Starsky cleans out the backseat of Hutch’s car.
Starsky pulls into Merle’s parking lot and walks towards Hutch’s car, dreading the task ahead of him. As he stands in front of it, he takes a deep breath, opens the door, and leans into the backseat.
He surveys the assorted junk his partner has amassed back there. Starsky, this is not a garbage dump!, Hutch had haughtily insisted. Starsky reaches inside and picks up the soup can, turning it over in his hands. Ryland’s Soup Company Clam Chowder, it proudly proclaimed.
He throws the can into the black garbage bag that he’s brought with him and begins to remove the rest of the assorted detritus. Two week-old newspapers, empty coffee cups, and used napkins join the soup can. Seeing something poking out from under the seat, Starsky reaches down and pulls it out, feeling the stiff, bumpy leather of the football that had been back there for at least three years now.
As he sees Merle approaching, Starsky squeezes his eyes shut in an effort to hold back the tears.
“It’s cleaned out,” Starsky says, handing Merle the keys. “Keep the money, I don’t want it.” Then, cradling the football under his arm, he turns and walks slowly away.
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