A Big Surprise

99

Starsky has a big surprise for Hutch. Will he like it? How will the surprise change their lives? Will the bond between them separate or be separated?

 

Author’s Notes: Thank you to Lapfordlass for being my beta for this story. Thank you to Lapfordlass for the loan of her sweet character, Mrs. Wilson.

Song: Tomorrow’s Child: written by Brian Neary and Enoch Anderson, first performed by David Soul 1977.

The sequel to this story is Things Nightmares Are Made Of.

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There was a knock at the door. He hesitated while stuffing some clothes and toiletries in a backpack to take to the hospital for his partner who would hopefully be coming home in a couple of days.

Hutch was in the hospital because two days ago while they were chasing after a punk from a liquor store robbery (at the edge of the warehouse district), the perp not so unknowingly ran into an abandoned building that wasn’t so empty. The rest of the perp’s gang was there waiting to play pinball with his partner.

As Hutch had entered the building, he was immediately met with a 2 x 4 to his head and a baseball bat was violently swung into his right shoulder. As Hutch was going down, he was still miraculously able to fire off a shot and eliminate one of his attackers. This stunned the rest of the gang. Ultimately their hesitation cost them their freedom.

*****

The visitor knocked again. Starsky sighed. “All right, all right. I’m coming. Just hold your horses.” As he went to the door, Starsky thought to himself that was probably Mrs. Wilson coming to inquire about Hutch’s condition since he had called her and asked her to look after Hutch’s plants while he was in the hospital.

He reached the door and pulled it open expecting Mrs. Wilson. He was surprised to see a young lady in her 30s, dressed primly and properly.

She said, “Kenneth Hutchinson, are you Kenneth Hutchinson?”

“No, but he’s my partner.”

“Partner?” she asked questioningly.

“Yeah, we are police officers. He’s my partner and you are?”

“I’m Mrs. Lang, Janice. I’m a social worker from Vermont and this is—”

“A-A Little Hutch,” Starsky broke in before she could finish.

Starsky knelt down on one knee and said, “Hey Tiger, I’m Dave Starsky. What’s your name, little man?”

The tow head blond raised his eyes to look at the man kneeling before him and gave him a short smile. The blue eyes were identical to his partner’s.

“My name is Camden James David Hutchinson. Everyone calls me CJ.”

Starsky was stunned as the realization hit him. Hutch was a father. “Who though?” he thought. Then remembered hearing her say something about Vermont, then it dawned on him—Abby!

Starsky came to his senses, realizing they were still standing in the hall and invited them in. Once they were in Hutch’s apartment. He got down on his knee again and asked, “How old are you, CJ?”

“I’ll be 4 next week.”

“Yeah, well then, we’ll just have to have a party.”

“Ok Uncle Dave.” (At hearing this, Starsky’s heart melted). Then CJ climbed up on the sofa and took a matchbox car out of his pocket and drove it around the armrest with heavy eyes, however he was soon asleep.

Starsky offered Mrs. Lang a cool glass of lemonade, while she relayed the circumstances of their arrival.

It saddened Starsky deeply to learn about the MVA that took Abby’s life. As a child who lost a parent, Starsky knew the pain and trouble it could cause. But he was thrilled for Hutch to learn that he had a son. If it weren’t for the accident, Hutch might never have known about CJ.

While CJ was sleeping, Starsky had offered Mrs. Lang Hutch’s bed for some much needed rest after the long journey. He assured her he would watch CJ and, in the meantime, he would get the ball rolling on arrangements.

His first call was to the Captain.

“Dobey here,” came the gruff salutation.

“Cap, I need to see you over at Hutch’s place and bring Perkowitz from child services with you.”

“Starsky, what’s going on?” asked Dobey.

“Cap, I’ll explain it all to you when you get here.”

Starsky’s next call was to the hospital. He was unable to speak to Hutch due to the fact he was asleep. He left a message with the nurse saying that he would be in later and something had come up that he had to address urgently.

*****

Thirty minutes later there was a rap on the door. Starsky opened the door and greeted Captain Dobey and Perkowitz then showed them in.

“What’s going on, Starsky, and why do we need child services here? The last time I looked you and Hutchinson were adults. Although, I do question that regularly!”

Starsky stepped aside, revealing a sleeping CJ on the sofa.

Both the newcomers gasped and simultaneously said, “A little Hutch?”

“Yeah, apparently.”

“Where and who is his mother?” Dobey inquired.

“Dead, but his mother was Abby Crabtree.”

“You mean the girl who was hurt and sexually assaulted in this apartment a couple of years back?”

“Yep, one and the same. I would question all this, except for this little guy is nothing short of a miniature version of my partner.”

Hearing the voices, Mrs. Lang had woken and joined the small group. She and Mrs. Perkowitz went off to sit at the table and go over documents. Despite Abby claiming that Hutch was the boy’s father and him looking like a dead ringer for him, Mrs. Lang stated that (according to Vermont law) before custody could be transferred, a DNA test would need to be completed. In addition, there would need to be a life care plan and necessary will adjustments for the boy’s protection.

Amongst the conversations came a “Daddy?”

On hearing the little boy, Starsky walked over to the couch and knelt down. “Hey Tiger, I see you are awake. No, your Daddy isn’t here right now, but there are a couple of people I would like you to meet,” he said as he was scooping the boy up, then returning to the group.

“Captain Dobey and Lady Perkowitz, I would like for you to meet Camden James David Hutchinson or CJ for short.”

CJ then thrust his hand forward for the greeting and, as he did so, Starsky saw him wet his lips.

Putting the boy down, Starsky said, “Hey little man, are you thirsty?”

“Yes sir,” came the reply.

As Starsky was moving towards the refrigerator, he asked, “Do you want some milk?”

“Cow or goat?”

“Knowing your Daddy, I’m sure it’s goat milk.”

“Okay and I’m hungry too.”

Starsky was rolling his eyes about the fact the kid already knew about goat milk. He saw some turkey and some veggie wraps and pulled them out along with some cheese. Then he swiped a couple Molasses cookies out of the cookie jar and added them to the plate. Once the sandwich was made, he set the plate down on the table and said, “Come on CJ, climb up here and dig in.”

CJ obliged, climbing up into the chair and looked at the food and said, “Healthy junk. Mamma, my M…” and tears burst forth.

Starsky picked CJ up and started crooning to him softly, while rubbing circles on his back.

After a couple moments, CJ pulled back from Starsky and said, “Thanks for the hug. I like you, Uncle Dave.”

Ms. Lang, who was unfamiliar with the detectives, was moved by the ease of which Dave interacted with CJ. She looked at Captain Dobey for confirmation that what she was seeing was true. Dobey nodded in affirmation.

As he moved to the phone to make arrangements with Edith, Dobey said, “Looks like he already has a place in David’s heart right next to Hutch.”

As they were preparing to leave, Dobey said, “Edith is expecting you all for dinner at 6p.m.” Then he looked down at CJ and further stated, “CJ it was a pleasure to meet you and I will see you this evening.”

“Thank you, sir,” came the response.

After the others left, Starsky asked CJ if he was ready to meet his Daddy.

“Yes, yes!” came the enthusiastic reply.

“Well first, I have to ask you a question. CJ, do you know what a hospital is?”

“A place to die,” CJ whimpered and began to cry again.

Starsky pulled him in close, realizing how smart this little guy was and that he wouldn’t lie to Hutch, so he had to be honest with CJ. As he was wiping tears from the boy’s face, he answered, “Sometimes, but that’s not going to happen with your dad though.”

*****

A while later with Mrs. Lang and CJ in the waiting room, Starsky made his way into his partner’s room. He entered slowly and found Hutch awake and his blue eyes searching him for injury. Relief washed over his face, as he saw Starsky was not injured and he said, “Hey.”

“Hey yourself,” came the reply.

Starsky approached his partner’s bed warily and perched on the side of Hutch’s bed. He took a deep breath and said, “Hutch I’ve got to talk to you and what I have to say will change our world.”

“What, what is it Starsky, just tell me, huh?” Hutch said with increased concern.

“Okay,” he took a shaky breath. “When I was at your apartment this morning packing some things for you, someone knocked on the door. The lady at the door asked if I was Kenneth Hutchinson and I told her no, but that you were my partner. She then told me she was a social worker, a social worker from Vermont. A Mrs. Lang. Then she proceeded to tell me that Abby died in an automobile accident about a week and a half ago. The accident was not her fault, but her life was lost.”

Hutch visibly paled at hearing this and there was a palpable sadness that filled the room as both men separately remembered how much Hutch had loved her. After a couple of moments Hutch said, “Why would a social worker be coming to see me? I don’t understand. What’s going on, Starsk?”

Starsky could see that his partner was getting riled up and didn’t want to cause any undue stress on his body because he knew that Hutch needed to be calm to meet his son. He said, “Listen to me, Blintz, you have a child, a son. His name is Camden James David Hutchinson, or CJ for short.”

Starsky paused, allowing this information to sink in.

Then Starsky reached into his jacket pocket and handed Hutch a letter, after removing it from the envelope. He went on to say that the letter was from Abby. “The social worker said it would help explain some things.”

Hutch began to read.

Dearest Ken

“If you’re reading this letter, then something unexpected or unplanned has happened to me. I want you to know that I never stopped loving you. I wish I had had the strength to remain after the attack. I fled cowardly wanting to escape the memories, not you. My decision to flee Bay City ultimately cost us a life together. For that, I am deeply sorry.

I’m sure, by now, you have learned that you have a son. His name is Camden James David Hutchinson (CJ). He got his name from the three most important men in our lives: our grandfathers and your partner, David.

I learned that I was pregnant about six weeks after I returned to Vermont. I was terribly scared, still trying to process the things that occurred with Tommy Marlowe. Worried to death about who the father was. I had a physician and an attorney scour through all the public documentation they could find on Marlowe. Ultimately the lawyer found a case where a doctor had indicated his patient having been confirmed as being sterile. Therefore, I knew with certainty that the baby was yours, even though I never really ever questioned it, I just had to be sure. I have always made an effort for CJ to know who his father was. Our apartment had pictures of us together. I would tell him stories of you and David. I had friends send me articles about your life and the arrests you and David had made. I wanted our son to know what a good man his father was.

Ken, CJ is an inquisitive, intelligent little boy with a strong moral compass that was present even at an early age. He wears his heart on his sleeve, like his father. He can also be excruciatingly stubborn at times, also much like his father.

My plan was not to keep you from him or him from you. I was trying to gain the courage to bring you into the fold of our lives, knowing that I would have to come back into your world. Obviously, that never happened if you are reading this letter. For that I am truly sorry. I never stopped loving you, Ken. Please understand that this was the hardest decision I ever made next to leaving Bay City.

Ken, I have no doubt you will love and care well for our son. I ask three things of you. 1. Please don’t let your anger over these circumstances keep you from loving our son. 2. Please don’t let him forget me. 3. No guilt, it serves no purpose. I know you will love and protect him; I’m not concerned about that in the slightest.”

Love, your beautiful flower, Abby.

Hutch’s eyes filled with tears as he looked up at Starsky and handed him the letter to read. Starsky took the letter and instead of reading it, he pulled Hutch into a hug. After a few moments Hutch pulled back and asked, “I really have a kid?”

“Yeah, buddy you do and he’s a terrific little guy.”

Hutch momentarily fell back on his pillows then startlingly lurched forward, attempting to swing his legs over the bed, fighting pain and nausea. The sudden movement caused all color to drain from his face.

While gently pushing Hutch back on the bed, Starsky said, “Whoa there, Bronco, where are you trying to go, huh?”

“Starsk, I’ve got a son, I gotta get to him.”

“Hold on pal, he’s out in the waiting room with Mrs. Lang, the social worker from Vermont. I wanted to tell you about him first.”

Hutch asked Starsky to read Abby’s letter before going to get CJ. After Starsky finished reading Abby’s letter, he said, “She was obviously true to her word as CJ seemed to know me and even called me Uncle Dave and referred to you as Daddy from the start.”

“Go get my boy, will ya, Gordo?” Hutch smiled at the thought of a son.

*****

After Starsky located Mrs. Lang and CJ in the waiting room, he nodded to Mrs. Lang confirming that everything was OK. Then he crouched down to CJ and asked him if he was ready to see his daddy.

The boy nodded an affirmative, then got off the chair and started to take off down the hallway from which Starsky had come. Starsky cut him off and said, “Hang on Tiger. First, I gotta tell ya a couple of things.”

CJ obediently stopped and looked at Starsky with worried eyes, just like his partner did when he was troubled. Starsky shook his head, wondering how he was going to handle two Hutchinson’s. Then he said, “First little man, I got some rules to tell ya. You have to be good and very quiet because kids aren’t supposed to be in the hospital unless they are sick. Secondly, your daddy has some big injuries. He’s got a big band-aid on his head and his face is a different color because of the injury. His arm, well shoulder,” he corrected, pointing to his right shoulder, “got bent wrong. So when the doctors patched him up they put his arm in a sling (which is like a tunnel for his arm) but keeps him from moving it until it’s all better. So, we gotta be real gentle with your daddy. Do you understand?”

CJ pulled in his bottom lip and bit it while also reaching up to rub the back of his neck, again nodding in affirmation. Again, Starsky thought he was so much like his partner.

“Come on, little man, let’s go see your daddy.” As Starsky and CJ were walking down the hall, Hutch’s nurse came out of another patient’s room. She stopped cold upon seeing them. She croaked out, “Oh my, what did you do to your partner?” She was shocked by the uncanny resemblance of this small child and her patient, as they were nearly identical.

Starsky opened the door and showed CJ in to the room, then with a great deal of fanfare and flamboyancy he introduced them to one another.

Hutch spoke first saying, “Hey there cowboy, nice name and I’m sure glad to meet you.”

The Hutchinson smile that Starsky had come to love, was now plastered on CJ’s face.

“Yeah?” came the questioning response.

“Starsky, why don’t you help CJ up here.”

Starsky complied and soon the two were engaged in a myriad of topics. After a few moments, Starsky knew that both were content, so he slipped out into the hall. He talked to Mrs. Lang and sent her in to speak with Hutch while he tracked down Hutch’s doctor to see if he couldn’t get him discharged this evening, knowing that there was no way, wild horses, or doctors would keep Hutch from his son.

After locating the physician and doing some explaining and fast talking, Dr Mitchell relented with two conditions. Those were: he would expedite the TBI protocol and if Hutch could handle the changes without adverse reaction then later in the evening, he could be discharged. The second condition was two-fold, which consisted of near bed rest for 36 hours and the consumption of large amounts of fluids, but no alcohol. Then as an afterthought he added, “Any symptoms or non-compliance, you bring him back in.”

“Thanks Doc, I’ll make sure he follows the orders to a tee,” Starsky said as he eagerly shook the physician’s hand.

As Starsky was returning to Hutch’s room, he was surprised that it seemed like there was no noise coming from within and was instantly worried. Tentatively he pushed open the door. The sight before him for the second time that day melted his heart. He looked at the bed and saw two blond heads asleep, Hutch with his head laying down towards CJ’s. Their expressions were identical, that of an innocent little boy with one side of his mouth upturned in a peaceful smile. Starsky looked around further and saw that Mrs. Lang was sitting in the chair. At making contact, she rose so they could step out in the hall to speak.

*****

The dinner crowd that night consisted of Starsky, CJ, Mrs. Lang and the Dobeys for a dinner that was promptly served by Edith. Introductions were made all around and everyone enjoyed the delicious meal that Edith had prepared. All were engaging in casual conversation. After dessert the children went to play. Starsky noticed how Cal was open and welcoming to CJ, but it didn’t go unnoticed that Rosie was unusually quiet and subdued. While Cal was entertaining CJ, Starsky walked over to Rosie and said, “Hey swchweetheart,” in his best Bogey impression, “You’re awfully quiet tonight. What’s going on, little lady?”

Rosie slowly looked up into Starsky’s eye with her own chocolate orbs glistening with moisture and asked, “Will Uncle Ken still love me?”

*****

Janice and Edith had retreated to the kitchen to stow the leftovers and finish cleaning up from dinner.  Janice said, “Are they always like this? I have never seen two men so at ease with a child and the love they have for one another is more than I have with my own siblings and I thought we were tight.”

Edith replied, “They are very special men and have laid down their lives repeatedly for one another and our family over the years. Harold and I have come to think of them as sons. Harold has never been able to openly acknowledge that fact, because they report to him. But I know he loves them as much as the kids and I do.”

*****

Starsky was still crouched down next to Rosie providing reassurance that Uncle Ken and himself would always love her and she would also be the most special girl.

Overhearing Starsky and Rosie, Cal came up to his sister and said, “Hey Rose bug, don’t worry about anything; it’ll be all right. I felt much the same as you are right now when I found out you were coming into our lives. A person’s heart never gets full. It just grows with the more people that they get to love.”

“You think so?” asked Rosie, bringing her eyes up to Cal and then to Starsky searching.

“I know so,” said Cal and Starsky nodded his affirmation.

*****

Around 8:00 PM, Starsky and CJ returned to the hospital to collect Hutch. Edith had insisted Janice be their house guest for the couple days she would be here getting CJ’s parentage settled and complete the case transfer to the child services department in Bay City.

Arriving at the hospital Starsky again reminded CJ of the hospital rules and to be gentle with his daddy. CJ acknowledged his understanding with a head nod and as they were walking down the corridor he said, “Uncle Dave, why didn’t my mommy and daddy live in the same place? Was it because daddy’s a policeman?”

Starsky gulped and swallowed hard, not wanting to reveal the facts but not also wanting to lie, so he said, “Something like that, but one day your daddy will tell you more.”

“Thanks Uncle Dave for telling me.” Starsky rumpled his blond head as they entered Hutch’s room realizing how much CJ was like his father.

“Hey,” Hutch said as they entered. CJ’s eyes lit up and he gave a full smile as he saw his dad. Then, he looked to Starsky, who nodded go ahead, so CJ climbed up on Hutch’s bed and snuggled close for a minute, then he asked, “Do we get to go home, daddy?”

“Yeah son, we do,” Hutch said as he smiled brilliantly in response.

As CJ was climbing down, he noticed that Hutch was already dressed. He whirled around with attitude and pointed his little Hutchinson finger at his daddy and said, “You’re not ’spose to sleep in your clothes. It’s not right.”

“You know you’re right CJ, but I was so excited waiting for you and Uncle Dave that I couldn’t wait a minute longer to get dressed. I’ll do better,” said Hutch.

At hearing CJ and seeing his Hutchinson finger go out to his daddy, Starsky couldn’t contain his laughter. Hutch gave him an icy glare just as the nurse was entering the room with the discharge paperwork.

*****

Once they arrived back at Venice Place, Starsky, CJ, and Hutch made it up to the apartment. Starsky knew that Hutch was hurting a lot more than he was letting on. Huggy was still there when they arrived as he had brought some groceries and a cot for CJ to sleep on until different arrangements could be made.

Hutch introduced CJ to Huggy.

Huggy said, “Nice to meet ya, little Blondie.” Then he said that the Dobey kids had brought a few toys and things for him to do.

“Really?” questioned CJ with his eyebrows raised.

Huggy pointed to the corner in the alcove where there was a small stack of children’s books some cars, coloring books and crayons. Next to the alcove, the cot was made up into a bed with fluffy pillows and a small table for a nightstand.

Hutch was taken aback by how much love CJ had received from his friends. It was quite an overwhelming day and made him feel blessed and exhausted at the same time. His head was spinning, and fatigue was starting to claim him. Starsky knowingly picked up on this and said, “Hey, how ‘bout we get you a snack and ready for bed little man? Your daddy is looking pretty tired.”

After the snack and teeth brushing, Hutch tucked CJ into bed and gave him a big hug and kiss. He also told him he was glad to have him with him.

As he was walking away. CJ’s small voice said, “Daddy. Will you sing me a song?”

Hutch walked back over to CJ, kneeled and in his soft angelic voice started to sing:

What song to sing my tomorrow child
Still so small and new?
What shall I say to show the way?
What games to play with you?
The world turns quickly now
And changes every mile
What shall I say to show the way?
Tomorrow child

 I can’t tell you what your life will be
Time will show you roads that I can’t see
And if they carry you away from me
Then go with love
Whatever travels you may wander through
Whatever wonders you may someday do
Take my lullaby along with you
And go with love
Tomorrow child

CJ was asleep before Hutch finished the song.

Starsky said, with glistening eyes, “Beautiful Hutch, just beautiful.”

As they returned to the living room, Huggy was returning from the kitchen with three root beers and doled them out after both were seated on the couch.

Huggy said, “I propose a toast to daddy Hutch.” They clinked their bottles and sipped the cool soda.

Hutch said, “I can’t believe I have a kid. I’m sorry I found out under the circumstances. It’s going to be tough for CJ.” He looked knowingly at Starsky, who was all too familiar with losing a parent as a child. Hutch knew of Starsky’s pain and inner anguish surrounding his father. Although CJ was much younger than Starsky was when he lost his pop, the pain and the trauma were the same.

Starsky said, “Yeah it sure changes things.”

Hutch looked around his apartment and realized it was no place to raise a child, that CJ would need his own room. He needed a yard and a place to play. He said, “Hey Hug, looks like I need to find a different abode. Can you reach out to your realtor cousin and have him start looking for me possibly somewhere in Venice, but the place has to have a yard. I guess it’s time to put grandfather’s trust to good use.”

“Consider it done, my friend. We’ll find you and Little Hutch a place real soon. My man, I can’t believe how much that kiddo looks like you and his mannerisms are so you.”

“Tell me about it,” Starsky said laughing. “He’s already given his daddy the Hutchinson finger.”

They laughed and then Hutch yawned, the yawn was not missed by Starsky or Huggy. Huggy decided it was time to leave.

After seeing Huggy out, Starsky said, “Come on ya big Lummox, to bed with ya, doctor’s orders. You have probably overdone it already.” When Hutch didn’t argue, Starsky knew how exhausted he actually was.

*****

At 3:00 AM, Starsky woke to the sounds of muffled whimpering and sniffling. Listening for a second, he realized it was Hutch not CJ. Starsky rose from the couch and went into the bedroom. What he saw when he entered the room made his heart skip a beat as Hutch was awake with CJ nuzzled into his chest.

“How long?” asked Starsky.

“A little over an hour,” came the reply.

“You okay?”

“Yes, no, hell, Starsk, I don’t know,” Hutch said, moving to get up.

Starsky assisted in carefully extricating him from CJ. Starsky then helped a woozy Hutch out to the couch. Once seated, Hutch dry scrubbed his face with his unencumbered hand and let out of breath, puffing his cheeks.

Starsky said, “It’s been a heck of a day, Blondie.”

“Yeah, sure has. I am still trying to cope with the fact that Abby’s gone and then to learn that I have a son that’s almost 4 years old, that until today I had no clue about. It’s all overwhelming; plus the fact I now need to deal with securing appropriate housing, daycare, and everything. Man, you weren’t kidding when you said what you had to tell me would change our world.”

“It’s alright, Hutch, we will get through this like we do everything else partner. Me and Thee!”

“Yeah, but this is not a little matter. It’s the rest of our lives,” said Hutch.

“I know buddy, and I’m not going anywhere so it will just have to be Me and Thee plus little We. Got it, Blondie?” Hutch nodded his understanding.

*****

Two days later in the evening, Mrs. Lang called to give Hutch the results of the paternity tests and offered congratulations. She stated they would file the necessary paperwork with the court and that Hutch would need to make adjustments to his will and also designate a caregiver, should something unfortunate happen to him. Then they would go to the courts and transfer parentage to the rightful father. He had just gotten off the phone with Huggy and had made plans to look at four houses tomorrow. He relayed this information to Mrs. Lang as well.

Later that evening, after Hutch had made calls to the attorney to get the ball rolling on the will changes and to check on the amount of funds in the trust he planned to dip into, Hutch was in a state of pleased shock. His intention was to sell Venice place to help pay for his new accommodations. He was astounded to learn how the trust fund had grown as he had never paid attention to the initial trust amount, but the overseers had managed it fabulously. He was pleased to know his son would be well cared for and he wouldn’t have to work another hour, even if he lived to be 148.

With CJ in bed and sleeping peacefully, he went out to the couch and sat next to his partner. Then said, “Hey Starsk, I got something I need to ask you; it’s a huge favor.”

Hearing the pleading voice of his partner Starsky looked from the latest creature feature he had been watching and turned the TV off, and pivoting towards his partner asked, “What’s up?”

Hutch took a deep breath and said, “I wanted to know if anything ever happened to me that you would take CJ in and be his parent?”

Starsky was totally moved by Hutch’s request, he looked at his partner and said, “No, because nothing’s going to happen to you. But if something does then yes! Are you sure you would want me to raise your son?”

“There’s nobody I trust more with my life or his than you, buddy.”

“Yes Hutch, I would be honored but deeply saddened.”

*****

The following day was both tiring and exciting for they had spent the entire day house hunting. Although all the properties would have been acceptable thus far none felt right. They were at the last home when Rocco hurriedly came up to Huggy to tell him about a couple listings that might be just what Hutch was looking for. They decided to check them out. The two properties were side by side on the beach, in Venice.

The properties were owned by a man who recently died. His only living relative lived in New York and worked on Wall Street. He had absolutely no interest in the beach front property and was more interested in a quick cash transaction, so he could further his investments. Both homes were perfect and, with Hutch persuading Starsky to move to Venice and be his neighbor, Hutch bought them both. The transactions were swift due to the fact there wouldn’t be any financing involved.

On Thursday, Hutch had to meet with the District Attorney’s office about a case going to trial. He had not been cleared to drive so Starsky and CJ accompanied him to the station. Quite a few heads were turned as Starsky and Hutch walked down the corridors with CJ between them. Hutch stopped and made many introductions. The sentiments were the same–a little Hutch. While Hutch had left CJ and Starsky in the squad room—Starsky working on reports and CJ coloring and reading—Captain Dobey came out of his office and greeted the youngster.

CJ got up and said, “Good afternoon to you to Mr. Doobie.” There were snickers from detectives Miles and Bretz over the mispronounced name and before anything else could be said, CJ whirled  around raising his little Hutchinson finger and said to the men, “That’s not nice.”

Dobey said, “Why don’t you just call me Pappy, son.”

“Honest?” asked CJ. Dobey nodded.

Then he said, “OK Pappy.”

After getting coffee, Dobey returned to his office. The other detectives in the squad room looked at Starsky and shook their head, marveling at the fact that CJ was so much like his father. Bretz said, “Yep, just like his father.”

Starsky nodded his agreement.

*****

On Saturday, there was a small semi-impromptu crowd gathered at Huggy’s for a very special birthday. In attendance were Captain Dobey, Edith, Cal and Rosie; Simmons and his wife Marla and their two kids, Jared and Keri; Babcock and his wife Janice and their toddler Michaela; Mrs Ramos with Kiko and Molly; Minnie Kaplan, Mrs. Lang and of course, CJ, Hutch and Starsky and his steady girlfriend Ellie. Hutch’s parents were flying in two days later due a conflict with Dr Hutchinson’s surgery schedule. Everyone had a great time. Dobey’s gift was the most touching. He gave Hutch six weeks of paternity leave and six weeks for compassionate partner leave for Starsky for them to get moved and settled in and for Hutch to find suitable childcare arrangements for CJ.

Richard Hutchinson stayed only three days, and Margaret six days, but both had said that they would be back in a month or so when Richard had some free time in his schedule to be able to spend time getting to know their grandson. While they were in town, Margaret and Edith helped Hutch find childcare for CJ. With the assistance of the women, Hutch settled on Megan a 22-year-old daughter of a police officer in the 12^th precinct, who was studying to be a teacher for gifted children.

The next couple of weeks we’re a whirlwind of activity. Hutch was able to get everything moved into their new place and had received CJ’s things from Vermont that Mrs. Lang had shipped out. All the court documents had been finalized. Starsky was easily able to sell his Ridgeway apartment and put the funds into repaying Hutch for the beach front property, not because Hutch needed the money, but Starsky didn’t want to leach off his best friend and partner.

Hutch’s arm was no longer bound to his chest, but he was still relegated to the sling, mostly due to the weakness in the arm and the significant discomfort that was still there, but he could drive short distances now.

One sunny afternoon, Hutch was putting together some lunch when he heard a yell, “MOMMY WAIT!” Hutch abandoned his lunch preparations and reached the front balcony as he saw CJ was starting down the stairs. He quickly grabbed his son and said, “Hold up there, partner.”

CJ looked at his father with unharnessed tears freely flowing down his face and cried, “Mommy.”

Hutch pulled his son close and looked toward the coastline and saw a woman who resembled Abby jogging down the shoreline. His heart skipped a beat too. Pulling his son even closer he bent and picked him up, crooning softly to the boy.

After a few moments CJ asked, “Daddy, why did Mommy die? How come we didn’t live with you? Uncle Dave said you would tell me why one day, can you tell me now, please Daddy?”

Hutch took a shaky breath, then looked at his son and said, “I’ll tell you what, cowboy, let’s go pack our lunch and we’ll take a walk and talk.” Hutch knew he couldn’t stand still while discussing the pain of Abby leaving him because of Marlowe’s attack. Hutch still felt like an utter failure for not being able to protect the woman he loved. Now he’s able to see even more what there could’ve been with Abby.

While slowly walking down the shoreline Hutch said, “Ya know, son, it is alright to talk about your mom and to ask questions about her.”

CJ looked up into his dad’s eyes with intensity and said, “Really? I thought you would get upset and go away too.”

“What? Why would you think that?” asked Hutch, dropping to one knee to look into his son’s eyes. The pain in those little blue orbs was enough to send his heart spiraling out of control.

CJ said, “Mommy did. I was asking questions about you.”

“NO-NO-NO! Your Mommy didn’t go away on purpose. She was involved in an accident. It was never because of you or anything you may have asked,” said Hutch, pulling his son into him and wincing slightly as CJ’s head fell against his shoulder. “This is my fault,” Hutch was thinking to himself with a full-on attack of the Hutchinson guilt complex. “CJ, I loved your mom and I had wanted to marry her one day …. Do you know what your Uncle Dave, Pappy, and I do?”

“You’re policemen.”

“That’s right, we are police officers. It’s our job to catch the bad guys and let a court of law determine their fate. Well sometimes the bad guys get really mad and try to hurt us. This particular bad guy was really mad at me and wanted me to suffer badly. So he hurt your mommy instead, so that I would have to watch her suffer. She was really, really, really afraid afterwards. She was so scared that she moved back home to Vermont. She didn’t find out about being pregnant with you until afterwards. Mrs. Lang gave me a letter she wrote telling me she loved you and wanted you with me, if anything ever happened to her. That is when I learned about you. CJ, if I had known about you prior, I would have found a way to make things work. I don’t ever want you think she died because of you. I’m so grateful to have you in my life though.”

“I’m glad I’m with you, daddy, but I still miss mommy.”

“Me too,” Hutch acknowledged. “Let me tell you something that your great grandfather Camden told me after your great grandma had died. I found it helps. He said, ‘Now Kenny, I want you to do this when you’re missing grandma. Take your right hand, make a fist, bring it to your mouth, and whisper three happy thoughts about your grandma. Then rub that hand over your heart. You will find comfort, knowing she is in your heart.’ It’s something I still do when I’m missing people and it really does seem to help. Wanna try?”

CJ brought his hand up to his mouth and whispered his happy thoughts of his mom and rubbed them over his heart. Hutch had done the same. After a few seconds, his little blue eyes shone with joy and he threw his arms around his daddy, heedless of the injured arm and hugged him tight.

After a few seconds, CJ pulled away and said, “I’m hungry, can we eat now?”

Hutch chuckled and mumbled something about him sounding like Starsky. As he pulled the sandwiches out of the bag, they ate while walking back home.

*****

A routine settled in the coming months with Hutch and his son. CJ melded into his life with near seamlessness, except for need of supervision. Hutch couldn’t have asked for a better caregiver than Meg (as she preferred to be called). She was great with CJ, who also really enjoyed her too. Starsky had recently proposed to Ellie and the wedding was scheduled for March 27, a Saturday. They picked a spring day for symbolically paralleling the blossoming of flowers and trees with their new life together. Hutch of course was going to be the best man, CJ the ring bearer. Ellie’s niece, Catherine was to be the flower girl. Rosie Dobey, the junior bridesmaid. Cal and the Captain were doing readings. Edith was going to play the piano. Huggy, Simmons and Babcock rounded out the guys’ side.

Sarah, Catherine’s mother (and Hutch’s love interest for the past few weeks) was going to be the maid of honor.  Ellie’s other sister Rebecca and her two closest college friends, Suzanne and Nancy, rounded out the bride’s side.

One day about a month before the wedding, the guys were out cruising their patch—Hutch had just signed them off for the day—when out of the blue, Starsky asked, “When are you gonna make a move, Blondie?”

“Huh?” Hutch replied.

“Sarah,” came the response.

“I don’t know, Starsk. I love her I really do but….”

“But what, Hutch? You love her. I’m sure she loves you too. Anybody alive can see that you are both madly in love with one another. It’s not like you have to contend with jealous ex-spouses or parents. Both Jim and Abby are dead. CJ and Catherine get along real well and love you both. What are you waiting for?”

Hutch was deep in thought about his feelings and the life he desired with Sarah. He hadn’t realized that Starsky had pulled up to the curb and had gotten out until he leaned back in and said, “You coming?”

“Yeah.” Hutch realized they had pulled up at the bank. As he was exiting the car, he saw a flower stand and said, “Hey Starsk, go on, I’ll meet ya back here in a few.” He glanced down the street, indicating Charlie’s Flower stand. Ole Charlie, a retired veteran, now passed his time selling flowers. The guys had learned over the years that he had a very watchful eye. His cart was parked at the end of their patch today.

Starsky called out, “Go for it, Blondie,” and continued into the bank.

Little did both men know the trouble they were walking into.

As Hutch had walked the healthy block to Charlie’s flower cart and ordered his bouquet to his specifications, he found himself making plans for the future.

Charlie said, “That’ll be three dollars and fif—look out —Hutch!”

Hutch whirled around as a large blade made contact with the left side of his face. The searing pain was nearly enough to render him incapacitated, but his cop instincts and need for survival overtook him. He fought his assailants, knocking two of them unconscious, another knifed him in the back, and he fell to his knees. They took off after relieving Charlie of his morning’s earnings.

As Hutch was losing consciousness he mumbled, “Could use a little help here, Gordo. Please look after my boy, Gordo.”

He heard one of the punks say, “All blonds should die,” as he viciously kicked Hutch in the back before fleeing the scene.

Meanwhile Starsky was not faring any better in the bank. Just moments after he entered and was approaching the line of patrons, the robbers made their move. One perp drew on the bank security guard, killing him instantly. Another grabbed Starsky as he walked up to the line. He was randomly targeted because he seemed like the only possible threat to their mission and they didn’t even know he was a cop, yet. As Starsky was being subdued, the security guard had simultaneously got a shot fired at the suspect, who was grabbing at Starsky. But, because of his own injuries, the shot went askew and found Starsky’s right femur as the guard fell to the floor.  As the floor was coming up to meet him, he thought for sure Hutch would be bringing the Calvary through the door at any moment. As he faded, his thought were of Ellie and how she was going to handle this.

The robbers had made a vital mistake; they forgot to look for weapons on any of the bank patrons. Starsky waited for his opening, but first he had to stem the flow of blood. The woman on the floor next to him removed her purse strap and slid it over to him. Starsky nodded his thanks and secured it around his thigh to stem the flow of blood. It didn’t take long for Starsky to make his move to subdue the remaining robbers with two shots. Firstly, he shot the gun out of the hand of the gang member closest to him then landed a strike to the other’s chest. Neither of his shots were fatal blows but were enough to gain control of the lobby and get the patrons out to safety. As other officers arrived on scene, they found the two perps and a very pale detective holding them at bay. With his adrenaline waning, pain and fatigue overcoming him he was confused as to why Hutch wasn’t there beside him. His fading thoughts were, Where are you Blondie? Ellie, my love, don’t worry too much.

*****

Several hours later, the partners, both having had their respective surgeries, were beginning to wake up. As Huggy, their brother by any means that counted, watched over them, Hutch let out a low moan and Huggy said, “Welcome back, Blondie, don’t try to talk too much. Those punks did quite a number on your face, my man. The docs did a good job at putting your face back together and digging the machete out of your back.”

Hutch nodded, while trying to assess his injuries. His face and back were both on fire but he could move his toes, so it couldn’t be too bad.

“W-Wh-Where’s Starsk?”

“Hey partner, what took ya so long?” came the weak reply.

“Well, somebody thought I had a little too much of that red stuff in me and decided to help me out,” he half mumbled due to pain, swelling and lingering numbness, then added, “Hey, how do I look?”

“Ya know that’s my line,” Starsky stammered.

“You can have it, Gordo,” was the last thing said as they drifted into medicated sleep.

Huggy chuckled at his friends and their radar of seeing how the other was really doing without asking directly.

There was a rap at the door, then Ellie poked her head in saying that she and and certain little someone were here to check up on their two favorite guys. Huggy invited them in.

CJ entered the room (after having been briefed by Sarah and Ellie on how his daddy would look. That his face might look pretty scary for a while, especially when the bandages came off or even before, but in time, the scar should be barely noticeable). When he entered the room, he first looked at Starsky but his eyes settled on his daddy. Then he said, “Ouch daddy, bet that hurted a lot,” as he walked over and gently placed a kiss on Hutch’s bandaged face.

“It does, but not as much as before, thanks lil buddy.”

“What am I chopped liver?” asked Starsky.

CJ turned and walked to Uncle Dave and kissed his bandaged leg.

There was another knock at the door then Dobey entered, much to a delighted CJ, who let out an excited: “PAPPY!”

Huggy realizing the crowd and untoward noise said, “Come on lil Hutch, let’s go find a candy bar and wait for Aunt Ellie in the lobby.” Ellie had exited to make call pertaining to the wedding.

Hutch scowled.

Huggy said, “Don’t worry, Hutch, I’ll make sure he gets extra goat’s milk tomorrow,” as they were heading to the door.

As Huggy and CJ were leaving he heard Captain Dobey admonish his two detectives and say they would likely be the cause of his early death.

A cold chill ran through Huggy. He thought to himself: Maybe I should check in with Aunt Bessie, if I can’t shake this feeling. She may be able to shed some insight on what’s shaking in the universe.

*****

Two days later the guys were discharged, Starsky sporting a red and white striped cane, compliments of CJ—rationalizing that it would help Uncle Dave get better faster, since his car was red and white and was fast. Hutch laughed as much as he was able.

Hutch was able to leave the hospital unaided, however his gait was terribly slow.

Starsky said, “Hutch, I’m sure we can find a dented up wheelchair for you to ride out the door in.”

For that, he received an icy glare.

Hutch was not vain by any means, but he was struggling with leaving the hospital as the dressing had been removed the previous evening. He felt unnerved seeing everyone stare at his face. Emotionally he was beginning to withdraw into himself. There was one instance in the corridor, where this man and woman could not take their eyes off of Hutch, making him very self-conscious to the point he stopped walking. He looked at his partner and asked, “Is it that bad, Starsk?”

“No, Hutch, you’re beautiful to me, and to anyone that really matters.”

“Yeah Daddy, Uncle Dave’s right. I’ll just have to give lots of kisses to make you better fast, I’m sure Catherine and Ms. Sarah will too.”

Hutch blushed.

Those comments made Starsky and Ellie chuckle. Sarah squeezed Hutch’s hand.

*****

Over the next few days, the guys continued to heal pretty well. The swelling and discomfort in Hutch’s face was receding. He was still drinking mostly protein shakes to not cause further irritation to the healing facial tissue.

After getting CJ tucked in for the night, he retreated to the porch for some soul searching or maybe a pity party.

“Hey there beautiful,” came Sarah’s soft voice,

She was rewarded with a repugnant snort and, “Yeah right.”

“Ken, you are beautiful. You are so beautiful to me.”

“Oh, come on, Sarah, LOOK AT ME, at this!” He pointed to his marred face.

“Oh, David warned me about your self-loathing, guilt ridden, moodiness streaks. YOU Listen to me, Kenneth Richard Hutchinson and you listen good. I’m not in love with this…” (She outlined his body and more specifically his face.) “I’m in love with this.” She jammed her finger into his chest over his heart. “I’m in love with the essence of you, dammit. The doctors have said the scar should be barely noticeable few weeks, you’ll see.”

“That’s a few too many. Starsky’s wedding is about two weeks away. I should step down from best man duties and let his brother take the reins.”

“Are you nuts? That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard you say. Really, so you think Nicky, his brother—by genetics, not love—could do a better job than you? David would be so hurt. Any of us who love you doesn’t care about your looks, it wouldn’t matter if you were burned, missing limbs, in a wheelchair. None of that would matter. It doesn’t change WHO you are, unless you let it.”

Silence reined for a couple of moments, then Hutch said, “Thanks for the save. Starsky would be proud,” as he extended his arms for a warm embrace.

*****

On the Sunday before the guys return for limited duty on Monday, the two couples and the kids spent the time playing in the sun, laughing and all in all having a grand time together. Everyone was relaxed and comfortable with gentle banter flying about equally when Ellie said, “What a nice family we have here.”

Hutch, who was returning to his seat from tending the grill, seemed to stumble. But he had actually decided to seize the moment.

Dropping to one knee, he retrieved a box from his pocket and opened it. Then he presented it to Sarah asking, “Sarah Riggins, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to be a father to Catherine in every way that counts. I don’t want to replace Jim, that would never be possible. I would like the opportunity to give you both the love you deserve. So will you marry me, Sarah Riggins?”

“Yes, yes Ken, I will marry you!”

Hutch slipped the ring on her finger, and they had a passionate kiss.

Hoops and hollers and congratulatory slaps on the back and hugs were exchanged among the couples. CJ and Catherine came running to see what all the fuss was about. They were elated at hearing the news.

Starsky smiled and said, “That’s why you were so distracted and trod off to get flowers from ole Charlie.”

“Yep,” came the response.

*****

“Hey Hutch, let’s go down to to the cafeteria and get a snack, whatcha say? Huh?”

“Starsk, we’ve only been at work for 45 minutes and we already stopped for donuts on the way in.”

Sheepishly Starsky said, “Well ya know, Hutch, I can’t work when I’m hungry.” He looked imploringly at his partner.

“Okay, Gordo, let’s go.”

As they were leaving the squad room, Hutch said, “Ya know Starsk you need to be more careful with your food intake. Teasingly he said, “You don’t want to go getting…” He gestured with his hands, making the shape of a protruding belly, “and lose those good looks, do ya?”

From over in the corner came, “You should talk Hutchinson, just look at you.” Bretz moved his hand down his face imitating the scar on Hutch’s face.

Starsky whirled around and ferociously shoved Bretz against the filing cabinets in no time. The items on top of the cabinets went crashing to the floor. Anderson was trying to pull the two apart, before any injuries could occur.

Hutch stood frozen in disbelief and anguish.

The commotion brought Dobey out of his office, bellowing, “What in the Sam Hill is going on out here? Knock it off now or you will all be working traffic for the next month.”

The altercation stopped at hearing Dobey, none of the detectives relished traffic duty.

“Bretz was out of line, Captain,” said Riley, while Hutch stood there looking shell shocked and pale.

“Hutchinson, you okay?” asked Dobey, further realizing the altercation that ensued was because Starsky was most likely protecting his partner.

“Yeah Cap. Come on, Starsk. Let’s go get you that substance you were craving,” Hutch muttered as he was pulling on Starsky’s arm.

“Pick me up a muffin while you’re down there,” Dobey said.

“Yes sir,” Starsky said giving a mock salute, before he and Hutch went on to the cafeteria. Starsky knew that Bretz’s comments hit his partner hard and that he was struggling to maintain his composure. Upon arriving at the cafeteria, Starsky suggested that Hutch grab a table while he picked up their food.

When Starsky joined Hutch, he saw that his partner was in a deep brooding mood. He was seated in the corner of the cafeteria with the injured side of his face out of view (and not because the cafeteria was busy at this time). He gently asked, “You alright, Blondie?”

“Yeah. No.”

“Hey man, don’t let that jerk Bretz get to you. You’ll heal up and be good as new before too long. He’s just a jealous of our luck with the ladies; always has been since the academy.”

“Yeah, he was in full on ‘prick mode’ about my face, but he’s right,” Hutch said.

“What do you mean?”

“Starsky, we do need to be more careful. I have CJ now and I’ve just asked Sarah to marry me and there’s Catherine too. You and Ellie are getting married and I’m sure you’ll be starting a family soon. We’ve just got more to lose now, and I think it is prudent to be more careful.”

“Are you saying you wanna give up the streets?”

“Nah, I’m just saying we gotta be extra careful now. We don’t change who we are or how we do it because, for the past 10 years, we’ve been able to stay alive and intact—well mostly—by watching each other’s back. Maybe we need to watch more diligently and consider letting some of the Youngblood step in a bit.”

“Hutch, I have to agree with you as the flakes and weirdos are getting flakier and weirder by the day! Maybe you’re right, partner.”

“Me and Thee, buddy.”

“Always.”

*****

As they returned to the squad room and came to the doors, there was a: “Starsky, my office now.”

Starsky looked back at Hutch, who handed him the muffin they acquired for Dobey, and made his way to the captain’s office. Meanwhile Hutch threw a glare at Bretz and held it. Once Bretz looked away, Hutch sat down with pleasure and began typing.

No sooner than the office door shut, the captain asked, “How is he doing, really? I presume the altercation had something to do with his recent injuries?”

“Yeah, but let’s just say Bretz was outa line again. He did have a point. Hutch and I need to be more careful, because it’s not just us anymore.”

“You two do have a knack of finding trouble or it finds you, I’m not sure which way, but you’re right. Are you guys thinking about moving off the streets?”

“Nah, not yet Cap, but we will let ya know when the time comes.”

Dobey said, “Well maybe this will help. He handed Starsky a memo indicating there had been no further attacks or gang activity by the new gang called Foxtrot. Relief washed over his face after reading this.

The next few days found the guys going crazy doing desk work, well supposedly. The pranks they played on Dobey, and the other detectives, were so close to getting out of control that Dobey sent them home on noon Wednesday, with Hutch to return Monday for two days of additional light duty. Then he would handle simple stuff or be paired with another detective until Starsky returned from his honeymoon.

*****

The day of the wedding found the detectives were not yet 100% recovered from the recent injuries perpetrated by the Foxtrot Gang. The gang, which had strong, violent anti-Nordic tendencies, was relatively new to Bay City. The robbery was committed to fund their hate group and the attack on Hutch was just because he fit the description.

The wedding itself was beautiful. The music was lively and everyone had a fantastic evening. For his last best man duties of the night, Hutch collected Starsky and Ellie then announced their departure. All the guests lined up to wish the happy couple well. Before Hutch pushed the newlyweds into the limo, he pulled Starsky into a hug and told him to have a great honeymoon and that he was so happy for them both. Then he included Ellie into the embrace as well. Somewhere a picture was snapped, the bride and groom were sent off with a fanfare.

“Daddy how long will Uncle Dave and Aunt Ellie be gone?” CJ asked.

“Only ten long days,” replied Hutch.

Babcock, who was standing next to Hutch, chuckled at Hutch’s comment and said, “I think you’ll live, Hutchinson,” and slapped him on the back.

A while later as they were beginning to clean up, Hutch stopped Huggy and Dobey giving them a squeeze and thanking them for all their help, but more importantly their love. As Hutch turned to walk away and began scanning the room, he spied CJ curled up on the floor asleep with Rosie, Catherine, and one of the Babcock kids asleep too.. As he was making his way to the children, the lights flickered, there was a popping sound and the ground began to shake.

Hutch screamed, “EARTHQUAKE! EVERYBODY OUT, NOW!”

As he was running to the pile of sleeping children, Dobey met him there and they scooped up the kids and headed to the doors. The building collapsed and terrified pain-filled screams of many could be heard as the beast opened up and swallowed. Then there was darkness.

 

End, well maybe…