“Love Thy Neighbor”
jmhenderson
S & H/ the Timing of Life
Chapter One
Starsky stared out from his living room window giving no particular attention to what was going on. He was deep in thought, trying to remember each detail from the case. Hutch lay sleeping on the sofa, warmly tucked in a blanket that Starsky had placed over him. It had been a long night, too long in fact, and he could not sleep; the case heavy on his mind. Convenience store robberies, fast and deadly. Not an eyewitness left, the perp killing off any and every one, the last being a thirteen year old girl last night, along with two other people. Eleven senseless deaths so far. No conscience thought, just aim, shoot, and kill. They were at the crime scene until 2:30 this morning, and Starsky insisted Hutch stay at his place. Hutch was too tired to argue. Now it was almost 8am. He’d had a couple hours of dozing on and off, but the last time he woke up he decided to give up on trying to sleep. He looked out the window a final time. He saw Gabrielle, his landlady, Lila’s niece, walking towards the building. He watched her stride, composed and brisk, and thought about the first time they had met. It was about four months ago, when he went to fix something at Lila’s place; what was it? Oh yeah, a minor plumbing leak, which he felt was more of a pre-planned introduction instead. Her niece had moved in rather unexpected and sudden, with no explanation offered to him. She took the vacant apartment beside her aunt, and was bringing in packed items when she literally ran into him as he left Lila’s place. Both were startled, but easily relaxed with one another, laughing about it, and she invited him in. She was easy on the eyes, with a nice smile and long dark hair; friendly enough. An artist, which seemed to be her source of income, she always paid her rent, even though at times she would ask Starsky to give the money to her aunt, because ‘Auntie Lila’ refused to accept it from her hands. It became something to laugh at, the different ways she would have to sneak the rent into her aunts’ possession. He watched her as she walked. “Hmmm.”
Hutch groaned a little and stretched, then asked Starsky what he’d just said. Coming out from his daze, he looked over at Hutch, who was half sitting up.
“Nothing pal, go back to sleep.” But neither did. They got ready for another days’ work.
At the precinct, they updated files and reports. They then went out to interview people associated with the convenience store victims. It had to be done, a whole day’s worth of talking to people who were suffering. Both men were more than ready to go home by the end of this day. Starsky looked at his watch while walking over to the file cabinet. 7:30pm. He loved those new fangled digital watches, somewhat fascinated by the technology involved.
“You ready to take me home now?” Hutch asked his partner, who had just placed their last file in the filing cabinet.
“I’m not that kind a guy.” Starsky said, placing one hand on his hip.
Hutch laughed as he got up, placing his chair to his desk. “What a week.” he said with a sigh. They went out the door and climbed into the torino.
“You wanna get something to eat?” Starsky asked, almost from habit.
Before Hutch could answer him, a voice came blaring from dispatch. “All units, all units, 2-11 in progress, corner Main and Ridgeway. All units responding, please acknowledge.” Before they could think about it, instinct kicked in and Hutch grabbed the mike.
“This is Zebra 3, we are responding.”
“That’s a few blocks from my place!” Starsky said as he roared the torino onto the street.
“Zebra 3, be advised, shots have been fired.”
“Acknowledged.” Hutch answered bluntly.
“So much for dinner.” Starsky said lowly.
They arrived on the scene in a matter of minutes; wheels screeching as they came to a stop. A black and white unit was already there. Frantically, a woman came running towards the car from the uniformed officers’ car and Starsky and Hutch got out, immediately pulling her behind their car for protection. “Lila?” Starsky asked as he held her by her shoulders.
“Lila! Are you alright?” Hutch asked the older woman.
“For goodness sakes! I’m fine! But Gabby’s in there - you’ve got to help her!” Lila shouted at them.
Hutch looked sternly at Starsky, and then both turned at the sound of bullets fired and glass shattering. Literally throwing Lila to the ground, they swung out from behind the car, guns raised. Bullets shot past them both as a man ran from the store’s entrance. They began shooting back at him, but he quickly maneuvered himself behind parked vehicles, running like he was born to it. Hutch took off after him, as did the uniformed officers, and Starsky ran into the store. Checking out the scene, there was no other gunman inside. He quickly looked around. The cash register was down on the floor, with change scattered around it. He saw a man slouched on the floor, and walked over to the limp body, blood pooling beside it. It was Buddy Ross, the storeowner. Starsky had known this kindly old fellow for five years now. He felt for a pulse, knowing he wouldn’t find one. His heart sank a little. He was searching frantically now, looking around to see any signs of Gabby. Shelves had been toppled and the entire little store was in complete upheaval.
“Gabby?” he hollered. “Gabby!” His eyes spotted a hand, lifeless and covered by a knocked over food rack. He moved frantically to uncover her. Hair covering her face, he knelt down beside her. Hutch came running in, out of breath. He saw Buddy’s body, then ran towards his partner.
“I lost him.” Hutch said, pained by his own words.
Starsky looked up at him. “ I gotta pulse!” he said.
“The ambulance is on the way.” Hutch said, “How is she?” he asked.
“Don’t know.” Starsky answered quickly, pulling the hair away from her face. There was blood trickling above her left eye. “Oh God.” Starsky gasped.
Hutch knelt beside his partner. “Looks like it missed her partner.” He offered encouragingly. But already, the memories of Terri were flooding through Starsky, and he knew it.
“I’m going out there with Lila and let her know what’s going on here.” Hutch said, standing up, bracing himself on his partners’ shoulder. A siren approached and they both looked towards the door.
“I’m riding with her.” Starsky said, looking at his partner.
“I’ll bring Lila in the car.”
Hutch told him.
Chapter Two
Starsky sat beside Lila while Hutch brought three cups of coffee into the waiting room. Gratefully, Lila accepted one. Hutch sat down beside her and put his hand on hers.
“Well, we know that Gabby is the only eye-witness to this murderer. He’s already hit six stores, and made sure he left no witnesses.” He paused and looked at Lila, who not only looked tired and worn, but also now had an added look of fear. “Oh my.” was all she could say, and then the doctor walked in, calling her name.
“I’m Lila Dowdy.” She said jumping away from her chair and Hutches’ grip. Starsky and Hutch also moved quickly towards him.
“How is she?” Lila asked him. The doctor looked at her and then at the two men who stood by her side.
“She definitely has a concussion, and she’s bruised pretty good, but I think she’s going to be just fine.” He said, offering her a pleasant smile.
“Can I see her?” Lila asked.
“Yes, but only for a few minutes. She hasn’t regained consciousness, and I’m not expecting her to for a while yet. Just make it brief.” He told her. Lila looked at Starsky and Hutch and smiled gratefully.
“Thank you both so much.” She said, hugging them then briskly walking away. Starsky looked at the doctor and raised an eyebrow.
“Is she really gonna be okay?” he asked.
“Well, she may have some residual side effects from the concussion, and she isn’t going to feel like a lot of activity because the bruises she sustained are deep, but I think she’ll be fine. We’ll keep her here for a few days for observation…”
“No can do, Doctor.” Hutch broke in. “She is the only witness in a murder investigation. Staying here could jeopardize her well being.”
“Well, I suggest you place a guard at her door, because I don’t recommend her being moved at this time.” The doctor responded acidly.
“We may not have a choice.” Starsky said, speaking with a low tone and looking evenly into the doctors’ eyes.
A nurse went into Gabby’s room and within a few minutes, Lila came out. She walked towards Starsky and Hutch, looking exhausted.
“Lila,” Starsky began, “How is she?”
“She’s resting, I think. She, she didn’t move. I...” her words were cracked with emotions that she did her best to suppress.
“Lila,” Hutch began, “You need to rest. The Doctor told us everything is going to be fine. How about I take you home?”
“Oh no!” she sternly protested, “I’m not leaving her alone here like this!”
“I’ll stay with her.” Starsky told her assuringly, “And I’ll make sure that she’s well taken care of, and call you the minute she wakes up.” He said, smiling at her.
“Oh Davey, I don’t know.” She answered him.
“C’mon Lila. “ Hutch began, “I’ll take you home.” She looked at them both, and with some resign, took hold of Hutches’ arm.
“Davey, you promise to call if…” she began.
“I promise.” He said, giving her a hug, looking at Hutch over her shoulder.
Starsky sat in a chair
beside the bed where Gabby lay. He looked at her closely. The
bullet had graised her on her left temple and the wound was stitched and
bandaged. Her face had the markings of a good beating, although he
wasn’t sure if that came from her attacker or the shelving that fell upon
her. Her arm was outstretched and pinned, an IV pushing into her
vein. He couldn’t stop staring at her. Thinking of the unusual
attraction that they, at least he, had felt, and wondering why he hadn’t
acted upon it. She wasn’t thin, wasn’t fat, but not his usual glamour
girl type. Her smile was enlightening though, and her eyes had a
sparkle to them that gave off a comforting sincerity. He had played
cards, usually gin rummy, with her aunt before Gabby moved in, and afterwards,
at her aunts’ insistence, he, Lila, Gabby and Hutch had played many games
of Spades. Fun times, never being pushed or asked about things he
didn’t want to discuss; he liked that. Even Hutch had asked when
he was going to ask her out. But it just hadn’t happened. She
was great to talk to, but hardly ever talked about herself, stirring his
curiosity. He found himself filled with many questions, like why
had she come there so suddenly, and wondered why he just didn’t ask.
He liked having her for a friend; she was responsive, as if she knew just
what distance to keep between them. He watched her breathing, lying
there, still unconscious, and fell into a light sleep.
Chapter Three
Hutch propped one of the throw pillows behind his head as he laid himself on Lilas’ couch. “Jesus.” He said to himself. Lila had finally settled down and promised to try and sleep a little, but not until after the emotions of her day had released themselves. He was able to take her statement, and thanked God she had not actually been inside the store. He was glad he decided to stay with her, to be there for her. She was like family to him and Starsky. He looked at his watch. It was 1am.
Starskys’ hand fell from under his chin and it woke him from the nightmare he was having. It was Terri, lying on the stretcher, a bullet in her head. He shook it off, realizing where he was after moments’ stupor. He looked around the room. Daylight was coming in through the blinds. He checked the clock on the wall, and squinting, saw that it was 6am. He got up and quietly stretched, looking down on Gabby. She still hadn’t moved, and he became worried. He brushed the side of her face with his hand, and she stirred a little, moaning, and her eyes began to open. She looked at him, trying to focus, coughing a little as she tried to speak.
“Shhh. Don’t try and talk right now. You’re okay, you’re okay.” She looked at him, her eyes becoming clearer.
“David?” She whispered. “Dave, is that you?” she cleared her throat and looked at him.
“Yeah, it’s me and you’re fine.” He assured her, “Do you remember what happened to you?” he asked, stroking her hair from her face. She looked at him puzzled, thoughtful for a moment, and then the memories of the previous night flooded her. She struggled, screaming, trying to get out of the bed, thrashing like a pinned animal, and Starsky held her down, trying to not let her hurt herself, yelling her name. She struggled to get out of his grip. Two nurses came running in there, and Starsky yelled at them to get the doctor. One left and the other grabbed a syringe from her pocket, inserting it into Gabby’s arm.
“What’s that?!” Starsky demanded.
“Just something to calm her down. We heard the screaming all the way at the nurses station!” She said matter of factly. Starsky looked at the woman with a bit of disgust as he laid Gabby back down in the bed. She was slurring her words, calling his name, and then her eyes closed. He wiped the tears from her face and the doctor came in. Hutch came in with Lila in time to see Starsky blow.
“What in the hell is going on around here?” he demanded. “She had just woke up, and was a little disoriented. I was getting her calm when your nurse here slaps a needle in her! What the hell’s up with that? What if she’s allergic, or something else?!” Starsky was in the doctor’s face, and the doctor was obviously unsettled by it. Hutch knew what his partner was thinking, knew he was referring to that ‘something else’ as his addiction to heroine. Not only was Terri’s memory haunting him, but Hutches’ painful ones as well.
“Look, uh, Mr. Uh…”
“Starsky.” He said bluntly.
“Look, Mr. Starsky. We have dealt with this sort of thing before. Persons with concussions are more likely to come to with the memory of the trauma in which the concussion was received. We have to be prepared, and are. As for giving her the medication, it is a very mild non-addictive sedative. We don’t take chances with our patients!” Starsky backed off from his face, and finally noticed that Lila and Hutch were in the room.
“Oh, Lila, I’m sorry for that. I didn’t know you guys were here.”
“I’m glad to see you’re looking out for my niece so well.” She turned to the doctor, who had begun an examination of Gabby. “How is my niece, Doctor?” She asked. He turned towards her.
“She looks like she’s going to be fine, Ms. Dowdy. Now that she has come to, we’ll know more in a few days.” Hutch looked at Starsky, and he looked at Hutch. Hutch nodded his head at him, knowing what he was thinking.
“Lila, can we go talk out
in the waiting room for a few minutes while the doctor checks Gabrielle
out?” He asked, as he took her arm and guided her with him out the
door.
“Lila, David and I feel the only way we can truly take care of her is by placing her in protective custody.” He paused for a moment. “She’s going to have to identify the monster who did this to her, and he, well, he will probably do everything he can to keep her from testifying.”
“Oh my Lord Ken! What if…”
“Oh, no. Don’t you even think that. We will protect her with our lives. I promise you that.” He said, assuring her.
“I believe you Ken, but I have to talk to her first.” Her eyes pleaded with him.
“Of course Lila. Do you have anyone that you could go stay with for a while?” He asked, not wanted to scare her any more than she already was.
“Well, my best friend lives in L.A., but why?” she asked with surprise.
“I would just feel better if you were away and somewhere safe so that Gabrielle wouldn’t be worried about you as well as everything else. Look, she’s going to be out for a few hours because of that sedative, why don’t you give me a minute with David and then let me buy you some breakfast, okay? Then you can visit with her and we can make all the arrangements from there.” Lila shook her head in agreement and sat down, and Hutch went into the room. He found Starsky arguing with the doctor yet again.
“I am staying right here!” He said in a stern but quiet voice. The doctor looked at Hutch as he entered the room, his eyes almost pleading to get Starsky away from him. Hutch took control of the situation, addressing the doctor.
“Doctor, she is under our protection.” He said, showing him his badge. “Any questions?” He asked.
“None.” The doctor answered, then left the room. Hutch let out a sigh and looked at his partner.
“Everything is straight, I’m getting Lila to go visit a friend out of town, and all we have to do now is get Gabrielle out of here. You doing okay, buddy?” he asked his friend.
“I’m fine.” Starsky answered all too quickly. “What’d you find out?” he asked.
“Well,” Hutch began, “I talked to Dobey before we came back here, and he said since she is our only eye witness, he wants us to handle it, and he’s not asking any questions about how we’ll do it.”
“Good.” Starsky began. “Now we gotta get her out of here. Do you think she’ll be alright?” He asked.
“I think with you looking out for her, she’ll be just fine.” Hutch replied, smiling at his partner. “I’m going to get Lila some breakfast, take her home, get her packed and on her way, and I’ll be back for you two. Why don’t you get something to eat.” Hutch told him.
“Yeah, the nurse said she
was going to send something up from the cafeteria. I’m staying here,
and when she wakes up again I’ll talk with her, see what she remembers,
and maybe even get a statement from her. Oh, and I’ll see about getting
her released.” Starsky said, sitting back down beside her. Hutch
put his hand on his partner’s shoulder and squeezed it, then left the room.
Chapter Four
Gabbys’ eyes fluttered and Starsky stood up, leaning over the bed. Her eyes opened in time to see him looking down at her. She smiled.
“What happened, David?” she asked in a raspy voice.
“You kinda lost it a little when you woke up the first time, shweetheart” He said with his best Bogey impersonation, grinning. She grinned back at him.
“I don’t remember.” She said, trying to sit up. The pain was evident in her face, but she sat up anyway.
“Are you sure you wanna do that?” he asked her. She looked at him. Puzzled.
“Why am I in a hospital?” She asked looking around, and then the memories flooded her. “Oh God. The store.” She grabbed his arm with an amazing strength considering her condition. “Lila!!” she demanded.
“She’s fine and anxious to see you. Don’t worry, everything’s gonna be fine.” he said, taking the hand that had gripped his arm and holding it.
“What about Buddy?” she asked him, hoping what she thought wasn’t true. Starsky just shook his head, and she looked away.
Lila and Hutch walked in, and Lila hugged her niece and sat down beside her as Starsky and Hutch left the room, giving them a little privacy. They were going to have to say good-byes and reassure each other that they would be all right.
Starsky and Hutch found a friend of theirs, Dr. Doug Goodale, and discussed their plans and what was going on with the situation. He was a good doctor, and was known for not always going by the books with certain cases, and he agreed to help them. Lila would sign her nieces’ case over to him, and he would release her to Starsky and Hutch, coming by periodically to check on her, available if anything was to go wrong. Plans were then set in motion. Hutch took Lila to the airport, and then went back to the hospital. Dr. Goodale gave them specific instructions on Gabby’s care, and told them when he would be by to check on her, beginning that evening at the end of his shift. They had decided to take her to Starsky’s place. With her apartment being attached to Lilas’ house and Starsky’s above the garage, it would be easy to get her things for her. Gabby settled in and started looking at mug books, which Dobey had brought by and left for them. Slowly her memory came completely back to her. She gave her statement, painfully, but as detailed as possible. It didn’t take long before she identified a man, Chester Brown, from his mug shot. Starsky found that name familiar, but shrugged it off and put it in the ‘been there too many times and seen too many names’ file in his head. Hutch had called the precinct and told them to put the APB out. Now they were left to sit and wait. The hardest part until an actual trial for a victim.
Starsky looked at Gabby as she sat on the sofa. She could barely keep her eyes open. “Why don’t you go in there and lay down for a while?” he said, motioning towards the bedroom. “It’s already been a long day.” He added. She looked at him and nodded. As she got up, she wavered a bit, and Starsky held her by the shoulders.
“Whoa, you okay?” he asked with sincere concern. Hutch watched her unsteady movement. Starsky guided her into the bedroom, easing her down, and pulled the spread on her, watching her as she settled in. She was asleep almost immediately, and Starsky walked over to Hutch, who had followed them in there.
“She’s far from being better.” Hutch said as they walked towards the living room.
“I know.” Starsky answered.
The phone rang and startled them both. They had fallen asleep on either end of the couch. Starsky grabbed it on the first ring, and Hutch jumped up, standing straight before realizing where he was.
“Yeah, Cap.” Starsky said, as Hutch walked towards the bedroom to check on Gabby.
“Okay, right. We got it. Thanks.” he said, hanging up the phone. He walked towards Hutch.
“What time is it?” he asked.
“11:15.” Hutch answered, checking his watch.
“Has she even moved?” Starsky asked, walking towards Gabby, brushing his hand across her cheek. She moved a little, putting them both at ease, and they quietly left the room. Starsky began making coffee.
“What did Dobey say?” Hutch asked.
“Gabby just made the news.” Starsky answered bluntly.
“What?!” Hutch blurted.
Starsky shook his head. “Seems there’s a leak down at headquarters. Although they didn’t say who, what, or when, they just announced to the whole damned world that there’s a live witness to the C – Store Killer.”
“That’s just friggin’ great.” Hutch stated angrily, walking over to the bedroom to make sure Gabby had not been disturbed by his outburst. “Doug should be here soon.” he said, looking at his watch again as he tried to calm down, “His shift ends in a few minutes.”
“Good.” Starsky replied.
Both men drank from their cups when they heard a noise behind the kitchen. Gabby stood there, wrapped in a blanket.
“Hey, hey-hey! You’re up!” Starsky said, smiling at her. She grinned back and walked towards them.
“How do you feel?” Hutch asked her.
“I’m good.” She answered, sitting down between them.
“The doctor that took your case at the hospital is going to be here in a few minutes to make sure you’re doing okay.” Starsky said.
She sighed, looking at him, then Hutch. “Okay.”
Doug came by and checked her over, looking a bit concerned, but not letting her see it. Gabby went back to lay down after the doctor had changed her bandage and flashed his light in her eyes one too many times. She was visibly worn out from the short time she’d been awake. Doug sat down in the living room where Starsky and Hutch were waiting.
“How is she, Doc?” Starsky asked, handing him a cup of coffee.
“I’m a little concerned. Her concussion seems to be worse than they had thought.”
“How bad is she?” Hutch asked, sitting up.
“Oh, no, don’t worry, I think she’s going to be fine, but her left eye isn’t focussing like it should, and her reflexes aren’t quite up to speed yet. I’ll be back by tomorrow before my shift starts, around two, and check on her.”
“Thanks Doug, I really appreciate this.” Hutch said, shaking his hand. The doctor looked at them both.
“Is she complaining about any pain?” he asked them.
“Well, no, not really. I think she’s been sleeping too much to realize how much it hurts.” Hutch offered.
“Or she just wont admit to any.” Starsky stated.
“Well, as she gets to moving around more, she’s going to hurt more. Just give her some aspirin, and if she needs something stronger, give me a call.” He told them as he opened the door.
“Thanks again for your help.” Starsky told him as he watched him go down the stairs.
Starsky looked at Hutch, who was dozing in front of the TV and slouching over on the couch. “You take the couch.” he told him, “I’ll sleep in the chair in the bedroom.”
“Doesn’t sound too comfortable.” Hutch said, as he took off his shoes and stretched his legs across the coffee table.
“It’ll be okay, it does recline you know.” Starsky said as he gathered their coffee cups and put them in the sink.
“I’m not arguing, I think I’m too tired for that.” Hutch said, and Starsky chuckled at his friend. “Goodnight.” He told him.
“Goodnight pal.” Hutch replied.
Chapter Five
Gabby woke up to the soft snoring that came from Starsky’s direction, and, as quietly as possible, got out of bed and walked stiffly towards the living room, holding the wall for support. She heard Hutch in the kitchen, fumbling with something, and quietly went into the bathroom. She saw her face in the mirror. It was bruised and swollen, and the bandage at the top of her left eye was far from flattering. She found a washcloth and washed gently at her face, wincing at the pain it caused. She felt a little dizzy, and held herself up leaning on the sink. She was stubborn, if nothing else, and was not going to let this keep her down. Starsky entered the room from behind her. She saw his reflection in the mirror, and it startled her. Quickly turning around, she lost her balance and fell. Starsky leapt towards her. His arms around her, she looked at his eyes.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this.” he said softly. Hutch was in the doorway in a matter of seconds.
“What are you two up to in here, may I ask?” He said with a grin.
“Someone is pushing herself a little too much I think.” Starsky said, getting her up on her feet, and walking her into the living room.
“I was fine until you scared me.” She answered quickly.
“Well how d’ya think I felt when I woke up and you were gone?” Starsky asked sincerely.
“Okay you two.” Hutch began as he walked towards the kitchen; “All I want to know is… who wants breakfast?” Hutch held out two plates full of scrambled eggs and bacon.
Like two young children, Starsky and Gabby both hollered, “Me!” simultaneously, then laughed at each other.
Starsky and Hutch ate their fair share of breakfast, and Gabby nibbled a little at hers. She appreciated the food, but her face was hurting from the bruising and her appetite was not up to par. Hutch took the plate from her, saying nothing; but Starsky was not as quiet.
“Hey, you should really eat more than that, you gotta get your strength back.” He told her sternly.
“I would if I could.” she said curtly. Tears welled in her eyes, and she put her head down. Starsky put his hand on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel like you had to.” He offered.
She lifted her head. “No. I’m sorry, I just want this to be over with. It’s not you.” She regained herself and smiled at them. “I’d like to call Lila.”
“Sure” Starsky told her, handing her the phone. Hutch grabbed a piece of paper from his wallet, which had the number for where Lila was. Gabby talked cheerfully to her aunt, happy to hear her voice and reassured that she was alright. With Starsky’s help, she went back into the bedroom and layed down. If this girl was every going to let it all out, it was going to take some doing, Hutch thought. He looked at Starsky as he walked back into the kitchen.
“She’s really good at keeping things locked up.” Starsky stated.
“So I’ve noticed.” Hutch answered.
Doug Goodale arrived on time at 2pm.
“How’s my patient?” he asked.
“She got up a couple of times.” Hutch began.
“But she couldn’t hold herself up on her own.” Starsky finished. A puzzled look crossed Doug’s’ face.
“Let’s take a look.” He said, walking towards the back.
Doug came back into the kitchen, putting his stethoscope back in his bag. “I think she’s doing good. Her reflexes are a little better.”
“You sure, Doc?” Starsky asked.
“Yeah, it’s just going to take some time. Well, I have to get to work. If you have any questions or problems, call me.” Doug said as he grabbed his bag and jacket.
“Thanks again, pal.” Hutch said as he walked him to the door.
“See you around 11:30 tonight.” Doug told them, closing the door behind him.
Gabby got up after a couple of hours begging the guys for a shower.
“I think one of us would have to be in there with ya.” Starsky said, grinning and raising his eyebrows with a flirtatious motion.
“Oh, I think we could put one of those outdoor chairs you’ve got in there and she’d be fine.” Hutch said, to which Starsky frowned, and Gabby laughed. It was nice to see her smile like that. The shower was set up and she warned them that she’d be taking her time and not to worry about her, and they agreed to simply call in there if they were concerned and she would call back if she didn’t want them coming in. After about an hour, she came out, looking almost childlike for her thirty years with her hair wet and combed away from her face. She walked to the sofa, cautiously, but without help. Hutch brought her a bag of clothing, which he had gathered from her apartment the day before when she was brought home from the hospital. She found the clothes she wanted to wear, and continued looking through the bag.
“Did I forget something?” Hutch asked her.
“Well, no.” she replied quietly.
“Is there something you want me to get for you?” He asked.
“I really want a cigarette.” She replied, matter-of-factly.
“I don’t know...” Hutch began, but Starsky interrupted him.
“Okay.” He said, picking up the phone. “What kind?” he asked, much to Hutches’ surprise.
An hour later, Huggy Bear was knocking on the door. He carried two bags in his hands, and was grateful when Starsky grabbed them from him.
“My man Starsk. What’s up?” He said, looking around the apartment.
“Did you get everything, Huggy?” Starsky asked, looking through the bags.
“Yep, right down to Huggys’ famous chicken stew, sure to please any person of the female persuasion!” He said proudly, noticing the back of a woman’s’ head in the living room. Gabby turned to face the visitor, and smiled. Huggy smiled back at her.
“Why if it isn’t Lady Gabrielle.” He said, walking over to her. He grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Why are you hanging out with these chumps when you could be adding some class to my fine establishment?” Huggy asked.
“You two know each other?” Starsky and Hutch asked simultaneously.
“Whoa!” Huggy began, “We can’t have the same friends?” he asked grinning. “I’ve been to his place several times, when I take my walks, I sometimes end up there.” Gabby told them. Hutch raised an eyebrow.
“That’s a pretty long walk.” he stated.
“Sometimes I walk to clear my thoughts. One day I just ended up there, and this gentleman charmed my socks off.” Gabby told them.
“But of course.” Huggy said. Starsky pulled out the cigarettes from the bag and found a lighter in one of the kitchen drawers. Pulling out a cigarette from the pack, he took it to her, along with an ashtray. She took it from him and he lit it for her. Hutch walked Huggy towards the kitchen and explained briefly what was going on and why Gabby was there with them, and asked if Huggy had heard any word of anyone asking to find a woman with her description. Shaking his head no, Huggy told him he would put his ears to the street and let them know if any feedback came his way. With that, he left, saying his good-byes to the lady. Starsky walked him to the door, and Huggy turned to him, telling him that this lady was special and to take good care of her.
“I know.” Starsky replied, smiling.
Doug got off from work early and came by to check on Gabby at 7pm, explaining that he was splitting a shift with a friend and would be back at the hospital at midnight.
“Hot date, huh?” Hutch asked his friend. Doug grinned at him.
“Yeah, you could say that.” He replied. He was surprised to find her up in the living room. Her face was not as pale, and not as swollen as it had been earlier. He smiled at her.
“You’re making progress.” He told her with an encouraging wink.
“I had no choice.” She whispered, leaning towards him and pointing to Starsky and Hutch with a grin. Doug laughed and finished checking her over, got up and walked towards the kitchen with Starsky and Hutch close behind him.
“She’s doing better, but she needs as much rest as possible. Try and keep her from over-doing it.” He said.
“We’ve got it covered.” Starsky
said as Hutch nodded. Doug left them, telling them that he would
be by the next afternoon. They walked back into the living room,
finding Gabby asleep on the sofa.
Chapter Six
Hutch showered, then began ‘kitchen duty’ and heated the stew that Huggy had brought. After pouring it into bowls on a tray, he took it into the living room. Starsky had already taken in the napkins and silverware. Gabby was still asleep on the sofa. She had not wakened when Dobey called. Chester Brown had struck again. A store on the north side: one fatality, no witnesses. That made twelve deaths by his hands. They decided to wait until morning to tell her. Hutch watched Starsky as he gently woke Gabrielle. He watched his partner and saw the softness in his eyes when he spoke her name. He knew that Starsky had fallen. A good choice he felt, but he suspected the lady had some painful secrets, and he wanted to know more.
Gabby did well and ate most of the soup in her bowl. She was quiet, but seemed to be all right. After everyone had eaten, she lit a cigarette. Smoking half of it, she put it out, leaning back into the sofa beside Starsky. She sat there watching the television, then slid right over to him, fast asleep leaning on his shoulder. It alarmed him at first, but listening to her breathing, he knew she was sleeping soundly. He ended up carrying her to bed, which he did skillfully, leaving her undisturbed. At 11:15pm, the phone rang. It was Dobey.
“Yeah. Yeah. All right Cap. See you in the morning.” Hutch hung up the phone and looked at Starsky. “They got him!” He said enthusiastically.
“Alright!” Starsky hollered, then composed himself, hoping he hadn’t disturbed Gabby.
“Let’s get some rest, it’s going to be a busy day tomorrow.” Hutch said.
“I’m gonna shower first.” Starsky said. Hutch stretched out across the sofa.
It was 7am and Starsky and Hutch were up and dressed. Gabby slept soundly, not hearing them moving around, and Starsky was resigned to letting her sleep until she woke up on her own. Hutch had called the precinct and set up a line up for Gabby at noon, hoping she would be able to identify Chester Brown and make the case click. He had been picked up on the streets, not in the act, and Hutch knew that her testimony and identification were the only real keys to his conviction. By 8:30am, Starsky decided to wake her, and was surprised to see her sitting up and smiling at him. Quickly she got up, went to the bathroom, showered and dressed. Obviously recovering well, she was moving around at an almost normal pace. When they told her about the line up, she was eager to get at it.
“It feels like I’ve been stuck inside for weeks!” She told them. “It’s only been a few days, Gabby.” Starsky began, “Don’t you go pushing yourself too much.” He stated.
“I think I know my limits.” She said with a grin. Starsky began fixing breakfast.
During the drive to the precinct, they told Gabby about the last hold up with one fatality. She was visibly upset, but hiding it well. They made it to the precinct with time to spare, and Dobey met them in the squad room, glad to see Gabby up and about and doing so well. Introductions were made, then it was down to business. She easily identified the man from an extensive line up, and the charges were confirmed. A bit quieter than she had been, Starsky and Hutch understood when she excused herself to the restroom. The emotions she had been suppressing made their way free once she found solitude in there, and she became ill. Hutch was waiting for her when she came out of the restroom, and immediately became concerned at how pale her face had become. She looked at him and noticed his concern, and shook her head in a way that he knew meant not to worry. But she looked awful, and he couldn’t help it. They walked back into the lobby area where Starsky had gone to sign paperwork, and he, too, became concerned at her appearance.
The drive back to Starskys’ place was very quiet. Both Starsky and Hutch made small attempts at conversation, but Gabby hardly responded. They had seen this kind of reaction before, and knowing it was a perfectly natural one, let her be.
They arrived back at
Starskys’ place at 1:30pm. Hutch decided to go to his place and get
more clothing and odds and ends to bring back, much to Gabby’s protests,
as she did not see why she couldn’t go back to her own apartment.
“He’s in jail, and he can’t hurt me.” She pleaded, but quickly they explained
just how vital her testimony was going to be and how this Chester Brown
character would probably use all possible resources to get to her.
Quietly, she resigned to the fact that they were going to be ‘roomies’
a little while longer. She called Lila, assuring her she was fine
and well, hiding her emotional baggage expertly. Lila agreed to stay
in L.A. a while longer.
Chapter Seven
As Hutch was leaving, Doug Goodale was coming up the stairs to check on his patient.
“Hey Hutch, how’s my patient in there?” he asked, smiling at his friend. “She’s a lot better today than before…” Hutch began, and explained the day’s events up until then.
“Sounds normal enough. Has she actually reacted to everything that's happened to her yet? You know, let it out?” Doug asked.
“Not yet, unless getting sick in the precinct bathroom is all she’s going to do.” Hutch stated.
“I doubt it.” Doug replied.
“Yeah, me too.” Hutch said.
Doug checked Gabby out and confirmed to Starsky that she was okay, to which Gabby gave Starsky an ‘I told you so’ look. He removed the bandage over her eye, cleaning the wound and allowing her to keep it uncovered.
“I’ll be back tomorrow evening, around 5, just to check on you though, okay?” Doug asked her. Gabby smiled and thanked him, and Starsky walked Doug to the door, closing it behind him. He turned to Gabby, ready to work on uplifting her mood.
“Alone at last.” he said smiling. She smiled back at him.
“What next?” she asked.
“Well, that’s a loaded question.” He said with a smirk. Starsky sat down beside her on the couch.
“You wanna talk about it?” he asked her gently.
“Well, that depends on what it is.” She stated. He leaned against her and they sat back side by side on the sofa.
“We don’t have to talk about anything if you don’t want to.” He told her, looking at her with sincerity. She held his hand.
“I just want to sit here and enjoy this.” She said, letting herself relax. He put an arm around her and they sat there quietly for a few moments.
“Gabby?” he asked.
“Yes Dave.” She answered. He paused.
“I’m going to be here for you, you know that, don’t you?” He asked her.
“You already are.” She said. He kissed her on her forehead, and she looked at him, kissing him back. Their eyes closed as they kissed, feeling the intensity of the moment. She felt the excitement flooding over her. It was a warm and comforting rush.
The door was knocked on twice, and Hutch came strolling in, whistling a tune as he carried in a duffel bag and a grocery bag. Caught off guard, it was hard to tell who felt more uncomfortable, Gabby or Starsky, who both quickly sat up from the intrusion, or Hutch, realizing what he walked in on. Starsky got up and smiled at his partner, and Gabby, well, it looked to Hutch like she was actually blushing. Gabby got up and turned on the television, and Starsky walked out to the kitchen with Hutch.
“Taking her mind off things, huh pal?” Hutch asked with a teasing charm.
“Uh, yeah.” Starsky answered with a broad grin.
“Hey,” Hutch began, “I brought dinner!” he said enthusiastically, pulling something out from his bag.
“Oh great.” Starsky said sarcastically. “What kind a nourishing health food have you brought to heal us with?” he asked snidely.
“Believe it or not,” Hutch began, “I have here the makings for a homemade pizza!” Starsky’s eyes lit up.
“Real food!” he exclaimed.
Starsky sat at the kitchen table and watched Hutch preparing what looked to be the perfect homemade pizza. Gabby had fallen asleep on the couch, and they left her undisturbed.
“I’m starving.” Starsky announced.
“When are you not hungry?” Hutch asked his friend teasingly. He placed the pizza in the oven and checked his watch, then pulled out two beers from the fridge and sat down with Starsky.
“We go to trial in eight days.” He said.
“Yeah? And?” Starsky asked.
“Well my friend, that’s a long time between now and then. Where are you going with this?” he asked.
“With Gabby?” Starsky began, “I don’t know.” He looked at his beer, then looked at Hutch with a grin.
“You’re falling for her,
eh pal?” Hutch asked.
Chapter Eight
The trial date had come quickly, and that morning Hutch had taken Gabby down to her apartment to find clothes that she felt were appropriate to wear. When they came back, Starsky was already dressed in his tan blazer and white shirt with brown tie and slacks, hoping to impress Gabby. What he didn’t expect was Gabby. Dressed in a navy dress suit with a white ruffled blouse, her hair was curled and for the first time since this whole thing started, she was wearing make up; not too heavy, only flattering. She wore navy high-healed shoes, which were flattering to her shapely legs. He was taken aback, and she enjoyed his reaction. They smiled at each other.
“Well,” Hutch began, “I guess I’d better make myself look presentable too.” he said, heading towards the bedroom. Gabby and Starsky sat at the kitchen table. “You look fantastic.” Starsky told her, a wide smile across his face.
“So do you.” She answered him. He kissed her. When Hutch came back into the room, the two of them were practically necking. Hutch cleared his throat. Was she blushing again?
The torino pulled up to the courthouse and immediately Hutch was cursing under his breath. Reporters and television crews were everywhere. The media had created a mob scene. Starsky reassured Gabby.
“Don’t worry, they don’t know it’s you yet.”
“Let’s hope this is a quick trial.” Hutch added. Starsky took the torino to the back entrance of the court building, feeling lucky that the reporters had been stationed around front, and parked the car close to the entrance. Once inside, Gabby’s nervousness was evident. She was very fidgety. Her hands shook as she tried to light a cigarette, and Starsky ended up lighting it for her. The court was called to order, and the trial began shortly thereafter. Starsky and Hutch each gave testimonies about the case, explaining in detail the scenes they had investigated for the first six robbery/homicides. Both made sure to give each gruesome detail of the victims’ demises. Then two other detectives, Danks and Paige, described the other scenes they encountered after taking over the case from Starsky and Hutch.
After a half-hour lunch break, which Gabby spent nervously smoking cigarettes in the lawyers lounge, she took the stand. The jury watched as Gabby gave her testimony, studying her. She stayed strong, giving vivid details of that night; how she and her aunt had walked to the store for bread and a few other items. Her aunt went looking around, doing a little window shopping at the other stores that were already closed, and Gabby walked inside, just in time to see Chester Brown shooting Buddy in the chest. She scrambled to get out of his line of fire, but the store was small and there weren’t many places to hide. Her aunt had come rushing towards the door, and Brown, seeing her, had shot towards her, making her fall to the ground. Gabby did not know if she had been hurt or not. When she turned towards him, she remembered seeing him, almost as if in slow motion, aiming the gun to her face. She remembered screaming to him, “No!” and watched him smile when he pulled the trigger. She looked at him across the courtroom. “
I kind of laid there, I couldn’t move. He came towards me, and I just kept my eyes closed, hoping he would think I was dead. I think he was getting ready to shoot me again, but then there was another siren and screeching tires… I could hear them, and he seemed to panic a little and started pulling over the grocery shelves on me. He is the man that did this to me, the man I saw kill Buddy!” she said loudly, pointing at Chester Brown, trying hard to keep her composure. Feeling unnerved, she focused on Starsky, who true to his word, was there for her. There was no counter-questioning from Browns’ attorney. Told she could step down, her whole body shook. She walked bravely towards her seat, looking at Starsky, who had a proud look on his face. The prosecuting attorney then called a forensics expert to the stand who verified that all the bullets from each of the victims had come from the same gun, including the one that Gabby had witnessed Chester Brown kill Buddy Ross with.
“The prosecution rests, your Honor” the district attorney announced. It was an airtight case. The jury left the courtroom at 3:10pm. By 3:35pm, they had reached a verdict. Murder One. No Parole. Twelve counts.
When they left the courtroom, reporters swarmed them, begging for statements from Gabby and the two detectives. “No comment” was the only acknowledgement offered. Hutch left to go get the car, and Starsky brought Gabby out through the front, which had fewer reporters since they had discovered his car in back. Filtering their way through the crowd, they maneuvered their way to the car and left. Inside the torino, the only conversation Gabby attempted to make was at how fast the whole thing had gone. “Sometimes you get lucky.” Hutch said. Starsky was looking at her, noticing the color had drained from her face.
“Is it really over?” she questioned.
“Yes.” Hutch answered.
“Pull the car over.” she told him. He did so quickly, and she practically pushed Starsky out of the passenger side door. Thinking she was going to be sick, Hutch also got out of the car. She looked around and sat on the curb, pulling her cigarettes out from her pocket.
“I thought you were gonna be sick.” Starsky told her, looking down at her.
“Yeah, me too.” She said, lighting one. She looked up at him, squinting as the sun hit her eyes and raising her hand to block it.
“Now what?” she asked. Starsky knelt down beside her.
“Now we get Lila back here and we get back to normal. It’s all over Gabby, really it is.” She looked at him, then Hutch, who shook his head in agreement. Tears started rolling down her face, and she began sobbing. Starsky grabbed her, holding her tight.
“Let it go, Gabby, let it out.” Hutch stood over them, looking sympathetic. Gabby regained herself, pulling away from Starskys’ grip and wiping her face.
“This is going to ruin my make-up.” She stated, laughing at herself. Hutch and Starsky looked at each other with concern. Helping her stand back up, Starsky guided Gabby to the car and Hutch got back in behind the drivers’ seat. The ride home was very quiet.