Leaves and Lies

135

This story tests the faith of Starsky and Hutch’s partnership. When Hutch is abducted, his belief in their connection becomes a source of strength. Yet, his captor aims to break both Hutch and the faith he is relying on. Will an emotional wound heal in time for Hutch to support his partner?

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Chapter 1

Hutch sits removing another brittle leaf from the plant, leaving only the stem with a dead leaf. He looks at their plant. It had once brought a touch of life to their desks in the squad room. The plant had even survived when Hutch had been undercover long term. When his assignment had finished, Starsky admitted to neglecting the plant, giving it little attention. Even then it had survived. But now, for no reason its fight for life was over.

“Hey, Mr Green Fingers, what happened to it?”

Hutch pauses, his puzzled expression doesn’t change. “I have no idea. It was fine on Monday.” He looks over the plant one last time for any sign of life.

As Hutch is studying the remaining dead leaf, Officer Wilson enters the squad room looking for Officer Palmer, his partner. He notices the dead plant in Hutch’s hand.

Officer Wilson is a good officer but not as good as he thinks. Starsky often feels looked down on by him. He’s ambitious and professionally frustrated after repeatedly failing to gain promotion. He clearly resents colleagues who are successful. All reasons they find it difficult to click with him.

Wilson looks over at Hutch. “You need to visit to Petal Power. The quality of their plants is fantastic. My wife swears by them.”

Starsky wants to roll his eyes at Wilson but refrains himself for once.

“Petal Power?” Hutch thought he knew all the local nurseries but hasn’t heard of it.

“Down Elm Ridge, the florist. Has a quaint little nursery, at the rear.”

Starsky tips his head back, closes his eyes and bites back his smile knowing what his partner is thinking. This time he can’t control himself, “Thanks Wilson. Guess we’ll have a detour on our way home now.”

“Oh, come on, Starsk, we’re knocking off early.” Hutch knows that look on his partner’s face. They’ll go but he won’t hear the last of it. “We can pick up pizza on route to my apartment. My shout. Order whatever you want. We’ll have time before the game starts.”

Starsky looks up at him, considering the offer. “Okay.” He can’t say no to his friend, not while he’s been looking so sad about their plant.

“I might see you there,” Wilson says as he turns and leaves the office.

“Thanks Wilson,” Hutch calls out after him.

 

Chapter 2

As agreed, on the way home they call in at Petal Power. “I’m amazed I never knew this was here,” Hutch says, looking around at the impressive stock of plants.

“Yeah, she said they’ve been here a whole two months!” Starsky kids while he pats Hutch on his shoulder, stopping at the cactus display. “How about this prickly little fella?”

“Don’t we meet enough prickly characters…”

“Ouch…gone off that!” Starsky interrupts, putting the cactus down and looking closely at his thumb.

“This is the one,” Hutch says enthusiastically, holding up a plant. “Maranta Fascinator, Prayer Plant.”

Starsky looks at the plant Hutch is holding up proudly. “I like the leaves. Flashy like a certain friend of ours.” Hutch knows exactly who he means.

“Detective Starsky. Detective Hutch. You found it then,” Wilson says loudly as he joins them and nods to the man stacking the shelves behind them.

Hutch is in his element with all the plants. “I’m glad I did. There is such a good variety in here. But honestly, drop the ‘detective’,” Hutch replies, eagerly still glancing round the shop.

Wilson and Hutch start talking plants. So Starsky leaves them to it, already bored with the conversation. As Starsky returns, he gives Hutch a gentle nudge. “You paid yet? We still gotta go get the pizza.”

After they watch the match, Starsky stands putting his jacket on to leave Hutch’s apartment. He turns to Hutch and reminds him the new plant is for their desks, not for his personal collection.

Hutch assures Starsky that the only reason it isn’t in the kitchen, where it should be, is so when he walks past it in the morning he won’t forget it.

 

Chapter 3

Starsky sits up startled. He’d fallen back to sleep after turning his alarm off. Thankfully, Hutch hasn’t arrived yet to complain about him not being ready.

Sipping his coffee, he notices Hutch is 15 minutes late. He feels a prickle of concern, although tells himself not to be paranoid.

Starsky phones his partner. He tries to push down the feeling something is wrong. Dobey had ordered Hutch to bring his car in for a radio check. It had genuinely been playing up recently and they could not afford to be caught in an emergency with a faulty radio.

As his partner’s answer machine clicks on, he hangs up the phone. Instantly redialling, with trembling fingers, he asks to be patched through to Hutch via radio.

As he waits, he wonders what he will say to Hutch when he gets through. But he doesn’t really care. At least he’ll know things are okay. Hutch will only tease him for a while.

Dispatch comes back on, explaining Hutch hasn’t booked on yet or responded. Starsky’s stomach sinks. With a blink of his eye and an unusually curt response thanking them for trying, he hangs up and is out the door. He’s hoping Hutch will have a good laugh at his expense, for overreacting. But he can’t ignore the bad feeling he has.

Turning the last corner too fast, it isn’t just the screech of his car tyres that screams out. His gut turns on seeing the old Ford outside Hutch’s apartment.

He leaps out of his car, gun in hand, taking the stairs in threes. He reaches Hutch’s apartment door, finding it open slightly. Adrenaline running high. Inside he finds nothing. No Hutch. Nothing out of place. No signs of a struggle. Nothing until he turns seeing it, Hutch’s python hanging up in its holster.

Starsky is dialling automatically. “Captain!”

“Starsky! What’s the excuse this time?” Dobey barks, his voice unusually gruff. A split-second pause and this tone completely changes. “What’s happened?!” There is something about the way Starsky has paused. Something is wrong, very wrong.

 

Chapter 4

Dobey can’t just sit back. Hutch is missing and he knows how this will be impacting Starsky. Those two aren’t just partners, they’re family to each other, and to him. Dobey has seen it before. When one of them is hurt or in danger, the other partner carries the pain.

That’s why he heads straight to the apartment. He wants to be there, not only as a captain, but as someone who cares. He’s already called for back-up and forensics to go, but right now, his priority is Starsky. If anyone needs support, it’s him. Dobey isn’t about to let him face this alone. Or let anyone else arriving deal with the wrath of Starsky if they arrive first. At times like these both detectives become unpredictable.

He finds Starsky pacing Hutch’s apartment, muttering to himself repeatedly. “Not slept in. Bottles on side. Holster in place. Nothing! But something. Something’s off. I feel it. Not slept in…” Starsky repeats it like he is stuck in a loop, unable to stop until he finds what he is looking for.

“Starsky?” Dobey steps forward, gently interrupting him.

Two officers arrive in Hutch’s doorway. Dobey holds his hand up to them, indicating for them to wait. Starsky continues pacing and repeating himself. Starsky unconsciously nods to Dobey as he circles the coffee table slowly again. He’s like an eagle about to strike at any moment. Dobey stands to the side, watching as Starsky pushes the coffee table to the left a couple of inches with his foot.

“There…see that!”

Dobey looks down at the floor but can’t see what Starsky’s eagle eyes are studying.

Starsky turns suddenly, his attention completely changed. His eyes scanning the room. “Where’s the plant?!” He rushes to the kitchen. “He didn’t put it here!” He turns to Dobey. “Need prints off that plant pot.” Starsky says, pointing to a plant in the kitchen. “Coffee table and over there. It’s Hutch’s blood.”

Dobey is kneeling on the floor studying the area which Starsky had been so interested in, he looks at the plant Starsky is pointing to.

“Starsky, what’s so important about the…” Before Dobey can get up on his feet or finish the question, Starsky is gone.

They know someone has Hutch. Dobey knows, somehow, the plant is a lead to who has him. But Starsky hasn’t explained how he knows.

 

Chapter 5

Hutch comes to, his head throbbing with pain. His wrists tied tightly behind his back by rope, cutting into his skin. It’s cold, damp and the smell reminds him of his grandfather’s woodshed. The stale air tells him he’s underground. He delays opening his eyes in case he has company. Opening them, makes no difference. It’s pitch black. He listens intently to the silence. Testing the ropes, only cause them to cut deeper into his raw skin. Pushing back, his fingers flicker, scraping the gritty floor searching for anything sharp to cut the rope. Nothing. He is only ripping his fingers and wrists more. Fear increasing, as he realises, he has no option, but to wait.

“Starsk, I need you, buddy.” It’s said softly, full of faith in the power of their partnership.

Hutch hears something scrape the floor above. Heavy footsteps echo down to him as he hears pipes rattling. He knows he’s about to meet his kidnapper.

A door creaks. A slice of light cuts into the darkness. “’Bout time pig! So, who are you? Hutch or Starsky!”

‘Hutch, then Starsky?!’ He doesn’t recognise the raspy voice. He squints up at the silhouette in the doorway, trying to make out the shape. “I’m Hutch. Who are you, and why am I here?” Hutch now knows the man doesn’t even care which partner he is.

“Wanna know…you pigs didn’t care who I was when I needed help!” The bitter response is harsh.

The brawny man stands tall. His got a slight shuffle as he steps forward more into the light. Hutch’s eyes are stinging as they adjust to the sudden brightness. The man is grinding his teeth so much Hutch can hear it. He looks weathered, like someone who works outside but Hutch doesn’t recognise him at all.

“Ever lost someone you love? I mean, never knowing what happened to ‘em. You worry day and night! You pigs didn’t care! Then they lied, stopped looking.”

“The police wouldn’t lie to you,” Hutch responds defensively.

“That’s what you think! But I know!” He halts abruptly.

“My wife and son. They disappeared. I looked everywhere…reported them missing. Oh, you pigs found ’em all right. Wouldn’t tell me where though! She told ‘em I was violent. Why’d she have to lie?! Take off, taking my boy from me. Everyone believed her!”

The man shouting at him is now standing over him. His words echoing in the windowless area. Hutch knows there’s more to come. His wife had definitely done the right thing.

“Lies,” the man spits out. “All of it. You think it’s right? My Mrs, taking my BOY from me?! Pigs know where they are!” The man laughs to himself, but there’s a darkness about it. “They know what it’s like now! The not knowing. Your partner will never know!”

Hutch knows the man is in denial. He’d never acknowledge his actions, only justify them somehow. “That’s why I’m here?” Hutch asks.

“I love her! They mean the world to me.” The tone’s lighter now. “She’s sensitive.” The man’s anger is increasing, as he reaches for something at the back of his waistband.

Hutch sees the glint of the gun. “You may have loved them. But all you’re feeling now is anger. It’s not the pain of missing them. My partner Starsky, he’ll be in pain. That’s what will drive him to find me. Then he will track you down.”

“He’ll never find you! Huh, they never found the other pig!” The man aims the gun at Hutch’s head. “I’ll make it quick and painless for you. It’s your partner, so-called loved ones, who’ll suffer.” Every word is bitter, as if it were Hutch’s fault his wife had left him.

“Starsky will find me! Even if I’m dead. Then he’ll HUNT you down.” Hutch knows Starsky is already being driven by the pain he is in to find him. He hates knowing Starsky will blame himself for not finding him in time. Hutch knows it will eat him up until it kills part of him. “You don’t know Starsky. He won’t ever give up!” A hard kick to his stomach takes his breath away.

“You think he’s better than me? He ain’t! He’ll try. Try his best. But he’ll never find your body.”

“Wish I could see your face when he finds you!” Hutch catches his breath in pain as another kick hits his ribs. Hutch’s fists scrabble uselessly as he curls tightly in the fetal position as much as possible, with his arms behind his back.

“Shut up about your goddam partner!” the man shouts, standing astride him. The weapon shakes in his grip. It’s aimed directly at Hutch’s head.

Hutch last show of defiance is staring up into the barrel of the gun. “Starsky, sorry partner.”

Surprisingly, the man doesn’t fire. He kicks him.

“Starss…will…finnndd…” Hutch barely manages to speak as kick after kick slams into him, striking pain deeper with every contact. He hears the laughter and shouting. Telling him to shut up about Starsky. But he want Starsky’s name to be the last word from his mouth. It’s then when Hutch realises the man hates his faith in his partner. Starsky who is stopping a bullet, without even being there.

“Starrrsss…”

 

Chapter 6

While Hutch is fighting consciousness. Starsky races through the traffic, arriving at Petal Power in record time. The car screeches to a halt outside the shop, startling Angela, the shop owner, who’s putting pots of flowers out.

As Starsky practically leaps from the car, his jacket flaps open. Angela immediately sees his gun and steps back from him.

“I was here yesterday!”

Starsky see’s the fear in her eyes. He introduces himself and shows his police ID and apologises for startling her. He asks if she noticed anyone else in the shop when they were there. He’d been convinced it was someone who had seen them at the shop. Someone else who knew about plants and had moved the new plant to the best place for it. However, although it was the exact place Hutch said he wouldn’t put it, he was beginning to think he had read too much into it. Was it really connected to Hutch’s disappearance? Now, it seems he might be grasping at straws. But he knows if they had been followed, they would have seen it. It is an unconscious habit to check for a tail, on or off duty.

Angela recalls the only other customer bought compost. Starsky realises that the description she gives is of Wilson. She is sure there hadn’t been anyone else at the time. They were the last few customers of the day.

“Detective, I’ll call Barry. He’s had to take a couple of days off, his boy’s ill. But he may recall if there was anyone else.”

“Was he here at that time?” Starsky hadn’t noticed any other members of staff.

“Yes, he helped me lock up. He’ll be happy to help.” She pulls out a book from a drawer and flicks through the pages. “Here we go. Barry Watkins. Oh…I do apologise. I don’t have a telephone number for him. Would you like his address? I’m sure under the circumstances, he won’t mind.”

“Thank you.” Starsky takes the address. Angela explains Barry’s often out at the back, helping customers.

As Starsky drives to Barry’s address, he knows it’s his only chance of getting a lead to find Hutch.

Starsky’s constant knocking on Barry’s door brings out an elderly neighbour. Showing his police ID, he introduces himself. The gentleman explains Barry is away. When Starsky asks about Barry’s son, the neighbour is confused as he lives alone, joking his plants are the closest to a family he has.

Immediately, Barry goes from someone that may be able to help, to being the prime suspect. The neighbour continues, explaining that’s why he has the apartment key. To water Barry’s plants. Nevertheless, he jokes how Barry hadn’t trusted him with all of them and had taken a box of plants with him. The neighbour agrees to let Starsky into the apartment, but only if he’s present. He has to go in to water the plants and can’t see any harm in it.

Entering the apartment, Starsky feels like he’s entered a greenhouse. Plants are in every room. The neighbour explains Barry knows which plant likes to be where. Starsky enters the kitchen and sees a huge plant. It’s the same type of plant they had bought the day before. It was ten times the size of their little plant. The plant that had been moved into Hutch’s kitchen.

Hutch knew the plant should go in the kitchen. But he’d said he’d leave it on the table to remember to take it, in the morning. Starsky wonders if his partner’s caring side would be able to neglect the plant’s needs, even for one night. But one thing Starsky trusts, is Hutch’s word. It is top of the list. Then one thing he doesn’t believe in is coincidences.

Starsky looks round the apartment, while the neighbour is watering the plants. Eventually the neighbour joins him saying he’s all done and ready to leave.

Starsky knows it’s Barry who’s taken Hutch. He isn’t off looking after a son. He doesn’t have one. He’s gone because he has Hutch somewhere. Starsky must find the connection between them and find Barry fast to find Hutch. Quickly thanking the neighbour, he explains officers may call on him later.

‘Hold on partner, I’ll find you. Hold on.’

 

Chapter 7

A jolt of pain brings Hutch to. He tastes his blood and regrets even the slightest movement. He feels a slight give in the ropes around his wrists. It’s enough to ease the pull on his shoulders but not enough to free him. He shifts desperately, for a little comfort, but finds none.

Earlier, when the light was on. He’d seen an old rusty hoe which may be sharp enough to cut his hands free. Gritting his teeth, he begins to slowly shuffle towards it in the darkness.

‘Starsky, I need you. You found me last time, against all odds. I thought I was a goner. Trapped under my car. How many times can we beat the odds? Perhaps this is it, buddy. Don’t feel bad, we’ve had a great run. I don’t tell you enough, you’re my best friend…in the whole world. Don’t blame yourself. Who am I kidding, I know you will. But I know you’ve done everything in your power to save me, to find me. Remember the time…’

A door slamming upstairs, brings Hutch out of his thoughts. It’s followed by a flurry of furious muffled shouting. Hutch freezes. Instinct tells him Starsky is behind the rage somehow. The thought gives him a surge of faith and hope. But the hope doesn’t last. The noise of heavy footsteps cross the floor above, then creak near the door leading to him. The light comes on, blinding him. His vision adjusts to the light.

“Starsssk will find…” His voice breaks as the first kick lands in his lower back.

“Never!” the man practically spits out.

“Ssssstars…” Hutch is hauled up before he can finish, slammed onto an old wooden table that feels like it’s barely holding up to the impact. Hutch’s body takes the force, sending pain through him. “Sssstarrrkkky…”

“You think he’ll find you? You’re wrong!” The words hit harder than the fists that follows.

‘Hurry, can’t take much more. Starsk hurry.’

 

Chapter 8

Starsky is radioing in for a full background check on Barry Watkins as he drives to the precinct. He’s approaching the squad room, as Officer Collins hurries to catch him.

“Here’s the report,” Collins says, handing Starsky the folder. “Barry reported his wife and son missing. The officers found his wife. She’d left him. Domestic violence and Barry didn’t take it too well. He wasn’t charged but…”

Starsky senses there’s more, “Charlie, what aren’t yah telling me?”

Collins hesitates. “I’ve included a missing officer’s report, Officer Michaels. He was one of the officers who found Barry’s wife. He…disappeared. No sign of foul play, but he’s never been found.”

Starsky continues walking and reading the report. He’s unaware everyone’s moving out the way as he sits in Hutch’s chair. He dials the other precinct to speak to Officer Morgan who had been on the case. The silence before the Morgan speaks drags worryingly. He knows Barry has Hutch. He knows he has or had Officer Michaels. All the time Collins’ words are replaying in his head. ‘Disappeared. No sign of foul play, but he’s never been found.’

Starsky is quick to explain the reason for the call. When the Officer Morgan speaks, his voice is steady, but full of pain. Starsky knows the sound all too well as he continues, barely holding back anger.

“Barry’s wife…told us he needs control. If he can’t control a situation, he turns violent. It got worse over time.” Morgan pauses. Starsky hears the grief seeping through. “Sometimes he’d regret it. Other times he’d blame her. She was terrified, just hearing his name made her tremble…We believed her. We…still do.” His tone softens, clearly thinking of his partner. “But she was too scared to press charges. And now…” He can’t continue.

The hope, Morgan desperately held onto, has changed to fear. Fear of having to accept his friend is dead. Of never being able to let go of the guilt, of not finding him in time. Fear he will never find his friend’s body. That Michaels will never be laid to rest. Starsky knows this because these are his greatest fears.

Eventually the conversation continues. As Starsky listens, his grip tightens on the receiver. Each detail screams out that Barry is unstable and extremely dangerous. The officer’s voice keeps tailing off. However, Starsky hears every unsaid accusation that Barry is responsible for Michaels’ disappearance.

“Barry denied everything, but his temper was dangerous. He blamed the law, for him losing his son. We told him how to get legal help. But he’d become so angry we had to draw our guns and threaten to arrest him. He said he didn’t usually react that way, blaming it on shock of what his wife accused him of, and running of with his son.”

The officer’s voice hardens, “He was our prime suspect when Michaels disappeared. But without evidence, the law was on his side. He sympathised with me in his interview. Said he knew what it felt like, searching for someone and holding onto hope.” Starsky understands. Barry had taunted the officer. “I had to push for the warrant to search his grandfather’s lodge.” Morgan gives Starsky the address and detailed directions. It is obvious the details are as clear to him as if he has been there yesterday, not months ago. “I know he killed Michaels. One day I’ll prove it. And I’ll get justice for my partner. I’ll bring him home.”

Starsky hangs up, attaches a note on the file, and practically throws it on Dobey’s desk. He rushes out to the lodge address. He knows the property was searched as part of the Michaels’ case. But doesn’t know if Barry still has access to it. He can only hope Barry might be brazen enough to go back there and take Hutch with him.

After all, Barry’s neighbour had only mentioned a rucksack and a box of plants. Barry had to be going somewhere he knew. Knew that well, he was prepared to take his precious plants. Is it too obvious for Barry to take Hutch there? One wrong turn could mean losing Hutch forever. He can’t afford to waste a second.

 

Chapter 9

While Starsky drives, he thinks about what Morgan said. Barry thrives on control and power. Could going back to the lodge give him a sense of control and power? There still isn’t any link between Barry and Hutch. He will have no reason to suspect the police are on to him. Hutch had just been a customer who’d bought a plant. He wouldn’t even know what Hutch did for a living. With all they go through on the job; he can’t lose his best friend by a random act of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. But Starsky knows it happens. Then he recalls Wilson calling them ‘Detective’ in the shop and wonders if Barry could have overheard him.

Time is of an essence, but with each twist and turn he drives, it forces him to slow down. The road surface changes to a loose gravel track, crunching under the tyres. The track narrows and the car brushes the overgrown bushes. He sees the turn off as described by Morgan. It is more overgrown than expected. However, he can see the grass has been recently driven over. The flattened track marks help to lead him. They give hope but also warn him to be cautious.

Although it’s morning, the overgrown trees block out most of the daylight. Only shards of harsh light slip through the gaps in the trees as he drives up the narrow track. Starsky can almost feel Hutch calling out for him. His hope roars inside him. He’s getting closer. At last, an old sign appears, Hidden Hollow Lodge.

Starsky is expecting a large cabin, thinking Morgan had exaggerated about the property. Instead, the track opens to a large gravel area in front of a run-down large house in the middle of nowhere. Arriving at the lodge, whatever car had previously used the dirt track is not there now. The house is run down and looks like it’s sagging. A sad reflection of the home it must have once been. However, regardless of the grim setting, it raises hope of finding Hutch. But also brings dread of being too late.

 

Chapter 10

Starsky cautiously pulls his gun as he gets out of his car. He’s on high alert, stepping carefully on the rickety steps to the house’s veranda. Is he sensing Hutch’s presence, or is it just wishful thinking? He’s running on adrenaline, hope and faith in their partnership.

The steps creak with every movement. The front door opens at a mere touch. Starsky steps in, someone has been staying there. The stale air carries the faint scent of smoke and sweat. There are empty beer bottles and water bottles scattered everywhere. He looks for confirmation if it’s Barry, or someone who has stumble along the empty house. He feels an overwhelming sense that Hutch is here, calling him in pain. ‘I’m coming, buddy. I’m here, where are you?’

Starsky opens a door. It’s the lounge. There on the floor is a large rucksack. But it’s the orchids on the table that catch his attention. They’re Barry’s precious orchids.

Outside, the gravel is crunching under Barry’s shoes. He realises a wider car has gone up the dirt track since he left the house. Barry leaves his car and walks up to the house. He doesn’t want his unwanted guest hearing him coming.

Starsky turns just as Barry appears in the doorway. The deafening sound of gunshots breaks the silence. Bullets narrowly miss Starsky, splintering wood beside him. But Starsky’s bullet finds its mark. Barry collapses, clutching his side.

“Too late,” Barry mumbles. His tone is filled with smugness. “You’ll…not find him.”

Starsky’s heart pounds, refusing to believe him. “Where is he?!” Before he reaches Barry, Barry’s trembling hand lifts the gun, aiming it at Starsky. Starsky has no choice but to shoot.

Starsky has seen enough bullet wounds to know he has no chance of getting anything out of Barry. He isn’t even sure if he will make it. ‘You gotta to be here, buddy. Just gotta be!’

Starsky rushes to the radio, calling it in. Instantly he returns to search the rest of the house for his partner. He checks everywhere, finds an old basement area, which is more like a storm safe and storage area. Nothing, but they have both learnt their gut instinct on the job is usually right, especially in regard to their partner.

Then, in the corner of the kitchen, he notices fresh scuff marks on the old lino. He throws a rug out of the way and finds a trapdoor. He yanks it up, finding it leads down to a narrow set of steps, but he can’t see to the bottom of the steps. The air is damp and heavy. He takes the steps he can see from the light from the kitchen. Then holds his hand out in front of him and finds the pull light switch. The area is as deep as the main basement. Looking round as he steps down, there, sprawled on the cold floor, Starsky sees Hutch. He’s immediately by his side, checking for a pulse. It’s slow and weak. “I’ve got you buddy. I’m here.” But there’s no response. Hutch’s skin is almost grey and cold to the touch.

Starsky checks his partner’s injuries and releases his tied hands. As he does, Hutch moans softly. Even the sound of pain sounds good to Starsky at this point. Starsky removes his jacket and wraps it round Hutch.

“Gotta leave yah…just a second. Be right back, hang on, buddy.” He radios in ‘officer down’, grabs one of the new bottles of water for his partner. Then he gathers blankets he’d seen earlier in the lounge. He knows he must get Hutch’s temperature up.

He hears the backup arriving. Dobey’s first to find them in the basement. Starsky is wrapped around his partner, gently rocking and talking. In the poor light, it looks too late to Dobey.

Starsky’s hands are trembling as he holds Hutch closely, his voice barely steady. “Hey buddy, Dobey’s here. Brought the cavalry. Be in a warm comfy bed before you know it?”

“Sssstttt…”

“Hey…I got you.” Starsky bites his lip and looks away, pure relief flooding him. “I’m here…I got you.”

The paramedics join them, assessing Hutch who is weakly clinging onto Starsky and all the time drifting in and out of consciousness.

 

Chapter 11

Hutch can feel a touch of warmth. It radiates a deep security with a sense of comfort reaching him through the haze. Without opening his swollen eyes, he knows the reassuring
can be.

“Star…” a sharp pain in Hutch’s side catches his breath.

“Stay still, I’ll get help.” Starsky is quick to react.

The pain passes as quick as it came on. “No…stay.” Hutch turns his hand over, loosely wrapping his fingers round Starsky’s hand. “Found me.” The words escape almost as a soft breath.

“We’ll always find each other.”

“Star…” Hutch’s eyes tightly close and he takes a sharp breath.

“I’ll get help.” Starsky stands but Hutch’s hand clasps a little firmer.

“Barry?” Hutch asks softly.

“ICU.” Starsky voice cracks, and he wants to pull his hand away from Hutch’s hold. But Hutch gives a comforting squeeze, telling him not to.

“Stta…” His hand tightens in a spasm, then loosens as the pain passes. “Not…your fault.”

“You’re in pain! I’m getting a nurse.”

Hutch’s hand has loosened but he manages to hold on. “No…not your fault.” His voice is low, but his tone and eye contact is firm.

“You don’t know that!” Starsky replies weakly.

“Yes, I do.” He knows Starsky did not shoot to kill. He wouldn’t unless it was absolutely necessary. And he can’t have done as Barry would be in the morgue if he had.

“Yeah well, I was…”

“Worried? It was self-defence.” Hutch finishes his partner’s sentence.

“I’m still worried. Let me get a nurse.”

Hutch can see the pained concern look in his partner’s face. He gently squeezes Starsky’s hand before he lets go of it. “If it makes you happy.”

The nurse comes to check all the machines attached to Hutch and gives Hutch some pain medication.

“And as for you, Detective Starsky. You have five more minutes, then it’s home to bed for you!”

“Hey, we haven’t even had our first date!”

The young blond nurse is blushing. “You haven’t left once since your partner was brought in. Either you leave and get some rest. Or matron will call your captain.”

Hutch bites back a laugh, already feeling the pain in his ribs as he shifts in the bed. Starsky’s eyes narrow, catching the twitch at the corner of Hutch’s mouth.

“What’s so funny, huh? You’re supposed to be flat out, and now you’re laughing at me? Some partner you are!” he says, giving a cheeky wink to the nurse.

 

Chapter 12

“See you later, I’ll bring in your stuff in,” Starsky says as he watches Hutch, who is clearly tired but determined to stay awake.

“Go home, looks like you haven’t slept for weeks.” Hutch winces a little as he shifts his weight.

“Thanks,” Starsky says, standing and putting on his jacket.

“Hey, if I can’t be honest with you, who can?”

Starsky is happy to have their normal banter back, although something is missing.

“You too, Hutch, get your beauty sleep.”

“Sstt…” But Hutch can’t say it, can’t say Starsky.

‘Think quick.’

“Straight to bed, buddy. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.”

“Yeah, yeah I know.”

Starsky turns and leaves without looking back, realising what is missing but not knowing how to fix it.

A wave of nausea hits Hutch. He knows it’s due to worry, rather than sickness. At least has covered up not being able to say his partner’s name without Starsky catching on. ‘What’s a friend for if they can’t be honest. I can’t even say your name, buddy.’

Every time, Hutch attempts to say Starsky, he is stopped by pain. He couldn’t even say it, alone in his room. Even thinking it made him uncomfortable. Starsky his best friend, his partner. The person who’d found him yet again, against the odds. The last few days, it was thinking of Starsky that gave him strength to keep going. Even though he wasn’t there, the mention of him had stopped Barry from shooting him. Barry hated the faith he’d had in his partner.

Hutch is beginning to realise that it is no coincidence that pain hits him whenever he tries to say his partner’s name. Hutch had used Starsky’s name, used it to bait Barry. He’d called out his name for help. Called out his name when in pain. Now the more he tries to say ‘Starsky’, the worse it becomes. For the first time ever, he hopes the hospital will take their time in discharging him. That Dobey, will keep Starsky so busy he can’t visit. It hurts him to think like this. But he knows it much if he knows. He keeps trying to say ‘Starsky’ until the pain is too much to bear.

 

Chapter 13

At the precinct Dobey walks through the squad room. He’s surprised and worried to see Starsky. He calls him into his office, concerned Hutch’s condition has deteriorated. Starsky needs to go home, he hasn’t slept for days. He is looking like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He leaves Starsky for a moment and calls the hospital. Hutch is doing well, better than expected so Dobey wonders what is wrong with his partner. He rejoins Starsky, who is unusually reluctant to speak and seems to be struggling to even form words. Dobey knows this is more than tiredness and hunger. Starsky is holding something back. Something that’s causing him a great deal of distress.

Internal affairs has given Starsky the all clear for Barry’s injures. He knows Hutch is safe, albeit having a broken arm, minor fractures, internal bruising, dehydration, and suspected concussion. So what is preying on Starsky’s mind?

Dobey tells Starsky to go home to rest and have something to eat before returning to the hospital. But Starsky then asks him to visit Hutch as he doesn’t think he’ll return to the hospital until the morning. That hits Dobey like a ton of bricks. Something is seriously wrong. In the past he would have had to order him to leave Hutch’s side while he is recovering in hospital.

Before Dobey can ask Starsky what is wrong, Starsky flees the room.

 

Chapter 14

Dobey’s about to enter Hutch’s hospital room as the matron stops him, explaining the doctor needs to speak to him. He knows the doctor well. He’s a formidable doctor whom he respects. But the doctor looks unusually solemn as Dobey sits down.

The doctor explains that he feels Starsky is the cause of Hutch’s current condition. Dobey is shocked but the doctor justifies his concerns by saying that Hutch is now only in pain when Starsky is there. He adds that the monitors have recorded several spikes reflecting pain during the time of Starsky’s visits. The doctor says that his notes show that Hutch had also needed additional pain relief at the time. And on top of that two nurses had reported seeing Hutch in pain when he was trying to say his partner’s name.

Dobey almost laughs in disbelief. “I can assure you this is a misunderstanding. Starsky wouldn’t hurt a hair on his partner’s head, even if his own life depended on it.”

“That’s what the two nurses said who came to me. But they were torn because of what they’d seen and heard. Your two detectives have quite a reputation in the hospital and are very well liked.” The doctor stood up behind his desk. “However, we both know people, who have been beaten or killed by their so-called friends or loved ones. Unless you can convince me otherwise, I will not allow Starsky to visit him.”

Dobey’s hand slams on the table as he rises to his feet. “You can’t do that! Hutch needs Starsky, as much as Starsky needs him.” Dobey voice is firm, but he can tell the doctor seems genuinely concerned. “Sorry, but I know these men,” Dobey says apologetically and sitting back down on seeing the doctor looking very uncomfortable. “This is a misunderstanding. I will speak with Hutch myself,” he adds more in control.

“Captain, I sincerely do hope that my suspicions are wrong.”

Apologising for his outburst and shaking the doctor’s hand, Dobey thanks the doctor for bringing it to his attention as he leaves the office.

 

Chapter 15

Dobey’s pleasantly surprised to see Hutch propped up in bed. But like his partner, he’s clearly worried about something. As they talk, Dobey notices that Hutch doesn’t say Starsky’s name. Is he imagining it, because of the doctor’s concerns? Either way he knows the doctor is wrong. Perhaps Hutch always refers to Starsky as partner, friend, buddy, anything but his name.

Dobey starts talking about the new diet Edith’s put him on before trying to find out what’s going on. “I just met with the doctor, said you can be discharged tomorrow. You’ll need to have someone stay with you of course. Who will I say so he can talk to about what to do?” Years of practice in interrogations made it casual and seamless, although he didn’t need to ask.

Without thinking, Hutch opens his mouth, “Star…” Crippling pain stops Hutch from saying ‘Starsky’ in full.

“Ken, you okay? You need anything?” Hutch shakes his head. “Ken, I’ve been here an hour. Not once have you said ‘Starsky’. And not once have you been in pain. The doctor suspects Starsky…”

Hutch immediately knows what’s coming and interrupts: “How could he think that! He saved me, saved me even though he wasn’t even there!” Hutch is obviously distressed. “You know he’d never, could never…”

“Take it easy, son. I know Starsky would never hurt you.” However, Dobey is still concerned. “Unless you tell me what’s going on, they won’t allow Starsky to visit you.”

“I’ll discharge myself! He’ll take me home, they can’t stop me!”

“I know, but will that help? You need to talk to me.”

Hutch lowers his eyes. “He saved me…I said he’d find me dead or alive.”

“Alive, thank God,” Dobey quickly adds. “Talk to me, Ken. Tell me everything you haven’t even told your partner.”

Suddenly, Hutch can’t hold it in anymore. He goes on to explain that Barry hated the faith he had in Starsky finding him. How Barry had been ready to shoot him when he had come to. But instead, he became determined to break Hutch’s faith in his partner.

Hutch’s voice trembles as he tries to get the words out, eyes avoiding Dobey’s. “Every time I say his name…every time I try to say ‘Sssst…” He pauses, breath hitching. “Barry…he just…he hit me…kicked me. Said if I…stopped saying his name, the pain would stop.” He closes his eyes. “He told me…I could either die slowly, in pain…or take a single bullet to the head. Sick choice…either way, I he was going to kill me.” Hutch lowers his head even further. “Hhee found me…just in time.”

Dobey steps forward, voice low but firm. “Hutch…listen to me. You’re here. Starsky may have found you, but you kept your faith in your partnership and that’s why you are here now.” He understands now where the doctor’s concerns had come from. “You’re not alone in this. You’ll get you through it.”

“I can’t say my partner’s name! I keep trying, I keep trying…but it hurts! What do I do?” Hutch wipes his face with his hands.

As Dobey listens now, knowing every injury physically and mentally Barry had inflicted on Hutch, he knows being unable to says his friend’s name, is by far the worst injury for him.

Dobey has never seen Hutch so mentally torn apart. “Son, he won’t care what you call him. You know that!” But Hutch remains looking defeated. “He’ll understand. In time the pain association will go.” He reassures Hutch and says that he’ll explain it to the Doctor.

Dobey’s surprised as Hutch asks him to talk to Starsky about it. He agrees to speak with Starsky in the morning, explaining he has sent Starsky home for the night. Hutch misses his partner but could tell he’d been running on fear and adrenaline. It was inevitable that he would crash as soon as he hit his bed.

As Dobey about to leave, Hutch asks if they’d found the bodies, explaining that Barry had said his body would join the others. Dobey had been at the house the entire day that Hutch had been found with forensics and the officers securing the site. No bodies had been found there.

Heavy in thought on leaving Hutch’s room, Dobey almost walks into Officer Wilson. Dobey tells him not to disturb Hutch as he is resting and heads to the doctor’s office to explain what Hutch has told him.
As he does, he sees the genuine relief in the doctor. They discuss how phantom pains feel undeniably real. He calls a colleague, arranging for them to call on Hutch first thing in the morning to start therapy.

 

Chapter 16

That evening, Starsky calls Dobey, asking about Hutch. Dobey can hear how concerned Starsky is and decides not to wait to the morning. He explains how Barry had hated Hutch’s faith in Starsky. And how Hutch was feeling that he’d somehow betrayed their partnership, by using his name to bait Barry. Bait Barry to beat him, rather than pulling the trigger. Starsky is even more angry with what his partner has gone through. He knows exactly how his partner can overthink things and twist himself up in knots.

“I should’ve…found him sooner,” Starsky says adding, “I don’t care what he calls me.”

“No one could have found him any faster than you did.” But Dobey knows until Hutch is fully recovered, Starsky will feel that way.

Dobey tells Starsky he’ll be taking a team back to the crime scene in the morning for a thorough search of the property for any previous victims. He purposely doesn’t include Starsky and tells him the doctor is reviewing Hutch’s condition in the morning, to discuss plans to discharge him.

Starsky is restless after coming off the phone. He’s hardly paused since discovering Hutch was missing. He sits to watch tv, but in his mind, all he keeps seeing is Hutch curled up, broken on the floor. Feeling the dampness and smell where Hutch had been held. Seeing the mess and smell of the house. His mind turns to Officer Morgan, whose help led to finding Hutch. He hadn’t even called him but decided to call him first thing in the morning. Morgan had never found Michaels, his friend and partner, but he hoped this would help reopen the search.

After a while, he gets a cold beer from the fridge. He takes a long cool sip from the bottle and places it on the table. He picks up an old bottle that he doesn’t even remember drinking and almost drops it as he reaches for his phone, dialling Dobey.

“Capt.”

“Starsky?”

“Yes. The bottles!” he blurts out.

“Starsky, you need to explain yourself.”

“It had old plumbing, I heard it.” He’d heard every noise while holding Hutch waiting for the ambulance. “He wasn’t drinking tap water. A place like that has a nearby water resource. That’s where the bodies are. That’s where Michaels’ body will be.” Starsky turns noticing the photo of him with Hutch. His voice softens. “Call his partner. He’ll need to be there.”

 

Chapter 17

Starsky collects his partner from the hospital. Driving, he can almost feel the ache in his partner’s body and his mental turmoil.

“Hey, Blondie. Your brain’s on overtime. No need to worry, just call me ‘Stud’, like the ladies,” he jokes, flashing a crooked grin to his partner.

“Funny…guess he told you? Thought you hadn’t spoken today.” Hutch still looks heavy in thought.

“Haven’t. We spoke last night. I don’t care what you call me. Within reason, of course.” Starsky pulls up and parks outside Hutch’s apartment. “Let’s get you inside.”

Starsky helps Hutch out of the car.

“Thanks, Bozo.”

“Hey not nice, not nice at all,” Starsky says, playing hurt. “Stud’s definitely more fitting for a babe magnet like me.” But Hutch although trying is still in physical and mental pain. Starsky drops the conversation knowing he’ll pick a better time to continue it.

Starsky is making a rich scented coffee which already smells a thousand times better than what the hospital called coffee. Last time he’d been in Hutch’s apartment, he’d feared it might be too late for his partner. But Hutch is here resting on the settee. He can’t help but smile as he joins his partner, being careful not to knock his arm that’s in plaster. The silence between them is unusually awkward. Starsky misses hearing Hutch saying his name. But this isn’t about him. This is about Hutch.

“Buddy,” Starsky says. “It’s gonna be alright.”

Hutch looks up, his eyes saying how terrible he feels. “No, it won’t! What if. What if a gun’s aimed at you!”

Starsky forcing a smile. “Then you’ll shout at me.”

“What if I can’t?” Hutch’s voice low and full of concern. “What if…”

“No more what if’s.” Starsky interrupts gently, his hand finding Hutch’s hand. “We’ve been through worse.”

Hutch shakes his head, tears threatening. “But I can’t say your name.”

Starsky squeezes his hand comfortingly. “I don’t care,” he quietly murmurs. “You’re here…I thought I was too late.” He swallows hard and looks away.

Hutch hears the pain his partner has gone through. “You weren’t.”

“Blondie,” Starsky says as his strength returns to him, “We’ll get through this. Me and thee.”

For a moment, Hutch stares at him, the pain in his eyes slowly leaving. The silence between them, healing, and comforting.

Hutch leans against Starsky, getting comfortable. “Yeah, we are. Me and thee,” Hutch says.

 

Chapter 18

They find Michaels and another body yet-to-be-identified on the day that Hutch is discharged from the hospital. Dobey calls to let Starsky know. The partners are always protective over each other when one is injured. But clearly the discovering of Michaels body has hit Starsky hard. Starsky has barely let Hutch out of his sight since coming home. Hutch knows Starsky’s continued contact with Morgan is feeding his fear of losing him and making him overprotective.

Finding Michaels body was bittersweet for everyone. He is laid to rest with full honours, in a Line-of-Duty funeral.

A few days later, his murderer, Barry, dies in hospital. Some people consider it justice, while others believe he’d escaped serving a sentence. It didn’t help Starsky, he struggled knowing he had taken another person’s life—even Barry’s.

Hutch knows he is being moody with his partner, but he can’t help it. s been with him twenty-four seven, for days. They are working round the on-going problem they’d discussed only the once. Since then when it has been a taboo subject that he couldn’t say ‘Starsky.’ Starsky has stopped calling his partner ‘Hutch’ trying to ease it for his friend. But it doesn’t.

Hutch realises how much he misses hearing it and knows his partner must feel the same way.

Eventually, Hutch says he fancies a Starsky Special. He reckons sending Starsky out for food, his favourite, was the only way to get rid of him for at least an hour or so, with Huggy’s help. He thinks he’ll call a friend over, so Starsky won’t have any excuse not to leave him.

 

Charter 19

Officer Wilson is sitting opposite his partner, Palmer, listening to him joking with Hutch on the phone about sending his partner out to The Pits later. Palmer offers to drop in another day but then agrees a time so Hutch will have company.

As much as Hutch jokes, he enjoys his partner’s presence and help more than he would admit. But even the simplest telephone conversation is a struggle. It feels alien calling Starsky ‘Dave,’ as they’d agreed. He finds partner more natural, but that only works with people who knew them. So now and then Hutch tries saying ‘Starsky’ when he is not about to hear or see the impact. The doctor recommended that he thinks, and they talk about, all their good memories. ‘Don’t rush things, how many times do doctors say that?!’ Hutch thinks, getting frustrated again with himself.

When Palmer arrives at the apartment with some books for Hutch, Starsky tries every excuse under the sun to stay, but Hutch isn’t having it.

“Okay, I’m going. No shop talk, you two,” Starsky says, heading to the door.

“Don’t forget my extra salad.”

“You hear how my partner talks to me…extra salad!” Starsky opens the door, shaking his head. “I’ll put the radio on in case you think of any other requests, shall I!”

“Yes, you do that!” Hutch agrees as he leaves. Starsky walks down the stairs, hearing them laugh as he goes.

“How long you two been partners now?” Palmer asks, enjoying the banter of the partners.

“Too long,” Hutch kids. “But I wouldn’t want any other partner,” Hutch goes on, explaining how they had met at the police academy, became friends, and eventually partnered up.

“You’re lucky. Ever since Wilson’s wife left him, my partner’s a bear with a sore head.”

“I didn’t know she’d left him. That was sudden,” Hutch says sympathetically.

“No. He’s had so many chances. He believes his own lies, that’s his problem. Keeps saying she left him as he got passed over for promotion. You’d think six months later he’d accept it was his own stupid fault.”

Hutch froze. Palmer’s words hitting him like a blow. His mind replaying, Wilson had suggested the Petal Power shop. The shop Barry worked in. He’d called them ‘detective’ in the shop. Everything was connecting in his head. He must be wrong!

“His wife left him over six months ago?” Hutch asks urgently.

“Yeah, he’s drinking heavy too. One night, he got into a fight with some guy. Turned out his wife had run off with their son. Best buddies now.”

Hutch shoots to his feet, heart pounding, dread surging through him. A feeling his partner is in danger surges through him. He’s calling The Pits as Palmer’s asking him what’s wrong.

“Huggy, put him on!” There is a tinge of panic in his voice. Palmer knows Hutch is seriously worried about Starsky suddenly.

“Hello too. Curly’s already left,” Huggy explains over the noise in the background.

“Sorry, hello Huggy, thanks.” Hutch’s voice relaxes unexpectedly, and the strain fades away.

“Blondie, don’t worry. Curly’s got the grub, detouring to drop of one drunk badge back to his Mrs.”

Hutch’s stomach churns. “Who was it? Was it Wilson?”

Palmer hears the panic and his partner’s name.

“How’d I know! Heard Curly tell Mr Badge it wasn’t his fault, and something about plants.”

Hutch immediately redials, demanding to be patched through to his partner.

“Zebra Three, copy. Too late to add to the order, partner,” Starsky answers, glancing over at his drunken, sleeping passenger next to him.

“Starsky!” is all Hutch says.

All he needs to say. Starsky knows the warning tone. He drops the radio as Wilson jolts upright, grabbing the steering wheel. Hutch an hear tyres screeching and muffled noises. His breath catches as he holds tightly onto the phone listening to every sound.

Then there is the grinding of metal against metal as he hears the crash. Then silence. Complete silence.

 

Chapter 20

Immediately, Hutch hurriedly hobbles for his holster and car keys.

“I’m driving, you can’t!” Palmer snaps.

“Starsky was taking Wilson Home.”

“I know where he lives and the route he takes.”

Hutch quickly explains what he believes. It’s only when Hutch mentions Barry, that Palmer recalls that Wilson’s drinking partner’s name is Barry.

It isn’t long before they find the Torino, crashed into a truck. Hutch rushes forward, the driver’s side window is shattered and covered in blood. Starsky’s blood. He’s lifeless and slumped forward. Hutch carefully opens the door.

Starsky’s hair is wet with blood. Palmer has already called it in.

“Starsky, come on, buddy…open your eyes.” Hutch carefully moves his partner back into the driver’s seat. He’s out cold but Hutch find a pulse. He presses down on his partner’s head wound, stemming the blood flow. He knows how heavy head wounds bleed but can’t tell how much has been soaked up in his hair.

Wilson moans as he comes to. Palmer almost drags him out of the car, practically spitting out his rights as he cuffs him.

Starsky’s eyes flutter, as he groans. Relief surges through Hutch, but panic follows as Starsky’s breath becomes ragged and uneven. Hutch tilts Starsky’s chin to keep his airway clear. Hutch can hear sirens of the approaching ambulance nearing them.

“Stay with me, Starsk. Help’s coming.” Hutch keeps talking, filling the silence refusing to let Starsky close his eyes. The ambulance pulls up, but he dare not look away from his friend.

“Starsk, help’s arrived. Stay awake, Starsk.”

“Yyyoou…mee namme.” Starsky tries to lift his head to see his partner but flinches with the movement.

“Starsk, stay still. Don’t move.” Hutch tries to hold him still with his one good arm. The paramedics step in and take over from Hutch.

 

Chapter 21

Shortly after Hutch and Palmer are taken to the waiting room, Dobey joins them. Wilson is under arrest in his hospital room while being checked over. He’d been temporarily knocked out when the car crashed.

The doctor enters the waiting room. “Detective Hutchinson, I had hoped not to see you so soon after discharging you.”

“How’s Starsky?” The doctor is surprised that Hutch has already overcome the associated phantom pains.

The doctor explains Starsky’s lost a lot of blood but is stable and recovering nicely with mild concussion and only a few stitches. Hutch immediately asks to join his partner. But the Doctor asks him to give him a moment.

Starsky, as drowsy as he was, has asked the doctor to check on Hutch. He now understands the partners’ bond and why his accusation towards Starsky had been so unbelievable to Dobey. “I didn’t expect to see Officer Wilson so soon either.” He continues to say that he’d only seen him on official duty when sitting guarding Barry. This news takes them by surprise as Barry was in ICU. Dobey had known Wilson had been at the hospital, but he’d said he was there to visit Hutch. However, it now becomes clear that he’d already spoken with the doctor about Barry’s condition. That was the night Barry had died. They suspect he may have had something to do with Barry’s sudden death.

Hutch also suspects Wilson had killed the plant on their desk, to have the opportunity to recommend the Petal Power shop. He’d lied about it being his wife’s favourite shop as it opened after she had left him. It’s all circumstantial, but he knows how Barry felt about police. He couldn’t have known Wilson was a police officer. Hutch remembers how Wilson had called them detectives quite loudly in the shop yet normally he’d call them Starsky and Hutch.

Wilson had convinced himself he was next in line for promotion. But promotions didn’t work like that. Wilson had wanted one of the detectives dead, believing he would then be promoted into their position. He probably thought his wife would also return to him.

 

Chapter 22

The matron is frightening woman, but Starsky has taken a shine to her and gives her an unexpected hug and steals a kiss. She tightens her lips to hide her smile in front of the young nurses.

“Captain Dobey, please remove your men from my ward!” she says, trying to sound her usual stern self.

Dobey, knows exactly the impact this pair of detectives can have on people. He can tell she has a soft spot for them.

Dobey drives them back to Hutch’s apartment. Starsky insists on going there rather than his own to make sure Hutch is comfortable. He knows Hutch will have an eagle eye on him the next 24 hours, so it doesn’t matter where they are.

Inside, Hutch makes them all coffee. Dobey tells them to let him or Edith know if they need anything and reminds them the fridge is well stocked. Starsky and Hutch thank him and automatically look towards the kitchen. They both focus on the plant. The prayer plant that’s been returned and put back in the kitchen. They’d never really thought about it, but the prayer plant reminded them just how much they had to be grateful for.

Dobey stands watching his two friends, knowing they’re healing, physically and mentally. Hutch is physically recovering nicely and in full mother-hen mode over his Starsky. While Starsky is brushing him off, telling him he doesn’t need looking after. Then tells Hutch to sit down and take it easy as it’s him that has an arm in plaster. Dobey closes the door quietly, leaving them in the apartment. He’s thankful his boys are safe and now goes home to the rest of his family.