Blackmail

2.2K

Hutch needs a doctor for his ailing back, but can the doc be trusted?

 

Previously posted on The Pits Archive, 1/20/2002. 2002 Torino Award Winner, 3rd place – Hutch Angst Story.

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Chapter 1

The sudden pain gripped itself like a vice around his lower back, taking him slowly but painfully to his knees.

Hearing his partner yell out was more than enough to get Starsky’s attention. He quickly dropped what he was doing, almost stumbling to be by his partner’s side. Okay, he had to admit to himself that he was hypersensitive to Hutch’s needs especially when he was sick or in pain. This came from being a good cop, a good partner, a brother, and, most of all, a best friend.

Starsky was quickly on his own knees next to his partner, gently putting an arm around Hutch’s waist to steady him. “Hutch? Hey… what happened? What’s my partner doing sitting down on the job?” Starsky’s attempt to get a smile from his partner had failed, basically going unnoticed.

“My back. Ohhh… my back, Starsk. I felt something pull, and it really hurts. I’m not sure I can stand up.” Hutch half laughed and half cried. “It hurts all the way down my leg. Just give me a minute okay?”

Starsky gave his partner the minute he requested, seeing that he was in obvious pain. Hutch crouched down against some boxes, resting his perspiring forehead on them as well. Being as supportive as he could, Starsky took hold of Hutch’s shaking hand that was reaching for him. “Come on, buddy, let me help ya up.”

Hutch looked at his partner, giving a nod of ‘okay’, hoping that the sharp pain in his back would cooperate with his partner’s good intentions.

“Okay, Hutch, ya ready…? Here we go.” Starsky lifted his partner to a semi standing position as gingerly as he could, avoiding fast and jerky movements that could cause more pain. He hated hurting his partner, but what was the alternative? Hutch refused to let him call an ambulance. Could he blame him? No. Hutch had seen enough of ambulances and hospitals to last a lifetime. They both had.

Now it was Hutch’s back. Is there an end to all of this? Starsky continued to think internally. They weren’t that old; why had life taken so many frustrations out on them? If it wasn’t getting hurt on the streets or by some act of revenge, it was a natural disaster or a physical ailment. It’s not like we’re careless… just the opposite. Why do we stay in this job anyway?

Starsky’s thought process was interrupted as Hutch yelped and the grip he had on Starsky’s arm intensified.

“Starsky, it really hurts,” Hutch said between short breaths and clenched teeth. “I don’t know if I can walk…. Damn!” Hutch was in visible distress. The pain only intensified as he tried his best to stand without putting all of his weight on his partner.

It had only been six months since he was released from the hospital after being diagnosed with the plague. Starsky was at his side for weeks after he was released, waiting on him hand and foot, taking care of him like a good mother would her child. He very often wondered what he would have done without the loving care his partner continued to give to him unconditionally. He wondered what he would do without him, period. That was just not an option in Hutch’s book. He would do anything for this faithful friend of his. He wanted to do something special for Starsky to show his appreciation for all of the good things he was given by this man. The last thing he wanted to do was to have him taking care of him again.

His intentions were to hide his back problem from Starsky for as long as possible in hopes that it would get better and not have to be an issue. He felt his partner had been through enough. Now it would be impossible to pretend it didn’t exist in front of Starsky. Why did this have to happen while I was with Starsky? Why did this have to happen at all? Damn again!

“Hutch? Hey, you seem a million miles away…. You okay?”

“Yeah…but no… but…yeah….”

“You’re hurtin pretty bad, huh? Come on, buddy, this isn’t working.”

Before Hutch knew what was happening, he was being lifted into his partner’s arms and being carried to the car.

“I want to take you to the emergency room, Hutch; you need to have this looked at.”

“NO, Starsk! Just take me home, okay?”

The fear and irritation in Hutch’s voice told Starsky that this was more of a command, not a question.

Hutch saw the reservation in his partner’s eyes. He knew Starsky would never go against his wishes as long as his life was not in danger. Did Starsky want to go against his partner’s request not to be taken to the emergency room, but to be taken home? Of course, but the apprehension in the baby blue eyes staring back at him beseeched him to just return him to Venice Place, to the comfort of his own warm surroundings and his own bed, not the cold, white, sterile walls of a hospital… not again.

 

Chapter 2

“What am I gonna do with you? Okay, I’ll take you home, but I’m at least gonna call the doctor when we get there. I’ll call Dobey too. You’re not gonna stay alone; you can’t even walk. How ya gonna take care of yourself? What if you need something and you can’t get to it? I’ll grab a few things from my apartment after we get you settled and after I call the doctor. I’ll order a pizza. I can’t eat that ‘stuff’ you have growing in your fridge. I’ll let ya watch the late movie with me if you promise not to be moving around too much. Do you…?”

“Starsky! I’ll be fine. It gets better. I just need to rest awhile.”

Before starting the car, Starsky lightly squeezed his partner’s forearm. “I’m sorry, Hutch. I can’t help it. I almost lost you to the damn plague. I know I’m being overprotective sometimes. I just can’t… I mean… Hutch, I just worry, I know you’re gonna be fine, but I want to make sure. How long has this been going on anyway? What do you mean ‘it gets better’? You mean this didn’t just happen? The pain has been this bad before? Why didn’t you say something, Hutch? Do you think I would have let you lift those heavy boxes if I’d have known about that!”

“Starsk, please don’t be angry with me.” Hutch saw the dejected look on his partner’s face and the brightness fade from his eyes. He was hurt. I guess I’d be hurt, too, if Starsky kept something like this from me, too. I was just trying to protect him. He doesn’t need this! Hutch’s guilt was now beginning to consume him. He also knew that all too often he took his frustrations out on his partner.

Starsky’s heart was in the right place, especially when it came to Hutch. Hutch understood this at a deep level and wished he could calm his own pride and be more gentle when it came to letting his partner help him. He still struggled in situations that threatened his independence, physically and emotionally. He didn’t have that “closeness” or “trust” in anyone while growing up. He always had to be “strong,” “be a man”… he couldn’t let anyone see his vulnerabilities or insecurities…. He was a “Hutchinson.”

It wasn’t until he met one David Michael Starsky at the police academy that he realized it was okay to let his guard down a bit. It was only for Starsky though, for reasons he was still unsure of at times. He was able to ‘really’ talk to this man, to feel safe with him. For the first time in his life he felt that someone ‘really’ cared about him for who ‘he’ was, not for his possessions, not because he came from a well-to-do family, not because he got an “A” on his report card. Starsky cared about all of him, his vulnerabilities and insecurities. For some reason, Starsky was able to get to the root of all of them.

What did I do, Hutch continued to think to himself, to be given such a gift? To be given a friend like Starsky? He could only thank God for the years since he met his partner, and pray that he would never have to know life without him in it again. Starsky was so much a part of his life now…. Well, he knew that he could not do without him.

 

Chapter 3

“I’m not angry with you, Hutch. I just wish you wouldn’t keep things from me. I’m not a child, I’m your partner, for God’s sake. You could have been hurt, worse than you are now. I need to know these things!” Starsky slammed his palms against the steering wheel, looking away from Hutch and out the window.

“Starsky, I said I’m sorry, I’m really sorry. I just want to be okay. I don’t want you looking at me like I’m an invalid. I thought it would just go away. I know I should have… told… UUGGHHH….” Just then, another series of sharp spasms clamped down in Hutch’s back.

Starsky’s irritation was quickly forgotten as he turned and rubbed his partner’s arm just a bit, almost afraid to touch him. “I’m sorry, Hutch. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No, Starsk, I’m sor…sorry.” The spasms weren’t letting up.

Starsky pulled away from the curb, keeping his right hand on his partner’s shoulder. The sight of Hutch trembling and arching his back in pain told him that this was more than just a pulled muscle.

“Hutch, I need to say I’m sorry again, ’cause I’m taking ya to the doctor. You’re not okay and you’re hurting. I can’t let you go home like this. You wouldn’t let me… I know you wouldn’t. The doc will at least give you something for the pain.”

“Okay, Starsk…take me to the doctor. I need some help, but I’m not staying in no hospital.”

“Hey, we’re just two sorry people, huh?” This comment got a small smile out of Hutch. “I won’t let ’em keep ya. I don’t think they’d want you back anyway, distracting the nurses away from their work.”

“Yeah…we have been saying a lot of ‘I’m sorry’s’ lately, haven’t we, and I didn’t distract any nurses, it was the other way around, buddy. Uugghhh…. Hurry, Starsk.”

“Just try to relax; we’re almost there, buddy. Take some deep breaths for me, okay? I saw on TV where these women in labor got relief from taking deep breaths.”

“Starsky…I’m not in labor. Just drive okay?”

 

Chapter 4

Dr. Jacob Gregory was a kind, benevolent, fatherly type man who knew both “boys,” as he called them, well. He had seen them both over the years for colds, the flu, and other minor ailments. He was a good doctor, a man who both detectives trusted and knew they could count on.

Starsky ran around the front of the car and into the doctor’s office to get some help for his hurting partner. The receptionist brought a wheelchair to the car to retrieve their patient. Once in the chair, she took Hutch directly to the exam room and summoned Dr. Gregory.

Hutch lay on the exam table, trying to keep his moaning to a minimum, still feeling he had to be strong and not burden his partner.

Starsky knew what his partner was thinking. He wanted to tell him to “get over it,” that it was okay to lean on him, that he would always be there for him no matter how many times he got sick or hurt. He wondered if he could ever break Hutch of his need to always be in control and not feel like a bother. It was okay out on the streets, but not okay between just the two of them. Why was it okay for Hutch to take care of him, but not visa versa? Starsky knew Hutch. It would not be long before Hutch let his partner into his inner most feelings. It just takes Hutch a while to adjust to not being in total control. Well, Starsky was going to be there for his ‘challenge’ no matter what Hutch was thinking… case closed.

Dr. Gregory entered the room with his usual air. “Hi, Ken… Hi, David. Ken, what seems to be the problem? Is it your back again?”

Starsky cringed once again at the thought of Hutch keeping this from him. He wondered who else knew about his partner’s back problems. Had it been on the news and he missed it? A long talk was coming when his partner felt better.

“My nurse said you seemed in pretty much distress. I’ll have to take a look, son. You’ll need to turn on your side for me.”

“Easier said than done, Doc.” Hutch held his breath as Starsky and the doctor assisted him onto his side. He cried out a bit as the movement cut like a knife. Hutch’s hand reached for his partner’s, gripping tighter as the pain became worse.

Dr. Gregory did a thorough exam, trying not to cause his patient additional pain. “Looks like you’re gonna need some x-rays this time, Ken. I think you may have a ruptured disc in your lower back. You have any numbness in your legs?”

“Yeah, just a little. This something you can fix, Doc?”

“We’ll get you fixed up, but you’re probably gonna have some significant pain for a while. I want you to get the x-rays and see a friend of mine, Dr. Nicholas Guiseppi. He’s young, but a good doctor. He specializes in trauma and injury to the spine. I’ll call him and let him know you’re coming. I’m gonna let him prescribe something for the pain after he sees the x-rays. I’ll have my nurse give you a couple aspirin for now, but Nick will prescribe something stronger, I’m sure. I’m going to have you wear a brace around your lower back for now, too. That will help the pain.”

“Thanks, Doc. Can I have those aspirin now?”

“Sure, Ken, coming right up. Oh, David, do you want me to call an ambulance, or do you think you can get Ken to the hospital for the x-rays?”

Hutch intercepted. “Starsky can take me. I don’t want to go in an ambulance… please.”

“I’ll take him, Doc. Wouldn’t want him harassing the ambulance crew. I can handle him as long as he behaves.”

 

Chapter 5

The brace and the aspirin helped the pain a little, at least to the point where Hutch could walk at a slow pace. He held onto Starsky, or Starsky held onto him, and they stopped when the spasms hit.

Dr. Guiseppi’s office was in a new building attached to the hospital. The wait was long, and what little relief Hutch may have gotten from the aspirin was wearing off quickly. He could feel the brace cutting into his back. All in all, he was totally uncomfortable and feeling miserable. Hutch continued to bear the pain as best as he could. It wasn’t easy and the pain was worse.

Starsky asked the receptionist how much longer they would have to wait to be seen. He returned to the waiting area to find his partner lying flat across the double-seated chair, intermittently arching his back, his eyes closed. Starsky gently moved Hutch’s upper body a bit, so he could rest his partner’s head onto his lap. It felt like they had been waiting for hours.

“It won’t be long, Hutch. They said the doc would be seeing you next.” Starsky took out his handkerchief to wipe away at the beads of sweat that had formed on his partner’s forehead. “Hey, buddy, try to relax… come on, deep breaths, remember?”

“I’m not in labor, Starsk,” Hutch mumbled through clenched teeth. Hutch reached for Starsky’s hand and held on tight. Neither cared what the other people in the waiting area might think of their appearance and actions.

Starsky’s patience was wearing thin as he had a harder and harder time watching his partner suffer and not be able to do anything for him. Please let the doctor see him soon. This is too much, Starsky thought as he held onto his friend.

“Mr. Hutchinson, you can come back now,” called the nurse.

They waited about twenty minutes more once Hutch was in the exam room. Starsky had just about all the waiting he could take, and went to find the doctor when the door of the exam room opened.

“Mr. Hutchinson? I’m Dr. Guiseppi, please forgive me for the wait, it’s been a crazy day. Dr. Gregory called me and said you were having some back problems, a possible ruptured disc.”

“I don’t know, Doc, it just hurts and I want it to stop.” Hutch was becoming exhausted and irritable by now and was not saying too much.

Starsky stayed by his side as Hutch once more lay on an exam table. “Can you please give him something for the pain, Doc? He’s hurtin’ really bad and not getting any relief.”

Dr. Guiseppi acknowledged the dark man’s request and explained to both that he wanted to examine Hutch first, then send him to radiology for a complete series of x-rays and a CT scan on his back. “Ken, I’ll give you something for pain as soon as you return from radiology and I see the results, I promise.”

The results of the tests were delivered promptly to Dr. Guiseppi. He went back into the exam room where his patient had been returned and told him of the findings. He ordered something for the pain and excused himself from the room for a few moments.

Starsky had a bad feeling about the young doctor. He couldn’t figure out why. He never met the guy before. He did give Hutch something for the pain “finally.” Starsky shook his head, unnoticed by his partner, thinking he had to shake the feeling. Well, at least Hutch should get some relief now.

 

Chapter 6

Dr. Guiseppi stopped outside of the exam room and leaned against the wall, knowing that what he was about to do was wrong, so, so wrong, but he had a debt to pay and he had already been threatened. One part of him insisted he didn’t do this, another part of himself said that he had to, that he had no other choice. He took a deep breath and headed for his office to make the phone call.

Guiseppi called Luke Cirillo, not someone he would call a friend or even human, but someone he was intimidated and haunted by, someone he was indebted to.

“Hi, Luke, this is Nick…. Look I don’t want any trouble, and no, I don’t have any money for you right now… but….”

“Listen, Nick!” Luke Cirillo was an angry and powerful man with connections that ran from the gutter to the penthouse. “I want my money! You wouldn’t be a high and mighty doctor right now if I hadn’t lent you the money to get through med school. I better start seeing some large payments very soon, or your career will have been short lived! You hear me, Nick! You owe me and your time is running out!”

Guiseppi thought he would be sick. Either way, my life is over…. There’s no way out for me, but maybe I can save my wife and baby, he thought.

“Luke…listen to me. I’d like to make an offer to you. I just got a new patient I think you’d be interested in talking with.” Nicholas Guiseppi was desperate and ‘in’ way too deep.

“Well, what is it, Nick? What do you want to offer me? Pacify me, Nick… come on!”

Guiseppi closed his eyes momentarily, then continued. “Luke, I’m treating Ken Hutchinson. Isn’t he the cop who put your nephew away?”

“Hutchinson? You sure you got the right guy?”

“Yeah, I remember his picture in the newspaper, from outside of the courtroom right before he gave his testimony that put Johnny away, that eventually got him killed in that horrible prison he was sent to. The blond guy, right?”

“Yeah, sounds like him. He have a dark, curly-haired guy with him named Starsky?”

“Sure does. They’re partners, aren’t they?”

“Okay, Nick, this is good. I hadn’t planned on getting to him so soon, but now that the opportunity is knocking…. I’m gonna spare you some time, Nick, but you’re gonna have to do a few things to earn it.”

 

Chapter 7

“Listen, Luke, you’re only gonna talk to him about Johnny, right? You just wanted to know what really happened, and Hutchinson can probably tell you that. You and I both know Johnny got what he deserved. He was guil….”

Before Guiseppi could finish, Luke was furious. “You shut up, Nick! Johnny was a good boy. Yeah, he got into some trouble, but he didn’t deserve to get killed.”

“Luke, Hutchinson was only doing his job. He didn’t kill Johnny.” Guiseppi realized that he had done the wrong thing in calling Luke. He wanted to take it all back, but knew it was too late. He only wanted to get himself out of some of the trouble he was in with Luke Cirillo. Until now, he didn’t realize that Luke wanted to do more than just talk with his blond patient. “Look, Luke, don’t hurt him. I don’t know what you have in mind, but I didn’t call you for any trouble. Just talk to Hutchinson, okay? Nothing else.”

“Forget it, Nick! You’re gonna do me a big favor. You owe me, remember? I swear, Nick, if you don’t do as I say, exactly as I say, your wife and new baby will have an accident and there will be no survivors.”

Guiseppi realized at this time that there would be no survivors either way. He was horrified at what he had done, but it was too late to take it back. “Luke, please….”

“You’re gonna play by my rules, now.” Luke was in full fury and eager for revenge. “If you don’t, I’ll make your life a living hell and I will inform the ‘family’ if you don’t cooperate with me. Once the ‘family’ gets involved, it’s all over for you, Nick, you know it is. It won’t only be that pretty wife of yours and your baby…but one by one the rest of your family will disappear too, without a trace! Do you understand me, Nick? So, what’s it gonna be?”

Nick Guiseppi’s life had changed for the absolute worst in just fifteen minutes. He was a doctor, a good doctor with a promising future. He helped people, not hurt them, but the thought of losing his wife, Patti, and little Nicky was something he could not live with. His next five words would change his life forever. “Okay, Luke, I’ll help you.”

“Good boy, Nick. Now, what’s wrong with Hutchinson, and what’s your course of action?”

“Well, he has a ruptured disc and needs surgery, but I’m gonna put him on some pain medicine and muscle relaxants for at least two weeks before I can do the surgery. I am going to have him stay off his feet as much as possible. No driving, no working… mostly bed rest.”

Nick’s voice was beginning to crack as he was unnerved that he was even having this conversation with Luke Cirillo. He felt a wave of nausea again as he knew that what Luke was going to request of him could not be good… not good at all.

“Okay, Nick, I want you to send him home, no admitting him to the hospital. We’re gonna take care of him at home for a while. He only comes in for the surgery, got it? I’m not gonna let him go down easy. He has to pay and suffer for what he has done.” Luke’s voice was cold and heartless. “You’re going to put him on pain meds and muscle relaxants like you said, but you’ll deliver the pain medicine to him later tonight… after you see me. I want you to meet me at the health club around 6 pm. You’ll find some excuse to make a house call. There is one more thing, Nick…. When you do the surgery on Hutchinson, he is going to die on the table…. You will make sure of that.”

“Luke, please! I can’t do that to him…. I’m not a murderer! Isn’t there some other way? Please?”

“I’m running out of patience with you, Guiseppi! You’re gonna follow my rules now! You’ll do as I say. Patti and little Nicky can be taken care of before you get home tonight if that’s what you want. It’s your choice. I’m not kidding with you, Nick! I’ll see you at 6 pm sharp!”

Nick felt as though he would pass out. The guilt at what he had done was stabbing at him while at the same time he knew there was no other way out of this one, nothing next to suicide, which he knew he was too much of a coward to carry out. “Okay, Luke, I’ll be there. I’m just going to give him something more for the pain and tell him I’ll drop off the pills at his place later. Please don’t hurt my wife or baby. Patti and little Nicky are innocent. I’ll do what you say.” Nick’s voice was broken with sobs by now at what he had started. God forgive me, he thought.

 

Chapter 8

Nick hung up the phone and jumped as his nurse entered the office. “Dr. Guiseppi, is everything okay? We’re almost finished for the day. Do you want me to release Mr. Hutchinson?”

“No, thanks, I have to talk to him before he leaves. Tell him I’ll be right there.” Nick could not even look at his nurse. He was still in shock over what had just taken place. He had to pull himself together. He did so enough to get back to the exam room that held Hutch and his partner.

“Okay Ken, I’ve looked over the x-ray and CT scan results. Looks like you’re going to need surg… surgery on your back, but until the swelling goes down, I want you to rest and take the medicine I am going to give you. I want you on bed rest as much as possible. I can schedule the surgery for about two weeks from now. I’m just going to give you some samples of the pain medicine. It’s something new that I think will work well for you. I’ll write a prescription for the muscle relaxants. The pharmaceutical company will be stopping by with more samples of the pain pills today before we close. If it’s okay with you, I can drop the pills off at your place later tonight. I see by the address on your chart that it is on my way home. I’m gonna give you something a bit stronger for the pain before you leave. It should hold you over until I can drop the pain pills off later.”

“Thanks, Doc.” Hutch said in a broken voice. By now, the spasms were once again tearing at him. He stopped himself from crying out from the pain and gripped onto Starsky’s arm. Hutch was hurting so bad that he felt he would be sick at any moment. “Can you please give me something stronger now for the pain?” This time the cry was evident in his voice.

Dr. Guiseppi decided to drug Hutch with a high dose of Demerol. He didn’t want to have to deal with questions when he dropped of the pill at the blond’s apartment later. He administered it himself, knowing his nurse would wonder why this patient was getting even more pain medicine so soon. Dr. Guiseppi’s eyes met Hutch’s just after he injected the medicine into Hutch’s lower hip area.

God, I’m so sorry. Why does he have to have such an innocent look in his eyes? He actually thinks I’m helping him. God…he has no idea that I’m going to have to kill him. He is looking at me so thankfully for the pain medicine. I can’t do this… but I have to…. I have no choice…. I am so sorry, Mr. Hutchinson…. I didn’t mean for you to get hurt… but I have to go through with the plan now…. I have no choice.

Dr. Guiseppi’s thoughts were interrupted as Hutch took his hand in a gesture of ‘thanks’ and gave him a smile of sincere appreciation.

“Okay, Ken, I want you to go home and stay in bed as much as possible, only getting up when absolutely necessary. Take the muscle relaxants as prescribed, and I’ll drop the pain medicine off later tonight.”

Nick was definitely distracted. He could not bear to look at the innocent man he would have to let die so needlessly. He exited the room quickly and summoned his nurse to assist Starsky in getting Hutch to the car.

 

Chapter 9

It wasn’t long before Hutch was breathing more calmly, and, for the first time in hours, he was able to move a little bit without excruciating pain.

“Okay, buddy, let’s get you home and tucked in while you’re still awake. I’m gonna call Dobey and take a few days off to stay with you, Hutch.” Starsky was still concerned as the feeling that something was not right ate away at his mind. Maybe he was just being overprotective. Hutch accused him of it all time. Am I being overprotective? Maybe. He wanted to shake the bad feeling. There was no way he was leaving Hutch alone, not until he knew for sure he was gonna be okay. That meant staying at Venice Place for a while. Starsky kept a close eye on his partner on the drive home.

“No, Starsk, it’s okay. I’ll manage all right. Really. I don’t want to be a burden to you with this. You don’t have to baby-sit me. I’ll take the medicine that Dr. Guiseppi gave me, and he is stopping by later. I’ll probably just sleep for a while anyway.”

“Hutch, come on…. You can’t take care of yourself like this. You’re supposed to be on bed rest, and that is what you’re gonna do. I’m not taking no for an answer. You’re just gonna have to put up with me…. End of conversation, buddy.”

“Okay.” Hutch had to smile sheepishly a bit at his second mother. He knew he needed help and really was hoping Starsky would stay with him, but he wanted it to be his partner’s decision. He knew it was a lot to ask. “So, Mom, I mean, Starsky, are you gonna get me home or what?”

“Well, son, I mean, Hutch, we’re almost there.” Starsky smiled at his partner, glad to see the pain was getting better for now and knowing that the Demerol was making Hutch very silly, very fast. Hutch was not used to stronger pain meds like Demerol. Starsky knew the pain had to have been bad for him to even accept it.

Hutch kept his partner laughing on the drive home. Starsky knew the shot left his partner out in left field somewhere. It wasn’t often that Hutch was ‘this’ relaxed. Starsky continued to be concerned, this time thinking about the Demerol and of what Forrest had done to him just over a year ago. He rationalized that it was only one shot… no more. He would make sure that Doc Guiseppi was giving his partner pain pills that were safe.

Upon arrival at Hutch’s apartment, Starsky hurried around to the passenger’s side of the car to help his partner get up and out. Knowing Hutch was feeling no pain now didn’t mean that the damage wasn’t still there. Hutch beat his partner in getting out of the car himself and stood up, not realizing how dizzy the drug had made him. Luckily, Starsky was there in time to catch him and prevent his partner from meeting the sidewalk unpleasantly.

“You’re coming in, Starsk, aren’t you?”

“How else do ya plan on getting up the stairs? Of course, I’m coming in.”

Hutch moved to walk down the sidewalk away from his apartment entrance, pulling against Starsky’s hold on him.

“Hey, buddy, you’re coming in, too…. Where do ya think you’re going?” Starsky said as he steered his partner in the right direction.

“Sorry, Starsk, I don’t know,” Hutch said playfully, ruffling the thick curls on the back of his partner’s head.

 

Chapter 10

Starsky finally reached his desired destination with Hutch. He took his partner directly to his bedroom where he laid Hutch on the bed and told him to stay. Searching through the dresser drawers, Starsky found no pajamas. He did find a large overflowing wash basket of dirty clothing in the corner of the bedroom. Hutch must have been in too much pain to even do his wash. Starsky found a pair of sweat pants and a sweatshirt that were suitable. He figured he would do some wash for his friend after the pain meds took him into sleep.

Hutch was getting groggy now from the medicine as Starsky undressed him from the clothing he was wearing and slipped the sweats onto him quickly before Hutch fell asleep. Starsky thought about doing the wash and about his empty stomach as he, too, was exhausted from the day’s events. They had forgotten to eat anything since breakfast. They really didn’t have a chance since Hutch collapsed with the pain, went from one doctor to another, to radiology for the x-rays and CT scan, and finally got back home.

Starsky found another pair of Hutch’s sweats and put them on. He covered his sleeping partner and thought he would just rest his eyes a bit. Resting next to Hutch, he, too, was soon in a deep sleep.

Starsky woke as he heard a knock at the door. It was Dr. Guiseppi with the pain medicine he promised to bring for Hutch earlier. Dr. Guiseppi seemed eager to just hand over the medicine and leave. Maybe he had an emergency case he had to attend to, Starsky thought.

Nick Guiseppi nervously inquired on how Hutch was feeling.

“Well, he is sleeping now…. That shot you gave him really knocked him out. At least he doesn’t seem to be in so much pain now. Are you okay?” Starsky noted the doctor’s shaky voice and pale face. I’ll at least try…. Something about the young doctor still bothered him in a negative way.

“Yeah, it’s just been a long day.” Why did even Starsky have to have such a kind disposition and innocent look about him, Guiseppi thought. He wanted so much to help his patient and assure his friend that his partner would be okay. He knew that was not to be the case. This was only the beginning of the plan that Luke Cirillo had for the blond he had so much hatred for. “Give Ken one pain pill every four hours for the pain. Make sure he takes them, okay?”

“I’ll make sure he takes them. What are you giving him?”

“The medicine is called Naproxen. It’s an anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation. Ken might experience some side effects at first like nausea, vomiting, and possible diarrhea.” These side effects would be very rare, but he was not about to share that information with Starsky. The less they know the better, thought Guiseppi. This way, when Hutchinson starts getting sick they will think it is just a side effect of the pain medicine.

“Is it addicting, Doc?” Starsky asked, hoping the answer would be ‘no.’ He could not bear to see Hutch going through withdrawal symptoms again, and he knew his partner would not be able to handle that either. Seeing Hutch go through the agony of withdrawal once was more than enough for a lifetime. Starsky vowed never to let his partner to be tormented like that again.

“No, Naproxen is not addicting…. Like I said, he may have some side effects, and he should try and take it after eating, if possible.” At least that part is the truth, Guiseppi thought, trying to subdue his guilt. He did not tell Starsky what else was included in the pain pills that his partner would soon be consuming, and the deadly effects that may result in time. “Listen… I really have to go now. Keep your partner comfortable and on bed rest as much as you can, okay?”

“Don’t worry, Doc, I’ll be taking good care of him.”

 

Chapter 11

Hutch rested peacefully throughout the night. He slept straight through until the sun came through the bedroom window. He woke to the smell of coffee and bacon. The pain medicine he received last night had worn off, and he felt the familiar stiffness and sharp intermittent pains that he had become so accustomed to. This time the pain was worse, though. He really did do some damage lifting those boxes yesterday. He rubbed his hands over his face and eyes in an attempt to further wake himself. He knew a trip to the bathroom was very much a necessity now. Getting out of bed was not something he took for granted these days. He braced himself for the pain as he tried to roll out of bed. He moved slowly, stopping to catch his breath and will the pain away.

Starsky’s attention was drawn to the bedroom as he heard his partner stir, and heard what he thought was a soft whimper. He found Hutch holding onto the dresser, seemingly stuck in his tracks.

“Hey, need some help?” Starsky put his right arm around Hutch’s waist and held onto Hutch’s left arm with the other.

“I have to go to the bathroom, Starsk. My back doesn’t seem to understand how bad I have to go.”

“We’ll get ya there, blondie. Hold onto me. Doc Guiseppi dropped off the pain pills last night. I’ll get one for you as soon as you’re done in the john. Still havin’ a lot of pain, huh?”

“Just a bit. Hurry, Starsk, I gotta go.”

Starsky got Hutch to the bathroom in time and waited outside of the door. “I made us some breakfast. Hungry?”

“Coffee smells good. Shouldn’t you be at work?”

“I called Dobey and got some time off. I told ya I was gonna stay with you for a while. I’m sure you don’t remember though; you were pretty dazed from the medicine Guiseppi gave you last night. You got pretty silly. You ready?”

“Yeah, you can come in. I’m decent.”

“Well, I don’t know if you’re ‘decent,’ but you’re dressed?”

“Funny, Starsk, what’s with the chipper mood this morning? I just want to wash up a bit, okay?”

A short but sharp moan from his partner told Starsky that he would need some help. “Hold on, buddy, let me help ya.” Starsky filled the sink with warm water and helped Hutch wash up and get a shave. “Okay, let’s get ya back to bed, then I’ll bring you some breakfast and a pain pill.”

“I don’t want to go back to bed, Starsk. I’m tired of lying down.”

“I was put in charge of your recovery, and bed rest was the doctor’s orders…so it’s back to bed you go.”

“How about the sofa, Starsk? I can at least watch TV.”

“Okay,” Starsky sighed. “I guess this is what it must be like having kids, or maybe worse… you big kid, you.”

Getting Hutch settled on the couch was not an easy task. A sick Hutch can be so picky and demanding. Starsky didn’t mind though; he was glad his partner was feeling okay enough to order him around. He must have tried at least six different positions, putting a pillow here and a pillow there, only for Hutch to say he wanted the pillows somewhere else.

“I’ll put the pillows somewhere else, Hutch. You keep going on like this, and you’re going back to bed.” Starsky gave his special grin to his patient.

Hutch realized Starsky was serious and decided he really was comfortable as he was, and he really was comfortable.

Starsky knew that his partner was like a little boy who got to stay home from school and was enjoying being fussed over. Starsky was all too happy to fuss over his partner, although he was not about to tell him that.

Finally being settled and comfortable, Starsky brought Hutch a cup of hot coffee and some breakfast, along with the first pain pill.

 

Chapter 12

Starsky stayed with Hutch for two days before Dobey insisted he needed him back at work. He was still reluctant to leave Hutch alone, but rationalized that he would call him frequently and stop in to check on him on his lunch break.

The pain medicine seemed to be helping to an extent, although Hutch seemed to be catching a cold. Starsky was hoping it was not the flu. He had a flashback of Hutch lying in bed in the ICU at Memorial being tormented by the plague. He had to remind himself that it was only a flashback; a memory that was not going to happen to Hutch again. He’s been through enough; the last thing he needs is the flu, especially now.

It was still difficult for Hutch to get to the bathroom alone, and making something to eat for himself was almost out of the question. Starsky prepared everything Hutch would need for breakfast and lunch the night before he had to report back to work. Hutch would only have to heat it up. Starsky would take care of the dishes when he got home. He made sure Hutch had the phone near him where he could reach it, and had his pain pills within his reach.

Starsky sat on the side of the bed that housed his partner. “Okay, buddy, I have to go to work now. I’ll be back to check on you at lunch. Think you’ll be okay ’til then?”

“I’ll be fine, Starsk, go on. I’m sure the paperwork is really stacked up by now. You can catch up on my share, too.”

“Funny, Hutch. I’ll do what I can. You know I hate paperwork. If you need anything, I mean anything, you call me, okay?” He squeezed Hutch’s shoulder and stood to leave.

“Yes, Mom… See ya, Starsk.” Hutch felt like he might have to throw Starsky out the door as he seemed so hesitant to go. Gotta love him, thought Hutch as he smiled.

Hutch slept for a couple more hours and woke with a sore throat and felt so tired. He attempted to get out of bed, only to find that he was too weak. The dizziness pulled him back onto the bed. He laid back down in surrender to feelings of dizziness and slight nausea that overcame him.

Starsky has been keeping me on bed rest for too long. I didn’t realize I got this weak.

Hutch was thirsty and wanted some hot tea to soothe his throat, but he decided to rest a while longer before attempting the long trip to the kitchen. He was certain this feeling would pass. He was intent on not telling Starsky about the sore throat, dizziness, and nausea. He didn’t want Starsky calling in the paramedics.

I’m sure this will pass soon. I just need to rest a bit longer. He closed his eyes, willing the dizziness and nausea away.

Starsky came home on his lunch hour as promised to check on his patient. He found him sound asleep in bed. He didn’t want to wake him, so he quietly placed a sandwich, tea, and a fresh glass of water on the bedside table for Hutch to find when he woke. Little did Starsky know that Hutch had not been out of bed all day.

Starsky glanced back at his sleeping partner one more time before having to return to work. He had been kept so busy at work that he did not have a chance to call and check on his partner earlier.

Hutch woke still feeling drowsy, hoping the dizziness was gone. He looked over to the clock on the dresser and saw it was 4:30 pm.

4:30! I must have been tired. I have to get up.

He was still so tired and his throat still so sore. He found the sandwich and tea on the table next to him. Starsk…. He smiled, knowing his partner must have been there earlier to check on him. As much as he knew Starsky had to get back to work, he missed having him around, and was looking forward to his return home. It was just too quiet. He had become used to the sound of dishes rattling in the kitchen, and felt a comfort in hearing the TV he knew Starsky would be watching. He felt consolation, knowing his partner would be returning in an hour or two. His concentration was interrupted with the ringing of the phone.

“Hello.”

“Hey, Hutch, you doing okay?”

“Yeah, just tired. I slept a lot today.”

“I know. I stopped in around noon and you were out like a light. Did you eat anything?”

Hutch was hesitant in telling Starsky that he had not eaten a thing, but that he just woke up and had slept all day. “I was just gonna try something now. Thanks for the tea and the sandwich, Starsk.”

“Are you taking your pills?”

“I’m just gonna do that now, too.”

“Okay. You want me to pick anything up on my way home?”

“Nope, got everything I need, unless you can find me a new back.”

“That might be hard to come by. I’ll see ya soon…. Bye.”

“See ya, Starsk.”

Hutch really needed to get to the bathroom once again, and knew he could not wait for his partner to get home to help him. I can do this. Just take it slow. I know I can do this. Hutch was mustering up the courage to get up and out of bed. He sat up slowly, wishing he would have been awake to take a pain pill earlier. The dizziness was not gone, but he was not going to give into it again. He held onto the bedside table and waited for it to pass a bit. He then inched himself toward the bathroom and, after what felt like a hike up Mt. Everest, he found himself at his destination.

He completed his business in the bathroom and took some deep breaths in preparation for the trip back to bed. He felt he must be getting the flu. Damn, not now, I can’t handle the flu right now.

He rose to a standing position only to find himself back at the toilet, this time vomiting. The feeling came upon him without much warning. His throat was stinging and he was weak. After his stomach allowed him to stop gagging, he sank onto the floor and leaned up against the cold tiles. At least they felt good. God, I can’t let Starsky know about this. I have to get back to bed, and I need a pain pill.

It was too late; he heard the opening of his front door and the familiar sound of Starsky’s voice softly calling his name. Hutch just didn’t have the strength to get himself up. He would assure Starsky that it was just the flu and that he would be fine. He didn’t want his overprotective partner worrying anymore than he already was.

 

Chapter 13

Starsky peered into Hutch’s bedroom, surprised not to find him there in bed. “Hutch? Hey, where’d ya get to?”

“I’m in the bathroom, Starsky. I’ll be right out.” Hutch grabbed onto the towel bar and tried with all his strength, which was not much, to pull himself up. It was just too hard. “Starsky… Starsky, I might need some help.”

Starsky was there within seconds, kneeling down next to his partner. “Oh, Hutch, what happened, buddy?” Starsky felt Hutch’s forehead for fever, then wet a washcloth and smoothed it over his partner’s face gently. He sat on the floor with Hutch, gently holding him, not wanting to move him just yet. He had more questions, but Hutch looked so pale and lethargic. “What happened, Hutch? You got sick, didn’t you? Why didn’t you call me?”

“I just came into the bathroom a few minutes ago. I think I might have the flu, Starsk. I don’t want you worrying about me. I’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, you look terrific, Hutch. Come on; let’s get you back to bed.” Starsky attempted to carefully lift Hutch to his feet when he realized just how weak his partner was.

He finally got him to his feet when Hutch jerked away from him and went back toward the toilet. He was vomiting and retching once again.

“I’m sorry, Starsky.” Hutch slid back onto the floor in exhaustion, taking short, shallow breaths and sweating.

“Hutch, you’re really sick, I’m gonna call Dr. Gregory. I’m sure he’ll stop by tonight to see you. I want you to be checked out, Hutch. I’m sorry I left you today. I’m not leaving you again…. I’m staying right here with you. It’s gonna be okay; just rest against me for a minute, then we’ll try to get back to the bedroom again. Think you can make it this time?”

“Yeah, I’m sure it’s just the flu, Starsk.”

“I know, you told me that already, but we want to make sure it’s nothing else.”

Starsky all but carried his weak partner back to the bed. Hutch was in a frail state and just gave into letting Starsky help him. His head fell onto Starsky’s shoulder; he couldn’t fight it anymore.

Starsky got his patient changed and into some clean sweat pants and a t-shirt and piled a couple of heavy blankets on top of him. He then called Dr. Gregory. “Hi, Doc, this is Dave Starsky. I had Ken in to see you a couple days ago.”

“Hi, Dave. How is Ken doing?”

“Well, that’s why I’m calling you. He’s not doing too well. I think he might have the flu, but… but… well, I’m really worried. Do you think you could stop by tonight to see him? I found him in the bathroom. He’s been vomiting and is so weak. I nearly had to carry him to get him back to bed.”

“Okay, Dave, don’t worry. It does sound like the flu, and there is a really bad strain of the flu going around right now. I’ll be over in about an hour. Just keep him comfortable; I’ll be there.” Doctor Gregory knew that neither of the boys called him unless it was for something they were really worried about, and he could hear the deep concern in Starsky’s voice.

“Thanks, Doc. We both really appreciate it.”

 

Chapter 14

Starsky’s concern grew deeper as he watched his partner in such an uncomfortable condition. He made sure Hutch was kept warm and made some hot tea for him in addition to getting a much needed pain pill into him, which he was able to keep down. He silently cursed himself for leaving Hutch to go to work today, although he knew Dobey was giving him no choice, and he didn’t know Hutch was getting so sick. He stayed by his partner’s side, rubbing his back, hoping he could get some rest.

Doc Gregory soon arrived to Starsky’s relief. “He’s in the bedroom, Doc.” Starsky nearly pulled the doctor into the bedroom. “He hasn’t thrown up since I called you, but he is just so weak. Is it the flu, Doc?”

Dr. Gregory took Starsky into the living room to have a word with him. He was such a gentle man, kind of like a father figure to the boys. To Starsky’s surprise, Doc Gregory took him by both arms and looked straight into his eyes. Talking softly and caringly, he focused on Starsky. “Dave, I need you to calm down for me. Ken is going to be all right, but I don’t want to see you getting sick, too.”

Starsky understood and realized that he was being very hyper. He just put his head down, knowing Doc Gregory was right. “I’m sorry, Doc. You’re right. I need to get a hold of myself.” Starsky began to cry unwillingly. “It’s just that ever since I almost lost Hutch when he got the plague, I can’t stop worrying. I’m still having nightmares that he died. I’m just so damn afraid of losing him. Then seeing him on the bathroom floor, so weak and vomiting… I panicked. I still can’t get the image of Hutch being in that oxygen tent, burning up with fever and in pain, out of my mind. He almost died, Doc. I almost lost him forever. I’m still so scared that that nightmare will come true. Death was just too close.”

Doc Gregory pulled Starsky into a gentle embrace. No other man would have been able to get that close to Starsky except for Hutch, but the doctor understood and really cared about his boys. He knew their relationship was special and that they were closer than brothers. Starsky accepted the doctor’s comfort and understanding. He thought that his own father would have been a lot like Doc Gregory.

“Dave, Ken is going to be okay. I’m gonna take a look at him now, and I’ll stop by tomorrow again. I know you’re worried and I can certainly understand why. Ken is strong, the flu is going around, and we both know that where we find the flu, we are certain to eventually find Ken, too.”

“Thanks, Doc.” Starsky had to smile, knowing that Doc Gregory was right. Hutch did get the flu once or twice a year. “I’ll be okay now. Thanks for talking with me and understanding.”

“Okay, let’s go see that partner of yours.”

~~~

“Ken, it’s Doc Gregory. Dave tells me you’re not feeling too well. He said your stomach was upset. How are you feeling now?”

Hutch opened his heavy eyelids and swallowed hard. “Doc?” He was too weak and exhausted to say anything more.

“I’m gonna examine you, Ken. Just relax for me, okay?” Doc Gregory felt Hutch’s glands, checked for a fever, felt around his stomach, and looked into his patient’s throat. “I’d say you did catch the flu, Ken, or it caught you. I’m gonna give you a shot for the nausea, and I want you to drink as much fluid as you can keep down. I don’t want you getting dehydrated. Are you having any other symptoms?”

“Just my throat; it’s really sore and my stomach hurts and I’m so tired.” Hutch looked at Doc Gregory with eyes pleading for help.

“Well, you’re gonna be in bed for a while, and I want you to listen to that partner of yours when he tries to get you to drink fluids and soup or whatever he can get into you. You’re gonna be okay. I know this is no fun, but the flu will pass and you’ll be feeling better in no time.”

“Okay, Doc, thanks.” Hutch’s eyes were too heavy to keep open any longer and he fell back to sleep within minutes.

“All right, Dave, keep him warm, check his temperature every four hours, and get some fluids into him. I am going to leave some antibiotics with you, too. Give him one every six hours, and I would try to keep him on the pain pills and the muscle relaxants that Dr. Guiseppi prescribed. We need to take care of that back of his, too. I wouldn’t be surprised if the vomiting continues for a bit longer, and he may develop diarrhea, unfortunately, but it looks like the flu, so I don’t want you worrying. If you’re feeling scared again, know that you can always give me a call, okay?”

“Thanks, Doc, you’re an angel. A man angel, I guess.”

 

Chapter 15

Starsky pulled up a chair and sat on the edge of it, watching apprehensively as his partner slept. “Looks like we’re gonna have a long night ahead of us, kiddo. You just sleep, I’ll be right here.” Starsky settled back into the chair, taking his partner’s hand. He wanted to be alert if Hutch woke up and needed anything, but also just needed the contact with his partner.

Hutch slept for a couple hours more before a violent wave of nausea and stomach cramps woke him. “Starsky, I have to go to the bathroom now. My stomach….”

Starsky knew that look. There wasn’t going to be enough time to get to the bathroom. He grabbed the trash can and held it under Hutch’s head as he supported his partner while he was once again vomiting and retching.

“Starsk, I gotta get to the bathroom. I gotta do something that I can’t do in the trash can.”

If it weren’t for Hutch being so sick, Starsky could have almost laughed a bit, but Hutch was sick and Starsky wasn’t finding humor in anything right now. “Okay, let’s give it a try. We’ll take it slow.”

“No, Starsk, I have to get there now…please.”

“Come on, buddy, let’s go.” Starsky helped his partner to the bathroom, making it just in time. The diarrhea that Dr. Gregory said might happen, was happening.

“Wait outside, okay, Starsk?”

Starsky was hesitant, but waited outside of the bathroom door. He, too, felt sick as he heard his partner not only having the problem he went to the bathroom for in the first place, but also heard him grab the trash can from the bathroom floor and was once again getting sick. It all seemed so violent to Starsky. He wasn’t going to wait outside much longer. He needed to be there for his partner, and he knew his partner needed him.

He entered the bathroom when he heard the retching slow down and his partner beginning to cry. “Starsky… I can’t take this.”

It broke Starsky’s heart to see and hear his partner in such distress, but this was not something he could control. Out on the streets it was different. They dealt with danger most everyday and could fight it, deal with it, control it… but this…. How could he fight something or protect Hutch from something like this? He could only be there for him and help him with whatever he needed, even if it was just to hold his hand or give him a drink of water and not to leave him.

“Hey….” Starsky took Hutch’s head in both of his hands so he could make eye contact with him. “It’s gonna be okay…” Starsky could only pray it really was going to be okay, but even if he felt scared and had his doubts, he had to make Hutch believe he was going to be just fine.

Starsky took the trash can from the grip that his partner had on it and set it back onto the floor, then pulled Hutch’s head into his stomach and rubbed his back. Hutch didn’t resist Starsky’s hold on him. “You ready to try to get back to bed?”

“Umm-hmm….”

Starsky once again supported his partner, getting him to a standing position, and finally getting him back into bed. Hutch immediately curled up into a fetal position, holding his stomach. The worried detective covered his friend, then sat on the edge of the bed rubbing his back and talking to him in an attempt to provide some comfort. Hutch did seem to calm a bit as Starsky continued to rub his back. Listening to Starsky talking to him relaxed him enough to finally fall into a light sleep.

When Hutch’s breathing became more regular, Starsky resumed his position in the chair next to the bed. He kept one hand on Hutch as he rubbed his own eyes that were tired and heavy. He too was soon asleep, not moving from his partner.

 

Chapter 16

Dr. Guiseppi nervously knocked on the door to Hutch’s apartment at Venice Place. He had to know how his patient was doing. He felt so responsible.

He was.

Starsky opened the door to face the nervous young doctor. “Dr. Guiseppi? What are you doing here? Is something wrong? Did you find something else wrong on Hutch’s x-rays?”

“No, I’m sorry, Mr. Starsky, I was just on my way to work and thought I would stop by to see how Ken is doing.”

“I wish I could give you better news, Doc, but Hutch is sick. He came down with the flu.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Is he getting any rest?”

“You can see him if you want. I’d feel better if you took a look at him.”

Starsky led Nick Guiseppi into Hutch’s bedroom where his patient now lay, pale and so weak looking. He walked over close to Hutch and put a hand on his forehead. “Ken, how are you feeling?”

Hutch looked up to see who was talking to him when another series of stomach cramps hit him hard. He wanted to curl up again and ride them out, but he knew the routine by now. He had to get to the bathroom quick.

“Starsky…help me, huh? I gotta go again… and I’m feeling sick.”

Doc Guiseppi and Starsky assisted Hutch into the bathroom as quickly as possible. Hutch was even more weak today than last night. “Please close the door. I’ll be okay.”

Starsky’s nerves were balancing on a thin wire. “Doc, does this seem like the flu to you?”

“Yes, unfortunately. It is going around. I can’t imagine how Ken’s back is feeling with him being up and down like he is.”

“He’s been vomiting, too, and… his throat is sore. That doesn’t go along with the flu, does it?”

“He may have a cold along with the flu. He might have been more susceptible to these type things since he was in pain with his back for so long. He may have been run down.” Dr. Guiseppi tried to sound convincing. He thought he was doing a pretty good job of it.

Starsky just looked at the young doctor. Why do I feel like something is not right when he is around? Why did he even stop to see Hutch? Most doctors don’t make a house call unless you call them to your house.

“Starsky? You there? I think I can get back to bed now.”

Starsky took one more glance at Guiseppi and tried to let go of the bad feeling he was having. “I’m here, Hutch. Come on, buddy… here we go.”

Starsky was getting good at maneuvering his partner back and forth to the bathroom. He was getting a lot of practice. Once again he tucked his partner into his bed and tried to make him comfortable. Guiseppi hadn’t even offered to help him with Hutch on the return to the bedroom.

“We’ll be fine, now. Thanks for stopping by, Doc.” Starsky wanted this man out of the apartment. Just the young doctor’s presence was beginning to irritate him.

“Please call me if I can help.”

“Thanks, we’ll be okay.” Starsky nearly shut the door in Guiseppi’s face before returning to his partner’s side. He found that Hutch was sleeping and decided to clean up around the apartment and make some breakfast in hopes that Hutch would be able to keep it down.

 

Chapter 17

Nick Guiseppi ran around the front of his car, got in and took off quickly. He stopped the car around the corner and pulled over to the curb. He started sobbing, hating himself for putting an innocent man in the position he did.

Oh, God…. Starsky thinks his partner has a simple case of the flu…. What the hell have I done…? He doesn’t have the fucking flu…. He’s dying….

Nick drove off in anger, at himself and at Luke Cirillo. He wanted some answers. He drove directly to Luke’s health club where he knew he would find him. “Luke! I need to talk to you in private. Now.”

“I was expecting you, Nick. Follow me.”

Luke took him to the basement of the building to have a talk with Nick.

“Luke, what the hell did you put in those pills you gave me for Hutchinson?”

“All in good time, Nick, all in good time.”

“I’m not going through with this, Luke! I can’t do this. It has to stop now!”

“I knew you would be weak, Nick, so I took out a little insurance. Take a look.”

Luke took Nick down the hall and led him into one of the small offices. He pushed Nick into the room with force.

Nick was horrified at the sight before him. “Patti!” Nick went to go to his bound and gagged wife, but was stopped by two of Luke’s cronies. “Let her go, Luke. Let her go, please.”

“Patti will be okay as long as you do as I say. When Hutchinson is dead, Patti will be returned to you. For now, you just do as I say.”

“Okay, Luke, I’ll do what you say. Will you tell me what is going on? Hutchinson is really sick. He’s dying, Luke. What are you doing to him?”

“I just put a little something extra in the pain pills I had you deliver to him.”

“I thought you wanted him to die on the operating table?” Nick Guiseppi thought he had some time, time to maybe turn all of this around.

“Well, if he makes it to the table, then he will die there. Guess we’ll find out just how much he can take.”

“Luke…I’ll do whatever you want me to do. Just don’t hurt Patti. If you want me to help you, you need to tell me what you are doing to Hutchinson.”

“Okay, Nick, I trust you won’t mess up, not with Patti’s life in jeopardy.” They were far enough away from Patti that she could not hear what was being said. “I swear Nick, one wrong move from you and she dies. I wanted Hutchinson to die on the operating table, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted him to suffer. Johnny suffered, and he’s gonna suffer, too. The pills are laced with Arsenic. The pills near the top of the bottle have just a little of the arsenic in them and as he gets toward the middle to the bottom of the bottle, the pills contain more of the damn poison. He’ll suffer and get what he deserves.”

Nick felt numb. He looked at his wife and told her how much he loved her as he exited the room. He talked with Luke just a bit more outside in the hall. “Luke, I promise I won’t mess this up for you. Just please don’t hurt her.”

“Just do as you’re told and she will be okay.”

 

Chapter 18

The thought that Hutch might be able to keep some breakfast down was short-lived. Hutch continued to throw up and have to make frequent trips to the bathroom. He was almost too weak to make the journey anymore. The symptoms persisted throughout the day.

By late afternoon Starsky brought some pillows and blankets into the bathroom and made his partner as comfortable as he could. In between bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, they both got a few periods of restless sleep. Starsky held onto his partner, each time hoping the torment his partner was suffering would ease. He saw and felt his friend getting even more weak and lethargic. He knew he had to get some fluids into him as Hutch was getting dehydrated.

Hutch was having more difficulty swallowing, and attributed it to his severely sore throat. He figured the shortness of breath was just due to his weakened state. The stomach cramps persevered along with muscle cramps in his arms and legs. His back was hurting so bad that he thought he would pass out at times. The prospect of passing out became a welcomed thought. He didn’t pass out though, just continued to suffer. The only comfort he felt was having Starsky holding onto him and hearing his soothing voice.

Starsky sat, leaning up against the bathroom wall, holding onto his partner. He held on tighter when bouts of the chills consumed his friend. He felt so helpless. He knew doctor Gregory said he would stop by tonight and hoped it would be soon. He wanted to call an ambulance for Hutch, but Hutch protested with any strength he had left.

“It’s just the flu, Starsk. It’ll get better. Just stay here with me, okay?”

“Okay, Hutch, but if you’re not better by morning, you need to go to the hospital.”

“Let’s just wait ’til morning then, huh?”

“All right, but we gotta get some fluids into you, Hutch. I think you’re getting dehydrated. We gotta at least try.”

Hutch tried to keep some tea down just to pacify his partner. Hutch knew what he had was not the flu. He was terrified of dying, but even more terrified of being taken to the hospital and dying there. He remembered the plague and what it did to him. They wouldn’t even let Starsky in to see him except on occasion and those moments were taken away quickly. It wasn’t enough. He needed his partner, and felt if he were taken to the hospital, Starsky would be kept away from him.

Right now, being at home with Starsky seemed the better choice. At least he had Starsky to hold and comfort him. If he was going to die, he wanted Starsky to be with him. His last moments were not going to be in some cold and isolated hospital room. He felt the guilt of leaving his partner behind and knew he could not handle Starsky dying on him, but if it would have been Starsky who died first, nothing would keep him from being by his partner’s side.

Starsky felt Hutch’s forehead for a fever. He didn’t seem to have one even though he seemed to be having severe chills. “Hutch, how about a warm bath? It’ll warm you up and make you feel better.”

“Okay, Starsk, that might feel good.”

Starsky ran the warm water into the tub, got Hutch undressed, and lowered him into the tub. The warm water did feel good to Hutch. He was so cold. Starsky sat by the side of the tub and left Hutch soak and warm up. He intermittently ran more warm water as Hutch requested.

“Hey, buddy, you’ll soon be able to go swimming in there. I think we should get you out before ya turn into a prune.”

“Thanks, Starsk. This did feel good.” Hutch looked up to his caretaker, too weak to even feel embarrassed. He reached for Starsky’s arms to guide him out of the tub, and let his partner dress him and get him back to bed. The bath had relaxed him, and he felt he just might be able to sleep.

Starsky had not realized how much weight his friend seemed to have lost until he saw him in the tub. You could see his ribs, and for the first time Starsky noted that Hutch looked emaciated and almost ghostlike. I have to get something into him. He gets ’til morning. If he’s not better by then, he’s going to the hospital. I know he won’t like it, but he’s going.

Starsky returned to the bedside with some warm tea, chicken soup, and crackers. “Come on, Hutch, ya gotta try.” When Hutch didn’t acknowledge his dinner, Starsky began to feed him. “Hutch, please. Just a couple spoonfuls and some tea. You can’t go on without eating. How ya gonna get your strength back, buddy?”

Hutch did his best. He took half of the soup and most of the tea. He only requested the trash can once, but having almost nothing left in his stomach, he could only heave.

“Okay, pal. You did good. We’ll try more later. It’s time for an antibiotic and a pain pill, buddy.” Starsky reached over to the pharmacy Hutch had accumulated on his bedside table to get the pills. He retrieved an antibiotic and fed it to Hutch. He then went to get a pain pill when Hutch folded into more stomach cramps. The pills were knocked from Starsky’s hands and went everywhere.

“I’m sorry, Starsky,” Hutch said as the cramps passed.

“Its okay, blondie. If you didn’t want a pill for pain all you had to do was say so.”

“No, I need one. Everything hurts.”

Starsky gathered all of the pills up and poured them back into the bottle. “Here ya go…. This should help.”

Hutch got the pill down, nearly choking on the water. Swallowing was becoming more difficult.

“It’s okay, Hutch. Just try to relax.”

Hutch was trying; it was just a fight he was not winning. He tried to catch his breath and not alarm Starsky. This will pass…. Why can’t I breathe..? Why can’t I swallow…? I need help, but NO, I’m not going to a hospital…. No… no… not again.

Hutch closed his eyes, taking in the comfort and strength his partner continually offered. He was soon in a light sleep. Hutch never realized just how afraid he was of hospitals after dealing with the plague… not until now.

 

Chapter 19

Starsky nodded off in spite of his attempts to stay awake and keep an eye on his partner. He woke as he heard Hutch moaning. The hand he was holding was cold. Icy cold. Starsky became alert immediately. Taking the hand that was in his, he tried to rationalize why Hutch’s hands were so cold.

“Hutch? Wake up, buddy.” Starsky felt panic. He felt that familiar closeness of death once again. He rose to call an ambulance.

“Starsky, where you going?”

“I’m calling an ambulance, Hutch. Something’s wrong and you need some help.”

“No, Starsk! Please don’t do that. Don’t make me go to the hospital.” Tears were beginning to roll down Hutch’s cheeks. “Starsky… the last time I was there, I almost didn’t come out.” Hutch pleaded with his partner.

“You’re sick, Hutch. It’s not getting better. You’re dehydrated and your hands are so cold. The flu doesn’t act like this. I just want to make sure you’re okay.” In reality, Starsky wanted to make sure Hutch was not dying. Maybe it’s some form of the plague coming back again.

“Starsky…don’t. I know this might not be the flu, but they’ll take me away and… and… I’ll never come home. They’ll put me in a cold room, and they won’t let you see me. I want you to stay with me. If I have to… I want to die at home, Starsk, with you holding my hand… please?” Hutch was sobbing and begging.

“HUTCH! STOP IT!!!”

“Starsky, listen to me. I left everything to you, including a nice-size life insurance policy. You can get yourself that house at the beach like you always wanted, and please, get a safer job. I don’t trust anyone else looking out for you.”

Starsky was becoming frantic. It was not like Hutch to give up and refuse help. He had not realized how afraid, deathly afraid, Hutch had become of hospitals. He knew Hutch was not thinking straight. He didn’t know what was happening to his partner…. It all came on so quickly.

He held tighter onto Hutch’s hand, realizing that the grip was not returned. “Hutch, can you feel my hand?”

“My hands and feet are kind of numb. I know you’re there, Starsk, that’s all that matters now.” Hutch felt the closeness of death hovering and waiting to take him. He had resigned himself to it, believing he could not be well again.

“Hutch! Stop talking like this…. You’re scaring me!!! You’re not gonna die, dammit!” Starsky was shaking and crying, too, now. He was scared. He ran for the phone and called 911. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Doc Gregory! Thank God! I called 911. Hutch… he’s… he’s really bad…. He’s talking about dying…. Help him, Doc…. Help us.”

“Dave… calm down. Let me take a look at Ken.”

Doc Gregory could not believe the change in appearance of his patient in just 24 hours. It was not the flu.

“You did the right thing, Dave, in calling 911. The ambulance will be here soon. Just keep talking to Ken, and try to keep him awake.”

Dr. Gregory knew something was very, very wrong here. Hutch was extremely lethargic and looking into his throat, he saw it was closing up. His skin was clammy and cool and he was beginning to wheeze. Hutch was going into shock quickly, too fast for Doc Gregory’s comfort. He, too, started to pray for the ambulance to arrive very soon. He saw the distraught look on Starsky’s face and observed him shaking and gasping for air himself, as if trying to breathe life into Hutch.

“Dave, you did the right thing. This came on very fast, whatever it is. You had no way of knowing that he would get worse this fast. I spoke with Dr. Guiseppi. He told me that he thought Ken only had the flu, too, just as I told you. You couldn’t have known it was something more. I know you’re feeling guilty about not calling an ambulance sooner… but don’t. You couldn’t have known. Two doctors told you it was only the flu. Most people tend to believe us and trust us. If anyone is going to feel guilty, let it be me.”

“But Doctor Guiseppi was here last night. He saw how sick Hutch was. Why did he tell me not to worry, that it was just the flu and it would get better? He must have seen the changes in Hutch. Why didn’t he do something? I feel so stupid and angry with myself for believing him.”

“I don’t know, Dave. I’ll have to talk with Nick as soon as I can.”

 

Chapter 20

Starsky tried to keep his partner conscious, talking about anything he could think of that was positive, which was not much at the time. “Hutch, stay with me, okay? Stay awake for me.”

Starsky reminded Hutch of the good times they had on previous camping trips they took together. He knew his partner loved the outdoors. Starsky realized that was a mistake just after the words left his mouth.

Hutch started to cry. “I’m gonna miss that. I know you didn’t really want to go on those trips, but you did it for me. Thanks, Starsk. You’ve done so much for me.” Hutch swallowed hard. “I’m gonna miss you so much.”

“Aw, Hutch, please stop saying stuff like that. Help is on the way, and you’re gonna be okay. We’re gonna go on lots more camping trips, buddy.” Starsky kept stroking Hutch’s forehead, running his fingers through the light blond hair.

When there was no response, he knew that Hutch had become unconscious. He started sobbing, so bad he could hardly breathe.

Doc Gregory came around to the other side of the bed and pulled Starsky close to him, while keeping a close eye on his patient. There was nothing more he could do except to wait for the ambulance to arrive.

The ambulance and paramedics were soon at Venice Place. They wasted no time getting the endotrachial tube into Hutch’s throat and starting an IV. It took three tries to get the IV in as Hutch’s veins were beginning to collapse. The paramedics could not hear a blood pressure with a stethoscope; his blood pressure was dangerously low. They had to palpate it. There was no time to waste. Hutch was losing ground fast. The paramedics had him on a stretcher and into the ambulance in record time.

Starsky could only witness what was happening in horror. Grief consumed him. He looked at the empty bed from where his partner was just removed, wondering if Hutch was right, that he never would be coming home again. Starsky touched the spot where his friend had been lying; it was still warm. Then he took off after the paramedics.

Doctor Gregory had a great concern for both of his boys. “Dave, you’re coming with me to the hospital. You’re in no condition to drive.”

“Doc, I have to be with him. This is what he was afraid of… of being alone… of dying alone. I’m losing him, Doc.” Starsky was once again convulsing with grief.

Doc Gregory put his arm around his young friend and assisted him outside to follow the ambulance.

 

Chapter 21

Starsky waited alone in the emergency room waiting room. Hutch was right, they would not let Starsky near him. The waiting was endless and painful. Starsky didn’t know if Hutch was even alive. No one was telling him anything. He sat, looking at the floor in a trance like state. He was numb and terrified.

Dobey and Huggy interrupted his concentration. “Starsky, a Doctor Gregory called me and told me what was going on. He said you could use some support. I’m sorry, Starsky, I didn’t know Hutch was so sick.”

“Hi Cap’n, Huggy….” Starsky just put his head down again. His face was expressionless.

“Come on, Starsky, they’re gonna come out here real soon and give you some good news about Hutch.” Huggy tried to cheer his grieving friend. Starsky seemed so full of sorrow.

He looked up at his friends. He knew they meant well, but they were not Hutch. Only Hutch could console him, and Hutch may have spoken to him for the last time.

“Thanks, guys. It’s different this time. Hutch has given up. He believes he is dying, and I am not so sure he’s wrong. You didn’t see him. He’s so sick. I don’t know what to do. I can’t help him. I guess I’d feel like dying too if I was as sick as he is, but I just can’t lose him, and I can’t stop it either. I just don’t know what happened. He pulled his back out a couple days ago and now… now he’s at Death’s door. I need him more than Death does.” Starsky just put his head down again, tears falling silently onto the floor below him.

“Detective Starsky?” A nurse called his name. He was sure it was to tell him that Hutch had expired. “Is there a Detective Starsky in here?”

Starsky stood, shaking, not knowing how he would handle the news. “Yes, I’m Starsky.”

“I have an urgent message for you from Doctor Guiseppi.”

The message just read: “Starsky, I need to see you immediately in my office. I have information regarding your partner that you might find helpful.”

“Cap’n… Huggy… I can’t leave…. What if something happens to Hutch?”

“Starsky, we’ll both be right here. Go on. Maybe he has some information that will help Hutch.”

Starsky agreed reluctantly and quickly went to meet Doctor Guiseppi in his office, which was in the building attached to the main hospital. “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes. Please, stay here.”

It broke both men’s hearts to see and hear their friend in so much torment, knowing that if Hutch didn’t make it, Starsky may just give up and sink, too.

Starsky ran to Guiseppi’s office and went in without knocking. “What is it, Guiseppi?”

Guiseppi was sitting behind his desk looking very distraught. “Starsky, your partner doesn’t have the flu; I’m sure you know that by now. Please forgive me. If he dies, it is my fault. What has happened to him is my fault. I’m so sorry. They took my wife and are holding her hostage. They told me I had to kill Hutchinson. I didn’t want to, but they gave me no choice.”

“What are you talking about? What the hell are you talking about!!!!” Starsky went to grab Guiseppi by the collar.

“Don’t come any closer.” Guiseppi threatened the dark detective as he pulled a gun out from behind the desk.

“Hey, take it easy. Just tell me what you are talking about. You’re not making any sense.”

Guiseppi threw an envelope on the floor in front of Starsky. “It’s all in there. Everything you need to know is in that letter. Take it. Take it and get the hell out of here!”

Starsky knew there was no time to waste on this man who seemed crazed, the man he never trusted from the beginning. He turned to leave the room when the gun went off. Starsky turned to see that Nicholas Guiseppi shot himself in the head. He now lay with his bloody head on his desk. He was dead.

Starsky thought about what the young doctor said….

It’s all in the letter…. Take it…. It’s all in the letter. Everything you need to know….

Starsky could only think about his partner, hoping it was not too late when he got back to the emergency room. He ran as fast as he could, taking the letter with him. He would report Guiseppi’s suicide as soon as possible. Right now, Hutch was more important.

“Any word yet, Cap’n?”

“No, nothing. Maybe no news right now is better than… well, you know what I mean. Hutch is strong, Starsky. We’re not giving up on him.” Dobey sat, closing his eyes, seeming to be praying.

Starsky opened the letter. “Oh my God… oh my God.” Starsky was almost whispering.

“What is it, Dave?”

Starsky ran out of the room and into the trauma room where Hutch now lay motionless, with more tubes and equipment in and on him than he had ever seen. He fought the feeling of faintness that overcame him and grabbed the emergency room doctor’s arm.

“Doc… Doc, I just got this letter.” Starsky’s shaking hands pointed to the information that was crucial at the moment and that could maybe save Hutch’s life. “He’s been poisoned with arsenic! You can help him now, right? Please, Doc…. Tell me he’s gonna be okay.”

 

Chapter 22

The ER doctor read the letter. “Detective Starsky, this information is very helpful. We’ll start to work on this immediately, but I can’t make any promises to you. Your friend is in critical condition. He’s not breathing on his own. He’s in renal failure and severe hypovolemic shock. The human body can only take so much, and arsenic poisoning can often be fatal.”

“Please, Doc, do whatever you have to do, but please save him.” Starsky looked past the doctor and moved slowly to his partner’s side. “Hutch? Can you hear me, buddy? I’m right here with you. Don’t be scared. I’m right here.” Starsky just needed the contact with his partner to feel that he was alive.

He gently placed on hand on Hutch’s cheek and reached for the still cold hand with his other. There were no more words that Starsky could say; he was trying not to let Hutch hear him crying, if he could hear him at all. Starsky had to believe that Hutch knew he was there with him.

“Detective? You’re gonna have to wait in the waiting room. We need to help your partner. I’ll come and get you the minute I know more.” The doctor saw Starsky’s confliction. “I promise.”

One of the nurses escorted him back to the waiting room, feeling that he might not make it without someone for him to hold onto. She had seen grief before, but could not help but feel deeply for this man who seemed to care so much for his friend. He seemed to be dying along with his partner. In her line of work, she saw others lose their best friends, and it never got any easier.

Starsky settled back into one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs for more waiting, wondering, prayer, and hope. He handed the letter to Dobey. “Here, read it. Hutch is dying, Cap’n. He’s been poisoned. You’ll need to call a coroner for Guiseppi. He shot himself after he gave me this letter. He’s in his office.”

Dobey nodded for Huggy to stay close to his detective. He read the letter, horrified at its contents. He went to the nurses’ station to call the coroner and a couple of the other men that were under his supervision.

Huggy stayed close to his friend. No words were spoken. There were no words that could comfort Hutch’s other half now. Huggy believed in miracles, but how many miracles would his friends receive? He knew they had more lives than a cat, but they had already used most if not all of them.

Dobey returned from making several phone calls. He, too, could only sit and wait and hope with Starsky.

“Dave? How are you doing?” Doc Gregory had been talking with the emergency room doctor that was treating Hutch. He knew Starsky was in a fragile state of mind and needed to know if he was holding up okay.

Starsky looked up, glad to see the man who cared for Hutch and himself for so many years. He felt better knowing Doc Gregory was here. He knew how important Hutch was to him and that he would be honest with him about Hutch’s condition. He wiped away at the tears that he could not stop from falling. “Doc, can you tell me anything? What are they doing to Hutch? Can they save him? Tell me he’s gonna make it, Doc.” Starsky choked up and wasn’t able to go on with his questions.

“Dave, I’m so sorry. They’re doing everything they can for Ken. It might be a while before you can see him. At least they know what they are treating now. Can you forgive me, Dave? I never knew Nick had it in him to try to kill someone. Why would he want to harm Ken? I feel responsible for this…. I sent Ken right to him. I honestly didn’t know….”

“It’s okay, Doc. How could you have known? I have no idea why he would have wanted to hurt Hutch. I’m sure as hell gonna find out, but I have to stay here ’til I know Hutch is stable, and I need to see him.”

God…please don’t let this be the way it all ends. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Please God… don’t take him home…. Not yet…. His home is here with me…. I need him so much…. Give us one more chance huh?

 

Chapter 23

It seemed an eternity until the emergency room doctor made his promised appearance. Starsky could only look at the doctor, searching his eyes for answers, hopefully good ones.

“Detective? We have Mr. Hutchinson stabilized, but he’s still in critical condition. We’ve sent blood work and a urine sample to the lab, and also sent a hair sample to be analyzed. Hair analysis can help us to determine the levels of heavy metal toxins or the arsenic. We have him on a ventilator to assist his breathing. His throat became too constricted for him to breathe on his own. He’s severely dehydrated, Detective. We’ve started him on IV’s to replenish the lost fluids and inserted a nasogastric tube into his stomach. We don’t want him vomiting, and it will keep him more comfortable. I’m going to be sending him for more tests, and I’ve called in specialists from Hematology, Nephrology, and a Toxicologist. We’re doing everything we can for your partner. The next 24 to 48 hours will tell us if he will respond to the treatments. We’re going to start him on hemodialysis and chelation therapy immediately.”

“Doc! I don’t understand all that you’re telling me. What is chelation therapy? Why does he need dialysis? Just tell me he’s gonna live. Is he gonna be all right?”

“I’m sorry, Detective. Sometimes I forget that not everyone is a doctor. If your partner survives the next 24 to 48 hours… I think he might have a chance. I’m sorry about your friend. He’s lucky to have someone to care about him like you do. I think it would help if you could stay close to him.”

“You mean, I can stay with him?” Starsky was sure he misunderstood the doctor.

“I think it would be beneficial to Mr. Hutchinson…well, to both of you, if you did. He’s in and out of consciousness, and I know he is scared. What patient wouldn’t be with so many tubes and monitors attached and in them? Your captain and Doctor Gregory told me about the two of you. They convinced me it would be crucial for you to stay by his side. From what I’ve been told, I have to agree. We’ll be moving your partner to the intensive care unit very soon. You can see him as soon as the nurses have him settled.”

Starsky settled back into one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs, once again, in the waiting room. He was still shaking and feeling sick himself.

Dobey was on the move to find some answers regarding Guiseppi, and Huggy had to return to his customers. At least Hutch was alive, and he would be able to see him soon. Starsky didn’t want Hutch to be afraid. He had to make his partner want to live again. Starsky was not going to let him give up.

It’s not gonna end like this…. It just can’t…. Please, God, help him.

Starsky thought he was all cried out when a few more tears escaped his eyes. He was exhausted and distraught. He rested his head into his hands and tried to subdue the shakiness and nausea he was feeling. Maybe this is just a nightmare and I’ll wake up real soon…. Unfortunately this was not a nightmare, but very real.

 

Chapter 24

Doctor Gregory found Starsky in the waiting room, still alone, still in shock over what was happening to his partner. “Dave, are you okay?”

Starsky lifted his head from his hands at the welcome sound of the trusted doctor. “Hi, Doc. They told me that Hutch is stabilized, but they’re not sure he is gonna make it. They said they would know more in 24 to 48 hours. I’m scared, Doc… I’m really scared.” Starsky leaned back in the chair and looked up as though he were praying.

“Doctor Booth, the doctor who has been treating Ken in the emergency room, said it would be at least thirty minutes until they have Ken settled and you can see him. Why don’t you let me buy you a cup of coffee?”

“I guess I could use that… thanks… but I can’t leave here. What if Hutch needs me?”

“Come on, Dave. Doctor Booth has orders to page me if there is any change in Ken’s condition.”

The two went down to the cafeteria. Starsky had many questions, as Doctor Gregory knew he would.

“Doc, Doctor Booth said something about starting Hutch on hemodialysis and chelation therapy immediately. What are those things and why does he need them?”

“Dave, I’ll try to explain these things as simply as I can. You know that arsenic poisoning is very often fatal. We don’t know how much of the arsenic concentration Ken ingested, but from the results of the lab work, it was a large amount. He’s very sick, Dave.”

“Does he have a chance, Doc?”

“The hemodialysis and chelation therapy are the best treatments for arsenic poisoning. Ken is in renal failure right now. This is very common with this type of poisoning. His kidneys are no longer able to remove the body’s natural toxins, let alone the concentration of built-up arsenic. Hemodialysis is a method of removing these toxic substances from the blood when the kidneys are not able to do so. Hemodialysis works by circulating the blood through a machine that can remove these toxins. We are going to treat Ken with external hemodialysis. This involves two catheters, one that is placed in an artery and one in an adjacent vein, then both are joined externally. One treatment with the dialysis can take up to several hours and we will need to watch him closely. He will need the dialysis at least three to four times a day.”

“Will this be painful for him? He’s been through so much.”

“No, Dave, inserting the needles may be uncomfortable, but other than that it should not be painful. Come on; drink your coffee. When was the last time you ate anything? You need to keep yourself strong, for yourself and for Ken.”

“I know, Doc. I can’t remember the last time I ate anything. Hutch was so sick, I wasn’t thinking of food.”

“Come on, son, we need to keep you strong. About the chelation therapy, Ken will be started on this immediately also. I know this must seem all so foreign to you. Believe me Dave, it is the only hope that Ken has right now. The chelation therapy binds heavy metals, of which arsenic is one type of heavy metal, and it will hasten its excretion from his body. Dimercaprol and Calcium EDTA are the best chelating drugs used to combat arsenic poisoning. The Dimercaprol must be injected deep intramuscularly. This may be painful for Ken. He will be receiving this every four hours for the first two days of the therapy, then three times a day on the third day, and then twice a day for the next ten days. He may experience some tachycardia and may develop a fever.

“The Calcium EDTA is another chelating drug that is used in combination with the Dimercaprol to help the kidneys excrete the arsenic. We can give this medicine to Ken intravenously, which will not be so painful for him. The EDTA may cause some vein irritation since it is a strong drug. It could cause him to have some pain, headaches, and/or low blood sugar attacks and some other detoxification effects. We will be monitoring him extremely closely. One treatment with the EDTA can take up to three to four hours. We certainly will be keeping him busy.

“The tremors he is experiencing and the weakened muscle effects usually disappear within four to five days after beginning this treatment. He will need at least ten treatments with the chelation drugs. We will evaluate his progress at that point to see if he is responding to the treatments. We’ll keep him as comfortable as possible, I promise, Dave.”

“Thanks, Doc.” Starsky became very emotional once again at the prospect of what was going to be done to his partner. He knew Hutch was terrified of needles. This seemed to be one huge nightmare. It was. “I’m sorry, Doctor Gregory, you must think I’m a big baby. I’m usually a lot stronger than this. I just want my friend back. I’m still feeling bad for not calling an ambulance sooner. And I handed him the pills that Guiseppi gave him. I actually put them in his mouth and told him to swallow them. Oh God… if he dies… I’ll feel like I killed him.”

Doc Gregory put a hand on his young friend’s shoulder. “Dave, you had no way of knowing. None of this is your fault. Please don’t do this to yourself.”

“Thanks for explaining all that stuff. I might be asking you some more questions later. I have to get up to see if I can see Hutch now. I need to be with him. I need to see him breathing, and I need to see that the heart monitor is beating at a steady rhythm. If he’s conscious, I really need to talk to him.”

 

Chapter 25

Starsky walked through the intensive care unit, cautiously peeking into each room in search of his partner. When he found him, he stood holding onto the doorframe for support. The doctor had told him there would be many tubes, machines, and monitors, but this… It was too much. He slowly walked over to the bed that held his partner.

Hutch seemed to be sleeping. Starsky didn’t know where to stand or sit, his partner seemed so small and lost in all of the paraphernalia. Starsky went to ask Hutch how he felt, but quickly remembered Hutch would not be able to respond with the tube in his throat. He didn’t even know if his partner was conscious. It would have to be enough to just be near him for now, and that was enough…for now. Seeing the heart monitor’s rhythm and the rise and fall of his chest was of some comfort.

He stood next to the supine figure in the bed… his partner… his friend. Starsky felt lost and afraid. He needed Hutch, but Hutch couldn’t be there for him. Starsky would have to be the strength for them both for now.

He gently took one of the cold hands into his own warm hand. “Hutch?” Starsky whispered. “Hutch, I don’t know if you can hear me, babe, but I’m right here. I’m so sorry, Hutch. You shouldn’t have to be going through this, buddy. You’re gonna be okay, you have to believe me, Hutch. You have to fight this. It might be the hardest fight of your life, but you can do it… you have to do it… fight as hard as you can…. I’ll be right here fighting this with you.” Starsky moved his hand up to Hutch’s forehead and stroked at the soft fine hair.

It wasn’t long before the nurse came in to start the treatments that the doctors told him about. The nurses had already been given instructions to let Starsky stay with his partner. They were told it would be for Hutch’s benefit to have his friend with him, but the nurses knew that the doctor’s often left the ones closest to the patient stay with them when their chances of survival were slim. They treated Starsky with the utmost respect and tried to make him comfortable, knowing how difficult it must be for him to see his friend in such a weakened and broken state.

The nurse began to set up for the hemodialysis. She didn’t push Starsky away, but told him that this was a sterile procedure and that he would have to step back a bit. He stood at the foot of the bed. He winced as he saw the needles being inserted, thanking God Hutch was not awake for the experience. Life’s events had made Hutch afraid of hospitals and absolutely terrified of needles.

“Do you think he can feel that?”

Hutch did not make a move.

The nurse tried to assure Starsky that he probably was not feeling the needles being inserted, but that it was critical for this to be done. “You can call me Amy. I’ll be taking care of your friend tonight.” Seeing the color draining from the visitor’s face, she asked that he take a seat. “I’m going to tell you everything that I am doing. I understand you’re going to be staying with Mr. Hutchinson?”

“Yeah, the doc said it would be best for me to be with him. I know it’s best for me. Hutch… that’s his nickname, he’s my best friend. I couldn’t stand leaving him. He’d never leave me. We’re good for each other. You can call me Dave, and please call my partner Ken; that’s his real name. He was so afraid to….” Starsky realized he was saying more to this person that he just met than was maybe appropriate. He felt like he was in a fog, just talking, hoping that talking about his partner being alive would keep him that way.

“What were you going to say, Dave? Ken was so afraid of what?”

“He was so afraid to come to the hospital. He was really sick about six months ago and, well, I thought I was gonna lose him then. I never felt so helpless, until now. He has to be okay. He’s my best friend, my partner, and my family. I need him.” The words escaped Starsky in such a sad tone.

“The doctors are doing everything they can possibly do for Ken. Never give up hope; I see miracles happen here every day. You’re not going to let him give up. He knows you’re here. Keep talking to him. He’ll be in and out of consciousness. He’s gonna need you when he wakes up.”

“Thanks, Amy. You gonna be here all night?”

“Yes, I’ll be here all night, and I’ll be staying pretty close to Ken, and to you, too.” Amy winked at the man who seemed to be so close to her patient. She knew that he was going to need a lot of support, too. “Hey, if you need to talk… please ring for me, and remember, Ken knows you’re here.” She smiled and left the room.

Starsky pulled the chair as close as he could to his partner and settled in for a long night. He just stared at his partner, looking at the life that was still present in him. He held onto Hutch’s upper arm thinking he would be able to feel that he was there with him. Before too long, Starsky was asleep, resting his head on the bed next to his partner’s arm.

 

Chapter 26

The distant sound of the heart monitor beeping and the hum of the respirator was getting louder. His eyes opened slowly and as his vision cleared just a bit he scanned the room. White, cold, sterile walls…. He felt disoriented as he looked up to see the monitors and many IV’s. Fear and pain started to surface rapidly. My stomach… it hurts… and my throat… it’s so sore… I can’t swallow… why can’t I feel my hands or my feet… STARSKY!!!!

Starsky was jolted awake as his partner began to thrash around. He almost thought he heard Hutch call his name. Must have been dreaming…. The heart monitor showed Hutch’s heart rate climbing steadily.

“Hutch… I’m right here.” Starsky moved even closer to his partner and held him tighter. “You’re in the hospital, buddy…. Try to relax. I’m not going anywhere.”

Starsky wasn’t prepared. He didn’t know how much information he wanted or didn’t want to tell his partner just yet. He gently grabbed Hutch’s arm and lowered it to the bed when he saw him reaching for the tube in his throat.

“No, buddy, that tube in your throat has to stay there for now. It’s helping you to breathe. I’m sure they’ll take it out soon, and you’ll be breathing on your own.”

Hutch’s eyes spoke to Starsky. He could read the fear and pain and the questions he knew would have come if the tube had not been secured in his throat.

Hutch looked at the IV’s in his arms questioningly and then up to his partner. Starsky knew he had to give Hutch some sort of an explanation. When he saw the tears begin to roll down Hutch’s face, he knew the explanation needed was now.

Starsky moved to sit on the edge of the bed, continuing to keep one hand on Hutch’s shoulder and gently wiped the tears away with his other hand. “Aw, Hutch… I know you’re afraid, and I know you didn’t want to come to the hospital. I’m sorry, buddy, but we didn’t have a choice. You were so sick. I couldn’t just let you suffer…. You needed help. The doc said I could stay with you at all times, so I’m gonna be right here. You’re gonna be all right, Hutch.”

Starsky did his best to convince his partner that he would be okay. He would not tell Hutch how critical his condition was, nor about the crucial 24 to 48 hours…. Starsky would not believe that himself, he couldn’t…. Hutch had to pull through this.

Starsky gave his partner a shortened explanation of what happened and why he got so sick. He wanted to give Hutch the hope he knew he needed, hope to believe he would recover. He left out any negative information about his condition and prognosis. Starsky knew that that information would devastate Hutch and might cause him to give up. Hutch could not know that his time might be very limited. and Starsky would not let his partner see how much that information was destroying him.

Hutch shook his head back and forth, seeming unable to believe all that happened… all that went wrong.

Amy entered the room, concerned about the increase in Hutch’s heart rate, and to begin another treatment.

“Hi, Dave.” Amy gave a concerned and empathetic smile. Seeing that Hutch was awake, she informed them both about the chelation therapy that the doctor had ordered.

“Ken, I’m gonna give you a shot. I won’t lie to you, this one will probably be painful. You just hang onto that partner of yours for me, okay?” She and Starsky turned Hutch onto his side as this medicine had to be given deep intramuscularly, into the buttocks.

Starsky’s heart started to beat faster, too, as he knew how terrified Hutch was feeling. He gave his partner as much of a bear hug as he could and rested his cheek against Hutch’s, still streaming with tears. He did this out of love for his partner, and also because he knew that Hutch might try to fight Amy because of the needle. He held on tighter as he felt Hutch’s trembling become worse.

Hutch tried to hold onto Starsky’s arm as he felt the nurse clean the area with alcohol before piercing the needle deep into his bottom. His hands were still unable to grasp onto anything. He stiffened as the needle went in and tried with any strength he had to pull away as he felt the medicine being injected. It burned and it hurt.

Starsky kept his partner still and talked soothingly to him. This all seemed so unreal to Starsky, too. He fought to stay strong for Hutch… he had to.

“I’m sorry, Ken. I know these shots aren’t pleasant. I just need to take your temperature, then I’ll rub some lotion on your back.” Amy took a liking to both detectives and wanted to comfort them in any way possible. She silently cursed at “whoever” put her patient in this condition, wondering why anyone would want to hurt someone who seemed so nice and gentle as Ken. It saddened her to watch Starsky, who seemed to be deteriorating along with his best friend. She said a silent prayer for them both.

Hutch stiffened again as the thermometer was inserted. He was desperately trying to talk. He didn’t want any of this, he just wanted to be left alone. If he was going to die, he just wanted to be alone with Starsky for whatever time they had left.

“Amy, how often does Hutch need to get these shots?” Starsky asked almost pleadingly.

Amy felt bad in telling him that the injections needed to be given every four hours for the first two days, three times a day on the third day and two times a day for an additional ten days.

Starsky tried to hide the tears welling up in his own eyes. This was not at all what he wanted to hear, and he felt his partner’s devastation as Hutch left the arm he was trying to hold onto Starsky with fall onto the bed. Amy removed the thermometer, rubbed Hutch’s back, and left the two detectives alone.

 

Chapter 27

The night was restless and frequently interrupted for them both. Amy had gotten a more comfortable chair for Starsky as she knew he would not leave his partner. The night was filled with one doctor after another coming in to poke, prod, and examine Hutch.

Further injections added to Hutch’s and Starsky’s misery. Hutch seemed to fight against the injections and the doctors; he just didn’t want this, any of this. It was when Hutch stopped fighting that Starsky started feeling more helpless and hopeless.

Hutch had no more energy to battle the treatments or the doctors. He was exhausted and seemed to surrender and resign himself to his death. It broke Starsky’s heart to see his partner giving up. He had to leave the room at times, not wanting Hutch to see him crying. Starsky stepped outside of the room and leaned against the wall.

Amy saw Starsky’s despair. She watched as her patients loving friend stood against the wall shaking and quietly sobbing. He slowly slid to the floor until he was sitting with his head in his hands when he began to crumble.

Amy walked over to Starsky and knelt down beside him. “Dave, are you all right?”

Starsky wiped at his tears with his shirtsleeve and looked at Amy with swollen, bloodshot eyes. “He’s going so fast, Amy. I’m losing him and I can’t do anything to help him.” Starsky could not go on as the hopelessness and despair in his heart could no longer be contained. He was once again sobbing. “I’m sorry, Amy, I’m supposed to be strong. Hutch needs me, and I’m out here crying. I just can’t let him see me like this. I think he’s already given up…. I don’t know what I’m gonna do without him. I have to pull myself together…. I need to be with him… and he needs me.”

Amy wanted to help so bad. There are no words of comfort when someone is losing their best friend, and she had not seen a bond so strong in a very long time, if ever. She pulled Starsky into a warm hug and let him cry. She could only be there for both Starsky and Hutch. She knew that Hutch’s life was now in the hands of fate. Hutch was deteriorating rapidly, but she still had to offer some hope.

“Dave, I’ve seen many miracles working here in the ICU. Don’t give up, Dave, and don’t let Ken give up, either. Now go on… get in there. Your best friend needs you.” Amy stood, took Starsky’s hand, and led him back into his partner’s room.

 

Chapter 28

The rest of the night followed pretty much the same pattern. Constant interruptions, another injection, another dialysis treatment, and frequent visits from the nurses and doctors. The doctors were doing everything possible to save Hutch’s life and the nurses were doing all they could to just keep him comfortable.

Hutch would wake at times, just to stare at nothing in particular, before finding Starsky’s eyes. Starsky gave him as much love and encouragement as he could give to his friend, the person he loved most in this world. Hutch would try to hold onto Starsky’s offered hand, but could not fold his fingers around the hand that he so desperately needed. His arms went to his stomach when the cramps got bad. The nurses wanted to give him medication for the pain, but he held up his arms with the little strength he had and shook his head no. He was assured that the pain medicine could be given through the IV or through the tube that went into his stomach. He still refused. He didn’t want anything else to make him sleep. He needed this time with Starsky. He had so many things he wanted to say to his partner. He knew he would not have the chance to thank Starsky for everything that he had done for him over the years. What hurt him most of all was that he would not be able to say goodbye to his friend. Tears once again escaped his eyes, the only form of communication he had left.

Starsky was able to read the pain, fear, and sadness in the eyes that never left him except when he was not able to keep them open. Starsky was being as strong as he could be. At least when Hutch had the plague, there was some hope in finding Callander. When he was trapped under his car, there was at least the hope of finding him alive. When Forrest so cruelly beat Hutch and got him addicted to the heroin, Starsky found him and knew he could pull him through the withdrawal. What could he do now? The damage was done. Starsky swore he would kill Luke Cirillo with his bare hands if Hutch didn’t make it.

“Hey Hutch, I’m right here with you, buddy. I know you’re scared… just know that I’m here with you. I love you, buddy. You gotta keep fighting, Hutch. Please, don’t give up on me. We’ve made it through so much before when things seemed out of control and hopeless… but we made it. Don’t let go on me… please, buddy…. Fight… please…. I know you can do it. We’re not finished with our journey yet. We have so much to accomplish together, and I’m not doing it without you.”

Starsky savored the moments he had alone with Hutch. He inspired and motivated him in any way he could, verbally and physically. He held onto him and stayed as close to his partner as he could.

The feeling of Hutch’s warm body and the baby blue eyes that were still open at times meant everything to him now. Starsky ran his fingers through the fine light blond hair and wiped away at the tears that came so easily now. Oh, what those eyes said to him over the years. He wondered how they came to communicate with only a look into each other’s eyes. He thought of all of the times when he tried to convince Hutch that he had ESP… playing the number games… one of Starsky’s favorites. As disinterested as Hutch seemed to be in this game, he usually guessed the right number. Was it just coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. Starsky knew they had a unique gift of communication together and a bond that most people would never have.

Oh, how he loved his friend. He knew they took chances with their lives every day on the job, but he never imagined the time they were given together might be taken away so soon. It wasn’t just or fair. Hutch didn’t deserve this. Dying would have been bad enough, but dying like this was horrifying and seemed so cruel. Starsky reminisced in his mind of the times they talked about growing old together, wondering if they would ever meet a woman who would put up with their lifestyles enough to marry them, about having children and about the Torino.

Starsky felt eerie thinking of driving the Torino without Hutch beside him. Yes, it was his car, but not really. Starsky loved his car, but it really belonged to both of them. It was their trademark. It just wouldn’t be the same driving that car without Hutch…. Nothing would be the same without Hutch.

Starsky’s concentration was once again broken as the nurse came in to administer yet another injection to his partner. Hutch was at the point where if he was awake, he tensed when anyone walked into the room, anyone except Starsky. Each injection seemed to hurt more as he was getting so sore. He could only hope whatever they were doing to him was working, but he had his doubts. If only he could talk. Once again, he resigned himself to the pain that was about to come. What choice did he have? None that he could think of. He was just so thankful that Starsky was there, his only comfort now.

“Where do we go from here.
We had it all. You believed
in me and I believed in you…”
EVITA

 

Chapter 29

Starsky spent the remainder of the night close to his partner, just staring at the youthful features and innocence that Hutch possessed. He didn’t notice the dawn rising and the sun peeking through the small window in the room. He arched his back that had become stiff from sitting in the same position next to his partner and from his own fatigue. He became more alert and anxious when he noticed Hutch was perspiring and his face seemed reddened. He placed his hand on his partner’s forehead only to feel that he was burning up with fever. He was about to run for the nurse when one appeared behind him.

“He’s burning up. What’s happening to him now?” Starsky was disillusioned as yet another problem overcame his friend.

“I need to take his temperature now; it does look like he spiked a fever. The Dimercaprol can cause the patient to get a fever. I need to give him another injection now, too. Would you mind waiting outside?”

“Yes, I would mind waiting outside. I’m staying right here with my partner, and please don’t call him ‘the patient’… his name is Ken. Please, call him Ken.”

The morning nurse was agitating Starsky. He had gone without any restful sleep for at least the last 24 to 48 hours, and his partner and best friend lay dying, while all he could do was watch as Hutch became more depleted and weak, slipping further away from him with each passing moment.

Starsky did win this battle. Nothing was going to keep him from his partner. Nothing but death itself could separate them now.

The nurse apologized to Starsky, realizing she was a bit hasty in her actions and her attitude. She decided to start over and take the friendly approach with the visitor. “I’m sorry, Mr. Starsky, you can stay. I understand. Would you mind helping me turn Ken onto his side?”

Starsky was more than happy to be able to assist with the care of his partner, but felt nauseous as he saw the large needle that his partner would soon be feeling. Oh God, why does Hutch have to suffer like this? Please don’t let this all be in vain. Please… God help him. He doesn’t deserve this. Please don’t take him from me… please show us one of those miracles.

With Hutch now on his side, the nurse took his temperature and got the syringe ready to administer as ordered. The movement aroused Hutch a bit and his eyes did open. Starsky bent down to be at Hutch’s eye level and spoke to him soothingly. He told him what was happening and that it was time for another injection.

Hutch didn’t fight, he didn’t struggle, he was past that stage. He just looked into Starsky’s eyes. Starsky never broke the eye contact with his partner. He could only imagine what this must be feeling like for Hutch, physically and emotionally. Starsky bargained with God to let him trade places with his partner… to spare his life…. What would life be without his best friend in it, anyway? Starsky begged to God that he would not have to find out.

Hutch didn’t even flinch when the injection was given. He only continued to look into his partner’s eyes, a single tear rolling down his cheek.

 

Chapter 30

“Aw, Hutch, I know it hurts. I’m holding onto ya, buddy. I’m right here, and I’ve got ya.” Starsky did his best to hold back the tears that were ready to spill. He purposely looked away so Hutch would not see the despair and devastation in his eyes.

Starsky wanted to scream, Oh God! This is freaking not fair! He had so many things he wanted to do yet. He’s not finished here… he can’t leave…. I need him, dammit! God, why? Why Hutch? Please don’t take him. If you take him, please take me, too. I don’t want to be here without him… please….

Starsky’s thoughts were broken as he felt Hutch’s arms squeeze him ever so gently just before he went limp, his eyes now closed, non-responsive.

“Hutch! Please Hutch… wake up… buddy, wake up for me… come on, Hutch…” Starsky felt his world fall from beneath him. He took Hutch in his arms and held his friend’s head close to his chest, rocking back and forth, now sobbing.

Dr. Gregory was at Hutch’s bedside suddenly and quickly when he saw what just happened. He examined Hutch, took his pulse and blood pressure. “Dave? Dave… David!” Dr. Gregory finally was able to get Starsky’s attention. “Dave, calm down, son, he’s still with us. He just passed out. He’s dealing with a lot right now, and the treatments are strong and are not easy on him. Put him down, David, you can’t hold onto him forever.” Dr. Gregory meant this in the most consoling way, his voice was now soft and gentle. He saw the look of terror in Starsky’s face as he was shaking his head “no.”

“Yes, I can. I don’t want to ever let him go.” Starsky was still crying so hard.

It broke Dr. Gregory’s heart to see the anguish in Starsky’s eyes. “Dave, how about I get you something for your nerves?”

“No… I’ll be okay… he’s okay now, right? You said he only passed out?”

“Yes, son, why don’t you step outside with me for just a minute? Only a minute, I promise… you can come right back…. He’ll still be here.”

Starsky gently laid Hutch back onto the bed, carefully placing his partner’s head back onto the pillow. “Hutch, I’ll be right back. I’m only gonna be outside at the door for just a minute. I promise I’ll be right back.”

Dr. Gregory and Starsky stood outside of Hutch’s room to talk, although his eyes and attention remained on the frail figure in the bed.

“What’s happening, Doc? Isn’t there anything you can do? Anything?”

“Dave, Ken is in serious condition. Isn’t there anyone who could be here with you?”

“I just want to be alone with him, Doc. I don’t want anyone else here. I just want Hutch.”

“We’re doing everything we can possibly do for your partner. Whoever did this to him really knew what they were doing. We found an unusually high concentration of arsenic in his bloodstream. I haven’t seen anyone survive this long after ingesting as much of the drug as he did. That is a good sign, Dave. He’s still alive. It’s been almost 24 hours since he was brought in, and he is still hanging on. We can only hope and pray now that the treatments will do their job. If they are going to work, we should see some improvement in another 24 hours. Don’t give up hope, Dave. Ken is strong; he knows you are here with him. He has developed some complications, ones that we would expect to see with this type of poisoning.”

“How much more can he take? What complications? Isn’t there anything you can do to stop anything more from happening to him?”

“He’s in renal failure, Dave. The blood tests show he is also in the beginning stages of liver failure. His lungs are filling with fluid and he has developed severe neuropathy in his extremities. That is why he can’t move his hands and feet. The neuropathy can be very painful. Can’t you talk him into accepting some pain medication, Dave? I am certain he could use it. He seems to still be having the stomach cramps, and I am sure his back is hurting him.”

“I think he should have something for the pain, but I can’t go against what he wants. I wouldn’t do that to him. If it gets too bad… well, I don’t want to see him suffering and in pain. I don’t know what to do, Doc. Hutch seems to have accepted that he doesn’t have much time left. I can tell he is fighting sleep… and I know it might seem selfish, but I want him to be awake and know that I am there with him… and… and Doc, I’m afraid every time he closes his eyes that it will be for the last time.” Starsky could not go on. He dried his eyes the best he could and headed back to his best friends bedside to once again hope, pray, and beg for God to save his partner’s life.

 

Chapter 31

Starsky had not eaten and barely slept for a couple days now. He was exhausted, but running on adrenaline. After Doctor Gregory left, he resumed his place in the chair next to Hutch’s bedside. While staring at Hutch, the tube in his throat, the tube in his nose that went into his stomach, the monitors, the catheter that drained any urine that his kidneys would produce, the IV’s, and the ghostlike appearance of his partner, he prayed and unwillingly fell asleep. Hearing the heart monitor beeping was of some comfort to him.

Starsky was in a half-sleep and thought he was dreaming when he heard two nurses talking about turning off the respirator. He became alert quickly, thinking that Hutch had passed away and that there was no more need for the respirator.

“NO!!!” The scream escaped him before he was totally awake. He felt a hand on his shoulder slightly shaking him to a fully awakened state.

It was Amy, Hutch’s nurse that he had come to know as a friend. “Dave, what’s wrong? Were you having a nightmare?”

“I don’t know…. Why are you turning off the respirator? What’s wrong? What happened?” Starsky was trembling, and feeling like he would be sick.

“It’s okay, Dave. We are weaning Ken off the respirator. The doctors believe he will gradually be able to resume responsibility for regulating his own breathing.”

Hutch was still alive. The respirator was going to be removed. This had to be good…right?

“Will he be able to breathe on his own? He won’t have any trouble, will he? Does this mean he’s getting better?”

“Well, it means that his throat is not as constricted as it was, and that he should be able to breathe without assistance. It may take some getting used to on Ken’s part, and the removal of the tube is uncomfortable, but I think he will do just fine. We will be watching him closely. The doctors are somewhat concerned about the congestion in Ken’s lungs. They want him breathing on his own as soon as possible. He’s strong. I believe he can do it. We also have orders to remove the NG tube. He will be so much more comfortable without all of those tubes. The catheter must stay in because of the renal failure. We need to monitor that closely. And we will probably be suctioning him. He has gotten very congested and is too weak to fight these excretions. I’m sorry to throw so much at you at one time, Dave, but it is a good sign that we can get him off of the respirator and get the tube out of his stomach.”

“What if he gets sick?”

“We’re right here, and I know you will be with him at all times. I am sure he will be okay. He may still have some nausea and vomiting, but we will help him.”

“Thank you, Amy. I’m glad you’re here. You’ve been so kind and understanding.”

“You’re welcome, Dave. I know how special Ken is to you. I think he’s hanging on for you. He’s been a miracle so far. You must mean an awful lot to him.”

“Yeah, we mean a lot to each other. I’m gonna make him keep fighting this. I know he can beat it.”

“I’m going to start another hemodialysis treatment. Why don’t you go and get yourself some coffee?”

“No, thanks, Amy. I want to be here when he wakes up. He’s been so scared and in a lot of pain. I don’t want to leave him alone with it. He’s gotta know I’m here.”

“Okay, Dave. I understand. How about I bring you a good cup of coffee? You need to keep up your strength for you and your partner. You’re looking pretty tired and exhausted yourself.”

“The coffee sounds good. He’ll probably wake up when you start the hemodialysis. Oh, it will be good to see his blue eyes.”

Starsky moved to the edge of the bed to be closer to his partner, and once again started talking words of comfort and hope. He took a washcloth from the basin of cool water at Hutch’s bedside and smoothed it over his face and neck. Hutch still had a fever, a side effect from the Dimercaprol ( he was hoping that was all it was from).

He told Hutch about the tube in his throat being removed and the tube in his nose being removed. He made it sound like a Christmas gift. To Starsky, it was a gift from God Himself. If Hutch could make it without the assistance of those machines, he must be getting better, thought Starsky.

He took Hutch’s hand in his own, feeling the coldness and seeing the slight blueness in his fingers. He remembered what Doc Gregory said about the neuropathy and how painful it could be. Starsky handled the hand softly and very carefully. He didn’t want to cause anymore pain to his friend. For the first time in days, Starsky felt some hope. He only hoped that his optimism was not in vain.

 

Chapter 32

Amy returned not only with a good cup of hot coffee for Starsky, but brought him a sandwich, French fries, and a cup of soup from the hospital cafeteria. She knew he had not eaten in a couple days. Starsky could not have been more appreciative. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until he smelled the good food.

Hutch was in the middle of his dialysis treatment and seemed to be sleeping peacefully except for periods of what seemed like nightmares that had started to plague him. Starsky continued to provide total support to his partner, calming his nightmares and sponge bathing him for the climbing fever. He asked for more blankets when Hutch began to shiver more profoundly from the fever.

Nurses and doctors continued to busy themselves in Hutch’s room with their patient. Amy was there to assist when the doctor came in to remove the tubes from Hutch’s throat and nose.

Hutch was startled awake when the doctor started to remove the tape that held the endo tube in place from the area surrounding his mouth. He tried to push the doctor away. He didn’t know what was happening to him now, and was still in a half-sleep state.

“Ken, don’t fight us, we’re just going to get this tube out of your throat. It may be uncomfortable for you when we take it out, but you will feel much better after it is removed. Same goes with that tube in your nose. You do want to get rid of them, don’t you?”

Hutch was becoming more awake, and shook his head ‘yes’. Starsky was there to hold Hutch’s hands down gently and to reassure his partner that he was going to be okay, to try to relax and let the doctor do his work.

Removing the endo tube was painful but only lasted for a few seconds until it was out. Hutch began to cough and gasp for air. The doctor informed Hutch and one very nervous Starsky that this was normal.

The NG tube was next. Hutch’s arms reflectively went to push the doctor away, but Starsky held him secure. Hutch went into the dry heaves when the tube was removed. The entire experience made him feel sick. Once again, the doctor assured him that this was normal and that the pain and nausea from the removal of the tubes would subside.

Amy got Hutch cleaned up and tried to make him more comfortable. Starsky was able to relax his partner with his continued and selfless unconditional love for him.

 

Chapter 33

Hutch was exhausted after the tubes were removed, and he fell into a light sleep or passed out. Starsky was not sure, but stayed very close to his partner. He still was not convinced that Hutch would continue to breathe all right without assistance. The tube in Hutch’s nose was replaced by a nasal canula to provide extra oxygen.

Hutch began to call for Starsky in his sleep. It was but a mere whisper as his throat was very sore and traumatized from the endotracheal tube. He was straining to call for his partner. Come here…. I can’t touch you out there…. Get me out of here, please…. Get me out of here…. Help me, Starsky…. I want to see your face….

Starsky was dabbing at Hutch’s face with the cool washcloth, trying to get him out of the nightmare that was tormenting his partner. Starsky could feel the heat radiating from Hutch’s body, and the moisture from the washcloth disappeared immediately. The last temperature check on his partner was 103.5. Hutch was shivering uncontrollably.

“Hutch…come on, Hutch, wake up, babe…. You’re having another nightmare. Come on, I’m right here. Wake up and tell me about it, okay? Everything is gonna be all right.”

“Starsky.” Another whisper. Hutch was coming out of the bad dream. “Where am I?”

“You’re in the hospital, Hutch, remember?”

“You don’t have a mask and gloves on. You shouldn’t be in here. I don’t want you to get this. I mean it, Starsky; you need to get out of here.” There was apprehension and fear in Hutch’s voice.

“Hutch, come on, pal. You’re not quite awake yet, are ya, buddy? This fever’s giving you some pretty bad dreams, isn’t it?”

“I guess.”

Starsky smiled as Hutch sounded like a four-year-old little boy with the sweetest pouting voice. “Wanna tell me about the dream, buddy?”

“I was dreaming about when I was in the hospital with the plague. At first, I couldn’t touch you because they wouldn’t let you near me. Then I dreamt about that plastic oxygen tent…. I was trapped in it and couldn’t get out. Then you were sitting on the side of my bed without a mask or any protection. It scared me, Starsk. I don’t want anything happening to you.”

“Aw Hutch, it’s okay… it was only a dream. It’s gonna be okay. You don’t have the plague anymore, and we’re both gonna be fine. Try not to talk too much now and rest your throat. I’ll be right here.”

Starsky rubbed Hutch’s back and shoulders until his partner finally relaxed enough to seem to drift into a more peaceful sleep. He kept up the massage even after Hutch was asleep. He was so grateful for the moments where Hutch seemed to be able to rest without pain or the nausea that continued to torment him.

Hutch’s peaceful moments were not to last long. It was time for another injection and a dialysis treatment.

Starsky stopped the nurse, hands full of supplies, and asked if she could please wait just a while before disturbing his partner. “Hey, can you hold off on that for at least an hour? My partner is exhausted, and I just got him back to sleep.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Starsky, but these treatments are critical for his survival, and we can’t interrupt the schedule. I need to also check his temperature and have medicine for his fever.”

“I understand.” Oh God… Hutch, I’m sorry, babe, it’s rude awakening time again. I’ll help ya get back to sleep again.

Starsky gently pulled his partner back out of his seemingly more peaceful sleep.

 

Chapter 34

Both detectives were able to get some badly needed rest between Hutch’s treatments. Hutch seemed to be resting better with the NG tube and the endo tube having been removed. They were reaching the 36 hour mark.

Hutch’s heavy breathing woke Starsky from his half sleep. Starsky was glad to see that Hutch was breathing regularly and on his own. Starsky stood slowly, straightening his body from the form it took while sleeping in the chair. He placed a hand on his partner’s forehead that was still alarmingly hot to the touch. Out of concern, Starsky made his way to the nurses’ station to inquire on the condition of his partner. In the hall, he ran into Dr. Gregory who was on his way to see Hutch.

“Hi Dave, I was just on my way to see that partner of yours. I have good news for you both. Ken’s lab work shows that the levels of arsenic concentration in his system are coming down. Barring any complications, Ken should be okay.”

“He still seems so sick, Doc, and his fever seems worse.”

“He still is very sick, Dave. I’m worried about the congestion in his lungs, which could lead to pneumonia. I am going to have the nurses start to suction him as he is not able to expel the excretions on his own. He is still too weak, and the high fever has him too delirious to help us. Its gonna be a while till he is up and running around again. He is still in critical condition, but he is going to live. I’ll have the nurses check his temperature again.”

“Thank you, Doc!” Starsky took a deep breath and exhaled with a great sigh of relief. Hutch was going to be okay… that was all he needed to hear. Together they could handle the complications. “Can we stop the shots now, Doc?”

“No, Dave, we must follow through with the Dimercaprol injections and the dialysis until his kidneys are able to resume their normal function. I’m sorry.”

“I understand; it’s just that those shots are so painful for him. I know he will start fighting them once he is feeling stronger.”

Starsky returned to Hutch’s bedside with Dr. Gregory. Dr. Gregory did a short routine examination of his patient and a nurse came in to take Hutch’s temperature. The commotion woke Hutch from the tranquil sleep he seemed to be in.

“Hi, Ken, I need to take your temperature now,” the nurse said so motherly.

Hutch attempted to help her and roll onto his side.

“No, Ken…we don’t need to take your temperature that way anymore. Since the tubes are out, we can just put it under your tongue.” She smiled and gently slid the thermometer where a thermometer should normally go.

The reading was 104.7 degrees. Hutch’s temperature was climbing. His eyes were glazed over, and he seemed a bit disoriented. Dr. Gregory assured Starsky that this was normal when someone’s temperature was very high. The doctor was still very concerned, though. He ordered the IV of normal saline solution to be turned up to further hydrate his patient, and instructed the nurse to start to sponge bathe Hutch with cool washcloths. If the fever went up to or over 105 degrees, Dr. Gregory gave orders for more drastic measures to be taken to get the fever down.

Hutch was mumbling incoherently. He would call for Starsky, but when Starsky went to his side and talked to him, Hutch would push him away and say he wanted Starsky. This went on for a while, until Hutch exhausted himself and fell into a restless sleep. Starsky stayed by his side and continued to assist with the sponge baths. He kept talking soothing and encouraging words to his partner, hoping that somehow he was getting through to the Hutch that was trapped inside the feverish body.

 

Chapter 35

Hutch did indeed develop pneumonia. When Starsky asked why and how this happened, he was told that pneumonia often develops in patients who have been immobilized for prolonged periods of time. Hutch was a prime candidate for this since he was already debilitated from the arsenic poisoning and from having the endotracheal tube in place for so long. His lungs were weak and very susceptible. Hutch was started on strong IV antibiotics immediately. IPPB treatments were started immediately also to loosen the secretions that were building up in Hutch’s lungs.

Hutch was not happy about the extra attention he was now getting from the staff, and did not know why they were doing what they were doing. Starsky tried to tell him over and over again, but it didn’t seem to sink in. All Hutch knew was that he didn’t want the mask placed over his face for the IPPB treatments and fought with what little strength he had to get away from those who were so intent on torturing him. He had no idea that they were trying to help him.

Starsky attempted to keep him calm but to no avail. Hutch was lost in the fever and nothing was making sense or sinking in right now. He just wanted to be left alone.

Hutch seemed to gain fighting strength when the nurse inserted a catheter into his mouth and down into his throat to suction what secretions she could. He coughed and gagged and thrashed violently to get away. Two more nurses came in to assist with the agitated patient. Two of them held Hutch down while the other did her job the best she could. Hutch bit down on the suction catheter, not allowing it to reach his throat. Mistake number one. They then slid the suction catheter down his nose, where he could not fight it. He was suctioned until the nurse was satisfied, for now, that she did the best she could. It was unpleasant, but was crucial for treatment of the pneumonia. Seeing that Starsky was there with Hutch, the nurses attempted to make their patient more comfortable and left the room.

“Hey, buddy. You’ve had better days, huh?” Starsky continued the cool sponge bathing to calm the fever and also in an attempt to calm his partner, who was now very agitated, upset, and seemingly confused. Hutch was yelling near obscenities and crying to be left alone.

“I know this is no fun, Hutch, but all of these awful things are making you better. You just don’t know that right now. I promise you, you are getting better. Soon we’ll be getting back to some kind of a normal life…. I’ll even let you take a few jabs at my car… How does that sound, buddy?”

Starsky was saddened to see what his partner was having to go through now. It hurt him almost as much as it hurt Hutch. The only comfort he had was in knowing that the treatments were necessary and that Hutch was getting better. He had to be. Starsky only prayed that one of the complications would not be too much for his once strong partner to handle. It hurt to see someone you’ve loved and love go through being poked, prodded, injected, suctioned, and all of the other awful things Hutch had to endure since the entire ordeal began.

Starsky was thankful and relieved when he saw Amy come to start her shift and to take care of Hutch. He had come to trust her. He talked with her for a bit, and Amy was able to persuade Starsky to get some fresh air. She would be there to attend to Hutch. Starsky reluctantly decided he would go home, take a shower, get into some clean clothing, and come right back.

 

Chapter 36

Hutch had become increasingly agitated and was still in a delirious state from the fever. He decided he wanted to leave this place that only seemed to bring him pain and suffering. He sat up slowly, fighting off the dizziness and nausea. With sheer determination, he was able to swing his legs in between the top and bottom side rails of the bed. He stood, swaying and weak. He held onto the side rails for support until he felt he could make a break for it. He cursed quietly when he felt a stab of pain in both of his arms.

He had ripped the IV’s out in his attempt to escape. He cursed again as he almost hung himself with the oxygen tubing that was around his neck and going into his nose. He screamed louder when the catheter was violently pulled out as he attempted to make a break for the door. He could not understand what all of the attachments were and why they were holding him. The pain finally sickened him and he succumbed to the dizziness and nausea. His weakness caused him to fall to the floor, bleeding from the trauma of pulling all of the tubes out. Places hurt that shouldn’t hurt, he thought. He laid his head onto the cold floor. It felt good against his hot skin. He had no strength left to finish his escape as planned.

The loud scream caused nurses and orderlies to rush into Hutch’s room, only to find their patient on the floor, bleeding, moaning and helpless.

He was lifted back into his bed where he was secured by a restraining jacket to prevent him from getting out of bed and falling again. The IV’s needed to be reinserted along with the catheter. It was indeed a bad day for Hutch. The nurses and orderlies gently restrained his hands with soft restraints since Hutch would fight them and try to pull the IV’s out again and again. He was not himself. The fever was raging. The last reading was 105.3 degrees. The other measures needed to be taken to get the fever down.

Hutch was packed in ice and a cooling blanket was placed beneath him. Hutch was screaming and sobbing for Starsky. He needed his friend and he couldn’t find him. He was beginning to panic. He wanted to go looking for him, but the restraints would not allow it. He was given a mild tranquilizer to calm his agitation and restlessness. He soon tired himself out and drifted off into a light sleep. He dreamt of Starsky, reaching for him and not being able to grasp onto his hand.

 

Chapter 37

Hutch lay alone in his room, only a dim light on, packed in ice and shivering uncontrollably. Why am I so cold…? And where is Starsky…? I need him and I need him now…. Starsky… help me…. I can’t breathe…. Help.

Amy reassured Hutch that his partner would be back very soon, that he just went home to take a shower and change. It didn’t sink in. Hutch was caught in a nightmare, a bad one, but he was awake. He continued to call for Starsky over and over. His voice was but a hoarse whisper now as he had yelled and irritated his already sore throat even more. He continued to try to get up, but was held securely by the restraints. He felt as though he was suffocating with the oxygen mask over his mouth and nose. At one point, he thought that maybe he had died and gone to hell. Another mild tranquilizer was given, and Hutch drifted into a drug induced sleep, as much as he tried to fight it.

Starsky returned about an hour later. There was more bounce in his walk and more of a smile on his face as he knew Hutch was going to be all right. His happiness was short lived as he got closer to his friends bedside and saw him restrained and packed in ice. His face lost its color and his smile was lost. “Oh God… Hutch?”

Hutch only moaned, he was groggy from the tranquilizer and still lost in the fever. He thought he heard Starsky, but could not open his eyes. He tried to call his name, but it was muffled through the mask over his mouth and nose. With his voice being so hoarse, the sound just came out as a moan. He tried to reach for Starsky, dream or no dream, but could not as the restraints were against him. He just cried.

Starsky wanted to cry and scream at the same time. He was angry and wanted answers now. He headed out into the hall and yelled for Amy. He felt his partner had been abused and wanted to know what happened. It wasn’t fair. Hutch is so sick and now he is tied down, too!

“Amy! What the hell is going on here! Why is Hutch restrained? I trusted you when you said you would be watching over him. I won’t leave again! I want him untied now!”

“Dave, let me explain, please. I am sorry. I went on my dinner break and came back to find Ken had attempted to get out of bed and he fell onto the floor. He tore his IV’s and the catheter out. He fought us because of his high fever. We are only trying to help him. We don’t want him hurting himself again. I’ll call the doctor and see if we can get the restraints removed. We have him packed in ice now because his fever went up to 105.3. He was delirious, Dave…. He didn’t know what he was doing.”

“I’m sorry, Amy. I didn’t mean to explode and take it out on you. I am just so damn tired of seeing him suffer. If it is not one painful thing happening to him, it’s another. It has to stop. He doesn’t deserve this. He has feelings, too. What do you think this is doing to him? He shouldn’t be tied down like an animal. I promise I’ll be staying with him. Please take the restraints off. I’ll be there to watch him.”

 

Chapter 38

The restraints were removed and Hutch’s fever did come down to 101.3.

Starsky was by his side like glue. He was not leaving him again. The ice packs were removed and Hutch did seem to be more coherent. He was still shivering and felt so weak. Starsky did his best to calm his partner and provide the extreme encouragement he knew was needed.

“Hutch, I’m so sorry I left you, even if it was only for a couple hours. I won’t leave you again. Your fever is coming down and you should be feeling better soon. I’m sorry for what you had to go through. We’re gonna do something special when you get out of here. We both need the break.” Starsky continued to run the cool washcloth over Hutch’s face and neck, and stayed close.

“Starsk?” It was only a whisper. “Starsky, I’m glad you’re here. I was scared and I kind of knew what I was doing and kind of didn’t. I hope the nurses aren’t mad at me. I didn’t mean to do anything wrong.”

“Aw, Hutch. You didn’t do anything wrong. You had a pretty high fever, buddy. Anyone with a fever that high wouldn’t be thinking straight. You have nothing to be sorry for, Hutch.”

Starsky continued to try and relax his tense partner. He reminisced about some of the crazy cases they had over the years, and about the good times on vacations and the bizarre times on vacations. He did get Hutch to smile. A small smile, but a smile just the same. He went back as far as the Academy and talked about some of the stuff that happened to them there.

“I always knew I’d have to look out for ya, but I didn’t know how much I needed you to look out for me. We’re a team, Hutch. You’re gonna get better so we can create some more bizarre stories to tell our grandchildren. You with me on that?”

“Sure, Starsk. I’m gonna beat this thing, and we’ll be back on the streets together in no time. Right?”

“Yes, Hutch… you are going to beat this thing. The arsenic levels are coming down. It’s just the complications we need to get you over and you’ll be fine. Try not to fight the nurses and doctors. I know it’s hard, but they’re only working to get you better. I need you better, Hutch.”

“I’ll try, Starsk. I just hope all of this is over soon. I hate it and I want to get out of here. I want to go home. I don’t think I’ll be able to sit for three months, those shots hurt so much. Can they stop them soon?”

Starsky reassured Hutch that he would not have to get many more injections, but that they did have to complete the series to make sure that the arsenic was totally out of his system, and for him to completely recover.

Amy came in to attend to Hutch and smiled widely when she saw that urine was collecting in the catheter bag. “Hey, Ken, it looks like your kidneys are starting to function normally again. You feeling any better?”

“Yeah, a little. I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble. I didn’t mean it.”

“Ken, you are no trouble at all. Don’t worry yourself. I think you’re over the worst of it now. I do have to give you another injection now, and I want to see if your temperature came down any more.”

“Okay, thanks, Amy.”

Hutch’s temperature was down to 100 degrees. Starsky held on tight to Hutch’s hand as the next injection was administered. He was overjoyed when the grip was returned. Hutch didn’t fight Amy when the shot was given, but tears came to his eyes and a small sob escaped him. He held on tight to Starsky’s hand, waiting for it to be over.

 

Chapter 39

Hutch continued to improve. The pneumonia was better and his temperature was back to normal. The neuropathy was much improved and his kidneys were functioning on their own once more. The lab work proved that the arsenic was almost totally gone from his system. Hutch was moved to a regular room and was eager to go home.

There was still the issue of the ruptured disc, which started the entire ordeal he was put through. The doctor wanted Hutch to rest before doing the surgery. He would be able to return to work, but unfortunately only for desk duty. Both detectives did not complain about this at all. They were just happy to be able to get back to some sort of normalcy and to be able to work side-by-side once again.

Starsky did a thorough investigation of the doctor who would be doing the surgery on Hutch’s back. He was taking no chances. This doctor had no criminal record, and Starsky found that his med school education came from a full scholarship. He was still nervous, but felt safe with the new doctor treating Hutch.

Luke Cirillo was behind bars and would be for a long time. When he realized there was no other alternative for him, he made a complete confession. He was not one bit remorseful and was still a very angry man. Starsky and Hutch were present in the courtroom to hear the verdict and sentencing of this man who caused them so much pain and suffering. It was finally over.

Cap’n Dobey was thrilled to have his two boys back at work although he would never let on how he really felt. Starsky and Hutch knew. They were ready to move on with their lives and would be very careful of the Luke Cirillo’s of the world.

END