S & H
jmhenderson
 

Part One
 

         Hutch was grumbling to himself as he placed a file in the cabinet, only to have the cabinet drawer jam and refuse to close.  He bumped it, he hit it, and he became angry with it; struggling enough that the only thing he hadn’t done to it was knock it over in the floor.  Starsky watched him, slightly amused by his agitated state, and finally walked over to him, staring as he leaned against it, resting his arm on it and placing his head in his hand.

         “What?” Hutch said, anger coming through in his voice

         “May I?” Starsky asked, gesturing towards the filing cabinet.  Hutch backed away from the cabinet, motioning for Starsky to go ahead.  Starsky looked at it, touching it gently on one corner, then the other, then with one graceful move, he pushed the middle and it closed smoothly.  Hutch shook his head at his partner.  They both grinned at each other, then heard giggling coming from behind them.  Both turning around, they saw a woman, blonde, built well and very attractive, who was trying her best not to laugh out loud.

         “I’m sorry.” She said, trying to keep her composure.  Hutch laughed, then walked over to her, and Starsky followed.

         “I’m Ken Hutchinson, and this is my partner, Dave Starsky.”  Hutch shook hands with the woman, and then Starsky extended his hand.

         “Sorry for that little, um, show over there.” Hutch said, smiling, lowering his head as if he were almost blushing.

         “Oh no, I want to thank you two for giving me my first laugh for the week.” She said, smiling a big, beautiful, flirtatious smile.

         “I’m sorry, my name is Miranda.  Miranda Pierce.” She told them.

         “Uh, how can we be of service to you today, Ms. Pierce?” Hutch asked, sitting himself on the corner of a desk in front of her.

         “It’s Miss Pierce… Miranda.” She said sweetly.  “And I’m here to file a complaint.  The desk officer downstairs told me to come up here.”

         “Won’t you have a seat, Miranda?” Hutch said, gesturing for her to take the seat beside his desk as he sat down behind it.

         Starsky sat down at his desk across from Hutch, intent on watching him as his mood softened almost miraculously.  She looked at Hutch, maintaining eye contact, and she began telling them about the little shop that she had just opened only three weeks ago.  She told them about two men that kept coming by there, trying to get her to pay money that would be ‘insurance’ for her business, protecting it from being robbed or vandalized.  They told her that a female in that part of town all by herself needed such protection, and if she didn’t get it, she would soon find out what they were talking about.  They had also told her that if she went to the cops, she’d be dead.  Both Starsky and Hutch looked sternly at each other.

         “Is this the first time you’ve heard of something like this?” she asked them with a sincere tone of innocence.

         “Well, no ma’am,” Starsky began, “but it’s kind of unusual for someone to come forward like this about it.” He stated.

         “Aren’t you scared to come to us about them?” Hutch asked her, looking kindly into her hazel eyes.

         “It’s not really a matter of being scared.” She told him, matter of factly, “It’s really the thing that, I just started this little business, and I can barely make it as it is.  I can’t afford to pay them 20 percent of what I make a week!” she exclaimed.

         “May I ask what it is that you do?” Hutch asked the lady.

         “My business is a collectors shop.  Antiques, cards, old stuff, some things you’d find in an antique store, some at a yard sale.   A little bit of everything.” She answered him.

         “Sounds interesting.” Starsky said.

         “It can be.” She told him, smiling.  Her smile was a flirtatious one, but she directed it mainly towards Hutch.

         Hutch took the address and told her they would be coming by there the following day when she opened.  She thanked them both and left, with Hutch walking her out into the hallway, his arm slightly around her back as he guided her towards the stairs.  He stood there and watched her as she walked down them.  Starsky whistled to get his attention, and Hutch turned towards him.

         “Huh?” Hutch asked.

         “Oh, nothing.” Starsky said, smirking at his partner.
 
 

Part Two

         The next morning, the two detectives were at their desks, waiting for 10am to come so that they could head on over to Mirandas’ shop.  They had already briefed Dobey on the upcoming situation, and he was hopeful that things would work out in their favor.

         “There hasn’t been any way to get those kind of guys up until now, so I want you two to get in there and figure out a way to bust them!” Dobey said, his way of giving them a pep talk.

         As they left his office, Dobey seemed hopeful that this could be a break for the department.  They hoped he was right.  How lucky was that, to have a case placed right in your lap?  Hutch grinned at the prospect, although he wasn’t just thinking about the case.

         The drive to the store was not as long as they had anticipated, and they found her store easily.
 
         “I remember this place.” Starsky began.  “Didn’t this used to be a porno book shop?” he asked.

         “Yeah, pal, I think it was.  Seems to me we busted this place a few times a couple of years ago.” Hutch answered him.

         “Oh yeah, I remember it now.  And a couple of ‘em down the street, too.” Starsky said as he parked his car in front of the shop.  The sign above the store read ‘Mirandas’ This & That’.

         “Nice name.” Starsky said, looking up.

         “Nice lady.” Hutch said, grinning.

         They walked into the shop, looking around at all the different pieces she had on display.  True to her word, there were many different items all over.  Hutch walked over to Miranda, while Starskys’ eye’s grew big and he walked around the store, looking at everything with wonder as his mouth dropped open.

         “Don’t touch anything, Starsk.” Hutch told him, as Miranda looked towards him.  She smiled.

         “You made it.” She said.

         “You weren’t doubting that, were you?” He replied, smiling at her.  He felt very at ease with this lady.

         “No, I didn’t doubt you.  I’m sorry, I’m skeptical by nature I guess.” She said, looking over at Starsky, who was walking towards them.  “Feel free to look around.  I need to go in the back for a couple of minutes.” She said sweetly.  The door to the storage room squeaked loudly as she opened it, and Hutch watched her as she went into the room, closing the door behind her.

         He was grinning as he turned towards Starsky, who looked at him, smirking a little.  They walked over towards the front of the little shop.

         “She’s nice.” Hutch said, looking at a miniature sailboat that sat on a table, displayed in the window.  Starsky smiled at his partner.

         “That little boat, or the lady?” Starsky asked, teasing his partner.

“The lady.” Hutch answered, smiling at his partner who was obviously tickled.

         “Seems to be.” Starsky said.  “Maybe you should ask her out.” He suggested.  Hutch smiled.

         “Yeah, maybe.” Hutch answered, picking up the sailboat.

         Hutch turned when they heard the door to the back opening up.   He was still smiling as he looked over in that direction.  But the smile fell quickly from his face.  Two men had emerged, both holding what looked to be machine guns.  Starsky was looking at Hutch when he saw his smile fade.  He looked in the direction of Hutch’s stare, and seeing the men, pulled his weapon at the same time Hutch did.  Hutch instinctively pushed Starsky out of the line of fire, trying to jump in the other direction at the same time.  Bullets began sweeping by them.  Glass was shattering all around as they aimed their weapons in the direction of the assailants.  The noise was deafening; seeming to go on endlessly as the bullets kept flying.

         Starsky felt the bullet as it hit, the burning as it ripped through his skin, pushing itself through his left shoulder and knocking him over from the impact.  He kept shooting as he toppled a table over with him, using it as a barricade as he aimed his weapon towards the back.  Suddenly everything was silent, and the silence seemed almost as deafening as the gunfire had been.  Starsky peeked around from the bottom of the table.  Their attackers had vanished, leaving the scene as quickly as they had appeared.

         “Hutch!” Starsky hollered, trying to stand himself up with the pain in his shoulder.  He began to panic as he waited for his partner to answer.

         “Hutch!” he said, his voice more a shrill than a holler.

         “Yeah.” Hutch answered him weakly.  Starsky looked around at the little store.  Everything had been destroyed.  Glass crunched under his feet as he walked in the direction of the storage room door, gun raised.  Blood was oozing from his wound, turning his shirt from blue to crimson.  Quietly he put his hand on the closed door, and with his gun raised, yanked it open, finding no one behind it.  The room was empty, no merchandise; not even a chair.  The back door behind it was open, and rays of sunshine came through.  He walked quickly towards the door, looking outside, making sure no one was outside waiting to attack them again.  Putting his gun painfully in its holster, he grimaced from the sharp stabbing pains he was feeling from his wound.  He walked briskly back towards the front of the store, surprised that Hutch wasn’t behind him at this point.

         “Hutch!” he yelled, seeing him slumped by the window.  He ran quickly towards him, looking at him and checking him over.  Blood was pooling beside him.  “Hutch, c’mon buddy, look at me.  Hutch!”

         Starsky quickly examined him for injuries.  He found two bullet wounds on his friends’ limp body.  One near his hip, the other had grazed his neck; apparently close to an artery as the blood flowed freely from it.  He lifted his partners’ unconscious body towards him, pulling him so that he could lay him flat on his back.  He was shocked to notice the blood on his arms, realizing it was mostly Hutch’s.  He painfully took off his jacket and balled it up, placing it behind Hutch’s head, using it as a tourniquet against the injury in his neck.  He stood up immediately, running towards the phone that sat in a corner of the shop.  Picking up the receiver, he threw it across the room, realizing it had never been connected.  He ran outside to his car, calling into dispatch and demanding an ambulance, then ran back into the store, sitting there with his best friend and praying.  Hutch looked so pale.  He wouldn’t open his eyes.  Fear took hold of Starsky, making his whole body shake.
 
 

Part Three

         Starsky rode in the ambulance with his partner and Dobey told him he’d bring his car to the hospital.  Dobey had been one of the first to arrive on the scene, frantic when he’d heard his men were down.  Starsky wouldn’t let the paramedics look at his wound, wanting them to solely focus on his partner.  Hutch came to briefly, during the ambulance ride to the hospital, looking at Starsky and smiling as best he could through the pain.  Starsky wanted to stay with him in the emergency room, but the doctors became strict, telling him his wounds also needed attention.  Starsky went into one of the ER rooms under protest.  Dobey was in there after only a few minutes.

         “Hutch?” Starsky asked as Dobey looked at him.

         “They’ve taken him up to surgery.” He went into no further detail.  “What the hell happened out there?” Dobey asked, his concern masked only by his anger from seeing his two officers hurt.

         “It was an ambush, Cap.  We were set up.” Starsky said, wincing as the doctor sewed the skin on his back.

         “Are you in much pain?” she asked him as she walked around to face him.

         “No.” he answered bluntly.

         “You were very lucky that the bullet went straight through, Mr. Starsky.” She told him, looking at his face, inspecting the cuts he received from the glass that had flown around them.  She began cleaning them, making him instinctively back away from her as she dabbed them with alcohol and checked for any glass fragments.  She held his head as she finished up, trying to be as quick as possible.

         Normally he would have been gazing into her eyes, flirting and talking her into a date by this point.  She was an attractive brunette and there was no wedding ring on her finger.  But it was the furthest thing from his mind.

         “I need to get out of here.” He told her coldly.

         “I want to keep you over night.  You need to rest and we need to get some antibiotics in you to ward off any infection from that bullet wound.  I also need to take a few x-rays to make sure the bullet didn’t do any other damage in there.” She told him, standing back from him as she looked him over.

         “No.  Can’t do that.” He stated.

         “Yes you can, and you will.” Dobey ordered him, trying to hide the worry from his face.

         “I’ve gotta get up there with Hutch!  I can’t stand this waiting around.” Starsky said, his voice almost desperate.

         The doctor looked at him, sympathy in her eyes, then looked at Dobey.

         “How about a compromise?” she asked.  Starsky looked up at her, raising his eyebrows as if asking a question.

         “I’ll make sure you’re up there with him as soon as he’s out of surgery.  You can stay with him as long as you rest and don’t exert yourself.  He looked at Dobey, then back at the doctor, and slowly shook his head in agreement.

         “Can I go up there now?” he asked, his eyes looking extremely worn and tired.  She told him she’d do some checking and left, going to the admissions desk and making the arrangements.

         Hutch was out of surgery six hours later.  Starsky had been in the x-ray lounge for a better part of an hour, then was moved into a private room, and had fallen in and out of sleep, the best he could do with all the worry that obsessed him.  When Hutch was placed in a room in intensive care, Starsky’s doctor came into his room and gently woke him.  He awoke suddenly, immediately angry with himself for falling asleep.  He looked up at her, sitting himself up as the pain in his shoulder stabbed at him in steady pulses.

         “Mr. Hutchinson is in his room in intensive care now.  I thought you’d want to know.  I’ll take you up there.” She told him.

         “How is he?” Starsky asked, his eyes pleading as he looked at her.  She led him into the wheelchair that she had brought for him, making sure he was seated, then answered him.

         “He’s critical.  They lost him once on the operating table.” She said, watching him as his heart sank.  “He lost an awful amount of blood before he was brought in.  But he’s very strong.  He fought it and came back and his vitals are now better than they were when he first arrived.”  Hope came back into Starsky’s face.   She wheeled him towards the elevator.
 
 

Part Four

         Starsky sat beside his partner, watching him as he took each breath.  His breathing was labored.  He had tubes running in his mouth along with an oxygen tube in his nose.  Several IVs were inserted into his arms, and a catheter bag hung below his bed.  Monitors beeped in rhythm with his heart, and a crash cart had been set up beside him; just in case.  The doctors had told him not to expect Hutch to regain consciousness any time soon, but he sat there, hopeful, and waited.

         Uncomfortable in the wheelchair that brought him to Hutch, he got up, pushing it out of his way with his right arm, keeping his left up against him as he protected it from movement.  He pulled the chair over that was in the room, sliding it as quietly as possible beside the bed.  He stood over Hutch, watching him as his body lay still.  He was willing him to come back to him, yet Hutch just laid there, unresponsive.  Starsky touched his face, moving his hair away from his forehead.

         “Come on Buddy, you need to snap out of this.  I can’t go out there without you beside me.” He said, quietly talking as he looked down, watching him.  “What am I going to do with you, laying around like this when we got all those bad guys out there, just waiting for us to take ‘em down?” he spoke gently.  Tears welled in his eyes as he watched his best friend, laying unresponsive to him.  “C’mon Hutch, You’re needed here ... I need you here.” he pleaded.

         Dobey walked into the room, looking at Starsky, who turned to face him; a single tear falling down his face.  He walked over to him.

         “How’s he doing?” he asked, looking at Starsky, who turned back to look at Hutch.

         “No change yet.” Starsky said, trying to compose himself.

         “How about you.  You doing alright?” Dobey asked.

         “I’m fine.  It’s Hutch you need to worry about.” Starsky said, sitting back down, tired and worn from his vigil.

         “We found that woman that got you two into this; Amanda Pierce.” Dobey said.  Starsky turned to face him, wincing from contorting his body around and moving his left shoulder.

         “Miranda.  Her name is Miranda Pierce.” Starsky said, a coldness in his tone.

         “Actually her real name is Paula Farrell.” Dobey replied.  “Her file is four pages long, with a wide range of arrests, all the way up to attempted murder.” Dobey told him.

         “She give you any answers as to why we got ambushed like that?” Starsky asked angrily, looking disgusted from the events that had happened over the past nine and a half hours.

         “She’s not going to be talking to anyone.  We found her body on the other side of town in the canal about an hour ago.” Dobey answered, looking down, not wanting to see the disappointment in Starsky’s face.

         “Damn.” Starsky cursed, wondering how they’d ever find any leads on this case without another attack.

         “Look, I’m going to get out of here and let you get some rest.  I’ll be at home if you need anything, and I’ll be back tomorrow to see how you both are doing.” Dobey told him, placing a hand on Starskys’ shoulder.

         “Yeah, okay Cap.  Thanks.” Starsky said, watching as the Captain left the room.

         Starsky dozed into a fitful sleep, dreaming about Hutch as he lay in a pool of his own blood; only this time his best friend was dead.  He awoke startled, then focussed on Hutch, who was resting peacefully in front of him.  He felt a hand rest on his shoulder, and turned around quickly to find Huggy standing over him.  He looked at his watch.  It was 10:30pm.

         “How’re you doing, Starsk?” Huggy asked him, handing him a cup of coffee and a brown bag.

         “I’m alright.  Still don’t know about Hutch yet though.” He answered, looking in the bag.  There were a couple of sandwiches and a candy bar inside.  He set the bag over on the bedside table, then took a sip from the coffee, thanking him.  Huggy pulled the wheel chair over towards Starsky and sat down beside him.  He looked at Hutch, who still lay motionless, and pulled his eyes back to Starsky.

         “He’ll be fine, you know that.” He began, “Hutch is too stubborn to let a little thing like this mess him up,” He paused; “besides, he knows he can’t leave you on your own.” He teased.  Starsky did manage a grin for his friend, but his eyes went back over to Hutch.

         “Huggy, I really need your help on this one.” Starsky said, his eyes still looking at Hutch.

         “I’m already on it.” He answered, following his friends eyes, watching Hutch, taking in all the equipment and tubing that ran in and out of him.  He shook his head in disbelief.  Used to none of this, even though he’d been forced to see it many times over.  The pain it caused to look at anyone like this was more than he wanted to deal with.

         “How’d you get in here?” Starsky asked, turning towards him.

         “I flashed ‘em my charm.” He answered, then, after a few moments, “And when that didn’t work, I snuck up here.” He said, grinning.  Starsky grinned back, then looked back over to Hutch.  Huggy stood up, rolling the chair back towards the wall.

         “I’ll be back in the morning.” He said.  “Take good care my friend.” he added as he walked out the door, making sure no one was out in the hallway.

         Starsky knew what a good friend he and Hutch had in Huggy.  He also knew that if anyone would be able to turn up something on this ambush, it would be him.  He kept his eyes on Hutch until they couldn’t stay open anymore, sleeping more soundly this time; his whole ordeal catching up to him.  The nurses that came in and out of the room let him rest, and he remained undisturbed.
 
 

Chapter Five

         Starsky woke as if he’d been startled, looking wildly around the room as if still in a dream, then let his eyes fall upon Hutch.  He still hadn’t moved.  Starsky rubbed his eyes, one at a time, with his right hand.  He looked at his watch.  It was 3am.

         Wondering what could have woken him so suddenly, he sat himself up, slowly getting up from the chair and stood over Hutch.  He then walked to the door and opened it slowly.  A uniformed officer was sitting out there, a chair placed beside Hutch’s door.

         “What’s going on?” Starsky asked quietly.

         “Dobey’s orders.” the officer told him.  “Can I get you anything?” he asked Starsky.

         “No.  Thanks.” Starsky answered, walking back into the room.  He wondered what had prompted the Captain to do this; whether it was just a precaution or if they had found out more on the case.  He thought about calling him, but opted not to, not wanting to wake the Captain and his family in the wee hours of the morning.  He knew that Dobey would’ve been back in there if they had found out anything new; he wouldn’t keep any information from him.  He walked back to the bed and looked at his partner.  His gut felt as if someone was in there, yanking him from side to side.
 
         Beads of sweat were popping up on Hutch’s forehead.  Starsky went into the bathroom, immerging with a damp washcloth that he used to wipe his friends’ face.  Hutch began moving his head from side to side, but his eyes still did not open.  Starsky began talking to him, trying to comfort him, knowing he was having a nightmare, relieved to see any kind of movement.  His words were soothing and he spoke softly.  Soon Hutch was still again, and his facial expression was peaceful.  Starsky continued to talk to him, hoping that his best friend would eventually open those eyes and look at him.  He sat back down in his chair, talking gently all the while.  He finally lulled himself back into a light sleep.

         Starsky heard the noise of footsteps beside him.  He figured it had to be one of the nurses, almost tip-toeing as she walked up behind him carefully.  He kept his eyes closed, knowing she’d walk by him to go check on Hutch, and hoping that, if she thought he was asleep, she’d leave him be.  But the noise of quiet footsteps stopped behind him.  He suddenly felt awkward, like something wasn’t right.  He listened as the footsteps walked beside him, stopping again.  The hair on the back of his neck stood up.

         Starsky jerked himself forward, out from his seat, just in time to hear the gun as it discharged; the bullet sinking into the chair that he just jumped from only seconds before.  It was quiet, telling him the gun had a silencer on it.  He grabbed the chair, hollering from the pain it caused to use both his good arm and the one hurting him from his shoulder wound, bringing it up in the air and effectively knocking the man in the floor.  The man dressed in a policeman’s’ uniform rolled and his gun was knocked free from his grasp, spinning across the floor past Starsky.  By the time the weapon hit the wall on the other side of the room, the man had escaped, running out the door.  Starsky ran to the door and opened it cautiously, looking in either direction for any signs of the assailant, but saw no one.  He ran back over to Hutch and looked at him.  He was resting comfortably still, untouched and unharmed from the events that had just occurred.  Starsky sighed in relief, then picked up the phone, dialing Captain Dobey at home.  He looked at his watch.  It was 5:15am.
 

Chapter Six

         The hospital was in chaos with all the police officers roaming around the intensive care corridor.  They were questioning the staff on duty, dusting walls and furniture for fingerprints, and turning the place upside down, looking for any clues. It had been two hours since all hell had broken lose.  Dobey was in Hutch’s room with Starsky.

         “And he told you he was sitting outside the room under MY orders?” he asked, visibly upset at this latest attack towards his men.

         “Yep.” Starsky stated, wincing as his doctor worked on his back again.

         “You ripped your stitches completely back here Mr. Starsky.” She told him as she worked on putting new ones in.

         “Coulda been worse.” He stated.  She looked at him, then Dobey with concern.

         “Alright.  I’ve done all I can here.  I’ll be back later after all this commotion is over with and meet you in YOUR room to finish up.” She told him.  He opened his mouth to protest, but her stern look made him decide to keep quiet, simply nodding his head in agreement.  Two other doctors were over with Hutch, and both shook their heads in agreement as they walked towards Dobey and Starsky.

         “His condition is still the same.  Doesn’t look like anything happened during this, uh, incident.” One told them as he looked back and forth between them.

         “Shouldn’t he be coming to by now?” Starsky asked, his face filled with worry.  The other doctor looked at him.

         “I think he’ll be coming to soon enough.  His vitals are getting stronger.  He’s resting and healing.  Don’t worry Mr. Starsky.  We should be seeing some signs of improvement over the next 24 hours.”  Both doctors gave them a slight smile as they walked out from the room.

         “I’ll make sure you have 24 hour protection from now on.” Dobey said, shaking his head as he looked around the room.

         “Yeah.  Just make sure it’s someone I know, will ya?” Starsky asked seriously.  Dobey shook his head in agreement.  There were noises and commotion outside in the hallway.  Starsky was sure he heard a familiar voice in all the fuss.  He looked at Dobey and they walked outside from the room.

         “Man, I’m telling ya!  They want to see me!  Don’t be grabbing me like that!  I ain’t no criminal!” Huggy stated, trying to free himself from the two officers that restrained him.  Starsky grinned at them.

         “It’s alright guys.  He’s here to see us.” He said, grinning at the look of shock on Huggys’ face.  All three walked back into Hutch’s room.  Huggy waited to speak until the door closed behind them.

         “What the hell happened here?  Looks like a war zone out there.” He stated, looking over at Hutch.

         “What are you doing here?” Dobey asked forcefully, the strain of the mornings’ events showing on his troubled face.

         “I was invited.” Huggy said smugly.

         “He’s trying to find out who’s after me and Hutch, Cap.  Thanks for coming back, Huggy.  You just missed the latest attempt to take us out.” Starsky said sarcastically.

         “Yeah, well man, from what I hear, you and your partner here are the latest in hot action.  Looks like there’s a contract out on ya.  Big bucks.  Someone wants to take you two out real bad.”  Huggy said, his face twisting sideways.

         “I kinda figured that one out, Huggy.  I sure didn’t think this was a welcome wagon committee following us around.” Starsky said smartly.  “Who wants us.” He said, suddenly serious.

         “Word is it’s Darnel.  Melvin Darnel.  You two knocked out three of his money laundering establishments.” Huggy said.

         “We did?” Starsky asked, a little surprised.

         “Yep.  Now he’s got a whole bunch of money on your heads, hoping to take you down and get himself back up and running full speed.”  Huggy looked at the men in front of him, not knowing what else to say.  Dobey walked over to the phone, calling headquarters.

         “Thanks Hug.  Appreciate all your help.” Starsky said.  “You’re a real friend.”  Huggy smiled at him.

         “Good.  Then keep your necks clean and don’t disrupt this fine friendship by getting killed, huh?” Huggy said, shaking Starsky’s hand and walking out of the room.  He peeked back in before the door closed.  “Oh, and by the way, tell these goons out here that it’s okay when I come by?  I ain’t into daily body searches!” Huggy said, smiling as he left.  Dobey hung up the phone and looked from Hutch to Starsky.

         “I’ve got a tail on that Darnel guy, and Millie’s pulling up all our files on him now.  I’m heading down there to see what I can find.  You need anything?” he asked, looking sincerely at Starsky.

         “Yeah, pray for Hutch.” Starsky said, looking at his partner as he stood over him.
 

Chapter Seven

         The afternoon came quickly as Starsky’s doctor resigned to taking care of his wounds in Hutch’s room.  She talked to him gently and her voice was soothing as she cleaned his reinjured back wound, changing the bandage and looking over his chart, which she brought with her.  She was a very kind lady, Starsky thought to himself as he watched her leave.  She wasn’t like the other doctors, bossing you around and telling you what you could and couldn’t do, she just compromised and let things be.  He walked over to Hutch, standing over him and talking to him as pulled his sheet up around him, tucking him in.

         “Yeah Hutch, I think she likes me.” He said, grinning a little.  “Now all we gotta do is get you up and outta here and then maybe I can start asking her out.  You know, maybe we could double date or something.  IF we can find you a date.” He teased.  “You need to open those eyes up and start looking around.  Lots of pretty nurses around here to see.  In fact, your physical therapist came by a little while ago.  I think you might like her.  Looks your type.” He said sheepishly.  Hutch just layed there, giving him no response.  He felt desperation slowly creeping in on him.  His partner had been unconscious for almost thirty hours straight, and he knew no matter how encouraging the doctors sounded, this couldn’t be good.  He was so tired.  His face and his body were showing the signs of a man close to exhaustion.  He sat back down in the chair, which Dobey had been nice enough to replace and put beside Hutch’s bed for him.  He dozed into a fitful sleep.

         Starsky awoke hearing the soft moans that came from in front of him.  Half asleep, he felt as if he was dreaming, drifting through some sort of fog that had taken him over.  He strained to focus more on the noises.  As he became more coherent, he realized it was Hutch.

         He jumped to his feet, almost doubling over, having forgotten the pain in his shoulder as he pushed himself up from the chair with both arms.  He stood over his best friend, who wasn’t moving or making any noises.  “Damn.” He said to himself, believing he’d been dreaming again.  He gently touched his partners face.  Did he just move a little?  Starsky wiped the sleep from his eyes, then gently touched Hutch on the cheek.  There it was.  A soft, almost inaudible moan as Hutch moved his head a little back and forth.  Starksy smiled broadly.

         “Hutch?  Hey buddy, it’s me.  How about looking at me for a minute, will ya?” he asked gently, looking at his partner, using his hand to face the blonde mans’ gaze in his direction.  Hutch moaned a little louder this time, and his eyes began to flutter.  Slowly, his eyes began opening, and Starsky watched as he tried to focus on him.  Tears came to Starsky’s eyes, as his smile beamed down on Hutch.  Hutch looked at his best friend, grinning slightly as he started to look at his surroundings.

         “Hospital?” Hutch asked, his voice weak.  Starsky wiped his face with the sleeve of his robe.

         “Yeah, pal.  You got hit a couple of times.  But the Docs say you’re gonna be just fine.” Starsky told him, smiling happily as he pulled Hutch’s hair from his face.

         “I’m hungry.” Hutch told him, making Starsky’s tears flow more freely as he laughed.  He stood up, leaving Hutch’s bedside only briefly to tell the officer outside to go get the doctor.  He ran back to his side, cheerful and excited.

         Once the doctor had examined him, and checked him over from head to toe, he resigned to Starskys’ diagnosis that his friend was going to recover just fine.  Starsky called Dobey and Huggy and also told Dobey to call Hutch’s parents, who had just been notified a few hours before.  They’d been away from home on a cruise, and it took a while to track them down.  Just being notified that their son was critically injured and in a coma, at least they wouldn’t be suffering too long before finding out he’d be okay.

         Hutch was sitting up as Starsky told him what had been happening.  He told him about the first ambush, which Hutch was slowly beginning to remember, then told him about the second attempt right there in the very room they were in.  Hutch shook his head, feeling a little guilty for not being able to help.  He then told him about Darnel and the fact that the last three money laundering rings they had shut down just happened to belong to him.

         “How’s that for coincidence?” Starsky said smugly.

         “Pretty wild.” Hutch answered.  The nurse brought in a couple of trays of food, glad to see Hutch awake and alert.  Hutch smiled at her.  Starsky grinned at him, relishing in his partners’ recovery.
 

Chapter Eight

         Within one day, Starsky was released from the hospital; told to visit his regular physician within a week to make sure he was healing properly.  Hutch was released after six days, all of which Starsky stayed by his side.  No further attempts had been made on them: yet.

          They were not allowed to go to their homes, but told adamantly that they’d be staying in a ‘safe house’ until something had broken on their case.  Captain Dobey was worried about them; they couldn’t blame him.  He had actually become ‘fatherly’ towards them, going so far as getting personal belongings from each of their homes, bringing clothing and shaving supplies to them, along with what looked to be a months’ supply of food that he stocked for them.  He also placed them under surveillance, just to be sure they’d be alright, and made sure they had their weapons with them, just in case.

         After two days in their ‘safe’ surroundings, they had already become  restless.  Hutch walked with a limp, not needing the cane he was sent home with, and paced the floor regularly; his impatience showing.  Starsky was able to use his arm more now, almost able to lift it above his head as he strained the muscles that begged him not to move it at all.

         They came to an agreement that they needed to get out from there and do a little investigating on their own.  Knowing Dobey would most certainly refuse their request, they called Huggy.  Making arrangements for him to meet them about a block from where they were staying, they set up a time, then conspired their escape.  It was easily done.  The surveillance team which sat outside the front of the house couldn’t see them as they left through the back door and made their way through the woods, and never knew the two men had escaped their watch.  Both Starsky and Hutch were pleased with themselves as they hopped in Huggys’ Cadillac; Hutch in the front, Starsky in the back.

         “What a difference a week makes!” Huggy said, looking at the two men who sat in his back seat.  “How’s my favorite dynamic duo?” he asked sincerely.

         “Tired of being held prisoners by Dobey.” Starsky said, then laughed a little.

         “Did you find us a car to use?” Hutch asked as Huggy began driving them around.

         “Does a turkey have wings?” Huggy answered smugly.  “I also found out where Darnel has been keeping himself, just like you asked.  Ain’t nothing Huggy Bear can’t do.” He said, smiling ear to ear.

         “Good work Hug.” Starsky told him, leaning across the front seat of the caddie to pat him on the back.  Huggy drove them until he reached his destination; Merles’.

         They got out from his car, and Huggy walked them over to a snazzy black convertible with mag wheels and deep red upholstery.

         “You got us a car from Merle?” Hutch said sarcastically, looking at the car with mock disappointment.

         “What?  I like it!” Starsky said smiling.

         “You would.” Hutch told him with a smug tone, secretly admiring the vehicle in front of him.

         “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Huggy said smartly.  “It runs good, it’s got a full tank of gas, and it ain’t costing you a thing!” he told Hutch, who shook his head sadly at the car, giving in to Huggy’s words.  Starsky jumped into the drivers’ seat, waving Hutch to get in.

         “C’mon!  We got some bad guys to catch.” He said smiling.  Hutch looked at Huggy, who motioned for him to get in as he held the door open for him.  Huggy closed the door behind him, then handed him a piece of paper.

         “You’ll find Melvin Darnel at this address.  Be careful.” He said as Starsky started up the car.  Starsky leaned down far enough to see Huggy from his side of the car.

         “We’ll keep in touch.” He said, putting the car in gear and heading out onto the street with it.  Huggy watched as they disappeared into a cloud of dust, shaking his head as he heard Starsky changing gears and screeching the tires.
 
 

Chapter Nine

         They arrived at the mini warehouse within twenty minutes of leaving Huggy, and slowly drove by the place as they found a nice hiding spot for the car to park in.  There was a lot of activity going on for a place that was supposedly condemned according to the sign out front.  They both remember shutting it down before, only then it was a little brothel that one of the local pimps had set up in hopes of making some fast cash.  The activity looked a lot different now than it had then.  There were four guards standing in front, and the back entrance, from what they could see, had been completely blocked off, boards nailed to the double doors and cement bricks stacked in front of it.  When Starsky and Hutch decided to take a look around, they knew the back would be the place to do it.

         They easily made their way to the back without being seen, and took some of the cement bricks and stacked them high enough to peer in through a window that looked into the warehouse.  Starsky climbed up to see in, not wanting Hutch to risk hurting the hip that was healing well enough to bring him there.  Starsky climbed up and looked around.

         His mouth dropped open as he let his eyes wander.  Hutch saw the look on his face, almost appearing in shock as he got back down from their make-shift pedestal.

         “What?” Hutch asked, glaring at the strange look on his partners’ face.  “What did you see?”  Starsky looked at Hutch, finally closing his mouth.

         “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much money in my life!” Starsky began, looking like a kid at Christmas.  “There must be millions and millions of dollars laying around all over the place.  They’re packing it up in crates and boxes and even garbage bags.  They must be getting ready to move it real soon.” He said.  Hutch looked concerned.

         “Come on.  We better go call Dobey and get some back up here before they get it out of here.” He said.  They jogged back out from the grounds the way they’d come in, moving swiftly considering the injuries they were recovering from.  Starsky started the car and they sped off, finding the nearest payphone.  They called the precinct, getting put through to their Captain immediately.

         “Where the hell are you two at!?!” the Captain bellowed, making Starsky hold the phone away from his ear.  Hutch heard him, too.

         “It’s okay Cap.  We found Darnel and he’s got a bunch of money he’s getting ready to move out.  We can take him down now, but you gotta get us some back up.” Starsky said, once again holding the phone away from his ear as Dobey yelled and fussed for a good five minutes.  When the phone became silent, Starsky pulled it back up to his face.  “Look Cap.  The address is 174 Wilcox Lane.  Get as many units over there as fast as you can.  Yeah.  Yeah.  I know Cap.  We’ll wait. Yes sir.” Starsky said, hanging up the phone.  He looked at Hutch.  “Ready?” he asked.  They jumped back in the car, and headed back to the warehouse.

         “Dobey’s pretty pissed, I take it?” Hutch asked as they pulled back in where they had parked before.

         “You could say that.” Starsky answered sheepishly, looking at him with a sideways grin.  Both men pulled out their weapons and checked them, then got out from the car.  The nervous anxiety came easily to them, but it was a familiar feeling.  Back in the saddle again.
 

Chapter Ten

         Starsky and Hutch jaunted to the back of the warehouse, putting themselves in the same spot they had originally been in before.  They eased themselves around the side of the building, walking as if they belonged there, coming around towards the front.  Four men stood in front of the entrance, protecting it from anyone trying to get in.

         “How many pairs of handcuffs did you bring?” Starsky whispered to Hutch.  Hutch raised his eyebrows, looking at his partner.

         “None.” He said innocently.

         “I was afraid of that.  Knew I forgot something.” He said, looking at the four men who stood before them.  All turned to face them, ready for any conflict.

         “We’re looking for a job.” Starsky said to the one closest to him.  The man just laughed.

         “You’re looking at the wrong place.” He said, smiling.  He leaned forward and pushed Starsky back with his hand, shoving him luckily on his good shoulder.  Starsky took his right arm and shoved him back.

         “I’m not asking YOU.” He told the man bravely.  The man chuckled at him, a grin spreading across his face.

         “You got balls, I’ll give ya that much.” He told Starsky, then drew back his fist and aimed it at Starsky’s face.  Starsky ducked quickly, successfully slamming the man with his fist in the stomach, doubling him over.

         “One down.” He said to Hutch, watching as the other three began descending on them.  It was somewhat of an easy battle, surprising the detectives as they brought the guys down, considering their own injuries.  Much easier than either had expected.  Starsky smiled at Hutch.

         “Think it’ll stay this easy?” he asked his partner as they walked towards the front door.  Hutch looked behind them at the four men laying on the ground.

         “Doubt it.” He replied.  They walked cautiously through the door.

         No one inside seemed to pay much attention to them as they walked in, figuring that the guards in front had let them in and thus they were supposed to be there.  They busily worked at stashing the money away into anything that was available.  They were rushing, like they had a deadline to meet, and ignored the detectives as they walked through, heading towards the office.  Starsky and Hutch just looked at each other, amazed, if not in awe, of all they were seeing.

         They got to the office and peered in, trying to see through the closed blinds that filled the windows.

         “I see two.” Hutch said.

         “Me too.” Starsky answered.  He put his hand on the door handle, turning it ever-so gently.  It wasn’t locked.  He opened it quickly, both going inside as they drew their weapons.  One man sat at the desk, the other was sitting in a chair in front of him.

         “Well, well.” Starsky began, aiming his gun towards them as they jumped suddenly from the intrusion.  Hutch closed the door behind him, locking the handle as it latched.  He aimed his gun in the same direction as his partners.

         “If it isn’t Darnel and his favorite goon, Ronnie.” Starsky began, talking coyly as he brought himself beside them, facing them both.  “No, no.  Please don’t stand up.  We want you to feel comfortable during our visit.” He said, grinning as his weapon aimed towards them both.  Hutch walked beside the men, taking the guns from their shoulder holsters and placing them in the back of his pants waist.

         “You won’t be needing these, will you now.” Hutch said sarcastically.  Both men were glaring at the detectives.

         “Melvin, Melvin, Melvin.” Starsky began, saying the name with a menacing tone.  “Why in the world would you put a contract out on us?  I thought we were buddies.” He said, putting the barrel of his gun into Darnels’ chin.  Sweat began forming across his brow.

         “Look Starsky.  It, it was a big misunderstanding, that’s all.  We didn’t want to hurt no one.  We just wanted to distract you guys enough to get the rest of my money out of your jurisdiction.  That’s all.” He said nervously.

         “Yeah!” Ronnie began, as Hutch brought his weapon close to his temple.  “Take what you want and let us go.  We don’t want to hurt you guys, honest!” he said, his voice wavering a little.

         “Sure!” Darnel began.  “Take all the money you want!  There’s plenty to go around.  No one would be the wiser!” he said, grateful for Ronnies’ idea.  Hutch laughed at him.

         “Maybe we’ll take ALL the money.  Maybe you owe us AT LEAST that much for our pain and suffering.” Hutch said, sticking his weapon hard into Ronnies’ temple.  Ronnies’ face dropped, fearing the worst.

         “Yeah, and maybe we’ll kill you two anyway, just for the fun of it.” Starsky said, an evil grin spreading across him.  “We’ll get all the money, and your deaths will be icing on the cake.”

         “You know Starsk.  I always dreamed of retiring to Tahiti.” Hutch said, smiling down at the two fearful men.

         “I didn’t have nothing to do with this!  He planned the whole thing!!” Ronnie said, almost yelling, trying to plea with the detectives as he pointed at Darnel.  “He wanted you dead.  Not me!  He ordered the contract out on you guys.  I’ll testify, I will!”  Hutch looked at Starsky and smiled.

         “Shut up you idiot!” Darnel hollered.  “They ain’t going to shoot no one.  They’re just trying to scare us.  They’re cops for Pete’s sake!” he said, trying to quiet his partner.
 

Chapter Eleven

         The familiar and welcome sounds of sirens began filling the air, making both detectives sigh with relief.  They heard the chaos outside the office as people began scrambling to get away, having no where to go other than the front entrance of the warehouse, where police officers began streaming in.  Starsky and Hutch came out, each bringing their captures to the front.  Dobey watched them as they walked towards him, and said nothing.  He didn’t have to.  They could see the fire in his eyes, and knew he was fuming.  His keeping quiet in front of everyone only proved the extent of his anger.  Starsky and Hutch placed the prisoners into waiting patrol cars after telling them their rights.  It took about twenty minutes to get everyone arrested and taken away, and another hour and a half to gather all the money and files and any other evidence visible to take in.  Captain Dobey didn’t speak to his two detectives the entire time.  He’d look over at them now and again, but never acknowledged their presence.

         Starsky and Hutch sat in Dobeys’ car, looking exhausted and worn, but also worried.

         “I’ve never seen him this mad at us before.” Hutch said, looking over at Dobey as he leaned his head back into the seat.

         “Yeah, I know what you mean.” Starsky began.  “I think we’re really gonna get it this time.” He said, sounding like a child about to be placed on restriction by his father rather than a detective fearing punishment from a superior officer.  Both men sat there, not wanting to approach him or infuriate him any further.

         After another fifteen minutes, Dobey walked over to them.  He stood in front of the car, staring at them with a sharp intensity that made them look away from his glare.  He finally walked around, opened the door, and sat behind the drivers’ seat.  He was quiet for a few more minutes.

         “Go ahead, Captain.  Spit it out.  I can’t stand sitting here in silence waiting for you to tell us how mad you are and how disappointed you are in us.” Starsky said, his look distant as he watched Dobeys’ eyes in the rear view mirror.

         “Yeah Captain.  We’re sorry, but we got a lead and had to follow up on it.  We DID call you.  We just wanted to get the guys who were after us.  We wanted to see this all to an end and get back to our lives again.” Hutch added, his tone soft and humble.

         Captain Dobey looked thoughtfully around the crime scene.  He finally turned himself to face his two best detectives.  His look was hard and furious, but his facial expressions suddenly lightened.

         “I’m relieved you two are alright.  Both men gave us their statements and admitted to putting the contract on you, although each says the other did it.  We’ll sort through all that later.  In the meantime, you two have a week off still, to recuperate.  I expect you can behave yourselves for one week?” he asked, a grin sneaking across is face.  Starsky and Hutch smiled broadly, relief evident as they chuckled, both answering ‘yes sir’ simultaneously.  They got out from the Captains’ car and thanked him, turning to walk towards the car they had arrived in.

         “Starsky!  Hutchinson!” Dobey bellowed at them, making them stop, turning around to face him.  “Good job.” He said, smiling.
 

The End