It Will Never Be Goodbye

One partner gone, one lost.

Author’s Note: Thanks to Lapfordlass for her assistance with this story.

“I hate it here, this place. This is not how I pictured these days. We were supposed to grow older (then we are) together, side by side. Why did you do this to me, Gordo? There is no more Me and Thee, huh? Now, it’s You and Him and just me. Well, I don’t like it! I feel like my left arm is missing and half of my heart. Your kids and grandkids seem to be doing okay now; let me tell ya it was rough for a while. Marcie’s holding up okay. She’s so strong but, but I notice the joy that used to flicker in her eyes is still gone. I doubt it will ever come back. I believe you put that in her eyes. Uh, don’t get me wrong; she’s okay. Stacie and the Hutchinson brood is seeing to it buddy.“

Tears silently rolled down his cheeks. “Damn buddy, I miss you, much. Why did you have to jump into the fray of that hold up? I know, I know. I woulda done the same thing; once a cop but always a cop. It just doesn’t make it easier for your partner, ya know. It’s hard to believe best friends and partners for sixty years. That’s all water under the bridge now, Gordo. We have a lot of good memories, fun stories and shared in each others pain over the years since our academy days; each other to lean on through the difficult times. Now, I don’t have you, of course, I wouldn’t trade any of our family; just wish you were here to share life with. I wish I knew for sure you were okay up there.”

The breeze picked up and ruffled Hutch’s gray thinning hair and in the distance an engine revved and cars tires squealed.

Hutch gave a soft snort

“I hear ya buddy! I know it will never be goodbye for us. I love you, Starsk. See ya one day.”