Coming Home

With Huggy’s help, Hutch finds a place for Starsky to recover.

Originally published in the SHareCon 2010 zine.

While Starsky was in the hospital after being shot by Gunther’s goons, the decision was made
that he’d need to find someplace to recover, as his “treehouse” had too many stairs. Starsky
wanted to give it a try, but his doctors—and Hutch—said absolutely not. His aunt wanted him to
stay with her, as did Laura Anderson, but Starsky turned them both down; as much as he didn’t
want to be dependent on Hutch, the idea of anyone else helping him was unthinkable.

Unfortunately, Hutch’s suggestions—a house by the ocean, or maybe a move to the
mountains—were met with equal rejection. Starsky knew Hutch had burned out somewhat, but
he wasn’t ready to give up the career he’d died for to become a beach bum just yet.

In desperation, Hutch turned to Huggy for ideas. Assured by the Bear that a plan was in the
works as they spoke, Hutch went back to the hospital feeling both nervous and reassured.

He needn’t have worried. Three weeks later, he carefully assisted Starsky out of the car before
leading him into their “new” place: a small yellow cottage, its white picket fence separating it
from the canal flowing softly behind it, and, across the doorway, a large sign reading WHO
SAYS YOU CAN’T GO HOME?