The Hot Days And Crazies Of The Centennial

38

This story is about a very rough patch in the guys’ lives when they were younger and the impact that time has on the future.

 

Author’s Notes: Thank you to Lapfordlass for being my beta for this story. This story has strong ties to “Time Rolls on” and “You’re Mine, Not His!” but it can be read independently if one chooses. Part One is set in 1976 when life takes an alternative turn for our guys during the Bicentennial Celebrations. Then Part Two jumps to 2026.  Major life trauma and angst.

---

Part One: Summer 1976

It was nearing the Bicentennial (200 years). In two days, America would be celebrating its 200^th birthday. The hype was everywhere and in everything people did or talked about.

The radio announcer came on talking about all the festivities that were about to take place in the following days and wondering what the chances were that it might cool down to a reasonable temperature for people to enjoy this celebration they’ve spent months planning.

“It’s 9:35 in the morning and the temperature has already exceeded 94 degrees. It will be a little overcast today but no chance of rain.”

The detectives within the Torino groaned.

Day 21 of the heatwave in Bay City. The temperatures were so severe that it had forced the police department to work four hour shifts to keep its officers from suffering from heat exhaustion. That in itself was taxing enough, then add in little to no way to escape from the oppressive heat. It was nearly an unbearable situation, people were losing their sanity. The city seemed to be going crazy, not just figuratively, but literally. Someone at Metro had cleared space on the bulletin board and labeled Crazy Crime Stories of the Day. A week ago, Starsky and Hutch made the wall after arresting a guy who had undressed in an appliance store and was standing naked as a jaybird in front of the portable air conditioners claiming to be ‘The Lord of Ice’ and was asking people to lick his popsicle and, no, he didn’t actually have popsicles.

They were still grudgingly finding popsicle wrappers or notes asking them what flavor they liked best, along with a myriad of jokes about ice melting on their desks. Little did the squad room know that it was Dobey who started the crazy day wall. He was just trying to bring a little laugh. However, he should’ve known how the men and women of his squad room would react, choosing jokes and pranks that were nearly out of hand. No one was exempt.

******

While they were sitting at a stoplight, Starsky looked over at his extremely flushed partner and couldn’t help himself and asked, “Hey Hutch, ya want a popsicle?” nearly  laughing hysterically.

This brought an icy glare from his partner along with the Hutchinson finger.

Starsky laughed. His partner was so refined that the jokes the other squad room detectives played on them bothered Hutch much more than they did Starsky.

Starsky sighed as the relentless traffic was picking up pace, but not fast enough to bring in any cooling air. The air conditioner in the Torino picked the middle of a heat wave to go defunct, so the windows were down, trying to get as much airflow as possible. Starsky took a glance at his highly flushed partner and asked him if he was okay.

Hutch replied, “I’ll be better when it cools down 20° that’s for certain. How about you buddy?”

Surprisingly through this heat wave, their tempers had managed to stay in control. They had yet to start bickering between themselves. Hutch looked out his window, starting his sweeping search of the area. Starsky said, “Right now, I could go for being in the middle of a Duluth winter. Oh, making a snowman and laying in the cold snow, it would feel so good.”

This elicited a small snort from Hutch.

As their speed was picking up Starsky looked over again at his partner, knowing that he would be thinking about the coolness of home. His face suddenly changed, and he screamed, “Firecracker!!”

Just then, two bricks of lit fireworks came flying in the window. One of the packs landed on the floor between Hutch‘s feet. The other one bounced off his lap. Hutch frantically reached for one pack and as he was in the process of hurling it out the window, it exploded. The blast encompassed his right hand and lower arm, burning it. Just as if on cue the second pack that Hutch was in the process of retrieving exploded. Hutch had been bending down to reach for it and his face was extremely close in proximity to the fireworks. The sounds were deafening and the screams of pain were something Starsky had never heard from his partner before.

Starsky stopped the Torino right in the middle of the road, got out, yanked his partner’s door open, taking in his partner’s injuries. Hutch’s hands were burned. There were shrapnel wounds all over his face, chest, and both hands. On top of all that, Hutch was struggling to breathe. Starsky pulled Hutch out of the car.

It was apparent that Hutch was disoriented, confused, in extreme pain, and was exhibiting signs of shock. Starsky got onto the ground and pulled Hutch into his lap. Then he reached in and grabbed the mic. “Officer down, officer down! Pacific and First. Hutch has sustained multiple firecracker injuries and is having trouble breathing.”

They were in the middle of the street. Some cars had stopped, some kept going. A man approached Starsky. Starsky quickly asked him to get the siren and put it on the roof, then flip the switch. Hutch was now becoming pale and blue, but was still flailing. It was apparent his buddy was having a tremendously difficult time breathing. A couple others had come up to assist the fallen officer. Starsky said that his airway was closing up then asked, “Does anybody have a pen? I need help to hold him still and to keep his hands from his face, while I work to get an airway in him.”

The salesman said he had a pen. Starsky asked him to take it apart and give him the hollow shell. He had each of the bystanders take an extremity to secure his partner, while Starsky reached into Hutch’s pocket and procured his jackknife. He told those helping him that he needed to get an airway into his partner. Kicking off his shoes, he asked somebody to take the shoes strings out so they could use it to tie the pen in place once he got it inserted. Someone complied.

Starsky had continued to talk to Hutch, even though he was no longer screaming or flailing about from in pain, primarily due to the fact he was losing consciousness. Starsky was pretty certain that his partner had sustained flash burn injuries to his eyes from the explosions, as memories of Nam flooded him. All though those memories were unwanted, they had a purpose and would serve him now. Starsky advised those helping him that he was gonna make a cut into Hutch’s throat and put a pen in so he could breathe. Within moments and almost on auto pilot, Starsky had made a cut in the cricoid cartilage and inserted the pen casing inserted into Hutch’s throat. Then Starsky gave him a couple big breaths into the pen to clear any fluids that might have accumulated during the insertion process. Hutch didn’t necessarily become pink or well profused but the bluish undertones didn’t progress. Starsky then used the shoelace and secured the pen in place by knotting it around the makeshift airway pen tube then  tying the strings around Hutch’s neck.

The squad rolled up and the attendants quickly assessed Hutch, who was still flailing although somewhat weakly with bluish undertones. After Steve, one of the attendants, quickly assessed the fallen man and prioritized his injuries, he then glanced about.

Starsky said, “A couple punks threw firecrackers into the car as we were driving down the street.”

Steve said, “Probably enough to cause blast lung. This airway was life saving for him. He may have flash burn injuries. I also see blood coming from his ears. His ear drums were probably damaged as a result of the shockwave.  How about you?” He glanced up at Starsky, taking in the powder, the burnt arm, and the pained expression on his face.

Starsky said, “What did you say? My ears are ringing pretty bad right now. I’m having trouble hearing.”

Steve nodded, as he deftly exchanged Hutch’s pen endotracheal tube for a standard one. After which he and Dave, the other attendant, got it secured. Dave began bagging Hutch and Steve started an IV, which caused Hutch to flail frantically, although weakly.

“He hates needles.”

Starsky reached out to Hutch and started squeezing his shoulder telling him everything was OK. Dave noticed that Hutch seemed to respond to his touch. He told Starsky to keep up the pressure as Hutch was beginning to settle. Eventually he directed the other helpers to release Hutch.  Dave said, “He may have his hearing and his sight impacted due to the blasts, which will add to his already confused and disoriented state. The pain alone is enough to disorient someone. However, I see he seems to recognize your touch.”

Starsky kept gentle pressure on his partner’s right shoulder while softly crooning to him.

Steve applied burn dressings over Hutch’s hands and arms, legs, face, and eyes. They got him on to the gurney and into the ambulance as Dobey arrived. He looked into the ambulance and the sight of Hutch was enough to make him sick. Both hands and arms were  severely burned. There were multiple lacerations over his arms, chest, and face. Bandages now covered his eyes.

The words slipped from Dobey’s mouth before he realized it. “Oh my God, what happened here?”

Starsky hadn’t heard his captain approach, but when they moved Hutch, Dobey came into his view.

“Cap, some punks threw fire crackers in the window as we were driving down the street. I couldn’t get him out quick enough,” Starsky said while looking distraughtly at his Captain. “They were in a 72 maroon Ford Fairlane with cream accents.” Starsky was practically shouting at his Captain, unbeknownst to him.

“Alright son, go with your partner and get yourself checked out as well.”

Starsky nodded to Dobey as the ambulance bay doors were closing.

“I’ll meet ya there, son.”

******

In the emergency room, the detectives were separated. Starsky was making sure everybody knew he was not happy about it. As they wheeled Hutch into the Emergency Room treatment bay, Starsky again tried to follow.

“No way, Starsky…you need to let someone look at your own injuries!” Dobey exclaimed.

“Captain. I-I need to be with Hutch!” Starsky replied.

“You’re no good to him in your condition and besides there is nothing you can do for him right now anyhow!” Dobey argued back and said, “That’s an order.”

Starsky was not happy about it, but half heartedly relented. He had continually refused treatment and kept saying, “Help my partner, I’m fine. Help Hutch,” as he repeatedly tried to go to his partner in the next treatment bay. Dobey was brought in to settle his man down.

“He knows you’re here. You could be on the other side of the world and he would know. Just let them treat you,” said Dobey.

Starsky agreed and Dobey returned to the waiting room.

After having the burn on his arm tended to, the doctor then checked his out his hearing. He relayed that no real damage had been sustained and informed Starsky that the ringing in his ears should subside within 24 hours. He added that the headache from the shockwave might take a few days to go away. The words were barely out of the doctor’s mouth before Starsky had jumped off the examination table in search of his Captain to get an update on Hutch.

A while later Starsky was pacing the waiting room like a caged lion.

Dobey said, “Dave come on sit down. You will not do yourself or partner any good if you collapse from your own concussion and injuries.”

The captain was called away to the phone. Huggy showed up with coffee and substance for all. He could instantly see that that Starsky was highly distressed. The worry and pain were nearly palpable as he approached.

“Hey Curly.”

“Hug,” Starsky replied as he turned towards their friend with eyes filled to the brim with moisture. “It’s my fault. If I had gotten the AC repaired, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Huggy pulled him into a warm embrace. “This wasn’t your fault. Things happen.”

“How is Hutchison doing? Any news yet?” queried Dobey upon his return.

Starsky failed to respond. Dobey then reached out to touch his detective. Starsky jumped at the touch and whirled around to find his Captain standing before him. It was apparent that Starsky had not heard his captain approach and speak to him.

Starsky said, “Sorry about that Cap. My hearing is a little off and I’m worried about Hutch.”

Dobey’s eyes softened and he repeated his question.

Starsky replied, “No but it’s bad. It’s real bad. He’s got burns all over his face. The medics were pretty certain he sustained flash burns. He has wounds on his stomach and burns on his legs. His left hand was severely burned with imbedded shards. His right hand was burned too, just not as much. They’re not sure about the damage to his eyes yet and or hearing, and they said something about blast lung. Cap, he couldn’t breathe,” Starsky said in a shaky voice, choking back emotion. “I had had to cut into my partner to give him an airway. I hope I didn’t hurt him. I just had to do something. I couldn’t sit there holding him and watching turn blue. He was so scared, I don’t even know if he knew I was there. Oh God, Cap, I can’t lose him.”

Dobey blanched at hearing the details of the accident and Hutch’s injuries. He quickly sent up another prayer that his boys would both be okay in time and to bring Starsky comfort.

******

Two hours later Dr. Hall came through the doors and inquired for those waiting for an update on Detectives Hutchinson.

Dobey and Starsky turned to meet the doctor and before the introductions were complete, Starsky said, “How is he Doc? Is he gonna make it? Is he gonna be OK?”

Dr. Hall held up his hand to stop Starsky’s onslaught of questions.

“I’m afraid Detective Hutchinson sustained serious life-threatening injuries.” He paused, allowing that to sink in before he went into detail. “He has one of the worst cases of non-combat blast lung that I’ve seen, which means he will most likely be intubated on a ventilator for the next two weeks. Should he live. The initial 72 hours as the body absorbs and responds to the imposed trauma will be critical. He has multiple burns on his face and chest—mostly 2^nd degree. He has a  large burn mid chest that is a deep 3^rd degree. Left hand is severely burned: we pulled 60 fragments out of that hand alone. Long term functionality will most likely be an issue, that I’m almost certain of. His right hand, I expect normal function in time. The explosion and the shockwave along with proximity has lead to other injuries. The blast effect has caused a significant concussion, bilateral ruptured eardrums, and swelling of the optic nerve. So what I’m saying is that if Detective Hutchinson makes it through the next 72 hours without succumbing to infection, then the chances are that he may likely be temporarily or permanently blind or deaf, possibly both. We won’t know until he’s extubated. If he survives, he’s going to have a hell of a recovery to get through.”

Starsky was swaying on his feet and didn’t hesitate when he was coaxed into a chair by his captain. Dobey himself was barely holding it together.

“When can I see him, Doc?”

Dr. Hall knew these two were close and that one’s presence may help the other. He said, “A nurse will be out to get you shortly.”

Further questions would have to wait as the doctor was paged overhead.

“Cap, he’s gotta make it.”

“Hutchinson is strong, He’ll pull through.”

“Then to what? A life at being blind or deaf or even possibly both?”

******

Three days later, an overly exhausted detective made his way from Hutch’s room to the burn treatment center, where he endured the most painful treatment he ever received, and it was just his arm. He thought of Hutch who was having the same burn care treatments over a lot more of his body. He found comfort in the fact his partner wouldn’t be awake for this kind of torture. Okay, it wasn’t torture, but it sure as hell felt  like it, he thought to himself.

One morning about ten days later, the doctor arrived in Hutch’s cubicle and said, with a smile, “Well Detective, I’m ordering you home for at least 6 hours, in which I expect you shower, sleep, and eat because the real work is about to begin. Your partner’s scans show the blast lung symptoms have resolved enough to wake him up and take him off the ventilator. However, this will bring more challenges as he will be confused, scared, and in pain. He may not have the ability to communicate with the environment around him, either.”

“Hutch will know I’m here.”

“I’m sure he will but he will also be scared if he can’t hear or see. It’s going to be rough going. I know you will be here for him, but you also need to take care of yourself.”

The knowledge that his partner was going to need him more than ever sent Starsky away quickly to do what the doctor ordered.

******

Starsky returned at noon and was loaded down with books he had Huggy get from the library. He pulled up a chair next to his partner’s bed and waited. About 90 minutes later there was a weak rasp coming from the bed. The sound was tight and very much like sandpaper scrapping on a chalkboard. Starsky held Hutch’s hand and crooned to him softly. After a couple of minutes, the panic and fear set in. His heart rate spiked, he began thrashing about and croaking unintelligible words. Starsky realized Hutch couldn’t feel him holding his bandaged hand. He got up and leaned Hutch forward, then scooted in behind his partner and wrapped his arms tightly, but carefully, around him. After a few moments, Hutch began to settle. Then Starsky took his arm and put it under Hutch’s nose. He could tell his partner recognized his scent as the corners of his mouth upturned and small smile was exhibited. There was a weak gravelly, “Sta.”

Starsky didn’t want his partner to get worked up again, so he dropped his hand to Hutch’s thigh and spelled out Yes. Hutch sighed and leaned back into Starsky’s embrace, knowing he was safe in a lonely new world that he had woken up to.

About an hour later, the nurse came in and found both detectives asleep, the sight a little too surreal. She was surprised that she could feel the connection and the bond between the two men. It warmed her heart. She backed out of the room without disturbing either occupant.

Over the next few days, Starsky had devised a way to communicate with Hutch, using touch to spell and smell to identify people. However, Hutch was going to need more training than Starsky was equipped to handle. Hutch was going to need intensive therapy as after 39 days in the hospital, neither his hearing or eyesight had returned.

Starsky had approached Captain Dobey for a leave of absence so he could fly Hutch to Brooklyn to the Helen Keller Institute for the deaf and blind. Dobey approved his compassionate leave request. Starsky said that it would be two three-weeks intensive inpatient education. Then the next two weeks he would then learn with Hutch, specifically ways to help him become as independent as possible.

“Cap, I don’t know if I can leave him there all alone with him not being able to see or hear what is going on.”

“Isn’t that the point, though, Starsky? They’re supposed to teach him how to function as best he can. You know Hutch hates having to have help. This could give him a sense of security if either or both of these conditions are permanent,” said Dobey.

“I know, I know, but it still doesn’t make it easier though.”

Dobey sighed. “Dave, life’s not necessarily supposed to be easy, but it is supposed to be lived. You know how much your partner loves life. We need to do this for him whether he knows he wants it or not. I do believe it’s for the best for everyone.”

“Yeah but he thinks I’m abandoning him and he is trying to shut me out. It’s killing me. I would never leave him. He’s my best friend, more than just my partner,” Starsky choked out over the enormous lump in his throat.

******

Three days later Starsky, with the assistance of Huggy, got Hutch and their luggage to the airport. Hutch was either quiet and withdrawn or his anger and fear came out as downright meanness. Both Starsky and Huggy knew it was fear of being alone at the facility, along with the prospect of life in silent darkness. Hutch’s burns had healed pretty well, although his left hand was still functioning poorly. He had learned the basics of using the white cane.

The flight was uneventful, except for one of the stewardess that didn’t see them board was trying to flirt with Hutch. After many futile attempts she looked at Starsky and asked, “What’s with him?”

“He has had an accident that has left him without sight or hearing.”

“Oh my, I’m so sorry.”

“Starsk, tell her to go away. I can smell her perfume.”

Starsky tactile signed the word “OK” on Hutch’s arm. The stewardess moved on.

An hour and fifteen minutes after landing they arrived at the Hellen Keller Institute. The place looked impressive at first glance. Starsky hoped all his research about the facility and their techniques would be of use to Hutch. The first afternoon Starsky was able to stay and meet with Hutch’s team and instructors. They asked an endless myriad of questions about Hutch and his life and capacities before the accident. Then the focus turned to Starsky and his methods to communicate with his friend and help him navigate this new world, as well as bringing up many safety issues and problems that Hutch would face. It was also called to his attention that Hutch would need daily assistance for certain things, until his condition approved,  if it did. Starsky hadn’t given long-term thought about some issues mentioned but he knew he would reach out to Huggy to start working on housing, for one.

As an example of Hutch’s ability to utilize his remaining senses, Starsky tactile signed, “How Many People?”

Hutch vocalized each sign after it was completed, then said, “ Five.”

Starsky was to leave after lunch. He wasn’t sure he could do this. He asked if he couldn’t just stay with Hutch promising he would not interfere. He knew the answer before it came as Dr. Marshall explained this temporary break is needed so the patient, in this case Hutch, has to push themselves as there is no safety net (person) to coddle them. He said, “It has proven to bring people further on than expected with adapting and managing in a seeing / hearing world, without those abilities.”

Starsky told Hutch he had to leave for two weeks, then he would be back.

Hutch reached for Starsky’s arm and a tear silently escaped his eye. Starsky reached out and with his right thumb and wiped away the lone tear.

Starsky then pulled him into a fierce hug. Hutch began to cry in earnest now. Starsky held him and rubbed his back. Out of habit he crooned to his partner, saying that everything would work out and they would always be best friends.

After a few moments Hutch pulled back and. looking like a lost child and said, “Don’t go Starsk.”

Starsk took Hutch’s arm and wrote: Have 2. U Can do this. 2 weeks.

Hutch nodded.

Out in the hall, Starsky sank back against the wall and slowly slid down to the floor as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. After a couple of minutes, he pulled himself together and got up and walked down the corridor by himself out the door. Leaving his partner behind helpless, with the threats of the world around him was almost more than he could bear.

******

Starsky arrived at his Ma’s. She was at the door as he entered and pulled him into the biggest, motherly hug he had ever received. The flood gates were breached. She stood there with an unrelenting hold on her son while the past 45 days of guilt, pain, and fear flowed from him.

Several minutes later, Starsky was spent and pulled back. Rachel guided her son to the couch. After Rachel and Starsky were seated, Rachel asked how Hutch was doing.

Starsky said, “Angry, withdrawn and fearful. Now I’m pretty sure he’s feeling abandoned too….Ma, I don’t know how you did it, putting me on a plane to California all those years ago. I felt like such a heel leaving my best friend at the center.”

“Davey, I got through it because I knew it was the best thing I could do to ensure you had a successful life. It’s no different for you and Hutch. If his world remains without sight and hearing, sending him to the institute will give him the best possible way to move forward.”

After dinner, Rachel pulled a bag out from between the coffee table and couch and handed it to her son.

Starsky pulled the contents out there were several books written in braille: history books; some about plants and specialized care techniques for various species; a few of the classics that Hutch loved to read; other magazines like sports illustrated and Wall Street journal etc.

However at the bottom of the pile were a couple of magazines that when he saw them he screeched out incredulously, “Ma, you got him playboys?”

“Now David, didn’t YOU tell me a long ago that the stories inside were what drew you to them? Hutch will have needs. This injury has not affected his manhood and I was informed the stories will help him to navigate that realm.”

Starsky flushed.

“When I called the Hutchinson’s to tell them about Hutch’s injuries, Richard said that at least now he would be out of police work, but he would be useless, not able to contribute to society. Can you believe that, Ma? How could any parent care so little about their child. They haven’t even been to visit.”

“Well, so that is why he has us. We can’t fix things but we can endure them with him.”

******

The first two days at the Institute, Hutch was withdrawn or belligerent. No different from any other resident that had entered their doors. Then it clicked and Hutch knew he needed help. He overcame his fear and began to learn and learn he did. Emily and Mark were his two main team members. In less than 48 hours, Hutch had learned the braille alphabet. Although his finger reading speed was slow and somewhat uncertain, it would eventually improve. Still it was nearly unheard of; most people took about a week to be where Hutch was after two days of learning. Mark worked with Hutch in navigating his environment—everything from bathing, shaving, dressing himself in matching clothes. This was accomplished by using hangers that had shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc.) that coordinated outfits. They also worked on Hutch navigating his way through the hallways to the dining room, feeding himself without assistance. He started to use money; his bills were marked in braille. He was able to identify coins based on their shape. One evening, Mark came in into Hutch‘s room and tactile spelled that if he could find his way to the library and then over to the rec area that he could make a phone call. Relaying this message and interpreting it was a momentous effort.

Hutch took on the challenge and 30 minutes later with phone in hand he called Starsky.

“Llo?”

Mark squeezed Hutch’s shoulder letting him know that Starsky had answered.

“Starsk, it’s me Hutch. You can come back now.”

“You okay, partner?”

Mark took the phone and said, “Dave, Hutch is great. He has learned so much and acquired more skills in ten days then most people do in a month’s time.”

“Really? Well actually my partner is a bit of an overachiever, if I don’t say so myself. I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon.”

Starsky called Dobey, relayed the good news about Hutch’s progress and requested the time off.

Starsky was impressed with how much Hutch had indeed learned and wondered if he could keep up with all that he was being taught himself, but he did, because it was for Hutch.

When Starsky brought Hutch home, it was not to Venice place. He had found and purchased a one level home near Venice Beach (about a three minute walk) that had three small bedrooms and a enclosed porch that could be used as a green room. Since Hutch owned Venice Place, he could rent it out. Starsky’s landlord allowed him to sublet his own place. With the help of fellow officers and Huggy, the transition was completed easily. Hutch adapted to their new combined home well. Secretly he was relieved that he and Starsky were living together as the thought of living alone was just too scary in his present state.

******

Rachel Starsky had come out to spend the holidays with the guys as Hutch was much more comfortable in an environment he knew and Starsky had taken off a considerable amount of time off work the last several months.

The days were good; Hutch had given Rachel a new scarf and gloves, a plant, and had Starsky order the broach she had seen in the window of ‘Frank’s Jewels’ when they were out to visit several months prior. Hutch, with the help of Huggy, got Starsky a new lens for his camera and a new pair of blue Adidas. Hutch was certain that, while learning to navigate his dark world, he had urinated on his partner’s shoes more than once. Starsky and Rachel had gotten Hutch a brailler so people who didn’t know how to communicate with his partner could type a note and Hutch could finger read it. Hutch loved it and thanked them profusely.

******

It was late spring. The detectives were walking down the street in Venice beach area to the nearby deli with sidewalk seating. Hutch loved feeling the sun warm his face. After getting Hutch situated, Starsky then went in to order.

Hutch was enjoying the feel of the sun on his face when a  cacophony of noise assaulted him. It was instantaneously disorienting. He got up screaming from the pain and put his hands over his ears and moved about. He bumped into people while stumbling around and crying out in pain.

Theresa had looked up from behind the counter where Starsky was in line waiting order. She said, “Dave, your partner!” and pointed out the window. Starsky turned and saw Hutch stumbling toward the street and made for the exit. As he cleared the door, he saw Hutch in the street and watched in horror as a car clipped his partner sending him over the hood and rolling off.

Starsky was instantaneously at his partner’s side. Quickly assessing his buddy, he noted the two bleeding elbows and a crease and bruise in the right side of his face.

Hutch still had his hands at his ears and said, “It’s so loud.”

“Hutch, you can hear? Hutch, buddy can you hear me?” Starsky asked while trying write a message on his buddy’s arm.

“Oh God, it’s so loud,” Hutch said but a huge smile took over his face. “Talk to me, Starsk.”

“Hey Buddy, let’s get you out of the middle of the street, huh. Then we will get to  the hospital.”

“No hospital, just home, Starsk.”

“Alright, but I’m gonna  call the doc and we’ll get him to look at you and check your hearing.”

Starsky then removed his outer shirt and rolled it into a log and wrapped around Hutch’s head to cover his ears. Upon rising and taking a step, Hutch stumbled some as his left hip was painful, but he was able to bear weight and walk after a couple of moments. They made their way home. Starsky cleaned and dressed his partner’s assortment of abrasions. Then he examined his partner’s left leg. He saw a large bruise covering most of left femur,  but no deformity. After getting Hutch settled on the couch for him, he called the ENT.

He was given an appointment for 8 o’clock and a list of things to be aware of, and they mentioned the fact Hutch’s hearing might come and go at times. Starsky then called Dobey and relayed the news about Hutch’s hearing returning and said he would be in after the appointment.

Starsky brought some ice over to Hutch for his hip/ leg injury and sat down in the chair next to him.

Hutch was silently crying and couldn’t care less about his leg. He was fascinated with hearing his partner on the phone talking to people and moving about the house. He didn’t realize how much he had actually missed hearing that voice and the tenderness that he portrayed when caring for him.

“You alright, Hutch?” asked Starsky, after seeing the wetness in his eyes and the wetness on his cheeks. Starsky was beginning to wonder if he had made a mistake, not taking his friend to the emergency room.

Hutch replied, “Yeah buddy I’m alright. No, I’m more than all right. Hearing your voice is the most wonderful sound I could ever imagine. For as long as I live I will never get tired of hearing you. Oh God, it’s so good to be able to hear again.”

“Hey, I’ll hold you to that, buddy, the next time you tell me to shut up,” Starsky said with mock sterness.

They talked and reconnected for about three hours until their throats were raw.

Hutch insisted they go to the beach; he wanted to hear the surf and feel the sunset as Starsky described it.

“Alright but we’re driving and the doctor said you would be sensitive to the influx of sounds as your mind learned to reprocess them. So it’s range protection or nothing.”

“You’re bossy, ya know that. And thanks,” said Hutch.

“Hey, let me call Huggy and see if he’ll meet us at our beach place. I know he will be ecstatic to learn you are able to hear again. Besides you’re not ready for big league noise yet.”

A short while later, Starsky and Hutch were sitting on a blanket over looking the beach. Starsky was vividly describing the picture with typical Starsky flamboyancy.

“Hutchie?”

“Yeah Hug,” Hutch replied, while turning to smile at his friend.

“Oh man! You can really hear me,” Huggy said with a huge smile.

“Yeah.”

They sat while the sun continued its descent with Huggy and Starsky painting the most beautiful picture Hutch could ever imagine.

******

Dr. Eddington, from ENT evaluated Hutch and gave a good prognosis and advised he use ear plugs for about two weeks so he could adjust. “It’s been ten months without your brain having to processing sound,” he warned adding, “Some sounds may really bother you, even if they didn’t before the accident.”

******

Hutch was becoming very restless a few weeks later. He decided he needed to do something, but what? Police work? Well, at least for now the streets were out. Starsky helped Hutch search the wanted ads for any prospects. They found one. So one afternoon a week later Hutch went over to the Westside Specialized school to see about teaching music to elementary and middle school students. Starsky thought this was a great opportunity for Hutch and would make him feel a part of society again. So he stood against the wall and watched as Hutch was  interviewed and then played several pieces on the piano/on his guitar. The sound drifted down the hall.

It sparked the attention of a short brown haired lady, who sidled  up next to Starsky to enjoy the sounds. Then she said, “I didn’t know that any of our students could play so well.”

“He’s not a student. He’s my partner and applying for the Music job.”

“Partner?” she queried.

“Yeah, we’re detectives and partners. At least we were until the accident… I’m Dave, Dave Starsky, by the way, and that there is my best friend, Hutch, closer to me than my own brother.”

“I’m Terry Roberts. Tt’s nice to meet you, Dave.” Just then Hutch reached for his white cane, which surprised her. “You said accident? What happened to him?”

“Some punk threw a couple packs of  lit fireworks into our car last summer and they exploded. Hutch lost both his sight and hearing in the accident. His hearing just came back about 6 weeks ago, but he is still blind.”

“Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Roberts, Sally needs you in the bathroom,” huffed Megan, somewhat distraughtly.

“Gotta go,” she said looking at Dave, who nodded in understanding.

As Hutch approached, he said, “Starsk who were you flirting with?”

Starsky shook his head as he pushed himself off the wall and finally said, “Can’t get nothing past you, Blondie. Ever think about being a detec—” Starsky stopped mid-sentence and gulped. He then said, “ I’m sorry, buddy. I didn’t think.”

“It’s okay Starsk. So who were you flirting with?”

“Huh?”

“Perfume Starsk, I smelled perfume and knowing my partner… Well, who was she and where did she go?” Hutch volleyed.

“Boy, you sure are nosy. If you must know, it was a Mrs. Roberts.”

“Too bad Starsky. Sounds like she’s taken. But you can take me home instead,” he said coyly and raised his eyebrows suggestively.

“Oh great,” Starsky sighed.

******

Hutch had really been enjoying working at Westside. He felt like he was contributing to society again. The children loved both him and Starsky. They even conned Starsky into playing with them occasionally. Hutch was preparing his students for a recital in early November to kick off the holiday season. His seven students were all doing a great job at learning how to play the piano or the guitar.

Hutch was able to take the bus into the center and Starsky, Edith, or Huggy would bring him home. Starsky had ridden with Hutch several times helping to count stops, pay Ernie who was the driver on the days Hutch would be riding to the center. Ernie had told them he would notify them if he wasn’t driving the route on one of Hutch’s music days. Hutch had learned to navigate the bus doors/stairs and to pay for his ride after only a couple of times. He liked the sense of independence, even though he was watched out for by many during these excursions.

Hutch got on the bus one October Wednesday, just like normal, but the next stop everything changed and Hutch found himself in the middle of a robbery. Two young men late teens, from the sound of it, began making demands.

Ernie said, “Don’t shoot, please don’t shoot. I’ve got a family.”

“You stop before I tell you, you die.”

Hutch said, “Hey man you don’t need to hurt anybody. Just take the money and go.”

Jason turned around and pistol whipped Hutch upside the right temple. Hutch fought to remain conscious. He  heard Ellie scream out, “Don’t hurt him, he’s my teacher. He can’t see, that’s not nice.”

“Hey Jay, we got us a blind man. We can have some fun with him. You can have him, I want her.”

Ellie screamed out as her clothes were ripped.

The scream propelled Hutch to take a calculated guess and he landed a massive right hook onto Jason temple, and he was unconscious before he hit the floor. Hutch turned and launched himself toward the sounds of the struggle and grabbed Jay. They wrestled some before Hutch had him down throwing punch after punch, until he too was unconscious.

******

The call came over the radio: all units, city bus 19, attempted robbery and assault, need police and EMS to respond.

As the first officers on the scene got onto the bus, one of them recognized Hutch and said, “Detective Hutchinson, is that you, sir.”

Hutch replied, “Who is this?”

“I’m sorry, Detective. I forgot about the accident. This is Joe Gaines. I work out of the ninth with Charlie Smith.”

“Hey, what happened here?” asked officer  Smith.

Jay was handcuffed, but had just regained consciousness and was saying he wanted to press charges for being attacked by that man, pointing to Hutch and saying, “You will pay for my injuries.

An elderly man spoke up and said, “Those two were robbing the bus and he attacked that young lady.” He pointed to the man in handcuffs. “This man,” he said, as he pointed to Hutch, “This man stopped the robbery and saved this young lady and the rest of us.”

Out driving in the Torino, Starsky knew that was Hutch’s bus. He grabbed the mic and said, “Zebra Three responding.”

About two minutes later, he pulled up to the bus and was out of the Torino before the engine finished winding down. He took in the two cruisers and their occupants working the scene, then he saw Hutch, face bloodied and sitting on the curb. “Hutch, you okay? What the hell happened?”

“I’m okay, Starsk. My face and a pistol decided to have a conversation without warning me first, that’s all.”

“Overachiever.”

“Hey, I bet nobody else in the department has more arrests while they were blind,” said Hutch.

“Only you partner, only you,” he said, reaching to pull Hutch up. “Come on, Blondie, let’s go get you checked out.”

“Awe come on, Starsk, I’m fine.”

******

There was a small article in the newspaper about Hutch saving those on the bus, despite the fact he was blind. And a picture of his students at the recital. Starsky had clipped the article and put it in a Christmas card and mailed it to the Hutchinson’s with a note: Not Useless. He still  has a positive impact on society.

******

It was December 6^th, Hutch was just coming to the table when he was struck with a nauseating flash of light. He stumbled into the couch. Starsky turned to see the pained expression on his partner’s face and the eyes that were shut a little too tightly.

“Blintz, you alright?” asked Starsky.

Hutch opened his eyes tentatively, then said, “Starsk, you’re really blurry, but I can see you.”

“Yeah?”

Hutch nodded. Starsky pulled the curtain down over the sink window. He knew that Hutch would be very sensitive if his vision was actually returning. Feeling almost overwhelmed with emotion, he guided Hutch into a chair and called the ophthalmologist. Starsky was able to get him in for an appointment in an hour and a half’s time. The physician directed Starsky to have Hutch wear sunglasses inside and out as his eyes adjusted to the seeing world again. As they heard the fantastic news that Hutch would get full recovery of his sight, both men grinned at each other.

Then Starsky said, “I knew it would happen partner, but you did have me kind of worried,” flashing Hutch a thousand watt smile.

“I’ve missed those pearly whites, Gordo.”

They we’re both laughing as they left the doctor’s office.

******

 On January 15^th, Hutch entered the squad room and said, “Hey partner, let’s go check on our patch and let the people of this good city know that we are back.”

“Yeah, let’s do that,” Starsky said as he was grabbing his jacket. As they headed out the door, he was beaming.

Dobey had just come out of his office and saw his boys leaving to go do what they loved doing together and smiled. Then sent up a quick prayer of thanks.

Life was once again right as they cruised down the street side by side. Ready to fight the bad guys Starsky and Hutch style. Me and Thee, then everything else. They vowed they’d be cleaning up the streets of Bay City for years to come.

And that they did.

 

Part Two: Summer2026

The radio droned in the background. The announcer was talking about America’s birthday, the  semi quincentennial, which was coming up in less than a week. He went on to say the temperatures were on the rise, indicating another heatwave would be looming. He speculated that the small likelihood the weather would be suitable for all the outdoor festivities folks have been planning on.

He was pulled from his reverie as Jake came bounding into the study and pretty much launched himself into his grandpa’s arms.

“Hey Tiger, how are you?” Hutch asked.

“Better now,” said the 6-year-old tow headed Jake, who was nearly identical to his grandpa. “I’ve missed you so much. I got another badge in Cub Scouts for knot tying and Daddy took us all camping on his days off with Uncle Alan and his family. Aunt Meg made her special campfire dessert. Boy was it sure yummy!! We got to swim every day and go on nature walks, but Jeremy and James didn’t know all the flowers and plants like I did. But they were able to start a fire though,” he said dejectedly.

“You will too, when you’re a little older. “

“Hey Dad,” came from the doorway. Hutch looked up to see Harrison, his youngest son.

“Hi there. Jake tells me you all went camping. How did Alan fare?” he asked as he rose to pull his son into a warm embrace.

“Well let’s just say he endured it and let it go.”

They both laughed, knowing how much their partners disliked the outdoors.

“When are the twins coming?” asked Harrison.

“Ollie and Jackie and respective families are arriving Thursday sometime. Sarah’s dance troop is already in town. Alan said that Kenny and Olivia and the kids were driving from LA on Thursday too. The Dodgers had a five day gap in their schedule and since he just closed, he has extra time off.”

Jake’s stomach growled, interrupting the chat and he said, “Come on Grampy, Dad. Grandma’s got lunch ready and I’m starving.”

“I’m not sure you’re not related to your uncle Dave, because his stomach always sounds like that too.”

They all laughed as Starsky’s stomach, which made frequent requests for food, was a well known fact between the Starskinson households.

“Oh hey, Dad, we got a new transfer from the 12^th. You’ll be shocked; it’s detective Kenny Barnes.”

“Really,” said Hutch.

“Yeah, he’s the son of Frank Barnes (the guy you helped during the prison riot, that put you in the chair).”

Hutch shook off the cold painful memories, but answered his son, “Yeah.”

The cold memories were soon replaced with laughter, banter and the usual Starsky/Hutchinson banter as both families joined together for lunch. A common practice for the now retired couples.

******

Thursday rolled around and both families were going to Sarah’s performance, which was spectacular. Her husband’s choreography was outstanding to say the least. It accentuated all the dancers different skills.

At the end of the performance, they asked the audience to remain for an special announcement. Sarah and Tim announced their joint retirement, as they were starting a family. There was a ruckus of whoops and hollers from a specific section of the audience, combined with the collective sighs of the rest of the audience.

Tim said, “Well, I guess everyone here knows where our family is sitting.”

The house filled with laughter.

******

Three evenings later the majority of the Starskinson families were gathered on Hutch’s balcony. Some of the grandkids were down on the beach playing between the houses. Over by the break wall, a couple of the older kids were sitting on the rocks talking and singing with another group of kids Hutch didn’t recognize when two other kids approached the group.

Hutch had gotten up with his beer in hand to check on the kids, when out of nowhere there were multiple explosions followed by ear piercing screams.

The bottle slid from Hutch’s hand and he staggered and swayed. Starsky, who was returning from the facilities, took in the terror in Hutch’s eyes and caught him before he fell. Hutch began hyperventilating and sweating. He was shaking like a leaf with his eyes squished shut, trying to block out the horror and pain of so long ago.

Starsky got him into a chair and began talking softly to his partner.

“Hey Ollie, can you get me a small shot of whiskey for your dad? I need to get him out of his shock.”

Sirens could be heard approaching. Ollie didn’t quite get what was going on, but could tell it was bad and hurried to fill his uncle’s request.

Meanwhile, Alan and Harrison had instantaneously flown down the porch stairs to investigate and offer help. As they were running by the kids, Alan hollered, “Get to the house!” Unaware of the scene that was playing out up there, the children obeyed.

Sarah, Rachel, and their respective husbands had been taking a stroll along the beach when they saw the flurry of activity at the house and simultaneously said, ”Cop mode” and picked up their pace.

Up on the balcony, Starsky was working calmly but frantically to pull his partner back from the nightmare of so long ago. “Hey buddy, it’s okay. Come on, breathe with me. In-out. Come on pal, that’s it. Just breathe.”

After a couple of minutes there was a pain filled plea, “Starsk, where are you?”

“I’m here buddy; take it easy, okay.”

“Oh God, I thought that it was happening again.” The pain was palpable in the air. Hutch began to rock back and forth as tears ran down his face silently.

“It’s alright Hutch. You’re fine, our family is fine.”

Trapped in the throes of the flashback, Hutch could once again feel the pain of the trauma he endured from the exploding firecrackers. He was overcome by blinding pain, but no silence, yet he was waiting for it to vanish.

Starsky kept talking to him, reassuring Hutch that he was safe and healthy. Most of the family knew something was very wrong with their Dad /Uncle/ Grandpa, they just didn’t know what. Jess, Mel, and Olivia herded the kids into the house as quickly and quietly as possible.

After a few minutes of coaxing, Starsky was able to get Hutch calm down enough to open his eyes and take a deep breath. Hutch realized that he was safe and uninjured. He understood that it was all a situational flashback, but looking at the concerned faces before him, he knew they had more explaining to do.

After Starsky had Hutch back on solid ground mentally, he glanced at his watch. The date said July 2.

Same day, only fifty years later! thought Starsky.

Hutch finally said to Starsky, “I don’t know why this affected so much.”

“I do.”

“Huh?”

“Yep. Hutch it was 50 years ago today, you were plunged into silent solitude.”

“Wow, really?”

Starsky nodded his response.

After about an hour the families were brought back together, where Hutch apologized for scaring everyone.

Hutch said, “Again I’m sorry to have scared everyone, but I had thought one of my, no our, worst nightmares was happening again.”

Starsky picked up the conversation. “Back in ’76, when Hutch and I had been out cruising the streets, some punks threw  a couple of packs of lit fire crackers into our car and they exploded all over Hutch, causing severe burns on his hand, chest, and face. They also made him blind and stole his hearing for a period of time.”

“Oh my God! No wonder you and Dad came unglued on Kenny and I that summer we were playing with firecrackers and had that steadfast rule we weren’t even to play with sparklers.”

Jess asked, “Why didn’t we (pointing to her sister Mel) know about this before?”

Hutch said, “The ordeal was so traumatic for both of us and wasn’t job related; i.e. someone to settle a score. I think we’ve just repressed it somewhat.”

“You mean a lot,” said Mel

Then much like the men they were married to, they asked simultaneously, “What else do we need to know about?”

Starsky said, “We have both lost people we loved before we met you two. I lost Terry, Hutch lost Gillian.”

“Then there were those that couldn’t handle us being cops. Like Rosey, Abby, and Jeanie,” stated Hutch.

“We’ve been kidnapped. Starsk by a cult leader named Marcus, myself by a drug dealer, Forest.”

“Been poisoned, too. Hutch almost died from a virus when the City was dealing the plague.  I was given some neurotoxogenic agent and had 24 hours to live by a nutty chemist, because he held me responsible for his son’s death.”

“We’ve had our share of crazies too.”

“Like Diana.“

“Or Monique. Don’t forget Matwick either,” said Hutch.

“Plus the assortment of beatings, knife injuries, and gunshot wounds,” said Starsky.

“Yeah, I almost lost my best friend because of Gunther,” Hutch volleyed.

Harrison cut in.

“Jeez Dad, do you mean to tell us that you have been blind & deaf, survived the plague, forcibly addicted to heroin, run off the road, beaten, knifed, shot, and recovered from paralysis too? Unbelievable.”

Alan said, “And you, Dad, have been poisoned, kidnapped tortured, knifed, shot down, and came back from the dead.” He shook his head in dismay.

“What got you both through it?” asked young James.

“My partner and love,” both retired detectives replied in unison.

Sarah’s daughter said, “What are you? Superman?”

“No I’m Captain America, he’s,” pointing to  Starsky, “Superman.”

Much like their respective fathers, the young detectives asked, “What’s that make us?”

“Batman and Robin,” the old partners said in unison.

Looking at Allen, Harrison quickly said, “Well , then I’m Batman, because I’m the brains of this partnership!”

Allen said, “You may be the brains but I have the looks and better skills, partner.” Their banter was so much like their fathers.

Both elder Starsky and Hutch rolled their eyes and again simultaneous said, “How did Dobey ever put up with us?” Then they gave thanks again to Dobey for putting two young rookies together all those years ago.

The combined laughter of the loving families filled the night air.

 

End