Family Ties and Hidden Lies

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When Dobey’s sister-in-law, Esther, starts dating a mysterious man named Robert, suspicions arise about his past and intentions.  Especially after learning about his previous marriages and a large insurance payout.  Starsky and Hutch investigate and must protect Esther and Dobey’s daughter Rosie.

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Chapter 1

“Morning, Captain.” Hutch greeted Dobey as he entered the squad room, subtly warning Starsky of his presence.

“Yeah…morning,” Dobey muttered, distracted in thought.

“Edith enjoying having Esther down?” Starsky asked, eyeing Dobey curiously. He knew Edith’s sister had only been with them for two days and doubted she was the reason behind Dobey’s low mood. Dobey had always got along well with his sister-in-law.

Starsky and Esther had grown close during her stay with the Dobey’s after losing her husband, Jack. At the time, Starsky was grieving his girlfriend, Terry. Through the pain of losing their loved ones, they found comfort in talking to each other. A supporting strength in shared sorrow had given them a bond that helped them begin to heal; a friendship that had continued.

Dobey stopped and poured a coffee. “Yes, she is,” he mumbled.

“So, what’s Robert like?” Hutch asked, knowing Starsky was dying to meet Esther’s new man.

“He’s…he’s.” Dobey cleared his voice. “He’s staying at a hotel.”

“Esther mentioned that,” Starsky replied casually.

“I’m sure she did!” Dobey snapped.

“She’s not staying with him for a reason,” Starsky said reassuringly.

“Because she’s not that sort of lady.” Dobey raised an eyebrow.

“That!  And she feels things are moving too quickly with him,” Starsky added.

“Hmm.”

Starsky and Hutch could tell without even seeing Dobey’s face that his expression had softened. He may have even broken a smile. Dobey left them to their reports.

Later that morning, Dobey called them into his office. “We’d like to invite you both for a family meal tonight. I know it’s your day off tomorrow but I’d—” He paused.  He had the look he got when he was asking them to take a case he didn’t like. “—Edith and Esther would love it if you could join us.”

“Don’t need to ask me twice. You know I’m a fan of Edith’s cooking.” Starsky glanced over to his partner. It was clear there was more to the invite than Dobey was saying.

“It would be a pleasure…everything alright, Captain?” Hutch hesitantly asked.

“Yes…er Robert will be there as well.”

“Great, I want to check him out.” Starsky was only partly kidding. “You haven’t said if you like him Cap.”

“I don’t know him yet.” Dobey’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t made up his mind about Robert, but there was something that troubled him about the man.

Hutch threw a knowing look at his partner. “We understand.”

They did; once in the police, a suspicious mind was hard to switch off, even when off duty. However, they also knew how protective Dobey was over Esther after what she had gone through. Her husband’s sudden death in a workplace accident had devastated her and shaken the entire family. While Esther had been staying with them, her husband’s firm informed her about a large insurance pay-out. Unable to handle it, she asked Dobey to take care of everything.

 

Chapter 2

Robert stood at the window, watching the red and white car pull up. It was unmistakably Starsky’s car. Loud, flashy and full of attitude. Just like the man himself. Robert had heard all about Starsky’s dark curly hair, blue eyes and his charm. But charm could be dangerous, he knew that, and Robert didn’t trust him.

“They’re here, they’re here!” Rosie’s voice rang out as she skipped over to Esther, grabbing her hand.

Robert saw Esther’s face light up with a beaming smile, which worried him.

“Still has his pride and joy.” Esther laughed with her sister.

“That car has character,” Edith replied, repeating one of Starsky’s favourite lines. “Don’t tell them I said that. It will start a long debate between them.”

Robert’s gaze narrowed as he watched the two men step out of the car. He’d heard about Starsky’s tragic past. His girlfriend shot and killed just weeks before Esther lost her husband. But it was the other one, Hutch, who made Robert really uneasy. Blond, blue-eyed, and quiet. The kind of quiet that hid things. All he knew was he had a magic touch with plants. Robert suspected there was more about these two friends, and he had to find out all about them fast.

He knew both men were police detectives, a fact that worried him. Esther had never told him her brother-in-law worked for the police. He’d only found out when he met Harold, who had been vague about his job. Edith had cut the conversation short, telling her husband ‘no shop talk with guests’. Robert had decided Harold must be a pencil pusher, judging by his size.

Outside, Rosie ran and jumped into Starsky’s arms, squealing with joy. Esther approached Hutch with a familiarity that made Robert’s stomach tighten. And when they entered the house, Rosie proudly called them, “Uncle Starsky and Uncle Hutch.”

Robert realised too late that he didn’t know enough about Esther’s family and friends. He hadn’t even cared, until he’d learnt Harold worked for the police. Esther didn’t talk about it, but Robert started to wonder what else he didn’t know.

Clearly, the connection between Esther and Starsky was undeniable. Esther had spoken about her stay at her sister’s after losing her husband: how Starsky was getting over the loss of the woman he’d hoped to marry; how wonderful he’d been; how supportive and how she could ring him day or night if she needed to talk.

Grief had no boundaries. Even on a good day, it could sneak up and hit you like a wave. Her husband had been her world. They’d met as teenagers, and she’d felt utterly lost without him. Starsky had become her anchor in stormy times. Robert hated their bond, even before he knew he was a police detective.

Robert had worked hard for months to convince her to go out on a date with him. He knew he would have to work hard on her family and friends to get them to accept him. Edith had been easy to win over. She just wanted her sister to be happy again. But now, with Starsky and Hutch there, he felt like he was losing control over Esther.

After dinner, Starsky and Hutch offered to do the washing up. Rosie jumped up to join them, surprising her parents. Cal was excused to do his homework.

Robert lingered, watching and listening to the conversation taking place in the kitchen.

“Why are you doing the washing up?” Rosie asked.

“Well, your mum and Esther cooked such a yummy meal it’s the least I can do,” Starsky said, rubbing his stomach.

“Sometimes I have to do it if I’ve been told off.”

“Well, I hope you’re not helping us because you’ve been naughty today?”

“No.” She looked down at the floor. “I feel bad, Uncle Starsky.”

Starsky crouched down next to her. “Why’d yah feel bad?”

“I’m not sure,” she said honestly.

Robert tried his best to listen, but struggled to hear the quiet conversation. There was something about Rosie’s tone that caught his attention and raised his concern.

Starsky wrapped his arm round her and picked her up.

“Come on…don’t get upset,” Starsky said gently. “Tell me what’s upsetting you. You’ll feel better. And I may be able to help.”

Robert watched the exchange, feeling uneasy. Something wasn’t right. He turned just in time to see Esther approach him.

“They’re great with her, aren’t they?” Esther nodded to Rosie in Starsky’s arms and now getting tickled and laughing.

 

Chapter 3

Early the next morning, Hutch was surprised to hear the Torino pull up.

“You forget we’re off today? And since when do you knock?!”

Starsky stepped in with a grin. “No, I didn’t forget. That’s why I knocked. Spare myself walking in on you and what’s her name?”

“What’s her name left me hanging like a macramé plant holder.”

“Guess you’ve given her more rain-checks than a weatherman lately.” Starsky knew it wasn’t the first time their job got in the way of their love lives. “But what’s a ma-cream plant holder?”

“Tell me about it!” Hutch said, tapping the hanging fern as he passed. “Macramé plant holder.”

Starsky glanced at it. “Oh, the tangled rope.”

“Macramé, it’s a thing. Coffee?”

“Yeah, thanks.” Starsky hopped up onto the kitchen counter. “You didn’t ask why I’m here.”

“I don’t have to.” Hutch handed him a cup. “You’ve been thinking about what Rosie said.”

“How’d you know?”

“She’s only a kid.” Hutch sipped his coffee and paused, looking deliberately at his partner. “She’s got her dad’s instincts…it’s been bugging me all night too,” Hutch confessed.

Starsky nodded slowly. “You know I left my…”

“Best we go in and get it.” Hutch knew where this was headed. “And while we’re there, we could…”

“Run a check on a name?” Starsky said with a grin.

“Exactly.” Hutch raised his cup in agreement.

“Settled then.”

 

Chapter 4

Starsky leaned back in the chair. “Got a hit from upstate. Three years ago, Robert Mitchell was cautioned for grievous bodily harm while working in a restaurant. Not exactly a glowing reference.”

Hutch nodded, keeping an eye on Dobey’s office door. “Got details to contact?”

“Yeah, Millie Jenson was his girlfriend while he was working at the restaurant.” Starsky grinned as he picked up the phone and dialled. A woman’s voice answered. After explaining who he was, Millie agreed to talk.

“Didn’t stay around long. You’ll want to talk to my brother, Ed. He never did like him.”

It was clear she didn’t want to talk about Robert and gave Starsky her brother’s number.

Hutch called Ed Jenson, who was happy to tell him what he thought of Robert.

“I always thought he was playing my sister for her money. Slick talker, too smooth. I hired a private investigator. Turns out it wasn’t the first time. As soon as he was pulled in for GBH, within the week he’d upped and disappeared.”

Starsky leaned forward listening in, as Hutch asked if he knew anything more.

“Robert Mitchell wasn’t even his name. It was Robert Trent! Changed it after his wife died suddenly. Who does that?! Mind you he came out minted after her insurance pay-out. I dread to think what might’ve happened to my sister. Had a nasty feeling about him from day one. You know?”

“Yeah, I know that feeling,” Hutch said honestly. “Thank you. You’ve been very helpful.”

They called the precinct in the area where they had been told Robert Trent had previously lived. The police there had nothing except for the report of him finding his dead wife. An electric shock from her hair dryer, in the bathroom, had killed her. However, there was no evidence of foul play or his involvement. That didn’t curb their suspicions, and they requested the case reports to be faxed to them.

So far, Starsky and Hutch had managed to keep their investigation away from Dobey. They were worried more than they wanted to admit. However, they didn’t want to take it to Dobey until they had something firm to give him.

His special wedding anniversary weekend was coming up. For the first time, he was taking Edith away without their children. They knew Dobey would drop everything in an instant if he thought Esther was in danger. But right now, they only had gut feeling and suspicions. They had one day before the Dobeys were due to leave. For Esther’s sake, they hoped they were wrong, but their instinct said otherwise.

They couldn’t shake the feeling that the previous night’s dinner invitation had been more than just a friendly gesture from Dobey. He may already have his own suspicions.

Robert mentioned that he had been looking forward to meeting them. However, it raised the question as to whether he was simply assessing them. He was clearly very attentive to Esther, especially when she was with Starsky. But it wasn’t unusual for Edith to invite them over for a meal. Starsky reckoned she was like his ma. She enjoyed cooking for people who really appreciated food.

Starsky knew that Robert had come into Esther’s life when she was still vulnerable. She had initially been going back to her empty home and was glad to have company. She knew little about his past. She knew he was a widower but hadn’t wanted to talk about that much. He had told her that he was concerned that talking about his loss might reopen her own grief. Esther knew that he’d only moved to her city months earlier, but she had told Starsky that they shared many of the same interests.

Starsky and Hutch had both spoken with Robert, but neither felt they knew much about him. Robert fitted the description of a con man, but also of a widower trying to put the past behind him. They couldn’t help but notice Esther’s radiant smile had returned and Robert was clearly the cause of that, which made it difficult to voice their concerns. They didn’t want to deny her happiness, or a chance of love, based on hunches or gut feelings.

 

Chapter 5

They collected the faxed reports and notes they’d made, heading to an interview room so Dobey wouldn’t see them.

Hutch was studying one of the reports when Starsky walked back in with two coffees from the canteen. Hutch took his cup from his partner, heavy in thought.

“Could we be making this into something it isn’t?”

“Huh?”

“Starsk, how could he know about Esther’s money?” Hutch pushed the report he’d been reading toward his partner. “She bought the house, and lives on her pay. She’s not touched the rest of the money.”

“Hmm…you remember Dobey’s first day back after Jack’s death? The way he overreacted about giving a press update on our case?”

“Yeah…a fatal accident in a factory. Your thinking that the insurance pay-out could’ve made it into the press.”

Starsky nodded. “Or Esther might’ve told him?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Hutch hesitated, staring into his coffee cup. He thought about Vanessa, his ex-wife. She hadn’t loved him, just the money he came from. That memory still stung.

“Think about it. Money attracts the wrong kind of people.” Hutch hesitated, staring into his coffee cup. He thought about Vanessa, his ex-wife. She hadn’t loved him, just the money he came from. That memory still stung.

“Think about it. Money attracts the wrong kind of people.”

As Starsky sifted through the reports, Hutch stood and walked to the phone on the wall.

He made numerous calls, eventually confirming the fatal accident had been in the press. He jotted down dates, cross-referencing them with the insurance pay-out timeline. Months later, the papers had also reported on the insurance settlement. They knew it wouldn’t be hard for a con artist to connect the dots. But they also knew con men are clever, careful, and calculated. They wouldn’t usually risk sticking around if the victim’s brother-in-law was a police captain.

If Robert were the con man they suspected, he would have left immediately.  He’d know they’d find out about the GBH charges through police contacts. The brother from the previous relationship had made no secret how much he disliked him. Robert may have realised he was being investigated. But then why would he happily have dinner and socialise with a police captain and two detectives unless there was an innocent explanation.

Hutch leaned back, eyes narrowing. “He’d have to be pretty sure of himself.”

“Or maybe…he’s innocent?”

“Or incredibly good at what he does?”

“Overconfidence can result in carelessness.” Starsky stated, as they debated innocent and guilty intentions.

The motive behind him taking the risk could be to make him look innocent. It was definitely causing them to question if he was a con man after Esther’s money or a man with a sad past trying to change.

 

Chapter 6

Robert had left the two sisters, pointing out it was a rare opportunity for them to have time alone together. Harold was at work and the children were at school. But the reality was, he’d had enough and wanted to return to his hotel for a hard drink. Since he’d found out Harold was Captain of the Bay City police force, he’d been on high alert. He kept reliving every word, every action. It was draining him. He was on the edge of making a mistake that could ruin everything.

“Mr Trent, I have a message for you,” the pretty hotel receptionist said as he approached to pass her.

“Hi Stacey, smiling as always. Now I’ve told you call me Robert.” She looked down at the desk—he knew how to sweet talk her and make her blush.

“Robert. You were right. Esther’s brother did have officers visit here.”

“He’s so protective, and such a good man. If I’m lucky, one day he’ll be my brother-in-law.”

“It was a Detective Hutchinson…and his partner.”

Robert couldn’t miss the wistful look as she mentioned Hutch.

“Oh, Ken and David. You’d think they were Esther’s brothers too!” he joked. “I can see a twinkle in your eye.”

She bit her lip and looked down. “He was very…polite,” she said, looking up and blushing.

“He’s not dating anyone. I could mention you to him.”

“Oh…I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“That’s settled then. I offered, you didn’t ask.”

“Thank you.” She bit her lip, trying to hide her hopeful beam.

Robert left, knowing he wouldn’t be mentioning her to Hutch. He didn’t want them to know that he knew they’d visited his hotel. There were a couple of hours before he was due to take Esther out for a meal so there was time to think about his actions.

Esther had told him before they arrived not to be put off by Harold’s rough, gruff exterior. She’d insisted it was all for show. Describing Harold as the most caring, gentle, and loving family man you could ever meet. It was just his way.

Robert knew that if Harold had any doubts about him, their anniversary trip would have been cancelled on the spot, but it hadn’t been. That told Robert that it was Starsky and Hutch whom he hadn’t convinced.

He thought about Rosie: what had she said to Starsky and Hutch? Could it be possible she’d prompted them to check him out. Either way, in for a dime, in for a dollar. Or in this case several thousand dollars.

Later when he drove and picked up Esther, he realised they were being followed. The battered old Ford was just as conspicuous as the eye-sore Torino.

As they ate and chatted in the restaurant, he fished for information. Had Edith and the family liked him? Esther’s family’s approval was particularly important to her. Although she’d never told him.

“Edith loves you, as for Harold, no one will ever be good enough for me. Dread to think what he’ll put Rosie’s boyfriend through when she’s older.” Robert’s thoughts wandered for a moment. “…I explained it’s difficult for you to talk about your past being a widower, they do understand.”

Robert leant forward kissing her. “They nearly love you as much as I do.”

But he could still see the Ford parked out on the street. The rest of the night, he played the role of a loving boyfriend. He also managed to get an idea of where Starsky and Hutch lived.

He only had four more days in Bay City. If it was only Starsky and Hutch who were suspicious, he needed to distract them. The partnership was strong, best friends with no wives meaning they often relied on each other. They were always there for their partner if one was hurt. He’d heard so much about the pair of them.  It sickened him.

He’d arrange a little accident to happen. It was a little accident that had killed his previous fiancé and, years later, his wife. If one of the partners had an accident, it would stop them investigating him. It had to look like an accident, and not be too bad or the Dobeys’ trip may be cancelled. They really were more like family to the Dobeys.

The obvious accident waiting to happen was the battered Ford. Starsky had even called it a death trap. A mechanical issue could easily happen, without prompting an investigation to the cause.

 

Chapter 7

Having followed Robert the previous night, they had nothing new. Nevertheless, they had decided to go in and tell Dobey what they had been doing, why, and what they had found.

Hutch was due to pick Starsky up, and although they had only agreed on a rough time, Starsky was beginning to feel uneasy. He grabbed his phone almost immediately when it rang.

“Hutch, you’re late!” His stomach sank instinctively, without warning.

“There’s been an accident. You better get to general hospital.”

Whatever else Dobey said, Starsky missed as he hung up and rushed out.

The nurses had expected the whirlwind of the other partner arriving. Starsky and Hutch were unfortunately frequent visitors, and they had grown to accept and appreciate the partners’ bond.

The first nurse who saw Starsky cleared out of the way, saying as he flew past, “He’s okay, needs X-rays, got cuts and bruises only.”

But Starsky only comprehended what she’d said moments later. He quickly turned, heading toward the X-ray department, catching up with his partner just as he was being taken down.

“Took your time,” Hutch said, seeing his concerned partner approaching him.  He knew what he must look like and could tell his partner was assessing his condition.

“What happened? Anything broken? Concussion? Who was it?” Starsky’s questions  spilled out, not even waiting for responses.

But all Hutch had the strength to do was smile back, trying to reassure his friend.

“Hey, I don’t know who you are, but you can’t be here!” a doctor Starsky didn’t know stated.

“Look, lady, that’s my partner, and I’m going with him whether you like it or not!”

“Starsk, I’m alright.”

“You don’t know that. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here!”

Hutch rolled his eyes but immediately regretted it.

“See? Your head hurts.”

The new doctor did attempt to make Starsky go to the waiting room, but it was no use.

When they went back upstairs, Dobey was waiting for them. So far, all they knew was the car had gone out of control, and Hutch had jumped out before it crashed into a wall.

Hutch was being kept in for observation, under protest. It wasn’t until Dobey went to leave, that Starsky followed him into the corridor.

“Captain, we were going to talk to you today and show you something we found on Robert.”

“Esther’s Robert?”

“Yes. He’d changed his name. His real name is Robert Trent. His previous wife died in an accident, and he ended up with her property and the insurance pay-out.”

“I know. He told me about his wife.”

“You knew?” Starsky’s voice rose slightly, surprised, and frustrated.

“Yes. He spoke to me before they went out last night.”

“And you don’t think there’s more to it?” Starsky leaned forward.

“I admit I don’t like him. But he came to me and told me everything.”

“Did Esther know? I mean, before Robert knew who you are?”

Dobey hesitated, then nodded. “Esther told Edith he wanted to wait to tell her. Said it might reopen her grief.”

Starsky frowned. “And you think that’s all there is to it?”

“Well…I presume he knew who I was before coming. He did come to talk to me. Told me everything.” Dobey’s voice softened. “Go look after Hutch.”

“Yeah, will do.”

“Starsky. Keep an eye on them for me.” They both knew who he was referring to.

“You couldn’t stop me.” Starsky knew Dobey clearly did still have reservations about Robert. “Now you two love birds go, have a lovely anniversary. And Captain, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Starsky turned quickly into Hutch’s room leaving Dobey in the corridor.

Dobey stood for a moment. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, half amusement, half concern. He had done all he could. Now, he had to wait.  He knew how protective Starsky and Hutch were over his family.  At least Esther was staying at his home so she should be safe enough. However, he was still hesitant about going away.

 

Chapter 8

The next morning, Starsky stopped by the Dobeys to see them off.  But also, to make it clear to Robert that he’d be around while they were away. He was surprised to find that Robert wasn’t there. Esther explained he was busy until the afternoon, due to an urgent call from work. Starsky took his leave, saying he was on his way to collect Hutch, who would hopefully be discharged later that day.

After Starsky had left, Rosie kept saying she wanted to see if Uncle Hutch was really okay. Eventually, Esther gave in to Rosie’s pleading and agreed to take her to visit Hutch, even though they knew he was being discharged soon. The visit reassured Rosie and brought a smile to Hutch’s face.

*****

Hutch had been lucky, considering the speed the car had been going. Hitting the grass verge, as he’d jumped from the moving car, had softened the blow. Still, his left side had taken the worst of it; both his arm and leg were fractured.

Starsky supported him carefully through the front door. “Couch or bed, buddy?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

“Couch,” Hutch muttered.

Starsky helped to ease his partner down and propped up his legs with a pillow. Then he headed for the freezer.

“Not yet, Starsky. I’d rather have a cold drink.”

“Come on, you know the drill.”

“I know.” Hutch sighed. “But I can’t relax with an ice pack on me.”

“Alright, just for a while.” Starsky paused. “Is your head hurting? I can close the blinds.”

“Just want to close my eyes,” Hutch murmured, already sinking into the cushions. Starsky knew his partner hadn’t slept well in hospital, and as much as he had enjoyed little Rosie and Esther’s visit it may have tired him.

Starsky still had his doubts about Robert. After a while he phoned Esther on the pretense of an update that Hutch was at home resting. He also spoke with Rosie and teased her that he was jealous that Hutch got all her lovely artwork. Rosie told him that they had just come back from the park with Robert and her brother was staying at a friend’s overnight. To Starsky, she seemed much happier than the other day, but he knew a con man would always try to win over everyone connected to his target.

Realistically, he knew time was running out to protect Esther if she needed protecting. Esther and Robert were due to go home in three days, then she would only have her friends round her and not her family. Her safety played on his mind, as he prepared their dinner.  He’d woken Hutch to check on him earlier but could hear him stirring now. He went to tell him dinner was ready.

“That was nice,” Hutch said, putting his fork down on his empty plate.

“You don’t have to sound so surprised!”

“Hey, Esther said something interesting when she visited earlier.”

“Yeah?”

“You know Robert didn’t know Harold was captain until after they met.”

Starsky frowned. “Hmm…the ball’s in the air again,” Starsky said, “I wonder if he’d be here if he had known!”

Hutch nodded. “Exactly.”

“Dobey thought he knew all along.”

“No,” Hutch gave a slight shake of his head.  “If he did. It wasn’t from Esther.”

“We’ll pop in and see them tomorrow. Stop you going stir crazy being stuck indoors,” Starsky said, knowing it would be a convenient excuse which wouldn’t be questioned.

 

Chapter 9

Starsky answered the phone. He paused and listened, then gently asked, “Rosie? Is that you?”

Hutch, already pale, sat upright. He was immediately trying to read his partner, who appeared alert, and tense.

Rosie barely whispered, “Aunty Esther’s crying. I don’t know what to do.”

Starsky’s heart sunk. His voice softened, but Hutch could hear the urgency. “Sweetheart, where are you?”

“She told me to go in Daddy’s office.” Rosie’s voice trembled. “I’m not allowed in here. Ever!”

Starsky glanced at Hutch. Esther knew that rule. Something was wrong. Was she trying to hide something, or protect Rosie?

“Rosie, you’re doing the right thing. Stay in there, keep quiet. Tell me what happened?”

“I was watching TV…When she got off the phone, Robert started being nasty.”

Starsky struggled to keep his voice calm and gentle, although he was extremely worried. He continued soothing Rosie. “I know it’s scary, but it’s gonna be okay. You know who she was talking to?”

“It was Mummy. I want Mummy.” Her voice cracked.

“I know, sweetheart. I’m coming over. Stay in that room. Draw a picture for your mummy. We’ll keep it our little secret that you called me.  Okay?!”

There was a pause, then Rosie whispered, “But Hutch needs you.”

Starsky looked at his partner, already trying to stand despite the pain. “He’s coming with me.” Starsky knew there’d be no stopping him. “We’ll both come.”

As always, Dobey had given them an emergency contact number. Hutch was patched through, as Starsky drove. But the Dobeys had gone out for the evening. Both men had no doubt that Esther and Rosie were in danger.

Starsky’s mind raced, recalling his conversation with Dobey. If Robert had realised his background and scheming had been discovered, he’d be unpredictable. Dangerous.

The GBH report, had recorded extreme force had been used. The report stated the victim had dropped the charge. Had Robert threatened him into silence?

Time was of the essence, every minute Esther and Rosie spent with Robert, the risk grew. Driven by fear and instinct, Starsky and Hutch began planning their next move.

 

Chapter 10

They decided that calling in for back up might escalate the situation. They had to get into the house as friends rather than police officers, as they had no idea what was going on inside. Robert could be holding Esther and Rosie at gun point. Considering Hutch’s injuries it seemed the best option. They pulled up outside the house and got out the car. As they faced the house, they noticed Robert take a quick look out the window. They waved to him trying their best to look casual.

Esther opened the front door, her hands tightly clenching her jacket. She looked down, clearly trying to hide her face and reddened eyes. But as she spoke, her thumb kept flicking up pointing toward the house. She was letting them know that Robert was behind her.

“Sorry, we’re just on the way out.” Her voice was trembling, and when the phone started ringing in the house she didn’t even seem to notice it.

“Actually, it’s an emergency.” Starsky sounded as if he was joking but gave her a wink, hoping she realised they knew she needed help. “Call of nature,” Starsky continued, as Hutch frowned at him.

“It’s embarrassing but by the time we get home, then upstairs.” Hutch wobbled his crutch to look the part. Esther didn’t respond not knowing what to do. “You go out. We’ll lock up after ourselves. Off out somewhere nice?” Hutch continued.

Robert suddenly appeared from behind Esther and invited them in. If they hadn’t already known something was up, they would never have guessed. He played it cool and calm, saying they could delay going out to the park.  He commented that cutting onions for dinner was not Esther’s strong point.

Inside nothing looked suspicious, and outwardly there were no signs to be concerned about. But neither was there a hint of onion odour.

Hutch left the lounge going towards the bathroom but headed towards Rosie. Suddenly, he heard Starsky’s voice raise in warning. Before Hutch could react, Robert lunged.

Hutch barely turned before Robert slammed him against the wall. The struggle was brutal, fists, elbows, desperation. Hutch managed a knee to Robert’s ribs, but Robert roared, grabbed a lamp, and cracked it across Hutch’s temple. Starsky was shouting but could not get a clean shot without the risk of hitting his partner.

Little Rosie froze in the corridor in terror.

Starsky rushed in, but Robert had grabbed Hutch’s gun. He was full of rage, and the gun was aimed at Rosie. Esther screamed from behind Starsky. Robert had wrenched Rosie up tight against him. Crouching down behind her, he used her as a shield holding the gun against her.

“Robert, there’s no need for anyone else to get hurt here,” Starsky said calmly.

“Good, we understand each other.” Rosie was crying, unable to get out of his tight hold. His fingers dug into her little body so tight it was hurting her. “I won’t hurt her if you lower your gun.”

“And Esther?”

“Soo touching. She’s my ticket out of here,” Robert sneered, mocking Starsky.

Starsky had no choice and reluctantly lowered his gun. He glanced over at his unconscious partner. A second head injury within two days.

“Drop it. Kick it towards me!” Robert shouted.

Starsky did as he said, but kicked the gun hard. He was worried and he hoped Hutch would come to before it was too late. He kicked his gun just behind Robert, almost in Hutch’s reach. Robert immediately repeatedly pistol whipped Starsky to the ground with Hutch’s gun. His blood splattering the carpet.

“Don’t try it, or I’ll use the gun on them both!” Robert shouted at Esther. He suddenly pulled a large knife he’d had concealed from his jacket. “Should have got rid of them both in the car.”

“You, you caused Hutch’s…” Esther realised Robert was behind Hutch’s accident.

“Accident! Ha!” Robert stated smugly.

Starsky locked eyes with Esther. He saw Rosie trembling behind her. It was him or them. Starsky surged up and forward, taking the blade to the shoulder, and crashing back down to the floor.

“Don’t hurt them!”

In all the commotion, he could hear Rosie screaming. Esther was pleading for Robert to stop. Robert was shouting at her to shut Rosie up and the phone kept on ringing in the background.

Robert’s attack on Starsky stopped. He snarled, grabbing Esther’s arm and pushing Rosie to the floor. “Answer it! Answer the damn phone!” he barked at Esther. “Get rid of whoever it is.”

Esther hesitated, then picked up the phone. “Hello?”

Robert’s head was nuzzled up in her neck so they could both hear the phone. The knife was held tightly up against her throat.

“Esther? Everything okay? Hutch tried to call me.”

She glanced at the chaos. “Yes…it’s fine, Harold. A mix-up.” She hoped her voice didn’t give anything away.

Behind her, Hutch stirred. Through half-open eyes, he saw Starsky’s gun on the floor within his reach. Bloodied but conscious he reached out to it. Starsky softly whispered to Rosie to stay still.  But Robert still had a tight hold on Esther listening into everything Dobey said. Starsky forced himself to sit up. It was enough to catch Robert’s attention. He turned, slightly letting go of Esther, while he silently waved the knife threateningly at Starsky.

That was all Hutch needed. “Drop it!”

It took Robert by surprise, but he surged forward towards Starsky.

Dobey, on the other end of the phone, heard the shot, scream and then couldn’t make out what was going on.

Starsky, fuelled by adrenaline and fury, was on his feet. He yanked Robert’s arm back, slamming him into the wall. The knife clattered to the floor. Hutch was trying to get a clean shot without hitting his partner, but his blurred vision wasn’t helping.

They rolled as Robert fought back but this time Starsky was ready. He tackled him, pinning him down. Hutch aimed the gun, his breath ragged as he steadied himself.

“Enough!” Hutch growled.

Starsky had Robert pinned.

Esther collapsed to the floor, clutching Rosie comforting each other.

Starsky looked at Hutch. “Call for backup.”

Hutch shook his head. “Not yet.”

He flinched as he nodded towards Rosie, who was trembling and clinging to Esther. Hutch’s blood covered hand cautiously rose to his head as his eyes flinched with the movement.

Starsky was holding Robert firm. His breathing was heavy, his blood seeping through his clothes from the knife wound to his shoulder. Hutch was clutching on to Starsky’s gun aimed at Robert, as he managed to get to his feet.  He stepped forward and kicked the knife away. Robert snarled but didn’t resist as Hutch cuffed him with trembling hands.

Starsky sat back, wincing, and Hutch leaned against the wall, one hand pressed to the gash on his temple. Their eyes met, the silent exchange. A nod as they scanned each other’s injuries, exhausted.

“You look like you’ve jumped out a moving car,” Starsky joked, their own way of reassuring each other it’s over.

“Humph. That was yesterday.”

Then, they realised they could hear the muffled sound of Dobey shouting and the crackle of the phone.

“…Hutch? Esther? Can anyone hear me?!”

They turned. Esther had dropped the phone during the chaos, and it hung from the coffee table. Starsky limped over and picked it up.

“Captain,” he said hoarsely, “we’ve got it. Everyone’s safe. Esther will call you back.”

Hutch crouched down beside Rosie, who clung to Esther.  He kissed the back of her head, then looked over at Starsky.

“Let’s keep it quiet,” Hutch murmured. “No sirens.”

Starsky nodded. “Yeah.”

Outside, the evening was drawing in. They sat, weakly waiting for back-up to arrive, and looking at the wreckage in the house.

The back-up arrived silently. It was the attending officers that called the paramedics for the partners. While Esther called Edith, Rosie stayed with Starsky and Hutch.

“Hey Rosie, I got a joke for you.” Hutch rolled his eyes at his partner. “What yah call it when cows are watching someone?” Starsky paused a moment before answering, “Stakeout.”

She giggled.

“Uncle Starsky I know one, I know one. What did the policeman say to the snowman?”

“Hmm…was it about his carrot nose?” Starsky asked, causing Rosie to giggle again.

“No, silly, the police man said, ‘Freeze!’”

Esther decided to gather some things for her and Rosie and booked them into a hotel. She reassured Rosie that they would visit Starsky and Hutch in hospital the next day. Starsky also put in a request, for a snow man picture to remind him of her joke.

The paramedics had told them that they’d be kept in at least overnight and they knew they had to accept it. Hutch wasn’t going to let his partner go home too soon when he’d been knifed. Starsky wasn’t going to let his partner go home after a second head injury in the same number of days.

 

Chapter 11

The next day as promised, Esther and Rosie called in at the hospital to visit Rosie’s favourite uncles. The Dobeys had called Esther and Rosie several times the previous evening and Harold kept in touch with the precinct during the night. He had also called the hospital to check on their condition. Edith had packed and they were ready to return home early morning.

Much to Starsky and Hutch’s surprise, Esther had convinced them not to rush home. Esther had been adamant that their anniversary was not going to be spoilt because of her bad choice in men.

While Rosie sat with Hutch, Esther quietly told Starsky what had caused Robert to turn nasty. He had heard her tell Edith that Robert hadn’t known Harold was the captain of the Bay City Police. When he was originally annoyed, she’d thought it was because she had kept it a secret. But the angrier he got, the more he told her, how he was only with her for her money. Then he’d found out Starsky and Hutch had gone to his hotel and asked about him. He had thought he’d smoothed it over with Dobey playing the widower, who found it hard to love again. But he had panicked that they would see through his story now.

He’d told Esther he’d get her to empty her bank and then she’d meet the same fate as his late fiancée and late wife. She looked over at Rosie. “I don’t know what would have happened if you two hadn’t turned up!”

They were interrupted when Huggy walked into their room. “I can’t leave you two alone a minute without you picking up two lovelies.”

“Huggy, meet Esther and Rosie,” Starsky said, gesturing to them.

“Huggy by name, Huggy by nature,” he replied, giving Rosie a little hug and tickle while she sat on Hutch’s bed. “As for you Esther.” He walked over to her, “My, My, Esther Jones and Betty Boop are mere shadows of your beauty.” And he took her hand flamboyantly and kissed it. “Come lend a hand, let’s make it snappy…coffee for our friends will make them happy.”

“Mr Huggy.” She gently pulled her hand away from his.

“Call me Huggy. Actually, just call me!”

Starsky and Hutch rolled their eyes at each other.  Only Huggy could hit on Dobey’s sister-in-law after what she had just gone through.  As they left the room to go to the canteen, Huggy sang, ‘I wanna be loved by you alooone…A-Boop-Oop-Be-Doo!’ and they heard Esther laughing.

They burst into laughter the thought of what Dobey would make of it if Esther and Huggy became a couple. Rosie joined in the laughter not knowing what was so funny.

Then suddenly they turned to each other, realising they’d get the blame for introducing Huggy to Esther. Their laughter stopped immediately. They suddenly sat upright in their beds. The panic in their voices was heard as they shouted in unison:

“HHHUUGGGEEE!”

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Author’s note:  The story behind Betty Boop is that her iconic “boop-oop-a-doop.” The overall persona were heavily inspired by a Black jazz singer named Esther Jones, also known as Baby Esther, but neither she nor the Fleischer Studios received significant credit or compensation for it. The white singer Helen Kane sued the studios for stealing her image, but during the trial, it was revealed that Kane herself had copied Esther’s act, which led to Kane’s lawsuit failing and Esther being further overlooked. The controversy highlights the exploitation and erasure of Black artists’ contributions in the entertainment industry, as Helen Kane profited from a persona she had taken, while Esther Jones received nothing.