Prudholm said, his older voice harsh and intimidating.

        “What do you want.” Starsky said.  He and Hutch watched as Huggy came down the stairs and stood in front of them behind the bar.

        “I want you dead, pig.” Prudholm taunted.
 
        “You get what you give, Prudholm.  You first.” Starsky said in monotone.

        “You’ll get what I decide to give you.  Just like you decided to give me my boys’ death certificate.”  Prudholm began, his voice becoming less controlled as his anger began to surface.

        “If you wanna shot at me, you’ll have to give me Gabrielle back, alive and well, Prudholm.” Starsky said, still maintaining his composure.

        “I might be willing to trade.  YOUR life for hers.” He said snidely.

        “I want to talk to her.  Now.” Starsky told him, leaving no doubt that this was not a mere request.

        “I’m afraid she cant come to the phone right now...”  He said, the smile on his face coming through clearly.

        “Either I talk to her or you’ll NEVER get a chance at making your sick dream come true, Prudholm.”  Starsky said, hate rising in his tone.

         Prudholm looked at Gabby’s lifeless body laying across the bed.  She’d been unconscious for almost two hours.  The silence on the phone seemed to last for minutes rather than the few seconds that had actually passed by.

        “You’ll be hearing from me, pig.” Prudholm stated, then slammed down the phone.  Starsky slowly placed the receiver back on the hook, then looked at Huggy.

        “Any feedback?” he asked, not feeling very hopeful.  Huggy looked solemnly at both Starsky and Hutch.

        “I’m just waiting now.” He said, wishing he could tell them more.

        “If you hear anything, call me at home.” Starsky began, “But be careful what you say.  I’m getting a tap put on my line.” He said.  He picked up the phone and called Captain Dobey.  He told him about the call, and about wanting a wire tap placed on his line, figuring that’s where Prudholm would call him next.  He knew how he thought, and his instinct told him he’d call there.  He also knew he’d kill Gabby if he thought he didn’t need her.   His body shuddered at the thought.
 

Part Eight

         Gabby began to awaken from her unconscious state.   Her head hurt her so badly that she couldn’t focus on the light that was in front of her.  Cold water splashed her face, making it sting as it hit her bruises, but it felt good on her mouth, wetting her lips as she tasted it.

        “Wake up, bitch.” A cold, menacing voice told her, slapping her already swollen face in an effort to bring her back around.  The pain was intense, making her open her eyes, only barely, as both were now swollen, almost closed.  The younger of the two men was standing over her.  Looking around, she saw the older one, sitting in a chair not four feet away from her.

         She noticed a small window behind him with no light coming through, and guessed it was night time.  She had no idea how long she’d been out, lost in the wondering of hours, days, maybe weeks.  The young man in front of her slapped her face again, making her focus on the reality of what was in front of her.  She was frightened, and her body shook uncontrollably.

        “Pretty nice, you coming back to us again.  I’m getting ready to call your Starsky again.  He’s willing to make a trade:  you for him.  Fair enough, don’t you think?” Prudholm asked, his face looking almost hopeful at the prospect.  “You WILL speak to him.  If you don’t, I’m gonna kill the bastard anyway and you right along with him.  If you don’t believe me, I can tell you that we already killed that pimp friend of yours; Huggy Bear.”  Her face showed the hurt from his words.

        “No, no. “ she said, her head falling down and the anguish evident in her voice.

        “Don’t worry about him, after all, how do you think we got to you?” he asked, laughing.  “That little pimp told me everything I ever wanted to know about you and your sweetie before I blew his brains out.” Prudholm teased, savoring the pain it caused Starsky’s woman.

        “You’re lying.” She said, lifting her head and looking him dead in his eyes.

        “And I’ll do the same to your boy, Starsky too, if you don’t do like I tell you and talk to him.” He told her, the smile widening across his face, happy at the prospect.

        “You’re lying.” She repeated, continuing her denial.

        “You WILL talk to him.  Who knows?  Maybe he’ll succeed and rescue you.  We’re gonna meet him to trade your life for his.  Maybe he’ll get lucky and you’ll both make it through this whole ordeal.” He said, trying to convince her.

        “And maybe if I don’t talk to him he’ll give up and you wont get the chance to hurt him!” she yelled, the pain from her face moving making her lips quiver.

        “Oh, you’ll talk to him, slut.” The younger man said, slapping her across the face again.

        “Stop it Joey!” Prudholm yelled at him.  “I don’t want her going out again before I make that damned call!”  Gabby was reeling from the pain, but noticed an odd numbing was beginning to take her over, as if a drug was working into her system.  She couldn’t realize that she was going into shock.

        “You’ll have to excuse my nephew.  He’s a little bit eager to kill the man who murdered his cousin.”  Prudholm told her.  His tone was softer now.  He reached for the phone.
 

Chapter Nine

         Starsky and Hutch rode in silence to Starsky’s home.  Once inside, the silence between the two of them made for a thick tension, filling the air.  Starsky started a pot of coffee, watching it intently as it began to perk, trying to concentrate on it rather than the fear of Gabby being hurt; or worse.  Hutch watched his partner, reading the worry that crossed his face and wishing there was anything he could do to help.

        Starsky grabbed two cups and made them both coffee, sitting down at the table as Hutch followed.  His look was determined.

        “I don’t want to tell Lila anything until we actually know something.  I don’t think it’s right to tell her that her niece came back here, was kidnapped by my worst nightmare, and we don’t have a clue where she is.  I don’t want to put her through all that worry and pain.”  He looked at Hutch, who was looking at him.

        “I agree.” Hutch said.  Starsky  looked surprised, not expecting him to agree with what he’d just said.  “You’re right.” He continued, “Lila has already had to deal with so much.  It wouldn’t be fair to her until we know something.”  Starsky nodded his head, then looked at his watch.  It was 10pm.

        When the phone rang, both men jumped, startled, and ran from kitchen.  Starsky went into the living room while Hutch went into the bedroom.  On the count of three, they simultaneously picked up the phones.

        “Hello?” Starsky said.

        “Hello, detective.” Prudholm snarled.  “Surprised to hear from me?” he asked, a cockiness to his tone.

        “How’d you get this number?” Starsky asked, fully aware that his number was also in Huggys’ book.

        “Don’t you worry about that.  Let’s just say I wanted to make sure we could talk and not have to worry about you tracing my call.  I’m not as stupid as you think I am, eh, detective?” Prudholm was enjoying this.

        “I want to talk to Gabby.” Starsky said coldly.  There was silence on the line for a few seconds.

        “Alright Starsky.  Talk to her.  Then you and I are going to have a little talk.” He heard the noises of the phone being shuffled as Prudholm placed it up to Gabbys’ face.
 
        “David?” a weak sounding Gabby spoke.   Starsky slumped down into the sofa, half falling from the shock of hearing her voice again, and half from the knowledge that she was, indeed, still alive.

        “Oh God Gabby, are you okay baby?” Starsky asked, his tone turned sweet and concerned.

        “I love you David!” She said, emotion taking her over as her voice trembled, overwhelmed.

        “I love you too baby.” He told her.  She began talking to him again, but the phone was taken away from her.

        “Ain’t that just sweet.” Prudholm said.  “You just got the chance to tell each other that crap.  I never got a chance to tell my son nothing when you took him away from me!!!” he yelled in Starsky’s ear.

        “Your son committed suicide in jail.” Starsky told him.

        “Because YOU put him there!” Prudholm yelled, infuriated by the cop that sent his son to his death.

        “Do you want to make a deal or what?!” Starsky said, his anger clearly noticeable in his voice.

        “Two hours.  The old Value Furniture Store on Bellows Road.  You.  Alone.  Or she dies.” Prudholm yelled, then slammed the phone down.

         Hutch came out into the living room swiftly as he and Starsky raced towards the door.  Opening it, they found Dobey standing in front of him, readying to knock on the door.  They abruptly stopped in their tracks.

        “We got a trace on that call.  Dispatch just called it to me on the way over here. The Pine Lodge Motel on Hill Drive.” Dobey said.  Starsky and Hutch followed him quickly down the stairs and they got into their cars.  They were on the scene in less than fifteen minutes.
 

Chapter Ten

         Starsky and Hutch walked into what was supposed to be the motels’ lobby, but looked more like a storage nook with a window.  There was an attached door that went into another room, and, after hitting the bell on the desk about ten times, it opened.  An older man came out, a cigar protruding from his lips, looking less than enthusiastic about the two men standing there.

        “You two want a room?” He asked snidely.  Dobey walked in, a picture of Prudholms’ mug shot in his hand.  Starsky and Hutch showed the man their badges.  He wasn’t impressed.  Hutch took the picture from Dobey and showed it to the motel clerk.

        “Seen him around?” he asked, as the man took a passing glimpse at the picture.

        “I seen all kinds in this dump.” The man said, turning to go back towards the door.  Starsky grabbed him and threw him towards the wall, snatching the picture from Hutch and pushing it up into the mans’ face, all in one graceful move as he held him there.

        “This guy is staying here and he’s got a woman here with him.  Now you’re gonna tell me what room he’s in or I’m gonna smash your face through this wall.” He said, his tone threatening and promising.

        “This is police brutality!  You cant do this to me!” the man said, his voice telling his fear as he looked over at Dobey, then Hutch.

        “”Either you tell him what he wants to know, or I’m going to help him split that wall open with your head!” Dobey yelled.  The man looked at Hutch, who simply grinned at him.

        “Room 104.  I didn’t see a girl.  Only him and another guy.” The man said, his cigar falling from his mouth.  Starsky released his grip of the man, letting him slump forward and catch himself before he fell.

        “I’ll get us some back up here.” Dobey said.

        “Yeah Cap, and keep an eye on him, will ya?” Hutch asked, pointing towards the motel clerk.  Dobey nodded his head as the detectives raced out the door.

         Walking briskly and quietly around the motel, they easily found room 104.  It was a corner room, which they felt gave them an advantage.  The lights were on in the room, and Starsky walked silently up to the door; listening.  He quickly walked over to Hutch, who was just around the corner of the building beside the room.

        “They’re in there.  I could hear them.” He whispered, checking his weapon.  “What time is it?” he asked.  Hutch looked at his watch.

        “It’s 11:45.  They should be getting ready to leave soon to go meet you at the furniture store.” Hutch answered quietly and hopeful.  Starsky looked at him and nodded his head, then motioned that he would be taking a different angle of defense.  With great speed and swiftness, he ran around the front of the motel room, taking cover on the other side of the blue Chevy van they’d been looking for.  It was parked a few spaces down from the rooms’ opening.  Hutch watched him as he successfully made it there and took his position.  Now all that was left would be waiting for them to come out of there.

          Sweat was beading across Starsky’s face.  He was scared.  Scared to finally have Gabrielle back in his life again and possibly lose her forever, all in the same night.

         They stood in position, waiting for what seemed like an eternity as seconds and minutes took on a whole new meaning in length of time.  They heard the patrol cars coming in, and were grateful that they’d had enough sense not to come with sirens blaring, alerting Prudholm and his accomplice that they’d been made.  The shuffling of footsteps told them that the officers were close, but standing by; waiting for Starsky and Hutch to make their move first.

         One way or another, this whole ordeal was coming to an end.  Tonight.
 

Chapter Eleven

         Gabby had gone into shock, slipping in and out of consciousness for the past couple of hours as Prudholm and his nephew loaded their weapons and prepared for what they considered to be a momentous occasion: the death of David Starsky.  Readying themselves and packing what few belongings they had brought there into a duffel bag, the younger man grabbed Gabby, slinging her limp body over his shoulder as he grabbed his weapon, smiling at his uncle.  Prudholm grabbed the duffel bag and his weapon and opened the door. He looked around cautiously, then walked outside; his nephew coming out behind him, turning slightly to close the door behind him.  Prudholm was almost at the vans’ door when he froze, looking around as if he sensed something was wrong.

        “Drop your weapon, Prudholm!” Starsky yelled forcefully, stepping out from behind the van.

         Prudholm froze, dropping the duffel bag, keeping the gun down at his side.  His nephew, Joey, turned towards the side of the building in a panic, ready to run, keeping hold of his unconscious hostage.  He suddenly froze as a magnum barrel was aimed 3 inches from his face; Hutch cocking the gun.

        “I want you to lower your weapon real easy and throw it to your side.” Hutch said, his glare almost evil in the moonlight.  The nephew did as he was told, his mouth fallen open from the shock of being caught.  “Now put her down beside you – nice and easy.” Hutch demanded.  Again, doing as he was told, he put Gabby’s body on the ground beside him.  She didn’t move, scaring Hutch.  He looked down at her, and in one quick instant, the younger man started running, leaning down and grabbing his gun back as fast as he had merely thought about it.  Hutch aimed his weapon as Joey took his gun and brought it up towards Hutch.  In mere seconds, the magnum was discharged, and Joey lay dead.  Prudholm watched this all, his head turned towards the direction of his nephew, his body still facing Starsky.  He turned his head back towards Starsky, seemingly unmoved by his nephews demise.

        “Drop your weapon, Prudholm.” Starsky demanded, not looking over towards Hutch as he hovered over Gabby, but wanting to so badly.  Prudholm smiled at Starsky and watched as the uniformed officers begin to swarm around them.  “You’re going down Prudholm.” Starsky said, keeping his weapon aimed as he took a step towards him.  Prudholm smiled, and Starsky looked at him uneasily.

        “I’ll see you in hell, detective.” He said, raising his weapon very slowly towards Starsky.

         Starsky took no hesitation as he pulled the trigger.  Aiming for Prudholms’ heart; succeeding in shooting his bullet directly through it.  He felt no shame as he heard the impact of his bullet, and watched the body fall in front of him.  Officers began running over to the area, infiltrating it like ants to a picnic.  Starsky didn’t notice.  He ran towards Hutch and Gabby.

         Hutch had gently rolled Gabby on her back.   Kneeling beside her, he checked for a pulse.

         Starsky ran towards them, falling to his knees beside her.  His hand was trembling as he touched it to her face, seeing her for the first time in a month and a half.  Her face was bruised and swollen.  He called her name, sweetly and gently, trying to let her know he was with her.  He told her how much he loved her, willing her to open her eyes and see him.  Hutch watched and suffered with his friend; hoping Gabby would be alright.  Neither heard the ambulance approach, and neither had noticed the small crowd of officers that had formed around them.  Dobey cleared the crowd back as the paramedics came towards them, and the ambulance attendants brought over the stretcher.

         Starsky rode with her in the ambulance, as did Hutch.  Gabby opened her eyes briefly during the ride to the hospital, smiling at Starsky as she held out her hand to him, and he held it; kissing it as he smiled back at her.  Her eyes closed again, but Starsky didn’t let go of her.  He noticed his ring was still on her finger, and began to cry.
 

Chapter Twelve

         At the hospital, Dobey entered the waiting room and looked at Hutch as he sat beside Starsky, feeling a pain in his heart as he saw them waiting for any news.  He sat with them, and Dee came in, bringing Lila with her.  Hutch stood up and looked at Dee endearingly as he held Lila, hugging her as her tears fell freely.  Starsky got up and looked at Lila, feeling the guilt of everything laying on his shoulders.  How could she forgive him this time, he wondered.  Lila just looked at him as Hutch released his hold on her.  She held out her arms to him.  Tears filled his eyes as he looked down, trying to hide them from her.  They embraced.

         The Doctor came into the waiting room smiling as he looked at everyone.  It was their friend, Doug Goodale.

        “She’s going to be just fine.” He told them, to which they all got up and cheered, happily embracing one another.

         Allowed in her room, Starsky sat beside Gabby, trying not to think of the last time he stood vigil while she lay in a hospital bed, after losing their child.  Their son.  He wanted only to focus on the here and now, and plan a future with her; for them both.  Her face was still swollen, and Doug told them she was very dehydrated and had a concussion, but there was nothing to worry about; within a few days she could go home and live happily ever after.

         That was exactly what Starsky intended on doing.

         Gabby’s eyes opened and she saw him; his beautiful blue eyes beaming as he looked down on her.  She looked at him and smiled, holding her arms out to him.  He leaned himself over the bed railing and kissed her, holding her face gently with his hands, enjoying the embrace she gave him.  She kissed him back, knowing she must be dreaming.  They didn’t speak; only relished in the satisfaction of being together.  They stared at each other, looking lovingly into one anothers’ eyes.

        “Hello there, sunshine.” He said, his eyes twinkling as he gave her a brilliant smile.  She smiled back at him.

        “I love you.” Gabby said, smiling as Starsky’s face beamed.

        “Prove it.” he told her, holding her hand, looking at the ring he had placed on her finger.
 

         After only two and a half days of reunions, smiles, and many happy tears, Gabby was released with a full bill of health. Gabby felt very oddly, wondering why Starsky would even want her back after she had lost their child; feeling like there should have been something she could’ve done differently, then leaving him, knowing it was for his own good, but also knowing how much pain it had caused him.  Yet here they were.  Together again.  Looking at yet another chance for a future together, sitting side by side in the Torino, holding hands.  They didn’t have to speak to know how much they loved each other.  She felt it was a miracle that he still wanted her, and felt it was simply magical that they had found their way back together again.

         Driving her home from the hospital filled Starsky with many mixed emotions.  He’d had his doubts; feeling like he had let her down in so many ways, even though he knew the reality that most things were out of his control.  He had suffered much in her absence.  Not a day went by that he didn’t agonize over her; wondering if he should go find her and bring her back with him, sometimes imagining her turning him down, not ever wanting to be a part of his life again.  It had hurt him so deeply at times that he’d felt the sunshine was gone from his life forever.  Yet there she was, sitting beside him, holding his hand.

         Starsky pulled the Torino into the same parking space he always used and put it in park, turning off the ignition.  He held her tightly, wrapping his arm around her as if to be sure this was for real.  She turned herself to face him, looking evenly into his eyes as he returned her gaze.

        “I love you, David.” She said, smiling gently.

        “And I love you Gabrielle.” He said, leaning towards her face and kissing her with an explosive passion.

         They walked hand in hand into Starsky’s apartment, not saying a word.  Gabby looked around; seeing that everything was still exactly the same.  Starsky walked ahead of her, gently pulling her with him as he went through the living room, guiding her into the bedroom.  He sat down on the bed, and she sat down beside him, facing him.

        “You wanna talk about things?” Starsky asked, his words soft and calming.  She leaned towards him and kissed him, giving him his answer.  He held her tightly, intense with passion and need.  He had waited so long for this, hoping: never giving up hope that she would come back to him.  And now she was here.  He’d never let her go again.  They laid down beside each other, giving in to each others’ warmth and love.  Touching and exploring each other with the passion they felt they’d never know again.  They breathlessly became entwined in each other, making love with an intensity that equaled life in itself for them both.  They became one.
Again.

         It had been four hours since they’d arrived at home, and Starsky woke up, somewhat startled at first, then realized that it hadn’t been a dream.   He watched Gabby as she slept, looking at every inch of her, soaking in her reality.  He felt more complete than he thought he ever had in his life.  He felt so selfish because he wanted her so badly; yet felt so giving because he would give and do anything for her happiness.  He cuddled up next to her, holding her, and she smiled in her sleep.  He listened to each breath she took, almost hypnotized by them, then fell back into a much needed peaceful sleep.
 
 

Chapter Thirteen

         Their wedding was a blissful event, performed by a Rabbi and a Catholic Priest; combining their faiths and pleasing all members of their families.  The ceremony was exotic, ahead of its’ time: very refreshing and unique.  Their vows were simple, honest and endearing as they spoke from their hearts in their own words….

        “I, Gabrielle Lynne Dowdy, take thee, David Starsky, to be my lawfully wedded husband.  Because I can never love anyone more than I love you.  Because I can never love anyone after having loved you.  Because my life would be nothing without loving you.  And because without your love in my life, I could not live.”

        “I, David Michael Starsky, take thee, Gabrielle Dowdy, to be my lawfully wedded wife.  To have, because I could have no one to love other than you.  To hold, because you hold my heart and I could give it to no one else.  From this day forward, throughout the eternity of life itself, because I love you Gabby.  I’ve loved you since the day I met you, like you were a dream that came to me.  You are my dream come true.

         They placed their rings on each others fingers; both nervous and excited beyond anything they could have ever imagined.  The glass was broken and the union of Mr. and Mrs. David Starsky was blessed.  The best of both worlds. The best of their world.  And the uniting of what no one person could ever undo.

         The most unusual thing about the entire wedding, which made perfect sense to the bride and groom, was where it was performed.  Huggy Bears’ restaurant: The Pits.  It was their idea of perfection.  And perfection it was.

         The reception died down and the time approached for them to take off for their honeymoon, which they had both agreed on in Maui.  Gabby found herself very relieved that she hadn’t fainted during their whole event.  After all:  she was saving that news for a wedding present for David.

“…  I knew I loved you before I met you,
I think I dreamed you into life.
I knew I loved you before I met you,
I have been waiting all my life… ”
 

The End!
Very special thanks to Carmen, who has dealt with me and my many doubts throughout this entire series, and been not only my best helper, but my best friend!
 

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