A Christmas Quake

65

It’s a year after the events of Little Girl Lost. Everyone is looking forward to Christmas but Molly is feeling very anxious. Her adoption still hasn’t come through and she’s starting to wonder of there’s a reason for that. When Molly goes missing during an earthquake in Bay City, Kiko, Starsky and Hutch try to find her. The cast of characters includes the Dobey family too.

 

This story is a collaboration between StarskysGirl101 and me. It first appeared in the Euphoric Sentimentalism Countdown Calendar December 2024 on the SHFAFF FB page.

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Part One

It was nearly the end of the semester when the Principal called a student meeting in the auditorium. After he had made a couple of announcements, he invited Miss Taylor to come up to the microphone to speak.

“Good morning, students. Christmas is right around the corner and this year we are going to do something very special as a school. We are going to hand out food and clothing at the community center. Of course, this is on a voluntary basis but I hope many of you will join in. As you leave the auditorium, you will be handed some paperwork that will give you all the details including the date of the event. Please go over this with your parents. I will be putting sign up sheets in the corridor outside the auditorium. If your parents also want to help, there is a slip for them to fill in. Now everyone is dismissed.”

“I think we should do that,” Kiko said, grabbing his backpack.

“It does sound like fun,” Molly replied.

“I know Mom will let us do it for sure. Besides, helping someone out who doesn’t have much gives me a warm feeling inside.”

“It sure does,” Molly said, as they walked out of the auditorium and headed to their different classes.

*****

When Kiko and Molly arrived home with the paperwork, they discussed with their Mom whether they could take part. She agreed that they could, but was sorry to tell them that she couldn’t help as she had an appointment that day and wasn’t sure how long it would take. As the invitation said that adult volunteers were also welcome, Kiko and Molly decided to see if Starsky and Hutch would be free to join them.

The next morning, they walked along the road and were soon knocking on Hutch’s door.

“Hey kids, how are you doing?” Hutch asked, while he carried on getting ready for work.

“We’re great. We’ve signed up to volunteer at the community center two days before Christmas. We’ll be handing out clothes and food,” Kiko explained. “It’s going to be great.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Hutch said, “and I’m proud of you both for thinking of other people less fortunate than yourselves.”

“You can help too,” Molly said. “If you want to. They’re looking for adult volunteers as well.”

She handed the paperwork over to Hutch, who read it through quickly.

“Sounds great. I’ll check what shift Starsky and I are on. I see it’s a Friday but we should be able to come along for at least part of the day.”

“What are you volunteering me for, Blintz?” Starsky asked, as he walked through the door of the apartment.

Hutch handed the information to Starsky. He scanned it and nodded.

“That sounds great. Count us in!”

“Thanks guys,” said Kiko. “See you later.”

As the two kids left the apartment and started walking back to their home, Kiko observed, “Hey Pete, do you realize you’ve been my foster sibling for nearly a year!”

Molly grinned at the thought of how good life now was but, as they walked into the house, her face dropped a little.

“Hey, you okay?” Kiko asked.

“Yeah. I’m fine. Want to go to the park and practice catching?”

Molly changed the subject quickly. By now, Kiko knew that Molly would only open up when she was ready so he didn’t press her. He knew that at some point she would tell him what was wrong or if it was a girly problem she would talk to Mom.

“Sure. Let’s go.”

Molly grabbed her old catching mitt and the two of them set off for the park.

*****

“You know, Hutch, I love hearing that Kiko and Molly are going to help people at the community center this year. It makes me feel like a proud uncle,” Starsky said, as he drove them both to work.

“I know what you mean,” Hutch said, smiling. “You know Starsk, all this has brought to my remembrance when we met Molly. Or Pete as she usually prefers.”

“Yeah, she was so feisty. Do you remember when she bit you as you tried to get her out of the phone booth?”

Hutch let out a laugh. “Oh yeah, that was a surprise and I definitely didn’t expect that.”

“She definitely wasn’t going peacefully.”

“Definitely not, but given her situation, she had every right to be on edge.”

“True,” Starsky nodded, “but boy hasn’t she come a long way from where she started from! She’s getting good grades at school now and she’s really settled into the Ramos family.”

“I agree with you, completely,” Hutch said and the pride he had in Molly and how she’d coped with all the changes in her life was clearly evident. “I just wish the adoption was finally sorted. All that tracking down whether her birth mother was still alive has just taken so long. Poor kid. I know it made her very unsettled at the start of the year when she was told that her mother would have to be traced to make sure she had no claim over her.”

“Yeah, poor kid. You did a good job calming her down and reassuring her, pal.”

Hutch looked slightly embarrassed but smiled at his partner’s praise. “Thanks.”

Starsky pulled into the parking lot of the police station before getting out of the car.

“Oh! Not long to Christmas and it’s going to be so much fun! Can’t believe Dobey has invited us to share Christmas Day with the family! He really is a big old softy, isn’t he?”

Hutch chuckled. “Yeah, he tries to hide it but he really is.”

As they walked into the building, Starsky said, “You know, buddy. I’ve already got your Christmas present.”

“Oh really,” Hutch replied, giving Starsky a side eye.

“Yep and I’m not telling you what it is.”

“I wasn’t even going to ask you.”

“Oh, you’re not even going to put up a fight?”

“Nope,” Hutch said, walking into the office. He knew by not asking he would drive Starsky crazy as he was desperate to give Hutch some hints.

*****

On the morning of Friday 23rd December, Captain Dobey arrived at the office a little later than was usual. This was because he had someone special in his care for the day: Rosie.

When Starsky and Hutch saw her walking into the squad room, they both grinned and leapt to their feet.

“Hey, sweet Rosie, what are you doing here?” Starsky asked, as he picked her up and lifted her high up in the air, which caused her to giggle.

Captain Dobey said, “Rosie is spending the morning with me while her mother gets some last minute shopping done for Christmas. Plus all the vegetables for the feast she’ll be preparing for Christmas Day.”

Starsky started salivating at the thought of Edith’s cooking. He knew from experience whatever she prepared would be delicious. Inevitably, the thought of food made him hungry.

“Well, I’m going down to the cafeteria for a snack. Shall I take Miss Rosie with me?”

“Can I go, Daddy, can I?”

“Of course.”

“Just make sure your Uncle Dave doesn’t have too much sugar,” Hutch teased.

Very solemnly, Rosie nodded her head. She put her small hand into Starsky’s and the two of them headed out of the squad room door.

Hutch heard Starsky whispering, “Don’t mind Hutch. We can have whatever we like.”

Rosie giggled.

Dobey turned to Hutch and said, “I’m sorry to ask but please could you look after Rosie between now and eleven o’clock? I’ve got a departmental heads’ meeting that I can’t take her along to.”

“Of course, Captain. It would be our pleasure.”

Dobey nodded and said gruffly, “Thank you.”

Then he headed into his office to gather up the paperwork that he needed for the meeting. Hutch settled at his desk and began making some phone calls, collecting information for one of the cases they were working on.

*****

The community center that the school kids were volunteering at was just a short walk from Kiko and Molly’s house.

“I’m glad we’re doing this,” Kiko said.

“Yeah, me too…Look, I’ve gotta go do something before I come along and help. It won’t take long.”

Kiko frowned. All week Molly had been in a funny mood and still hadn’t talked to him about what was going on. Now he would just have to ask her.

“What’s going on, Pete? What have you got to do?”

Molly looked down at the ground and shuffled her feet uncomfortably then she looked up and Kiko could see tears in her eyes.

“It’s the anniversary today of…of when my Dad…” her voice trailed off.

“Of when your Dad died.” Kiko completed the sentence for her. “I’m sorry, Pete. I guess Mom and I should have remembered that. What do you want to do? Visit his grave?”

Molly looked surprised. “I was worried you wouldn’t understand…that me wanting to remember him might make you think I’m not happy about being your sister now.”

“Don’t be a dummy! I’d never think that!”

Molly smiled with relief. “So you understand? I just want to go talk to him. It’s only one bus ride from here. I won’t stay long. I’ll be back within an hour and then I can volunteer with you for the rest of the day.”

“You want me to come with you?” Kiko asked.

He knew Molly was pretty streetwise but he was worried about her going off on her own.

“No. Thanks but I kinda need to do this alone. Okay?”

Kiko deliberated. “You’ll only be an hour?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve got enough money to get the bus back again?”

“Yes…Thanks big brother. I’ll be fine and I’ll be quick, I promise.”

“All right. See you when you get back,” Kiko said.

Unexpectedly, Molly gave him a quick hug before crossing the street and walking along to the bus stop. She waved at Kiko and he waved back. Then he headed into the community center to find his teacher and to be told where he should be to help.

*****

Starsky and Hutch had just finished dropping off a pick-pocketing collar at the front desk when the building began to shake. It only lasted a few seconds and didn’t seem to be high on the Richter scale. However, since the San Ferdinando Quake in 1971, protocols regarding the role of the police and emergency services had been overhauled and updated. Every officer knew to report in to see if they were needed to help in rescue, recovery or crowd control.

Starsky and Hutch quickly made their way up to the squad room to see if the department was now on alert. As they walked into the squad room another tremor shook the building. The phone was ringing in Dobey’s office and they heard him answer it.

A moment later, he came out with a grim expression on his face. Rosie was following meekly behind but when she saw the two detectives she slipped past her father and headed towards Hutch. He scooped her up and then sat down with her on his lap. He passed her paper and pencils and then turned his attention to Dobey.

“The tremors are only between 1 and 2 on the Richter scale but it is expected that they will be sustained for several minutes. This means that there will be damage to some poorly constructed properties. Once reports start coming in of the worst affected areas, we will coordinate with other emergency services and see how we can best help. I’ll get back to you in a few minutes.”

Starsky nodded as he watched his captain walk back into his office. Turning toward Hutch, he said, “I hope the quakes don’t get bad.”

“You and me both,” Hutch replied.

“I hope Mom and Cal stay safe while they are out shopping,” Rosie said, while still drawing.

Starsky and Hutch exchanged looks. They could hear the worry in Rosie’s voice and wanted to do their best to reassure her or distract her, whichever was required.

“Your mom and brother are out shopping?” Starsky asked, taking a seat across from Hutch.

Rosie looked up with a smile on her face. “Yep, they are finishing up their Christmas shopping.”

“What fun. Do you think they are getting you anything?” Hutch asked.

“Of course they are,” Rosie said, surprise appearing on her face as she looked up at Hutch.

Hutch raised his hands in the air. “I was just asking.”

Starsky reached over the table and playfully slapped Hutch on the arm.

“Don’t tease Rosie like that. She is getting Christmas gifts because she has been a good girl.”

“Okay, I’m sorry,” Hutch said.

“Maybe you shouldn’t get anything for Christmas because you haven’t been good this year,” Rosie said, smiling at Hutch. Now she was a little older, she liked teasing her uncles just as much as they teased her.

“Oh, I agree with you, Rosie. Maybe I should take back his present,” Starsky said, smirking.

“Yeah, whatever, Starsk. Maybe you won’t get a gift from me this year.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be hurt by that. If you remember, Blintz, you got me a tree last year.”

“It was a very nice tree.”

“If you say so. At least I got something.”

All three of them burst out laughing.

*****

While Molly sat on the bus, she couldn’t help but think about her father. Although he hadn’t been the best father in the world, he was at least there. She helped take care of him when he wasn’t well. Even though it had been a year since his passing, she still missed him.

There were still some days where she would cry although she tried to hide it. She would act tough and make it seem like she was fine. Wiping her face, she stood up and walked off the bus. She stood on the sidewalk for a moment, getting back her composure, before walking through the entrance to Evergreen Cemetery and on toward the graveside.

Upon arriving, she fell to her knees, crying.  This was the only place she felt like she could really let the hurt out. After a moment, she looked up at her father’s grave. Every time she saw her father’s name there on the stone, she would cry.

Nicholas Alan Edwards

She let go a few more tears before she opened up to her father.

“Oh, dad, I wish you were here. I miss you so much. They say in time it will all heal and the pain will leave. But it doesn’t feel like it. I hate not having you here for the holidays. I know we didn’t do much and most of the time you were…..well…..not your best. But at least we were together……” her voice gave out as she thought of going through Christmas without her father.

After a moment, she took a deep breath. “Dad, I’m scared. Gracie, that’s Kiko’s mom, Graciella, but she lets me call her Gracie. I’ve spoken to you about her before. Anyway, she said she was willing to take me in as her very own daughter. When she asked me if I would be okay with her adopting me, I was more than happy to say yes. The idea of having a mother again gives me a warm feeling on the inside. After I said yes, I was worried that you would get upset with me. I believe you remember that conversation. That was the day Hutch came and reassured me that you would be okay with Gracie adopting me. You would want me to be happy and that is what mattered. I agree with him……”

Molly was cut off by feeling the ground shake. Placing her hands on the ground, she waited until the shaking stopped. Although it didn’t last long, she was a little concerned. Shaking her head, she began talking to her father once more.

“I of course would keep your last name as well as take my new name. Molly Edwards Ramos. It has a nice ring to it.” Molly let out a chuckle. “But, Dad, I’m scared. Gracie had the paperwork started earlier this year but it is taking so long. I don’t know if it is like this normally but it has me worried. I’m worried they aren’t going to let me live with Kiko anymore. I don’t want to move away. I’ve made so many friends here. Hutch and Starsky have helped me so much through the loss. I can’t lose them! I really hope that they let Gracie adopt me.”

Molly curled up against the gravestone and cried at the thought of leaving her friends. She didn’t want to lose them like she lost her father. Sure, she would write and visit, but it wouldn’t be the same.

Molly sat there for a long while, with all her worries swirling around her head, before finally looking at her watch.

“Oh wow! I need to get to the community center before Hutch and Starsky get there. I don’t want them to come searching for me. You see, Dad, we are passing out food and clothing to the less privileged. I’ll talk to you soon. I love you, Dad.

Molly stood up and took off running toward the bus stop just as another quake happened. Tripping over her foot, she fell and hit her head on a nearby gravestone, knocking herself out.

*****

Edith hung up the phone for the tenth time. She had been trying to get ahold of her husband since the second quake happened. Leaning against the counter, she looked to where her son was sitting. Smiling, she watched as he talked with the older lady he had helped calm down after the second quake. They were all in the store when the first quake happened. Everyone didn’t think much of it until there was a second one. Cal made sure she was fine before walking over to the older lady who seemed to be having a panic attack. After calming her down, Cal didn’t leave her side. Her son really was growing into a very thoughtful young man.

She looked around the store to see that most everyone had left. The manager informed the customers that they were welcome to stay if they wanted to but nearly everyone chose to head home to make sure their families were okay. Those that chose to stay were more than welcome to keep shopping and call their loved ones from the store phone. Most everyone had been able to get ahold of their loved ones but she had been having a hard time. She wasn’t anxious as she figured her husband’s line was busy due to the amount of calls he would be receiving as the Captain of the police department.

Smiling at the young lady who had just used the phone, she picked the receiver up again to call her husband. She let out a chuckle when she heard her husband’s rough voice bark, “Dobey,” when he answered the phone.

“Harold, you watch your tone with me,” Edith said.

“Edith, oh my gosh, are you alright?” Dobey replied with a sigh of relief to hear his wife’s voice.

“Yes, honey we are fine. We are still at the store.”

“I was so worried about the two of you. I couldn’t reach you.”

“After the second quake, the manager of the store was allowing us to use their phone to call home to make sure their loved ones were fine. I have been trying to reach you but your line was busy. Are you and Rosie alright?”

“Yes, we are doing fine. Rosie is hanging out with Starsky and Hutch in the other room while I manage the streets.”

“That puts my mind at ease. They can keep her occupied for hours. I won’t keep you, I know you’re busy. I just wanted to put your mind at ease and let you know we are fine.”

“Thank you, honey, I appreciate that. Will you be heading home soon?”

“Yes, we have all the Christmas presents. Would you like me to come and get Rosie?”

“No, she is doing fine with me.”

“Alright, dear. I will talk to you soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Edith hung up the phone and walked back over to Cal who was helping his new friend stand up. He walked her to the car of her daughter, who had come to pick her up. After loading their packages in their car, they headed home.

*****

Captain Dobey came back into the squad room looking slightly less worried than he had previously. Now that Edith had called him and assured him that she and Cal were perfectly safe, he could relax a little. He was looking forward to seeing what she had bought for Rosie when he got home that evening. He coughed to get the attention of the men in the squad room.

“The initial surveys of the city only show one affected area,” he informed them. “There are reports of trees down all along Sun Valley Boulevard and the traffic is piling up in all directions.”

“Sun Valley?” Hutch repeated. “That’s only a few blocks over from my apartment!”

“Well, it’s a bit of a mess over there,” Dobey said, “but it’s not too bad by all accounts, Hutchinson. The quakes don’t seem to have been bad enough to affect any buildings. You might find a few pictures have fallen off your walls. But that should be it…I believe the community center you want to head on over to is out that way as well, isn’t it?”

“Bless you, Captain Dobey,” Hutch thought. Their gruff but kind superior officer hadn’t forgotten their request to finish their shift early so that they could help volunteer at the center along with Kiko and Molly. “That’s right, Captain,” Hutch said aloud.

“Well, I need a couple of officers to go help direct traffic while the fire department deals with the fallen trees. Why don’t you go do that job and then you can head on over and join Kiko and Molly.”

“Thanks, Cap,” Starsky said, grabbing his jacket and slipping it on. “Bye Rosie, darlin’. See you on Christmas Day.”

“Bye Rosie. Keep being good so Santa comes with gifts,” Hutch said, as he too grabbed his jacket and followed his partner out of the door.

Dobey smiled after them and then placed his hand gently on his daughter’s head.

“Rosie, are you hungry? Shall we go and get some lunch?”

“Oh, yes please, Daddy.”

She thrust a picture into his hand. It was a picture of the family and said: I LOVE YOU. HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

“Thank you, Rosie,” Dobey said as he scooped her up into his arms. “I love you too.”

*****

Kiko’s mind was preoccupied so he didn’t hear his teacher walk up to him. He jumped when he heard her ask, “Kiko, do you know where Molly is?”

He turned to face her and replied, “She said she needed to do something and would meet us here. I’m sure she will be here any moment.”

Kiko’s smile faded as he watched his teacher smile and walk away. Although he told half the truth, he was starting to worry about Molly. She should have been here by now. It was only a few blocks to the gravesite. Even though this was not the first time she had visited her father, she normally didn’t take long. Of course, after his passing, she did stay for long periods but as time had gone on, she wouldn’t stay as long. Maybe because this was the first year anniversary, she would take longer this time. But she also knew they had to be at the community center to help out and he didn’t know how longer he was going to be able to keep his teacher from asking questions.

Looking at his watch, he realized that Starsky and Hutch would be arriving soon. He knew he could put up a front for a short time before he would spill it to them. Especially Hutch. He was his big brother and Hutch could always tell when something was off.

Shaking his head, he handed out another blanket with a smile. Suddenly, he grabbed the table as he felt the ground start to shake. The quake didn’t last long but it made him start to worry even more. A few moments later, he felt another one. Now he was really beginning to worry. Molly was at the cemetery where there were a lot of trees. What if a branch came down and hit her in the head? Shaking his head no, he tried to remain calm. He knew that Molly could take care of herself. All he needed to do was keep his focus on handing out the blankets. Maybe it would help him not worry so much. Deep down, he knew that wasn’t going to happen. He cared far too much about Molly to not worry about her.

Part Two

Harry Franks had been the groundskeeper at Evergreen Cemetery for ten years. He didn’t mind that he worked around the graves of hundreds of people. Evergreen Cemetery was a beautiful place and peaceful. He liked it. When the second quake rumbled through the city and lingered for longer than usual, his first thought was for the newly planted trees that had been put in only three weeks ago.

He waited impatiently for half an hour just in case there were any more quakes and then set off for the far side of the cemetery to check on his saplings. As he rounded a row of gravestones, he saw a pair of feet covered in sneakers lying on the grass. He hurried over.

It was a young girl, around thirteen or fourteen years old. He bent down to look at her face, which was partly hidden by her hair and saw blood. Carefully, he pushed the hair back from her face and saw that she had a nasty gash on her temple. Looking around, he decided that she had hit her head on a gravestone. It was no wonder she was out cold.

Very carefully, he lifted her into his arms and carried her down the grassy hillside towards the office, where he would be able to place a call to 911 and get an ambulance to come out and take the kid away.

Reaching the office, Harry pushed the door open with his shoulder and gently laid his burden down on the small couch that was there for visitors. He picked up the phone to place the call and realized that there was no dial tone. The lines around the cemetery must have been disrupted by a fallen tree or some other problem caused by the quake.

Harry looked at the girl. He was dismayed to see that she looked even paler than she had. He knew a little about shock and was worried that the girl was suffering from it. Very gently, he shook her shoulder to see if she would wake up but there was no response.

“You’re worrying me, kid,” Harry said. “I think I’d better take you to the hospital myself. Hope you don’t mind me carrying you again…Good job you don’t weigh too much,” he muttered as he lifted her up and headed out of the office and around the back to where he had parked his car.

Once he’d placed her carefully inside, he set off towards the nearest hospital, hoping that they would be able to help the girl and bring her around.

*****

By the time the Starsky and Hutch had helped direct traffic away from the area affected by the fallen trees and finally been released from this duty, three hours had passed. They’d heard reports of trees that had also come down at a local park (one that they themselves liked to walk in) and at Evergreen Cemetery. As none of these obstacles were affecting traffic, they could be dealt with over the next few days and weeks.

Starsky looked at his watch.

“If we’re going to get there in time to help at all, we’d better make tracks!”

Hutch nodded as the two of them quickly made their way over to the Torino and climbed in. Soon, they were driving along the diverted route that would take them to the community center.

“It’s a good thing, the quakes weren’t any worse. I think the city seems to have gotten off lightly this time,” Starsky said.

Hutch agreed.

Soon they were drawing up outside the community center, where a steady stream of people were going in and coming away clutching parcels of food, blankets and clothing. They introduced themselves to a lady who appeared to be in charge and were assured that the center itself had been unaffected by the quakes and that their help would still be very much appreciated. Then went in search of Kiko and Molly. They found Kiko helping at a table distributing blankets to those who wanted them. Figuring Molly was nearby, they walked over to greet Kiko.

“Hi Kiko. Looks like it’s been busy!”

“Yeah, it’s been great,” Kiko said, but the tone of his voice indicated he was preoccupied.

“What’s up, kid?” Starsky asked.

Kiko looked from one to the other before saying, “It’s Molly. I don’t know what happened to her. I said she could go and then we had the quake. Something must have happened to her. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have let her go.”

Hutch felt an icy hand reach into his chest and squeeze his heart.

“What do you mean? When did she leave? How long ago?”

Kiko shook his head miserably. “First thing this morning. She came as far as the community center and then she went to catch a bus to the cemetery. She was upset. She wanted to go talk to her Dad…It’s the anniversary today. She said she wouldn’t be long. An hour at most. But she didn’t come back and then we had the quakes. I’m worried, Hutch, I’m really worried!”

Laying a hand on Kiko’s shoulder, Hutch said, “It’s going to be okay. We will find her and I’m sure she is just fine.”

Hutch looked up at Starsky and saw the same worried look on his face.

“How about we go to the gravesite?” Starsky asked.

“Can I come? Please, I’ve got to know Molly is okay,” Kiko asked, looking between his friends.

Hutch nodded. “Let’s go tell your teacher that you are coming with us and then head out there.”

All three of them started walking towards the front door. Hutch filled the teacher in on what was going on and she agreed that they needed to go check on her. She informed Hutch that she would mark Kiko out and then asked to be kept updated. He agreed, thanked her before walking out to the car to meet up with his partner and friend.

As they walked to the car, Starsky could tell that Kiko was really worried about Molly. But who was he kidding? He was too and he knew his partner was as well. He was hoping that Molly was okay. The quakes didn’t seem to do much damage but you never know what could happen. Molly was streetwise and knew when trouble was coming before it happened. She would have easily gotten out of the way. Shaking his head, he knew he had to focus on the positive.

When they arrived at the cemetery, Hutch got out and then let Kiko out. He followed Kiko as he watched him take off running toward Molly’s father’s gravesite. He looked around to see if he could see Molly. It wasn’t a very big site and he would have thought they would have been able to see her.

“She’s not here,” Kiko said, while looking around the grave. He started to walk around to get his mind off of all the worried thoughts that were swarming his mind.

“Maybe she is on a bus on the way back to the community center,” Starsky stated.

“Yeah, maybe,” Hutch replied.

Starsky heard the slight hitch in his partner’s voice.

“We are all worried about her, Blondie. But she’s gonna be fine.”

“Hutch! Starsky!” Kiko, yelled.

Turning in the direction of Kiko’s yell, they took off running to find out what their young friend had found.

“What is it?” Hutch said, stopping next to Kiko and followed his gaze.

They all froze when Kiko replied, “Blood!”

*****

Harry negotiated his way around side streets until he made it back onto the main street near Memorial Hospital. He drew in near the emergency doors and started shouting for help. Within seconds, a nurse came running, followed closely behind by two porters with a gurney.

“I found this girl up at Evergreen Cemetery. She’s unconscious. I think she might have hit her head on a gravestone.”

“Thank you. We’ll take it from here,” the nurse said.

The two porters carefully lifted the unconscious girl out of the car and onto the gurney. Harry watched them hurry inside before climbing back into his car. He was tempted to hang around and see if the kid was okay. Maybe he would. However, right now his priority was moving his car out of the way of an ambulance that was just arriving. Harry turned the key in the ignition and quickly drove away from the emergency entrance.

*****

Starsky drove the Torino around the circular site to the small office near the entrance. The three of them piled out of the car. With Hutch in the lead, they rushed into the office and Hutch picked up the phone. He slammed it down with disgust.

“No dialing tone!”

“Don’t worry, we’ll find one close by so we can try and contact Graciella.”

“What if Molly’s hurt and wandering around the streets?” Kiko asked.

“Someone will spot her and get her help, I’m sure,” Starsky said, trying to reassure both their young friend and his partner. “Maybe she’ll even get spotted by a patrol car.”

“That’s a good idea!”

Quickly, they headed outside. Hutch reached into the Torino and pulled the radio mic up to his lips. Starsky could see his partner’s hand was shaking slightly.

“Dispatch, Zebra Three here. Patch me through to Captain Dobey, please.”

Starsky placed a hand on Hutch’s shoulder as they waited for a response, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Kiko who was pacing up and down near the car.

“Dobey here.”

“Captain, it’s Molly. She’s gone missing. She was supposed to be at Evergreen Cemetery but there’s no sign of her. We just found some blood. Looks like she may have hit her head. She could be concussed and wandering the streets. Can you ask patrol units in the vicinity to keep an eye out for her? Please?”

“Of course, Hutchinson. What’s your next move?”

“We’re going to find a phone to call Mrs Ramos from. The lines at the cemetery are down. We’ll see if she’s heard from Molly. If she hasn’t then we’ll start looking around the hospitals.”

“Keep me informed,” their Captain said. “Dobey out.”

Hutch turned towards his partner. They exchanged looks. Starsky nodded and called out to Kiko.

“Hop in the car. We’re gonna find a working phone and call your mom.”

Kiko didn’t need to be told twice. He hurried into the back of the car and Hutch slipped the seat back and then climbed in himself. Meanwhile Starsky was in the driving seat and starting the engine.

“Head towards Memorial. We’ll find a phone on the way,” Hutch said. “If someone has found her, it’s likely that she’ll get taken there. It’s the nearest one.”

“Good thinking.”

“What if she’s not at Memorial?” Kiko asked.

“Then we keep checking every hospital until we find her,” Starsky and Hutch said at the same time.

Kiko nodded and looked out of the window, keeping alert in case Molly could be seen on a street that they were passing. Starsky and Hutch did the same, hoping against their better judgment that the blood at the cemetery belonged to some other poor person and that Molly was on her way to the community center and was really fit and well.

*****

Starsky pulled up outside Memorial Hospital and let Hutch and Kiko get out of the car.

“I’ll go park. Catch up with you shortly.”

Hutch and Kiko rushed inside and made their way to the reception desk.

“We’re looking for a young girl. Around thirteen years of age. She may have come in with a head injury,” Hutch told the nurse.

“We’ve had a couple of kids with head injuries come in,” the nurse confirmed. “What is the name of the patient and how are you related?”

Kiko spoke up: “Her name is Molly and she’s my foster sister. This is my Big Brother, Hutch. Can I see if it’s her? Then I can call my Mom and let her know she’s here.”

The nurse looked unsure. Hutch flashed his badge at her.

“Please can we see if it’s her? Otherwise we’ve got other hospitals to check out until we find her.”

Picking up on the urgency in Hutch’s voice, the nurse said, “Oh well, I guess that would be okay. You’ll have to keep out of the way though. Both of them are being treated at the moment.”

The two of them followed the nurse through to the emergency treatment area. She took them to one bay and pulled the curtain back slightly so that they could see the patient. It was a young girl about Molly’s age but the sight of red curly hair instantly dashed their hopes. The nurse saw the look on their faces and drew the curtains closed again. She smiled kindly at them both.

“Let’s see if the other kid is her.”

She led them past three other bays and at the last one, paused and pulled back the curtain. A nurse and doctor were assessing their young patient. Kiko let out a gasp and Hutch wiped a worried hand over his face at the sight of Molly’s pale face and the gash on her temple, which was being cleaned and dressed.

Hutch heard a voice speaking behind him, “Is it Molly?”

Starsky placed a hand on Hutch’s shoulder as he watched him move his head yes. Looking over his shoulder, he could see Molly laying on the bed hooked up to the machine that monitored her heart rate. As he looked down at her, he couldn’t help but see how pale she was and it made his stomach churn. The last time he saw someone he loved that pale was Hutch when he was sick.

“I’ll go call Graciella,” he said, walking away.

Hutch was lost in thought and shook his head when he heard, “Sir, is this the young lady you were looking for?”

Looking up at the nurse, he replied, “Yes, this is her. Her name is Molly Edwards.”

“Thank you, I’ll change her name on the paperwork and let the doctor know. If you could wait in the waiting room until the doctor comes and gets you, I would appreciate it.”

“Yes, of course.”

Hutch placed his hand on Kiko’s shoulder. Reluctantly, Kiko followed him to the waiting room.

Starsky hung up the phone and let out a sigh. His heart broke at the sound of the panic in Graciella’s voice. Turning, he saw his partner and friend walk into the room.

As they went to take their seats, Starsky heard someone say, “Excuse me.”

Turning, he saw a man walking up to them. Before sitting down, Starsky said, “Yes, may I help you?”

“Pardon me, but I couldn’t help but overhear your phone conversation. May I ask, are you here for the young girl that has an injury on the head?” Harry asked.

“Yes, sir we are. May I ask how you know her?” Starsky asked.

“My name is Harry Franks, I’m the groundskeeper at Evergreen Cemetery. I was the one that found her.”

Starsky extended his hand. “I’m Detective Starsky, this is my partner Hutch and this is Kiko, Molly’s brother. How did you find Molly?”

“I had just come to work and started checking on the grounds after the tremors when I saw two feet behind a gravestone. As I was taking a look at whom it might be, I found that it was a young girl on the ground. It appeared that she had fallen and hit her head on a gravestone. Not knowing who she was, I didn’t know who to contact. The phones were down so I couldn’t call for an ambulance either. That’s why I brought her here.”

“We appreciate you taking care of her.”

“Is she going to be alright?”

“We hope so.”

Starsky turned when he heard someone saying, “Kiko.”

Graciella ran up to Kiko and gave him a hug. Turning to Hutch who stood there, she asked, “How is she?”

“The doctors are still working with her. We won’t know for a while.” Hutch answered.

“Mom, she was so pale,” Kiko said.

Hugging her son tighter, she said, “Molly is very strong. She will be alright.”

Hutch nodded as they took a seat and waited for the doctor to come give them more info about Molly.

*****

“Why hasn’t she woken up yet?” Hutch asked the doctor.

He and Graciella had just been allowed in to see Molly and he was horrified to see that her skin was almost the same color as the dressing on her temple. She looked so pale and vulnerable, Hutch felt his heart constrict.

“She has a severe blow to the head leading to a nasty concussion,” the doctor informed them. “We were worried because of the swelling inside her skull but the good news from our latest scan is it appears to be decreasing already. Surgical intervention shouldn’t be needed. We’re hopeful she will come around in the next few hours.”

“Thank God. Thank you doctor,” Hutch said with feeling.

He joined Graciella at Molly’s side, taking the child’s other hand in his. Gently, he stroked her hair and hummed a lullaby underneath his breath.

The doctor wrote on Molly’s chart and then left after telling them that staff would be doing half-hourly checks on their patient. As soon as the doctor was gone, Starsky and Kiko slipped into the room. Kiko joined his mother at the bedside and she took hold of one of his hands. Starsky joined Hutch and placed a hand on his friend’s arm.

“How’s Pete doing?”

“She’s going to be okay,” Hutch said with a huge sigh of relief. “Doctor said that there was swelling but it is decreasing. He thinks she’ll wake up in the next few hours.”

“That’s great news.”

“They’re going to check on her every half hour.”

Starsky nodded. “We’d better not all be in here when the nurse appears. How about we go get some coffee and food for everyone, pal? Let Gracie and Kiko have some time with Pete.”

Hutch nodded but stayed where he was. Starsky knew Hutch needed a few more minutes to reassure himself that Molly was okay and that was all right with him. He was glad the kid was doing all right. He couldn’t have borne the thought of her coming to harm and he knew it would have destroyed Hutch. He gave thanks that all was going to be well and that they would all be together for Christmas. He and Hutch had lost enough people this last year. It would be good to celebrate with those dear to their heart that they had left.

*****

Fortunately, Molly woke up only an hour later and appeared to be her normal self. Now, a few hours later, Starsky had been left to keep Molly company while Hutch took Graciella and Kiko home to get some much needed rest. It had been a long night for all of them. When Hutch got back, he and Starsky would keep Molly company for a few hours before the Ramos’s came back and took over. They were hoping Molly would be allowed home before the end of the day but she might have to wait until Christmas Day morning.

“Starsky?”

“Yeah, kid,” Starsky looked up from reading the comic strip in the paper.

“Could you do something for me?”

“Sure, if I can.”

“I’d planned to get Hutch a present today but now I won’t be able to. Could you go and get it for me? I’ll pay you as soon as I get out of here.”

“Of course! What did you have in mind?”

When Molly told him, Starsky grinned.

“That’s perfect. When he gets back, I’ll leave him here and go and get it.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem. How are you doing? D’ya want a look at the funnies?”

“Yeah, why not.”

When Hutch returned, he found the pair of them giggling over a comic strip and his heart filled with love for the both of them: precious child and his child-like, precious partner.

*****

Everyone gathered in the Dobey’s living room to exchange presents. Harold, Edith and Graciella Ramos sat on the sofa while Starsky and Hutch sat on the easy chairs. Cal, Rosie, Kiko and Molly were sitting on the floor.

“Rosie and Molly, why don’t you be our elves and give out presents to everyone?” Edith suggested.

Grinning, both girls quickly rushed to do as they were asked and gave everybody something to open. Rosie chose to give out the presents her parents had bought for each other and for her brother first and then sat down to open the gift they had chosen for her. With a squeal of delight, she opened her gift to find a pair of roller skates inside. She rushed to give both of her parents a hug.

“You’d better hug your mother twice,” Dobey said, with a small chuckle, “I would have bought you a dolls’ house. Just promise me you will be careful and no roller-skating near busy roads!”

“Of course, Daddy!”

Next, the girls gave out a flat package each to the kids and Starsky. These were from Hutch. Each gift contained an annual. For Cal, it was Marvel Avengers; for Kiko, the Incredible Hulk; for Molly, the Six Million Dollar Man; and for Rosie, a Disney annual. Starsky opened his gift to find the Americana Annual 1978 inside.

“I thought you might like to brush up on your trivia knowledge,” Hutch said.

“Thanks, pal. This is great! I’ll be able to share some interesting stories with you on stake-outs.”

Hutch rolled his eyes. “I hadn’t thought of that!”

Starsky was too busy flicking through the book to notice Hutch’s expression. After a minute, Starsky stood up.

“I’d better go and get my presents in from the car,” he said.

“Why didn’t you bring them in earlier?” Kiko wanted to know.

“Yes, Starsky, why didn’t you bring them in earlier?” Hutch teased, knowing full well what the answer was.

“Because they were too hard to wrap,” Starsky explained.

Starsky hurried outside and returned promptly carrying five large hula hoops of different colors.

“Thought we could have a competition to see who’s the best at hula hooping,” Starsky said.

“Why are there five hoops, Starsky?” Harold wanted to know.

Starsky looked at him in amazement. “Well, I couldn’t not take part in the competition!”

Harold rolled his eyes and Edith and Graciella giggled as the kids all rushed to grabbed a hoop.

“Not in the house!” Dobey roared.

Before the kids (and Starsky) could all head outside, Graciella said, “Wait one minute, please.”

The kids looked at each other but sat down again on the floor inside their hoops.

“I have one more gift,” Graciella said, pulling out a large yellow envelope and turning her attention to Molly. “You know that I said I couldn’t help at the community center on Friday, that I had an appointment? Well, it was to do with this.”

She held out the envelope.

Taking the envelope, Molly asked, “What’s this?”

Smiling, Graciella answered, “Open and see.”

Molly opened the envelope, pulled out some papers and started reading.

Everyone waited with anticipation as they watched Molly read.

“What? Is this true?” Molly asked, looking up at Graciella.

With tears in her eyes, she moved her head yes.

“Mom,” Molly hollered. Quickly getting up, she ran into her arms and cried. After a moment she pulled away. “I didn’t think this day would come.”

“I know, honey. It has been a long time coming,” Graciella said, wiping her daughter’s tears from her face.

“I was so scared you weren’t going to be able to adopt me. It was taking so long that I thought that it wouldn’t ever happen.”

“I know, they had to do some checking on your birth mother before going forward with the paperwork.” Seeing the look of concern on Molly’s face, Graciella put her finger under her chin and had her look at her. “What’s the matter?”

“Like I said I was scared it wasn’t going to happen. I was so worried that I would be taken from you and all my friends. I didn’t want that to happen,” Molly answered in a shaky voice.

“Oh honey, I’m so sorry you felt that way. I can understand how you could think that. It did take a while to get the adoption finalized. But I can reassure you, the adoption is finalized, you are part of the Ramos family. Molly Edwards Ramos.”

Molly smiled big as she hugged her mother tightly. “I like the sound of that.”

“So, do I.”

“Molly Edwards Ramos,” Molly said again. “You know what I think I want to be Molly from now on…but Starsky…You can still call me Pete if you want to.”

Starsky grinned and nodded, moved more than he could say.

Edith wiped the tears from her eyes while holding her husband’s hand tighter. From the corner of her eye she saw Dobey smiling as he tried to hide his tears. From the corner of his eye, Starsky saw Hutch wipe a tear from his eye. He knew the bond that Molly and his partner had. Laying a hand on Hutch’s arm, he lowered his head to hide his own tears.

Once Molly turned around to face everyone, Kiko said, “Molly, I know I once said that ‘I always wanted a brother but a sister would be okay’ but, after spending a year with you, I know you are the best sister any brother could ask for.”

“Thank you, Kiko. You are a really cool brother and I’m proud to call you that.”

Molly gave Kiko a hug. With a smile, Kiko hugged her back.

Hutch sat back with a huge smile on his face. He thought that he couldn’t be any happier if he tried.

“There’s one more present under the tree,” Starsky suddenly noticed.

He winked at Molly. She went to get it and brought it straight over to Hutch.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“This is for you from me,” she replied.

“Oh, you didn’t need to get me anything.”

“I wanted to…I wanted to thank you for…everything.”

Hutch pulled Molly in for a hug and she settled in beside him.

“Well, I wonder what this is,” Hutch said as he carefully unwrapped the small gift.

He pulled a circular, glass ornament out of the box. It was the sort of decoration that could be hung in a window to catch the light. The painted picture was a multicolored heart. Around the edge, in white writing, it said, “For My Father.”

Molly said softly, “I told you last year that you’d acted more like a father than my Dad ever had and you’ve carried on being there for me all year.” Getting a little choked up, Molly just managed to say, “Thank you.”

Hutch was lost for words for several seconds then he softly whispered, “Thank you, sweetheart. You’ll always be part of my family and I’ll always be here for you.”

For once, Molly didn’t mind the expression of sentiment. Hutch gave Molly a hug and then reached into his pocket and wiped his eyes.

“Now, who’s up for the hula hoop competition?” Starsky asked, with eyes that were shining a little too brightly.

With a mixture of smiles and tears on their faces, all the kids stood up and headed out of the room. Edith stood up too. Dobey looked at her with eyebrows raised.

“I’ve always wanted to try hula hooping!” she said with a laugh.

Dobey looked totally floored. Hutch chuckled as he also stood up.

“And where are you going?” Dobey demanded.

“I’d better go supervise the kids, especially the biggest kid of all…just in case Starsky’s competitive nature gets out of hand!”