Beating the Odds

Hutch wonders how many times they can beat the odds.

Little missing scene for The Avenger episode.

Hutch sat in the hospital chair, watching over his partner. The doctor had suggested Starsky stay in overnight to make sure the sedative was out of his system and that there were no nasty side effects.

Starsky had been very groggy when he’d arrived at the hospital and had slipped into unconsciousness as soon as he’d lain down. Hutch listened to his friend’s heavy breathing, indicating not entirely natural sleep, and wondered what would’ve happened if he hadn’t got there in time.

He didn’t really need to wonder. He’d seen the evidence of what ‘Harry’ was capable of. Thank whatever being watched over them that he had arrived in time, that once again Starsky had made it through another dangerous situation.

“We’ve got each other’s back. Me and Thee…but surely the more incidents we face, the more the odds will be against us. Any day could hold a moment’s indecision that will have dire consequences. One day a random act of violence could occur that we’re not prepared for. How do I protect him from that?”

Hutch sighed and leant his head back against the chair.

“You think too much, Blondie.”

Even though the voice was quiet, it startled him.

“Thought you were asleep,” Hutch said, turning his head to see blue eyes watching him. They looked clearer now. Just a hint of concern in their depths.

“I was but I’m glad I woke up. What’s eating you up, partner?”

Hutch ran a hand over his face.

“Oh…I don’t know. Just wondering how long we can keep beating the odds. Can’t help thinking our luck’s going to run out one day.”

Starsky struggled to sit up a little. He frowned.

“I know I was pretty out of it but didn’t you work out that Monique was Harry? That’s why you appeared when I needed you, right?”

“Well, yes… What’s your point?”

Starsky’s eyes grew animated. “The point is YOU worked it out, Hutch. You did what you always do. That brain of yours is always working, always putting things together that other people miss. Tonight, it wasn’t luck that saved me. It was you. I admit the timing of your arrival was slightly lucky but you worked it out and you always will. I got faith in you, partner. You never let me down.”

Hutch let out a long, deep breath. “I thought I was too late. I was berating myself for being so slow…It was close, Starsk.”

Starsky nodded.

“Yeah, I bet you drove like a maniac.”

“I drove like you,” Hutch teased. “So worse than a maniac.”

“Hey! Watch it! I drive like a professional!”

“A professional what?” Before Starsky could think of reply, Hutch added, “Get some sleep, Johnny Rutherford.”

Starsky grinned and settled back against the pillows with a yawn.

Sleepily, he said, “So you’re admitting I drive good enough to win the Indy 500.”

“No, I’m saying you’re at your best driving in circles!”

Starsky guffawed. “Too tired to argue. We’ll continue this discussion tomorrow.”

He closed his eyes and started to drift. Hutch watched as his partner fell asleep.

“Glad there will be a tomorrow,” Hutch whispered.

He felt himself relaxing. Starsky had managed to break up the knot forming in his stomach. Somehow Starsky always knew what to say and the right time to say it. Me and Thee in perfect synchronisation.