Table of Contents
Starsky and Hutch go undercover into a prison and only Dobey knows where they are.
Adult language -Adult subject matter. Rape – Torture – Physical abuse. Major H/C for both S&H, especially Starsky. A lot of angst also.
Also archived on the Bay City Library Archive on 5/29/2004 here.
Chapter 1
“I don’t like it!” Dobey said as he slammed the receiver of the phone down.
Starsky and Hutch exchanged the “what’s up” glance as they sat in front of their superior’s desk.
“Listen, I just got orders and an assignment for the two of you.” Dobey was visibly upset and troubled.
“What is it, Cap’n?” Starsky was always the more brave of the duo in posing questions to an irritated Dobey. “It can’t be that bad, c’mon Cap’n.”
“Yes, it can be that bad! But I’ve got orders. I’m sorry, I tried to keep the two of you away from this case. It’s just bigger than me, damn it!”
After one more glance to Starsky, Hutch wanted to know what was going down.
“Can you let us in on it, Cap? Sounds like we’re already part of it anyway. Just tell us huh? You’re giving us some vacation time right?”
Hutch’s attempt at humor went unnoticed as Dobey took a seat, rubbing his temples before he told his favorite duo of their next assignment.
“Starsky, Hutchinson… you’re going undercover. There have been complaints of severe physical and sexual abuse by the inmates of the Taio Correctional Facility in Green Valley, Arizona, just south of Tucson. There seems to be a higher number of accidents occurring there lately, and they need someone to investigate. Someone who won’t be recognized by any of the inmates or the guards. They’ve already gone over the names of the inmates presently incarcerated and none of them are there because of either of you. The guards won’t know that you’re police officers either since the guards are suspected to be doing a large amount of the abuse. It is suspected that the warden is also corrupt. This entire thing is highly confidential and I don’t like it! It’s not safe!”
Starsky was the first to speak. “Why do they need us? Isn’t there enough evidence from the inmates? Their families? Lawyers?”
“You would think so, but no. It is the families and lawyers who are seeking our help. Of course they have evidence and testimony, but who is the judge going to believe? A guard or a criminal? Three judges thus far have chosen to believe the guards, and those guards stick together like glue. I’ve read some of the report, they make me sick. Inhumane treatment, denied medical attention, denied privileges, punishment without reason. Want me to go on?”
“No, that’s quite enough Cap’n. Listen, it’s not your fault. You’re only doing your job and we need to do ours. We’ve handled ourselves before and it shouldn’t take that long to nail the facility with something.” Hutch tried to ease the anxiety he saw swamping their captain.
“When do we leave?” Starsky asked hesitantly.
“You’re both due down there tomorrow afternoon. You’ll fly into Tucson in the morning, then you’ll be taken into Taio by bus, along with any other prisoners. Files and genuinely bogus criminal records have been created for you both, as you’ll need to fit in. I’m working with Captain Vincent Shields of the Tucson PD. He promised not to split the two of you up while you’re there. I’m only a phone call away and Shields promised to stay close. I own him a favor, but if either of you gets hurt, I swear! Here, read over your records, you’ll need to be prepared for any questions, then get out of here, you’re gonna need your rest. I’ll see you both in the morning before you go.”
Both Starsky and Hutch felt nothing but irritation as the maintenance man bumped into them just outside of Dobey’s office on their way out.
~~~
Starsky and Hutch carefully read over the information they were given and tried to digest their new identities. Hutch’s new name would be Douglas (Doug) Alexander. Starsky’s new identity would be Seth Godfrey. Hutch (Doug) was supposedly charged with drug trafficking, sentenced to five years behind bars and not eligible for parole. Starsky was a fugitive, wanted for assaulting a police officer with a deadly weapon. Supposedly, Starsky (Seth) assaulted a State police officer, then took his handcuffs and attempted to strangle him. The State police officer was not killed, but left unconscious and beaten. Starsky (Seth) was sentenced to a prison term of three to five years behind bars with possible parole in 28 months.
Starsky and Hutch figured they could turn their five years into just a long weekend until they gathered enough evidence to get the judge to see things more clearly. They knew about the horrific things that went on inside, knew they would have to be careful and were confident that should anything go wrong, Captain Dobey and Captain Shields would get them out quickly. Both said criminals packed for their trip, taking very little and got the good nights rest as they were instructed to do by their captain. Both were eager to get this started, so they could get it over with. Then they would push Dobey for that well overdue vacation.
Chapter 2
The bus ride to the prison was hot and uncomfortable for Starsky and Hutch, both of them heavily chained. They had chains around their waists, holding their wrists in place against their side and had ankle chains applied as well. Movement was very difficult, aside from the fact that the chains were very heavy and uncomfortable. The bus had about four other prisoners but everyone was silent. Starsky exchanged a look with Hutch that clearly showed his thoughts. Dobey would owe them big time for this one.
They finally arrived at the prison, only to be pulled roughly from the bus into the building for processing. The forms were filled in and as the door shut behind them, they realized that their assignment was about to begin.
“Welcome to prison, shitheads. My name is Atkinson and I run this place. If you forget that, you’ll regret it!” The man walked up and down in front of his prisoners, eyeing them carefully.
“You have a debt to society that needs to be paid and you’re gonna pay it! You’re less than the scum of the earth, and from now on you do EVERYTHING when you’re told to. You’ve no freedom or liberty and you’re at my mercy. You’re to keep your cells clean, or you’ll answer to me and believe me you don’t want to do that!” Atkinson’s cold eyes ran over his prisoners. Starsky and Hutch looked straight ahead, Starsky trying to hold on to his rising temper. He was hot and uncomfortable and never liked being bullied. He knew he had to be careful but this jerk was pulling his strings.
Atkinson ran his appraising eyes over Hutch, definitely liking what he saw.
“I guess we’ve got to start on the body search now. Alexander here looks like he could be hiding somethin’! Are you, shithead?”
Hutch shook his head “No, I’m not.”
“Well guess what pretty boy, I don’t believe you. Guess I’ll have to check you out myself. Take him into the cubicle,” and without any delay Hutch was pushed into the cubicle, leaving Starsky appalled. Starsky automatically jumped forward but was pushed back in line and was hit forcefully in the stomach by the Billy club, causing him to double over with pain.
“Don’t move, or it will be a lot worse for both of you! The rest of you can strip!”
Hutch struggled as he was pulled into the room but a fist in his face stopped his struggling.
“You’ve got no rights here! I suspect you of carrying in illegal contraband and we’re going to search you. If you struggle, you’ll be hurt, so I suggest you cooperate!” Hutch was horrified. He knew that he couldn’t do anything but endure the humiliation, although he suspected his captors were going to enjoy themselves. He was told to strip but with his wrists hadn’t been unchained so he couldn’t, and his captor laughed. He winced as he felt a sharp object on his body, but it was only used to cut away his clothing. As he feared, his captors, four of them now, were enjoying themselves. He was pushed down onto a hard bench and had to endure the hands moving over his head, and in his mouth, making sure he had nothing to hide. He started to gag at the feel of the hands in his mouth, pulling his tongue, and running around this teeth. Even his ears and behind his ears were searched. The hands ran over his body, searching under his arms, down to his groin area. He gasped as he felt himself grabbed and being fondled.
“You’ve got no right…” Hutch held back a scream of pain as the grip tightened.
“WRONG! You’ve got no rights! You never know where desperate people hide stuff.” The hands continued their searching, feeling down his legs to his feet and between his toes. He was turned onto his stomach. Hutch unwittingly began to tremble when he heard the snap of the latex glove that his offender was donning, for he knew what was to come next. He closed his eyes, knowing he was helpless to defend himself.
“You really are a pretty boy, aren’t ya! I’m gonna enjoy myself with you and may as well start now. When the others get a look at you, well, you know what I mean! You might not be so pretty after they check you out!” Hutch was appalled. Surely the guard didn’t intend to rape him.
“Hey Atkinson, what you doin’ in there! You’re taking too long over the search.”
“Sorry sir but I had a feelin’ that this one had stuff on him.”
“Yeh, right! Just get him out here and get to the warden’s office. He wants a meeting.”
Hutch allowed himself a sigh of relief. He couldn’t ever remember feeling so vulnerable. He hoped that Starsky had been spared this. Body searches were legal but he didn’t like the leers or the taunts that had come his way and it was obvious he’d just been spared worse by the interruption. He hoped not all the guards were corrupt but it seemed his captors were.
“Sorry pretty boy. That’s it for today but you and me are gonna get to know each other real well. May as well get used to that — you’re gonna be a real hit in here. But I get you first before I turn you over to anyone else. So I’ll see you around sometime.” Atkinson left and Hutch was lifted up by another guard and pulled off the bench. He was led, still naked, into the shower cubicles, feeling quite sick and dizzy.
He knew his rights hadn’t really been violated at that point. He couldn’t prove that the hands remained on him longer than necessary, and there was no law against laughing and he couldn’t prove what he believed had been about to happen. He ignored the wolf whistles that came his way as he was led to the showers.
He turned on the hot water and leant on the shower wall, allowing the warmth of the water to soothe him. He closed his eyes, knowing that his nightmare had just begun. He hoped that Starsky was okay. At the thought of Starsky, he started to pull himself together but before he could move, he found himself pushed into the wall and staring into cold blue eyes.
“What the fuck…”
“SHUT UP!” The guard punched Hutch in the face. “You’re takin’ too long. Guess you need some help here!” and Hutch found himself being held as another guard came in and started scrubbing him.
“LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!” a punch to his stomach caused him to double over, until he was pulled up again. The guards were enjoying themselves, and Hutch was powerless to defend himself as the rough scrubbing continued. The guards pushed him on the floor, holding him firm. Hutch was trying not to sob, as he feared what was about to happen more than he’d feared anything before in his life. Finally the water was turned off and he was pulled out of the shower to face his assailants.
“You’re a pretty boy, and now you’re clean and ready for us! Atkinson wanted us to make sure you showered real good and you did!” As suddenly as they’d started on him, they turned and walked away, leaving Hutch shivering and shaking with intense terror.
Chapter 3
Starsky’s search was very businesslike and quick. He was stripped and also had to endure a full body search but he was spared the taunts and the extras that Hutch had suffered. It was humiliating but his worst problem was his worry concerning Hutch. He hadn’t liked the look of the guard who’d ogled his partner and he knew that he’d be enduring a similar sort of search, at the very least. There was nothing he could do to help him, they were both helpless. He was taken along to the lunch room but there was no sign of his partner. What struck him most was the silence and the feeling of terror that was so prevalent in the prison. He’d never expect a prison to be pleasant but the feeling of terror was so intense, he felt like he could almost touch it. What the hell was he going to do? The room was silent, no-one was talking to each other. He tried to speak but was pushed by the guard and told to shut up. Starsky took the opportunity to look at the other inmates and was truly horrified at the condition of some of them. The haunted, terrified eyes of some. He was told to sit down and he noticed that the man who he was sitting next to kept fidgeting, as if uncomfortable and his hands kept moving to his waist, as if he had something on that was too tight. Starsky hardly dared think what and looked at the slop that was put down in front of him. For the first time in his life he didn’t want to eat.
Hutch got dressed with difficulty. He was shaking so much he’d found it difficult. Another guard who didn’t seem interested in him came to the cubicle to show him to his cell. He wondered vaguely about lunch but knew that he wouldn’t be able to eat anything. He half collapsed on the bunk, worried that Starsky wasn’t there yet. He knew then, that this assignment was going to be a nightmare. He must have dozed off eventually and he only woke up when he felt someone gently touching his forehead.
“Hutch, Hutch, are you okay?” He looked into the concerned blue eyes of his partner.
“Starsk… thank God… are you okay?” Hutch’s voice was hoarse but he was very relieved to see his partner.
“I’m fine. But you don’t look so hot. What did they do to you?” Starsky was worried about how pale Hutch was.
“They didn’t hurt me but they made sure they enjoyed themselves.” Hutch shivered. He didn’t want to mention the shower for it would only upset his partner. Starsky pulled him into an embrace. He’d been worried about what would happen to Hutch as he hadn’t liked the way the guard had been looking at him. They were on their own and it was going to be a rough ride.
Neither Starsky nor Hutch got much sleep that night as the prison was noisy. It had been almost silent during the meal breaks but now, with the night, the noise and shouting started up. Some inmates were yelling, laughing, while others were heard screaming. God only knew what was happening to those whose screams seemed to go unheard.
“Starsk!”
Hutch was still nervous over his initiation ordeal and the words “pretty boy” and “I get you first before I hand you over…” kept screaming in his head over and over. The memory of the hands scrubbing at his body made him ill. He was unnerved by the treatment both he and Starsky had been subjected to, and he knew that this must be nothing in comparison to what the reports had said been going on inside the Taio Correctional Facility. He’d not slept much as he was scared and hearing the screams of other inmates justified his fears. He couldn’t ever remember feeling as scared as he did now, not only for himself, but for Starsky too. They were well and truly on their own.
“Hutch… shh… It’s okay. Try to relax, we don’t want to give them any reason to single us out. You were having another nightmare buddy… been having them all night. I’m here and as long as I’m here no one is gonna hurt you.” Starsky knew that in reality, he had very little control over what happened to either of them. That was made clear early on. Starsky lifted Hutch’s chin so he could look directly into his eyes. He was concerned about his partner. He just didn’t seem okay.
“Hutch, are you sure they didn’t hurt you yesterday when they searched you?”
“Yeah… I mean no, they didn’t hurt me…” Hutch broke off, still not wanting to mention the shower. “For some reason I thought we weren’t going to be put through all that crap. We gotta get to a phone and call Shields today. Something’s not right here Starsk… I mean I know that is why we’re here, to find out what is going on, but… but Dobey and Shields told us they would keep us from having to go through “normal” procedure. They’re supposed to be protecting us… and I don’t feel protected Starsk! Do you?”
“Hutch, I’m scared too, but we’ve got each other and we’ll get out of this… Shields promised to make contact with us today. Maybe it won’t be too bad… we just need to keep quiet and not cause any trouble. If we don’t give them anything to punish us for, they should leave us alone.”
“HEY! ALEXANDER! GODFREY! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, THE DAMN HOLIDAY INN? WHEN I SAY MOVE YOU MOVE. WHAT I SAY GOES AROUND HERE! YOU TWO SHITHEADS WILL LEARN THAT SOON ENOUGH. NOW GET DOWN TO THE CAFETERIA, YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THE BUFFET.”
Hutch reluctantly came out of their cell first, seeming to stall, which only angered the guard.
“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU STALLING FOR ALEXANDER! I SAID MOVE!!!”
“I… I don’t know where the cafeteria is.”
“HE DOESN’T KNOW WHERE THE CAFETERIA IS… AIN’T THAT SWEET. JOHNSON, SMITH, GET OVER HERE AND SHOW PRETTY BOY WHERE HE EATS.”
Hutch was grabbed roughly by the collar and shoved down the dreary hallway. Being unprepared for this action, Hutch stumbled and fell onto the hard floor, hitting his head on the bars of another cell. He was dazed momentarily.
Starsky went ballistic, screaming at the guards. “What the hell did you do that for! He didn’t do anything wrong! Leave him alone or I swear…”
Starsky tirade was cute short by a Billy club connecting fiercely with his back. He was immediately on his knees, gasping for breath, hoping nothing was fractured.
Both Starsky and Hutch were hauled up to a standing position by the angry guards. They were taken to the cafeteria, but it was too late for breakfast. The supply of food was gone, not that either one of them could have eaten now anyway. Some juice would have been nice, but they were denied that also. Starsky was seated in a chair at one of the wooden tables and told not to move unless he wanted more of what he had received earlier, while two other guards took Hutch away.
“Hey! Where the hell are you taking him? Haven’t you done enough damage for one day! I swear, you better not hurt him!” Starsky was losing any patience he might have had left and was terrified about where they were taking Hutch and what they were going to do.
“LISTEN GODFREY!” Starsky’s head was pulled back by his hair as another guard cuffed his wrists behind him. “I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP! YOU DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES AROUND HERE DO YOU? YOU DON’T MAKE THEM, WE DO! MAYBE YOU NEED A LITTLE LESSON IN BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.”
Starsky was beginning to panic inside, but he did not want to let the guard have the satisfaction of knowing how much he was scaring him. Under normal circumstances Starsky would not have been afraid… he could handle himself, and Hutch would have been there to back him up. These were not normal circumstances and Hutch had been taken away. Starsky’s main concern was for Hutch and what they were going to do to him. But he wasn’t prepared for what was to happen.
The guard holding Starsky by the hair motioned for assistance from his cohorts. Starsky shook as he saw what was in the hands of the corrupt group. Both he and Hutch had seen and been educated on the use of electrical stun devices. Starsky was hoping he was just being intimidated and prayed they would not use that control device on him. He knew it was too much to hope for.
One of the other guards slowly unbuttoned Starsky’s shirt and started to unzip his pants when another guard stopped him.
“Hey, save some for later… I don’t think he’s gonna make it through the first round anyway.”
Starsky screamed as the first volt of electricity seared through his body, he was sure the skin had been burned right off of his right rib area.
“ENOUGH WITH THE SCREAMING CURLY! YOU HAVEN’T SEEN ANYTHING YET. YOU SEEM TO BE PRETTY SURE OF YOURSELF DON’T YOU! WELL, IT’S NOT GONNA TAKE LONG TO BREAK YOU. WE DON’T LIKE YOUR KIND OF ATTITUDE AROUND HERE!!!”
After Starsky had been shocked four more times he was left to fall out of the chair and onto the floor. As he fell, he knocked his head on the side of the table, stunning him further. He was only semi conscious, trying to will the pain away and catch his breath. The pain was excruciating. He kept his eyes closed, pretending to be unconscious so they would stop torturing him. He knew he somehow had to get to Hutch… he knew Hutch would be in trouble and need him. He was hoping he could get to his partner before it was too late. A few minutes later, Starsky realized that only one guard was left to watch over him and that the guard had dozed off.
Chapter 4
“Please don’t! Leave me alone… I didn’t do anything. Please just leave me alone!” Hutch struggled to free himself from his captors.
“Struggling will only earn you more punishments Alexander! You’ll do as I say! Remember I told you that I would have you before anyone else don’t you? Well, you’re all mine now.”
“Listen Atkinson, just leave me alone. I’m not causing any trouble and I didn’t do anything to you. Stop this now and I won’t report it.”
“REPORT IT! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK IS GOING TO LISTEN TO YOU! YOU’RE AT TAIO NOW AND YOUR JUST A COMMON CRIMINAL, AN INMATE, A PRISONER… NO ONE WOULD BELIEVE A WORD YOU SAY! I HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION AND NO ONE… I MEAN NO ONE TALKS AGAINST ME! YOU’LL GET WHAT’S COMING TO YOU BOY… MY PRETTY BOY!”
Hutch wanted to call for Starsky, but knew that would only get both of them in deeper trouble by blowing their false identities and might get Starsky hurt. Hutch would not risk his partner’s safety and still held out hope of speaking with Captain Shields later today. He was determined to get Starsky and himself out of the hell hole they’d gotten into. Hutch tried to stop struggling, but pure fear took over as two of the other guards who had attacked Starsky, came into the room to meet Atkinson.
“Restrain him! He doesn’t know how to obey instructions and he threatened me.”
The guards roughly grabbed Hutch’s hands and cuffed them behind his back, then shackled his ankles, making walking or trying to run virtually impossible.
“PLEASE! I didn’t do anything… let me…”
A rag was shoved into Hutch’s mouth to prevent his screams from being heard. Atkinson had specific plans for his prisoner and the other two guards seemed to be enjoying themselves also. Unwanted tears began to fall from Hutch’s eyes. He knew what was coming and was terrified. He was further weakened by blows to his stomach and rib areas and when he fell, more blows and kicks landed themselves into his back and legs and again to his ribs. He feared that at least one or two ribs might have been fractured. Atkinson had made it clear that Hutch’s face was not to be marred, as he wanted his “pretty prisoner” to remain pretty. Hutch was now curled up into a ball on the floor, trying to protect his body, will the pain and nausea away and catch his breath.
Starsky… please help me… please… Oh God…
There was a small table and a couple of chairs around. He tried to pull away as Atkinson breathed into his terrified face. Hutch tried to move his face away from the too close breath but his chin was grabbed, the rag removed as Atkinson pulled him forward into a long kiss. Hutch started dry retching with fear and struggling but this only amused his captor.
“Lets see what you’re made of Pretty Boy… That was a good kiss! Try to stop fighting, you might just enjoy this.”
Hutch was lifted and dragged over to the table where he was ferociously bent over it face first, his upper body being forced down onto the table. One guard held him secure on the table while the other started to unchain his ankles but Atkinson couldn’t wait.
“Forget it! Leave him like that, he can’t go anywhere. He’s mine — now!” and Hutch was left lying face down on the table, unable to see or move from his uncomfortable position. The rag was replaced.
“You’re gonna like this Alexander… first time is always the roughest… it would be better for you if you relaxed a little… but if you want to fight, it will be more exciting for me.”
Hutch heard the other guards laugh and felt Atkinson’s hands on his naked buttocks, rubbing at first, terrifying him more than anything else possibly could. He heaved himself backwards to get away, knocking Atkinson away with his legs. One of the observers got trigger-happy and shot Hutch with his taser gun. The dart pierced Hutch in the back as it delivered 30,000 volts of electricity. The pain being unbearable, Hutch passed out and rolled to the floor.
“What the hell did you do that for Johnson? ”
“He was getting violent sir.”
“I could have handled him… now I’ll have to wait! Don’t want to do him when he’s not conscious! Take him back to his cell and leave the restraints on him. Makes it easier for when we come to get him tonight.”
Starsky had somehow found his way to the room that held Hutch and his tormentors. He’d followed the sounds of cheering but was very weak and dizzy from the shocks. Only determination gave him the strength to keep going. He arrived just as the guards were lifting his unconscious partner off the floor. This was just too much and Starsky lost control. He screamed and kicked at the guards. He could clearly see what they were going to do to Hutch… He no longer thought about his own life, only his partner’s. The guards attempted to further restrain him, but Starsky was not going down easily, fury and desperation fuelling him.
“YOU THINK YOU’RE PRETTY DAMN SMART DON’T YOU GODFREY! I’VE JUST ABOUT HAD ENOUGH OF YOU! JOHNSON! SMITH!” Atkinson motioned for their assistance and the two guards grabbed Starsky, holding him firmly.
“What the hell did you do to Hu… Alexander? He didn’t do anything wrong! What is wrong with you people!!!”
“Don’t worry Godfrey, your cellmate passed out before I could have my way with him… but I WILL have him, you’re not going to stop me… I just might take you too!”
“FUCK YOU ATKINSON!!! YOU LEAVE US ALONE!”
Starsky’s outburst was cut short as he felt something sharp slice through his left stomach area. He saw the bloody switch blade in Johnson’s hand, as he fell into darkness.
Hutch was returned to his cell, chained and unconscious. They’d dressed him again but he’d been oblivious to what was happening.
Starsky had been returned to their cell also, also unconscious and bleeding. He began to wake when he heard Hutch crying out. Ignoring his own pain, he immediately was at his partner’s side. He held onto his partner, trying to let him know he was safe for now and also because he needed the contact with his friend. He began to fear that they might not get out of Taio alive.
Chapter 5
Hutch woke up with a start, frightened when he felt that he was being held.
“Easy Hutch, it’s me!”
“Starsk. Thank God.” Hutch broke down, turning his head into Starsky’s shoulder. Starsky just held him, and tried to soothe him.
“Hutch… did they…” Starsky found it hard to get the words out.
“God Starsk! They used a taser gun on me! They were gonna rape me…” Hutch couldn’t continue. “Starsk, we’ve gotta get outta here. We’ve got to get a message to the sheriff. Atkinson really wants me!”
Starsky grimaced. “Hutch, we can’t. He’s dead”
“WHAT!” Hutch pulled away. Still having the restraints on, movement wasn’t easy and Starsky winced when he saw his partner’s bloody wrists, bloody from trying to fight the cuffs. “We’ve gotta get out!” Hutch was fighting hysteria. He was in such a state he hadn’t realized that Starsky was in a bad way too, bruised, bleeding and sore.
“It’s okay Hutch. We’ll get a message to Dobey tomorrow! Somehow!”
“How?” Hutch lay back into Starsky’s safe embrace, and despite his fear, found himself falling asleep. Starsky was glad, for he didn’t have the answers. Eventually he fell asleep too, still holding his partner close. His side was stiffening up but he needed to hold Hutch, despite his own discomfort.
They were woken up by the sound of a key entering their cell door and the sounds of muffled laughter. They both sat up in horror at the sight of the five guards.
“Look at ’em! Fags the both of ’em. We ain’t gonna hurt ’em, they’ve done this before! Let’s do blondie first. We can always do curly later. Blondie is nicely restrained for us!”
“NO!” Starsky jumped up and tried to prevent the guards from touching his partner. It was no good of course, he was outnumbered and he was thrown against the wall, being kicked for good measure. Hutch was pulled up and his clothes ripped off him. He couldn’t fight as the chains were still on him and Starsky was too dazed to react. He tried to stand up, but was easily pushed to the floor and held down. His side was bleeding again and he was sick and dizzy as he watched them strip his best friend and force him down onto the bed. When Starsky tried to struggle, he was hit in the face by the club and all he could do was sob in despair as the blood ran down his face. The beatings, lack of food and terror, had taken their toll.
Hutch was screaming abuse at his captors, as he felt himself being pushed on the bed. The chains came off him, only to be reapplied so that his wrists could be tied to the bed.
Atkinson was enjoying the fight that Hutch was trying to put up, but he had no chance.
“Scream all you like! No-one is gonna help you! I told you pretty boy, I get first go with you. These other boys want you too but one of the few perks of my job is that I get to break in the new kids on the block! After you, I’m going to take your curly haired partner… as he’s here, you can watch too and if you’re real cooperative, I might keep you around for a bit.”
Hutch turned his head so that he could spit in the direction of the voice, with all the force he could muster. The thought of Starsky going through this made him lose his tenuous control. He didn’t see the fist that came from nowhere striking him behind the head and stunning him.
Atkinson was angry with the guard. “Enough! I want him conscious! He can’t do anything! Although you’re gonna regret that pretty boy.
“Are you ready for the night of your life?” Hutch was too dazed to respond and his wrists were aching from the attempts to break free. He started bucking wildly as his ankles were unchained and pulled apart, so he was spread-eagled on the bed. Atkinson then pushed a rag into Hutch’s mouth.
“No point making any more noise! You’re not makin’ this easy for yourself pretty boy.” He fought nausea as the hands moved over his body, and the sounds of laughter. He felt weight lying on him, causing his sore body further pain and he felt himself dry retching as he felt someone biting his neck and kissing him. Hands were wandering all over him and he was totally at the mercy of this gang of brutal men. He started to sob as he listened to the taunting voice telling him what was going to happen.
Starsky looked in horror and as Atkinson straddled Hutch, he found his last bit of strength. With the little that he could muster, he jumped up and pushed Atkinson off, screaming for help. In the fracas that followed, one of the guards hit Hutch in the head, causing him to lose consciousness.
“HELP US! FOR GOD’S SAKE, SOMEONE HELP US!” Starsky was screaming at full force and was only silenced when the club hit him on the head.
Chapter 6
Starsky’s screams had managed to attract the attention of Williams and a couple of other guards and they came running in. Starsky was dazed and semi conscious but unable to defend himself as he heard Atkinson blaming him for the attack.
“This man is a monster. He tried to rape his own cell mate. If we hadn’t got here in time!” Atkinson pretended to be shocked. Williams drew his own conclusions but knew he couldn’t go up against Atkinson.
“I’m going to get the doctor. This man will need to go to sick bay.” Williams looked at the beaten form of Starsky.
“Forget it! Take Alexander, he’s the victim but I’ll take care of Godfrey. He needs attention all right for he’s a dangerous and violent man who has resisted all attempts to subdue him. We’ll put him into solitary confinement. At least he won’t be able to hurt anyone else!”
Williams nodded, knowing that he had to go along with whatever Atkinson wanted. At least he could help Alexander, although Godfrey was on his own.
Starsky was pulled up by Atkinson and his helpers and dragged out of the cell.
“You bastard! You cost me Alexander and I wanted him! You’re gonna pay for that. If I can’t have him, I’ll have you and you’re gonna regret not letting me have my fun with your cell mate!” A sudden punch to Starsky’s stomach saw him lose consciousness and his wound opened up again.
~~~
Hutch woke up with a start. Where was he? This wasn’t his cell. His memories of the night before were mercifully blurred. He had nearly been raped — again. Starsky had been there and tried to help. STARSKY! Dear God where was he? When he’d come in, all hell had broken loose and the place had been swarming with guards. He couldn’t remember what had happened to Starsky. Atkinson had blamed Starsky! Oh God where was he! Hutch tried to pull himself up, only to find he was tied down to the bed. He tried to remember what had happened, but he felt so weak and tired. Where the hell was he? Thankfully the chains had been removed and he was relatively comfortable on the bed, but he couldn’t move. A glance around, revealed that he was in a medical room of some sort. His thoughts were interrupted by the entrance of a man in a white coat.
“Where’s my p…” Hutch pulled himself up “Where’s Seth? My cell mate?”
“Your cell mate has been moved into solitary, as he’s considered to be a danger to you. He nearly killed you last night and it’s a wonder you’re still alive.” the doctor wasn’t interested in talking to his patient. He was there because Williams had called him in, but he didn’t see anything wrong with his patient. There wasn’t any sign of sexual assault. Williams was living dangerously by calling him in and he wouldn’t come again. He knew that bad things happened in this prison but didn’t want to get involved.
“DANGER! No, no he didn’t do this to me! Believe me!” Hutch was nearly sobbing.
“Doesn’t matter what I believe. You’re going into solitary confinement yourself, for breaching the peace. Williams arranged it. Once you calm down, you can go back to your cell. I can’t see any reason you shouldn’t go now. You’ve been beaten but are obviously strong!”
“I’m not hurt but Seth might be. Please you’ve gotta help him!”
“Nothin’ I can do. Seth made his bed last night and now he’s gotta lie in it. It’s best you forget ever knowing him.”
“Listen, we’re undercover cops! We work for the LAPD…”
“SHUT UP!” The doctor was really angry now. He didn’t want to know but he forced himself to calm down. “If I had a dime for every time I heard that.”
“Please!” but the doctor turned and walked out and the guards came back to take Hutch into solitary confinement. Different guards from last night he was glad to see.
“You’re gonna stay here until we say so!” and he was pushed into a small, dark cell, with only the smallest of windows at the top. Hutch looked around in despair, his body was aching and he was terrified, for Starsky and himself. What the hell had they put themselves in for? Where was Dobey? Surely Dobey should have pulled the plug when the local sheriff died. He lay down on the hard bench and closed his eyes. He couldn’t help Starsky now, any more than Starsky could help him. He looked at his bruised body and prayed like he’d never prayed before.
Hutch lost all perception of time, as he lay trapped in his cramped and hot cell. It was so hot and there was very little air circulating. He was sore and stiff and people seemed to have forgotten that he was there. He was very thirsty and he knew that he’d dehydrate if he was kept without water for much longer. He wasn’t hungry but he knew he needed food, for he was growing weak. His thoughts became confused as he drifted in and out of consciousness. Sometimes he felt Starsky was with him and he found himself calling to Starsky for help. Starsky couldn’t help him and he knew that but as his mind became confused, he thought he was being tied to the bed and Atkinson was pounding him. The nightmares were vivid and sometimes it was Starsky who was tied up in the same position that he had been in, and it was Starsky who had Atkinson on him and beating him. Starsky was screaming to him to help him, to stop the pain but all he could do was watch in horror as his friend was abused over and over, until Starsky’s screams quietened and he was limp, no longer fighting against his restraints or against the invasion to his body. Hutch woke up screaming, sweating, with tears pouring down his face. He turned on to his side in despair, knowing that there wasn’t a thing he could do. He barely moved when the door was unlocked and Williams came in with some water. He didn’t speak to Hutch but he placed the water down and left Hutch to his heartbreak. It was then that Hutch gave up on the idea of ever seeing his best friend and partner again, gave up on the idea of surviving this ordeal. There wasn’t even me and thee any more. He couldn’t doubt that Starsky, even if he was still alive, would be in a bad way. He started to feel feverish and nauseous but no-one came to help him.
Hutch could no longer determine whether it was night or day and it no longer mattered to him. He was growing weaker each day, was dirty and worn down. The fever continued raging in his body and although he was spared visits by Atkinson, the world seemed to have forgotten him. He no longer called for help, or for Starsky, knowing that he wouldn’t survive. Sleep brought him no peace as his dreams about Starsky just terrorized him. Then, after an interminable time, he opened his eyes to find Atkinson staring down at him. He automatically flinched but Atkinson just laughed as he hauled the very weak Hutch into standing position. He shuddered with fear.
Chapter 7
“Don’t worry pretty boy. Don’t need you yet, your friend has brought me great amusement!” He chuckled at the venom in Hutch’s glare. “Oh yes, he’s been good. Still gonna have you pretty boy, but at least he’s taken the edge off and I can wait.” he shut up as two other guards came in and Hutch noticed this, as weak as he was. Even in his confused mind, he registered that not all the guards were bad and Atkinson was obviously careful in the presence of some. If only he could work out who were the good ones, who could be trusted. He was just too tired to think clearly. Atkinson backed right away from him and he was at last released from his tiny cell and brought out into the laundry room and assigned to laundry duty. He felt dizzy and weak and the brightness of being in the light hurt his eyes, after being kept in the dark for so long. At least now he might be able to find out what had happened to Starsky.
“Oh look, there’s Atkinson’s pretty boy, only he ain’t so pretty now!” a couple of the prisoners approached Hutch and started circling him. Oh God, not again, Hutch thought. I’m not strong enough to fight them off. He didn’t see the one come from behind him, grabbing his hair and pulling his head back. He was so weak, he immediately dropped to his knees.
“We hear that Atkinson has been warned off you, so I guess we get to break you in. Not that you’ve got much fight in you!” Hutch was pathetically weak and it was all too easy for them to push him to the ground. They didn’t get much further before Williams came in.
“What’s going on here! Let him go!” Reluctantly they released Hutch who pulled himself slowly to his feet. “Get out of here — all of you!”
Hutch looked at Williams, in part fear and in part hope. He was learning to distrust everyone but this man had shown him some kindness.
“Come on Alexander. Pull yourself together, they’ll eat you alive if you don’t.”
Hutch tried but he wasn’t feeling strong. “My cell mate, Seth, do you know…” he broke off at the pitying look he got from Williams.
“He’s a violent man, Alexander. They had to punish him and it’s best you forget him.” Hutch closed his eyes. This was the second time he’d been told he had to forget Starsky. What the hell could he do? He turned back to the sheets he had to fold. It was no use, he’d be killed for sure if they really believed he was a cop. If he was killed outright, then Starsky wouldn’t have any chance at all. He’d just have to wait for contact from Dobey and pray that Starsky was doing better than he was. He badly needed a shower and a good sleep and feed, but he wasn’t going to get it.
Williams watched him sadly. For some reason he felt sorry for this prisoner which is why he’d seen that he was placed in solitary confinement, not for punishment like Godfrey, but for his own protection. It kept Atkinson away from him, and knowing that the prisoner was being watched more carefully, made Atkinson tread more warily. He didn’t know what had happened to Seth, the cellmate that this man was so concerned about, but he knew it wouldn’t be good. Atkinson had full reign and there was no one to stop him. Atkinson would be careful when he knew he was being watched but Williams couldn’t be everywhere. He decided that it was Alexander who he could help. Williams knew that the abuse that went on in Taio wasn’t right and he knew he should speak out but he wasn’t sure exactly who he could trust. Not too many of the guards were straight and he certainly had his suspicions about the warden. All he could do was try to protect the prisoners that he could. Others, like Seth Godfrey were on their own.
That night Hutch was returned to his cell, and had the opportunity to shower for the first time in several days. The cold water was soothing to his sore body but as he looked at his bruises, he was fearing again for Starsky. Everything hurt and he was so tired he wasn’t sure what to do but his cell was certainly comfortable in comparison to the solitary confinement cell that he’d been in. He lay down and prayed he’d be uninterrupted. He was, since Williams had decided to keep an eye on him and Atkinson was only too aware of it. He was still feverish but it seemed that no one in this prison cared if he got sick.
The next morning at breakfast he saw a newspaper for the first time in over a week. The longest week of his life. He read it greedily, drinking in details about the outside world, that is until a small paragraph caught his attention.
“The Los Angeles Police Captain Harold Dobey remains unconscious after his horrific car accident that hospitalized his wife and children. His family are said to be in satisfactory condition but Captain Dobey has not regained consciousness.” The article went on to explain the details of the accident and describe Dobey’s career. Hutch’s heart dropped. They were stuck, he and Starsky were stuck in this hell hole indefinitely. His immediate concern for Dobey was overridden with panic when he realized what this meant. No one else, not even Huggy, knew where they were. He pushed his breakfast away and dropped his head in his hands. Dear God, how were they going to get out of this?
Chapter 8
Hey Starsk… you really think you’re gonna be at me at Monopoly? C’mon partner, nice try, but no cigar… Hutch… wait up, where do you get all of your energy? Starsk… I keep telling you, it’s the protein shakes… Starsk, if Merle did anything wild to my car, I swear… Hutch, I don’t think we’re cut out for a Canadian football team… we need to think of something else to do… You’re pretty silly you know?… Hey Hug, how about a couple of cold beers and three burgers, two for me and one for health boy here… She’s dead Hutch, Grossman did it… Hey, what makes you think you’re going first? This one’s mine… This one is ours partner… Terri… This ain’t no fun… and the game is that Hutch is dying… GET DOWN STARSKY!!!! GET DOWN!!!!…
“Hutch!” Starsky jolted awake. It had only been a dream, a dream of parts of his life with Hutch, the good and the bad. He wanted to run… to find his partner… he needed Hutch, but he was stopped by the leather restraints around his wrists, ankles and another around his chest. He couldn’t move and his body was so sore. Where the hell was he? Starsky opened his eyes to find himself alone in a cold gray cell… no bars this time, but a steel door. He wanted to scream, but who would care? It might only bring on more punishment. He ached all over and his side was hurting him badly. It was then that he remembered being stabbed by one of the guards… Oh God! Hutch! Where are you?… What have they done to you?… Starsky raised his head enough to see the drying blood on his shirt. He needed medical attention, but knew he wouldn’t get it. Atkinson wanted him out of the way and had denied his request to see a doctor previously. He rested his head back down as chills began to overtake him.
“Somebody?” Starsky whispered at first. Maybe, just maybe someone who had half a heart might hear him and help him, maybe even tell him where Hutch was. He had to be alive, he just had to be.
“Anybody??” He yelled louder this time as he began to panic, fighting delirium from his rising fever. “Somebody… please help me… take these restraints off… I promise I won’t try to get away!!!!” He didn’t know if he should be afraid or glad when he heard the steel door being unlocked. He was starting to feel claustrophobic and panicky, surely someone would release him.
“Godfrey! What the hell are you yelling about? Still trying to cause trouble aren’t you?” Atkinson looked down at Starsky with cold, merciless eyes.
“Please… please don’t hurt me anymore. Let me go back to my cell… and tell me where Alexander is okay?” Starsky’s fight was gone, he was weak, feverish and sick.
“Actually you messed up my action with pretty boy! Feel like takin’ his place for a bit?” Atkinson leant down into Starsky’s terrified face.
“I always preferred blonds, but you might have have to do!”
Atkinson laughed viciously, the laugh of the devil as his cigarette smoke was blown into Starsky’s face. “Godfrey, you’re not in a question/answer setting here! You don’t have the right to ask any questions and I’m not here to give you any answers! You’ve been very bad, tried to kill Alexander, don’t you remember? Actually you tried to rape him. Don’t blame you for that as he is a pretty one but it’s just not allowed, not for you anyway!” Again, the evil laugh and Starsky winced.
“NO! I would never do that! You’re messing with my mind and I’m not buying it! Where is he damn it!”
Starsky was quieted by a blow to his face. “YOU DON’T MOUTH OFF TO ME BOY! STILL DON’T GET IT DO YOU? YOU’RE NOTHING HERE! YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS! YOU DO AS YOU’RE TOLD AND OBEY EVERY WORD I SAY! NOW SHUT UP!!! You’re gonna pay for what you did and for ruining my fun! But first you’ve got to realize that you’ve been beaten and that what I say goes.”
“I need help… my side… I can’t breath too good… please…” Starsky was fading out, not realizing he was crying.
“I said, SHUT UP!”
Starsky screamed as Atkinson leant over him and pressed his cigarette into Starsky’s arm. He was now openly sobbing.
Atkinson looked at his prisoner, as he lit another cigarette. “Pretty boy should have been mine by now but he’s not and that’s ’cause of you! You got Williams attention and he’s watching him carefully. So, I guess I’ll have to have you instead and you’re not gonna like it much! I’m gonna do you good, but not yet, you won’t see me coming!” He stubbed the cigarette on Starsky’s arm again and Starsky’s scream this time was little more than a whimper.
When another guard came in having heard the noise, Atkinson said, “Give him another 48 hours to think about what he has done, and keep him restrained. If he makes too much noise, sedate him.”
Chapter 9
The next 48 hours seemed like an eternity to Starsky as he had lost track of time. The only thing that told him he was alive was the constant pain he was now in. His entire body ached and his wounded side was throbbing, along with chills followed by sweats, and the constant nightmare, sleeping ones and the nightmare that his life had become in reality. The restraints allowed virtually no movement and he was so stiff. Thoughts began to run together, hallucinations had become frequent. He could feel his heart racing and was having trouble catching his breath. He focused on Hutch and prayed for his safety in his waking moments. The fight had left David Michael Starsky. He had been broken, something he swore would never happen to him. He knew it was illegal to keep someone restrained for this long, but who was he going to tell? Who would help him? Who would care? No one. No one but Hutch, and for all he knew Atkinson may have already killed him. The cruel and evil guard told Starsky that his “lover” had been taken care of and was put out of his misery days ago. Starsky was given sips of water at intervals and was given a bottle to use in place of being permitted to go to a bathroom. He only prayed that Hutch was safe, that Atkinson was lying and that his partner would get out of Taio alive. He knew his own time was now limited.
“Godfrey!” Starsky turned his head slowly to see who was there, no longer having the strength to lift if off of the bed he was strapped to. “You’re going back to your cell… that is if you think you can make it.”
The restraints were unlocked and Starsky had to be helped off of the bed that had been his constant home for the last 72 hours. He was determined to walk back to his cell, trying to maintain any dignity he might possibly have left. He was so weak and before he could steady himself, he fell to the floor, not realizing how numb his legs and arms had become from being totally immobilized for so long. As shaky and weak as he was, he fought to stand.
Seeing his pathetic attempt, Williams helped him up to a standing position. Starsky looked into Williams eyes, realizing this guard had made no attempt to hurt him, and gave a sad smile, speaking was just too much effort anymore. There was nothing left to say.
“Godfrey? Seth? Listen, I’m sorry for all you’re going through, but there isn’t a thing I can do to help you. I’m kinda new here, got a wife and four kids at home. I really need the job if you know what I mean. There’s not much work in the area. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you, but if I could help you I would. You’ve been given a stiff sentence and punishments for your crime are heavy…”
“Save it will ya?” Starsky’s voice was but a whisper. “Thanks for being nice. Can you just take me back to my cell now? If you want to help… tell me what happened to my friend Alexan… you could… contaa…”
Starsky’s eyes rolled back in his head and he passed out cold. Williams broke his fall and made sure he was returned to his cell.
~~~
Starsky felt a gentle hand stroking at his forehead, and thought he heard Hutch talking to him soothingly, albeit shakily. Hutch? Is it really you? Are you really here? Am I really here or did I die?
“Hutch…” Starsky struggled to speak to the golden voice he thought he was hearing.
“Starsky? Please wake up for me buddy.” Hutch was fighting tears as he saw the poor condition his partner was in, knowing he didn’t have the strength to help him.
Hutch? Don’t cry Hutch… I’m here… I’m here buddy… It’s okay, don’t cry…
“Hutch?” Starsky’s eyes flickered open and to his delight, his partner was there… for real. “Oh God Hutch… you’re alive? Thank God… Atkinson told me you were dead… he told me…” Starsky broke down before he could finish.
“It’s okay Starsk, I’ve got you now. We’re together again pal. They told me you were dead too. I didn’t want to go on living Starsk… not without you. C’mon kiddo, we’ve got to pull ourselves together. We’ve got work to do.”
Hutch sat on Starsky’s cot and took him into his arms, holding his trembling, feverish best friend. He had so little strength but was determined to use what he had to help Starsky. He couldn’t bring himself to tell Starsky that no one would be coming to rescue them… that Dobey had been in a terrible car accident and unresponsive.
“Hutch?”
“Yeah buddy?”
“Don’t leave me okay? Please stay with me… please…”
“Hey, just rest now, I’m not planning on going anywhere. Try to sleep, I’ll be right here.” Starsky hadn’t realized that Hutch couldn’t move anyway. Hutch was still feverish and sore, his only relief was in the fact that he was holding his best friend. He didn’t think they were going to get out of this one.
Starsky drifted off in the comfort and safety of his partner’s arms. Hutch pulled the blanket over Starsky and planned on holding him for as long as his friend needed him… and for as long as he needed his friend. Hutch knew his partner was in trouble, he was not only abused, but was sick and in desperate need of medical attention. He would talk to Williams as soon as he had the chance. The sight of the burns on Starsky’s arms further enraged him.
I love you Starsk… you just rest… and please be okay…
Hutch dozed off with Starsky in his arms. Thanking God for sparing his partner’s life. Praying he could get him help before it was too late.
Chapter 10
“Isn’t that sweet! The fags are lying in each others arms again!” Hutch woke up with a start at the cruel, taunting voice. “This isn’t a hotel boys! You’ve gotta work for your keep around here!” Atkinson reached down and grabbed Starsky, who’d been slower in waking up than Hutch.
“LEAVE HIM ALONE! He can’t work!” Hutch struggled to get up but was easily pushed down again. Starsky had no fight in him as he was dragged from his cell. He turned his head and looked blearily back at Hutch. He felt this would be the last time he’d see his partner. The pain in his gaze was too much for Hutch and as Atkinson hauled Starsky out of the cell. Hutch jumped up, with strength he didn’t know he had, struggling with the guards, begging them to leave them alone.
“SHUT UP!” Atkinson turned around very quickly and threw Hutch against the wall. He hit his head and slid down to the ground. Starsky moved to go towards him but was prevented from doing so by Atkinson grabbing him and pulling him up close.
“SEE WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!” He was silenced as he heard Williams running up and taking in the scene. Williams leant down to Hutch and looking at the injury, made a sudden decision. Starsky shuddered when he saw the blood that was only too clear on the blond head.
“This man’s gotta go to hospital NOW!” Starsky was dragged away by Atkinson, nearly sobbing with frustration.
“You’re gonna pay for that! I’ve lost pretty boy ’cause of you! I think it’s time you and me get better acquainted!” he looked at the unconscious form of Hutch. “You’re gonna scrub the floors curly and then tonight, you’re gonna entertain me! Should’ve done him before, but you were always in the way! Not for much longer!” Atkinson left him temporarily but the guards who were with him had been as brutal as he had so Starsky felt no relief, especially as he was dragged into the kitchen and instructed to scrub the floors.
One of the guards deliberately spilt water on the floor and gave Starsky the scrubbing brush.
“Oops, I spilt somethin’. Clean it up!” As Starsky hesitated, he got a kick to the side. He started to black out with the pain but his head was lifted up and water was thrown over him. He picked the brush up and started to scrub, very weakly. Terrified for Hutch but glad that he would be out of this hell hole. He could barely move by the time he’d finished. It had taken twice as long for every time he thought he’d finished, more water was spilt. They even ducked his head into the bucket of dirty water, to the point he nearly blacked out. He was past despair and the guards enjoyed his humiliation and pain. He was very weak by the time they did let up and he got to go back to his cell. He wasn’t strong enough to eat and that night lay down on his bunk. The blood on the wall hadn’t been scrubbed off and he was beside himself with worry about Hutch. Finally exhaustion won and he drifted off into an uneasy sleep, not hearing the cell door opening. He only woke up as he felt his uniform being cut off him. He tried to struggle but it was useless and he found he was hauled up into standing position, his wrists tied and a rag stuffed in his mouth.
“Told ya that I didn’t appreciate losing pretty boy. You’re gonna have to do!” Starsky looked with hatred into the eyes of his tormentor. At least Hutch had been spared this. He wasn’t prepared for the hard push backwards and he fell down, landing against the bed. He was turned over so that he was lying face down. He screamed into his rag as he felt the whip striking him. “Of course you need to be punished ’cause I don’t like losing anything.” The whipping seemed to be endless and the mercy of unconsciousness wasn’t granted to him at first. Finally the pain became too great and to Atkinson’s annoyance, Starsky passed out. Before he could react, the warden, Mr. Bell, with two other guards, spoke to him from outside the cell. Bell eyed the situation calmly.
“Atkinson! What the hell are you doing?”
“He tried to attack me sir! I was just getting him under control.”
Bell motioned Atkinson out into the hall where he could have a private word with him. The other guards just looked at Starsky, not daring to touch him.
“Is he the one?”
“Yeah, been causing a lot of trouble. Nearly killed his cellmate. Alexander had to be taken to the hospital because of him. Um, I…” Atkinson was stammering, thinking he’d been caught but he was in for a surprise. Bell didn’t seem unduly concerned for the prisoner’s condition.
“Well, make sure he knows who’s boss around here. Put the volt stun belt on him, that way you’ll have better control over his actions. If he gets out of hand, I want him in my office. Got it Atkinson?”
“Yes sir, Mr. Bell. I think I can handle him from here sir.”
“Then get to it. I don’t want anymore outbursts!”
Atkinson was given free reign over Starsky’s life, or death and it was the beginning of a new form of hell for him. Atkinson returned to the cell and grinned. He was going to have fun with this prisoner. Before he could get started again, he was interrupted by the sound of fighting coming from another cell. Godfrey would wait, Atkinson chuckled at the thought, knowing now that the warden wasn’t going to stop him from doing what he wanted. What he didn’t know, was that the warden knew who Seth Godfrey was. Nathan Bell, the warden’s brother had filled him in on all the details of the “Dynamic Duo” from LA. Nathan was the maintenance man who just happened to be outside of Dobey’s office when the captain filled his two detectives in on their next assignment. When he heard they were going undercover to Taio, he called his brother immediately. Starsky and Hutch did not recognize him when they ran into him in the hallway of the precinct, as he had disguised himself. Nathan had served two years in another prison, one not much better than Taio, because of the infamous team. He had nothing but revenge on his mind and his plan was working out beautifully. Jeffrey Bell, the warden at Taio was just as eager for revenge against the team who put his brother behind bars. Together, the brothers planned to make Starsky and Hutch suffer and pay for what they had done before killing them both.
Chapter 11
Starsky was jolted awake a couple hours later as he was pulled up by one of Atkinson’s cohorts. He was dressed in his uniform again and was too tired to resist as another guard placed the volt stun belt around his waist, securing it tightly. It was locked in place so that Starsky couldn’t remove it himself.
“How you doin’ lover boy? That was a good night for us, but I guess Atkinson proved too much for you to handle” the guard chuckled at the blank look Starsky gave him. Starsky was so sick and sore, he had no memory of being raped. He started to dry heave at the thought — his life had become such hell, he didn’t know. He looked at the belt being applied, fighting hysteria.
“What are you doing to me? Please don’t put that on me. I can’t hurt anyone… please.” Starsky knew exactly what the belt meant and the harm it could do. He also knew that Atkinson would not hesitate in using it to control him. He didn’t think he would be able to tolerate the pain the belt would cause if it were activated. He felt sick and was shaking uncontrollably. He must have been raped, although he couldn’t remember and he was about to be further degraded. He started to fall back onto the cot, but was roughly pulled up again by the two guards as Atkinson entered the cell.
“Good, you’ve got him ready! Mornin’ lover!” Atkinson stroked Starsky’s face. “I enjoyed last night and look forward to tonight.” Starsky just stared dully at him. “But for the time being, you’ve got work to do. Get up!”
Starsky tried with all he had in him to obey his orders, as Atkinson held the remote control to the belt in his hand.
“Listen… I… I… need help… pl..please…”
“I said GET UP! I’ll help your sorry ass!” Atkinson turned on the remote and gave Starsky a mild jolt to remind him who was in charge. Starsky cried out, before turning and vomiting onto the floor of his cell.
“Get him started here, he can clean up his own mess first. Then I want him in the workshop, he can start on the floors there after he is finished here. Johnson, get him his bucket and brush.”
Starsky was losing ground fast. The wound in his side had become infected and the pain was unbearable, his fever was climbing. He was terrified about what had happened, and out of his mind with worry about Hutch. He broke down, hardly able to believe the turn his life had taken. He prayed for Hutch to live and began to pray for his own death. He felt there was no hope of getting out of the prison alive and wanted it all to end.
“C’mon crybaby! Start cleaning up your mess.” The bucket was shoved at him and the brush thrown onto the floor in front of him. “Get moving Godfrey! I only gave you a mild shock before. The voltage on this thing can be turned up to 50,000 volts. I don’t think you want me to do that, now do you? Not that I won’t. You’ll get what you have coming. Now start scrubbing! Or you’ll end up dead like your pretty boy cell mate”
Starsky’s last remaining hope faded away. He was beyond despair as the words flooded through him. Dead, Hutch was dead. He then realized that Hutch had beaten this bastard. The grief that threatened to overwhelm him subsided slightly at the thought, for Starsky knew that he’d be joining Hutch. He wasn’t going to have to face a life without his partner. He just couldn’t, there was no life without Hutch.
“He may be dead, but at least you didn’t get him, you sick bastard.” Starsky spat at Atkinson.
Atkinson was furious, he didn’t like being defied and he grabbed Starsky’s hair, pulling his head back.
“But I got you, and I’m gonna have you for as long as I want! It’s your fault that I lost him but you can make it up to me.” He punched Starsky in the face so that he fell backwards.
“Get cleaning! You and me are gonna have a long night tonight!”
Starsky feebly took the brush and began to clean the floor of his cell. When he was finished there, he was taken to the workshop to continue with his chore. He was sick to his heart, but glad that Hutch had been spared this torture. His cleaning chores took twice as long again, for every time he’d clean an area, Atkinson or one of his partners would spill more water and make him begin again. Starsky was finding it hard to breath and felt his heart racing. He couldn’t remember a time when he had more pain. Each time he fell onto the floor, he was kicked and pulled up roughly by the guards, to begin scrubbing again.
“Please… what did I ever do to you? What did Hu… Alexander ever do to you?” Memories of Hutch were flooding through Starsky’s mind and he wasn’t able to stop his sobbing. He was near hysterics and at times he would call for Hutch, thinking he was in the workshop with him. He even thought he saw him one time. The infection was getting worse, it had reached his bloodstream and his immune system was shot. He had no strength and his body was no longer able to fight the raging infection. Unknown to Starsky, he was going into septic shock, a condition caused by infection that had a 60% mortality rate. He was dying.
Atkinson had no mercy on his prisoner. He enjoyed hearing Starsky’s screams as he activated the belt around Starsky’s waist, each time at a higher voltage. Starsky had no fight left in him… he had given up. The last straw was when he lost control of his bladder. He was beyond humiliation. He no longer was able to even hold himself up on his hands and knees as he was losing control of his muscles. The infection had reached his central nervous system. He now lay in a heap on the workshop floor. The last thing he heard was the cruel laughter of the guards and Atkinson as he started to convulse, losing consciousness once more.
The days were merging for Starsky, for he’d lost all sense of time and days. He believed that Hutch was dead but was truly grateful that he’d been spared this nightmare, for that is what his life had become — an endless round of torture and degradation. He was taunted with being Atkinson’s lover, both by the guards and the other prisoners but he had no memory. His entire body ached and he was so sore and weak, it made little difference to him now. He was grateful for that but Atkinson had found a new way to torture him, with the volt stun belt. Each time it was activated, it seemed to take away more of his rapidly waning strength. Atkinson hadn’t visited him in his cell during the night again, seemingly just enjoying this new torment. Atkinson kept promising that he was going to pay him another visit but it didn’t happen and Starsky was kept guessing as to what his captors had in mind for him. He was growing weaker each day, not being able to keep food or water down. Williams was watching the obvious deterioration with concern, still not able to help him. He realized that Godfrey believed his friend was dead, but couldn’t even bring himself to tell him the truth.
After about a week of wearing the belt, Starsky knew that his time was nearly over. His body was weak and he had no strength left to fight. Every zap of the stun belt took something more from him and he found himself just wanting it to be finished. That night he had visitors to his cell.
Chapter 12
“Well, well, here’s Atkinson’s new toy. Think it’s about time we have a go with him” the noise of laughter filled the room. Starsky was hauled up, unable to fight or even recognize his new tormentors. As his clothes were ripped off him, all he could do was pray that this would be it and he’d be released from the hell that his life had become. He was placed face down on the bunk, his wrists bound tightly behind him, with the belt remaining in place. There was no need for him to be further bound, since he had no fight left in him.
“What’s going on here?” Atkinson came into the cell.
“Atkinson, you’ve been playing with him for weeks! It’s about time we get a shot.”
“Go for it! There’s no fight left in him though! He isn’t going to last through your lot!” The sound of laughter again as Starsky listened to them drawing straws for who got him first. He didn’t care, he just wanted everything, including his life to be over. In his mind he saw Hutch standing in front of him, smiling at him encouragingly and telling him to let it go. He’d soon be safe again. The thought of Hutch watching him being abused did what the tormentors had failed to do, and that was bring fresh tears to his eyes. No Hutch, please go, don’t stay here. He found a sob rising in him as his head was grabbed and a cloth stuffed in his mouth.
“This’ll get him going!” He couldn’t see what was happening but felt the cigarette being applied to his lower back. He winced and groaned, but this seemed to infuriate his attacker. “You’re not fightin’!” Starsky was rolled on to his back. His bleary eyes realised there were about four men there, plus Atkinson who was watching and enjoying the pain. Atkinson slowly and carefully lit a cigarette and moved in close to Starsky’s face. The others followed suit and soon he was choking at the smoke that was so close to his face. They avoided burning him but were enjoying themselves, so much so they removed the cloth, wanting to hear him beg.
“Let’s take him to the kitchen. We’ll get his attention there. Let’s go!” Starsky was lifted up and carried by two of them to the kitchen. The activity was observed, but no-one dared stop them. Some cheered.
“Come and watch if you want! When we’ve finished, you can all have a go!”
In their excitement, the dropped, smoldering cigarette had not been noticed.
Starsky was dumped on the table and endured the hands and the fondling. He prayed for release that didn’t come, until the smoke alarms sounded. Panic spread quickly and his tormentors left him lying bound and naked on the table. He didn’t care, he’d been spared one ordeal but maybe this was it. He made no attempt to move, even as the sound of running feet invaded his pain filled thoughts. It was getting harder to breath, almost impossible. He just lay there, waiting to die.
“Hutch, I’m gonna be with you real soon.” Starsky relaxed at the thought. Hutch would protect him.
Chapter 13
Hutch came to in a groggy state, it was quiet, no sounds of prison life. Had they thrown him into solitary again? The bed was soft though, not hard like he remembered. All too soon he became aware of the pounding in his head, his sore muscles and the nausea. Opening his eyes, he took in his surroundings of white walls, but what struck him most was the window with pretty colored curtains. He wasn’t in solitary confinement, his cell or the infirmary. Think damn it! Think… where am I…
“Starsk? Starsky?” Hutch whispered.
Suddenly he remembered. The guards… four, maybe five… they were all over him… Starsky was screaming… Oh God… did they rape me? Where’s Starsky… did they rape him?… Oh God!!! Please have mercy on us! Help Starsky… please.
“Starsky!!!!” Hutch’s thoughts went to his partner, who had been restrained by the guards. They had taken Starsky away… wanted to make him work, but he was too sick… he couldn’t work, he was weak. Lastly, Hutch remembered Starsky being taken away by the guards as he himself was thrown into the wall, hitting his head. He must have passed out… How long had he been unconscious and why? Hutch’s thoughts went to his partner… where was he?
“Starsky!!!! Oh God babe, where are you? What did they do to you…” Hutch was on the edge and he knew it. He needed the comfort of being with his partner and knowing he was okay. He tried to get up in a futile attempt to search for his friend, but was stopped by the leather restraints that held his wrists and ankles securely to the bed.
“HELP ME!!! LET ME OUT OF HERE! PLEASE!” Hutch fought against the restraints, trying to keep the jackhammer out of his head and the contents of his stomach where they belonged.
“ALEXANDER! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SCREAMING ABOUT! THIS IS A HOSPITAL, NOW SHUT UP!”
“What? A hospital? Where is my partner?”
Two guards had been stationed outside of the room that now held detective Kenneth Hutchinson, AKA Douglas Alexander. Neither one of them seemed any more just or fair than the guards at Taio.
“I said to shut up Alexander! You’re in the hospital now until you’re well enough to be taken back to ‘Home Sweet Home’. Might as well enjoy it… you’re gonna need your energy when Atkinson gets you back. No one goes up against Atkinson and wins. He’s really angry that you had to be taken away. He’s not gonna go easy on you when you get back.”
“GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE… LEAVE ME ALONE!” Hutch struggled harder against the straps that held him in place. He was unprepared for the fist that came crashing into the side of his head.
“I SAID SHUT UP ALEXANDER AND STOP STRUGGLING… YOU’RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!”
Hutch was beaten and he knew it. He could only pray that Starsky was still alive and that he would get out of Taio with his life and sanity.
“Listen… I’m not trying to cause trouble. I’m a police officer from Los Angels. My partner and I were sent to Taio undercov…”
Another blow to the head stopped Hutch’s plea for mercy, for the truth to be heard.
“Yeah Alexander, and I’m the president of the United States. I’m just doin’ this job on the side for extra money. Now shut up if you know what’s good for you. Nobody’ listening to your bull shit story and you’ve got no way out. You’re going back to Taio soon.”
Hutch just closed his eyes and turned his head away from his tormentors. Sobs of pain, grief and hopelessness racked his body, before he drifted off into a sleep that was certain to bring only more nightmares, fear and dreams of his best friend. “Starsky…” Hutch whispered through his tears as he fell into blackness.
Chapter 14
The evening shift guards were a bit less harsh in the treatment of their prisoner. They only checked on him a couple of times, making sure the restraints were secure and seemed to be more interested in flirting with the nurses and their coffee breaks. Hutch was thankful for the break, as he didn’t feel he would be able to withstand further torment from the guards.
X-rays had proven that Hutch did have a fractured skull and three broken ribs. He was also suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, a concussion and a psychiatric evaluation diagnosed the beginning stages of depression.
~~~
The night proved to be restless for the weakened blond as he continued to have nightmares when he fell asleep and suffered panic and heartbreak when he was awake. There was no comfort to be found. Only his partner would be able to help him now and he had been told that Starsky was dead. He knew that could be a lie, but was not sure. He always thought he would ‘feel’ it if Starsky had died, and he didn’t have that feeling. He did feel that if Starsky was alive, that he was in serious trouble. He woke up crying and panic stricken feeling Starsky was dying and hurting. Unknowing to him, his partner and best friend ‘was’ dying as a terrible fire had broken out at the Taio Correctional Facility. He could ‘feel’ Starsky’s apathy for life. Hutch knew Starsky would have given up if they had told him that he was dead, which he was certain they had. They were good at mind games.
Hutch had dozed off but woke up gasping for breath. Why couldn’t he breathe? Starsky?
“Hutch, I’m gonna be with you real soon.” Where had the words come from? Hutch almost felt Starsky’s pain.
“STARSKY!!!!”
Please Starsky! Get up! You’ve got to get out of there! Don’t give up babe… please don’t give up. I’m still alive and I need you. Please hear me… you’ve gotta try! Fight Starsk! Fight Damn it! You need to live! I need you! Please… BREATHE!
Nurses and doctors filled the room before Hutch knew what was going on.
“DOCTOR! HE CAN’T BREATHE!”
“GET SOME OXYGEN ON HIM… EIGHT LITER’S VIA MASK! START AN IV AND HAVE THE SUCTION MACHINE READY… CALL THE ANESTHESIA TEAM, WE MAY NEED TO INTUBATE AND I WANT BLOOD GASES DONE STAT! GET RESPIRATORY DOWN HERE NOW! LOOKS LIKE HE’S GOING INTO RESPIRATORY FAILURE! WHAT THE HELL CAUSED THIS AND WHEN DID IT START?” The doctor was puzzled. His patient had no history of respiratory problems and yet he watched as Hutch was now in severe respiratory distress.
“Mr. Alexander?”
“Help me… please… I can’t brea…” There was panic in Hutch’s eyes. It came upon him so suddenly. He didn’t know what was happening to him and he was so afraid. “Starsky… help me… Starsk! Brea… Breathe!!!… Please breathe!”
“MR. ALEXANDER? DOUGLAS? TRY TO RELAX. DO YOU HAVE ANY PAIN?”
“Stars… my partner… he can’t breathe… Starsky…”
“DOUGLAS, TRY TO CALM DOWN… WHO IS STARSKY?”
“Help him!… please!… God…”
Hutch was losing ground fast and felt a band around his chest. He didn’t fully understand what was happening to him. He only knew he was in trouble… he couldn’t breathe… and images of Starsky gasping for breath plagued his mind.
“GET THESE RESTRAINTS OFF OF HIM NOW! WE’RE LOSING HIM! C’MON DOUGLAS, TRY TO RELAX… WE’RE GONNA HELP YOU… YOU’LL BE ABLE TO BREATHE BETTER SOON, BUT YOU HAVE TO CALM DOWN.”
“Starsk! Starsky please! Ple..help…”
The doctor exchanged glances with the nurses. “IT’S OKAY DOUGLAS, WE’LL HELP STARSKY TOO. HE’S GOING TO BE OKAY.” Nothing seemed to calm the blond and the doctor was trying anything he thought might help. He didn’t know who Starsky was, but his patient was hysterical over this man’s condition.
“Ken… Kenneth Hutchinson… my name… Kenneth Hutchinson… my part… partner… Dav…. David Starsky… help him ple… please… Los Angels… Captain Har… Harold Dobey… LAPD… plea… please call him.”
“IT’S OKAY DOUGLAS, WE’LL CALL DOBEY… TRY TO RELAX, WE’LL HELP STARSKY TOO.
I NEED SOME IV VALIUM STAT! WE NEED TO CALM HIM DOWN… AND FIND OUT WHO THIS ‘STARSKY’ PERSON IS.”
Hutch was given the IV Valium to calm his panic and moved to the intensive care unit where his respiratory status could be closely monitored. The doctor ordered that the restraints be left off of his patient unless he became extremely agitated and ordered 2mg of Valium to be given every six to eight hours. Hutch fell into a restless drug induced sleep.
~~~
Doctor Schaeffer, Hutch’s doctor, was disturbed by the sudden and unusual turn his patient took for the worst. He could not stop thinking about what the blond was so adamantly trying to tell him. He felt something was wrong… very wrong. He immediately called the Los Angels police in search of one Captain Harold Dobey. The puzzle was beginning to come together.
“This is Detective Bronson, how may I help you sir?”
“This is Dr. Earl Schaeffer. One of my patients has been frantically asking for a Captain Harold Dobey. Do you by any chance know who this man is?”
“Of course. He’s my boss. Why do you want to know?”
“Well, I’m treating a man by the name of Douglas Alexander. He asked me to call Captain Dobey and he’s been trying to tell me that his name is Kenneth Hutchinson and he keeps calling for someone named Starsky. You know these people?”
“My God! Does he have blond hair? Tall? Blue eyes?”
“Yeah, that fits his description. Why?”
“I need your location now! They’re two of our best detectives. They’ve been missing for over three months! We thought they were dead.”
Dr. Schaeffer gave any and all information he had to detective Bronson. He was instructed not to tell the guards about their conversation and said someone would be there as soon as possible. Dr. Schaeffer told Bronson of Hutch’s poor condition and that the man named Starsky was not in the hospital, not to his knowledge anyway.
Chapter 15
Starsky made no attempt to move from his awkward position, despite the sounds of panic and running feet as the smoke started to filter through. Taio Correctional Facility had never bothered too much with escape measures in case of fire, and the inmates and guards were paying the price now. Starsky was beyond caring and just wanted his pain to be over with. Even if he’d wanted to make a run for it, he had no strength left. Even as he thought he could see Hutch there, begging him to get up and escape, he couldn’t summon the strength to do so.
“I’m sorry Hutch, I just hurt too much.” Starsky couldn’t talk loudly, but he was muttering to himself, hoping Hutch could understand. “It’s too hard and I want this finished. I hurt Hutch, and I don’t want to belong to Atkinson…” he started to sob. The smoke was rapidly filling the room and the sobs became caught up with coughing, coughing that only caused him further pain. He was startled from his thoughts by hands grabbing his body and hauling him up. He gasped and sobbed, “No not now!” Surely they’re not gonna hurt me again. It was Williams.
“Godfrey, come on, we’ve gotta get outta here.” Williams reached around to untie Starsky’s wrists and pulled him off the table.
“No… can’t… do… it…” Starsky was gasping with pain and fear.
“Godfrey! You’ll die if you stay here.” Williams leant Starsky back on the table while he removed his jacket to place around the naked prisoner. Starsky tried to shrug it off.
“Doesn’t matter, please…” but he had no strength to resist and Williams dragged him out into the corridor, looking for an escape. The sound of panic and running was loud, as people made their way outside and the smoke was thick as the fire was taking hold. Starsky collapsed as they made their way to the exit and Williams was forced to pick him up in a fireman’s lift to remove him from the building. Starsky had lost a considerable amount of weight during his incarceration in Taio, so apart from the awkwardness of having to carry an unconscious man, Williams managed to keep going towards the escape route. People pushed past him, in a full panic. At one point Williams was pushed into the wall, knocking Starsky again. Starsky was telling him to leave him, to put him down but Williams wouldn’t give up. He’d been horrified when he’d seen him lying on the table naked and blamed himself for the poor condition this prisoner was in. The least he could do was try to save his life, even though he didn’t want his life saved. It was a good thing that Starsky was so weak, otherwise his struggling would have made the escape impossible.
As they neared the door, the sound of an explosion rocked the ground and threw Williams forward, propelling him and Starsky out of the building as it started to collapse around them. Both men were hit by flying debris, as one explosion followed another and the building that had brought them such hell came to a blazing end. People were still trapped and the screams and shouting in the chaos started to die down as lives were lost in the inferno.
Paramedics had been called to the scene and were treating those who had escaped. They found Starsky and Williams, both unconscious and moved them away from the risk of further flying debris.
“Hey, what’s up with this one?” They were appalled at the condition that Starsky was in, and the fact that he was naked gave them cause for alarm. His body was covered in cuts and bruises and burns. They tried to remove the volt stun belt but couldn’t get it off without a key. It would have to be removed in the emergency room. It was decided that Starsky would be taken to hospital immediately, as his vital signs were not strong. It was also suspected that Starsky had suffered sexual assault. Williams wasn’t so critical but was taken off in the same ambulance.
Starsky was in a critical condition by the time they reached the hospital. His generally weak condition, combined with the smoke inhalation and further knocks, had nearly finished him.
~~~
Between doses of Valium, Hutch was able to make out parts of conversation. Hutch was beside himself with worry when he heard the news about the fire. Word about the fire was all over the hospital. He was struggling to hold on to hope that Starsky escaped. Neither of them had any luck from the day they entered Taio but he found himself praying that their luck had turned. All he could do was lie there and wait for the mess to be cleaned up and for injured and dead bodies to be brought to the hospital. So far the body count had been 53.
Despite his extreme agitation, the pain meds he was given took hold of him and he found himself dozing off. He wasn’t strong enough to fight the medicine. He woke up to hear two nurses gossiping as they walked past his room.
~~~
Dobey had been released from the hospital after his near fatal accident, but had been suffering from amnesia. His memory came flooding back as soon as Bronson called him with the news of Starsky and Hutch. Bronson drove and they arrived in Green Valley Arizona in record time, finding the hospital that now held his two best detectives. Grief and guilt consumed him as he remembered the assignment he had given them over three months ago. He hoped he was not too late to help his boys.
~~~
Hutch was desperate to get to his partner, hoping he was still alive and lucky enough to get away from Taio and the fire. He was weak and hurting, still gasping for breath, but nothing was going to stop him from finding the other half of his heart. He listened more intently to the conversations going on around him.
“They’re bringing in some of the prisoners from Taio. One of them who’s being brought in as an emergency was found naked! Apparently has a belt around him that can’t be removed and they’re saying he’s been gang raped lots of times. Imagine that! They’re bringing him directly to ICU, they say he’s in pretty bad shape, sure hope he makes it.” Hutch’s heart froze. No names were mentioned but he knew that it had to be Starsky. He pulled himself out of bed. He didn’t care if it took the last bit of strength he had, he was going to wait for his partner to be brought in. He didn’t have to wait long.
He pushed his way forward when he saw the gurney coming in, totally ignoring the irate medical staff that he pushed away. He felt sick when he saw the bruised and bleeding figure that was his partner. Starsky had been taken directly to the intensive care unit of the hospital due to his failing condition.
“WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?” Hutch went mad when he pulled back the blanket and saw that Starsky was indeed naked, except for a belt that was around his waist.
“Leave it to us. We’ll take care of him, now move out of the way so we can do our jobs!” Hutch was pulled back gently but firmly. He turned to look at Dobey, who was walking toward him as fast as he could, using a cane for support. Seeing Dobey didn’t register at first… Hutch was too concerned about his partner.
“What have they done to him? Starsky? They raped him and tortured him!” Hutch couldn’t continue as he looked away, contemplating the unthinkable. He didn’t see the tears that had filled Dobey’s eyes as they waited for news about their friend. Hutch sank down on to a chair, and dropped his head into his hands. He was far from strong and the sight of his vibrant, cheerful partner in that condition had felled him.
Chapter 16
“I NEED HELP IN HERE NOW! THIS ONE’S IN BAD SHAPE. CALL A CODE! HE’S IN RESPIRATORY FAILURE! SMOKE INHALATION! WHAT’S HIS NAME? GET ME SOME INFORMATION ON HIM STAT!”
Captain Dobey stood in the doorway among the midst of the chaos, as the ICU personnel walked and ran around him. They were too busy and concerned for the man who had been brought in from Taio. Even though Starsky was darkened by the smoke, the doctor quickly assessed how blue his lips and fingernails were. He was cyanotic and in serious trouble.
“His name is David Starsky… Detective Sergeant David Starsky first class. Please help him, he’s not a criminal.” Dobey’s information was barely heard by the busy nurses and doctors. “HIS NAME IS DAVID STARSKY! HE’S MY DETECTIVE! PLEASE HELP HIM!” Dobey was beside himself with a grief he had never felt before. One of the nurses escorted him back to the ICU waiting room and asked him to stay put. There was simply no time for niceties.
Hutch sat in a chair outside of the room his partner had been whisked into, unable to hold back the tears and dread he was feeling. God Starsky, please live… please fight… we’ll get past this… I’ll help you buddy… please hang on… He was still having trouble breathing but didn’t care and in severe pain himself. All that mattered now was his partner… his Starsky.
~~~
Detective Bronson sat with Captain Dobey in the waiting area, not really knowing what to do for his captain. He had never seen him in such a state, but then he didn’t know the entire story and the history Dobey had with the detective team that everyone in the precinct talked so highly about.
“Captain? You want to talk about it?”
“Nothing to talk about Bronson. I’ve destroyed two lives. I sent my boys undercover to a place that I knew held trouble and was dangerous. I can’t begin to imagine what they went through… what was done to them! Did you see them? I barely recognized my boys. They’ve lost so much weight, their hair is so long… but it’s more than that. You don’t know Starsky and Hutch too well yet. It was his eyes. Hutch’s eyes. He’s not the same man I sent away over three months ago. His eyes held no spark, no life… Oh God!… and Starsky, dear Lord! He’s in critical condition and might not even survive. I lose one, I lose them both. They brought Starsky in naked Bronson! Do you know what that means? Do you know what the hell that means!!!!!” Dobey put his head in his hands and cried… he knew he would never be able to forgive himself for what he did to his two friends, especially if one or both didn’t make it because of the assignment he gave them.
The waiting seemed endless for news about Starsky. Hutch had tried to be strong, but collapsed in the hallway, just outside of Starsky’s room as he heard the nurses and doctors talking about the condition his partner was in. It was when he overheard the doctor say that Starsky’s chances of survival were slim, and that any family should be called, that Hutch hit the floor.
Captain Dobey sat in the waiting room and prayed, not saying a word to anyone. He thought of all of the times when Starsky and Hutch fell into trouble before and how they cared for one another each time, always finding the other before it was too late, always nurturing the other, never letting the other give up. This time they had no choices and no chance. They were trapped, being held in a prison that destroyed their spark for life, their health and very possibly their sanity. Dobey wept as he knew it was all his fault. He should have been more careful with this case and should not have let them go on this assignment to begin with. It might now be too late.
~~~
“Starsk… Oh Starsk… please live… I’ll help you… I promise… we’ll get through this… somehow… Starsk…” Hutch gasped as he opened his eyes, wondering how and why he was back in his bed. He then remembered standing outside of the room Starsky had been brought into and hearing the comments from the staff. He remembered feeling faint and figured he must have blacked out. He removed the oxygen mask from his face and held onto the IV pole as he tried to get up. He had to get to Starsky… Dr. Schaeffer came in and gently pushed him back down onto the bed, replacing the oxygen mask over Hutch’s nose and mouth, which Hutch promptly removed once again.
“Mr. Alexander… Kenneth, I’m so sorry for what you and your friend have gone through. No one should be subjected to anything like…”
“Doc! Starsky? How is he? Please tell me he’s going to be all right. Please…”
Hutch was fighting panic and needed to know that Starsky was alive. A nurse arrived to give Hutch a badly needed dose of Valium, which he refused.
“I don’t want it! Damn it! Tell me how my partner is!” Hutch struggled to get up but was once again held down.
“Hutch, let the doctor tell us how Starsky is doing okay? Try to relax son.” Captain Dobey did his best to calm Hutch, although he was almost too ashamed to look Hutch in the eyes.
“Kenneth, Captain Dobey, I’ve done a thorough examination and total lab workup on David… I’m sorry I can’t bring you better news.”
“Oh God!” Hutch began to sob and tremble. “He didn’t di… he’s still alive isn’t he? Please tell me he’s still with me…” The tears were falling freely from the blue eyes, dulled from the tragedy of the last three and a half months of abuse, neglect and torture.
“David is still alive Kenneth… I’m just not sure how long we can keep him that way. He’s in critical condition. His vital signs are weak. He’s been beaten severely, looks like he’s been whipped and he was nearly electrocuted by the belt that was place around him and used frequently. He’s also suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration, just as you were when you were brought in. David has a very high temperature, which we’re trying to bring down now. That, I am sure, is a result of a bad infection which would have started from a wound he has on his torso. Looks like the wound is not new, and the infection must have started a while ago. From what I have heard, no medical attention was given to him. David has a lot of things going on right now. My first concern is his breathing. He suffered severe smoke inhalation. He is breathing on his own right now, but we are ready to intubate and put him on a ventilator if necessary. Blood tests show that he is suffering from Sepsis.”
“Kenneth, are you okay?” Even more color had drained from Hutch’s already pale face and he looked as though he might pass out at any time.
“I… I’m okay doc. Please tell me what else is wrong with my partner and then what you’re gonna do to help him. You gotta help him doc.”
“We’re going to do everything we can to help David, I promise.”
“What is sepsis? Can you do something to get rid of it doc?”
“It’s not that easy Ken. In David’s case, the infection has reached a dangerous level. He should have had medical care a long time ago. Sepsis is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It most definitely started with the wound in his side. This infection has spread into his bloodstream. His immune system had become deficient from the lack of medical attention, food, rest and from the looks of things, the abuse he suffered constantly. He had nothing to fight the infection with. He is extremely weak. His temperature is high, his heart rate is high, his blood pressure is dangerously low and I am not comfortable with his respiratory status.”
“Can’t you give him some antibiotics for this thing? There has to be something you can do for him!”
“It is hard to find an antibiotic that works against sepsis. We need to wait for the results of the blood cultures to see what strain of bacteria we are dealing with. We will start him on antibiotic therapy as soon as possible. He’s in septic shock Ken. We will do everything we can to help him, but because the infection has gone so far it has even affected his central nervous system and possibly has done damage to his vital organs. We are testing for all of that now and will treat him accordingly. I can’t make any promises Ken. We’ll know more if he regains consciousness.”
Chapter 17
“What do you me ‘if’ he regains consciousness! This is a hospital! You have to be able to help him! Is he gonna make it doc?”
“There is a 60% mortality rate when a patient falls into septic shock. I can promise we will do everything possible. For now we will have to wait to see if David is strong enough or has the will to fight…”
“I have to see him doc! Please don’t try to stop me. He needs me. I’m not gonna let him give up. He’ll hear me…”
“Doctor Schaeffer, Hutch… Ken is right, he needs to be with his partner. I’ve known my boys too long to know that it can only help for them to be with each other. I’ve seen miracles happen before, but only when they are together. Please let him go to Starsky. I’ll take full responsibility.”
“Captain Dobey, I know you mean well, but Ken is weak and very sick himself. He needs to rest…”
“I’m not gonna rest damn it! I’m going to my partner! You’re not gonna stop me.”
“Okay Ken, but let the nurse get you a wheelchair. You already passed out and hit the floor once today. I don’t want a repeat performance.”
“Just get me to him now. I have to be with him… he needs me.”
~~~
Hutch sat by Starsky’s bed, looking at the white, drawn face that had lines on it, lines that had appeared during his stay in Taio. He reached forward and stroked the curls, trying to hold in his sobs.
“Oh Starsk, please come back to me. We’ll get through this somehow. Oh God Starsk, what did those monsters do to you? Electrocution? What else? Doesn’t matter babe, whatever they did to you, we’ll get through this together. I need you to come back to me Starsk, please!”
Starsky remained unconscious and Hutch refused to leave his side. Dobey came in on occasions to give him coffee, or food, but it was like Hutch was lost in his pain filled world, focusing on the unconscious figure of Starsky. He was severely traumatized by his memories of Taio, and even the knowledge that it had burnt down brought him no relief. The memories of the attacks on him and the horror that he felt when he thought he was about to be raped were too strong, and the fear that Starsky had endured the full horror sickened him. The doctors had denied evidence of rape, but the fact remained that Starsky had been brought in naked. He had chaffing marks on his wrists, which indicated he’d been restrained and it didn’t seem possible that Starsky hadn’t gone through a terrible violation. He’d certainly been badly beaten and mistreated. Hutch couldn’t even concentrate on what they were going to do, or how they would deal with it, he just knew they would, as they always had — together. He barely spoke to Dobey, but a slow burning rage was building up in him. Logically he knew it wasn’t Dobey’s fault but he was part of the system that had nearly destroyed them. They were part of the system too but they’d been severely victimized by it. All that mattered to Hutch at that point was that Starsky survive. They could and would deal with anything later. If Starsky died, if he was too weak or beaten down to survive, then he’d follow him. He didn’t have the strength to fight, not without Starsky by his side.
Finally, Starsky’s fever broke and he started to show signs of regaining consciousness. Dreams were obviously haunting him and all Hutch could do was try to soothe him, and convince him that they were both safe.
“Hu… Hutch…” Starsky sobbed. Hutch leaned over him, trying to get Starsky’s attention but he was unprepared for the fear that was in Starsky’s eyes. He pulled away, still sobbing.
“Please… don’t hurt me…” Hutch’s heart broke at the desperation and fear.
“Starsk, no-one’s gonna hurt you again. I’m here, and you’re safe in the hospital. All you’ve gotta do is concentrate on getting well. We’ll get through this together, I promise you buddy!”
“Hutch, you…” Starsky swallowed, “You won’t believe what they did to me.” Starsky was drifting off, leaving a horrified Hutch.
“I don’t care Starsk. Whatever they did, we’ll get past this.” Hutch started sobbing into his hands, unaware of Dobey watching them, also fighting his tears. He knew that his boys had a long recovery ahead of them.
The nurses brought in a reclining chair for Hutch to sit in as they knew he was not about to leave his best friends side. An oxygen tank was also brought in for him to use as he was still having breathing difficulties of his own. He sat by Starsky’s side day and night, holding his hand, stroking his hair, talking to him soothingly and encouraging him to get better. Starsky woke at intervals only to call for Hutch, sometimes not realizing he was there holding his hand, and at other times waking from terrifying nightmares. Hutch was in severe pain himself most of the time, but continued to refuse pain medication. He wanted to be alert for his partner in case he needed him. He was exhausted but determined to go on, to help Starsky as best he could.
“Hey Hutch?” Hutch felt a hand on his shoulder and recognized his friend’s voice.
“Huggy?”
“Dobey called me Hutch. I’m so sorry…”
“Starsky is gonna be okay. I won’t let him give up… Oh Hug…”
Hutch broke down, relieved to have a friend to talk to. His emotions were still raw and his heart was breaking for his friend whose life lay in the balance. He’d said very little to Dobey, not trusting himself to face him yet.
“Hey blondie, that partner of yours is tough. He’s gonna be all right. He’ll fight and he has you. You both need each other right now. You need to get better too Hutch and from what I’ve heard, you won’t rest, won’t eat, won’t take your medication.”
“I can’t Hug. I need to be here and be alert. When he wakes up I don’t want him to be scared. He’s got a bad infection among other things. They’re having a hard time clearing it up and Starsky is so weak. You couldn’t imagine what they did to him. I don’t even know all of it yet, I only get bits and pieces when he screams out from the nightmares. Things will never be the same Hug… for either of us!”
“Whatever happened, you’ll both get through this. You always have before. Together the two of you can do anything. I’m here to help in any way I can and cap’n Dobey is here too.”
The anger started to rise in Hutch at the mention of Dobey.
“Fuck Dobey! None of this would have happened if he would have been more careful! More people should have known what was going on and where we were. Only he and captain Shields knew! Shields was killed and Dobey was in an accident. We were stuck there Huggy! No one cared! We were forgotten!”
Huggy was stunned at Hutch’s outburst. He had never heard him talk negatively about Dobey. He just put a hand over Hutch’s, showing his understanding and empathy.
“I never forgot Hutch. My two best friends were missing and as the time passed with no word about the two of you, I thought you were both dead. Things weren’t the same. I really missed you two.”
“Thanks Hug.” Hutch could only bow his head as more tears escaped his eyes. “You’re a good friend and I’m glad you’re here. Starsky is glad you’re here too.”
Chapter 18
Hutch had dozed off but was awakened by Dr. Schaeffer. Hutch looked up at him, hoping for some good news on his partner. He looked puzzled at the other man who came in with doctor Schaeffer. He was certainly not a doctor, noting how he was dressed.
“Ken, this is Mr. Garret. He’s a locksmith.”
“What?”
“We need to get that belt off of David. We can’t find any keys to unlock it. It needs to come off. Mr. Garret won’t hurt him.”
“Okay, just get the damn thing off of him.”
Dr. Schaeffer pulled the blanket and sheet off of Starsky and lifted his hospital gown, exposing his stomach and the volt stun belt, as the locksmith examined the lock and began to work on removing the torture device that Starsky had been wearing for the last two weeks.
The movement caused Starsky to stir. “NO! NOOOOO! PLEASE NO MORE. I CAN’T TAKE ANY MORE! PLEASE DON’T HURT ME AGAIN!” The fear in his voice was too much for Hutch to bear and he leant forward, pushing past the doctor so that he could grab Starsky’s flailing hands.
“Hey Starsk, no one is going to hurt you babe. I’m right here buddy. They just need to get the belt off of you.”
“NO! HUTCH… PLEASE! DON’T LET THEM HURT ME AGAIN!” Starsky began to cry and braced himself for more pain.
“Sshhh… It’s okay buddy, I’m right here and I promise no one is going to hurt you. I want you to hold onto my hand. I’m gonna tell you a story while the locksmith removes the belt… You listen to me Starsk okay?”
“Okay Hutch. You’re sure their not gonna shock me again, even by accident?”
“No buddy, just try to relax and listen to me.” Hutch began to tell Starsky a story, talking about the vacation they were both going to take when they got out of the hospital.
Starsky put all of his trust into the only person in the world who could make things right for him again, although he did tense as the belt was jostled around in an attempt for it to be removed.
“There we go, I’ve got it. It’s all over David, the belt is off.”
Hutch and the doctor gasped at the burn marks left on Starsky’s waist from the volts of electricity that were forced onto its victim. That area too had become infected. Dr. Schaeffer rang for the nurse, gave some orders and had a nurse come in to treat and dress the wounds around Starsky’s waist.
“It’s gone Starsk. No one can ever hurt you with that again. You’re a little sore there though, but the doctor and nurses are gonna help you with that too.”
“Hutch… why did Atkinson have to put that on me? I didn’t do anything wrong or bad. It hurt so much Hutch…”
Hutch gathered Starsky up into his arms and held him as his crying turned into sobbing. The damn had broken and Hutch was determined to pick up the pieces of his friend’s broken heart. Hutch could not hold back his own tears as he thought of what Starsky must have gone through and silently berated himself for not being there to protect him. They sat that way for a long time… until Starsky was finally cried out and fell asleep in Hutch’s arms. When Hutch knew that his friend was asleep he rested him back down onto the bed and resumed his position in the reclining chair next to Starsky’s bed. He too soon fell into an exhausted sleep, holding onto his partner’s hand.
~~~
Captain Dobey was beside himself with guilt and concern for his two detectives. How could he ever make this up to them? Would they, or could they ever forgive him? Would Starsky even survive, and if he didn’t would or could Hutch go on without him? What exactly happened to his two boys in that prison? Had they been raped? Tortured? There were so many unanswered questions. He still had not spoken to Hutch at any length and had a hard time looking at either of them. Starsky was in such a fragile state, so thin, so pale. Hutch was not looking much better, but was at least conscious and alert. Both were in pain and looked like prisoners of war. The two jovial men he knew over three months ago were gone. Their bodies were still alive, but were their hearts and souls? Hutch’s face bore no emotion and other than talking to Starsky, he did not speak and would just stare into space. What was he thinking about?
“Cap’n? Here, I brought a cup of coffee for you.”
“Thanks Huggy.”
“Wanna talk about it?”
“Huggy, I don’t know what to say. Don’t know what to do. I never wanted to hurt either of them. They’re like sons to me. They’ve been put through hell and I’m responsible. They’re not the same Huggy. I can feel the anger emanating from Hutch, and I don’t blame him. If Starsky doesn’t make it because… well, I could never forgive myself. Shields assured me that everything was under control, that he had contacts at the prison who would be there to protect them. I trusted him and never asked their names. After Shields was killed it was too late. I had my accident the next day. I’ve been thinking though Hug… I don’t think it was an accident that Shields was killed and I had a bad accident the next day. It’s too coincidental. I think this was all one big set up. How could I have let Starsky and Hutch go into that prison alone! It never should have happened Hug! It never should have happened.”
Captain Dobey’s and Huggy’s conversation was interrupted by one of the ICU nurses. Starsky was in trouble and Hutch was almost hysterical. She asked for their help in calming the blond.
Hutch had been moved out into the hallway as a flood of nurses and doctors invaded Starsky’s room. Huggy and Dobey found him sitting in a wheelchair, trying to see what was happening to his partner. He was in obvious pain himself and having trouble breathing. Fresh tears fell from his pale face as he heard the doctors yelling out orders and saw the nurses scurrying around.
Chapter 19
“Hutch? Hutch, it’s Huggy, what happened?”
“I don’t know Hug… he seemed to be sleeping peacefully… then he was suddenly gasping for air… that’s when they moved me out here. I think he stopped breathing Hug! Oh God…”
Huggy, Dobey and a trembling Hutch watched in horror as machines were being hurdled into Starsky’s room, medical supplies were being called for and orders were being called out. Each caught bits and pieces of what was happening in the room.
NOT BREATHING!
BLOOD PRESSURE CRASHING
GET HIS FEET UP
INTUBATE
VENTILATOR
GET THE CRASH CART READY!
SHOCK
RENAL FAILURE
TEMPERATURE 105 DEGREES
PNEMOTHORAX
C’MON DAVID, DON’T GIVE UP
Huggy saw Hutch growing more pale and caught him as he was trying to get up out of the wheelchair and go to his partner’s side. Hutch only made it to a halfway standing position before his knees gave out on him. His eyes continued to stay open, but he was unresponsive otherwise, seeming not to hear anyone. Huggy gently lowered him to the floor. Hutch was trying to speak but could not.
“I need help! Somebody! Something’s happening to Hutch!” Huggy yelled as Dobey leaned over his fading blond detective.
Hutch was taken to his own room in the ICU immediately by additional staff, his wrists restrained to keep him in bed should he become more alert and agitated. The doctor immediately called for IV Valium to be given to the blond, as he knew his recent condition was a result of hysteria. The oxygen mask was quickly placed over Hutch’s mouth and nose and the IV rate was increased. Everyone quickly learned how close Starsky and Hutch were, and knew that seeing Starsky going through this present crisis had caused the blond to crumble.
Dobey was frantic. He didn’t understand what was going on but he knew that if Starsky were to die, Hutch would follow. He’d often wondered how one would survive without the other and it was now being played out in front of his eyes. Hutch’s condition worsened with Starsky and there was no question that they needed each other to get through this trauma. He found himself praying for yet another miracle for his boys.
~~~
Starsky’s condition gradually improved, although he remained weak and fearful. Hutch wasn’t in good shape emotionally either but he found some strength in caring for his partner and trying to persuade him that everything would be okay. He wasn’t sure how, or whether he truly believed this, but he needed to help Starsky. This pale figure needed all the encouragement he could give him. Dobey had continued to hover over them, although Hutch was finding it very difficult dealing with him, and the anger was getting harder to contain.
Starsky didn’t like anyone near him and was very jumpy. He hated the nurses ministrations and was only relaxed when Hutch was nearby. On the rare occasions that Hutch wasn’t close, he was edgy and uncomfortable. The medical staff had by now realized just how close they were and how they could assist each other with recovery, so they made no attempt to split them up.
Starsky had gone into total respiratory failure due to the smoke inhalation, accompanied by the infection and severe weakness. The doctors were able to pull him through this crisis but could not promise there would not be another. Hutch was allowed to sit with his partner as nothing else would calm Starsky… and nothing else would calm Hutch. They truly needed each other. Hutch held his friends hand as the nurses treated the fever that continued to spike and closely monitored his breathing. Hutch could see the pain in Starsky’s eyes, not only physical, but mental too.
“Starsk? You don’t have to talk buddy… just know I’m here and you’re safe now.”
“Hutch… Hutch?” Starsky’s voice was but a whisper.
“Yeah babe, I’m here.” Hutch continued to comfort his shaken partner.
“Hu… Hutch… I don’t wanna go back there… I don’t wanna go back.”
“I promise you’re never gonna have to go back there Starsk. It’s over… it’s all over buddy.”
“No… I mean I don’t wanna go back… I don’t wanna be a cop anymore. We’ve had enough. I don’t wanna do it anymore. I can’t send anyone to jail! I can’t be a cop anymore! Are you with me on this Hutch? I know…” Starsky was stopped by a fit of coughing.
“Starsk, I don’t wanna go back either. I didn’t know how I was gonna talk to you about it, but as always you read my mind. Are you sure about this Starsk?”
“I’m sure, never been more sure in my life. We can do somethin’ else Hutch right? Somethin’ together?”
“Of course we can. Got any ideas of what we’re gonna do?”
“We could rob banks in Bolivia…” Another fit of coughing interrupted their conversation. “But I kinda like the idea of…” the coughing stopped their conversation and it was obvious to Hutch that Starsky was working himself up into a state.
“Try to relax Starsk. Wan’t me to get the nurse?”
“No… just stay with me Hutch… I don’t want to be alone… and I need to know that you’re okay too. You are okay aren’t you? Hutch, did they hurt you anymore?”
“I’m okay buddy, promise. We’ll have a long talk, but you need to rest now or they’re gonna throw me out.”
“We’ll be together, no matter what. Promise me Hutch!” Starsky was fading but wanted to make sure that Hutch understood what he was saying.
“You got it buddy! Me and thee always and we don’t have to be cops for that! Now, go to sleep Starsk, please.”
Starsky was drifting off as they spoke, allowing himself to relax and believe that Hutch would always be there. This allowed him to finally gave into the fatigue.
“‘Kay.”
Chapter 20
Hutch smoothed the curls off of his friend’s forehead and settled back into the chair next to the bed, never letting go of Starsky’s hand. He knew they both had a long way to go and a lot of healing to do, mentally and physically. He was determined though. He and Starsky would get better. Hutch fell asleep listening to his partner’s steady breathing.
“How’s he doing?” Dobey’s quiet voice interrupted Hutch’s thoughts and Hutch turned to face his captain. Dobey winced at the expression of cold fury on his detective’s face.
“He’s still weak. I still don’t know everything they did to him but it’s over! We’re out of the department!”
“Hutch, I can understand how you feel, but you shouldn’t make such big decisions now…”
Hutch pulled himself out of the chair and walked to the door, making sure that Starsky was asleep first.
His whispered fury was worse than a shout would have been.
“YOU UNDERSTAND HOW I FEEL! Captain Dobey, I don’t think you do! You can have no idea what it was like in that hell hole! You know what they did to me? They liked me and wanted a piece of me! Do you have any idea what that was like? No they didn’t rape me, but it was close. God knows what they did to him? What did Starsky ever do to deserve this? What did I? WE TRUSTED YOU CAPTAIN DOBEY! OUR LIVES WERE IN YOUR HANDS! God…” even as he spoke, Hutch knew he wasn’t being fair to Dobey but he and Starsky were going to bear the scars from Taio for a very long time to come.
“I know it doesn’t cut it Hutch, but I am sorry! If I could turn back the clock I would! You and Starsky can have as much time off as you want, I’ll clear it.”
~~~
Hutch returned to his partner’s side where he spent the better part of the next week. Both Starsky and Hutch were transferred to Memorial Hospital in LA after Dr. Schaeffer agreed that Starsky was strong enough to make the trip. Both were taken to their hometown via ambulance, Hutch never leaving Starsky’s side.
“Hey buddy, we’re going home.”
“We can never go home Hutch. There’s nothing left to go home to.”
“Aw Starsk. We’ll make it through this somehow and we’ve got each other. That’s enough for me babe. I’ll help you Starsk, you won’t ever have to be alone or afraid like that again… I’m here.”
“I know Hutch. Thanks.” Starsky reached up to lay his hand on Hutch’s cheek and to wipe at the single falling tear. “Me and Thee right?”
“Yeah Starsk, Me and Thee… Always.”
~~~
Hutch was released from the hospital a week after they returned to LA. Starsky’s recovery was a bit more complicated and his stay was longer due to the infection and septic shock he was suffering. His condition was improving though and the right antibiotics had been found to be working. Both had a long road ahead of them, but would not have to face it alone. Hutch remained at the hospital, by his partner’s side, even after he was released. There was nothing left for either of them anymore. Nothing but having each other and that was all that mattered to both for now.
Starsky was released from the hospital two weeks later with strict instructions and prescriptions. Hutch and he decided to stay together at Starsky’s apartment. Neither were ready to let the other out of each other’s sight. There were many long talks, many nightmares for both, many tears and a lot of love and support shared between the two.
Nathan Bell, the “maintenance” man at the station gave a full confession to Captain Dobey after learning that his brother, Jeffrey Bell, the warden at Taio had been killed in the fire. His plan had not worked out as he had wished totally, but he still grinned with satisfaction that Starsky and Hutch had suffered so much and at hearing the gossip that the two would not be returning to their jobs as detectives.
Captain Dobey was still too ashamed to confront Starsky or Hutch about returning to the department. In many ways he did not blame them, but sure did miss their presence. He thought about how things used to be… the joking between the two, how Starsky would just barge into his office and put his feet up on his desk or take his lunch out from under his nose. His two boys and best detectives were now only memories to the LAPD. Many times Dobey picked up the phone to call on them, but hesitantly returned the phone to its receiver, not knowing quite what to say. He knew his boys needed time and hoped that they would reconsider. It had been two months since Starsky and Hutch returned to LA and turned in their badges.
Chapter 21
Hutch wanted to let Starsky sleep in and decided to pick up some donuts, the special ones that were Starsky’s favorite. He turned abruptly as he heard a familiar voice call his name.
“Hutch?”
“What do you want from us Dobey? We told you… we’re not coming back!” Hutch walked past his car and picked up the pace away from Captain Dobey’s call.
“Hutch… please. I just want to apologize… I need you both to know how sorry I am that all of this happened. I…”
Hutch stopped in his tracks and turned toward the regretful ex-friend. “We don’t care about your apology! We just want to be left alone! You think your ‘apology’ is gonna make a difference?”
“It’s not gonna change what happened, but you have to know I never would have sent the two of you… there… if I had known…”
“Shut up! You have no rights to us anymore! We don’t belong to you or the force… it’s over!”
“Will you at least give me a chance to speak? Still as hard headed as ever aren’t you Hutchinson? Can’t you understand…”
“Understand what? Understand that we were sent into HELL with no one looking out for us? Understand how we were at the hands of guards who could and did torture us anytime they wanted? Understand that my friend is afraid to come out of the house?!!! He has nightmares every night and every day!!! He’s terrified all of the time! He can’t even eat… he shakes and trembles and he cries!!! Damn it!!!! HE CRIES!!!! This can’t be fixed by an apology! Please just go away…”
Hutch’s tirade was cut short when he was drained of any energy he had. He was dizzy and his world was spinning. He sank to his knees, feeling faint. Captain Dobey rushed to the crumbling man’s side to support him.
“Get away from me! Please cap’n.” The tears held in the light blue eyes could no longer be contained. After one attempt to shrug the sorry man’s arms off of him, Hutch let himself relax in the hold, unashamed of the tears that freely fell.
“Captain? Now that’s a start Hutch. I’m not going to just ‘go away.’ I care about you and about Dave. I love you as if you were my own sons. I hate what happened to you at Taio… but it happened! The whole thing was a set up Hutch. I couldn’t have known! I am sorry. If you want to take the easy way out and blame me for everything… that is your choice. I want you and Starsky back and I’m asking for your forgiveness. None of this was intentional. You gotta at least know that. You’re the best detectives in the precinct… you were anyway. That door is still open… my door is always open to you both when and if you are ready to come back.”
Dobey released the hold on his blond detective and turned to leave.
“Cap’n? Don’t leave… Give us some time huh? Let me talk to Starsk. We’ll give it some thought okay? It’s gonna be a while though… we need some time… Starsky needs some time…”
“Okay Hutch… You know where to find me. I’ll be waiting.”
END
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