The Edge of the World

821

Hutch helps pull his friend back from the edge.

 

Story Notes:

Many many thanks just not enough to my beta reader Karen Leigh who keeps me from falling off the edge of my fan fic world!!!!!!!!!!

---

Chapter One

Storm tossed seas foamed under the Bay City Bridge. Flocks of gulls and pelicans bounced upon the waves like toy ships. Most not seeming to care when the hulls of their bodies bumped into one another. A few indignant lone seamen took flight rising up into the dawn. The vast wilderness of the sea seemed to stretch out endless and icy reaching to the edges of the earth. Enormous dark clouds churned in the morning sky. The sun was hidden away behind the rolling, swirling shapes of animals and wrinkled old faces.

A red blur with white trim maneuvered over the bridge. Headlights cutting through the vapor that lingered over the road. Its owner flicking on the windshield wipers as a few droplets of rain began to fall upon the polished glass. It beaded and slid smoothly off the waxed red hood of the Torino. Right behind, by only twenty feet, a brown haziness clipped along at an even pace. Its owner also reaching for the windshield wiper control. The blades squeaked across the worn-out paths etched upon the glass of the LTD Ford. The light shower of rain bouncing off the car like pelting beads.

Ken Hutchinson lifted his mike from the dash. “Tell me again Starsk, why we had to drive separately?”

Starsky smiled at the crackle of his radio. At least he and Hutch could talk on Tac Two unheard by others. It would be a long drive out to see his mom. He fumbled for the receiver keeping one hand on the steering wheel and pressing down on the button. “Told ya Blintz. I’m gonna have to be back in three days for a court date. Remember the drug bust that went down when you had the flu? You’re going to have to help Ma finish packing and moving for me. Forgotten so soon buddy?”

Static crackled and a soft chuckle came over the police radio. “No Gordo. I didn’t forget but I think my back did.” Starsky chuffed and replaced the mike in its cradle. The rain was still light but the street had already become wet. He rolled the slightly opened window the rest of the way up.

Garth and Roger sat at the end of the bridge. Early morning left the highway deserted as an old cemetery. “I see them coming.” Garth pointed through the fog.

“Let’s do it and get the hell outta here. I want to collect our money from Prudholm and skip town fast.” Roger’s voice shook as he gripped the steering wheel of the oversized pick-up truck.

“Bugging that pig’s phone worked like a charm. And they’re right on schedule.” Garth smirked around the styrofoam cup of coffee he was sipping on.

“Yeah, well Prudholm may be in the joint but he wants that cop dead and he’s paying good money to see it done. So let’s get to it and get the hell out of Dodge.” Rodger pressed down hard on the gas pedal and sped down the elongated bridge toward the unsuspecting red blur and the brown haze.

Starsky picked up his mike again and held it to his lips. “Hey buddy, what do you say we stop at Rosie’s Diner. It’s just a few more miles down the road. Got a taste for some of that famous meatloaf.”

Hutch cringed and his stomach flopped in the direction of floorboards. “Gordo, it’s not even 6:00 a.m. How can you even think of eating anything but coffee and toast?”

“Hutch I’m hung…” Starsky dropped the mike. It swung on its curled wire as his hand flew back up to grip the black-leather steering wheel. A large, dark blue, diesel 4×4 pick-up came out of the smoky mist. It side-swiped the Torino slamming it into the guardrail. The red car crushed up along the walls of the bridge skidding out of control.

The monster, blue truck slid into a U-turn and headed back toward its prey. “Get ’em, get ’em.” Garth’s voice rose above the roar of the motor.

“Starsk! Hey what the hell’s going on up there?” Hutch’s voice bellowed into the mike. “Starsky!”

Starsky fumbled for the mike still trying to get the Torino unstuck from the guardrail it slid down. “Ambush!” The only word he could squeeze out. His breath whipped away in shock.

“On my way, partner, hold on! Hold on!” Hutch threw the mike and the LTD raced forward.

Starsky had navigated the Torino with precision and had just gained control of the powerful machine under him, when a hit from behind jolted him forward. His head lunged plowing into the steering wheel and leaving a gruesome gash across his forehead. He fought the speckled black dots that danced in front of his eyes and clutched the wheel tight. The monster, blue truck raced up along side and with one hard right turn of the wheel Roger heaved blue metal into red. The red blur spun out of control whirling down the bridge breaking through the guardrail and coming to a halt teetering half on the road and half in mid-air. Starsky shook his head and gazed out of the windshield through swirling black dots. This view of the ocean he did not admire. The Tomato rocked back and forth unsteady threatening suicide.

Garth jumped from his seat in the battle destroyer and headed toward the sinking red ship to give it a little extra push. Hutch finally had reached his port of call, his feet thudded to the cement shore and scrambled toward the wreckage drawing his gun as he flew. ” Police. Don’t move. Don’t touch that car.” His voice shattered with fear, as he watched the Torino teeter on the edge of the world.

Roger took note of the large gun and the fact that Garth had his hands raised high in the air. He put the truck into gear and sped away for the county line. “Screw the money and screw Prudholm too.” He gritted out frustrated teeth.

Hutch forced Garth to the ground and cuffed one hand. He hauled him up leading him to the side of the bridge and secured him to a rail. Running back to the LTD he snaked the dangling mike switching it back to Tac One and radioed in for help. ” Zebra Three. Officer down. I-40 Bay City Bridge, Black and white, Rescue crew. Now.” Straight to the point his voice powered through to the dispatcher who promptly did her job. As an after thought he spoke again. “Dark blue Chevy 4×4 heading toward county line, notify sheriff, hit and run.”

“Roger Zebra Three.” The mike swayed back and forth, no one there to hear the response.

Hutch’s feet slapped hard upon the wetness of the road as he ran toward his partner. He pulled up quick and short with lifted hands not wanting to touch the unsteady Tomato that still rocked back and forth over the edge of the bridge.

“Starsk? C-can you h-hear me?” Hutch whispered, afraid his breath alone would send the car tumbling to the crushing waves below. His heart beat in his chest like some sort of vivacious beast. His dread mounted as rain began to slash down through the rigging of the bridge and pound upon the car.

Starsky turned his head slowly toward the voice of concern. He could hear his partner’s words although they were muffled through the glass. “Hutch, this car can do a lot of things, pal, but sprouting wings ain’t one of them.” Starsky gave a sheepish smile at his worried overwrought partner.

Hutch’s baby blues fluttered once at the panic he read between the lines of Starsky’s words. “Just d-don’t you move Starsk.” Hutch hated the fact that he stuttered under stress. His partner knew that little tidbit about him too.

Starsky dared to roll his eyes thinking that simple movement would send him over the edge. The world spun and blood dripped down over both eyes streaking to his lap. “No kidding.” His smile fading as he watched a bird sail on past.

Hutch glanced up and down the bridge. Not a soul in sight. “Where are they? Where the hell are they?” His teeth ground with anger and rattled with fear.

Exotic blue eyes glared at one another in a helpless attempt to comfort and ease each other’s fears. Hutch it’s okay pal, there’s nothing you can do. Starsky’s heart showed through his smile.

Damn it Starsk just don’t move. I’m here, buddy, I’m here.. Hutch swallowed hard and his eyes widened and his heart threatened to split his chest wide open. Beams of metal began to screech and scream as jagged splinters twisted and split. The un-seaworthy Torino was going down and fast. Hutch flew to the back of the car grasping the polished chrome bumper and holding on for dear life. He knew his efforts were futile. His hands slipped and grappled as the cold silver metal cut into his palms. The car pulled him slowly over the slick road. Rain drizzled and plastered his hair against his face so he couldn’t see. He could feel himself being dragged over with the car. At the last moment, his instinct for survival caused him to let go. Hutch looked down watching the shimmering drops of rain follow the voyage of the Torino to the mighty ocean below. “Starsky!” His voice shot out the pain of a thousand deaths.

Starsky blacked out before he hit the surf. Violently the hood of the car crumpled as it plunged into the sea. Whisks of waves smashed up against the hull of the red car quickly sucking it under the surface.

 

Chapter Two

Dobey ‘s large frame didn’t keep the man from being agile as he exited his car with speed, walkie talkie in hand. “Block both ends of the bridge and get that rescue crew over here yesterday!” He had just pulled up in time to see Hutch letting go of the Ford.

Hutch ran to his car just as Dobey came up along side him. Through the rain Hutch spun to peer at his Captain. “Going down there Cap, get the rescue crew to follow me. There’s a path to the underside of this bridge.” Without any further hesitation Hutch was peeling away water spitting out the back of his tires.

As it flew down the muddy path, the LTD spurted brown sludge and slid fish tailing the whole way. Hutch slammed the gears into park before the car even came to a stop and leapt to the ocean’s bank. He could see the tip of Starsky’s car going under bubbling, as if a sea serpent had swallowed her whole and just burped. He reached down to his shoes and ripped them off tossing them in any old direction and ran splashing a few feet into the cold tumbling surf before diving head long into it. Hutch’s athletic body cut through the white waters with a power that dwelled so deep within him he himself was a bit shocked.

He sucked in a gulp of air and dove headfirst into the whirlpool where he had last seen his partner and his car go down. His feet kicking in the air wildly only for a second before disappearing under the sea. The water felt frigid and only added to the harpooned feeling he had in his heart. The muffled sounds of whooshing waves resounded in his ears along with the crazed thumping of his own heart. The misty white bubbles made it difficult to see a thing. He must have gone down about ten feet when he saw the car nose first embedded in the swirled sands of the ocean floor. A slick black cloud rose and wreathed around the Torino. Its life’s blood emptying and flowing polluting the water it lay in.

Hutch swam to the driver side window and pounded on it. Muffled thuds awoke Starsky and he raised his blood-streaked face to peer in confusion at the altered swimming image of his partner. Hutch yanked on the door several times using his foot as a brace. At the same time noting that water was pouring in and his friend was waist high in it already. His lungs were about to come apart at the seams so he gave Starsky the, ‘I’ll be back’ thumbs up look and pushed off the car thrusting himself back up to the surface. His head broke through waves sloshing up against him as he took in rainwater and air both at the same time choking.

He looked to the muddy shoreline to see the rescue crew preparing to enter the water. Catching the eye of his Captain, Hutch took another gulp of rain and waves yelling as loud as he could between gags. “He’s down here!” He pointed to the spot right below him. Not wasting time Hutch inhaled as much air as his lungs could hold and dove straight back down to the precious cargo below him.

Starsky wiped away the blood that had dripped into his eyes so he could see. It didn’t help much the water here was dark and the impact of the car dredged up sand and bits of debris. Tall pieces of seaweed swayed and appeared to come alive as they moved to and fro in the murky sea. The headlights of the Torino beamed through the waters. Starsky followed the light as far as he could see. Feeling lost and alone when the light seemed to disappear into the abyss. He really felt panic rise in his throat when a few large fish swam past, eyeing him like he were the special of the day. His head hurt and he looked at the water cascading in all around him, now almost chest high. He started, heart jolting fiercely when a fist hammered on the driver side window. “Hutch!” His voice penetrated the glass.

Hutch clasped his hands together and shook them with great emphasis. Help is coming buddy. Hold tight, just hold tight. Starsky gave his best Bogey smile “Not going anywhere, sweetheart.” Hutch wanted to stay he willed his body to produce gills but it was humanly impossible.

Starsky’s eyelids began to droop some and Hutch could see his breathing was fast paced and shallow. Oxygen was running out and water was now up to his neck. Fear plunged the harpoon deeper into his soul. Starsky slid down his seat heading into the half filled car. A quick pound on the glass brought him back up to reality and Starsky’s eyes locked to Hutch once more. Begging for air Hutch’s lungs broke the connection and he headed back up to the surface once more.

The strong current and wind’s gales made the going slow but the rescue crew finally made it to the spot Hutch had indicated just as he broke to the surface. Dobey knew Hutch would not stop going under to be with his partner. He ordered one of the rescue crewmember’s to bring along an extra oxygen tank and mask. Hutch quickly was helped into the gear and dove back down with the crew.

The death chamber Starsky found himself in was nearly full. He tilted his head high to the roof of his car, water lapped at his mouth and he kept it tightly closed. Hutch had moved to the front of the car looking in through the front windshield at his partner who was going under fast. Starsky saw the eyes behind the mask and the crinkled smile under the mouthpiece. He laughed heartily forgetting his predicament but for only a second. Hutch rolled his eyes, he knew his partner thought he looked ridiculous. The moment didn’t last long. The harpoon in Hutch’s chest was ripped out and pain wrenched through his whole body at what he had to witness next.

Starsky’s laughter stopped when he gulped in a mouth full of water. He spat and gurgled and struggled to breathe. “Hutch.” He choked out his partner’s name in fear. Starsky hacked and coughed water spraying out his mouth only to be sucked back in. Hutch’s heart twisted in his chest. He could see Starsk was afraid and feeling so alone and cold trapped inside his car. Both partners could do little more than look at each other. Hutch pressed his hand to the windshield eyes still locked onto his partner’s. He wanted some connection even if it were through glass. Starsky raised his hand in the same gesture placing it up against Hutch’s just as the water dunked him completely under. Hutch wanted to close his eyes to the horror before him. He was watching his partner drown. But the fear in Starsky’s eyes kept his eyes glaring, piercing and willing his friend to hold his breath for as long as he could. Starsky’s hair flowed around him and he held in his last small breath as long as he could.

Seeing the terror behind the mask before him, willed him to hold it longer than he thought possible. But the black dots were back like a swarm of angry bees. He felt himself slipping away. He had to have air. His lungs were imploding inside him begging for life. Hutch could see his friend was going down; at the end of his line. Hutch shook his head no and bubbles rose out the sides of the mouthpiece. Starsky’s fingers curled at the glass trying desperately to seize his best friend’s hand but unable to do so. Hutch pressed his hand harder to the windshield. Starsky’s eyes still secured to his partner’s grew wide as he gulped at the water he knew would not offer life. Two more quick gulps and his hand slipped from the glass floating away as darkness wrapped around him his eyes falling to half-mast.

Hutch was totally unnerved and swam past the rescue crew who had been working on opening the door. Using an underwater version of the Jaws of Life. One crewmember had to pull Hutch off the door handle that he violently tugged at. What was only a matter of a few minutes felt like eons to Hutch who was held at bay by a rescue worker. The door opened and Starsky’s waterlogged body was lifted out of the car and headed upward. Hutch was right behind.

 

Chapter Three

Starsky’s dripping wet, lifeless body was thrust upon the shore. Rescue workers crowded around. Dobey ran to the banks of the ocean and lifted a weak and shaken Hutch up out of the sea. Hutch’s anger had risen with each kick upward. He had been able to breathe with ease wearing the underwater gear. He had just watched his best friend in the whole world struggle to breathe under ten feet of water and fail. Hutch angrily threw his tank and mask off to the side and tried to run to his partner. He nearly made it when the strong hold of his Captain’s arm held him in place. Starsky’s shirt was torn off and his head tilted far back as one of the members tried to breath new life into the unmoving form. Two fingers moved to his throat. “No pulse.” Rain still slammed to the earth and pelted his partner’s bluish face. Another medic pumped vigorously upon Starsky’s chest fighting to get his blood flowing. A bag appeared over his mouth now and the bulb was pumped in quick short spurts. Hutch and Dobey could only stand by and watch as Starsky’s life now sat on the edge of the world once more.

In a frenzy of mechanical feats they tried to bring him back from the edge. The word “clear” echoed off the shoreline and sailed through the rain pounding that harpoon back into the already wounded heart of Hutch. He couldn’t understand what was happening when they had all stopped their work. The mask was removed and they sat in the rain on their knees staring at the lifeless form. Dobey bowed his head. Hutch wrestled free from the hold and planted his knees in the mud next to his partner. “No” he screamed as he pressed his mouth to Starsky’s and breathed warm air from his very lungs into his partner. “Damn you NO!” He lifted his fist and plunged it down upon Starsky’s chest. All the medics were in shock and looked to Dobey who shook his head. Let him be he needs to find out for himself, was the look and message the Captain’s face held. Disdain and sorrow filled the air as they all stood watching the blond, half-crazed detective trying to force life back into his friend.

“Fight buddy. Starsky! Damn you, fight! You’re not doing this to me, partner! I-I w-won’t allow i-it.” Hutch ground out each word as his fist punched into Starsky’s chest in a succession of blows. He looked at his partner who lay so still. His curls dripping with blood on the sand, and slits of amethyst blue barely showing. Hutch weakened at the sight but with one last effort he grasped Starsky’s head between both of his large shaky hands and tilting his head once more with one long deep breath he puffed his life, his love and the very foundation of his soul into his partner’s lungs.

Starsky felt numb and bitter cold kept him from moving. It was as if he were not a part of his body any longer. He could hear Hutch screaming in panic. But it was so remote he couldn’t make out the words. He felt a warmth fill him only to leave bringing back the cold, icy suffocating feeling he had. He felt a thump a few times upon his chest but it didn’t bother him much it seemed so vague. Something was very, very wrong. He needed Hutch but couldn’t find his way through the blackness. His lungs felt so full like they would erupt if he didn’t do something fast. He felt warm hands clasp either side of his face roughly and his head tilted backward in an odd way. More warmth trailed down his throat. This time it was powerful and encompassed his whole body. He gagged as the arctic fingers let loose their hold on his lungs yet he couldn’t inhale any air and he panicked.

Starsky’s eyes slid from half-mast to completely shut. Hutch was the only one who caught the small movement. Everyone else stood with head bowed at the display of grief before them. “Hutch, time to let him go.” Dobey had no sooner said the words, than water spurted forth from Starsky’s mouth and his body shuddered.

Starsky found himself on his side, some one pounding on his back and nearly breaking his rib cage pressing on his chest. Still he had not taken that first breath of air. Hutch had quickly turned him to his side and slapped his back. He vomited water violently and cold air some how made its way to his lungs. “That’s it partner that’s it. You got it. You’ve got it Starsk. Breathe, come on now, breathe.” Hutch pressed the heel of his hand harder into his partner’s sternum and more water was forced out followed by the gulping in of earth’s precious life giving atmosphere.

His head on something soft now. Starsky looked up to see an obscured vision of his partner. Something was over his mouth and, even though he could breathe easier, he felt trapped beneath the plastic and tried to yank it away.

The medics were in disbelief. It had to be a miracle they had just witnessed. The power of the most pure form of love. Hutch moved to lay Starsky’s head in his lap as he finally allowed the medics to return and assist his partner’s voyage back to life. “You did it buddy. God, you did it.”

The medics tended to Starsky’s head wound and assessed his vitals. Hutch kept hold of the oxygen mask his partner kept tugging at. “Gordo, leave it be, just leave it. Starsk, it’s okay. You need it buddy. For me Starsk just relax huh?” Starsky finally too weak to argue any further let Hutch hold the hand that insisted on removing the plastic from his face.

As the medics prepared to load Starsky into the ambulance Hutch turned tail and headed for Garth who was just now being un-cuffed from the bridge rail. Dobey was at a black and white police cruiser and saw the hotheaded blond on his rampage. Hutch strutted right up to Garth in quick, long, heavy strides and power punched the guy in the gut landing him up against the bridge. He grabbed his shirt and lifted him up and hung his upper body over the rail, only his toes upon the wet ground. Garth looked down to the ocean’s swirling waves. “Get off me! Get this guy off me. I have my rights.” He demanded.

“You!” Hutch looked him dead in the eye, his face red with anger and his voice pledging every word. “Have the right to tell me who the hell put you up to this. Hutch grasped tight to the man’s coat, his features contorting into a twisted scowl. ” A name! A name now! You have to the count of three before I drop you over this bridge and no one I assure you will be in any hurry to fish you out.” Hutch loomed over the man his wrath beaming out his eyes.

The man looked to Dobey who just stood behind Hutch with concern. “Hutch.” One word. An order? A plea? Hutch couldn’t be sure and didn’t care one way or the other the man had almost succeeded in drowning his partner.

Hutch’s eyes moved to peer at Dobey side ways for one quick summing up of what his Captain expected him to do. Not seeing it as an order his eyes went back to the man now on the edge. ” One.” Hutch lifted the man up more, his feet dangled off the ground, his upper body slung over the rail. “Two.” He let the coat slip between his fingers leaning the man even farther over the edge. The man’s eyes grew in fear and he struggled to free himself.

“Hutchinson!” Dobey roared. “The department can’t keep covering up for your hot headed mistakes. We don’t need another one of your accidental deaths on departmental records.” Dobey’s voice stern and steady.

The man in Hutch’s grasp looked to the Captain with utter fright. He looked again into the wild blue eyes that struck at him with such lethal rage. He looked to the ocean as he felt Hutch lift him higher over the rail threatening, no intending, to toss him over. “Three.” Hutch ground out between his clenched teeth.

“Prudholm okay, okay it was Prudholm now get this maniac off me.” Garth held his hands up sweating and shaken as Hutch slammed him to the ground.

Hutch smiled at his Captain knowing he had backed him up. Helping to scare the information out of the hitman. Captain Dobey gave a hint of a smile back. “Go be with your partner Hutchinson. I’ll see to Prudholm and wrap it up here.” Hutch ran back just in time to hop into the ambulance with his best friend and head for the hospital.

 

Chapter Four

Captain Dobey opened the door to room 307 peeking in gingerly. It had been two days since he had last seen his detectives. He was busy getting Prudholm placed into maximum security. Roger and Garth were also on their way to the State Pen. The room was dimly lit and Hutch sat on the bed next to Starsky.

Dobey eased the door open the rest of the way carrying in a shiny gold box full of chocolate. A gift for the recovering Starsky. Starsky took in a series of deep breaths causing him to cough uncontrollably. Hutch patted at the hand he held in his. “Take it slow partner, easy does it now. Remember what the Doctor said. Nothing but rest and relaxation for the next two weeks.”

Starsky wheezed and arched his back some. ” H-hutch gotta get back o-out on the streets. C-can’t be laying around flat on m-my back.” More hacking came and Dobey noticed the wet ringlets of hair encircling a reddened fevered face.

“Starsky you’re not going anywhere. If the Doctor said rest then that’s what you’re going to get and plenty of it.” Hutch told his partner. Starsky mumbled something under his breath and wheezed more.

“What did he say, Hutchinson?” Dobey asked with concern

“Said he needs to back me up, doesn’t want me out there on the streets alone.” Hutch continued to pat Starsky’s hand. “It’s okay partner, not going any where without you. It’s upsetting him Cap. He thinks no one will be there to watch my back.”

“The two of you are, as of now, on a two week sick leave. I don’t want to see hide nor hair of you for two weeks. That’s an order you got that?” Dobey bellowed. “Oh and, uh, I brought you these Starsky for when you feel better.” The large man laid the gold box of chocolate on the rolling table tray.

Starsky’s face twisted and more racking coughing emerged from his throat as he mumbled again to the Captain. “What’s he saying now, Hutchinson?” Dobey asked

“He wants you to go ahead and have some of that chocolate Captain.” The Captain smiled at the thought of the creamy treats. His smile faded quickly as the voice of Edith rang in his ears. Harold, you have to lose some weight. It’s for your own health. “Thanks Starsky, but I’m on a diet right now.” Dobey patted his belly. “Lost ten pounds so far.” He said proudly with a smile.

More over dramatized coughing came from the curly headed man. “He’s in denial.” Starsky’s words were spat out between coughing and mumbled so only Hutch could understand him.

Hutch started to laugh but stopped abruptly. “Hutchinson!” Dobey’s voice louder with suspicion. “What did that partner of yours just say?”

“Oh, uh Captain he said he sure would like to take a trip down the Nile.” Hutch tried to hide his smirk and patted at Starsky’s hand some more. “His delirious with fever Cap.” Starsky let his eyes flutter shut and began a light snoring.

“Cap. I think he’s out again. You’d better go. He needs his rest.” Hutch patting the hand still and not looking at his Captain for fear of him seeing the smile he had a hell of a time containing.

“Well okay but remember two weeks Hutch. I don’t want to see you or that partner of yours.” Dobey gave one last glance to the chocolate box before he stepped out of the room.

Starsky let one eye pop open to look up at Hutch. ” He gone?” He whispered.

Hutch looked to the door hesitating a few moments to be sure. “Yeah buddy, he’s gone.”

“Terrific!” Starsky flew out from under the covers. “If I had to hack one more time I think my lungs might have come out my nose.” He smirked.

Hutch moved off the bed and sat in a chair laughing. “Told ya those hot wet towels would make you look sick.” Hutch chuckled more watching his friend.

Starsky rummaged through a drawer. Pulling out an array of travel brochures. “Two weeks Hutch. Two weeks of fun in the sun. That gives us time to help Ma move and still have time to take that trip to the Bahamas we’ve talked about. Hey, when did Merle say my car would be ready?”

Just then the door flew open again and Dobey marched in holding Huggy up by the collar of his shirt. Hutch bolted from his chair. Starsky let his brochure’s fly through the air as he landed back in bed and pulled the covers up around his neck. Trying to cover up the cover up Hutch sternly scolded his partner. “Starsk I told you to stay in bed. Can’t I even take a nap without you trying to….”

“Save it Hutchinson!” Dobey quipped. Hutch looked at Huggy who shrugged with a look of a child whose hand just got caught in the cookie jar. Captain Dobey held up the airplane tickets Hug was trying so hard to deliver secretly.

“Jig’s up fellows, you dig?” Huggy announced with a sheepish grin.

Starsky and Hutch both sitting on the bed cringed at the anger in their Captain’s eyes. The Captain had a place in his heart for these two men but he couldn’t let them know that. He tossed them the two tickets. “You two take that vacation. Chances are you probably have back time coming to you anyway.” Starsky and Hutch looked at each other in surprise. Then huge smiles appeared across their faces. “And wipe those smiles off your faces. When you get back the only tickets you’re going to be seeing for a month are those little pink ones that get put under windshield wipers. “For one month you two are going to be walking the beat as meter maids got that?”

Starsky and Hutch and Huggy all watched, mouths gaping, as Captain Dobey left room 307 with a huge grin upon his face but not before he swiped his gold box of chocolate’s to take with him. “Trip down the Nile my ass,” he mumbled.