Procrastinated Vengeance

336

Starsky is fighting for his life and career as someone from their past sets the boys up for life in prison for one, and death for the other. Can they follow the leads and find the man responsible before time runs out for one of them?

---

Part One

Hutch rolled over and hit the snooze one more time. He had always enjoyed the mornings. They held a childlike enthusiasm for him. He never really out grew playing cops and robbers. No matter how dangerous it got, he still loved it.

This morning would be different. This morning Starsky would be waiting for him, as he had every day for the past 8 years. Unlike all those times however, today wasn’t just another day at the office. Not just another day of catching bad guys. Today, one of them was accused of being the bad guy.

He was to meet with his partner before the court proceedings, to go over the testimony one more time. He had a bad feeling about what was about to take place. It wouldn’t be easy to put a supportive smile on his face this morning.

It wasn’t the testimony he was bothered by, that wasn’t the problem. He knew what he had seen, and it wasn’t Starsky gunning down an unarmed man. Still, things didn’t look good for his partner. There were the witnesses, and the fact that no weapon had been found. Hutch couldn’t make sense of any of it. He saw the man not only pull the gun, but fire several rounds at Starsky. Which was something these two have encounter many times, too many! If there was such a thing as reacting normally to being shot at, Starsky had done it. He had simply taken cover, and returned fire.

No, what was bothering Hutch was just where the witnesses had come from. He hadn’t seen a soul the entire chase. Nevertheless, wherever they had come from, they all had the same story, a story that could put his partner away for life.

The thought of them accusing Starsky of killing a man in cold blood was ridiculous! But none the less, that is what each one is willing to testify to.

Hutch would never forgive himself for lagging behind that day, of all days! He had been calling in their location while Starsky took off on foot. There couldn’t have been more than one, two minutes tops between them, that was enough, however, to force the one on one confrontation.

Would anything have been different had he been there to be the right hand to Starsky’s left? He didn’t know. Perhaps the only difference would have been that they both would now be on trial.

There were a lot of things that just didn’t add up, and Hutch knew he didn’t have long to figure it out.

~~~~~

Starsky sat waiting to be taken down for another day of his constitutionally promised “fair trail.” He had been denied bail. He would have to admit that a bad cop out on bail could be a frightening thing. This had been a terrible set back however, how could he prove his innocence from behind bars?! He was thankful at least, that his partner was out doing all he could.

Although it was a comfort knowing that, it couldn’t change the fact that he wanted to fight his own battle, he was the one being called a “bad cop.” He didn’t know which was worse, the title of bad cop, or murderer And right now, he was being accused of both. His job and reputation meant everything to him. The thought of working his whole life to secure those things, just to have them taken away in a blink of an eye, was inconceivable.

He mentally retraced his steps, as he had done a million times since that night. Every time the same conclusion. Short of being shot himself, There was nothing more he could have done. He ran the man down. Advised him to give it up. The guy turned and opened fire. It was then that Starsky realized there was no back up from his partner. Instinctively, he took cover and returned fire. Nothing at the time would indicate he would be in the trouble he was in now.

Where had the witnesses come from? Starsky hadn’t been able to figure that out. He was sure the street was dark and deserted. So where did these people come from and why would they wanna frame him? He knew that being a cop meant you always had enemies, but he couldn’t think of anything messy he and Hutch had been a part of lately. Could this be a procrastinated vengeance? He didn’t know, but what he did know was that he’s never had to count on his partner more than he would now.

~~~~~

Hutch grabbed his keys and had his hand on the door knob when the phone rang. “Make it fast, I’m headed out the door.”

“Hutch, Dobey here. Have you learned anything new?”

“New since I talked you when I turned in at 2am?” he asked impatiently.

“Ok ok, I know… but this is big Hutchinson, this isn’t looking good”

“Tell me something I don’t know!” Hutch replied.

“Just keep in touch.”

“You know I will.”

With his head full of thoughts as to where to go and what to do first, Hutch opened the door, but before he had a chance to take a step out, he was blindsided. Someone had been waiting outside, counting on finding a preoccupied Hutch to be in such a hurry, he wouldn’t be his normally cautious self. The man was right on the mark. Hutch wasn’t sure if he was reeling from the shock or the pain, but before be had time to consider it, he faded to black.

~~~~~

It was going on noon now, the courtroom was filled to capacity. Half were there to support their friend and fellow officer, and the others just to see the irony of the justice system condemning one of its own. So far, it was the second half that hadn’t been disappointed. The prosecutor was having a field day with Starsky. All the witness were reliable, responsible, law biding citizens… not as much as a parking ticket on any of them. And of course, the fact that there was no weapon found anywhere at the crime scene didn’t help matters…

Starsky tried not to concern himself with the hopelessness of the case. But it was just Hutch’s eye account against a room full of upstanding citizens. He wondered why Hutch hadn’t made an appearance yet, but he wasn’t worried, he knew his partner would be digging up everything he could until the eleventh hour, which by the looks of things, was coming soon!

Finally after what seemed like an eternity, the prosecution rested, and the Judge ordered a break for lunch.

As Starsky was being led away, he tried to stalled long enough for Captain Dobey to catch up with him. The look on Dobey’s face said it all, which made things seem more desperate, The Captain had always been one not to show emotion. On any given day, No one could ever tell by the look on his face whether he was happy or disgusted with his detectives. But today, anyone could have read his face like a book….

“Hey Cap, the guys taking bets on the outcome yet?”

“Not funny, Starsky! How you holdin’ up?”

“Well, to tell you the truth, I’d be holdin’ up a lot better if I could talk to Hutch.”

“I know what you mean, I called him this morning and he was on his was to chase some ideas, but not a word since!”

“Anything to worry about, you think?”

“Starsky, where you and Hutchinson are concerned, I’m always worried!”

There would be no more stalling. It was time to go back to holding. Dobey tried to leave Starsky feeling optimistic, but it hadn’t worked, the mood was very solemn. There just wasn’t much light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. As he was led away, Starsky couldn’t help but wonder if his days as a free man were coming to an end. Though the thought was inconceivable, considering the circumstance, it was a thought none the less.

~~~~~

Hutch woke up to the worst headache he could remember in quite sometime, and there had been plenty of them since joining the force. As his vision finally came into focus, he realized he wasn’t in Kansas anymore. Matter of fact, he wasn’t anywhere he’d ever been before, he was sure of that. He slowly sat up and tried to get his bearings.

The room was small and dark. The walls were a dull gray, at least the paint that hadn’t already peeled away, that is. It was apparent that this was an old building.

There was nothing more than a toilet, sink and a bunk. There were no windows, just a small hole at the bottom of a rusty metal door. If he had to guess, he’d say he was in an old mental hospital, or perhaps an old prison.

Soon after, he realized he wasn’t wearing the clothes he had put on that morning. They had been replace by plain white coveralls. Actually, he thought, considering his surroundings, the word uniform seemed more appropriate.

The silence was deafening. Not the slightest noise that could possibly give him a clue as to where he was. His mind was racing. One question let to another. Where was he? Why was he here? Who brought him here? The last thing he remembered was opening his door, then nothing. Nothing until he woke up here.

He had no way of knowing how long he’d been here. His personal affects had been removed, so without a watch or any windows, He didn’t even know whether it was day or night. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks… Starsky!!!!

~~~~~

It was hard to believe it could all be over so quickly. Starsky hadn’t been at all surprised, though. It was an open and shut case. Even though he had heard the words’ “We find the defendant, David Starsky, guilty of murder in the first degree.” Although those words still echoed in his mind, he couldn’t believe it. It was just a few short weeks ago that they all thought how ludicrous it was that this case was even being brought to trial! If that’s true then the whole world’s gone crazy. And now, reality was being forced down his throat.

The punishment phase was the next to be decided. Starsky had no clue as to what to expect. He never entertained the thought he’d be found guilty, let-alone wonder what his sentence would be. “His sentence.” How could this be happening? He had never felt so helpless. It was as though he was just out of reach of anyone that could help him.

Finally, he was forced to ask the questions. Where was Hutch? Why hadn’t he shown up? Why hasn’t anyone heard from him? Starsky knew Hutch well enough to know that it would have taken an act of God himself to keep him away. If it were humanly possible, his partner would have been there. He found himself wondering, Could things be any worse than they were right now? If they could, Starsky didn’t want to know how!

As night came, he realized how it could be worse. An apparent party gone bad had just arrived via the patty wagon. There had to be at least twelve or so drunk angry men stumbling around hollering about their rights.

He felt fortunate that he wouldn’t have to spend the night with those guys. It had been a long emotional day. He didn’t think he could handle that on top of everything else. But as luck would have it, the rowdiest of the bunch, recognized Starsky.

“Well well, look who we have here boys. It’s the cop with a badge to kill. He’s been all over the papers. It’s just too bad you didn’t get a chance to kill all the witness too! Ain’t that right, David Starsky?”

Starsky tried to block the man out. What’s that his Mom had told him? “Ignore them and they’ll go away”? “Cat got your tongue, Cop? Or did they take that away too when they took away your dirty badge and gun?”

“What do ya say boys, don’t we all feel safer knowing that this murdering cop has been put away? The question is…. Just how long do they send murdering cops away for?” The man was very proud of himself. There was no doubt this was far more entertaining than any ol’ party!

Just when Starsky thought he was going to lose it, the jail guard hauled the drunken partiers to the drunk tank. It’s nice, to know that he still had SOME friends left, Starsky thought. He thanked the guard and turned over to try to get some sleep.

Sleep wouldn’t come. Murdering cop, those words played over and over in his mind. The drunk may have had one to many, but Starsky had to face the truth that he had been found guilty for being just that. How nice it would be to wake up and find that all this had been nothing more than a bad reaction to too many anchovies.

He knew this was real however. Too real. He tried to think of something else. Something to get his mind off his dismal reality. He laid there letting his mind wander. The Car. It’s funny what a man thinks of at times like these, Starsky mused. What’s gonna happen to his car. He had to laugh at thinking of such a trivial thing. But he loved that car. He realized how juvenile that must sound, but that car was the second best friend he’d ever had. Just like Hutch, it had always been there for him. It had taken him wherever and whenever its owner asked without one complaint. It had proven itself more reliable than most people in his life.

He remembered joking around with Hutch. Telling him that if anything should ever happen to him, Starsky wanted Hutch to have his car. When Hutch asked what the hell he was suppose to do with it, his response had been, “You can turn it into a Shrine.” Starsky had been joking, but deep down, he wasn’t sure he meant it as a joke. He knew it sounded strange, but it brought him comfort to know his two “best friends” would be together.

And although Hutch had his fun calling the car “junk yard bait” Starsky knew he could count on him. That’s the kind of friendship they had. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for Hutch and he knew that went both ways.

But now what? Would there be a Hutch to leave anything to? He wondered if he was over reacting, The fact remained however, that if Hutch were of sound mind and body, he’d have been in the courtroom when Starsky needed him. And knowing that is what allowed Starsky to think the worst.

There were more questions than answers. As a matter of fact, there had been NO answers. The agonizing was overwhelming. He was afraid for his future, would he even have one? But more than his fear for himself, he was worried what had happened to his partner. Captain Dobey had said he would run all leads to see what he could turn up. He’d even get with Huggy. He promised to stop by first thing in the morning. The only thing Starsky had to hold onto was that he would bring good news.

~~~~~

It had been 5 mornings now, Still no word on Hutch. And although it was hard enough to deal with the fact that his partner had been missing, he now had to deal with the fact that he was headed into court for the last time. In less than 12 hours, he would know his punishment for a crime he didn’t commit.

~~~~~

It seemed as though he’d been there forever, although Hutch had no way of knowing just how long it had been. He hadn’t seen anyone since he was brought here. They had managed to leave a tray during the times he slept. Food didn’t come on a regular basis. But enough that he didn’t go hungry.

There had still been no clue as to where he was or why he was here. Time was all he had, time to think. It soon became his curse. Who had done this, and why? Whoever was responsible made sure that he was kept current with his partner’s case. He had received every newspaper article there was on the case.

Hutch couldn’t quite figure out the connection, but one thing became clear. Whatever was going down, Starsky had been part of the game all along. Had Starsky been thinking the same thing? Did he even know whether Hutch was dead or alive? He didn’t know what story his partner may have been told, if any. It didn’t do any good to wonder about these things, it didn’t look like he was gonna have any questions answered anytime soon!

~~~~~

Was he really considering taking that step to the other side? Starsky knew one thing for sure. He wasn’t going to just sit there and do nothing while 12 of “his peers” decided his fate. He had to get out of this mess, and if that meant breaking the law he worked so hard to uphold all these years, then so be it. That same law wasn’t doing anything to help him. That same law was about to take his life away.

He had to do some fast thinking. He was due in court in a few short hours, after that, the security would be too tight.

Finally, the time had come. The guard opened his cell, and Starsky was led out. He followed the guards out of the building. He couldn’t remember when he had seen a bluer sky, but then, he hadn’t seen any sky in quite sometime.

He was being led to the car that would take him downtown, when as if it were all part of a master plan, everyone was caught quite off guard by a car that came screeching around the corner. Starsky couldn’t believe his luck, it was as if the car was in on his plan.. It was just the distraction he needed. He shoved the guard, and made a run for the alley that ran behind the buildings.

He had nearly made the corner, when shots rang out. It’s funny, he thought, how he never heard a sound, just felt a searing pain cut threw him. This was never part of his fast made plans. Being caught, yes that was always a possibility, but being shot, not even a thought. How naive he thought, as his world grew dim.

The rookie cop wanted his fifteen minutes of fame. To actually be the one to stop the runaway cop that had been giving the force a bad name. He fired a few rounds in Sgt. Starsky’s direction. And much to his surprise, he had hit his target. The Veteran cop fell to the ground.

~~~~~

Hutch still had no contact with the outside world. Time didn’t matter anymore, One day just rolled over to the next without any recognition at all.

The only thing to change since being brought here was that food had become more scarce. What had been semi regular “feedings,” turned into, every couple days. Had he been brought here just to be starved to death?

As if “they” had been reading his mind, a tray was passed through the small opening of the door. Hutch was relieved to find food and drink. There also was a newspaper. Hutch realized that couldn’t be good. He only received a paper if it had negative news about Starsky.

He ate first, it had been sometime since his last meal. He didn’t want to tackle what was in the paper, on an empty stomach. Eating every few days has it’s perks, he thought… everything tasted great! Even the brown water seemed fit for drinking.

After eating, he decided to get it over with. He picked up the paper and began reading. He couldn’t believe what he saw. The headlines for the day (which day it was he didn’t know, the dates had always been cut out).

“CONVICTED DETECTIVE GUNNED DOWN IN ESCAPE ATTEMPT”

Could it be true? Starsky, shot while trying to escape during his transfer to the courthouse. Guilty? The trial was over? His partner had been found guilty? He couldn’t believe what he was reading, There was no report on his condition. He rifled through the paper, looking for anything… Hutch had to set the paper down, He was burning up, everything had become a blur.

What was happening? He could no longer sit up. It was as if he had no control over a single muscle in his body. He didn’t lose consciousness, but he was unable to move.

He could make out someone walking towards him, he couldn’t focus, he could only make out a figure. The person began talking, although the words were muffled, like a dream. It took all he had to try to make out what the man was saying.

“Well, well, so we finally meet face to face. I can only imagine all the questions you must have. The good thing is, you can’t ask any. I made sure your meal included a little surprise. That explains why you’re laying there speechless.”

Hutch could only listen. No matter how hard he tried to speak or move, he couldn’t.

“Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Vincent, Vincent Connors. Does that ring any bells?”

Connors? Hutch’s mind was too hazy he was unable to focus on details.

“Maybe the name Jimmy Connors will ring a bell… Still nothing? Well, let me help you, He was the man you falsely accused of murder, then shot, and lastly sent to death row, All without batting an eye.

“Isn’t life ironic,” the man continued, “your partner was falsely accused of murder, he too was shot. And here you are on Death row. If that isn’t irony, I don’t know what is.”

Hutch’s mind was searching, he has worked so many cases. He just couldn’t focus. Just couldn’t remember what the man wanted him to remember.

It was over as soon as it began. Before he had even realized it, the man was gone. He was left there unable to move, unable to put thoughts together. Words were just rolling around in his head. Starsky. Death Row. Connors. He had just enough mind left to wish this would just pass, at last it had.

~~~~~

“Dr. Simon? This is Becky, I have a Captain Dobey wanting information on David Starsky’s condition. Yes sir, he’s here now, wanting to go into the room. Ok, I’ll tell him. Thanks Doctor.”

“Ok Captain Dobey, Dr. Simon said he’ll be right down. He said you can go ahead and go in if you’d like.”

“Thanks, I’ll do that, can you point me in the right direction?”

“Sure, He’s in room 320. Just go straight down this hall, it’s the third door on the left. The Doctor will be right with you.”

Dobey’s thanks wasn’t heard by anyone other than himself has he mumbled it on the way to the room. He slightly hesitated then entered. Starsky was lying too still for Dobey’s liking. He walked over to the bed and looked down on his detective.

Had things really come to this? Just a short time ago this man and his infamous sidekick were enjoying love, life and the pursuit of driving him crazy. And now this. One was missing, the other shot. Never… Never would he have believed it could come to this. His thoughts were interrupted as the Doctor entered the room.

“Captain Dobey, I presume?” he said as he reached out to shake the man’s hand.

“That’s me, Doctor. So can you tell me how my detective is doing?”

“Sure, as you can see, he hasn’t regained consciousness yet, but we’re not alarmed at this point. The surgery was an ordeal. The bullet couldn’t have been any closer to the spine. There was a very real threat of some type of paralysis so we had to be very delicate in our repairs. He is holding his own, which is encouraging. Strong vital signs…”

“Excuse me Doctor, but what are we talking about when you say paralysis?” Dobey asked.

“It’s a very real possibility. It’s a question that can’t be answered until he comes to.”

Both men’s attention was averted as they heard the patient sound as if he were coming to. He seemed to mumble something as he stirred then again laid still.

“What was that all about?” Dobey asked Dr. Simon.

“Hard to say, involuntary movements perhaps, perhaps reaction to dreaming. He’s been doing that off and on for awhile now.”

“Ok Doctor, so back to what you were telling me, …you’re expecting he’s going to come out of this alive. It’s just a matter of any whether or not he’s paralyzed”

“Well it’s too soon to say for sure. We’ll take it one step at a time, the first step being for him to wake up.”

Starsky was vaguely aware of someone talking, talking so far away. But he couldn’t be concerned with that right now. He was looking for Hutch. Looking everywhere. He could hear his friends voice calling for him, but every time he’d get close, the voice was gone. He’d have to keep looking.

~~~~~

Hutch woke up, as his door was being slammed shut. He laid there, trying to make sense of what had happened. Had he dreamed the whole thing? Had anyone really come into his “cell” at all?

Everything was hazy, but the more he focused, the more things slowly came back. Connors. The guy’s name was Connors. If it had been so important to him that Hutch listen to his story, why would he drug him?

He tried to piece it together. The man had blamed him and Starsky for an arrest. An arrest that resulted in a prison sentence… no, there was more to it, it wasn’t just a prison sentence, that was it, it was death row.

He saw the food sitting on a tray by the bed. He knew what happened last time, and decided he wasn’t that hungry yet.

Things were starting to happen he thought. Whatever he was brought here for was beginning to be played out.

~~~~~

Becky looked forward to making her rounds for a change. Of course she knew it had something to do with Mr. Tall, (tall enough anyway), Dark and Handsome in room 320. She was careful not to allow herself to get carried away, however. Depending on who you talked to, this man was either a killer, or a hero.

Whoever he was, Becky noticed that he hadn’t been resting comfortably. Nearly every time she’d be in to check on him, he would start with the faint muttering. Which would quickly be accompanied by his slight tossing back and forth of his head. If this was indeed him dreaming, she didn’t imagine they were happy dreams. She covered him back up, got one last look, and went on with her rounds.

Starsky knew Hutch was close, he could “feel” him. He continued to follow the distant voice of his partner calling his name. Again, his voice grew ever closer. It wouldn’t be long now. He walked on until at last he saw him. He found Hutch! His back was to him, but he knew it was him. He walked closer until finally, Hutch turned. “Starsky, help me, I can’t hold on much longer.” Starsky too sensed the urgency, he grabbed Hutch’s hand as he began to fall. “Hold on Hutch, I’ve got you, just hold on.” But his grasp was slipping. “Starsky, I can’t. Help me.” Starsky held on with everything within him, but it was useless, he lost the grip of his pleading friend. He was powerless to help, all he could do was watched as Hutch began his slow but inevitable descent down the endless void. Spiraling downward, all the time calling his name…”S t a r s k y!”

“HUTCH!!” Starsky screamed. “HUTCH!!”

He woke in a cold sweat. Could it all have been a dream? It had seemed so real. He was still shaking from the horrific visions of Hutch falling. The terrifying panic still gripped his soul.

Becky came running in.

“Mr. Starsky, are you okay? I could hear you yelling down the hall.”

He was unable to answer at first. Still trying to catch his breath.

“Mr. Starsky, It’s okay. You must have been dreaming. It’s good to see you awake finally. You had us worried. How do you feel?”

“Where am I?” a confused Starsky asked the nurse.

“You’re in the hospital. How do you feel?” she asked again.

“I’m not sure.”

“Let me get the Doctor for you, Mr. Starsky”

Starsky’s breathing at last settled back to a normal pace. The dream had given him quite a jolt, but he was slowing coming back to reality. Which didn’t seem much better….

That’s when it hit him. It all came back like watching a bad movie. He recalled his plan, it had been full of holes, he couldn’t believe he had tried it at all. It was something he had to do, he had told himself. But now look where he was. On top of everything, he had tried to escape. If anyone had believed in his innocence before, they’d have little doubt now.

After a few minutes to himself, the Doctor walked into the room.

“So, you decided to stay with us awhile longer, did you?”

“I’m not sure it was my choice.”

“How are you feeling, Detective?”

“Tired, otherwise fine, I think. Why am I here?”

“Detective you received a gunshot wound to your lower back.” The Doc walked around to the bottom of the bed and ran his pen up Starsky’s foot.

“Can you feel this?”

“Can I feel what?” Starsky asked.

“Can you lift your right leg, Detective”

Starsky realized what the doctor was getting at, as he tried unsuccessfully to move either leg.

“What are we talking about here Doc, what’s wrong with me?”

“The surgery was a long and slow process, Detective Starsky. The bullet was lodged very near the spine. We thought we had been able to remove it without damage to the spinal cord. We wouldn’t know for sure until you regained consciousness.”

“Okay, so let’s see if I’m understanding this. You’re telling me I’m paralyzed? Is that what you’re saying?”

“Calm down detective. You’ve just come to from your body being traumatized. You need to take it easy… Now what I’m saying is that at least temporarily, you do seem to have suffered from some sort of paralysis. The extent we don’t know yet. Now I do believe in shooting from the hip. I don’t think it’s fair to candy coat the situation. This could range anywhere from temporary paralysis to, of course, full paralysis from the waste down. Time will tell which hand you were dealt.

“I know this is a lot to take in, Detective. I think right now the best thing to do for yourself is one, is to think positive. You are still alive you know. And the second is to rest. You’re still very weak. Rest will do you good.”

“Yeah right Doc… from what you’re telling me I’ll have a life time to do that.”

“Positive attitude Detective! I never said this was permanent. I’ll leave you now to get some rest, I’ll prescribe something to help you sleep if you need it.”

The Doctor got no reply. But didn’t take offense. It was a heavy blow the detective had just received. He’d need time to deal with it.

~~~~~

Jon Casey sat in his kitchen, trying to eat dinner. He knew he was just going through the motions. He had no appetite. He had lost it weeks ago. And it didn’t help to hear about the attempted escape and shooting.

Before that night he had been just a regular Joe. He had just about fulfilled every dream he had made for himself. Things couldn’t have been going any better. However, that all came crashing down the day he was contacted by a Mr. Connors. He was told that he was randomly chosen along with several other squeaky clean people. To help with a special project. And he had made it quite clear that he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

He looked back at it now, there must have been something he could have done. But hindsight is 20/20. At the time, he saw no way out. Connors had threatened to take away everything and everyone Jon had held dear.

How could a man go 30 years of his life upholding the highest moral values passed on to him by his parents, then overnight be caught up in a web of lies and deceit that would rival most movie scripts. Now he had to face that not only did he help frame a good cop, he had nearly been responsible for his death.

Connors had never told any of them why he wanted them to lie about the man being shot. They never knew why they were made to lie in court to frame the Detective. The only thing made clear was what would happen to them if they refused to go along.

Jon wasn’t married, he had been engaged to be when all this came about. He was force to put all that on hold. The hard part was that he couldn’t tell his fiancée the truth. It must have really hurt her. But he had no choice, He couldn’t put her in harms way.

Then there were his parents. They were on up in years, and he couldn’t bare the thought of this Connors making their last years miserable, or even taking those last years away.

It had been the hardest thing he’d ever done, but he had done what was asked of him, demanded of him. But now, after hearing about the shooting, it was too much, Jon decided he had to do something, talk to someone., But who? Who would even care enough to listen to such a wild story?

The detective himself, he decided. If he had survived the shooting that is. In the morning he would start trying to make things right. It looked like it was too little, too late. But he had to try. He just couldn’t live with himself any longer. He would first see that everyone had been made safe. Then he’d make a trip to the hospital.

~~~~~

Hutch didn’t know how long he’d be able to resist what was on the tray. It’s one thing to be starved. It’s another to have food in front of you and not eat it. What was this all about? Would he ever leave this place? These of course were questions he couldn’t answer. The thing he did know was that he was getting weaker. If he was going to keep is strength up, he’d have to eat. But the uncertainty of what would follow, gave him the will to wait his hunger out a little longer.

~~~~~

Starsky had officially been labeled as out of the woods. He was to spend a few more days in the civilian hospital, then it would be the prison infirmary. But of course his latest set back made that move indefinite.

He hadn’t got much sleep. The whole scenario played over and over in his head. Acting on impulse has now cost him not only his possible freedom. But given the possible prognosis by the doctor, it may have cost him his career.

Career? Who was he kidding. That was already gone. Even if he could get up and walk out that minute, he’d have no career. He just couldn’t believe all that had happened in such a short time. The sentencing. The escape attempt. The shooting. The paralysis. And on top of all of that. Hutch. Where was Hutch? The panic still ran deep as he remembered his dreams.

It was just after lunch that Starsky was told he had a visitor. He allowed himself to have a glimmer of hope, could it be his long lost partner?

His hope was quickly doused as he watched the man being led into the room by the guard. “I’ll be right outside the door,” said the guard. “Give me a holler when you finished.”

“Thank you,” replied the familiar looking man.

Jon stood there, not knowing what to say. How could he tell this man that he was partly to blame for everything that had happened?

Finally it was Starsky that spoke first. “I know you. How do I know you?”

Jon stood there, unable to find the words. He turned, giving thought to walking out the door.

“What is it?” the detective asked. “Who are you, and what are you doing here?”

“My name is Jon Casey.” He turned back around to face the detective. “I…” he hesitated, trying to get the words out. “I was one of the witnesses.”

Starsky’s face revealed that he did remember this man.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Starsky didn’t know what to say to this man that had lied about him. What the hell was he doing here?

“This is long over due, Detective Starsky. I don’t know if I’m too late to help. But I have a story to tell you.”

Starsky tried to lay his anger aside for the time being. He could see the sincerity in the man’s face, and heard it in his voice. “Well, time will tell, take a seat, let’s hear what you have to say. And after everything that has happened, it better be one good story!”

“It’s about that night,” Jon began. “The night all of our lives changed forever…”

After Starsky had heard the man’s story, He wasn’t sure what emotion he felt. Relief? Anger? The questions concerning the witnesses were finally answered. He had brief peace of mind about that.

“I can’t tell you how sorry I am for my part in all this,” Jon continued. “I don’t know how the others can live with themselves. I couldn’t do it another day.”

It took the detective several minutes before speaking. “I’ve wanted… No, I’ve needed to hate someone… Now I have a face to blame. Do you know what you and the others like you have done? You’ve taken it all away. I have nothing thanks to you.

“What about my partner?” Starsky continued to grill Jon. “What did you people do with him?”

“I’m sorry detective. I don’t know anything about your partner. This was strictly about you. No one else was even mentioned. I wish there was something I could do.”

“It’s not a matter of what you can do. What I want to know is what you can Undo! Can you undo the lies you told? Can you undo the guilty verdict? How bout the gunshot. Can you undo that?”

“I’m very sorry,” and with that, Jon walked out.

It only took a few minutes for Starsky to realize what he had done. Yes he was angry. And had a right to be! But he just turned away the one hope he’s had since all of this started.

He buzzed for the nurse and asked her to chase Casey down and bring him back.

Jon was leery when the nurse told him that Detective Starsky wanted him back to the room. He wondered if there was something the detective had forgotten to yell at him about. He walked back into the room, saying nothing.

“I’m sorry Mr. Casey. This has all been so much to take in. I appreciate you coming in here today. It couldn’t have been easy. And from what you tell me about the situation, you weren’t given much choice,” Starsky offered.

“That’s what I thought at the time. I know now that I could have, should have done something. So where do we go from here? How can I help?”

“It’s not going to be that easy. Are you willing to tell this same story to the man in charge, not knowing whether or not this Connors will make good on his threats?”

“You’re right, I don’t know, but I’ve done all I know to do. I’ve sent my fiancée packing. I’ve moved my parents to my sister’s house overseas. And aside from that, everything else is just “stuff.”

“You’ve given this a lot of thought.”

“It’s all I have thought about since that night. I just haven’t had the nerve till now. I hope one day you will be able to forgive me.”

“Well right now, let’s just work on having a ‘working’ relationship. I know it took a lot of guts to come in here and take responsibility for your part in all this. I’ll give you that much. Give me some time to let this sink in. I’ll get back with you about the forgiveness thing.

“By the way, Mr. Casey, you’re sure you this Connors didn’t mention my partner? He’s been outta touch since all this went down.”

“Jon please… and no, I wish I could help you with that but, we were only given the smallest amount of information to do our job.”

Starsky couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“Well,” Starsky replied, “I’ll worry about finding him after I get outta here, which thanks to you, could be sooner than I thought. A life time sooner!”

~~~~~

Hutch could hold out no longer, he had to eat. He figured being drugged was better than starving. The food (using the term “food” loosely) wasn’t bad considering how long it had sat there. He learned not to be picky. Starsky would have a good laugh at his new eating habits!

Hutch recalled the headlines, while devouring his meager meal. A fellow officer had shot Starsky, while trying to escape. What could he have been thinking? This didn’t sound like something a rational Starsky would have done. He must have been desperate!

Of course he was desperate, Hutch thought. Being faced with life in prison. Not knowing if his partner was alive or dead.

It started again, he broke out in a cold sweat. He knew what to expect. The room began to spin. Then just as before. He was unable to move, every muscle frozen. Finally, the same figure seemed to just appear in front of him. Hutch knew it was time to hear more of the story.

“Thought you’d never eat that stuff, Hutchinson. Your hunger finally got the best of you, did it?”

Again Hutch was barely able to put the man’s words together enough to make sense.

“It’s time to tell you why you’re here. You see, Detective Hutchinson, I have a journal. A journal that my brother kept while rotting on death row. The journal tells us just how horrible an existence it was. I’m here to see that you experience the same. All the unpleasantness my brother suffered during his stay here, is what you can expect. Whatever is in this book, is what the rest of your days will hold for you.

“I’ve waited years for justice,” Connors continued. “Finally, your dearest Starsky is no longer with us, and in the very near future you’ll be joining him. I know, you’re wondering why not get it over with. But you see, Hutchinson, you were the reason my brother suffered right up till his death. The least I can do is return the favor.”

The words were coming in fuzzy, but clear enough that he knew he was in trouble. And Starsky, what had he said about Starsky? Could his partner be dead? That was his last thought before passing out.

~~~~~

“So what do you think Cap’n?” Starsky was on the phone the minute Jon had left. “Where do we go from here?”

“Starsky, this is on the up and up?” Captain Dobey asked, knowing it was.

“Yeah Cap, this guy just walks in and tells me this story. It’s an incredible story, I’ll give you that. But I believe every word. I have to. Things are beginning to make sense now.”

“I’ll have to figure out what our best course of action is,” responded Dobey. “You and I may believe this guy’s story, but it’s the Judge I’m worried about.”

“Well, I’m not going anywhere Cap. Just do what you can and get back to me, will ya?”

“You sure you’re planning on sticking around this time Starsky?” Dobey asked, trying to make a point.

“Have to Cap. This guy’s my last chance.”

After talking to Dobey, Starsky felt he could really rest for the first time in weeks. He had a renewed sense of cautious hope. He was still discouraged over not knowing what his body had in store for him. But he allowed himself to think that this incredible piece of luck might somehow be a good omen for finding Hutch.

~~~~~

Hutch was losing too much weight. Becoming more lethargic everyday. It was defeating to know there was nothing he could do about it… nothing but waste away while awaiting his fate.

A piece of paper was put through the hole. Hoping it may contain news about Starsky, he picked it up and began reading. Reading was at least one thing he still had the strength for… Which would prove to be unfortunate…

….May 17, Today was one of the worse days since arriving at this hellhole. Two men apparently just helped themselves into my cell. I knew right away they were trouble, I just didn’t realize how painful the trouble would be. I can barely draw a breath. I feel quite sure I have bruised, if not broken ribs. I can’t see out of my left eye. My head feels like I was hit by a Mac truck. The guards either don’t know, or don’t care. I think they close their eyes to all of this. But why me, or is it just me? Is everyone in here going through this same treatment? Vinny, you have to get me outta here, whatever it takes, get me out, they’re gonna kill me, I can feel it….

Jimmy Connors, Hutch thought. This must have been part of his journal. As Hutch finished reading, his door opened. Just as if reenacting the letter, two men walked in. They hadn’t said a word.

This can’t be good, he decided. He tried fighting them off, did quite well at first, but he was just to weak. He was powerless to stop the beating that continued at least until he had lost consciousness.

When he had come to, he knew he was in bad shape. Every breath caused a terrible sharp pain that reached down to his core. His guess was bruised if not broken ribs. Jimmy’s words exactly, he realized. His left eye was swollen shut and the right not much better. He too, felt as though his head had just been introduced to the very Mac truck Jimmy had written about.

This Connors, he means business. What else did the journal, have in store for him. He didn’t want to know the answer to that one. He tried to convince himself not to worry.

There had been many times in the past when he’d thought his number was up. But every time his partner had ridden in and saved the day. This time would be different however. This time there was no cavalry. How was he ever gonna get outta this mess? Would he get outta this mess? He faded to black.

~~~~~

The phone rang, which more interrupted Jon’s thinking, than the TV show he was “watching.”

“Hello?”

“Jon, this is Starsky. Wanted to let you know that I just heard from Captain Dobey. It seems he called in every favor he’s had saved up since being on the force. The judge said he would reopen the case, and that I could be released to the Captain’s supervision.”

Jon could hear the guarded excitement in Starsky’s voice. “That’s great news, so where do we go from here?”

“Since you asked… I was thinking… I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything, you know I owe you, just ask.” Jon welcomed the chance to be of some use, it would help to ease the guilt.

“Since we don’t know how long Connors’ arm reaches, I’d like to keep a low profile. I’ve asked Dobey to let you be my eyes, instead of one of the guys from metro. At least until I can get out of here. He’s gonna get everything he can about this Vincent Connors. What I need you to do is look through and see if anything rings a bell. Anything that could lead us to this guy, and maybe even to Hutch.”

“I’m a computer engineer. What do I know about going over police files?”

“Nothing, I’m sure. But I have to take that chance. So what do you say?”

“Well Detective Starsky, all I can say is that I’ll give it the ol’ college try.”

“That’s all I ask, and by the way, it’s just Starsky.”

“Thanks. I’ll do my best, just tell me where and when.”

Starsky wondered how risky it was, letting Casey in on this. But he had a good feeling about this guy and he wasn’t in any position to be picky about where help came from. The judge wasn’t gonna just let him out indefinitely, he had to come up with something, and soon.

~~~~~

Hutch could finally take a breath without having to gasp for air. But the pain was relentless.. The beating combined with the lack of food or water was sending him on his way to becoming null and void.

He heard footsteps coming down the hall. He laid still, wondering if these footsteps were bringing the food he needed so desperately, or perhaps another of Jimmy’s unpleasantries. All he could do was wait and find out.

A tray appeared through the small hole at the bottom of the door. Hutch saw that there was a tray with water and food, but he also saw a piece of paper.

He just won’t read it he told himself.. If he didn’t read it, then it can’t happen. He wasn’t sure there was logic in that. All he knew was last time he did read, it came to pass. And that was enough for him.

He tried picking up the tray of food, when he heard a voice come over the speakers in his cell.

“No no Hutchinson, not till you read. You read, then you eat.”

Ignoring the orders given to him, he picked up the tray. A deafening siren came from the speakers. It was unbearably loud. Hutch dropped the tray, and the noise stopped. He made an attempt to pick it up again, the noise was twice as loud, the tray was dropped once more.

“Stubborn aren’t you? But being stubborn doesn’t fill that empty stomach of yours, does it? I have to admit though, I am impressed how quickly you caught on to the rules of the game. It only took one time for you to realize what you read is what you get! Look at it this way, Detective, my brother had no warning.”

Hutch was loosing his rational. His reasoning skills weren’t what they used to be. If there was any doubt about that, his next comment proved the point.

“Connors, can you hear me?!! You’re insane, you know that?!! Yeah, I sent your brother away, but only because he asked for it. You gotta pay the piper, ya know.”

“It won’t work, Hutchinson, you can’t provoke me. I have a mission here, it’s called revenge. Now, read the letter.”

“I’m not in the mood,” Hutch boldly replied.

The door to Hutch’s room opened, and one of the uninvited men from before came walking in, dragging his knuckles behind him, hutch thought.

He walked over, picked Hutch up, and slammed him against the wall. Knocking out what little air he had left in him. Before Hutch had time to react, even if he could have, he was picked up again, and thrown to the ground. The man then picked up the tray and walked out the cell door.

“Okay Hutchinson, Two can play your waiting game. But remember, I have nothing but time, can you say the same? Now let’s go over the rules. They are simple. You don’t read, you don’t eat or drink. I’ll be listening, call me when you decide you’re “in the mood.”

Hutch couldn’t get up. He couldn’t move at all, the pain was agonizing. He had no strength left. He laid there thinking (while he still could) that he’d be damned if he was gonna give Connors what he wanted,. If he was gonna die, at least he was gonna chose how it happened.

Connors was furious. How dare this cop mess up his perfectly orchestrated plan. He’ll be sorry, he thought. He’ll cooperate or damn sure wish he had. He’ll be begging for food soon enough, then finally his plan could get back on track. Meanwhile, he had to just bide his time.

Connors sat down and relaxed in his office turned living quarters.

There were monitors set up with different angles of Hutchinson’s cell. The cop didn’t sneeze without Connors knowing about it. So far it had made for very boring entertainment. The cop didn’t, okay… couldn’t do much. Sleep, eat, think. Course it put a smile on this face to think what must have been on the cop’s mind.

He admired his great plan of revenge. Detective Starsky in the hospital recovering from being shot while trying to escape. He wouldn’t be a problem.

He held Starsky responsible too, but with Hutchinson, it was personal. Hutchinson was the one that saw to it that his baby brother was chased down and shot like a mad dog. Even that wasn’t enough, he had to send him to death row. And from the stories Jimmy told, death couldn’t come soon enough.

Vincent allowed himself to re-live that night, something he hadn’t done since it happened….

…Jimmy had looked up to Vincent. He could do no wrong in Jimmy’s eyes, the fact that everything he was involved in was illegal, didn’t bother him at all.

Jimmy had been begging for a chance to join his big brother, and finally, that chance had come. This job seemed simple enough that Vincent hadn’t been worried about letting him tag along.

The job that night was to break into the Nations Bank after midnight. Vincent was an ace with alarms, he much preferred evenings so that the people factor wouldn’t be anything to worry about.

The plan was simple, override the alarm system, then it was a just a matter of getting in and getting out.

The best laid plans… it seems that the alarm system had been malfunctioning so the bank decided to add two security guards for the night. That was something the two men had not planned for.

The Connors brothers were able to get as far as the lobby, when they were spotted by one of the guards who immediately hit the silent alarm.

Vincent hadn’t suspected a thing, he led his brother to where the vault was, when from behind they heard “hold it right there!” Even though this wasn’t in Tony’s plan, he had a knack for always remaining in control. He spun around and fired, hitting both guards.

Loss of life never bothered Vincent, as long as it wasn’t his, and of course now there was Jimmy to worry about. He thought all was clear, when two plains clothes cops came running in and yelling for no one to move.

The two brothers took cover behind the lobby desk. Vincent told Jimmy that he was gonna hold the cops off, and for him to make a run for it.

“Not without you!” Jimmy had cried.

Vincent had been able to convince his frightened brother that he’d be right behind him.

Vincent stood and began firing.”Now Jimmy!” Vincent yelled.

Jimmy jumped up and ran towards the door, he made it outside but not without the company of one of cops, the blond one.

The other cop had stayed with Tony, until of course he out witted him and got away.

Jimmy hadn’t been so lucky. The story, according to Hutchinson, was that his brother had drawn his gun and fired at the cop, leaving Hutchinson no choice but to fire back.

Vincent never believed a word of that. Jimmy was too scared to draw on a cop. That damn cop just opened fire on his brother, and made sure he stood trial for the murder of both guards.

He never allowed himself to feel any responsibility over what happen to his Jimmy. He blamed the guards for being somewhere they shouldn’t have been, and Hutchinson for everything that happened up until the day his brother had died in prison.

He had thought about giving himself up and telling the law that it was him that shot those guards, but all that would have done was get them both sent up, so he had stayed away.

But now finally the time had come, revenge had never been closer. It made every breath he took, intoxicating. At last, the excitement of the day got the best of him, and he drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~

Jon had to laugh at himself, by day a mild mannered computer engineer, by night an undercover cop. He didn’t mind going through the huge file that Captain Dobey had brought over. He was eager to help. The problem was that he was worried his untrained eye wouldn’t pick up on clues the way that a real cop could.

None-the-less he went over the file for hours. He’d never seen a police file in his life, but he would describe the information as routine. This guy was suspect and even arrested on many counts, but never enough evidence to convict. He’s basically a thief, and not penny ante stuff. He only dealt with big operations. Major banks, museums. But still nothing that indicated Connors had ever even crossed paths with Starsky or Hutch. They were never the arresting officers in any of the busts.

His whereabouts were unknown. Mention of one brother, no living parents. He had hoped he would have something beneficial to tell Starsky. He was missing something, he had to be. So at 1:30 am, he started reading again.

~~~~~

The morning had arrived and Connors couldn’t wait to get a peek at his prisoner. His excitement turned to disappointment. The cop was just as we left him last night. It didn’t look like he’d moved a muscle. A frightening thought came to him… No! He wouldn’t dare be dead!! That pig had screwed up enough of his plans, he better not be dead!

He decided he’d better check it out himself. He opened the cell door slowly. He couldn’t see the other side of the bunk from the door, so he cautiously walked over to where he had seen the detective laying. He was meet with a right cross. He never expected it. The copper had fight left in him after all.

The hit landed Connors on his backside. Hutch followed with a weak kick to the abdomen. Gutsy, Connors thought, almost made him feel pity for the battered prisoner.

It was obvious the cop thought of this as his Alamo, his last stand. The unfortunate thing for him was, the one punch and kick were all he had in him, and they were weak at that.

Connors remained calm, thinking only of his plan. Knowing it wouldn’t take much to kick this guys bucket, he simply pushed the cop down on his bunk, and walked out the door.

“Good try, Hutchinson,” Hutch heard over the speakers a few minutes later. “If you had tried that a few weeks ago when you were about 3 times the man you are now, it might have worked. Like I’ve said before, you can’t provoke me. My plans are very exact. By the way, Hutchinson, are you hungry yet?”

Connors took comfort watching as the prisoner laid on the bunk, apparently realizing his fate. If he didn’t know better, he’d say the cop was crying. This gave Connor’s great pleasure. The broad smile told it all. How many nights had his brother laid there crying, in that same room, on that same bunk, those few years ago.

That had been all Hutch could think to do. He couldn’t just go down with the ship without one more try at staying afloat. He knew he was too weak to try something so brazen, but he had no choice. Maybe, just maybe the surprise element would be just enough to catch Connors off guard.

That hadn’t been the case, and here he was lying on the same bunk he had for all these days, weeks… months? His hunger ran deep. He knew he was dehydrated and that if he didn’t give in to Connors, he’d be dead very soon. On the other hand if he did give into him, he’d be just as dead, eventually. Still, the thought of another entire day without any relief from his hunger and thirst was agonizing.

He prayed for unconsciousness, so that he wouldn’t feel the emptiness within him, he wouldn’t feel the unbearable pain that ran through out his body. The heat was stifling. How long would this nightmare continue? The thought of taking his own life actually crept into his mind. He could hang himself, he thought .He would have to use his clothing, his bunk hadn’t come with sheets or blankets…

Who was he kidding? He knew he couldn’t give up like that. Oh how he wished he could!! Starsky would kick his butt for even thinking such a thing.

His thoughts went back to his partner. Could he really be dead? Hutch had to admit that it was at least possible, and if not dead, certainly behind bars for murder and attempted escape.

What Hutch wouldn’t give to hear that “Yankee” accent. Or to eat one more greasy rot gut hamburger Starsky had always been so proud of. Or even to ride in that incredibly loud, extremely red, hot rod his partner held so dear.

The red tomato. Hutch remembered once that Starsky had joked if anything ever happened to him, he wanted Hutch to take care of his pride and joy. Although Starsky came across as joking, Hutch knew he was deadly serious. He wanted to leave the car to him. He couldn’t help but to poke fun at him, calling the car “junk waiting to happen.” He couldn’t help himself, but when it came to that car, Starsky was such an easy target! They were the best of friends and Hutch missed him desperately.

There had been a few tough jams in days gone by where he had found himself in deep trouble. He had always been able to ‘hang in there,” knowing Starsky was out there looking for him, wouldn’t rest till he found him. They both had been there for each other so many times.

He couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed realizing this time there was no Starsky looking for Hutch. And Hutch couldn’t be out there helping Starsky. That was just too much, at that, he broke down.

~~~~~

Starsky woke up hoping like he did everyday, that his morning stretch would be felt from head to toe. But this would be another day he was disappointed. His body wasn’t cooperating. Tomorrow he would tell himself. Tomorrow the toes!

He wanted out of this place so badly. The more time he had on his mind, the more he’d start feeling defeated. When he wasn’t worrying about his own future, he would replay the dream over and over. He was sure the dream meant something. Hutch needed him. He had to get out of here. He had to find Hutch before he was lost forever. He missed his partner, he missed him desperately.

He forced his disappointment to turn to anticipation. All he could hope for now was to hear from Casey. Right now that was his only hope for good news.

Starsky jumped as the phone rang. At least it started to, he had the receiver picked up before it had a chance to finish the first ring.

“Talk to me!”

“Starsky it’s me, Jon”

“Hey Jon, I need some good news, so tell me, what’s up?”

“I’m not sure I got a wink of sleep last night, but it may have paid off. I don’t know if it’s anything, but…”

“You found something?” Starsky interrupted.

“Well, I’m not sure what it means, but I do want you to take a look at something.”

“Well get down here before I pull you through the phone here!”

“Ouch!” Jon replied… “I’m on my way.”

Starsky hung up the phone, only to pick it up and redial. “Cap’n it’s me. Casey thinks he may have found something, and he’s on his way here. Can you meet us?”

“Let me tie up what I’ve got going on around here first. Our cases have tripled with the loss of both you and Hutch. I don’t know if we’ll ever get caught up again. I never thought I’d see the day that I would ask you to hurry and get back to work!”

“Awww, I love you to Cap. We’ll be waiting for you.”

The next 30 minutes seemed like 30 years to Starsky. What was it that Casey had found? He tried to be cautiously hopeful, but he had to be realistic. After all, Casey is a computer engineer, not a cop. But it was all there was to focus on.

Finally after what seemed like a lifetime, there was a knock on Starsky’s door. “Yeah, come in.”

Jon walked in carrying the files he had spent all night getting aquatinted with.

“What took you so long, did you decided to walk over?”

“Ha ha… I practically flew here for your information. Now, I hate you looking all excited. You know I didn’t really know what it was I was looking for…”

“Okay, okay. I heard your disclaimer. Now what did you find?” Starsky replied impatiently.

“Well Detective, there’s a handwritten insert by your partner that might be a new angle to look at.”

“New angles? Oh, I like the sound of that!”

~~~~~

Hutch couldn’t stand it another minute. The pain, the heat. No food, no relief for his never- ending thirst. His own body wasn’t allowing him the peace of being unconscious. He thought he might just go mad. How far can anyone push ones body? Hutch decided it had been pushed long enough.

“CONNORS, CAN YOU HEAR ME YOU SOB? I GIVE, YOU WIN”

Music to my ears, Connors thought…

“Glad to hear it Detective Hutchinson, I’ll be sending the letter right down. I want to hear you read it out loud. And at that time you’ll receive your reward.”

Almost immediately , the hole at the bottom of the cell door opened and the paper was passed through.

Hutch would try to gather enough strength to read the letter and get it over with.

“…..June 12, If this is what hell is like, then what comes after death will be welcomed. They won’t leave me alone. Why me? Why are they doing this? It’s those cops, Vincent! I just know it has to be. If they want me dead, why don’t they kill me and be done with it, or is their purpose to torture me? I’m sure I’ll never know.

This time their fun came from watching me fry. I was unsuspecting, when will I learn…..”

Hutch could fill panic rise up inside himself at realizing his fate.

“I don’t think you’re quite finished yet Detective, keep reading.”

Hutch knew he had to read on in order to get the drink he needed so desperately. He was overcome with the heat, it was all he could do to hold the letter.

He continued reading…..

“….It was time for the us to shower. Goodness knows we need it considering the heat in this place! I was just about finished rinsing off when I was grabbed from behind, and held down. I never could have imagined what they had in mind this time. They kept the water running, and found some kind of “hot” wire to throw down on the floor of the shower…”

Hutch had to stop from both lack of strength, and from the sheer terror of what he was reading.

“Come now Detective, you can do better than that… I have a nice cold glass of icy cold water waiting on you.”

“You’re going to regret this Connors…I’m going to see to that!”

“Now now, don’t waste your breath on pointless dribble. Finish reading or I’m gonna come in there and pour the water on the floor right in front of you!” Connors was loosing his patience. The detective should have been way past the breaking point by now.

Hutch snatched the paper back up with all the spite he could muster, and continued reading….

“…If I lived to be a million years old, (I’d settle for 30) I could never describe the pain. It shot threw my entire body like fire. They told me my heart had stopped. There were terrible burns. I’ve been in the infirmary for 2 weeks. Faulty wiring they had claimed. Faulty wiring in the shower? I don’t know how I survived at all. I do know that I’ll probably wish I hadn’t! I wouldn’t wish that on any other human being……”

“Very good Hutchinson, now that wasn’t so hard, was it. You actually got through the whole thing. Now, because my word is good, I’ll let you eat drink and be merry, for now. Enjoy!”

The journal entry terrified Hutch, but all he could think of was what was on that tray. He could barely get the food from the tray to his mouth. Nothing in his life had tasted so good. Hutch was relieved that the gnawing pain in is stomach had subsided for now. Oh how he wished the mere glass of water were a hose to a never-ending supply of water. He could dream.

~~~~~

“Well,” Jon began, “the first billion times I looked over everything, nothing stood out. Just a criminal record of a man that had not only never been convicted of anything. He had not even crossed paths with you or your partner in any of his arrests.”

“Yeah,” Starsky interrupted, “the name never rang a bell with me.”

“I know,” continued Casey, “but it did with Detective Hutchinson. I found where he had handwritten, a few months after the fact I might add, this little comment on the back here.” Casey pointed it out as he read aloud… “Note to self : James Connor: sent to death row for his part in the murder of the 2 security guards from the nations bank. Connors’ brother blames me and was very vocal with personal threats…. stay tuned.”

“That’s it!” replied Starsky. “We’ve been focusing on the wrong Connors all along!” Just then Dobey walked into the room.

“So, what’s so important you couldn’t tell me over the phone? I do have work to do you know.”

“Cap’n, You’re just in time. We’re on to something. I need you to find out all you can on a James, or Jimmy Connors. I think he may be the missing link.”

“Well you better have more to tell me if you want me to do your leg work.” It wasn’t until he saw the look on Starsky’s face that he realized what he had said. “I’m sorry Starsky, I just meant…”

“I know what you meant, Cap.. Don’t sweat it. You see, Casey here has found a handwritten memo that Hutch wrote. Apparently Vincent Connors threatened Hutch for his part in sending his brother away. So that’s why I need you to see what you can find on this guy.”

“You got it Starsky. I’ll give you a call if and when I find anything out. Oh, and good work Casey. Maybe you’d like to come work for me until this one here decides he’s tired of his little mini-vacation?”

Jon smiled a nervous smile. “No thanks Captain. I still feel like I’m in the twilight zone as it is.”

“Well if you change your mind…” the captain joked as he took the files from Casey and walked out of the room.

Jon turned his attention on Starsky. “So now we just wait?”

“‘fraid so, that’s the worse part of the job… lots and lots of waiting to see if leads will pan out. I have to believe this one will. It’s all we have.”

“Well, you’re looking a little worse of wear, so I think I’ll leave you to get some rest. Good luck on finding out something.”

“Thanks, I am feeling a little sore, I think some rest will do me good. Thanks again for the great detecting job you did.”

“Glad to help. It takes a little weight off these old shoulders. So take care and good night.”

With that, Jon was gone and Starsky was alone to ponder the events of the day. How he wished he could be down at the precinct running the new lead. He was so tired, a nap would feel so good, but he fought it with everything he had. He just wasn’t up to another dream. No, he had something far more important to do than sleep. He closed his eyes and began doing something he’d been overlooking for a long time now. His prayers were unselfish. He wasn’t as much concerned about the possibility of paralysis as it pertained to himself. He needed to be 100% if he was going to be of any help to his friend.

Finally as peace settled inside himself. He drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~

Hutch hated himself for giving in. There was no way that what had been on that tray could be worth what was to happen next.

Connors had watched Hutchinson enjoy his petty snack while he talked to Dr Anderson.

“This is where you earn your paycheck, Doc. I’ve briefed you on my plan. Your only concern is to make sure the prisoner stays alive long enough to complete the third and final stage, any questions?”

“Electrocution can do great damage to the body. You’re sure that’s what you wanna do?”

“Oh, I’m sure alright. That’s where you come in. You’re to see that he survives the shock treatment. I need him to stay alive for a few more days,” Connors explained. “He must be alive and coherent in the end. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal. You must really hate this man, to go to such lengths. I’ll do what I can,” the Doctor offered.

“Fine, it’s time. Get what you’ll be needing and follow my men down to the room. You need to be ready to take immediate action.”

The time had come. Hutch heard the door being unlocked. Surely they didn’t expect him to just waltz over to the showers. He wasn’t going without a fight, it may not be much of a fight, but a fight none the less.

They had never intended on him going to the showers, oh no… They had a handy portable way of electrocution. No need to leave the comforts of your own cell.

Connors was exhilarated. His plan was proceeding just as he had hoped it would! He had wished he could have taken Hutchinson to the showers as his brother had been, But the water had been turned off from there long ago. That didn’t detour him. He came up with an even more resourceful way of carrying out stage two. The instructions to his men: First, handcuff the prisoner to the bunk, second, make sure he was properly dowsed with water. Then last but not least, turn on the portable unit, and apply the paddles. Even these men can’t mess that up.

The defeated Hutchinson tried to fight it off, but to no avail. The paddles connected, the electricity shot through the detective’s body like a bolt of lightening. Convulsions followed, and with every one, Connors felt increasingly satisfied.

The guards had to be called off. “That’s enough, this isn’t a bar-b-q. Now get outta there and let the doctor get to work.”

The prisoner was convulsing when the Doctor took over. The smell was one he knew well: burnt flesh. By the time he had reached the bunk, Hutchinson had stopped breathing.

Although he was concerned, the doctor had anticipated it. It’s a very normal response to electrocution. He would have to defibrillate.

The jolt was brutal. No response. A second, Hutch was still not responding.

Anderson knew he was good at what he did, but it didn’t stop him from being worried about his one. He hadn’t physically examined the patient. But it was obvious from the bruises, and the labored breathing he had witnessed from the monitors, that there were at least some terribly bruised ribs. The jolts the defibrillator gave could cause a break that could puncture his heart or lung.

He’d have to worry about that later, he needed to get this mans heart started right away. One more time. One more powerful jolt.

“Yes!!” the doctor exclaimed at getting a heartbeat. “That was the first hurdle. Let’s take a look at you and see how long you will be drawing breath.”

Connors had watched the entire event. He was very pleased with himself. He was apprehensive when it didn’t look like the defibrillator was doing it’s job. But his fears were laid to rest as he watched the doctor examine the breathing patient.

Later Connors meet up with Dr. Anderson in his make shift apt. Connors had prepared for him. “Well Doctor, what’s the prognosis for Detective Hutchinson?”

Anderson looked solemn. “It doesn’t look good, I don’t know that I can give you 3 hours let alone 3 days.”

“That won’t do, now will it Dr. Anderson? As I said before you must keep him alive. I haven’t come this far to end it here.”

“Look Connors,” Anderson was quite disgusted with this layman’s demands. “The human body can only tolerate so much pain and suffering, and by the looks of it, that man has had plenty of both. I’m doing what I can. I was able to start his heart back up, but he’s in bad shape.

“He’s dehydrated and malnourished,” the doctor continued. “I’ve set him up with an IV to try to reverse that damage. In addition, nearly ever rib in his chest is broken, any wrong movement will more than likely puncture his heart or lung or both. He’s got a dislocated shoulder. His body is still having convulsions brought on by the electric shock, not to mention the burns it caused. A lot of that damage won’t be known till he regains consciousness. And I haven’t begun to mention the countless bumps and bruises. And you want to tell me he needs to be coherent?”

“Okay, okay, I get the point, but it’s imperative he survive a few days longer. Do what ever it takes.”

“Well,” Anderson continued, “I’ve given him some morphine.”

“Morphine? I don’t want him all doped up, and you’re not here to see that his stay in more comfortable,” Connors challenged.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a small dosage. You see, the problem is this… He’s at a point right now that he could be the one to determine whether he wants to come back. And with the pain his body is in, I think he’d choose to stay away, even if it meant permanently. Let’s just work on him staying put, then we’ll worry about him being doped up.”

“Sounds like we don’t have a choice,” Connors conceded. “Well, I’m going back to my room. You make sure your monitors are on. You need to be aware of what’s going on in that cell.”

“You’ve outlined my duties quite extensively,” Anderson said dryly. “I’ll keep you informed of any changes.”

~~~~~

Starsky was awakened up by the ringing phone. He realized has he answered, he didn’t have the dream. At least not that he could recall.

“Starsky, Dobey here. I found something on Connors….”

Before Dobey could say another word. Starsky hung the phone up, rang the buzzer for the nurse. Then without realizing it, swung his legs around and began looking for his belongings.

Becky came running in to find Starsky rifling through the draws.

“Good Glory in the morning Detective!!! You rang that thing about 50 times. I thought you were having a heart attack.”

It took a few seconds to register what she was seeing.

“Detective Starsky?!!! You’re standing!!”

Starsky had been working off sheer adrenaline ever since the phone call. He hadn’t even realized that he was standing on his own two feet. As it sank in, he let out the biggest YAHOO!! the hospital had ever heard. He grabbed the nurse and began dancing around the room.

Becky was rather enjoying herself when the doctor walked in to see what the noise was all about. She tuned three shades of red, congratulated the detective, and then promptly left the room.

“Look Doc! All better! Can I go now?”

“When did all this come about?” the doctor asked.

“About 5 minutes ago. Can I go now?”

“Would you calm down Detective Starsky? I’ve seen 5 year olds with more self control than you.”

“Well did you at least let them go?”

“Funny detective. Now just let me give you the once over before you tear outta here.” Doctor Simon examined the detective and was amazed by his findings.

“Well, I wouldn’t go sign up for any marathons, but it seems like everything is as it should be. I’d feel a lot better if you’d let me get some x-rays just to make sure.”

“Doc, I’m standing right in front of you. What more will x-rays tell you? It doesn’t matter anyway! I’ve been here long enough. I’ve got things to do.”

“Ok, if that’s the way you want it. But you’re still going to be very sore. And you’ll tire easily. Keep that in mind while you’re out solving the worlds problems. Here, it’s a prescription for pain. You’ll be needing it after leaping all those tall buildings in a single bound.”

“Thanks Doc. Now if you don’t mind, I’m off to fight the evil doers.”

“Take care of yourself detective,” Dr. Simon replied to the backside of the detective has he left the room. He stopped briefly to call Casey and have him meet them in Dobey’s office.

Captain Dobey’s heart nearly jumped right out of his chest when the door was swung open with no warning. “For Pete sake, Starsky, how many times have I told you… Starsky?”

“You should see the look on your face, Cap. Yep, it’s me alright. Ready to get down to business. So what have you found out?”

“But when…how…?”

“Just had a few words with the man upstairs Cap’n. He must think I can find Hutch, he’s at least letting me try.”

“Well, then let’s get to it.”

The captain was interrupted by a knock at the door. “Yeah, what is it”

Jon opened the door as asked if he could come in.

“Now see Starsky, that’s how it’s suppose to be done. Yes Casey, come in.”

Starsky gave Jon a smug look. “Suck up.”

Jon couldn’t help but laugh.

“So I see you’ve been recruited on this,” Dobey said to Jon.

“I don’t know about that! Starsky just asked me to meet him here. I just figured he had some questions or something.”

“Good to see you on your feet,” Casey said as he turned his attention to Starsky.

“Thanks. It’s good to be on them.”

“Okay Gentlemen, if we can get can get back to business…. It seems you were on to something, Casey. Vincent Connors had a brother named Jimmy. Starsky, do you remember responding to a robbery in progress at the Nations Bank on Lincoln Ave.?”

“I vaguely remember answering a call to that location. Give me some details, Cap.”

“It seems on this particular night the Banks security alarm system wasn’t working….”

“Say no more,” Starsky interrupted. “I know this one.”

“Well you could fill me in?” suggested Casey

Starsky told Jon how that night unfolded. “So,” Starsky continued, “Jimmy was sent to prison for murdering the two guards. But it wasn’t a stand out case in our books. Of course at seeing the note Hutch wrote, I suppose that wasn’t true for him.”

“That’s where Vincent comes in,” said Dobey. “I’ve done some calling around. It seems Jimmy Connors died on death row 4 years ago. He had apparently been abused in prison, and it proved to be too much for him. He hung himself in his cell down at the old Hayes Prison. The place has since been shut down for many reasons, one of which was do to complaints of brutality from the guards.”

Starsky sat there listening, thinking, and putting pieces of this together with pieces of that.

“Damn Hutch!” Starsky shouted. “Why didn’t He mention any of this to me? He never told me anything about any threats. If I had known…”

“Don’t go there, Starsky,” Dobey insisted. “We can’t worry about that now. Let’s just focus on putting 2 and 2 together, and see if we can get it to add up to 4.”

“You’re right, let’s see what we know at the point,” Starsky continued…. “Vince blackmails you and 5 other people to give false testimony to make it look like I gunned down an unarmed man.”

“Don’t remind me,” Jon replied sheepishly. “This had to have been either an attempt at revenge on you as well, or perhaps just a way to get you outta the way so he’d have a better shot at Hutch. Heck, I bet it was probably a little of both.”

“Oh geez, I musta made his day when I tried to escape. He really must think I’m outta the way now.”

“Maybe that could work to your advantage. So, we’re thinking you were set up to get you outta of the way,” Casey went on. “But out of the way of what?”

“We have to assume the obvious,” said Starsky. “He wanted to get at Hutch. Question is, has he already “taken care” of Hutch? Or could he still be holding Hutch for some kind of revenge scheme?”

 

Part Two

Dr. Anderson was amazed as he examined the patient. The night came and went and the detective was still alive. The IV had been able to bring his body fluids close to normal. That was no small feat in itself. He was concerned that the heart may stop again after receiving such a massive shock; it hadn’t. Interesting, Anderson mused. “Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”

He may be able to assure Connors that this man would be alive to see the few days he had demanded. He couldn’t, however, say whether or not Hutchinson would be coherent, or ever even regain consciousness.

“Ok Doc, time to give me the latest report on your patient,” Connors voice rang out over the speakers.

Anderson had momentarily forgotten about the monitors. He was growing very tired of Connors’ dictatorship attitude. He was glad this assignment was nearly over. He left the cell and made his way to Connors.

“As you saw on your trusty TV there,” Anderson began, “he’s still alive. I’m not sure how or why, but he is still alive.”

“Good Job, Doctor. So you see no problem with me being able to carry out the third and final stage of my plan?” Connors asked eagerly.

“Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” cautioned Anderson.

“You just said he was doing okay, didn’t you?”

“Oh please,” Anderson replied angrily. “That man is far from being okay. Stop putting words in my mouth. What I said was that he was alive. I’m optimistic he’ll staying that way for at least a few days…”

“Well, that’s all I needed to hear.”

“No, I don’t think so, You also need to hear that I have no way of knowing whether or not he will regain consciousness in that time, or ever.”

“HE HAS TO!” Connors demanded. “HE MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD! There MUST be something you can pull out of your hat. Some kind of shot that will make him wake up?”

“You watch to much X-files, Mr. Connors. If that were true, there would be no comatose patients anywhere in the world. Now there’s no sense in worrying about it yet. He’s resting as well as can be expected, and his body is reacting positively to the medication. It’s just a wait and see situation.”

“Fine. Have it your way Doctor…”

“It’s not my way Connors, it’s just the way it is. Now I’ll stay in his cell for the next day or so to be able to tend to him when needed. That’s where you can find me. Oh, and I sure hope you have my payment ready. This thing is giving me the creeps. I’m outta here the minute you finish your sick twisted business.”

“I’m paying you well for your services. You have no business complaining. Now get outta here, and you see to it that I have an attentive subject to work with when the time comes.” The doctor walked out, realizing all he said had fallen on deaf ears.

~~~~~

“Cap’n, you need to put out an APB right away on this Vincent Connors. We’ve got to find where he’s hiding out. I think we’re gonna go connect with Huggy. I’ve had him digging around some too. You radio me the minute you hear anything.”

“You have to ask? I called the APB in before you two even got here, and you know you’ll hear from me when I know something. And Starsky, need I remind you, you just got out of the hospital? You take it easy.”

“10-4 Cap, I’ll watch myself, but finding Hutch will be the best medicine I could ask for! So Casey, you coming?”

“I don’t know what it is you expect out of me, but considering you just got out of the hospital, I suppose I can go just in case you have a relapse or something.”

“Oh, don’t you worry. There will be no relapse! Come on, I’ll let you drive me to my car.”

“You think you’re up to driving so soon?”

“Are you kiddin me? The only way I’ll stop driving is when they pry my cold dead hands off the steering wheel. Now lets go.”

“Geez Starsky,” Jon replied. “A bit morbid I’d say. Fine, have your way, lets go.”

The two men had stopped off at Hutch’s to pick up the car. He had taken it in after all. Starsky grinned at the thought. They drove up to THE PITS where Huggy had been waiting for them. Jon was amused at how Starsky was outta the car practically before it had even come to a complete stop.

“Huggy, what’s the word? Did you come up with anything on this Connors?”

“Hey there Starsky, you’re not looking so good.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Huggy. Now what do you have for me?”

“Don’t be rude, Starsky. Who do we have here? A new partner already?”

It didn’t take the devastated look on Starsky face to make him wish he could take the words back. He regretted them as soon as they left his mouth.

“Me and my big mouth. I didn’t mean anything by it, you know I didn’t Starsky. I just hadn’t met this guy, ya know? I don’t know what’s wrong with me sometimes. My mouth just opens and I never know what’s gonna fall out. I…”

“Forget it Huggy,” Starsky said. “I know you didn’t mean anything. This is Jon Casey. He’s been helping me with this case.”

“Pleasure, Mr. Casey .”

“Nice to meet you, uh, er…Huggy?”

“Okay, already,” Starsky quipped. “Enough with the niceties. What do you know Huggy.”

“Word is there was a fella by the name of Vincent Connors soliciting for certain help for some project of his. What kinda help I’m not sure. And what project, I don’t know. Also, he recently had the word out for a doctor for hire. I haven’t been able to get a fix on his location yet. That isn’t much, but I’ll keep diggin.”

“Yeah, you keep your eyes and ears open and let me know the minute you hear ANYTHING!”

“You got it Starsky, Good luck. Oh, and sorry about the partner bit. Take care of yourself.”

“No harm done Huggy, and I will.”

Starsky and Casey had followed up on a few more leads, but had to finally call it a night. Starsky had talked Jon into staying at his place so that they could mull over what they had learned.

Starsky hated the idea of calling it quits for the day, knowing Hutch was out there somewhere. But he wasn’t back to full strength yet, and he tired easily. He decided to take a pain pill and just try to go over everything mentally instead of physically.

Jon was ready to call it a day as well. This day in the life of a cop had wore him out as well.

“Grab a beer outta the fridge if you want,” offered Starsky.

“Oh,” Jon replied. “I want! Can I get you one?”

“Actually I’d love one, but I just took something for this nagging pain, so I better not. I don’t wanna be out of it tomorrow.”

“You’re probably right. Just as well, leaves more for me”, he joked.

“Hey, they’re all yours. You earned your keep today. So, what did you think of your first day as a cop anyway? Plan on making any career changes any time soon? I’d be happy to put in a good word for you.”

“I’ll sure keep that in mind; however, I think the nice slow pace of a computer engineer is more my speed. How do you go at this pace day in and day out?”

“We’ll to be honest, we have our boring days, too. This case is just extremely close to home. It’s not always this crazed.”

“You two are really close, uh?”

Starsky’s expression changed.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject.”

“No, it’s okay. Yeah, we are close. It hadn’t started out that way though. We meet at the academy, and didn’t care for each other at all. But when you’re forced into as many sticky situations as we have been, you develop a unique alliance.”

“Yeah, I guess you kind of learn to count on each other.”

“You have no idea. Sometimes when he’s not around, it takes me awhile to click. He had always been the right hand to my left.”

“So, what about your personal life? Ever been married?”

“Sheesh,” replied Starsky. “You writing a book?

“Sorry,” Jon replied. “I guess it’s the beer. I’m not usually this nosey.”

“It’s okay. It’s helping to pass time. No, I came close a time or two. Came real close once. It just couldn’t work out. It’s tough being a cop, and I don’t mean to sound like a martyr. No one forced this job on me. I’ve learn to accept everything that goes along with it, good and bad. How bout yourself Jon, I remember you told me at the hospital that you broke it off with your fiancée. That had to have been hard.”

“Hardest thing I’ve ever done. Annie and I are soul mates. I know that’s a corny expression, but I really believe it. We were meant to be together. I hope to get in touch with her after you’ve caught the bad guy.

I was pretty brutal though. I don’t know if she’ll ever even give me the chance to explain. It broke her heart, mine too. I just couldn’t let anything happen to her. I was ashamed at getting caught up in this mess. I’ve always been an independent, take charge kinda guy. To admit I wasn’t in control of our lives… It was just to much.”

“This Connors has been a real piece of work, it’ll make a lot of people happy when he’s put away. I hope the story has a happy ending for all of us.”

“I second that emotion. You know, you talked me into staying because we were gonna kick some ideas around. I don’t think we got much accomplished in that area.”

“Well Casey, I think we’ve learned a lesson here: there’s more to life than business. Let’s get some shut-eye, what do you say?”

“I’m with you Starsky. You know what they say: tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life. Here hoping it’s a happy life.”

“Here here,” Starsky agreed. “See you in the morning.”

“Not if I see you first.”

~~~~~

Another night passed and Hutchinson was still alive. How fortunate his “patient” had been so strong. Anderson wasn’t sure how Connors would have reacted if Hutchinson had died.

He hadn’t come to, but the doctor wasn’t worried yet. That could be a good sign that the mind and body were healing as one. At one point Anderson thought Hutchinson was coming to but realized it was just more slight involuntary tremors brought on by the electric shock. Anderson knew that the detective was very close to death. What was keeping this man alive? The doctor hadn’t a clue. All he cared about was that he stay that way till he could collect his fee.

Still, Anderson couldn’t help thinking, It’s a shame really… The detective is fighting so hard to stay alive, only to have his life stolen from him in the end. He couldn’t believe the irony of the futile fight going on inside this man lying in front of him.

“Just live long enough for us to kill you,” Anderson told the unconscious man. “Ain’t life grand?”

As Anderson sat in the cell babysitting, as he referred to his current duties, something Connors had said kept nagging at him. “Some kind of shot that will make him wake up.” Yes, that had sounded far-fetched when Connors had said it. But it got him thinking. Thinking of a time when he used to work for the government.

There had been project he had worked on with a man. This man had been working on developing a drug that could nearly do just that. He’d talk with Connors about looking the guy up. This should bring me a nice bonus, Anderson thought.

Connors was reading from the journal when he heard a knock on his door. “Yeah, what do you want?”

“It’s Anderson. I have something to talk to you about.”

“Come in,” Connors replied. “Why aren’t you down there with your patient?”

“I just remembered something I thought perhaps you might be interested in. Besides, we can see him on your monitor. He hasn’t moved since I left there.”

“Well what is it?”

“I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier, about just giving him something to wake him up.”

“Yeah and you said I was crazy, so what is there to talk about?”

“Well, if you’d just listen, I’ll tell you. Years ago I used to work with someone on a project. I can’t tell you a lot about it, but he was working on a drug that would do something to the affect you were asking about.”

“Don’t tease me, Doctor!”

“I don’t have time for games Connors, and by the look of that man over there, neither do you. Now, do you want me to go talk to this man?”

“Sounds risky. What if something happens while your gone?”

“That is the chance you take. I shouldn’t be gone more than a couple of hours. And I don’t foresee any problems. But he is in bad shape. So you decide. Wait and see if he comes around for you to exact your revenge, or let me see if I can’t hurry things along a bit.”

“Fine, you go. This sounds too tempting to pass up. But you remember we’re here waiting on you. Don’t get side tracked.”

“I’ll do a final examine on the patient, then I’ll go pay a visit to my long lost friend.”

~~~~~

Hutch was dazed as he attempted to wake up from his deep sleep. He felt an underlying pain, as if it were fuzzy, numb in someway. What had happened? The last thing his very disordered mind could recall was being held down… His mind searched, what had happened… The pain! He remembered feeling a pain he could never have had imagined.

“If I live to be 1 million years old, (I’d settle for 30) I could never describe the pain. It shot threw my entire body like fire.”

Those had been Jimmy’s words. But now they were his. His thoughts shot around his brain at random, like sparks he couldn’t control. These thoughts hadn’t lasted long, as quickly as he had awaken, he was once again “asleep.”

~~~~~

“Casey, wake up! It’s nearly 10:00 already,” Starsky was still wiping the sleep out of his eyes as he shouted. “Come on Casey, we have work to do.”

Jon woke to Starsky’s wake up yell. It wasn’t like him to sleep in, but these days haven’t exactly been normal.

In less than 20 minutes they were out of the house and racing down the road. They had to find something soon. Starsky just felt it. There was some urgency. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he knew there was no time to waste.

~~~~~

Connors was very nervous with Anderson gone. He didn’t even want to look at the monitors. If something were to happen, he wouldn’t know what to do. Had he been too greedy? If anything were to go wrong now it would be his fault. He should never have let Anderson leave.

At last, after four and a half-hours, Anderson returned.

“Come in Doctor”

“So how did it go? Any emergencies?”

“Well if there had been it wouldn’t matter now, would it?” Connors had to let out some of his frustration at waiting.

“Hey, it was you’re choice, and if he’s still alive I believe you made a good choice. How is he?”

“He’s been kinda twitching a lot, but he never looked to be awake. I guess he’s still okay.”

“In that case, let me tell you the good news. I met with this man, and was able to acquire a small amount of this drug I had told you about.”

“Excellent!! Tell me about it.”

“We put a little of this into an IV drip, then bingo! He will do anything you ask of him. And if my source is correct, it doesn’t matter what physical state Hutchinson is in.”

Connors couldn’t believe what he was hearing!

“Anderson, you’re a genius! This is perfect. This goes beyond my wildest dreams! You see doc… My brother died on death row, but not on his execution date, and not by the executioner. He was sentenced to die from a lethal injection. Turns out he died by hanging. Depending on what story you want to believe, he couldn’t cope with the abuse any longer, so he took his own life.”

“I’m sorry,” Anderson started…

“No need, just listen. Originally the plan was for us to go in and hang Hutchinson ourselves. But now, with this stuff you’ve come up with, I’m thinking, this is our chance to have him off himself, just as my little brother had. So you think this drug intervention will actually allow this man hang himself?”

“Still sounds like x-files but I have little doubt it will work. I’m going to go ahead and start the IV drip. It’ll take a little while to get his mind good and ready. Barring death itself, nothing should go wrong with your plan now.”

“Yeah, but death isn’t far from reality here, let’s just hurry things along, Oh, and let me know when the time looks right. I wanna have time to pop the popcorn.”

“You’ll be the second to know,” Anderson replied as he headed back up to the patient.

~~~~~

“Zebra three, Zebra three, meet with a Huggy bear at an establishment called The Pits.”

“Zebra three,” Starsky responded. “Roger, we’re on our way.”

“Wonder what Huggy dug up,” Jon said.

“With Huggy, you never know,” replied Starsky.

Starsky tried his “outta the car before it stops routine.” But it was evident that the stress combined with his still healing injuries, were getting the best of him.

“Huggy, you rang?”

“Hey Starsky, You’re still not looking good. You okay?”

“I’ve been better What have you got for me?”

“Well, I know it’s like in the AM and all, but I promised you any and everything I heard about this Connors dude.”

“What have you got Huggy?” Starsky asked anxiously.

“It’s nothing really. I probably should have waited till I had more.”

“Huggy!!” Starsky insisted. “What, what do you have?”

“Okay. Word is, that while back, a certain Connors was looking to remodel some run down location. That’s all I could find out. That’s why I say it’s not much. I have no what’s or where’s. But you cops have a knack for making something out of nothing, in more ways than one, if you know what I mean.”

“Always the wit. Thanks Huggy, and don’t worry about it being nothing… You’re right, you never know what a little bit of nothing can turn into. Keep in touch.”

Starsky climbed back in the car and shared the info with Casey.

“Does that mean anything to you Starsky?” Jon asked.

“Not yet. Let’s grab something to eat and let it all process.”

“Sounds good to me,” Jon agreed. “I’ve been having a hard time hearing you over the growls.”

~~~~~

“Well, well, look who decided to join the living,” Anderson said to his fragile patient. “How do you feel? You’ve been through quite a bit, you know”

“Yeah, I know,” hutch whispered. “Who are you?”

“I’m your doctor. I’ve been looking after you these past few days. It’s been my job to keep you alive. Glad you made it.”

“I’m not sure I have. You’re working for him?”

“Never mind, Detective Hutchinson, you need your rest. I’ll return soon to see if I can’t help you out of this situation.”

“I won’t count on it.”

“Oh,” replied Anderson, “I really think I can!!” I’ll help you outta the pan and into the fire, he thought to himself.

~~~~~

Starsky decided on his favorite burger joint. He and Hutch had been here many times. The burger was always served up with “these greasy burgers will be the death of you, Starsk” lecture.

As if haunted by Hutch’s burger lecturing ghost, he couldn’t eat. He had no appetite. He replayed everything they had learn up to this point. He had to have missed something. He was sure of it….

Jon had just finished the huge burger, when Starsky had a revelation that floored both men.

“Jon, listen and humor me… didn’t Dobey say something about Jimmy Connors hanging himself at Hayes Prison? And didn’t he say that the prison had closed down….”

Jon nodded, not sure where Starsky was headed with this.

“Yeah, it was closed down because of complaints of cruelty to inmates by the guards.”

Starsky continued. “And didn’t Huggy say something about this Vincent Connors remodeling somewhere? Some place that was run down? Hutch has been missing, Connors was hell bent on revenge, and he had been looking for a doctor for hire. Now this may be thin Casey, but I think we should check out the old abandoned prison… Whataya say?”

Jon was in awe. Just another difference between a computer engineer and a cop. If he had all year with these clues, he didn’t think they would have connected the way that had for Starsky.

“Very impressive Starsky, I’m with you.”

~~~~~

“I think we may be just about there. Get your popcorn ready,” informed Anderson.

Anderson could swear that Connors was actually salivating over the news.

“Already? I thought it would take awhile for him to physically be ready to carry out his own execution.”

“As I stated before, his physical condition doesn’t matter. Besides, I’m not sure he’d ever recover physically or mentally. We need to act now. You need to go ahead with the preparations. The drug I’ve put into his IV will see to it that he doesn’t feel anything as far as physical pain. The pain alone would keep him from even lifting a finger, let alone his entire body. This drug totally separates mind from body as far as pain is concerned. He will only hear our commands. And he’ll have no choice. His free thinking will be gone.”

“And you were giving me hell about x-files? That’s just freakin’ diabolical. You missed your calling. The likes of Hitler would have appreciated your talents.”

“Oh cut the crap Connors. I’m just ready to get on with my life as I knew it. This gig is getting old.”

“I’d have to disagree. I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I hate to see it end.”

“Well that’s just too bad, because it is ending, and soon!”

“Very well, all good things must come to an end, as they say So when do you suggest us setting the scene?”

“Right away.”

“We’re gonna just set the rope with him lying right there?”

“He won’t know the difference.”

“There is something I need to take care of first. When he does wake up, is he coherent?”

“What do you mean? What did you have in mind?”

“What I have in mind is my business, isn’t it? I didn’t hire you so that I’d have someone to get permission from every time I wanted to do something.”

“No, you hired me as a consulting physician, and I think I’ve done a very good job. That man would have been dead a long time ago had I not been here. But if you wanna start taking it upon yourself to decide what he can handle and what he can’t, then go right away. Matter of fact, give me my cut now and I’m outta here.”

“Oh just calm down, man! You sure have a short fuse. We’re this close to finishing, so let’s just get the job done and we can all get on with our lives. And what I had in mind was to read a little something to Hutchinson. I have one more journal passage to read him before it’s all said and done.”

“You just have to turned the screws on this guy, don’t you?”

“Every chance I get. Now do you think he’ll grasp what I tell him?”

“When he had been awake, it’s only been for a few minutes. We did communicate a time or two. He seemed able to respond to my comments. But it depends on how much of his own mind he has left. And be fast, he fades quick”

~~~~~

Connors made his way to the cell, the cell that at one time had housed his brother, and now his brother’s killer. He carried the journal with him. This was the icing on the cake. The detective had to have some idea that he was never going to leave this place alive. But, thought Connors, I bet he never thought he’d be the one to do the killing.

He walked over to the bunk. This guy looks like death warmed over, but any sympathy he might have had, was lost on the thought that this was what his brother must have looked like in the end.

He sat and he waited for any signs of Hutch waking up. He would have to summarize, which he hated, but at least he’d get the message across.

Connors grew impatient. Luckily the detective was showing signs of waking up, but the doctor warned him of the tremors. He wanted to be sure that wasn’t the case.

“Hutchinson, Starsky wants a word with you.”

Hutch’s eyes slowly opened. Not much life left in there, that’s for sure, Connors thought. The deception worked. It wouldn’t take long for him to notice there was no Starsky. He began to quickly read. He hated to edit, but it was obvious Hutchinson wasn’t gonna stay tuned for long!

…July 4th Independence Day. Could there be a more perfect time to carry this out? I can’t, won’t stand any more torture. I’m gonna get my own independence. I’ve decided to make like a picture, and hang. By the time the sun comes up, I’ll be dead….

By the time Connors looked back over at Hutchinson, his eyes were once again closed. He couldn’t be sure how much he had heard. It made him feel better to believe that he had heard it all.

“So it begins,” Connors said out loud.

~~~~~

Starsky hadn’t realized just how far out Hayes prison had been. It was a quiet drive, both men thinking their own thoughts. Could this be what they’ve been searching for? could this nightmare really be coming to an end? Only time would tell.

Casey broke the silence. “Starsky, I have one question… well, I have a million questions, but let me ask just one.”

“What’s on your mind?”

“We don’t know what we’re about to find. I don’t know how I’m going to react once this thing goes down. I have no training for this….”

Starsky himself was nervous. He couldn’t imagine what must be going through the mind of a computer engineer’s mind.

“I know you must be nervous, but don’t sell yourself short. I think you’re a natural. Whatever we may or may not find, you can handle it. As a matter of fact, here, you might need this…”

Starsky reached under the seat, and pulled out a pistol.

“Oh no, I know I’m not ready for that.”

“Have you ever used one of these?”

“Well yeah, but on a shooting range, not in real life.”

“Don’t sweat it, I’m sure you won’t even need it, but if we do find something, or someone out here, won’t you feel better having a little protection?”

“Well, since you put it that way, but I don’t like it.”

“Don’t worry. When you see the bad guys coming at you, you’ll feel a lot better about it. That’s not to say we’re gonna find any bad guys… but, well, you get the picture.”

“Yeah Starsky, I’m afraid I do.”

~~~~~

Anderson checked in on his patient one last time… The detective was ready. His eyes were open. But his mind not registering what he saw. He had a vague look of awareness about him.

“Hutchinson, can you hear me? This is Dr. Anderson.”

Nothing. What were the words to that song? the lights are on but no ones home? That summed it up. The IV drip had done its job. The time had come.

Anderson looked up at the cameras. “Come back down Connors, we need to get on with it”

Moments later, Connors was standing in the doorway.

“So what’s the plan Connors, you watching from the box seats, or the first row?”

Connors’ attention was locked on the man lying on the bunk. He appeared to be awake. His eyes open. But he had the look of a man long gone.

“I think I’ll stay courtside for this game. I’ve waited along time for this. So how does it work?”

“Watch,” Anderson instructed Connors.

“Hutchinson, raise your right arm.”

Nothing. Anderson walked over and stood next to Hutch, and spoke louder. “HUTCHINSON, I WANT YOU TO RAISE YOUR RIGHT ARM!”

Connors found himself worrying already that his well thought out plan wouldn’t take place. He glanced over at the doctor, then back to the detective.

Finally the seemingly awake man lifted his right arm into the air. And apparently was awaiting further instructions.

“Hutchinson, Lower your arm.”

The man’s arm went down. I could really have fun with this stuff, Connors thought.

“You ready Connors?” Anderson asked.

~~~~~

Starsky and Casey had parked the car away from the complex and continued on foot. They were able to make it into the main building with no resistance. Starsky was surprised by the lack of security. Could he have been wrong? If something were happening here, surely there would be security of some kind.

Jon couldn’t have been happier about the lack of resistance. He felt like a kid playing cops and robbers, but this was for real. What the hell was he doing here?

With pistols drawn, both men stormed the room labeled “Warden’s office.”

“No one home here either,” Casey said anxiously.

It was easy to see that someone had taken up residence here. There was trash, food, and clothes. They were just about to continue on their search, when Starsky noticed the monitors lined up on the desk at the far end of the room.

“Casey, over here.”

Starsky saw someone lying on a bunk, One man next to the bunk, and another sitting a few feet away. Checking out one of the other camera angles, he saw 2 guards at the door.

“Hutchinson, stand up.”

The speakers had been left on. The shock of hearing his long lost partners name, was nearly too much for Starsky.

The man on the bunk was getting up.

“Hutch, it’s Hutch!!” Starsky shouted.

“Where are they?” Starsky yelled. “There are over 1000 cells in this prison! Where are they?!!”

They continued to watch and listen in horror…

“Hutchinson, walk over to the corner of the room.”

Hutch proceeded to do as he was instructed.

“What’s wrong with him? He’s acting like a puppet. Look at him. He looks like hell,” Starsky cried.

Starsky was loosing it. All the training and experience he had encountered over the years, proved to be useless right now.

“What room are they in Jon? How are we gonna find them?”

“Take it easy Starsky, we’ll find him.”

The voice on the monitor continued. “Hutchinson, step up on chair.”

Starsky and Casey both saw the rope at the same time.

They’re gonna hang him…

“HUTCH!” Starsky yelled… the speakers were set to one-way.

Jon saw the switchboard and studied it. There was only one light on, and the light was above the number 850.

“Starsky, look! I think they’re in room 850.”

Starsky checked the fire escape map and found where room 850 was located. “Come on, he’s upstairs let’s go.”

The two men ran outta the warden’s office in search of the stairs.

“Hutchinson, I want you to put the rope around your neck.”

Connors couldn’t stand the excitement. Isn’t modern medicine wonderful? This guy is on death’s doors, to weak to move, yet here he is, walking, following orders.

Starsky and Casey made their way up to the 800 wing. 800…802…804…What room were there looking for, 850? We’ll never make it in time, Starsky worried…

“Hutchinson I want you to …”

“WAIT!” yelled Connors.

820,824,826…

“Hutchinson ,this is Vincent Connors …”

“What are you doing?” insisted Anderson. “We don’t have time for this crap.”

“Shut up! It means nothing if I can’t say this.”

834…836…838…

“Hutchinson, this is for the death of James S. Connors. Justice is served!”

844…846…848…

“Hutchinson, I want you to step off the chair.”

Connors’ joy had suddenly turned to outrage as he heard gun shots ring out. He turned to see his two men lying in the doorway. Connors had spent every waking moment consumed with revenge. He ate, drank, and slept revenge. Could all this be stolen from him in the 11th hour?

Hutchinson stepped off the chair.

Connors hadn’t even been given the perverse pleasure of watching the detective take the big step. He pulled his pistol, but didn’t get a shot off before being shot himself and knocked to the ground.

Casey lunged at the doctor, as Starsky seemingly flew through the air to hold Hutch up enough to release the tension of the rope.

“It’s ok Buddy, I’m here. You’re going to be fine.”

“I’d be careful if I were you,” Starsky heard the stranger say.

“Who said you could talk? Did I say you could talk?” Casey told the doctor as he held him down. That’s it, he thought. No more late night cop shows for me.

“Okay,” the man answered. “It’s his funeral.”

“What are you talking about?” insisted Casey.

“There is something you should know about Hutchinson’s condition. Of course that means you put in a good word for me, right?”

“It means we don’t put a hole in you right now!” Yep, definitely one too many movies!

“Okay, okay, we’ll go over the details later,” conceded Anderson. “Your detective, he’s in rather delicate way, and I don’t mean with child, if you catch my drift.”

“SHUT UP ANDERSON! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?” howled Connors.

“I know when to hold ’em and I know when to fold ’em, and it’s definitely time to fold. Its called negotiating, Mr. Connors. It can mean the difference between jail time and the death sentence.”

A wounded but determined Connors made it to his feet. Time had run out, he knew this was his last chance to kill this cop once and for all. He would run and tackle the two detectives. The impact alone would be enough to cause the damage Anderson had warned about. It wasn’t a hanging, but he’d be dead just the same.

A shot rang out, Connors fell inches from where Starsky was holding Hutch.

Starsky looked over and saw Jon with his gun drawn…

“Good work, Casey.”

Casey couldn’t remember when he had been so scared. His hands were shaking so badly, he had no idea how he hit his target. But he was thankful he had.

Starsky took the rope from around Hutch’s neck… and stood there holding him, afraid to move.

“Finish!! What’s wrong with him?” demanded Starsky.

“Can we save time and just say what isn’t wrong?”

Casey turned and lowered the pistol right between the good doctor’s eyes.

“Okay, okay. You just need to be careful how you handle him. His ribs are that close to going right through his heart. To be frank, I’ve never seen a man closer to death… Now you remember that cop,” Anderson pointed out.” If I hadn’t told you this, your buddy would never have survived your rescue.”

Jon couldn’t stand the doctor’s sniveling any longer. He decided to give the doctor a little something, a right cross that he wouldn’t soon forget.

Starsky remained standing, still holding the weight of Hutch. He didn’t want to move. Casey walked over to the two men.

“Come on Starsky, let me help you lay him down, you can’t hold him forever. I’ll call for help.”

Starsky hadn’t spoken, but allowed Jon to help with Hutch. They carefully laid the badly injured man down on the bunk. Starsky saw that Hutch’s eyes were still open.

“It’s as if he still waiting, waiting for his next command,” Starsky observed.

“Give him one, Starsky.”

“Hutch, close your eyes buddy. You need to relax. Help is on the way.”

No response.

Starsky remembered how the orders were given before.

“Hutchinson, I want you to close your eyes and relax.”

Hutch’s eyes slowly closed.

Jon waited outside for the help to arrive. He wanted to allow the two men some private time. He only hoped they weren’t too late. He wasn’t a doctor, but he knew that Starsky’s partner didn’t look good, didn’t look good at all…

~~~~~

Starsky looked at the man lying in front of him. He held only a vague resemblance to the man he had called his partner and best friend. What had they done to him? Had he found him only to lose him again?

“Hey Hutch, you hang on, you hear me? The bad guys are gone, buddy. Everything is okay. You just hang in there,” Starsky pleaded as he pictured Hutch falling down the black hole, calling out to him.

Help had finally arrived. Casey escorted everyone back to cell 850.

Starsky stopped the paramedics as they walked over to Hutch.

“Listen to me,” Starsky looked at the name tag. “Chad Lavery, listen good. This is Detective Hutchinson. One of LAPD’s finest, and the best friend a guy could have. He’s in a very bad way. We’ve been told any wrong movement will send his ribs straight through his heart. Do you get the picture? No sudden movements. You got it?!!”

“Don’t worry,” Chad assured him. “We’ll handle with care.”

“I wanna ride with him,” Starsky insisted, as they headed for the ambulance.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” replied the second EMTW “we need to start working on him as quick as possible. There are immediate medical concerns here. We don’t have time to help him, and worry about you at the same time.”

“I’m going! I won’t be in the way…but I’m going!”

Lavery knew there was no point in arguing. He waved off his partner and they proceeded in carrying Hutch to the waiting ambulance, with Starsky in tow.

“Your keys, Starsky. I’ll follow behind,” Casey said, not sure if he was even heard, until he saw the keys heading in his direction. He ran to the car and was quickly right behind the ambulance.

The drive to the hospital was taking an eternity. The slow speed was making Starsky a wreck. But he realized that it was imperative to take things nice and slow. Rushing could have deadly results.

It was hard watching them work on his partner, knowing that all he could do now was to sit and observe. Hutch looked so pale, so defeated. They had been through some bad times before. There had even been times that they had almost lost Hutch. But nothing like this. He couldn’t remember a time that Hutch looked this close to death.

His thoughts were interrupted by the alarm on the portable monitor.

“What’s that?!!” Starsky demanded. “What’s wrong… WHAT’S WRONG?!!”

He received no response.

The EMT’s already frantic pace was even more urgent now. Starsky’s heart was in his throat, he couldn’t move, couldn’t talk. He didn’t need an answer; he realized all on his own what had happened. Hutch had stopped breathing.

He heard Lavery talking to the hospital.

“Negative, unable to defib. Roger, administering now.”

Starsky watched as the longest needle that he had ever seen was injected into Hutch, which seem to have little or no affect from what he could tell. This had to be a bad dream. Please let this be a bad dream.

He hadn’t noticed the ambulance coming to a stop. Was only vaguely aware of the doors opening. He watched as they got out of the ambulance. Watched as they continued to work on his seemingly lifeless partner. He looked on as they left the ambulance, but he couldn’t move. He felt paralyzed, frozen with fear.

Starsky watched helplessly, as they wheeled his friend away.

“Starsky? Are you okay?… David?” Casey asked as he came around to that back of the ambulance.

Starsky looked up from his blank stare. His eyes meet Jon’s.

“Come on Starsky. Let’s go inside.”

“I can’t,” Starsky replied.

Jon could see Starsky’s glassed over blue eyes no longer able to bravely hold back the tears. “What’s wrong, Starsk? What happened?”

“I can’t go in. If I stay out here, then I won’t have to hear the words.”

Jon was becoming worried. Starsky was loosing it. “Starsky, what words, what are you talking about?”

Starsky looked at Casey. Jon could see the pain in his friend’s eyes.

Starsky couldn’t bring himself to say the words. None-the-less, they were echoing around his head… he was terrified of hearing what they tell everyone at a time like this. Sorry, we did everything we could.

Jon could see that something traumatic must have happened on the ride over. He saw one of the EMT’s walking back to where they were. Jon waited for them to walk over to where he and Starsky stood.

“Chad, was it?” Jon said with his hand extended.

Lavery shook the mans hand as he answered. “Yes sir, and you are?”

“Jon, Jon Casey. I’m a friend of Detective Starsky here. I was wondering if you can give us an update on detective Hutchinson.”

“Hey there. Detective. How are you holding up?”

Chad could see the man searching for words… it was obvious to him what this man was thinking.

“Listen Detective. Sorry you had to go through that, but you need to know that we were able to get your partner’s heart back. I won’t kid you, he’s in very bad shape, but he pulled through this last ordeal. We don’t wanna count him out yet.”

Starsky had to sit down.

Chad was happy he could put this mans fear to rest if even just for the moment. There have been too many times he hadn’t been able to deliver the same good news. He put his hand on Starsky shoulder. “You hang in there, guy.” Then turned and shook Jon’s hand again before sitting back in the ambulance to finish the paperwork.

Starsky looked up at Jon. “How could I have been so willing to think the worst? How could I allow myself to give up on him like that?”

“Oh come on Starsky, don’t be so hard on yourself. I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t have reacted the same way. Now quit beating yourself up over this, and let’s get in there and wait for some news, what do you say?”

Starsky took Casey’s outstretched hand and allowed him to help him up. Without another word, both men walked in and found the trauma center waiting room and began waiting for the long to come word on Hutch.

After 1 hour became 2, Jon walked to where Starsky was pacing. “It’s gonna be some time before we know anything. How bout let’s go on down to the cafeteria and get some coffee. It’s gonna be a long night.”

“No! I’m not leaving!” Starsky shouted. “I’m not going anywhere till I know how he is.”

“Ok, Starsky, I understand, we’ll sit here and wait.”

Another hour passed. Starsky looked over at Casey. He tried to imagine what was going in his mind… He had to be wondering what he was even doing here. What happened to his once normal life. Connors! He’s never hated anyone so much in his life. The one thing he regretted was that he wasn’t the one that had the privilege of sending him back where he came from!

Starsky walked over to Casey, and asked him if the offer for coffee was still good.

Jon couldn’t help but show relief. “I thought you’d never ask.”

The two men sat and drank coffee.

“You handled yourself very well out there today, Casey.”

“Thanks, I had a good teacher.”

“I have to say though,” said Starsky, “listening to you talk to Anderson, I thought I was in the middle of a bad cop show.”

Jon had to laugh. “I know. No more late night Adam 12’s for me!”

“You still think you’ll be content typing away on a computer behind a desk somewhere?”

“Are you kidding me, Starsky?! Look at this,” pointing to his head. “Do you see all these gray hairs? They were brown this morning! I don’t think I was cut out for this. At least not full time. Perhaps you could just call me in on the really tough cases that you and Hutch can’t figure out!”

Starsky appreciated Jon’s including Hutch in his comment. It was a nice gesture.

“Well, just have your “bat phone” ready at all times.”

“Same bat time, same bat channel.”

The two men laughed. It felt good, but Starsky wondered how odd it was to be able to laugh when all you wanted to do was scream.

Time seemed to go by so slowly. Starsky realized it wasn’t the time that was creeping by, it had already been 10 and 1/2 hours since they had arrived. It was just the word on Hutch’s condition that was slow in coming. They hadn’t heard anything. He had dozed off a few times during that time, but most of it was spent worrying. His own aches and pains were beginning to settle back in, but he didn’t dare take his pills; he had to be sharp for Hutch.

Casey had helped pass the time. Starsky tried insisting he go home, but luckily he refused. The thought of waiting through this alone seemed too much to handle right now.

“Detective Starsky?”

“Yeah, that’s me.”

“Detective, Doctor Simon would like to speak to you, will you follow me?”

“Hang on, I’ll be right with you.”

Starsky ran over to where Jon had fallen asleep. “Jon wake up… The doctor has some news.”

Jon jumped up as if he hadn’t been sleeping at all, although his tired eyes proved otherwise. “I’m right behind you, Starsky.”

The nurse led the two men to a conference room at the end of the hall. They stepped inside, and sat down.

“So we meet again. Come in, Detective Starsky, and” …the doctor was looking at Jon…..

“Oh, this is Detective Casey,” Starsky said as he gave Jon a wink. “Casey, this was my doctor while I was here.”

“I can’t say that you’re looking much better than when you left, detective.”

“I can’t say I feel much better, Doc. Now please… how’s my partner? How’s Hutch?”

The doctor began. “I understand that you’ve been made aware of at least some of Detective Hutchinson’s injuries?”

“Not much of anything…Broken ribs is all we’ve heard.”

“Well, it’s been very slow going. We’ve had to be very careful with the extensive testing that was necessary. Let me just tell you some of what we found, and then we’ll go from there.”

Starsky didn’t like the sound of this. Why hadn’t the doctor just come out and say he’s alright?

“Ok, let’s see.” The doctor pulled out a chart on the patient. “The list is long. Detective Hutchinson has many injuries, any one of them could be considered life threatening. He has suffered what must have been several beatings. I think we found one rib that was left in tact. He has a collapsed lung. His right shoulder had been dislocated. The cat scan concluded several fractures to the skull.”

My God, Starsky thought! How much more could there be?

“There were a few broken fingers. We didn’t bother counting all of the bruises. We found burn marks on his chest, which is apparently the effect from some sort of electrocution. We’re not sure what other effects can be attributed to that yet. He has been malnourished and severally dehydrated.”

“Come on Doctor, that’s ridiculous. How could anyone suffering from all that still be alive?” Jon asked.

“There’s more. Oddly enough we found traces of morphine in the blood stream.”

“Morphine?” Starsky interrupted. “What, they wanted to make him as comfortable as possible while they tortured him?”

The Doctor continued. “The one, and most peculiar find, was some kind of mystery drug also found also in the blood stream. It was a substantial amount. We’re analyzing now.”

“Doc, I don’t wanna be rude here, but can we cut to the chase? What are you doing for him? How is he?”

“Not rude at all, Detective… just wanted to give you an idea what we’re up against. Needless to say we have him listed as critical. We’re having trouble stabilizing him. His heartbeat is very erratic, probably caused by the combination of drugs in his system, and the electric shock he incurred. We’ve lost his heartbeat a few times, but have been able to pull him back. He’s prepped for surgery, as soon as he’s stable, we’re going to try to repair the damage to the lung. That’s a priority. It’s got to be done before he drowns in his own fluids. We’ll also be setting the shoulder and securing the rib cage.”

“All this time and you haven’t done any of that yet? What have you been doing in there?”

“I know you’re upset Det. Starsky. We had to be very delicate in our examination. We have treated some of his injuries, but it’s life threatening to do surgery before he is stable. He’d never survive.”

“So what you’re telling me is that you don’t know if he’s going to make it?” Starsky challenged

“I’m sorry Detective, I know that’s not what you want to hear, but I believe in being honest. I don’t want there to be any false hopes. We’re doing everything that can be done, please know that.”

“I do, Doc…I’m just afraid that might not be enough. Can I see him?”

“I really don’t think it’s a good idea….” replied Dr. Simon.

“Please Doctor,” Starsky pleaded. “I’ll just stay for a minute. The last time I saw him he was “dead.” I just need to see for myself, just let him know someone’s here.”

“Well I suppose if you’re just in and out it’ll be okay. As you can imagine, he’s not conscious right now, so don’t expect much when you go in.”

Starsky told Jon he’d be right back, and followed Dr. Simon to Hutch’s room.

“Remember Detective, in and out.”

“Thanks Doc.”

Starsky looked at Hutch. He was set aback by all the tubes and monitors that were devouring his friend. It did bring him relief to see Hutch’s chest rise and fall. Even though he saw that his breathing was assisted, at least he was breathing. Starsky was still ashamed for allowing himself to think that the worst. It wasn’t like either of them to give up on each other. Time and events and taken their toll.

“Hutch, it’s me, Starsky. I want you to be strong. You’re safe now the bad guys are gone. We’re all waiting on you to come back to us.”

The nurse poked her head in the room…”Sorry” was all she said.

Starsky watched Hutch take several more breaths, then walked out.

“I’ll be waiting for word Doctor, when you know anything…”

“I know where to find you,” replied Dr. Simon.

Starsky went back to the waiting room to rejoin Jon. “Hey Casey, you still here?”

“I’m afraid so, how did it go?”

“I don’t think they could have fit another piece of medical equipment in there if they tried.”

“Well, just thank God we have the equipment!”

“I was just happy to see him drawing breath. He’s got to get through this.”

“Starsky, it wasn’t that long ago that you were laid up in here, you know. Why don’t you take something and have the nurses find you a room? When Hutch wakes up, he’s not going to be happy to find you napping.”

“I don’t see how I could sleep now, but you’re right. I should try. But first, I need to call Dobey, let him know what’s happened.”

Starsky hung up the phone and walked over to Jon.

“Well, he’s on the way up. If you don’t mind, I think I will see about finding somewhere to crash. Would you mind waiting on Dobey and filling him in?”

“Don’t mind at all, Happy napping, Starsky. Remember, it’s going to be a good while before we hear anything, so try to relax.”

Starsky laid staring at the ceiling. How ridiculous of Casey to think he would actually be able to get any rest. And that had been his last thought before falling fast asleep.

While waiting for Captain Dobey to arrive, Casey was joined by the nurse.

“I know Detective Starsky is resting, I didn’t wanna bother him, but I did want to update him concerning his partners condition.”

“Is it something he should be woken up for?” asked Jon.

“Well, Let me update you, and then you can make that decision. We’ve finally been able to stabilize him enough to get him into surgery. We were worried that we might lose him before getting that chance. He’s still in surgery, but that he’s lasted this long through a long, difficult surgery in such a weakened state, is something to be optimistic about.”

“Is there anyway of knowing how long he might be in there?”

“I’m afraid not. They don’t know the extent of damage till they get in there. But we’ll let you know something as soon as we get word.”

“Thanks,” Jon looked at the tag, “Catherine.”

“You’re welcome, and don’t forget we have coffee and donuts at the nurses station. You’re welcome to them.”

“Thanks again Catherine. We just might do that later.”

Jon went back to the room and sat down. Should he wake Starsky up? He knew he’d get in trouble for letting him sleep. But there was nothing for him to do but worry. And there wouldn’t be much sleep to be had after surgery. He decided to let Starsky’s sleep.

It wasn’t much later that Jon saw Captain Dobey walk off the elevator. He walked over to meet him.

“Hello Jon. Where’s Starsky?”

“He decided to get some much needed sleep. He was really beginning to look much worse for the wear.”

“He must be feeling bad if he’s asleep with Hutch here. What’s the word on Hutch?”

Jon spent the next 20 minutes bringing the Captain up to date.

“These guys have been in some tight spots before. This sounds like it could be one of the tightest..” Dobey stopped talking at seeing Starsky walking towards them.

“Hey Cap, you made it.”

Before letting him reply Starsky turned to Jon. “Any word?”

“It’s been awhile now, but the nurse came in to let you know that they had taken Hutch into surgery, but no one’s been back since.”

“They came out here, and you didn’t wake me up?” demanded Starsky.

“I’m sorry Starsky, but she was sure it was going to be quite awhile before there would be any news. I just thought you’d benefit from the rest.”

“That wasn’t your decision, was it. You should have woke me up,” insisted Starsky. “I want to know everything. Do you understand?”

“Understood,” Jon answered.

Starsky left the room to track down the nurse.

“Well that’s not good enough,” Starsky shot back.

“Sorry detective, we know how hard this is on you. But we just don’t know anything more.” Starsky was just about to let loose when he saw Dr. Simon walking down the hall.

Starsky tried to read his face…nope, he had been doing this to long. He’d have to wait to hear what the Doctor had to say.

“Well,” the Doctor began, “Detective Hutchinson made it through the surgery”

Starsky’s relief was obvious.

“How ’bout we find Casey? that way we’ll only have to run thru this once.”

The two men walked into the waiting room where Jon and Dobey were talking.

“He’s out?” ask Dobey.

“The Doctor is here to fill us in. Hutch is out of surgery. Go on Doc, what’s the news?”

“Yes, he did survive surgery which was no small feat. But you have to understand, he is in no way out of the woods,” the doctor cautioned. “The next 24 to 48 hours will tell the tale. We were able to repair the lung. But his breathing is still assisted by the respirator. The splintered ribs didn’t damage his heart. That’s the good news. The bad news is that his heart is still in a very weakened state. Mostly brought on by the electrocution he received. We’re hoping that will not prove to be permanent damage.”

“I can’t wait to get a hold of that Dr. Anderson to find out exactly what went on at that abandoned prison,” Starsky replied. “How all these injuries were inflicted, I mean electrocution? What is that all about?”

“I’d be interested in finding that out myself,” agreed Dr. Simon. “I’d be especially interested in the mystery drug. It’s a very powerful drug to be in his system this long, and still to be at such high levels. We’re still not sure what affect it’s having on Detective Hutchinson. I’m still awaiting further lab work on the drug. And really, that’s about all there is to report. I’ll let you know of any changes. When he gets out of recovery we’ll see about letting you in there to see him.”

“Thanks Doc. I’ll try to stay away until you’ve given the okay.”

“See that you do, Detective.” The Doctor left the room.

“Starsky, I think I’m going to take this time to head on home. The good captain is here to help keep you inline. I think I need a breather. These clothes are smelling a bit ripe.”

“I didn’t chase you off, did I Casey? I’m sorry about biting your head off back there. I’m just not myself.”

“Just tired, that’s all. I need off this roller coaster you call life!” Jon joked.

“Okay, I can understand that… one day I’ll thank you properly for all your help today. Now go. Do you want my car?”

“Nah, I’ll cab it this time. Night Starsky, Night Captain.”

~~~~~

Jon found it strange to be back home again. It was like waking up from one crazy dream. Being home brought him back to his reality. After taking a long hot shower, Jon grabbed a beer and sat down with his thoughts. How drastically his life had changed in the recent months. It was if he had lived two different lives. He had to admit that he had enjoyed the wild pace of Starsky’s life. But he knew he wouldn’t trade it for the life he had before… before having ever heard the name Connors.

His first love was Annie, and when it’s all said and done, that’s what he longed for. If she’d ever have him. Ever give him another chance. Annie filled his dreams that night.

Filled his dreams so much that he felt suddenly empty when the phone woke him. He looked at the clock while answering. Could he really have slept for 12 hours? Dreaming or not, he decided it was the happiest 12 hours in months! “Hello?”

“I woke you up, didn’t I?”

“Thank goodness you did! I think I was on my way to being the next Rip Van Winkle!. So what’s up Starsky?”

“We just heard back from the Doctor. The results of the mystery drug is on its way down. Thought maybe you’d like to hear what they found out.”

“Sure, I’m on my way. Thanks for the call.”

“Well unlike you, I know when to wake someone up with important news!”

“Oh, good one,” Jon mused. “I’ll be right there.”

~~~~~

Jon arrived just as the Doctor was sitting down with Starsky.

“Sit Jon, the Doctor was just explaining what they found out about the mystery drug… continue Doctor.”

“Well, as I was saying. This type of drug is along the lines of a mind controlling substance.”

“Like a form of brain washing Doctor?” Jon asked

“Well it can be put in the same category, but much more sophisticated. This drug works to totally separate mind from body. That would explain what you saw. Hutchinson was too weak and injured to open his eyes, let-alone do what you claimed to have seen. The drugs allow the brain to act separating, not feeling any responses from the body. It would have done anything it was instructed until the body itself had been mortally damaged.”

“Why would anyone have use for something like this?”

“The only known drug like this was a government secret,” the doctor continued. “Not many know about it. Imagine having an army that can’t be stopped by mere gunshots and the like. They would keep right on fighting unaffected by any wounds they incurred.”

“Incredible,” responded Starsky, “that’s just incredible.”

“Indeed, and for this so called doctor to get a hold of it… Does he have that good of a connection, or is this stuff just that easy to get a hold of?”

“Well thanks Doc. You’ll let me know when I can see Hutch?” Starsky added.

“Will do Detective.”

“So,” Jon went on. “This is what made Hutch put a noose around his own neck??”

“Apparently so,” said Starsky. “We’ve got to find out more. We’ve got to find out what happened in the prison!”

“I was thinking, Starsky,” Jon replied. “I was thinking about making the offer to go down and talk to Anderson while you stay here with Hutch. But we both know I’m not legit.”

“Well, if you’d be willing to do that, I’ll put a call into Dobey, see if we just can’t somehow make you legit! Be right back, Oh, and thanks for the offer.”

Jon waited for Starsky’s return. His day dreaming about his night dreaming was interrupted by a very boisterous Starsky.

“Captain Dobey is going to meet you downtown to talk to Anderson. You know where it is… it’s the same place you went down to ID me as a murderer.”

“Ouch! That was a low blow there, Starsky. You don’t let anything go, do you? But I suppose the truth hurts, and yes, I do know where it’s at.”

“Sorry, just couldn’t resist that one… and as far as Anderson is concerned, I’d really love to do it myself, I just don’t wanna leave here just yet. Are you sure the offer is still good?”

“Sure I’m on my way, but you do know…”

“I know, I know. You’re not trained for this stuff. Tell it to someone who’ll believe it. Now just go on down and squeeze that turnip till you get blood.”

Jon laughed. “Will do, I’ll come back here when I’m finished. I ‘m assuming this is where you’ll be?”

“That would be a safe bet. Now get going. Oh and I know you’re new to this and all, so unless you have a recorder on you, take a pen and paper. We wouldn’t want you to leave out any of the good stuff.”

“Pen and Paper, gotcha.”

Jon left, and Starsky went back to pace the floor. If the Doctor didn’t come soon, he was going to insist on seeing Hutch. He didn’t even need to be in the room, he just wanted to see him, see that he’s still among the living.

~~~~~

“Hey Captain, thanks for meeting me down here.”

“Glad to help,” replied Dobey. “I’m sure you’ve never interrogated anyone before, Casey. Do you have a question about anything?”

“Like why I’m being allowed to do this? Got any words of wisdom?”

“This is highly irregular and I’m sure my job as well as Starsky’s would be history if this got out. But Starsky thought it would help if Anderson saw someone he already had dealings with. Someone who had already heard part of his ramblings. As for as words of wisdom… just don’t let him know that you’ve never interrogated anyone before… Good luck, Oh, and one more thing, never refuse to make a deal, but never to agree to one either,” Dobey added.

“This should prove to be interesting,” Jon told the captain as he headed down the hall.

The guard escorted “Det. Casey” to the cell holding Dr. Anderson.

“Evening Dr. Anderson. Do you remember me? The name’s Casey.”

“Yeah, seems I do remember you. Let’s take a close look at your fist and I’ll let you know for sure,” Anderson said sarcastically. “So, what brings you to my humble abode, Det. Casey?”

“I’ve come to see just how much you’re willing to work with us on the Hutchinson case.”

“Ah yes, Hutchinson….is that poor slob still alive?”

“Just answer the question.”

“What do you mean by help out?” asked Anderson.

“We want details. Details of what happened, why it happened, and how it happened… You were spilling your guts the other day. Thought you wanted to get things off your chest,” answered Casey.

“Are we talking a deal here Detective?”

“We never talk deal until we know if there’s anything to talk about.” Jon felt exhilarated yet uneasy at the same time.

“So if I tell you a little story about what, why and how, you might be able to do a little something for me, is that right?”

“You’re not really in any position to bargain, but you work with us, and we’ll work with you.” Jon was quite amused with this game of cat and mouse. It’s like Dobey had said. Don’t refuse a deal, but don’t make a deal… fine line!

“Ok, Det. Casey, what do you wanna know?”

“Lets start with the whys, doctor.”

“That’s easy enough,” said Anderson. “The why is because Connors was a crazed lunatic that held Hutchinson responsible for his brother’s arrest, and later death at Hayes prison.”

“What about the whys of Detective David Starsky being set up?” Jon asked.

“Simple,” Anderson continued. “Connors needed him out of the way. Even though both men answered the call that night, he had always held Hutchinson personally responsible for what happened to his brother.”

“Okay, one more why…. why were you brought in?”

“Connors needed a physician to monitor Hutchinson’s condition. He wanted to be able to abuse the detective, but not to the point of death, not until Connors was ready. So he needed me to tell him when to back off.”

“Lets go to the what’s, “instructed Jon. “What exactly was the plan?”

“The plan was to have Hutchinson read a journal entry that his brother had made concerning his mistreatment and abuse. Then he would inflict the same abuse on Hutchinson.”

“Go on.”

“Connors loved the drama. First of course, he had to toy with Hutchinson. He had seen to it that Hutchinson didn’t know where he was or why he was there. That lasted quite awhile. Then when Connors was ready for him to know, he added a drug to the detective’s food. It caused him to be somewhat paralyzed, only able to listen, and nothing more.

Finally, when he had toyed with Hutchinson long enough, it began. First was a series of beatings, and he was also holding back food and water. Next had been the electrocution. Apparently his brother had been electrocuted while in the prison. Connors wanted Hutchinson to have the same experience. But he was too weak, so Connors had a plan B. A more portable way of carrying out the electrocution was brought in. And again, that’s why he needed me. He knew that as soon as the detective was hit with the electricity, his heart would more than likely stop. And he needed someone there to make sure it started back up again, because he wasn’t through with Hutchinson.”

“And you just went along with this,” Jon said disgustingly. “What kind of animal does that make you?”

“Sticks and stones, Det. Casey. I was just doing a job, and if you think about it, I’m actually the hero here. If not for me, Hutchinson would have been dead along time ago.”

The sick part, Jon thought, his guy really believes that! “All right, let’s’ skip to the how’s.”

“The how’s were easy, too,” Anderson bragged.

“How can you talk about all this being simple, and easy? And you called Connors a lunatic?”

“As a doctor you learn to not get personal about life and death. May sound cold to you, but I’m just telling you like it is,” continued Anderson. “I just advised Connors when the abuse was to much. Connors wanted to make sure they got to stage 3… the hanging.”

“Stage 3, huh? He really had this mapped out, didn’t he?” Jon asked.

“Oh yes, he was obsessed to say the least. Everything had to go according to plan. If Hutchinson wouldn’t read the journal entry, he was refused anything to eat or drink till he complied. Connors wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“The only time the plan wavered was when Hutchinson had been very close to death, and I advised Connors to lay off for awhile. Otherwise Hutchinson would have been to dead to attend his hanging. So he had no choice but to hold back. And it was that little break in action that allowed us to revise the ending to stage 3.”

“What do you mean, revise?”

“Originally, Connors was going to have his thugs handle the hanging, but he decided that his brother took his own life, Hutchinson would do the same.

And that’s when I told him about a certain drug that just might do the trick. It was ingenious actually. What we needed was something that would somehow allow a man, that was knocking on deaths door, to be able to pick himself up, and actually commit suicide by hanging. That’s when I remembered something…

There was a Doctor I had once worked with had told me about this experimental drug that was being tested on unsuspecting people. What it did was take away a persons own thinking ability. They were like machines waiting to take orders, no matter what physical condition he was in, and that was just what Connors had wanted.

I got in contact with this man, and was able to get a small amount of the drug to use on Hutchinson….. I added the drug to his IV, and before you knew it, he was taking orders. I don’t think there was anything he wouldn’t have done. But Connors’ requests were simple…. Put the rope around your neck, and step off.”

Jon couldn’t believe the coldness this man used to describe the story. “Who was this man that you got the drug from?”

“That’s for me to know you and to find out. At least until I know what kinda of deal we’re talking about. I don’t mind telling a story, but naming names is a whole nother ball game!”

“So whoever you got the drug from is someone to worry about, eh?” Jon suggested.

“Well it’s true that this guy is bad news, but right now it’s not him I’m worried about, it’s myself I’m concerned with.”

“Yeah, that’s how guys like you usually think. Well, I’m outta here. I’ll relay your story, but one thing to keep in mind while your playing your little game of secrets… I don’t think prison guards take to well to a prisoner on their watch being a cop killer… think about that.” It’s always good to add a little fear factor, Jon figured. “Have a good evening.”

Captain Dobey was waiting for him outside. “So how’d you do on your first interrogation attempt?”

“Not bad,” replied Jon. “But I didn’t find out what I went in there for. He wouldn’t say where he got the drug without guarantees of a deal, and believe me that’s the last thing this guy deserves.”

“Unfortunately that’s usually the way it goes. Let me talk to the higher ups, though, and see what they think about the case. You going back to the hospital?”

“Yeah, I figure that’s where Starsky’s still calling home.”

“Okay, well tell Starsky to call me when there’s news, and by the way Casey, good job. More volunteers like yourself, and we can save the tax payers a lot of money.”

“Don’t sweat it Captain. The bill is in the mail as we speak.”

“I knew it was too good to be true.”

“Thanks for your help Captain. I’ll have Starsky call you.”

~~~~~

Jon drove back to the hospital, all the while contemplating whether or not he should share all that he had learned. He wasn’t sure if Starsky could take it right now, at least not till he knew if Hutchinson was going to make it. He’d just worry about it when the time comes, he decided.

Jon got off the elevator, and headed towards the waiting room. He looked in and saw Starsky asleep on the couch.

He decided to check with the nurse’s station about any news. “Hi Catherine. I just got in and was wondering if there’s anything new to report?”

“Sorry, there isn’t much to tell. Det. Hutchinson has not yet regained consciousness. He isn’t breathing on his own yet. Basically, he’s shown no signs of improvement, but at least we do not have to report him being any worse. Which is really saying a lot, considering his condition. His vitals are still very low, and he is still listed as critical.”

“Has he been in to see Hutch yet?”

“We didn’t have a choice, actually… He insisted. I’m not sure it helped ease his mind much, although he was able to at least see that his partner was still among the living. He sat in with him for about 15 min, then I ran him out. And that’s about it. Consider yourself updated.”

“Thanks Catherine, I appreciate your time.”

“Wish I could do more, but we will at least keep you all updated.”

“I’m sure you all are doing everything you can. Thanks.”

Jon went into the waiting room and sat on the couch. He would wait for Starsky to wake up. He hadn’t learned his lesson, once again he didn’t have the heart to wake him. Finally without realizing, he too had fallen asleep.

Starsky woke up, to find Jon asleep. He didn’t want to wake him, but he was anxious to hear what he had found out. As he got up to wake Jon, he saw a mini-recorder lying next to him. He should have known that Casey would be to high tech for paper and pen.

Starsky saw no point in waking Jon up, he would just listen to the tape, and find out for himself…

After hearing the tape, after hearing the way Anderson talked about how easy, and how simple it had all been, he felt a side of him emerging. A side of himself that he neither liked, nor trusted. The side of him that just a few short days allowed him to break the law he had worked so hard to uphold.

Anderson wasn’t going to plead his way out of this one. No, Starsky decided. He would “easily and simply” make him pay.

Starsky got up and made his way to the elevator. His mind was focused. He was going down to the county jail and have a little word with Anderson.

Just as the elevator door opened, he heard his name.

“Starsky, hey where you headed?” asked Jon.

“I’ve got an errand I need to take care of. I’ll be back soon enough,” Starsky replied. He walked onto the elevator before Jon had a chance to say anything else.

Jon wasn’t sure what that was all about, but he knew he didn’t like the look in Starsky’s eye as he got on the elevator. Had he gotten some kind of word on Hutch? He’d check with the doctor. Something was definitely not right.

Jon walked over to the nurse’s station. “Hi Catherine, sorry to bother you again. I was wondering if I could get you to page Dr. Simon for me.”

“Oh Sorry, Det. Casey. Dr. Simon isn’t here right now. He won’t be in till this evening. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Well, I was just wondering if anyone has talked with Starsky about his partner’s condition.”

“Not that I’m aware of. There hasn’t been any change in his condition.”

“Ok, thanks Catherine. Guess he just got a wild hair,” he mumbled to himself.

“What was that , Det. Casey?”

“Oh nothing, thanks again.”

Jon tried to think where Starsky would have run off to in such a huff. The recorder! Jon looked everywhere. It was gone. Starsky must have listened to the tape. That’s where he’s gone.

Jon ran down the stairs. Not wanting to be at the mercy of the elevators, he was out the hospital door in no time flat, but no sign of Starsky. He got too much of a head start. He was glad he brought his car this time. He knew Starsky would be out of his mind. There was no time to waste.

~~~~~

Starsky didn’t worry about a parking space. He stopped his car in the middle of the road, and the entered the county jail.

The fire was still burning, he was still focused. Still determined to show Anderson just how easily and simply Starsky could make him sorry for what he had done.

“Afternoon Sgt. Slater. I’m here to talk to a Dr. Anderson.”

“Sorry Det. Starsky. He’s in with his lawyer.”

“Oh is he? Well that’s good. He has his rights you know. The right to torture, the right to kill. We wouldn’t want anyone to take his rights away, would we?”

“Are you ok Detective?”

“Who me? I’m just fine, or at least I will be after I meet with Anderson.”

“Take a seat if you’d like, I’ll call you when he’s ready to see you.”

“Yeah ok, just whenever it’s convenient to Dr. Anderson. We don’t wanna be bothering him, do we?”

Starsky paced for a few minutes then decided he wasn’t going to wait any longer. He headed down the hallway that would take him to the jail cells.

“Look Detective, you can’t just barge in here,” warned the duty sergeant.

Starsky hadn’t acknowledged the officer at all…he just kept walking.

Sgt. Slater knew he’d better to call for assistance. He ran back down to the desk where he was met by someone looking for the out of control detective.

“Hello,” Jon said, “I’m looking for a Det. Starsky. Have you seen him?”

“Have I seen him?!” the officer exclaimed. “I’m about to have to arrest him. He’s down that way. If you think you can stop him, you’d better make it quick before he does something he’s going to regret.”

Jon had made it half way down the hall before the Sgt. finished talking.

“Starsky!” Jon shouted.

Jon came up on Starsky just as he was trying to manhandle the keys away from the guard. Jon looked over at Anderson. He was sure he’d never seen eyes that big in his life. “Come on Starsky, what are you doing?” Jon tried to get Starsky’s attention focused on him.

“What am I doing? Well, Detective Casey, it was Detective, wasn’t it,” Starsky was talking out of his head. “I heard the nice little conversation you shared with this piece of trash.”

“Yeah I thought that’s why you took off on me.”

“If you know that’s why I’m here, why ask me what I’m doing? I think it would be obvious to such a fine detective as yourself.”

“Starsky listen to me, I know it was hard to hear. I wanted to punch the guy out myself. I admit I know very little about the law, but I knew enough to know that punching him would only get me thrown in here with him.”

“Spare me the rhetoric, Casey. This low life has to pay for what he did. Nobody has the right to do what he did.”

“Do you hear anyone disagreeing with you, Starsky? Of course he’s gonna pay. But I don’t have to tell you that there’s a right way and a wrong way. If you do this, if you take your revenge on this man, what would separate you from him, or Connors? That’s what started all this you know. One man wanted revenge against another. We need to end it Starsky.” Jon could sense that he was getting through.

“And what happens to your partner? The poor fella is fighting for the right to live, and when he wins that fight, where will you be? Come on Starsky, let’s strike this up to sleep deprivation, and get back to the hospital, what do you say?”

Starsky turned and glared at Anderson. “This is your lucky day, I wouldn’t count on many more!”

Jon was thinking as they walked away, that if looks could kill, Anderson would be 6 feet under right now.

As the rage subsided, Starsky wasn’t sure what had come over him. It was as watching through someone else’s eyes. What would he really have done had he been able to get in that cell? What was happening to him?

Starsky attempted to apologize, the two officers had made it easy for him. Everyone had heard about what he was going through. They were just glad it came to a peaceful end.

“Don’t worry about it, Detective. We all have our moments, good luck with your partner.”

“Thanks guys.” He shook hands and walked out the door.

The two men got back into Starsky’s car. They both sat there not knowing what to say. Jon didn’t want to make Starsky feel any worse than he did. And Starsky didn’t know what to say to Jon to explain what had happened.

Finally Starsky spoke. “That was one hell of a closing argument, Atty. Casey. Just how many hats do you wear at one time anyway?” Starsky felt like he had to joke his way outta this one. What else was there to say?

“Oh it was nothing. Got that speech from a rerun of The Rookies. TV really seems to come in handy when I’m with you.”

“Well all kidding aside Jon, I don’t know what got into me. I…”

“I do,” interrupted Jon. “It’s an age old recipe. You start with several weeks worth of no sleep, add in a whole lot of fear. Mix in a tremendous about of anger. And don’t forget the endless days and countless nights of worry. And there you have it. Really, Starsky, Don’t worry about it. Like the man said, we all have our moments. The important thing is, nothing happened. Now let’s just forget the whole thing ever happened.”

“You’re right, but I’d still like break that guy’s face. Maybe the opportunity will present itself later, but for now I can’t get myself in anymore trouble. Not with all the work that still needs to be done.”

“By the way Starsky…I loved your Detective line… “Well Detective Casey, it was Detective, wasn’t it?” mocked Casey. “That was classic.”

“Yeah that was a good one, wasn’t it.” Starsky couldn’t help but agree.

“And did you catch the look on Anderson’s face when you were trying to get the keys? It was hilarious. The guy’s eyes were buggin’, man. They were popping right out of their sockets. I think you gave him a coronary. Don’t be surprised if we’re passed up any minute by an ambulance!”

Both men had a good old fashion laugh, it felt good!

“Hey Jon, are you hungry? I thought we might drive through and pick up a burger on the way back to the hospital.”

“Sounds good to me,” agreed Casey.

~~~~~

They stepped off the elevator and made their way to what had become Starsky’s second home. It seemed like ages since they had anything other than a donut. Even though tensions were high, the detectives were able to enjoy the meal.

They were cleaning up their mess when the doctor came in.

“Glad to see you two made it back. I’ve been wanting to have a word with you,” said Dr. Simon.

“Some news about Hutch, Doctor?” Starsky asked.

“Just thought an update was in order. There hasn’t been any major change. His vitals aren’t to where they should be. But sometimes that happens with a comatose patient. On the up side, his wounds have begun the healing process. He’s regaining more function in the damaged lung. As a matter of fact, we should be able to remove the respirator soon. I’m afraid his heart is still very weak,” the doctor continued. “Again, we feel this could be temporary. Time will tell.”

“Whoa, let’s back up the bus for a minute. Comatose? Are you telling me Hutch is in a coma?”

“Yes he is. But I don’t think that at this stage of the game it’s necessarily a bad thing. Being in a coma can be the minds way of not allowing the body to feel pain. His injuries are very extensive. If he were conscious right now, he would be in great pain. This would lead to more pain medication, which would just slow down the recovery time.”

“There is one thing however,” Dr. Simon continued…

“Time for the other shoe to drop,” Starsky remarked.

“We just don’t know what to make of the mystery drug we spoke of earlier.”

“What about it, doctor?” Casey asked.

“We did routine blood work this morning, and there are still high levels of this stuff in the blood. It’s highly irregular to have any type of drug stay in the blood stream this long.”

“Do you think it’s having any effect on Hutch’s condition?” Starsky asked.

“Well again, we don’t know much about it. So could it be affecting Det. Hutchinson? Of course it could. But is it affecting him, we don’t know. I can’t emphasize this enough…. He IS improving everyday. Even though his mind is on standby, his body is healing. We just need to prepare ourselves for what could be a long recovery.”

“I can handle that,” said Starsky, “just as long as I know there’s going to be a recovery.”

“Baring any complications, I do think its just a matter of when, not if. But I’m not ready to carve that in stone just yet.”

“Can I see him?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem now that he’s stabilized. As long as you’re not planning any wild parties in his room, I think it would be ok to go on in without advanced permission, we’ll let you know if that changes. And on last thing, as I said earlier… This could be a very long recovery time. So you need to get on with your life. You can’t live here indefinitely”

“OK, well thanks for your time, Dr. Simon. Casey and I will see what if anything we can find out about that drug. We’ll keep you posted.”

“Do that. You never know what little tidbit might just be what we need to help speed up Hutchinson’s recovery.”

As the doctor walked away, Starsky turned to Casey. “You know he’s right. We need to find out all we can about this stuff. What did Captain Dobey say about Anderson?”

“Just that he’d have to talk to his superiors and see what the best course of action would be,” answered Casey.

“I don’t think that’s gonna be good enough. We need information, and Anderson is the only one we can get it from. I just hope I didn’t ruin any chance of him talking!”

“Canaries always sing, Starsky. The question is, what would you be willing to sacrifice in order to find out more from Anderson? I have no doubt that this would be happy to sing if the price were right. That price could mean anything from a reduced sentence to time served. How do you feel about that?”

“Good question, Jon. If I knew the information would help Hutch, I wouldn’t hesitate.”

“Well then, what are we waiting for? Let’s give your Captain a call and see what we can come up with.”

“Sounds good. How bout you calling the Captain and ask him to meet us here? I’m gonna go check on Hutch.”

“I’ll do that Starsky, but remember what the doctor said. You’re gonna have to face the fact that life is gonna require you leaving this place from time to time.”

“Duly noted, now go make your call.”

Starsky walked into Hutch’s room, and took a seat by the bed. He didn’t think he could ever get used to seeing Hutch hooked up to all the machines.

“I’ll sure be glad when you quit messing around, and get the hell out of this place, Hutch. What are you waiting for?”

There was no reply. Starsky hadn’t expected one.

“I want you to listen to me, Hutch. I came in here to tell you that vacation is over. It’s time to get outta this resort and get back to work. Here’s the plan. I want you to focus on getting better. Meanwhile I’ll be doing a little old fashion gumshoeing to see what we can dig up on this lowlife Anderson. How does that sound? Doctor says your coming along nicely, you just need to rest up some. So, you take care of that for me, will you?”

Starsky thought about the tape, and about what he had seen. He wondered how strong the drug still was.

“Hutch, open you eyes.”

Nothing.

“Hutchinson, I want you to open your eyes.”

A stunned Starsky watched as almost immediately Hutch’s eyes opened.

“Hutch? Hutch can you hear me? It’s me, Starsky. It’s been along time since I’ve seen those baby blues Hutch. I just wish I could see you in them. Don’t worry buddy. I’m gonna have you back here in no time. Just take care in there.”

Jon peaked his head inside the door and motioned to Starsky.

“Well partner, I have to go catch the bad guys, so you hang in there, and I’ll be back to visit later, okay? Meanwhile…. Hutchinson, close you eyes.”

Immediately Hutch’s eyes were once again closed.

“Sorry to interrupt. Captain Dobey wants you to meet him at his office. I asked him about coming here. He thought it better that you go there.”

“Yeah, he’s just that way. Oh, and by the way, I just tried out the mystery drug… it’s still working…”

“What do you mean?”

“I gave Hutch a command and he carried it out, I asked him to open his eyes and he did.”

“That’s amazing. He’s in a coma, but still followed your instructions. This is some strong stuff we’re talking about here!”

“Yeah, we need to find where this drug came from. You coming?”

“I got the feeling Dobey just wanted to meet with you. I’m sure it’s a bit confusing having me around. He’s not sure what authority he has over a civilian volunteer.”

“You’re right, he just wants someone he can boss around. Can I give you a lift somewhere?”

“Home, James. Unless you’d feel better with me staying here, just in case?” Jon added.

“No, that’s ok, I had a little talk with Hutch. He knows I’m gonna be coming and going.”

“Ok, then it’s to the bat cave.”

Starsky dropped Jon off, and headed for the precinct. It’s funny, he thought as he drove off. Casey couldn’t be more of a detective if he really were one. He sure was in the wrong line of work. It was wasted talent as far as Starsky was concern. There are a lot of cops that really shouldn’t be. And this was a case of just the opposite.

He’d have to talk to him about that later.

Starsky found Dobey in his office, as usual. He and Hutch had laughed about that once. No one ever saw the Captain come or go, he was just always sitting behind that desk of his.

“Hey Cap’n. I hope you dragged me down here for a good reason.”

“It was you guys that called me, as I recall, Starsky.”

“True enough. What have you found out about the Anderson case?”

“We’ve been given the green light to offer a deal. There’s just one problem.”

“Of course, why should things start getting easy now? What’s the problem?”

“It’s Anderson. he only wants to tell his story to Casey.”

“Yeah, so where’s the problem? I think Casey makes a better cop than most cops around here.”

“True or not, he’s not one and the department feels like we would be opening ourselves up to all kinds of lawsuits by having Casey go in there under the guise of being a detective.”

“Who’s gonna know the difference?”

“Maybe no one ever would Starsky, but the department doesn’t want to risk counting on maybes.”

“Ok, so we tell Anderson that Casey is a cop in training.”

“That’s the problem, Starsky. Anderson has got a big time lawyer, and Casey has already been dealing with Anderson as if he were on the force. We could already be in trouble as it is.”

“Ok, so we’re just gonna have to convince Anderson to talk to me.”

“Oh sure. I heard what you did, Starsky. The guy already wants to have you cited for threatening his life. You think he’s really gonna just forget that and open up to you?”

“I see your point Captain, but maybe it just depends on how bad he’s willing to make a deal. Maybe we can just make it clear that we won’t be alone, there will be other officers there to make sure nobody gets outta line.”

“We can try. He’s gonna wanna know why he can’t talk to Casey though.”

“Casey is off on assignment, undercover even, WAY undercover, we couldn’t reach him if we wanted to. How do you think that would fly?”

“Guess it’ll have to do. Let me see how he takes this news. Where can I find you later Starsky?”

“What do you mean later, Captain? How bout now?”

“You know how it works, Starsky. I talk to Anderson, he talks to his lawyer, his lawyer talks to us…. it’ll be awhile before we know anything. So, where will you be?”

“You know what Cap? I think I’m actually gonna go on home. I’ve haven’t seen that place in quite awhile. So call me there as soon as you hear anything.”

“Your place. Got you Starsky. Now get outta here and let me get to work. By the way, Starsky. What’s the latest on Hutch?”

“Not good, and not bad Cap… He’s in a coma. But they say that might actually be a good thing considering all his injuries. Casey told you about the mystery drug?”

“Yeah, when he called. He said that part of Hutchinson’s problem could be caused by this drug, and that’s why you two wanted me to set the wheels in motion to deal.”

“That’s right. The doctor says there are high levels of this stuff in Hutch’s blood. That may be why he’s not coming out of this comatose state. So, you see why we’re anxious to get this guy to talk.”

“Ok Starsky, I get the picture. You go on home, and I’ll call you as soon as there’s something to report.”

“Thanks Captain. Hutch is counting on us.”

Starsky left the office feeling cautiously optimistic. The fact that Anderson only wanted to talk to Casey, could be a problem. But at the same time, the “doctor” was very anxious to cop a plea.

Starsky decided to go home and really try to relax. It had been awhile since he had been afforded that luxury. Every fiber in his being wanted to go check on Hutch. But he was still not quite up to par. He should rest up for the second half of this ordeal. He was certain that should there be any change, he’d hear right away. And that would have to be good enough for now.

 

Part Three

Jon had been taking advantage of being “let go.” It felt good to just lie around for a change. It was while he was sitting in the total silence, that his thoughts returned to Annie. What she must be doing these days. What she must think of Jon. Could there be someone new in her life? He shuttered at the thought.

Connors was dead now. He had done all he could to set things straight. Its time, he thought. It’s time to try to contact her, to see if she would even listen to what he had to say.

After some fancy footwork, Jon had been able to find her number. He took a deep breath and started dialing.

“Hello?” a voice answered.

“Hi, uh, Annie, is that you?”

Jon thought for a second that he had gotten disconnected.

“Hello?”

“Why are you calling Jon?”

“Yeah, nice hearing your voice too.” It wasn’t his intention to use sarcasm. But she wasn’t the only one hurt in all this.

“Look Jon, I really don’t have time for this right now. Please have the decency to leave me alone and let me get on with my life. You made it perfectly clear we were a big mistake. I can take a hint.”

“Annie, wait. You don’t understand, would you just let me explain?”

“It’s ok Jon. You can’t help how you feel. Those were your words, weren’t they? I’m hanging up now Jon, Please don’t call again.”

“But Annie…”

The next thing he heard was a dial tone.

He had always known that when the time came to try and contact her, it wasn’t going to be easy. But it hit him hard. Hearing her voice had reopened the scabbed over wounds. He was surprised at feeling resentment. But after all, what he had done he did to protect her. His pain was just as real as hers.

Jon had just put the receiver back on the hook when the phone rang. Could it be Annie calling back? He knew better, but the hope was nonetheless there as he answered.

“Casey? Starsky.”

“Hey Starsky…what’s up?” Jon tried not to sound disappointed.

“Not much. Why so bummed? You sound like you just lost your best friend.”

“Never mind Starsky, what’s going on?”

“Just wanted to let you know how the meeting with Dobey went.”

“About Anderson? What’d you find out?”

“Well,” Starsky continued. “It seems the canary only wants to sing to you.”

“Anderson’s’ gonna deal?” Jon asked.

“The word is, that he wants to make a deal, but that he only wants to talk to you. But the powers that be don’t think it’s wise that you talk to Anderson. They’re afraid of any lawsuits that could come about due to the fact you’re not actually a cop.”

“Oh that,” humored Jon.

“Yeah, that. So Dobey is trying to make them see that talking to me is their only hope to make a deal.”

“Well, that makes me unofficially officially, off the case. It’s time the real cops take over from here,” Jon said.

“Don’t sell yourself short. You did as good as any cop on the force.”

“Thanks Starsky, but that’s exaggerating a bit, don’t you think? It’s ok though. I never intended to make a career out of this. Just tried to ease my conscious, the rest is up to you. All I ask is that you let me know what happens in the end.”

“I won’t have to tell you. One way or another, you’ll be there when this is all said and done.”

“I have no right to be, Starsky. I feel I’ve been living a life that’s not my own.”

“Do I need to remind you that had it not been for you coming forth when you did, I would be in prison, and Hutch would be dead?! If that doesn’t give you the right to be involved here, then no one has the right!”

“Oh please Starsky! You’re embellishing. Besides let’s also not forget that had I not gone along with Connors’ scheme, none of this may have come to pass at all.”

“That’s all behind us now. I’ve just got to concentrate on helping Hutch out of the prison he’s in. That’s got to be priority right now.”

“I agree. So I’ll sit tight. You do what it is you have to do with Anderson. And if there’s anything I can do to help, you let me know.”

“Yeah, I guess that’ll have to be the plan for right now. But don’t get to used to living the laid back life. I’ll could call you any time. Consider yourself on call.”

“I’ve got the bat phone on stand by. Good luck on getting Anderson to sing.”

“Thanks and enjoy your semi-retired life for now. I’ll let you know as soon as there is any new development with Anderson.”

“Ok Starsky, sounds good…and hey, thanks for calling.”

Evening finally came. Jon decided he might as well turn in for the night. And what a night it had been. He had been rejected by his fiancée, and fired from a nonexistent job all in one night. Well he thought as he turned in… at least I get to sleep in.

~~~~~

The next morning Starsky could hardly stand the anticipation. He had been sure he woulda heard something yesterday. But word never came. Could this mean there was no deal with Anderson? No sense looking for trouble he thought. He would hear something soon enough.

It was approaching 10 am. The waiting was driving Starsky crazy. He decided he take a drive to the hospital. Dobey would know where to find him. And as long as nothing was going down, he needed to look in on Hutch. He took into account what the doctor had said. He knew he needed to get on with his life. But that didn’t mean to totally ignore the fact that Hutch was lying up there. Just lying there.

He stepped off the elevator. There were new people in the waiting room. Now this would be your home away from home. Hope you guys have better luck that we did, he thought to himself.

Starsky walked past the nurses station without stopping, and headed down the hallway to Hutch’s room. When he opened the door and saw an empty bed, his heart skipped a beat.

“Nurse?!” Starsky ran back to the nurse’s station. “Where’s the patient from room 320?”

“Calm down sir, let me check. What was the name?”

“Hutchinson, Ken Hutchinson. Where is he?” Starsky’s voice was heard over then entire ward.

“Please sir, we have sick people in here. You have to keep it down. Now I said I’d check, just give me a minute.” The nurse walked over and flipped through the patents charts.

Starsky started behind the desk when he was stopped by a familiar voice, “Hello Detective Starsky, Nice to see you again.”

Starsky turned to find the nurse that had tended to Hutch.

“Catherine, right? Can you please tell me where my partner is? His bed is empty. No one told me anything about any changes in his condition.”

“It’s okay Detective. Your partner has been moved to a different ward. That’s all. Nothing to worry about.”

“A different ward? Why?”

“Well Detective Hutchinson has been moved over to a ward better suited for patience with his needs. This ward is for more actively treated patients.”

“What the hell does that mean, actively treated?”

“Detective Starsky, you know his condition. He’s comatose. And until that changes, he needs different care. I don’t mean to sound callous. But basically, he’s in a sleep state. Our job with him is to keep his fluids at a healthy level, and monitor his vital signs.”

“So you’ve given up on him, that’s what you’re telling me. Well that’s just fine. Where can I find him?”

“Det. Starsky please, that’s not what I’m saying at all. You have to understand. Just as there is a cancer ward, or a pulmonary ward, we have a ward for patients in a comatose state. They get their own specialize care. Which is no more or no less than anyone else in this hospital.”

“Where can I find him?” Starsky repeated.

“Fine, have it your way Detective, he’s upstairs, room 414.”

Starsky walked off without another word being said. He continued on his way up to the 4th floor. That’s why he wanted to stay, he told himself. Leave, and they move Hutch to the warehouse.

Finally, 414. Starsky walked into the room to find a seemingly sleeping Hutch lying there. Starsky felt both relief and sadness. When he saw that empty bed, he had allowed himself to think the worst. Even for a split second, he had felt it. And to see his partner still breathing, he was able to calm down.

He was also, however, forced to realize that what Catherine had said was true. This is where he would be until there was a change in his condition. Starsky looked at Hutch. If it weren’t for the machines he was hooked up to, anyone would swear this man was just taking a little nap. Oh, how he wished that were the case.

“Hey Hutch. I see they gave you a new room. Pretty nice place you got here. You oughta wake up and take a look around. Just how long are you planning on lying there, Hutch? We have things to do. You’ve been in this sterile prison too long. How bout you wake up and we’ll get you the hell out of here?”

No response, But Starsky hadn’t expected one.

Starsky sat with his partner for the next two hours. He just sat, waiting for anything. Any movement, any sound. There was none. Hutch continued to dream on with no regard for his pleading friend.

The door opened, “Detective Starsky?” a young nurse asked? “Is your name Starsky?”

“Yep,” Starsky answered without looking away.

“I have a message here for you. A captain Dobey called and wants you to contact him right away.”

“Thanks nurse, I’ll phone him from here.”

“Sorry, the nurse said. “There are no phones in these rooms. There’s just no need for them.”

“You people really know how to be grim, don’t you? Where can I find a phone?”

“Just down the hall on the left.”

He told Hutch he’d be back, and left the room.

“Dobey.”

“Cap’n , it’s me, what’s up?”

“It’s all over but the shouting, Starsky. Anderson has agreed to talk to you. It took some convincing. I’m not sure they bought the story about Casey being on assignment. But he said he’d be willing to talk to you, of course, as long as y’all aren’t alone. So how soon can you be here?”

“I’m there Cap.” Starsky hung the phone up and hurried back down the hall into Hutch’s room.

“Hey Hutch, listen. We may have a break in the case. I need to go down and meet with Dr. Anderson. We think he’s ready to deal. Anyhow buddy, you hang in there, and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

With that, Starsky left the room.

It seemed that Starsky’s life had become nothing more than a drive between the precinct and the hospital. Until now there hadn’t been any change in sight. Hopefully, Anderson will have information that’ll help Hutch and put this case to rest once and for all.

The meeting had already been set in motion. Anderson had been taken down to the interrogation room.

It had always made Starsky sick the way the department catered to these tattletale crooks. This time he wouldn’t complain too much. The more they could get Anderson to sing, the better for his partner.

“Hello Gentlemen,” Starsky said to the canary and it’s lawyer. “Are we ready to tell a tale?”

“Yeah, let’s get on with it Detective,” Anderson said arrogantly.

“The balls in your court. I’m just here to listen and record. You were advised this would be recorded, weren’t you?”

“We know the formalities,” replied the lawyer.

“Then shall we start?”

“I understand that all comments should be related to the drug given Detective Hutchinson?”

Starsky nodded

“Oay, here’s what I know. The mind control drug given to Hutchinson is an experimental drug, produced for the government for a secret project. It seems they were interested in creating a sort of super soldier.”

“Okay Doctor, tell me something I don’t already know. Where’d you get it?”

“Ah, that is the question, isn’t it? And that is where the deal comes in. It can never be made public where you got this information. That is the understanding, isn’t it?”

“Yeah Anderson, all information is under raps. But if the information turns out to be nothing, nothing is what you’ll get in return.”

“Don’t threaten me Detective. I may be facing a possible life behind bars but we all know, you have far more to lose, don’t we? So just shut up and listen.”

Starsky wanted to kick this guys butt, but he knew the man was right in the end. He’d have to play it cool, and just find out as much as possible.

“Oh, I’m listening alright Doc, but I’m not hearing anything.”

“I got the drug from a man by the name of Nick Rogers. He used to work for the government. More specifically the military. He served as a scientist/physician for this secret project. The project was scrapped, but Rogers didn’t let that slow him down. He continued developing this substance till it became a drug to be reckoned with. And now he’s self-employed. He’s made a career out of this stuff.”

“What can you tell me about this Rogers? Where can we find him?”

“He’s got himself quite a profitable business. It’s all about supply and demand.”

“He supplies the drug to people?” asked Starsky.

“Oh no, he made an exception in my case. Actually he supplies specialized services.”

“Come again?” Starsky asked.

“I don’t know all the ins and outs for the operation. But he uses the different compounds of the drug to alter people on demand.”

Starsky still wasn’t sure he grasped what Anderson was saying.

“Alter what people?”

“Let me give you an example. Rogers told me about a lady who was rather homely but rich. She contacted Rogers for his services. Do you remember a missing local model a few months back. Oh, what was his name?… Oh well, I can’t think of it. He has never been found. Rogers wiped this man’s brain clean, and gave him a new life. They are off somewhere playing husband and wife. He’ll never know the difference.”

“My God, Anderson. That’s barbaric. How long has Rogers been doing this kinda of thing?”

“Can’t say for sure. He was given a dishonorable discharge from the military about 4 years ago. It would be my guess that it was shortly after that.”

“So this is all about brainwashing?” asked Starsky

“Like I said I don’t know all about this stuff. But certainly brainwashing would be a good layman’s term. A very unique venture, you’d have to agree. There aren’t that many in that line of work. Rogers sounds like business is pretty good, too.”

“This is unbelievable! Sounds like something straight from…”

“Don’t tell me,” interrupted Anderson. “The X-Files?”

“Yeah, something like that. Where does this Rogers run this little operation from?”

“Oh, it’s no little organization. He has a lot of clients that require a lot of employees. Matter of fact Rogers, mentioned that they were lookin’ to hire people to help out. How do you advertise for that, right? He’s located in the old warehouse at the corner of Langton and Kennedy, downtown,” continued Anderson.

“Ok Anderson, anything else you can tell me about the effects of the drug?”

“I can’t tell you much. Rogers let me have a small amount as a favor. All I know about it is that there are different ways of controlling a person with it. Just as in Hutchinson’s case. He was physically unable to do what we asked, so the drug is supposed to leave him open to do what he’s told, no matter what physical condition the body is in.”

Finally, the question Starsky had been dying to ask all along…

“I know all that Anderson. What about the lasting affects? How come Hutchinson isn’t waking up? How long does this drug stay in control?”

“Sorry detective, I can’t tell you what I don’t know. I told Rogers I needed something that could be used through a few days. We never discussed the lasting effects of the stuff.”

Starsky couldn’t help feeling defeated again. Anderson had told him so much, but couldn’t help with the one thing he had hoped to find out. He felt as if he’d just sat through some kind of fiction book club. Could this really be happening?

“That’s all I know Detective. I told you how and where to find the guy responsible for the drug. I believe I’ve held up my end of the deal.”

“Yeah Anderson. You make me sick to my stomach. but you did tell an interesting story. You will be contacted later to sign out on the finalities of the deal.”

“Thanks Detective, it was a pleasure doing business with you.”

Starsky turned around and glared at the doctor. Does this guy appreciate the fact that he’s leaving in one piece, he thought to himself?

~~~~~

The guards had come to escort the prisoner back to his cell. Now Starsky was to play the tape for Dobey, but first he decided to take a drive over to Jon’s place.

The doorbell woke Jon up from a lazy evening nap. He collected his senses, and opened the door.

“Starsky, well hello there. What brings you to my humble abode?” he asked as he held out his hand.

Starsky reached out and shook. “I’ve got the tape. You wanna hear it?”

“So soon? Sure…what did you find out?”

“Let me play it back for you,” offered Starsky

The two men sat a listened to the interview on tape.

“That’s really a lot to try to swallow. This guy’s right, X-Files for sure! Do you buy it?”

“It’s insane, isn’t it? For some reason I’m leaning towards believing it.”

“Starsky do you hear yourself? You really believe this guy is out there chemically rewiring peoples brain for a living?”

“You don’t have to tell me how far out it sounds, Jon. But think about it. It makes sense. We know what this stuff did to Hutch. It’s possible there are people just sick enough out there to take advantage of a drug like this. I do think Hutch was and maybe still is totally in a suggestive state. If we were odd balls, we could go up to the hospital and tell Hutch to stand on his head, and I he’d do it.. And I do believe if this Rogers has the supply, there is definitely demand! We need to figure out how to get to this Rogers. The million dollar question. How do I get inside?”

“Let’s go figure it out over something to eat, you hungry?”

“Starving, lets go,” agreed Starsky.

“You know Starsky,” Jon said while waiting on their order. “This grease pit is gonna be the death of me yet. I’ve never eaten so many burgers in my life. You did have to bring me to the best burger place in town, didn’t you!”

“What was dinner like before you had the pleasure of meeting me?”

“Are you kidding me? I’m from the white-collar computer sector. We eat salads and low fat chicken sandwiches.”

“Doesn’t that sound enticing! Remind me never to touch a computer!”

“Well thanks to you, I’m not sure I care to eat healthy again.”

“You’re welcome,” Starsky replied.

Finally the burgers came. The men talked as they ate.

“So how can we me come up with some way to get to the bottom of Roger’s lucrative business?”

“Why don’t you just go bust him and his operation?” Jon asked.

“Two reasons. First, not knowing what if any front their running. If we go in there waving guns and badges and the place is legit in appearance, we’ve blown the surprise element. He’ll just pack up before we can get the warrants in order. Second, I don’t want to ruin any chance I might have for helping Hutch.”

“Yeah, I see your point. I suppose we’ll just have to come up with a way for us to get inside.”

“Whoa, don’t think I didn’t catch that ‘we’ bit. I appreciated all you’ve done, Jon. But you’re not going to get involved again. I’m here just using you for a sounding board. I am the first one to say that perhaps you should be in this line of work, but it doesn’t change the fact you’re not.”

“So what are you going to do? Get Dobey to go under with you?” Jon asked sarcastically.

“We do have other officers on the force you know, Casey. LAPD doesn’t just consist of Dobey, Hutch and myself.”

“Oh come on Starsky, this is bull. You’ve been stringing me along. And now that you could use some help, you’re telling me I can’t get involved?”

“Casey you’re not a cop and you don’t have any business walking around pretending to be one. You just need to stay out of this and let the professionals handle it.”

Starsky didn’t mean for it come out that way. He had been including Casey in on everything, but lately he couldn’t help feeling like Casey was trying to take Hutch’s place. Maybe not intentionally. But take his place none-the-less. And he was beginning to resent it. Casey wasn’t Hutch. And he didn’t need anyone taking his place.

“No, I’m not a cop. That’s true enough. You wanna pick now to tell me to get lost, that’s your business. Have it your way,” Jon replied. He was both angry and hurt at hearing Starsky’s words. “You go play cops and robbers all by yourself. I’ll do my best to look after Hutch after your dead.”

“For one thing, Hutch doesn’t need you or anyone else looking after him. And aren’t we just full of ourselves? If you, being the super cop that you are, aren’t there to protect me, I’m a dead man, is that it? Sheesh, I wonder how I managed to stay alive all these years.”

“That’s makes two of us, and besides, that’s not what I meant. You know what? I think I’ve had enough of this. If I wanted an argument tonight, I coulda called Annie again. Thanks for the burger.”

“You know what?” Jon added. He threw some money on the table. “Make that, thanks for nothing!”

It was gonna be a long walk home, but that suited Jon fine. He needed the walk to cool down. That Starsky had some nerve. Who did he think he was that he could just use someone then just throw them away when he’s through?

Of course Jon hadn’t even made the first block before he realized that that everything Starsky said had been true. He had no business getting so involved in the first place. Tell a story, that’s how this all started. Jon just had to come clean. It was never his intention to become a rent-a-cop.

Knowing this however didn’t change the fact that it would be hard to sit on the sidelines. He’d just have to stay busy. Perhaps it was job hunting time. Time to get on with his own life.

As he walked up the stairs to his apartment, he decided that getting on with his life was what he’d do. Come tomorrow, he’s see about making flight reservations. It was about time he visited his parents anyway.

~~~~~

Starsky drove to the precinct to drop off the tape.

“What happened Starsky? Get lost?”

“Good one Cap. And no, just had other things to take care of.”

“You need to quit messing with this, Starsky. You could still very well be back in jail before you know it! Play it by the book, or don’t play at all.”

“Fine Cap. By the book it is. I’m going to go visit Hutch, you let me know how we’re going to proceed on this, after the tapes been given the once over.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that Starsky, and remember what I said.”

“Always do, Cap’n.”

~~~~~

Hutch was just as he’d left him. Some life, Starsky thought to himself. He couldn’t bare for his partner to be living his life out this way.

“At least they’ve taken off all the monster machines,” he said aloud. “Looks like we’re down to just an IV now. They don’t even have the heart monitor on you anymore. That’s gotta be a good sign. So whatcha been up to while I’ve been gone? And don’t say about 6 foot 2 either, that’s an old one. Not to mention that only works if you’re vertical.”

He had just sat down when a nurse came in.

“Oh, Hi, I wasn’t aware Mr. Hutchinson had company.”

“Just got here actually.” Mr. Hutchinson, that sure sounded strange.

“So how is the patient doing, nurse? Not giving you too much trouble, I hope. He can really get outta hand sometimes.”

The nurse was uneasy with the detective’s humor. She chose to ignore it.

“He’s doing pretty good. How bout I go track down the doctor, he can tell you more than I could. I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks, sounds good to me. We’ll just wait right here.”

“She thinks I’m crazy, Hutch, can you imagine that? You know Hutch, she was quite a looker. If you’d just open your eyes, you’d see for yourself.”

“Good evening. You must be Detective Starsky,” the doctor said as he entered the room.

“Yes sir that’s me. The nurse told me you’re the one to talk to find out how my partner is doing.”

“Sure, let me look…”

“Doctor, I don’t mean any disrespect, but is Dr. Simon on duty?”

“I believe he is, but he’s no longer this mans doctor.”

“I realize that, but can you go get him for me just the same? I just have a question for him.”

“Fine, but we can’t make this a habit. He has his own patients.”

The doctor left, then returned a few minutes later with Dr. Simon.

“Well look who’s here. Evening Det. Starsky. How can I help you? You haven’t been shot again have you?”

“No Doc, I’m trying to quit.” Starsky’s weak attempt at humor went unnoticed. “Anyway, thanks for coming, Dr. Simon. I know you’re not Hutch’s doctor anymore, but I still feel better talking to someone that has been in on this from the beginning.”

“No problem Detective. What can I do for you?”

Starsky looked over at the new doctor. Taking the hint, the doctor excused himself with the promise of returning in a few minutes.

Turning his attention back to Dr. Simon. Starsky told the doctor to watch and listen.

“Hutchinson, I want you to open your eyes.”

“Detective, I know you want…”

Starsky held his hand up telling the doctor to stop. Never taking his eyes away from Hutch. Dr. Simon followed the detective’s gaze and was shocked at seeing the patient with his eyes open.

“I don’t believe it!” Simon said. “It’s not possible.”

“Not only does is the drug still in him, it’s still controlling him.”

“Let me try” the doctor said…

“Detective…”

Starsky interrupted. “It seems to only work when you instruct him as Hutchinson.”

“Sorry,” replied the Doctor. “I didn’t know there were rules…”

“Hutchinson, close your eyes.”

Without hesitation, the detective’s eyes closed.

“I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it. Let me go get the chart, Det. Starsky, I’ll be right back.”

Starsky thought about this Rogers guy and his brainwashing operation. What has this drug done to hutch? What if it wiped out his mind the way Anderson described him doing to others.

“Ok Detective, let’s see…” the Doctor walked in looking over the chart… “The latest blood workup shows the same amount of this drug still in his system. When we do a brain scan, it doesn’t show anything out of the ordinary. This is some amazing stuff we’re talking about here.”

“Glad you’re a fan doc. What else does the chart say?”

“Well as far as his condition, it looks like all wounds have healed nicely. All fracture bones have been set and are on the mend. His burns are also looking good. If he were conscious, he would still be in a lot of pain, but it would be bearable now.

His lung is operating at about 90%. I’m afraid nothing has changed with the heart, it’s still weak. After what you just showed me, I’m still convinced that this drug is somehow affecting his heart. I just can’t pin point how.”

“If that’s the case Doc, I have a question. If his heart is still weak, why have they removed his heart monitor?”

“I’ll have to talk with them about that, Det. Starsky,” Simon said embarrassed. “Sometimes working on this ward gives you a sense that you aren’t taking care of people as much as things. I know that sounds terrible. I’m sure they didn’t think it neglectful, they just thought it unnecessary. Don’t worry, I’ll see to it that it’s taken care of.”

“That was my concern when he was sent here Dr. Simon. He’d be stored up here in the warehouse, barely being notice. I’m surprised a nurse even stopped by there this evening.”

“How bout I promised to check on Detective Hutchinson a couple times every day, to make sure he’s getting proper care. Would that help ease your mind a bit?”

“Doc, that would really be load off! I mean it’s absurd that it would take you coming up here on your own to have Hutch treated with a little respect. Something really needs to be done about that.”

“I couldn’t agree more, and I can bring it up at the staff meetings, but for now, just know that I’ll see to your friend here till he’s released.”

“Couldn’t ask for more than that. Tayhanks Doctor. And back to his condition, you feel he’s physically healing ok?”

“That’s safe to say, yes. His injuries, as you remember were numerous, and many were life threatening. But I’d have to say that if he’d come out of this coma right now, other than his heart, he wouldn’t have much of anything to worry about except being very sore. It would obviously take him waking up for us to know for sure, but that is my educated guess.”

“Thanks Doc, I appreciate you paying special attention to Hutch’s case. If it weren’t for knowing you’re here helping to take care of him, I’d be living here 24 hours a day.”

“Happy to do it for you Detective. Maybe if I ever need the police I can let you return the favor.”

“You got it.”

Starsky shook the Doctor’s hand as he left. He was grateful for his offer to help. He didn’t think he’d be able to go forward with this case if he had to worry about Hutch being taken care of.

Once again, Starsky tried to get through to Hutch.

“Hutchinson, I want you to listen to me. This is Starsky, Hutch. You’re sleeping right now, and we’re working on waking you up. You stay strong in there, you hear me? I’m gonna be gone for awhile. I’m working on this Anderson thing, I’m working on trying to end this. I want you to hang in there till I get back. Good night buddy… I’ll be back soon enough.”

Starsky left the room and called Dobey from the phone in the waiting room.

“Cap, what did we find out? How are we going to handle this one?”

“Why don’t you come by Starsky, we need to talk about it.”

Starsky already didn’t like the sound of that! “What’s this all about Cap? I don’t wanna have to come by there. Tell me now. When do we start checking Rogers out?”

“That’s what I want to talk to you about Starsky. We’re not checking into anything. Our department has been relieved of this case. We are no longer to proceed with any kind of investigation.”

“What are you talking about? Just who IS going to investigate?”

“They’re aren’t giving us any details, Starsky. Just that we’re no longer to have any dealings with anything having to do with Anderson or Rogers. This comes from the top Starsky, There’s nothing I can do.”

“Well there sure is something I can do Cap. I’m going down to Rogers myself to see what I can find out.”

“I didn’t hear that, Starsky. Anything you do on our on is on your own. The department can’t have any dealings with this case what-so-ever. And you’d be doing yourself a favor to remember that you were this close to being sent up. You best watch yourself while on vacation.”

Starsky understood what Dobey was getting at.

“Thanks Cap. I’ll keep in touch…bye.”

~~~~~

Jon had spent the rest of the night packing. He had confirmed an 8am flight. The earlier the better.

The doorbell rang. Jon assumed it was the apartment manager he had called up to ask about picking up the mail while he was away.

As soon as he opened the door, and before he could get a word in edgewise, Starsky started talking.

“The way I see it, is first thing we need to do is call Rogers and tell him you’re in the market for a damn good cop. That would be me. He finds me, we see how he makes this stuff work, and take it from there.”

“Not a bad idea, Starsky, but I could do better,” Jon said.

“Hey,” Starsky asked “what’s with the suitcase?”

“I have a 8:00 flight in the morning to go visit my parents. It’s a trip long overdue.”

“Look Jon, I’m sorry about what happened earlier. I’m going in on this without the department. And short of Hutch, you’re the only one I’d trust at my back. What do you say, wanna play cops and robbers one last time?”

“Thanks Starsky, I’m sorry too. I think we just really let this case get to us. But you know, everything you said was true. And my lack of training could certainly mean trouble down the line.”

“I’m willing to take that chance Jon.. So what do you say, are you in?”

“Say please and we have a deal. Oh wait, there is a little matter of a non-refundable plane ticket!”

“Hey, I’m just desperate enough to pay it.”

The two men spent the next few hours discussing the best way to work the investigation.

“The way I have It figured,” Starsky began, “we need to get someone on the inside. And since Rogers is looking for help, that just may be my ticket in there.”

“Where do I come in?” Casey asked.

“Well, you just may not come in at all. I’m going in to see what I can about the stuff that was given to Hutch. And if I can do so alone, I will. But if it’s going to require more of a sting operation, that’s when you’ll get involved.”

“How so?”

“Dr. Simon was explaining to me that this drug had many components, and that to help Hutch, we need an exact match. So if the orders already being filled don’t call for the same drug, that’s when you’ll be called up.”

“That’s not much of a plan, if you ask me.”

“That’s the problem with going undercover; you’re not sure what you’re going to find until you get there. I don’t know if I’ll have a chance to warn you or not. It could be a matter of you sitting in your living room one minute, then in Rogers clutches the next.”

“So I’m just to be on standby… we’ll, I’ve had worse jobs.”

“We’ll see if can still say that when this is all said and done.”

“Does Dobey know you’re talking to me about this?”

“I’m officially on vacation. He doesn’t wanna know what I’m doing or how I’m doing it.”

“Wanna just stay here for the night. We’ll get an early start in the morning.”

“Works of me. Its going to be a big day!”

“Ok then, you take the bed, I’ll take the couch,” offered Jon.

“Oh yeah right, I’m gonna come over here and kick you out of your bed. Do I look like a guest to you? Don’t be silly, of course I’ll take the couch!”

“Fine, have it your way. And Starsky?”

“Yeah Casey?”

“Thanks.”

“For what, putting you in the line of fire? It’s the lease I could do… Thanks for helping. It was you or no one. It’s times like these I really miss Hutch. Anyhow, don’t thank me now, thank me when this is over and your still breathing, preferably on your own.”

“Ha Ha,” said Jon. “night detective.”

“Goodnight.”

~~~~~

The morning came quickly. Starsky had been the first to stir. He got up and took a shower. He stared the coffee then woke Jon up.

“Hey Casey, rise and shine! Time to get up and get started.”

“What time is it?” Starsky heard Jon grumble.

“It’s going on 9:00. guess you didn’t make the flight.”

“Guess not,” agreed Casey. “Where’s the coffee? I know I smell coffee.”

“It’s brewing. It’ll be ready by the time you get your shower.”

“That’s blackmail…I NEED my coffee.”

“And you shall have coffee…after you shower.”

“Oh alright,” relented Casey.

Starsky had a few sunny side up’s waiting for Jon. “I didn’t know how you liked your eggs, you can eat these, or cook your own.”

“Those will be fine, thanks.”

.”So, what are we waiting for?” Jon exclaimed.

“You’re scaring me, Casey. You’re way to excited about a potentially dangerous assignment.”

“I am a little eager. I guess it’s just cuz last night I figured that by now I’d be somewhere over the Atlantic.”

“By the time the is over, you’ll probably wish you were,” warned Starsky.

“I don’t think so, but well find out soon enough.”

“Let’s take a drive to the hospital one more time before I go on “vacation.” You want to?” asked Starsky.

“Sure, but are you sure Hutch won’t be jealous of you taking off and all?”

“I have a feeling he won’t be. We’ve been on “vacation” together before. He knows what they’re for.”

“So how do you figure this is going to work? You just gonna show up on his doorstep and ask for work?”

“I’ve been thinking…Like it or not, I’m calling Dobey one more time. He needs to have Anderson make a call…It’ll be part of the plea bargain. He’ll call and recommend me for his services.”

“How in the world are you gonna get him to do that?” asked Jon

“It’s all in the presentation. We don’t ask, we tell. why didn’t I think of that while I was at the office?! I wonder if I can take care of this over the phone. Oh well, lets get to the hospital, then I’ll give Dobey another call and see what he thinks.”

“That does sound like a good way to get in, but how do you know Anderson won’t tip him off?”

“We explain that should he try any funny business, the entire deal is off, and he’ll be facing Jimmy’s death row.”

“Seems risky, but then again so does this entire operation.”

“Yep, if you wanna run with the big dogs, you can’t pee like a puppy.”

“Great analogy Starsky, Jon laughed.

They stepped off the elevator, onto the 4th floor.

“You go ahead and wait with Hutch, I’m gonna go call Dobey real quick,” instructed Starsky.

“K, we’ll be waiting,” replied Casey.

Jon walked into the room, and sat down. As he sat watching this man, he began to wonder. Who was this man called Hutch? What was he like. What is his favorite color, his favorite movie… His favorite anything? Hopefully there would still be many favorites still to come.

Life could be incredibly cruel, he thought. A man so alive and active one day, and the next is left in a state of limbo. Are we given all the joys in life just so that we know what we’re missing when reality bites?

Jon was beginning to feel very uncomfortable. He knew why, It was guilt. There was Hutch, lying there, unable to live his life, and in waltzes Jon Casey, who just decides he’ll live it for him. Of course that hadn’t been his intention, but does intent matter? He’s stolen this man’s life.

He couldn’t sit there any longer. He couldn’t look at this man knowing what he had done. Jon got up and opened the door to leave. He was met by Starsky coming in.

“Where you off to, Jon?”

“Just needed to stretch my legs a little,” fibbed Jon.

“Stretch your legs, eh? That 10 minutes of sitting really got to you?”

“Well anyway Starsky, did you get a hold of your captain?”

“Not to change the subject or anything. Yes I did, and he sees no problem with setting this up. We just need to tell him when we’re ready to get started. Come on back in here.”

“I don’t feel like it right now, Starsky. You have your visit with Hutch, I’ll just wait out here.”

“Are you feeling okay, Jon? Last minute jitters or something?”

“Not sure what I’m feeling. I’m fine though. I’ll being waiting outside, take your time. No hurry.”

“Have it your way. I’ll be out soon enough.”

Starsky wondered what that was all about as he walked over and sat down next to Hutch.

“Well, Hutch, this is it. It’s time to put this to rest. Casey and I are going under to see what we can find out about the stuff that Anderson used on you. I just wanted to come by and let you know that you won’t be seeing me for awhile.

“I talked to Dr. Simon, and he promised to look in on you. You’re job is just to hang tough till we come up with the answers.”

Starsky sat in silence for a few minutes. He looked over at Hutch and memories started flooding back. He missed his best buddy. What Starsky wouldn’t do to see that silly grin. To hear the irritating lectures that had come much too often.

“Hutch I’m coming back with something that will help you, or I’m not coming back at all. Do you hear me Hutch? when I get back, this will all be behind us. You’ll be back to your ornery self. Besides, it’s time you get up and start working for a living like everyone else has to. You can’t be waited on forever you know. So anyway Hutch, I’ll be back soon.”

Starsky walked out feeling emotionally drained. It hurt to see Hutch like that, the thought of him never coming out of it was something he wouldn’t let himself think about, although it did stay at the edge of his thoughts. It was hard to leave, but he had to stay focused if he was to help his partner.

“So Casey, you ready? We need to end this.”

“Sure Starsky, let;s get outta here and work out the final details.”

Starsky was very quite behind the wheel.

“Hey Starsky, you okay? You’ve been pretty quite since we left the hospital.”

“I’m fine. It was tough in there with Hutch. It’s still so hard to see him like that. All he can do is lay there and wait for someone to help him. He’s so dependent. He would just die if he knew he was in this state. Hmm,” remarked Starsky, “that didn’t sound quite right did it?”

“I know what you mean. It’s ironic too because I also had a hard time in there.”

“I could tell something was bothering you.”

“Yeah, I just couldn’t stand being in the room with him another minute.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s hard to explain, Starsky, but when I was in there with Hutch tonight, all I could think of was how I was living his life. I stole his life right out from under him.”

“Come on Jon, that’s crazy.”

“Well I tried to tell myself the same thing, but I see him just lying there, unable to move, think, or do anything we take for granted. And here I am playing detective with HIS partner and best friend. It’s just not right.”

“Well, I understand how you could feel that way. I’ve already been there and done that. That night we had our little falling out… I think that’s what triggered everything. I was feeling like you were trying to take Hutch’s place. And I felt guilty about that. But finally I realize that although you’ve been a good friend, you’re no Hutch,” Starsky grinned.

“Thanks, that makes me feel better. You know, we’re doing a lot of soul searching tonight. I wonder if that’s a sign.”

“If so is it a good sign?”

“The $64,000 question!”

“Where to now, Starsky?”

“Okay, well we can’t plan anything further,” said Starsky. “The rest depends on what we come up against. It starts with me, getting hired on, and getting familiar with the set up. That of course can’t happen until Anderson has made the call. Cap’n Dobey said he’s let me know when that happened.

“Have you given any thought to how tough this will be, Jon? You’ll have to go everyday not knowing if today is the day. You know, the more I think about it, the more I think it could be a one-man operation. Why do we need you as a victim? Once I get inside, I’m sure this guy already has people there.”

“Oh no you don’t, you’re not gonna yank the rug out from under me now. You know why you need me. There might not be anyone else there requiring the same stuff Hutch was given.”

“I don’t know Jon, so much could go wrong. Me being on the inside isn’t guarantee enough that something won’t go wrong. I might not be in the position to help if and when you need it.”

“If you’re trying to scare me, Starsky, it won’t work. Well, that’s not entirely true, you have scared me, but I’m still going through with this. We haven’t come this far to stop now, have we? Besides you’re taking way more risk than I am.”

“Ok fine! It’s your life. So if we can’t think of any thing else to work out, it’s time to call Dobey and see what he found out,” suggested Starsky. “My place is close, wanna call him from there?”

“Yeah ok…I’m ready.”

“Starsky spent several minutes on the phone with Dobey, then walked back in the room… “So, ya wanna know what your new name is, should you be called on?”

“Come on in here and lets go over this,” Starsky said

They both went into kitchen and sat at the table.

Starsky held out his hand, “Nice to meet you Mark Black, my name is Scott, Scott Jarmen.”

Jon shook hands to their new identified.

“Mark? Oh yuck,” Jon Said, “I knew a guy back in school with that name, I hated him. That name really leaves a bad taste in my mouth!”

“Well you’ll just have to try brushing, ’cause it’s the name your stuck with. You, Mark are a two-timing good for nothing swindler who gets a buck anywhere he can. But this time you two-timed the wrong guy, a Mr. Anthony Jenkins (you and I know him as Huggy). Seems you swindled him out of a huge amount of money, and Mr. Jenkins in looking to make you pay big time. He wants to make you his personal slave, so to speak..”

“I gotta play a bad guy?”

“Well, actually, there no rules that says you have to be a bad bad guy. Most con men out there are the nice and polite people. That’s how they fool most people.”

“Okay. So what’s your story, Mr. Jarmen?” asked Jon

“I, Scott Jarmen, am a jack of all trades. All trades on the wrong side of the law, that is. I used to do some work for a Dr. Anderson. He so appreciated my services, he has recommended me to Mr. Rogers, to fill the vacancy spot in his operation. I do have a record, but nothing that got me in too much trouble.

“I’m not married, have no family. I town hop, wherever I can get work. I’m extremely loyal and very affordable.”

“Sounds like were talking about a car Starsky,” Jon remarked.

“It does, doesn’t it,” Starsky grinned. “But in this business you have they have to know they can count on you.”

“Ah, the old honor among thieves thing?”

“You could say that. They’re not gonna tell me anything if they don’t feel they can trust me.”

“True enough. So I guess this is it. When is Anderson gonna make his call?”

“Dobey is taking care of that as we speak. Anderson was told it was all part of his plea bargain. If he lets on, or doesn’t sound 100% believable, the deal is out the window. So I don’t think we’ll have anything to worry about there. I figure tomorrow will be the big day. Tomorrow I go job hunting.”

“Aren’t you nervous, Starsky?”

“You better believe it, Jon. Its like actors having butterflies before a performance. It happens every time Hutch and I go under.”

“Well I don’t know about all this. I hope you know what your getting yourself into,” Jon said.

“Time will tell, but I have no choice. Let’s turn in for now.”

“I’m right behind you.”

Both men turned in that night with thoughts of their own.

Starsky was contemplating the events that were to take place the next day. Jon was wondering if he had bit off more than he could chew. Both were asleep within minutes of hitting the pillow.

~~~~~

Morning came faster than normal, Starsky thought as he picked himself up and dragged himself to the shower. He told himself he’d have to focus from now on. He could no longer see himself as Detective David Starsky. He was now Scott Jarmen. A lot was riding on how good he could act, as Jon had put it. He stepped out of the shower to hear Jon calling him to the phone.

“I’m not coming to the phone unless I’m sure there’s coffee out there,” he yelled.

“Don’t worry, it’s sitting here waiting for you. It’s Dobey. You want me to have him call back?”

“No, let me throw something on. I’ll be right there.”

Starsky jumped into a pair of jeans, and picked up the phone.

“Yeah Cap’n, what’s up?”

“Morning Mr. Jarmen. Just wanted to let you know everything is a go. The call was made, and made beautifully. Anderson’s hatred for you runs second to his fear of life behind bars.”

“Good, that’s half the battle. Then Rogers is expecting me?”

“Absolutely! He’s even looking forward to it. It seems he’s really been hurting for help. You all set?”

“Good to go, Cap. In about an hour or so, Starsky will be no more. And Mr. Scott Jarmen will be job hunting. You’re gonna look in on Hutch while I’m gone, right?”

“Of course, Starsky. Don’t worry about things here. Remember the most important part of undercover work: focus.”

“Well, this is it Cap. Thanks for your help in all this. And I guess I’ll see you on the other side.”

“Ok Starsky. You be careful, bye for now.”

“Bye Cap.”

Starsky hung the phone up and walked into the kitchen for the coffee Jon had ready and waiting.

“So what’s the word, Starsky?”

“Dobey just wanted to call to give me the green light. Anderson made the call and Rogers is expecting me.”

“So what are your plans?”

“Simple really, drink my coffee, finish getting dressed, then I’m outta here. I’m gonna drive my car down to Huggy’s and swap it with one he has waiting for me. He’ll also have my new wallet ready with all the proper identification. You’ll need to do the same thing by the way, should I end up needing you. Then I’ll drive downtown and see what happens.”

“Anything I can do?”

“Nope, can’t think of a thing. Just be careful if and when you’re number is called.”

Starsky was at last ready. Jon walked with him to the car.

“Don’t worry about your place here, Starsky. I’m leaving shortly and I’ll see to it that it’s all locked up and awaiting your return.”

“Hey that’s right, I left you without a car again, haven’t I?”

“No biggy. I’ll take a cab to my place.”

“Well I’m outta here then… I guess I’ll see you when I see you… hopefully not on the inside Jon.”

“Well if I am inside, I better see you!!” Jon insisted.

Jon watched as Starsky drove away. What did the future hold for them, he wondered. But for now, he’d go back to his place and wait.

~~~~~

The day had come. Starsky walked in the building trying to stay focused. The butterflies had turned into hideous creatures gnawing away at his insides. This will pass he told himself. Once he’s ‘in’ it’ll pass.

He walked into the room that had a sign over that said “Office.”

There was a respectable looking woman sitting there. The receptionist. He wondered if it were possible that she was in the dark about what went on in here.

“Hi, can I help you?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m looking for a Nick Rogers. I believe he’s expecting me.”

“And your name is?”

“Jarmen, Scott Jarmen.”

“Ah yes, he did mention you might be coming in for a job visit. Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll let him know you’re here.”

Starsky took a seat and waited as the woman left the room. He looked around. This place looked bigger than he expected. Nice remodeling job. The building had to be at least 40 years old. You wouldn’t know it from the inside.

The receptionist walked back into the room. “Will you follow me please, Mr. Jarmen?”

The two proceeded to walk upstairs, to a door at the end of the hall. “Mr. Rogers is waiting for you inside, good day”

“Yeah, thanks,” replied Starsky.

Starsky took a deep breath, before going in.

There he was, the infamous Nick Rogers. He wasn’t at all what Starsky had thought he should look like. He was a tall dark decent looking man. He could just as easily had been a CEO for a well to do company. Not at all the shady corrupt looking fella Starsky had envisioned.

“Welcome Mr. Jarmen. I’ve been expecting you.”

“Thanks Mr. Rogers. I appreciate you meeting with me.”

“Well, If what Anderson says about you is true, the pleasure will be all mine. So tell me, what exactly were you looking to do?”

“I pride myself on being ready and able to do whatever is asked of me. I haven’t had a complain yet. So where ever you think my services would be most utilized?”

“I’ll need to work with you awhile to get a feel for what might be your strengths or weakness. I assume you have no problem dealing on the shady side of the law?”

Starsky laughed. “That’s my specialty. The more shady, the more I enjoy myself.”

“I understand you have no ties to this city?”

“That’s right. actually I have no ties anywhere. My interests have always kept me on the road. There’s no time for family, and I certainly have no need for friends. My work is all I’ve ever needed.”

“You sound dedicated, that’s good for this line of work. Did Anderson tell you what it is we do here?”

“All he felt safe telling me was that you deal with supply and demand. He said anything else I was to find out would have to come from you. Sounded like he has a lot of respect for you.”

“Respect, fear, sometimes it’s a thin line. But yes, he has been loyal through the years. I have a good feeling about you, Mr. Jarmen. There is one more thing you need to know before you get anymore involved in my little venture. You see, once you’ve taken the tour, and see what we do here, there will be no declining the job. Now is your chance to walk out that door, no questions asked. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Crystal clear, I have no problem committing right now, Mr. Rogers. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what’s in store for me. I’ve missed a good job I sink my teeth into.”

“Well, that settles it. I’m surprised I’m acting so quickly on this, but I do need the help, and you do seem just what we’ve been looking for. This sounds like a good arrangement for everyone involved. You ready to take a look around? It’s time to look behind door number one.”

“Let’s do it”

Starsky was lead to the rooms behind the rooms that served as window dressing.

“Anyone that were to walk into this building, would have no idea what it is we do here.” Rogers continued. “That’s just the way we like it. We make sure of that. We have every appearance of running a carpet company. A typical building, with a typical office, with a typical receptionist. Nothing that would draw attention to itself.”

“I would have to agree. When I walked in and saw the carpet samples and showroom, I thought for sure I had the wrong place…” agreed Starsky.

“That’s the idea. Now, come on back to the part of the operation you’ll be more interested in. You see Mr. Jarmen, what we supply and others demand, for a lack of a better term, are reprogrammed people. We are hired for a particular service and that’s what we give the client… no questions asked. We don’t get into the why’s, that doesn’t matter.”

Starsky was appalled at the ease this Rogers explained everything. This was very much like acting. He couldn’t let his disgust show on his face.

“This is the entry level,” Rogers explained. “These rooms hold the people that were just brought in. Let me explain.

“Let’s say for instance. There is a girl out there that really tickled your fancy, but all you heard from her was “no.” Well, what we offer is the chance for you to take this girl home with you and never hear the word no again.

Here’s the way it works. We would find this girl. We release a gas that renders her unconscious, more assurance nothing can go wrong. We then would bring her here to the holding room. Then before the gas wears off, she’ll be taken to the next room. There, she’ll be restrained to prevent any movement. She is blindfolded. Gagged. And last but not least she is giving a set of headphones. Just as you see on this man.”

“Why all the gadgets…blindfold, headphones?” Starsky asked.

“Two reasons… To keep this operation a success, we need to be completely covert. No one is to have charge of their senses, that they may be able to link anything to us. The second reason is that it takes the drug several days to get into the system and to keep the person in an unconscious state only lengthens the process. This way they’re physically immobilized, and yet we’re able to administer the drug. It’s a very air tight, clean operation.

“We allow for 3 days. If the “merchandise” is not collected by then, we simply get rid of it.”

Starsky thought surely he had misunderstood. “So after they’re here for 3 days, and no one claims them, you…”

“You disappoint me Mr. Jarmen… if something like that bothers you, perhaps I’ve made a big mistake!”

“Doesn’t bother me in the slightest, quite the opposite. I haven’t worked with anyone that had that kinda nerve. It’s rather refreshing,” Starsky replied.

“Yes, after three days, we cut our losses and our ties to this person. When I said a clean operation, that’s what I meant! Nothing but nothing will get traced back here.”

“The only way to do business! So what happens after 3 days? Does the client just comes in and picks up the merchandise?”

“No actually the fees includes delivery. We don’t want anyone coming here unprepared for proper pickup or delivery. So, the client calls in the order for pick up, gives us receipt number we match that number to the merchandise. Then we proceed to transfer the merchandise to a previously arranged location.”

“And that’s when you receive payment?”

“You are new to this line of work, aren’t you, Mr. Jarmen?” Rogers laughed. “In this line of work, we make sure to get full pay up front.”

“I’m very impressed, Mr. Rogers, this operation is ingenious.”

“Well it certainly has helped to put food on the table.”

“So what exactly is my job description?”

“For the time being, you’ll be trained on all things necessary to help maintain the merchandise as it’s brought in. That is subject to change, however. I need help with more important jobs, but this business is such that I can’t trust just anyone that just walks in off the street. It does help that you had references. But at least for now, that’s where we’re gonna start you.”

“Hey, I’m not complaining, I just appreciate the work.”

“Well, it’s settled then,” Rogers held out his hand. Starsky shook. “Welcome aboard Mr. Jarmen.”

~~~~~

It had been nearly two weeks since Starsky had left to meet with Rogers. Jon wasn’t exactly worried, He knew it would take awhile to get in and get established.

In those two weeks, Jon had been up to the hospital a few times to check on Hutch. The guilt was ever present, but he thought it the lease he could do for Starsky.

Nothing had changed with Hutch’s condition. Doctor Simon said all physical injuries have healed. He just wasn’t coming out of this coma. And of course they were sure to pass on the ever popular line, The longer he stays in the coma, the less chance there is for him to make a complete recovery…

He hoped that wouldn’t be the case. The only reason Starsky was out risking his life was to try to bring his partner back. He prayed it wouldn’t’ all be for nothing.

Jon had picked up the phone a few times to call Annie, but hung up. What good would it do to try and make things right now, when he wasn’t at all sure what his immediate future held for him. No, he decided. He would wait until all this was behind him.

Life was at a stand still. After time had passed, Huggy set Jon up in at a bogus address, in case he was called into action. So for now, life had meant living in a home that wasn’t his, and driving a car that wasn’t his. As miserable as his life was, he was beginning to miss it. It would soon be over he told himself.

~~~~~

Starsky was becoming impatient. Just over two weeks working in this torture chamber and still he wasn’t in a position to get in contact with the brainwashing drug. He knew that if things didn’t happen and soon, Huggy would be calling in the order for Jon. He’d hoped he could do this without his help, and perhaps he still could. But time was not on his side.

He had prepared several people in as cold as a manner as he could, and did a very good job. He was beginning to wonder if this had been the right approach to take at all. But Starsky had to stay focused if he was to help Hutch, not to mention the countless others that have been a victim to this.

~~~~~

Jon was dressed and ready for another day of getting in the car, driving around the block, then coming back “home” again. It was getting to be a very old routine. He couldn’t imagine why anyone wanted to work ‘stakeouts” He had no patience for that kind of thing.

Finally, boredom got the best of him and he decided that if he had to go out, he might as well have a destination in mind. He would put his name in the hat again. Get a jump on job hunting. This gave him a fresh bounce in his step again. He knew it was too soon to commit to any job. But he could at least go talk to some people. At last, he thought, purpose again.

So like he had done so many times now, he left his true identify behind, stuffed his back pocket with the wallet that contained all the ID necessary to make him Mark Black, and headed out the door. He’d often thought if he were to drop dead, no one would ever know he was gone.

Jon unlocked the car door, and sat down inside. He had just finished slipping his seat belt on, when he felt himself loosing consciousness. Everything was spinning. Before he had time to react, he was out like a light.

The two men waited to make sure there was no more movement from inside the car. They opened the door, pulled the unconscious man out, and carried him to the waiting van.

“Mr. Black, I presume,” one of the men had said.

~~~~~

It was a short drive downtown. The van pulled to the back and entered the warehouse. They parked, got out and opened the back of the van.

One of the men got on the speaker. “Scott, we have a new arrival waiting in bay three.”

The two men waited. Starsky walked back to greet the delivery.

“Hey fellas, got another one, eh?”

“Yes sir, never a dull moment round here. He’s out and waiting for you to take over.”

“Well alright then. how bout you fellas carry him to room one. It’s empty now.”

“You got it,” said one for the delivery men as they picked up the cargo and hauled it to room one.

“Thanks guys, I’ll take it from here.”

Starsky had done this many times now. It was an upsetting situation he had been put in. Rogers had made him directly responsible for new arrivals. It turned his stomach and broke his spirits every time he had to handle one of these people like they were nothing more that cows being lead to market. He had to, he told himself over and over again. If he were to put and end to it all and help everyone that had receive the mind-altering drug, he’d have to keep this up.

He had the routine down to a sick science. He had 1 hour to prepare the person before they would wake from the affects of the gas. Less of course the delivery time, which was clocked at 26 minutes. 34 minutes left to do 10 minutes worth of work.

First came the restraints. They were heavy metal used to restrain the person around the neck, the chest, both wrists, and both ankles. Starsky had gotten so good, he knew just how to position the body so that it was one flick of the switch to set them all.

Second were the blindfolds. No peaking out of these things! Then the gag, pretty basic actually. Just tape. Tougher tape Starsky had never seen however. He was sure it would rip your lips right off if you weren’t careful!

Then last but not least, the headset. Nothing special about these. Just headphones that fit snuggly so that when the person was awake. Elevator music was all they heard, 24 hours a day. Starsky had thought that these people will probably have a fear of elevators the rest of their natural life. He had to stay focused, this was laughing matter.

One thing he learned that helped was to never look directly at the faces. This somehow kept them from being real. Starsky wasn’t sure why, but this time he did look.

It was Jon.

“How the hell did this happen?” he asked out loud.

“IS THERE A PROBLEM?” asked a supervisor that heard Starsky over the speaker.

“Oh Sorry, Just over reacted… thought the props people messed up the headphones. But it’s a false alarm, everything’s under control.”

“Carry on, but check your time.”

“Got it under control, thanks.”

He couldn’t believe it! He nearly blew everything. The shock at seeing Casey had caused him to overlook the fact that there were speakers recording everyone.

This wasn’t supposed to happen yet. He thought to himself. Huggy must have jumped the gun. He realized his 36 minutes were now down to 16. He’d have to go to work. He never thought ahead enough to think it would be him preparing Jon if and when he arrived. He thought he would have been promoted out of the arrivals by then. He’d have to proceed, he had people watching, he had no choice.

He finished steps 1-4 with less than 3 minutes to spare. It had been more difficult than the others. He was afraid, he wouldn’t finish before time was up. As soon as he finished the last detail, Starsky knew it was time to get the ball rolling. He left the room and went to talk to Rogers about changing jobs. Now not only did he need the drug, he needed to get this resolved before Jon’s requisition was acted on.

“Hey Jarmen, you’re really slowin’ down. You barely made it out of that one in time. Maybe they need to kick you back to delivery. I could use a raise,” remarked one the deliverymen.

“Yeah, you wouldn’t know what to do with my job if you had it. If it weren’t for maps and cruise control, you wouldn’t have the job you have now. Besides I still have the fastest clearing time around, one slow assignment won’t change that.”

“Yeah Yeah, you just best watch yourself, is all.”

“I’m watching alright!”

Jon came to in melodic darkness. He knew right away what had happened. He just hadn’t expected this. Unable to move. Unable to see or hear. This made things a little tougher to swallow. He didn’t like the feeling of total helplessness. Ironic, he thought Annie wished he would just disappear from existence, but what had happened was existence had disappeared for Jon.

What was he to expect now? How long would it take before things would start happening? Was Starsky in a position to intervene if necessary? He would just have to wait and find out.

“You wanted to see me Mr. Jarmen?” asked Nick Rogers.

“Yes sir, if you have the time.”

“Sure, what can I do for you?”

“I was wondering sir, have you been happy with my work here?”

“You’ve done a fine job, one of the fastest in arrival.”

“Well, I’m eager to please sir, and I don’t want to step out of line.”

“I feel a but coming”

“Yes sir, BUT, I’ve got this job down to a fine art. I was thinking that maybe you’d consider moving me to a different stage.”

“My my! Is my eager Mr. Jarmen asking for a raise?” asked Rogers.

“It’s not the money, I just need excitement, and this job has gotten a bit stale. I don’t mean to sound unappreciative. I do value the opportunity you’ve given me here.”

“For Pete’s sake man, quit falling all over yourself. I get your point. I’ll take it under consideration. The higher up jobs deal with some pretty serious “need-to-know” situations. I do admire your candor, however. You keep pluggin’ away, and I’ll let you know what I decide.”

“Can’t ask for more than that, Mr. Rogers, thanks.”

“Keep up the good work, Mr. Jarmen.”

This wasn’t good. Starsky knew he had made a good impression, he was sure of that. But it appeared Rogers had some question as to his loyalties.

~~~~~

Dobey was going over the morning reports when the phone rang.

“Dobey here.”

“Captain Dobey, Hi. This is Doctor Simon. I have been trying to get through to Detective Starsky, or Detective Casey at the numbers they left here, and haven’t been able to reach them. Do you have any idea where I can find them?”

“Starsky is on assignment, Doctor. But as far as I know, Casey should have been reachable. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Well, just expected them up here to check on Detective Hutchinson. There hasn’t been anyone here in days.”

“That IS Strange. Has anything changed with Hutch’s condition?”

“I’m afraid it’s looking more and more like nothing will change, Captain. For him to be unresponsive for this length of time… It’s my guess that drug did more to him than we previously thought. I wonder if it’s purpose isn’t to leave the person as a vegetable. However, in the true since of the word, he’s not a vegetable. Even those people are usually in a conscious state. Detective Hutchinson isn’t coming to.”

“Well Doctor, I know you know your stuff, but your gonna have to do a lot better than that before we’ll be ready to give up on him. We have people out doing all they can to find out about that stuff. I have faith we’ll come up with something. Oh, I’ll check into Casey’s whereabouts, but don’t worry. I’ll be up to check up on Hutch.”

“I would expect nothing less from you guys. If a mans worth can be told by the friends he keeps. Detective Hutchinson is one of the riches man I know. We’ll be looking for you round here, Captain.”

“Thanks Doc, no hard feelings. I know you’re just doing your job, but don’t count our Hutch down and out just yet.”

“You got it. I’ll be holding indefinitely. Goodbye Captain Dobey.”

“Goodbye Doctor.”

Dobey thought about all the doctor had said. He would have to get up there and keep one of his detective company. It must be getting lonely up there with Starsky gone. But where had Casey run off to? He’d have to call Huggy about this.

~~~~~

Hutch wasn’t sure at what point he became aware of himself. He couldn’t explain the state he was in. He was able to have some thoughts of his own. But they were limited. Why wasn’t he able to communicate with anyone? Why hadn’t he been able to open his eyes? He was stuck in a prison within himself.

Everything seemed like a very obscure dream. He could hear voices, but was unable to tell who they were or where they had come from. He wasn’t even sure what thoughts were his own. It was as if someone else was living inside his mind, telling him what to do, and what to think. He was sure that at one point he had heard a familiar voice. He tried to concentrate on who it was, but he just didn’t have the ability to break his thoughts down to that level. Everything was just very vague. “Familiar” was as close as he got to knowing who the voice belonged to.

~~~~~

The next working day had started. Day number 2 for Mr. Mark Black. Starsky wanted to go in to check on this friend, but that would have looked too suspicious, he had never looked in on any of his other arrivals. He’d have to stay away for now.

“Mr. Jarmen can you please report to Mr. Rogers office as soon as you have the chance this morning?” Mrs. Collier had said over the loud speakers.

Here’s hoping this is good news, Starsky thought… we can’t afford anymore bad.

Starsky knocked then opened the door. “Good Morning Mr. Rogers. You wanna to see me about something?”

“Morning Mr. Jarmen. I called you up here to tell you that I was reviewing an arrival you took care of yesterday. Matter of fact I think it was the last one of the day. Do you recall that arrival, Mr. Jarmen?”

Where was he going with this? The last arrival had been Jon, had he caught on? Had his outburst given them away?

“Yes sir, sure do.”

“Well, looking at your performance on that job, you seemed a bit sluggish. I thought that perhaps you were getting ahead of yourself when you asked to be moved. But upon reviewing more of your work I think you’re right. Your talents are being wasted on arrivals. I’m not sure what happened on that last job, but we’re all allowed to have bad moment. Besides, you still have the best clearing time we’ve seen around here. So I’ve decided to move you on up.”

Starsky was relieved at hearing Rogers’ words. There was no acting needed here. “Thank you Sir, you won’t regret it!”

“I don’t think I will either. We have a lot of folks that have a hard time dealing with people in this manner, we can’t risk moving them up any higher. You however seem to have a certain coldness about you. I think you’d do fine with the next stage.”

“I appreciate your confidence, sir.. When do we start?”

“I’m thinking that later today, you and I will meet in the level 2 area. And I’ll give you the low down, Maybe even let you try one. How does that sound?”

How does it sound? thought Starsky. It sounds like I’m about to step into the twilight zone, and take many folks with me.

“Sounds great Mr. Rogers. I can’t thank you enough for giving me for this opportunity. You won’t be sorry.”

“No, I don’t think I will. For now, take a break. I’ll call you after lunch. Oh and by the way. Here take this. It’s a pager. See? You’re somebody now.”

“No more Mr. Jarmen over the loud speaker! That’ll be a welcome change, thanks again Mr. Rogers, See you after lunch.”

He hoped he hadn’t come off like too much a suck up. He didn’t want to seem too anxious to get moved up. It was crunch time. He would have to not only get into the position to give Jon “the stuff.” He would also have to find the drug. And all this had to be done in a day and a half. Huggy didn’t know to call in three days, and Jon would simply be disposed of. This was gonna be tricky to, but what part of this plan hadn’t been?

He’d meet with Rogers later that day, to find out more, and like he has said perhaps get a trial run. That way he’d have a little experience before dealing with Jon.

~~~~~

“Hello?” Answered an uninterested woman.

“I’m looking for Huggy, is he in?”

“Not sure, let me check.”

He heard her hold the phone down, and yell… “HUGGY, YOU HERE?”

“Nope, he’s not, can I take a message?”

“That’s one fine paging system you have there”

“Up yours Mister. Now do you wanna leave a message or don’t you?”

“I’m afraid I do. Can you tell him to call Dobey? He knows where he can reach me.”

“I’ll tell him.”

Since Dobey couldn’t reach Huggy or Casey, he decided he’d better get up to the hospital and make good on his promise. He never had been the social, see the guys after work type of Captain. Matter of fact if he saw any of his men outside of the office, he felt very uncomfortable. But this is a special situation after all.

He knew that others from the precinct had been up to see their fellow officer, and friend. But it was his duty, as a Captain and a friend. He really had always taken to Starsky and Hutch. They gave him more grief than anyone else. But it all balanced out in the end.

Dobey stepped inside Hutch’s room. It was so quiet! The quietest ward he’d ever had the misfortune of being on. He went over and sat next to the bed. He couldn’t believe that man that had worked with him all these years, bringing both good times and bad, could really be lying here so helpless.

He figured that had been one reason he hadn’t been up earlier. It made him face his own mortality. He had been one of those rare veteran Cops that from the first day of being a rookie to his current title of Captain, he had never been wounded. He knew he had led a charmed cops life, and he felt very guilty confronting his men that were not so lucky.

Heck! He told himself. Starsky AND Hutch have had many brushes with death, and always came out the victor. Would this also have a happy ending? They couldn’t cheat death forever. But then so far, he had.

“Hey there Hutchinson,” Dobey began. “Do you know who this is? It’s your captain. You know the guy you made it your job to play a practical joke on at least once a week. So how you doing, Hutch? You’re looking really good. You’ve come along way since you were first brought in! I understand all we’re waiting on now is for you to wake up. You better know this, if you don’t hurry and get back to work, I’m gonna replace your butt. We need you back at work. You and Starsky solve more case than any other cops in metropolitan. When you two are out of commission, we lose too many of the bad guys!”

It was happening again. Hutch heard a voice. He couldn’t make out much, a word here or there… They came to him but meant nothing. He wasn’t able to bring everything into focus. Still unable to tell what was real, what was in his head. Still living in a dazed, unreal dream state. It was like he was wading through endless fog, almost on clouds , with all senses being muffled. Everything was obscure.

Dobey couldn’t help but feel there had been a change come over Hutch’s face. That’s ridiculous he told himself, he hasn’t moved a muscle. Wishful thinking he concluded. He sat with Hutch for about another hour and then decided to call it a night.

“Listen Hutchinson, I just wanted to let you know that Starsky says hi… he’s on assignment, otherwise he’d be here right now. Well, I’m gonna get on outta here. You take care of yourself, and I’m gonna be back up to visit real soon.”

Dobey took a last somber look at Hutch and walked out.

“Starsky.” That was the last thing his rational mind heard before succumbing to the depths of confusion again. Hearing that word had sent out an alarm that seemed to echoed in the caverns of his mind. His mind which had for the time being, become his home. Just as quickly, the alarm was silenced and he was once again left to lurk in the darkness.

 

Part Four

Starsky had finished his lunch hour and waited to be called in. He wanted to take another arrival. As much as it had sickened him, it was better than sitting around thinking of Hutch lying up in that hospital. His friend had always been so full of life, and now he was sleeping through it, just waiting. The pressure of needing to help was eating Starsky up inside.

He had been in such deep thought, the pager startled him. He checked the message, and headed back upstairs… it’s show time, he told himself.

He had just about made it to Rogers’s door when it had opened. Rogers walked out to meet him.

“So Mr. Jarmen, you ready to find out what your new job description is?”

“Ready and willing, Mr. Rogers!”

“I like your enthusiasm Jarmen.”

Rogers lead Starsky into a different section of the building.

“This is level two. This is where we keep and distribute the miracle drug. It’s exhilarating work. To be able to manipulate peoples minds. It’s a real rush.”

“Yeah, there are a few people that come to mind I would have loved to have used this stuff on! So how does it work?” Starsky asked boldly.

“Eager Beaver, aren’t we?”

“Sorry, I just get caught up in the excitement.”

“Well the drug has a common compound that runs through it, we just manipulate it to the level required to fill the order. For instance, take this woman over here…

Her order requested a total reprogramming. The guy is a Neanderthal, he wants his woman barefoot and pregnant, so to speak.”

He proceeded to pick up a syringe lying on the tray.

“It just takes one dose. Watch.”

Starsky was horrified as to what was happening to this poor unsuspecting woman, but for now, he have to play the part of a doting student, eager to learn is new trade.

Rogers injected the needle into the neck of the unsuspecting woman.

Starsky winced at the sight.

“I know, it seems creepy giving the injection there like that, but it’s the quickest way to get the drug into the blood stream.

“The next phase is to input new life, new memories into this person. This is our most expensive purchase. A lot has to go into this job. The only part of this you’ll deal with for now is the dosage. The implanting of the information will be the next thing you learn. She will be given a new identity, and she will live happily ever after, she really will. Isn’t that just amazing? A week ago she hated this guy, but thanks to us, she’s fixin’ to be happier than she s ever been in her life!”

Starsky couldn’t believe the way the guy got off on the talk of manipulating human beings. So cold!

“Now the next example is this next guy.”

Rogers lead Starsky into the next room.

“Now this guy is nothing more than a lowlife double dealing con artist. The problem is, he conned the wrong guy. So what we do in this case… again we’ve manipulated the drug to work in a different way. He’s not so much reprogrammed. He’s just left in a suggestive state. You give him a “catch phrase” and he responds as directed. He’ll carry out anything that is asked of him.”

“Now that is impressive. You mean he’ll do absolutely anything?” Starsky asked.

“Anything!”

“Cool, now you’re talking! You can make a regular live in maid out of anyone.”

“Exactly! Now, you ready to give it a shot? Just pick up the syringe and simply inject him, making sure you get it in the vein.”

Simply? Did he just hear the man say simply? There was nothing simple about sticking a needle into someone’s neck. He didn’t know if he could do this.

Starsky picked up the syringe and held it.

“Ok, now, let me show you.” Rogers pointed the vein out. “Right there. Just slide the needle right under the skin where you see the vein. You’ll feel a little resistance, that’s when you know your in. Then just empty the syringe, and it’s done. Does it get any easier than that? Go ahead try it.

“Go on Mr. Jarmen. This will be what the next level consists of. You’re not getting squeamish on me, are you?”

“Yeah okay. No big deal.”

Starsky took the syringe guided his hand over to the place Rogers had pointed out. It was then he realized that the man lying there was Casey.

What was he going to do now? There was no fooling Rogers. He had no choice. He carefully inserted the needle then slowly he released the same thing on Jon that had been given to his partner. Starsky thought he would just crumble right there, but he relied on his autopilot to get him through the grim proceedings.

“Well done, Mr. Jarmen. That’s it! This man is good to go!”

“Can I ask you Mr. Rogers? This is amazing stuff. How long will this man be under the influence?”

“That’s the brilliant part. Tt can last quite awhile. I’m talking freakin’ years! That one injection. Now tell me that’s not ingenious!”

“I can’t sir… that’s the most ingenious stuff I’ve ever come in contact with!” Starsky said as he tried to keep his voice from betraying his feeling of despair.

It had been a terrible blow!! In one fell swoop, he had just learned that Hutch could remain in his state for years to come, and also realized he just sentenced Jon to the same fate. It was incredibly difficult to remain up beat for the sake of Rogers.

“See there, Jarmen? You’ll do just fine! Now that’s all for today, I just wanted to give you a taste of what to expect. You turn in for the night, and we’ll go over more tomorrow.”

“What about this guy?” Starsky asked.

“The drug has to have time to soak in. He’ll remain here until the morning.”

Starsky wanted so badly to ask him the all-important question: is there anyway to reverse this thing? But he was afraid of coming off a little TOO interested. He’d have to hold back for awhile.

“Now go get some shut eye,” Rogers continued. “Tomorrow’s another day.”

Starsky watched the mad man walk out of the room. What makes people like him tick he wondered. Then is eyes fell on the man that he had just sentenced to a mental prison from which there just may be no chance of parole. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. He trusted me, and it end up being me that put the stuff in him. He made himself leave. The longer he stayed the more attention he would draw.

He made his way to his room; everyone lived within the warehouse. Yes sir, nice neat little operation. He laid down on his bed and tried to figure out what he was going to do now. He had one last mission before he could blow the operation sky high. He needed to find the answer. The answer to reversing the effects of the substance that was being used on countless people. How many people this has been used on, he didn’t know. He did know that there were no paper files kept anywhere. Everything was on computer. Updated everyday. He’d have to get that information if he was to undo all that this lunatic had done.

Computers. The word alone scared him. He wasn’t into computers the way Jon and Hutch had been. Doesn’t that figure? The only two that could help are on the injured reserve list. Damn, why hadn’t he paid attention when Hutch tried to show him the basics on that damned computer of his? No, he was too busy telling Hutch that he wasn’t nor would he ever be the high tech kinda guy. “I’ve lived this long without them, I think I can manage just fine, thank you very much,” had been his reply. He’d have to admit, every once in awhile old Blondie actually knew what he was talking about.

~~~~~

Dobey had just walked into his office and sat down when the phone rang. “Dobey here”

“Say Dobey. What’s happening? I hear you’ve been looking for me,” replied Huggy.

“Glad it wasn’t an emergency. Where have you been?”

“You forget yourself Captain. I’m not on your payroll, I don’t answer to you. Now do you want something or not?”

“Have you seen Casey? He’s been outta touch for a few days now.”

“I haven’t actually seen him. He’s working with Starsky on some undercover gig.”

“When did Casey join him?”

“I couldn’t tell you exactly. My instructions were to call in an order after 2 weeks, and he’d be going in soon after.”

“How come they chose to tell you more about this than me?”

“Gee I don’t know. Maybe cuz you’re a captain, and they’re just two guys on vacation.”

“Ah I get the picture. The less I know the better. Starsky and Hutch always pulled that crap on me. Fine! If that’s the way they want it, I’ll just sit back and stay out of it.”

“Yep, I think that’s the way they wanted it. Nothing personal, you understand. Just when everything’s not exactly on the up and up, the last person you want make plans with is your captain.”

“I just hope they know what they’re doing.”

~~~~~

Starsky woke up to the act of second guessing himself. What a naive plan it had been.. All his experiences proved to be useless. Where had his head been lately? He couldn’t even use Hutch as an excuse. There had been many times in the past when Hutch had been in bad shape, and Starsky had still been able to go out and take care of business. He was getting sloppy and he knew it. It was time to get fined tuned, and get this job done.

He had just showered and dressed when his pager went off. He was to head over to level 2 for more training. Starsky took a minute to collect his thoughts, he took a deep breath, and headed out the door.

“Good morning, Mr. Jarmen. Ready to get to work?” asked Mr. Rogers.

“Sure am. Will you be instructing me again?” Starsky asked in his best brown nosing voice.

“Actually I’ve instructed Randy here to train you. I’ve got business to tend to. I’ll be checking in periodically to make sure everything is running smoothly.”

“Ok, I’m ready to go, Randy.”

Starsky hadn’t had any dealings with this Randy guy. He’d have to get a feel for him before he started digging in.

“So Randy, what’s the first order of business round here?”

“What we do is deal with any extras that have been requested. There are quite a few services we offer. Once we get the request… look, I’ll show you.”

Randy handed Starsky an order form. “See there? The request is for #267 to get a total overhaul. The first thing we do, is come over to the console, you press the yellow light which releases the gas to that room. You give it 10 minutes to make sure it’s taken effect. You pull out a syringe from over here and load it up with the stuff marked K22. And don’t ask me, the boss assigned the names. I don’t know what they actually stand for. Next we head down to #267.”

Starsky followed Randy down stairs to the arrivals. “Mind if I ask a question?”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

“Well, why aren’t the syringes kept in the rooms so that you don’t have to be going back and forth for every job?”

“I know, that would save a lot of walking time, wouldn’t it? But the boss is too particular. IF he were to leave the drugs in each room, then anyone would have access to them, and he’s very protective over this stuff.”

“Yeah, it’s some extra-ordinary stuff alright!”

“You can say that again,” Randy replied as they walked into the room holding #267. “Now from here it’s easy really. The gas has left this man in a sleep state, so there’s no worry of him hearing or seeing anyone. I know what you’re thinking and you’re right. The precautions we take with the blindfold and such should always be enough. But the boss deals with absolutes. He wants this to be as clean an operation as possible. To this day we’ve never had a weak link in the system.

“Obviously you’re met with no resistance,” the man continued. “You simply inject the drug. Then the injection is made right at the neck, right about here,” Randy pointed out.

“Yeah, Rogers showed me that little tidbit yesterday,” said Starsky.

“Yeah, I know, but you get used to it. Now once you’ve given the injection, you leave here and proceed to make the appropriate entry in the database. Follow me.”

There wasn’t much Randy had showed Starsky that he hadn’t already been shown or figured out for himself, so far. But at least now he knows where the stuff is kept, and is about to find out where the information is stored.

“Okay,” continued Randy, “you will immediately enter the data into this terminal. You need the password, you’ll type it right here. By the way, you’ll have to get the password from the boss. He’s the only one that can give that out. I’ll type it in for now to show you how to input.”

Randy made Starsky stand behind him, as to not peek, Starsky figured. He then called him over and explained how to input what pn (product number) was given to who, also you put in time and date.

“There, now we’re done with number #267. Now we go see what the next order calls for.”

“About how many of these a day do you do?” asked Starsky.

“Well as you know coming from arrivals. We get about 10 requests per day.”

“Have you ever had somebody that was never picked up?”

“Yeah, that does happen from time to time. We don’t keep anyone past three days. After that, it’s assumed the person changed their mind. It doesn’t make any difference to us, we get paid up front.”

“What do you do with the people then?”

“The boss disposes of them.”

“Does he ever just release them back?”

“Never. Like I said the boss is very protective of this operation. He doesn’t like leaving loose ends.”

Starsky hoped he wasn’t drilling the guy too much. But it was normal for a guy to ask questions when he’s being trained, wasn’t it?

“With all the precautions, what would be the harm in letting the people go back?” Starsky knew he was pushing it with this line of questioning.

“Because of the drug inside them.”

“Yeah, of course, and I guess there’s no reversing the effects on something like that. I see your point.” Starsky baited.

“Well, if there is a reversal, I’ve never been made aware of it. Come on let’s go see who’s up next.”

Once again Starsky found himself struggling to maintain a pleasant enough disposition after receiving devastating news. No way to reverse it. Hutch and Jon were to be in their private hell for a long time to come if what this guy says is true. He did take note of the man’s choice of words. however. “IF” there was one. he did know about it. As secretive as this Rogers guy was, he’d probably keep that information confidential. At least it made Starsky feel better to think that.

They made their way back up to level 2. “Well what do you know, there is a lull in the action. Someone is being prepared at arrivals, but we have a few minutes to kill. The Boss asked me to demonstrate the effects of this drug. He said you seemed in awe of the stuff. Come on, let’s go to #212.”

The number sounded familiar, they were going to Jon’s room.

“The boss tells me that he showed you how to hit the jugular on this guy. He wants me to show you the affects of the drug, #1RX. There is no longer any need for restraints of any kind. The guy’s brains doesn’t belong to him anymore.

“You give the guy a catch phrase. It has to stay the same every time to have him respond. Watch.

“Mark Black, I want you to open your eyes.” Both men waited. Nothing happened.

“Hmm, this is strange,” said Randy. “Let me check the name again.”

“Won’t work if you got the names confused?” Starsky asked.

“No, just like a computer. It has to reach the core for anything else to work. And the Core is his identity. The name is what triggers the responses.”

Starsky began to worry. What’s gonna happen when it just doesn’t work? Will they be able to tell he’s not who he’s suppose to be?

“Nope, it’s the name on the requisition and on his name tag. It’s a match. This is very disturbing. I’ve maybe seen this happen once maybe twice since I’ve been here.”

“What happened with those guys? Did you ever find out why it didn’t work?”

“No. Anything that goes wrong like that is referred to the Boss. He always takes care of the problems. I’ll have to make him aware of the situation. So much for a demonstration, come on. Lets just go see if the new arrival is prepped.”

“Yeah okay.” Starsky followed him once again to the level 2 main room.

When they had returned to the room, there was a call waiting for Randy.

“I’ll take it in the office. It’s probably the boss. Go ahead and see what this one calls for.”

“Will do,” replied Starsky.

He’s telling Rogers about Casey, Starsky said to himself. What is Randy going to be instructed to do? And how far would he be willing to let things go before intervening? The noose was getting tighter. He hadn’t been able to get any important information yet, and things were quickly escalating.

He took the next order form and tried to get ready for when Randy came back. He didn’t want to appear totally useless. The next pn, as randy had referred to it, was #285. It was calling for something called 10Z. He walked over a grabbed a syringe, then walked over to the freezer the stuff was kept in. He grabbed the bottle mark 10Z and filled the syringe. Then sat down and waited for Randy to return.

“Well,” Randy said coming out of the office. “The boss isn’t too happy about this situation. It seems he can’t get back down here until tomorrow. He says just make sure we secure this guy, and he’ll check things out tomorrow.”

A little breathing, space Starsky told himself.

“So you got the next one ready I see. Let me check what you’ve done.” He looked over the form and checked the vial the syringe was filed with. “Yep, so far so good. What’s next?”

“Okay, let me think. We go over to the control box and hit the yellow light above the pn #285. That will release the gas. And in 10 minutes we go down. We inject into the jugular.. Then we go over to the terminal, input the information. And that’s it for this job.”

“Good, you were paying attention. Let’s do it.”

Starsky went back to his room that night knowing he wasn’t spending one more night here. He wasn’t going to put himself in the position of injecting anyone else with the 1RX, or anything else for that matter. Especially not knowing if it’s effects can be reversed.

It was taking a big risk, he knew that. But things were becoming too heated. When Rogers came back, no telling what he would have wanted to do with Casey. And when Randy reports back to Rogers about the 101 questions Starsky had asked, he felt sure he was gonna start sticking out like a sore thumb.

He had mentally acted out the events of the evening many times throughout the day. It was time to put them into motion. IT was 2:00 am when he decided to act. He wasn’t going to worry about the cameras. He didn’t figure they’d have much time to check all the tapes. His only concern was who was monitoring them at the time.

Hutch would have called Starsky all kinds of names if he were here and heard the plan, and Starsky couldn’t blame him. The number one rule to undercover work is speed. The quicker you act, the harder it is to be caught. But there were many steps to this plan, every one of them necessary. No, there was going to be nothing quick about this plan.

He left his room and went straight to the security room. From what he could make out there was only one man monitoring the cameras. Starsky simply walked in.

The man spun around in his chair. “Hey want are you doing in here?” the man demanded.

“Calm down man. Little on the jumpy side, aren’t we? Listen I didn’t want to bother you, but you’re the only one I could find awake at this hour.”

“You’re not supposed to be in here. What do you want?”

“It’s silly really, I can’t sleep. I was wondering if you guys don’t have a little something to help me get some sleep?”

“You’re kidding me right? You came in here to ask for a sleeping pill?”

“I just thought with all the good stuff the boss has, surely there’s something for insomnia. I have a big day tomorrow. I could use something.”

“Fine, if it’ll get you outta here, I’ll go get something.” The man turned his back to Starsky to leave the room, Starsky clobbered him from behind. He dragged the man to the back, and tied him with the “Gag” tape.

“That oughta hold ya for awhile.”

There were too many buttons and gadgets to try to figure out which one turned the cameras off. So he reached over and unplugged everything from the outlets. “See Hutch, no need to be high tech!”

He grabbed the keys from the tied up man, also grabbed the pistol he was carrying. He sure hoped he wouldn’t have to use it, the entire place would come running. But better to have it than not, he decided. He headed to the level 2 storeroom. It took a little while to find the right key. He let himself in and walked over to the freezer. Randy had given his the combination for it, thank goodness.

He opened the freezer and took out the bottle marked 1RX, and another marked SA. He put them in his pocket, grabbed a syringe, then put everything back in place, and left the room.

Next he’d have to pay a visit to Randy. It sure would have been easier if he’d have just given him the password. Now he’d have to scare it out of him. Starsky hoped he wasn’t too loyal to the boss, that would be a tough nut to crack.

Before entering the room, Starsky pulled out the syringe and filled it with the bottle marked SA. Randy himself was the one that had told him about that, it was simply a sleeping agent. He entered the room as quietly as possible. He wasn’t sure how much noise he had made upstairs. He couldn’t be sure everyone would still be tucked in their beds. Luckily Randy was.

Starsky worked very slowly and quietly to tape Randy’s arms down to the frame of his bed. This was a ridiculous risk, but it seemed to be paying off. It seems Randy is a deep sleeper. After his arms were secured, Starsky shook the man till he woke up.

Starsky had his hand over Randy’s mouth and showed him the syringe.

“Not a sound!” Starsky told him. “You know what this is don’t you, Randy? I think you told me the code name is 1RX?”

Randy’s eyes were wide with fright.

“That’s right Randy, be very afraid. You know what this stuff does to people, don’t you? I have a deal to make with you. I want the password to the computer system.”

Randy was shaking his head no.

“No? Well, I was afraid you were going to say that. I admire your loyalty. But You’re not the only one that knows the password, are you? If not from you, I’ll get it from someone a little less loyal. But you know what? It won’t matter to you then, because you’ll be in lala land. Catch my drift?”

Starsky could see the wheel cranking in Randy’s mind, desperately trying to think. This man’s loyalty runs deep, that’s for sure, thought Starsky.

“Ok Randy, have it your way. I admire a man willing to go down with the ship.” Starsky pulled the plastic covering from the needle and started towards Randy’s arm.

“Oh wait, that’s right, not the arm. That’s too slow, right Randy? We hit the jugular, right? Aren’t you glad you’re such a good teacher?”

Starsky held the syringe to Randy’s neck, but it wasn’t till he felt the needle pierce the skin that he nodded in agreement.

“Geez that was a close call there Randy. Now what is it? And mark my words, if I get down there, and this thing is incorrect, I’m coming back, and I’m gonna hit you with everything I can find in that freezer up there. You got that?”

Starsky could see in his eyes, that randy believed he would do just that. He wrote the password as Randy told him, He wasn’t going to rely on his memory at a time like this. After Randy gave up the information, Starsky pulled the syringe back out.

Panic had returned on Randy’s face. If it hadn’t been for the gag, Starsky was sure he would have screamed to wake the dead. His eyes were doing the screaming for him. Starsky couldn’t be this cruel, as much as this guy deserved it.

“Calm down,” Starsky told him, as he pulled the needle out of the mans neck. “You’re luckier than your victims, this one was only marked SA.”

Starsky could see the relief on the man’s face as he passed out.

Okay, he thought, so far, so good. He was due a little good luck. Two more steps, and we’re out of here.

He walked down to pn #212. Jon had been secured, but of course it had been Starsky’s job to know how to take care of that. He released the restraints along with all the other accessories. Here comes the true test, he told to himself.

“Jon Casey, open your eyes.”

Jon’s eyes opened.

“Jon Casey… sit up.”

Jon turned and sat up.

“Jon Casey, I want you to do as I say. follow me.”

Starsky left the room, with robo-Jon following close behind. Starsky lead Casey to the computer terminal in the level 2 office.

He didn’t know squat about computers, but he knew enough to know he was gonna need disks to copy the information on to. Thanks to Randy’s fine training, he knew right where they were. He placed the disks down in front of the computer. He then entered the password, and let Jon do his thing.

“Jon Casey, copy all the files out of the computer terminal onto these disks.”

Jon began working. Putting in disk after disk, saving everything the computer files had to offer. In the end, it had taken 20 disks. After the last disk, Jon sat, apparently awaiting further orders. Starsky’s clue that he had completed the assignment.

“Jon Casey, delete all files in the computer in front of you.”

When he had done that, he again sat awaiting further instruction.

Starsky felt really bad using his friend this way, but it proved to be the only way he could get the information ,and get out, once and for all.

“Jon Casey, follow me.”

Starsky lead Casey downstairs. Since he had worked arrivals, he also knew the code to open the delivery doors. He racked his brain, making sure he wasn’t forgetting anything. Then the two men simply walked out, got in Starsky’s car, and drove off.

The relief Starsky felt to be out of that place was enormous. He couldn’t believe how everything just fell into place. He knew that he and Jon were extremely lucky. It was rare that Rogers was away from the warehouse over night, and that is definitely what gave them their edge.

He hoped it wasn’t a failed mission as far as Hutch, and now Jon were concerned. He would turn the disks over, and Rogers’ operation would be shut down. But that wasn’t going to help them. He had to hope that the sample he’d taken, along with information the disks might hold would be enough to bring them back.

Now, the next problem. Where do they go at 4:00 in the morning? First, he decided, They’d go back to Jon’s. He needed to get Cherie’s phone number. That would be the first order of business. He had to make sure Jon was looked after while wrapping everything up.

He instructed Jon to wait in the car, locked the car door, and ran up to Jon’s apartment. Starsky knew that a key would be the problem. Hey, he thought to himself, if I can get out of that warehouse, I don’t think this apartment could pose a problem. He proceeded to break the window leading to the bedroom, and climbed in. Good, he thought, no alarm.

Starsky would apologize to Jon later. Right now he needed that number. He tore through every draw he could find. About the time he decided he’d have to give up that idea, he saw a piece of paper stuck to the wall by the phone.

Oh no, Starsky, he said out loud. Let’s not look right by the phone. That just might be too easy!!

He left the same way he entered. And ran back to the car. Jon didn’t look like he’d moved a muscle.

“Come on Jon, we’re going back to Hutch’s place for right now.”

Apparently Jon could care less.

“This is too weird. You look normal, you look like you should be able to hear me. Jon Casey, Turn your head and look at me.”

Without hesitation. Casey was looking at Starsky.

Starsky stared into his eyes. Trying to see anything inside. But just like Hutch’s eyes, they were void of any life at all…

“It’s okay Jon. We’ll get you outta there. You just hang in there.”

Starsky drove away. He had driven some time, deep into his thoughts. When he realized Jon was still looking at him.

“Oh, sorry bout that. Jon Casey, close your eyes, sit back and relax.”

On cue Jon’s body relaxed as he closed his eyes.

“Unbelievable,” was all Starsky could say.

They pulled up to Hutch’s place.

“Jon Casey, open your eyes. Then I want you to follow me inside.”

Starsky knew where this key was, and had always been. He opened the door, and the two men went inside.

This had been the first time since all this went down that Starsky had been to Hutch’s place. It looked like he just left it. Starsky had become overcome with emotion. He had no idea this place would have such an affect on him. But how could it not. This place was Hutch. The rooms were dark as if they were in mourning. As if they somehow could feel the loss that Starsky was feeling. Maybe this hadn’t been a good idea.

Nonsense, he told himself has he tried to pull himself together. Time is running out, I don’t have time to house hop. I’ll just need to take a deep breath, and take care of the business at hand. After his self talk, he instructed Jon to lay down on the couch and rest.

Starsky took the phone and sat in the chair and started dialing. What in the world was he going to say?

One ring…

Two rings….

Three rings…

“Hello?”

Starsky heard a half-asleep voice on the other end.

“Hi, I’m sorry to be calling at this hour. I was looking for an Annie?”

“Who is this? What do want at this hour?”

“My name is David Starsky. I’m a detective with the LAPD metropolitan division. Is this Annie?”

“Yes, that’s me. You’re a police officer? What do you want?”

“I want you to listen to me. It’s important that I come over and talk to you.”

“What? Are you serious? You want me to tell you where I live? Do you think I’m crazy?”

“No Annie, and it’s nice to know that you make safety first. But this is very important. I need to talk to you about Jon Casey.”

“Jon? Has something happened to him?”

She still cares, Starsky thought. “Yes, something has happened. I need to come over and explain.”

“Fine, but this better not be a prank on Jon’s part to sneak over here.”

“Believe me Annie, Jon doesn’t even know what’s happening right now.”

Starsky finished the conversation, she gave him directions, and he and Jon were back on their way.

Starsky walked up to the door, and rang the bell… Annie answered. “Hi you must be Annie,” Starsky said.

“Yes,” she answered as she looked outside.

“Jon is out in the car Annie, I thought I should explain first.”

“This seems very strange, Detective Starsky.”

“You’re telling me,” he said.

“Well come on in. Might as well get this over with.”

“I simply have no time to go into great detail. Let me see how well I can summarize. You see… Jon was blackmailed into testifying against me in a shooting he witnessed. He was forced to lie and testify against me. He was told if he didn’t, everyone he held dear would be killed. That’s why he drove you away, Annie. He was trying to protect you.”

“What? I don’t believe it. Sounds like some scheme you two made up to try to get me to talk to him.”

“Annie you love Jon, and he loves you. Do you really think he’d pull something like this? You know it didn’t make sense when he told you to leave. His heart was breaking right along with yours. He also sent his parents overseas to try to protect them. He was dealing with one bad dude.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Dead serious. I don’t have time to tell you much more. I need you to trust me. Jon’s been helping out doing a little undercover work. Anyway he volunteered for a risky operation. In the end he was given a drug. A drug that has left him, well in a “state.” He doesn’t do anything without orders. Let me go get him.”

“You’re scaring me, Detective.”

“Don’t be afraid. Worried is okay, but there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Starsky went outside and a few minutes later returned with Jon behind him.

Annie could only look. She didn’t know what to make of the man standing in front of her.

“I don’t mean this as cold as it’s going to sound. But basically right now, He’s no more than a robot. His thoughts are not his own, his actions are not is own. He’ll only do something when commanded to do so. Let me show you.

“Jon Casey, walk over here and sit on the couch.”

The man did as he was instructed.

“You see? Now I’m working on this case right now. As a matter of fact the stuff Jon was given was also given to my partner and best friend. We’re trying to come up with a way to reverse the drug. Meanwhile, this is how they’ll remain.”

Starsky could see the tears building in her eyes. “He tried to call me not too long ago. I wouldn’t listen to anything he had to say. I should have believed him.”

“He made sure he was convincing when he broke things off Annie. He couldn’t have you coming back to the danger that was surrounding him.”

“What can I do, Detective?”

“First you can start calling me David. Second is I need you to “Jon Sit.” We’ve been undercover, just came back this evening. I’ve got to go turn this evidence over. The quicker we solve this drug mystery, the sooner we all get our lives back.”

“Sure, you want him just to stay here with me? What do I do with him?”

“There is nothing you can do with him. You make sure you don’t take his blankness personal. He has no control whatsoever. He has no idea that is you sitting there. Believe me, if he did… he wouldn’t just be sitting there! I’ll have him lie down. Where is a good place for him to sleep?”

“Just bring him in my room.”

“You sure? We don’t know how long this will take to wrap up. You won’t be needed the bed?”

“No, here is fine, I’ll manage.”

“Great, now let me tell you how it works. Should you need him to do anything for any reason, you have to start with his name. Jon Casey, I want you to lay down on this bed, close your eyes and rest.”

Jon acted on his orders right away.

“See? Do you think you’ll remember that?”

“Yeah, I think so. I think a girl could get to liking this.”

“Hey,” Starsky laughed. “No fair picking on the guy.”

Starsky walked over to Jon. “I know you can’t hear me, but I wanted to tell you goodbye anyway. I’m going after this guy. You’ll be up and running in no time.”

The two walked out of the room.

“He’s been a good friend. You be sure to take care of him.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, David.”

“Sorry to dump this on you. I just didn’t know of any other place safe enough for him to stay while we figure this out.”

“Don’t give it a second thought. It took guts coming to me. I thought you were insane you know.”

“I get that all the time,” Starsky smiled. “Thanks again, and I’ll be in touch.”

“Ok, we’ll be waiting.”

Starsky was relieved he was able to get Jon to a safe haven so that he could stay focused on ending this once and for all. Next he’d visit Dobey’s office.

~~~~~

“Morning Captain.” Starsky got a kick outta the look on Dobey’s face. He obviously hadn’t expected him back so soon.

“Starsky! You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you? When did you get out?”

“I left about an hour or so ago.”

“It’s kinda risky coming here since you’re on vacation and all.”

“I had no choice Cap. I’ve got these disks that could hold the secret to Hutch’s condition. I need your guys to check and recheck what’s on there.”

“I’ll see what I can do. So where is your trainee?”

Dobey could see on Starsky’s face that the news wasn’t good. “I wasn’t able to stop it. He’s just like Hutch. Now their fate rests on what we find on those disks. I think they hold everything we need to know about Rogers. If they come up empty, it’ll be over. How is Hutch, cap?”

“No change, Starsky. Now you’re thinking the information to reverse this is going to be these disks? That’s mighty sloppy of Rogers.”

“Oh Nick runs a pretty clean ship. I was just able to pull a rabbit outta my hat. I just hope my luck holds out.”

“Hopefully by the end of the day, we’ll have enough on Rogers to have his entire set up locked down, and with Nicky himself behind bars! They’re probably just figuring out what hit them. If we don’t get some guys to get out there and soon, they’ll be packed up and outta there. I’ll see to it right away.”

“You do that, I’m going up to see Hutch.”

“Okay, I’ll let you know as soon as it’s going down. Oh, and Starsky?”

“Yeah Cap?”

“Good work. It’s nice to have you back.”

“I’ll remind you of that next time you’re chewing me out about something!”

Starsky left the office feeling both physically and emotionally drained. Now that he had done all that he could, his body was crying out to be left alone, to be allowed to just get some old fashion rest. But he couldn’t allow himself to slow down, not yet! he had to go see Hutch. It had been too long.

~~~~~

Starsky stepped off the elevator and passed the nurse with the sense of humor. “Hey! Just thought I’d come check on my buddy. How’s he doing?”

“Oh, it’s you. He’s been fine. I was just on my way to start rounds.”

“I’m sure you were,” he said sarcastically. “You know what? I bet you could just not show up for work, and none of the patients would know the difference, you think?”

If she heard him, she didn’t care to respond. He went on his way.

“Hey Hutch!” Starsky shouted as he opened the door. His eyes fell on the empty bed.

Okay, don’t panic, he told himself. Remember what happened last time. They probably moved him. No, the nurse would have mentioned it. There was an envelope on the bed, marked “Jarmen.”

A chill ran up his spine. He felt like someone had knocked the breath out of him. He opened the envelope and began reading.

Thought you were clever, didn’t you Jarmen. Make that Detective Starsky. Well who’s the clever one now? I want those disks. I’d say a trade was in order. I’ll be in touch. I’d go home and wait if I were you. If you’re not there when I call, all bets are off, and Hutchinson will be a dead man.

Oh, Anderson is dead, just thought you’d like to know that.

Starsky ran to the nurse’s station and grabbed the phone.

“Excuse me sir, you have to use the pay phone like everyone else.”

Starsky didn’t acknowledge if he heard her at all. “Cap, he’s got Hutch! I’m coming back up there. You need to make sure the disks are copied and ready to go when I get there.”

“What are you talking about? Who’s got him?”

“We don’t have time for that right now. I’m on my way, have the disks ready!”

“I’ll make the call right now.”

Starsky threw the phone down, and ran for the elevator.

~~~~~~

Hutch was vaguely aware that his surroundings had changed. He was hearing voices again. More now than before. The more he heard other voices, the less he heard his own.

“We’re gonna have a little fun with your partner. What do you say? You in the mood for a little fun?” Rogers asked Hutch.

“Where would be a good meeting place? Hmmm. It’s gotta be someplace deserted, some place, that I’ll know if he comes alone. I got it! It’ll be perfect. I guess it’s time then, to make that all important phone call.”

~~~~~

Starsky had met with a little resistance at picking up the disks. Dobey said it was frowned upon to have him running around with evidence like that. Dobey finally conceded since copies were made.

“I’m the one that went into that hall of horrors to get the disks in the first place. I’ll like to see someone stop me from taking them,” he told Dobey.

Starsky hit the ground running when Dobey finally handed them over.

The phone was ringing when Starsky threw the door open. He raced over to answer.

“YEAH?!” Was all he could get out. He had no breath left in him.

He heard a click.

He missed the phone call. Starsky sat there, holding the receiver in disbelief. Before he allowed panic to take over, he tried to be rational. It could have been anyone. No reason to panic yet. Of course he knew in his heart of hearts that it had been the phone call.

The phone started to ring when Starsky grabbed it.

“HELLO?!”

Nothing….

“Where were you Starsky? I told you to be here. It may already be to late.”

“Who are you kidding? You want this trade as much as I do.  You wouldn’t risk loosing the tapes by killing my partner.”

“Lucky for you, we don’t have to find that out. I want you to listen and listen good,” Rogers instructed. “There’s an old abandoned farm about 30 miles out of town. Get on Hwy 281. Take that to Hwy 46, go about 6 miles and you’ll see a long line of mailboxes. Take a right on that road. Drive it 15 miles till you come to a dirt road leading to the farmhouse. When you drive in, you’ll see an industrial size barn, meet me there.

“You got that cop? Bring you and the disks only! I’ll be able to see any other vehicles approaching so don’t even try it. If there’s even a hint of foul play, your buddy is dead meat.”

“You touch one hair on his head, and I’ll kill you.”

“Okay, I guess you had to say that. Now get your double dealing macho butt going, I won’t be kept long.”

Before Starsky could say anything else, Rogers had hung up.

Starsky was on the road, he knew the general area that Rogers was talking about. Dobey had wanted to give him back up, but Starsky refused. “Not this time Cap. Hutch’s life is on the line, and I’m the only one that should take on that responsibility.”

He just made the turn past the mailboxes, he was close now. The adrenaline was pumping now. Was it a smart choice not to have back up, Starsky wondered. But he knew there was not choice, he wasn’t going to risk Hutch’s life.

There it was, the abandoned farm. Starsky had been instructed to go to the barn. He came to a screeching halt, and was in the barn almost before the Torino had time to stop.

He ran in. “Rogers? I’m here”

“And the disks?”

He heard Rogers, but couldn’t see him. “And Hutch?” Starsky countered.

“That is the trade in question, isn’t it? Come on up and join the party.”

Starsky looked around, and found the ladder that lead to the loft. He was up in no time flat. Rogers was in plain sight, he turned to look for Hutch and to his shock, he found him, standing at the ledge of the opening. The opening intended for hay, but was now serving as a high dive for his brainwashed friend.

“Hutch! Move back!” Starsky yelled.

“Have you forgotten already, Jarmen? I’m sorry, I mean Detective Starsky? He doesn’t answer to anything but one command, and before you try that, notice how your friend is equipped with a nice set of head phones. He can only hear me.”

“Okay Rogers, what sick game are you playing? We had a deal.”

“Oh I see how it is, you can lie to me, and try to send me to prison, that’s okay. But I better not welch on our deal? You have things a little twisted don’t you?”

“You’re the only thing twisted around here.”

“Show me the disks, cop. Open the case.”

“Not till you have him move back.”

“You’re in no position to give out orders. Now open the case or your pal here is gonna take the equivalent of a 3 story swan dive.”

“Okay, here.” Starsky quickly opened the case and displayed the disks. “You see? They’re here, every last one of them.”

“Alrighty so far, so good.”

Starsky could see that Rogers was talking to Hutch. He wasn’t able to make any of what he was saying. Hutch turned around and walked over to Starsky.

“Hand the case over to the dummy there.”

Starsky was standing face to face, to the man that had been his best friend for years now, looking for any sign of his buddy in the dead eyes that were staring back.

“Give it to him,” Rogers repeated.

Starsky handed the case over to Hutch, and was caught quite off guard when Hutch turned back around swinging the case as hard as he could. Hitting Starsky near the left temple. He fell to the ground.

“Excellent job my boy. Not one loyal bone in your body. That’s the was I like it!”

Hutch felt he was battling someone for the right to be in control of his own body, and so far he was loosing. The voices in his head continued to over ride his own thoughts. He wasn’t aware what his body was doing, it was as if he wasn’t allowed to watch, as if his eyes were turned off from the inside.

Starsky was lying semi-conscious on the floor of the loft.

“Hutchinson, I want you to drag Detective Starsky over to the window and throw him out.”

The man formally known as Hutch, went over, grabbed the man under his arms, and started dragging him over towards the opening.

“Starsky.” The name went flying threw the part of his mind that was still his own. He hesitated.

“Hutchinson, I order you to throw the man out. do it now.”

Starsky was coming to, but still didn’t have enough strength to get free from Hutch’s grasp. To his surprise however, he was able to use the last bit of power he had left to pull Hutch down low enough to grab the head phones off.

“HUTCH!! STOP HUTCH, IT’S ME. IT’S STARSKY!”

“Really now, Detective? That’s rather pathetic, don’t you think. I never took you for the begging type.”

For one brief instant, Hutch knew who he was. He could actually see that this was Starsky in front of him.

Hutch turned loose. Just as quickly as his self-awareness came to him, it left. He had been shut out again. Starsky didn’t know if Hutch had actually heard his voice. But something made him stop and let go.

Rogers saw that Hutch was faltering.

“Never send a robot to do man’s work,” said Rogers, as he pulled a pistol from under his jacket and fired.

It happened too quick to react. Starsky was unable to get Hutch out of the line of fire. He drew his gun and got off a shot, hitting Rogers in the shoulder.

Starsky stood there, frozen. He was afraid to go over to Hutch, afraid of what he might find. He couldn’t bare the thought of losing him now, when they were so close! He forced himself to look at his buddy. He could see right away that he was still breathing. He knelt down and examined the wound. The bullet entered and exited his right side. He picked up an old blanket lying near by, and wrapped the wound trying to stop the bleeding.

“You hold tight buddy, you’re gonna be fine. I’ll be right back.”

Starsky pulled out a syringe and walked over to Rogers. “I have a new deal for you Nicky.”

“I’m bleeding! You have to get me help!” Rogers said expecting it to be so.

“You’re lucky you’re alive. Now shut up and listen. I want the antidote for the drug. I want to know how to reverse it.”

Rogers laughed, “Like I would really give it to you, if there were one to give that is.”

Starsky pinned the man down, and showed him the syringe, and the bottle marked 1RX.

“You see Rogers, it would be in your best interest, because I’m fixing to inject you with the same stuff. So if you don’t wanna be robot jailbait, you better start talking.”

“You wouldn’t dare! You cops aren’t allowed to do stuff like that.”

Starsky flicked the plastic cover off the syringe and started towards Rogers’ neck. “Okay! Okay, I’ll tell you. Get that away from me! What happened to protect and serve?”

Starsky took out the mini-recorded he had taken from Casey earlier, and had Rogers record the reversal for the drug.

“If this doesn’t work, I’m going to come after you. But next time it won’t be a threat. Next time I’m gonna give you this stuff, and the first order you’ll receive is to very slowly cut off every finger you have until you have nothing left to hold the knife with!” That oughta keep him honest, Starsky thought.

When Rogers had finished, Starsky took the recorder, then closed his fist and turned Rogers lights off. He then gave him the same injection he had given to Randy.

“You sleep right here, your ride is on the way.”

Starsky carefully lowered Hutch down from the loft and carried him to the car.

He raced down the road while he radioed for an ambulance to go pick up Rogers.

“Hang in there Hutch. We’ll be at the hospital in no time.”

Starsky hadn’t thought the wound to be life threatening but after all Hutch had been through, he wasn’t going to take any chances. He road with the lights and siren straight through town to the hospital.

He pulled into the emergency room entrance, and carried Hutch in.

“Little help here please!” Starsky shouted.

A nurse meet Starsky with a gurney. “What’s wrong with him?” she asked.

“To make a long story short, he’s been shot. Is Doctor Simon on duty?”

“I’m not sure sir. He’s doesn’t work the emergency room.”

“I know, but he’s been this man’s doctor for awhile now. Can you page him?”

“Be happy to. Meanwhile, let our people here try to help till he can get down here.”

“Of course. Take him. I’ll wait for the Doctor.”

“You do that sir, and don’t worry, we’ll take good care of him.”

Starsky waited outside in the waiting room for some kind of news. Finally after an hour had past, Dr Simon walked in.

“Well detective, so we meet again.”

“Yeah Doc, what are you gonna do when we’re all healed up and outta here for good? It’ll be so slow, you’ll have to retire.”

“I’m not sure I can argue with you there, Detective.”

“Have you been in to see him, Doctor?”

“Yes I have. It would seem your friend just can’t catch a break. They are doing a great job of fixing him up in there. I’d prefer to wait till they’re finished to tell you anything for certain. But from what I’ve seen, he was lucky with this one, It was a clean wound, didn’t hit any major organs, and you managed to stop the bleeding rather well. I think he’s going to heal up just fine.”

“Doc, I have it, I have the antidote to reverse the drug. When can we try it on him?”

“That’s great news! Let’s make sure they have him stabilized first, then we can take care of that. Congratulations on a job well done.”

“I won’t allow myself to feel good about anything until I can sit and talk to Hutch, and have him talk back to me!”

“With any luck at all, sounds like that will be real soon!”

“So tell me, Detective Starsky. What ever happened to Det. Casey?”

“He went undercover, and ended up being injected with the same drug as Hutch. He’s been in hiding for his own safety.”

“Well get him down here, and we’ll test this stuff out.”

“I’ll make the call right now. Meanwhile, could I talk you into checking on Hutch again, seeing how you don’t have any other patients?” Starsky quipped. “Sorry Doc, it seems I’ve grown dependent on you.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Detective. Thanks. You’re right, I do have to make rounds soon, but I’ll be happy to check the progress of your partner.”

“Thanks Doc.”

Starsky went down the hall to the payphone. He had made sure he kept her number this time!

“Hello?”

“Hi. Annie? This is David, how’s it going over there?”

“David, I’m so glad it’s you. Jon hasn’t moved a muscle since you left him. It’s a little disturbing to have him lay there like that. Please tell me you’ve found something that will help.”

“I’ll spare you the gory details, but its looking like all the pieces may actually fall into place. That’s why I’m calling. We think we have the cure for Jon and Hutch. Do you think you could drive Jon in?”

“Of course I can. Where do I go?”

“Just meet me at the emergency room entrance. I’ll be looking for you.”

“We’re on our way. See ya there.”

Starsky was watching for Annie when Dr. Simon found him. “Here you are, Det. Starsky,”

“Yeah, just waiting for Casey to arrive.”

“Thought so. I just came from the ER. It seems that Detective Hutchinson came through this ordeal quite well. So well, in fact that I think we’re going to aim for tomorrow to try out your remedy.”

“Tomorrow. Finally Hutch will have his life back again. What about Casey, Doctor. Can you take care of him as well?”

“Of course. Let me go ahead and see about getting him into a room.”

“Do you think you can take care of him this evening?”

“Let me go on my rounds, and after he’s settled in, I’ll stop in and fix him up.”

“Can’t ask for more than that Doc, thanks. See you then.”

Dr. Simon had no sooner walked away when Annie drove up to the entrance. Starsky took a wheel chair that had been pushed over to the corner, and headed outside.

“Hello Annie, you made it,” Starsky said as he opened the passenger side door.

“I got us here as quick as I could.”

Starsky told Jon to get into the chair.

“Mind if I tag along?” Annie asked

“Don’t be silly. I can’t think of anything that would make Jon happier than seeing your smiling face when he comes out of this.”

“You will be smiling, won’t you?” Starsky asked.

“I’ll make sure I am.”

“K, then you can come. He’s got a room waiting for him.”

Starsky wheeled Casey over to the nurse’s station, and was given his room number.

“That’s on the second floor, would you like me to take him up?” asked the nurse.

“No, that’s okay. I think I can find it just fine, thanks.”

“So when do I get to hear the whole story?” asked Annie as they walked to the room.

“I can answer any question you might have, but the Doctor is going to come by in just a little while to give Jon an injection. Hopefully after that Jon can tell you everything himself.”

“Well, I do want to thank you for helping Jon like this. I just wish I could have been there for him myself.”

“At least you two were given another chance. That’s all that matters.”

They got to the room, and the nurse insisted on taking things from there.

“I’ll call you two back in, once I have him changed and settled in,” she said.

“Annie, you wait here in the waiting room. The nurse will come get you when it’s okay to go in. I’m gonna go check in on my partner. Be sure to have the doctor come get me before he gives Jon his shot.”

“The doctor knows who you are?”

Starsky laughed. “He knows all too well.”

“Okay, I’ll make sure he finds you.”

Annie walked over and sat in the waiting room as Starsky walked back to the elevators.

Starsky went back to the ER nurse’s desk. “Can you tell me where Ken Hutchinson has been taken?” Starsky asked the same nurse.

“Two friends in the hospital at the same time? That’s some bad luck.”

“No,” replied Starsky. “After what we’ve been through I consider it good luck that they’re here and not 6 ft under.”

“Well you keep that glass half full. That’s the best way to get through times like these. Your friend was taken to room 202. Right next to your other friend’s room. Dr. Simon thought it would be easier that way. You can go on up and see him if you’d like.”

“Thanks… Katie,” he said as looked at her name tag. “I appreciate the help, and advice.”

“My pleasure. There’s more where that came from.”

“I’ll keep that in mind!”

Starsky hurried to room 202. Sure enough Hutch was there, lying just as he had been all these months. Hopefully though, all that was about to change.

He thought back to the exchange between him and Rogers. How scared he had been at seeing Hutch an inch away from falling, or in his case, stepping out the window. He hoped he would never again know that feeling of terror in the pit of his soul!

Then to have Hutch stand there, staring blankly into his eyes, before blindsiding him. There were no words to describe the shock. It was really the absolute astonishment of having the last thing in the world you’d ever expect, walk up and smack you right between the eyes.

He had a new level of respect for his partner. Had Hutch not fought with everything he had in him, Starsky knew he’d be a dead man right now. He had been helpless at the time, and unable to stop Hutch from doing whatever Rogers told him to do. Somehow Hutch had been able to resist. It had been just a slight resistance, but enough to make the difference between life and death for Starsky.

“One more night Hutch. Just one more night in your own private hell. I’m glad the last night will be a peaceful one thanks to the medications they’ve given you. Come tomorrow we’ll have you back, so you hang in there just one more night buddy.”

There was a knock. “Yeah?” Starsky yelled out.

A nurse popped her head in. “Dr. Simon asked me to tell you he’s on his way over to Mr. Casey’s room.”

“Thanks, I’ll be right there.”

“Well Hutch, I’m gonna let you get some rest. I’ll back to check on you later. Sleep good.”

Starsky left Hutch’s room and walked next door. This time it was his turn to knock.

“Come in,” Annie said.

“Hey there. How are you holding up?”

“Just a little nervous. I wish we could just get this over with.”

“Well Dr. Simon is on his way. Tt won’t be long now.”

Just then the doctor walked in.

“Perfect timing Doc, I was just giving you an intro. Are we ready?”

“Yeah, I think we’re all set. This remedy turned out to be a basic application of flushing out his system. I have the proper mix of “a little bit of this and a little bit of that,” then if what this Rogers guy says is true, this will flush out all lingering traces of his brainwashing drug from the blood stream. So let’s give it a try. What do you say?”

“I think we’re ready, Doc. How long till it takes affect?” asked Starsky.

“It’s hard to say. Depends on how stubborn the antibodies are. I would venture to say that a good 12 hours of “flushing” should do the trick.”

“Well the sooner we get started , the sooner we find out.”

The doctor walked over and hooked Jon up with an IV containing the solution.

“I thought it was suppose to be an injection,” said Starsky.

“No, it takes too much of the antitoxin. We’d be giving him injection after injection. His arm will appreciate this way a lot more.”

“That’s why you’re the Doctor,” Starsky replied.

Starsky had hoped that they’d get a reaction from the antidote before Hutch was to receive it, although that made Jon sound like a guinea pig, and that was not Starsky intention. Actually Jon was the lucky one. He’d be the first to return “home.”

“Well Annie, it’s gonna be a long night. What are you plans?”

“If they’ll let me, I think I’ll stay in the room with him tonight. And you?”

“Yeah, guess I’ll do the same. No sense in going home. You get some sleep, we have an interesting day ahead of us.”

“You got that right. Good night, David.”

“Night Annie.”

The next morning Jon had been the first to wake. He came to feeling disoriented. It didn’t take long to realize he was in the hospital. He wasn’t sure what all had happened. The last thing he remembered was waking up to total darkness, being unable to move. And now here he is. He knew one thing. He must be hallucinating, because although he was still a little out of sorts, he could swear he could see Annie asleep in the chair next to his bed.

He tried to sit up, but found he was too weak. The effort of trying caused just enough of a noise to wake up his hallucination.

“Jon! You’re awake!” Annie shouted.

Jon still didn’t know whether to believe his eyes or his ears. He didn’t say a word.

“Jon? Can’t you hear me? Are you ok?” Annie walked over and held his hand.

“Annie? Is that really you? I thought you were a figment of my imagination!”

“No such luck. It’s really me. Jon, I don’t know where to start. I’m, sorry for giving you such a hard time, and for not giving you the benefit of the doubt when you tried to explain.”

“Annie, you have nothing to be sorry for. I was terrible to you. Let’s don’t worry about that right now. I’m just grateful you’re here with me now.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! You really scared me, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to talk to you again. I would have just died if the antidote hadn’t worked, and I would have had to live with knowing my last words to you were so bitter.”

“As soon as I get my strength back, I’ll tell you the whole story. You mentioned the antidote. I guess that means Starsky’s plan worked. Where is he?”

“He’s next door with his friend. You were given the treatment last night. His partner is to receive it this morning. I need to get him. He’ll be thrilled to know that it worked.”

“Yeah, you go tell him. I’ll be waiting right here. Whether I want to or not,” Jon said.

“Okay honey. I’ll be right back.”

Annie tapped on the door, but there was no response. She peaked in to see if David was there. He was sound asleep in the chair next to the bed, just as she had been. She knew he must be tired to still be sleeping in such an uncomfortable position. She walked softly over to him and tapped on his shoulder.

“David?” she whispered. “David?” she said a little louder.

Starsky woke up to every muscle in his body feeling sore. “Oh, my aching back. I don’t recommend these chairs for sleeping,” he said.

“I know what you mean. That’s how I slept, too, last night. Listen David, I have some good news. Jon’s awake.”

“He’s awake?!” Starsky shouted. “Yahoo!! How is he? Did you talk to him? Was he able to talk to you?”

“Calm down,” Annie laughed. “Instead of playing 20 questions, let’s go back to his room as see.”

“Yeah right, let’s go.” Starsky turned back around. “I’ll be right back Hutch. You’re next!”

Starsky walked into Jon’s room. He looked as thought he was still sleeping. “Jon?” He saw the man’s eyes open. “Jon! It’s true, you are awake!”

“Yep, it’s true alright. Nice to see you again Starsky.”

“Man, not as nice it is to see you. This is amazing! The antidote really worked!”

“I want to hear all the gory details when I’m feeling better, you hear me?”

“Are you feeling bad?” Starsky asked.

“No, you can’t really say I feel bad, just a little woozy. I have zero energy, I couldn’t even sit up.”

“Okay then, when you’re back on your feet, I’ll tell you everything. You missed out on a lot of action.”

“Good! I’ve decided I’ll leave the action to you and Hutch. I can’t wait to sit behind a boring desk and eat salads again!”

“I can’t say that I blame you. Matter of fact, I might join you,” Starsky joked. “Hey Jon, it’s great to have you back! I’m gonna leave you to your better half here, and I’m gonna go fetch the doctor. He said that Hutch would be recovered enough from his gun shot wound to receive the treatment this morning.”

“Gun shot wound? I have missed a lot, haven’t I?”

“Yep, like I said, a lot of action! Take it easy, I’ll see you guys later.”

“Good luck with Hutch, Starsky. It’s about time, isn’t it?!”

“You can say that again!”

Starsky left and asked the nurse to page Dr. Simon.

Dr. Simon walked into the room about 10 minutes later with the IV solution in hand.

“How did you know that’s what I was paging you for?”

“What else could it have been? Dr. Simon said with a grin.

“Well I could have called you in here to ask you if you were aware that Casey woke up about 20-30 minutes ago.”

“Did he? I wasn’t aware of that. I guess they let you know things before me now. That’s great news, I’ll have to go check on him, when I’m through here.”

He switched the IV bags, then checked Hutch’s vitals. “Ok, well let’s see if we can’t do the same for this guy. I imagine he’s ready to come back to us.”

“I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. I can’t wait for this stuff to do it’s job!”

“I know. It’s been a long ordeal. It’s a miracle he’s still alive at all. I think we all need to remember to say an extra prayer at the end of the day. Heck, make that the end of every day.”

“I know I will Doc! So you say about 12 hours give or take?”

“Their situations weren’t exactly the same, but it took Det. Casey about…” he looked at his watch and started calculating. “It took 9 hours for him. I imagine Det. Hutchinson will be somewhere in that same ball park.”

“Can you give me a sedative that lasts that long? I wanna just wake up and have it be time. I don’t know how I’m going to pass the time away.”

The doctor laughed. “That’s all we need is for him to come around and have you be out of it. Go visit with Casey, or make phone calls. Go catch a movie. Just remember a watched pot never boils.”

“I’ll think of something. Thanks Doc.”

Starsky thought about calling everyone that he and Hutch knew, and tell them to get up here for the big event. But nothing said this thing was 100%. He couldn’t do that to all those people. This way he’d be the only one that would have to deal with the results.

He was trying to be optimistic; after all, Jon had come out of this thing clearly no worse for the wear. But still, as the doctor had said, they hadn’t been through the same experiences. Jon hadn’t had the stuff in him as long as Hutch had. Jon hadn’t been traumatized over and over again, as Hutch had been. So much for thinking optimistically.

He didn’t feel like visiting with Jon and Annie. Besides, they needed their own time together. He couldn’t make himself do anything other than just sit by Hutch’s side, and wait. For as long as it took, he’d wait.

Annie had popped her head in a time or two to offer food or drink. He had no appetite. But to make her feel better, he let her buy him a soda. “Soda?” she asked. “I didn’t know anyone called them soda’s anymore.”

“Fine,” he had told. “Get me a pop.”

“Oh yea, that’s much better,” she said as she left.

He took a few drinks to make her happy. After she left, he just sat there. Sat and waited. Without even realizing he was tired, he fell asleep. His body was taking every chance it could to make up for all the lost sleep it had encountered.

He hadn’t been aware he had fallen asleep till the doctor woke him up.

“Catching up on some much needed sleep, I see. You didn’t need a sedative at all, did you?”

“Hey Doc, what time is it? I didn’t even realize I had fallen asleep.”

“It’s about 12:15 am. It’s been about 14 and a half-hours now. I just thought I’d come by and check on things.”

“Over 14 hours? That’s not right. You said so yourself that it had only taken Jon 9 hours to respond!”

“Yes Det. Starsky I did say that. But I also said, and as you well know, these men’s circumstances weren’t the same. Let’s not forget, he IS recovering from being shot. I’m not worried yet, so don’t you be. After all, I have some more hopeful news. We’ve ran a complete blood work on Det. Casey, and I just got the result back a little while ago. It seems this stuff really does the trick. There isn’t any amount of this 1RX whatsoever left in his blood.”

“That is good news. I’m happy for him. Have you shared that with them yet?”

“I’m on my way now, just wanted to let you know that this cure is a good one. Looks like it’s going to stick.”

“Well excuse me for not getting more excited about that just yet. Check with me after Hutch is wake and talking again.”

“I know Det. Just hang in there. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”

Starsky thanked the doctor and told him to go give the good news to someone who would appreciate it. And right now, that wasn’t him. He didn’t think he would be able to handle another set back. The emotional ups and down were beginning to take their toll. It didn’t matter, however, whether he thought he COULD face it, he had to face it. His buddy wasn’t showing any signs of coming around anytime soon.

He got up and walked out of the room. He walked through the door marked stairs, and began climbing. He climbed till he had reached the roof.

It was a windy evening, and although it was still technically summer, there was a slight chill in the air. Starsky didn’t think it was just the cool air giving him the chill. He laid down on his back, and looked up at the sky. He let his mind go. The city lights washed out a lot of the stars, but he was still humbled by it all.

A person looks up there, Starsky thought to himself, and he realizes how infinitely small he is. His troubles, which seemed insurmountable, were somehow more in perspective. Surely a creator that would give this to man just for his viewing pleasure, would have more regard for a living soul.

He closed his eyes and for the second time humbled himself with another heart felt prayer. It had worked before, but now he needed his prayers to be answered like never before.

A few minutes later, something inside told him it was time to go back to his partner’s room. He took one more look at the brilliant sky, and headed back inside the building. He couldn’t take the stairs quick enough.

He walked into his partner’s room, and sat next the bed. Hutch hadn’t looked any different than any other time he had sat here next to him. Starsky couldn’t explain it, but he felt a new energy coming from Hutch.

It hadn’t been a long wait. Finally, Hutch’s eyes opened. “Hutch?! Can you hear me buddy?”

Hutch was looking at him, but didn’t talk.

Starsky saw life in those baby blues for the first time in months, and it was then that he knew everything was going to be okay.

All Hutch could do was squeeze Starsky’s hand and give a faint smile, but for Starsky that was all he needed. He held his friend’s hand until he had again fell into unconsciousness.

When Starsky was sure Hutch was sleeping, he ran out of the room. “Nurse!! Where’s Dr. Simon? Page Dr. Simon.”

“Is everything ok, Mr. Starsky?”

“Everything is fine. Just get the doctor up here.” He ran back to Hutch’s room.

“Where’s the fire?” Dr. Simon asked.

“Doc, you missed it. He woke up!”

“Did he now?! Did he talk to you?”

“No, but he did manage a smile. And he squeezed my hand.”

“Well that’s definitely something!”

“Damn straight it’s something!” Starsky added.

“Let me take a look,” said the doctor.

He took Hutch’s vitals, checked his pupils, his breathing…

“He looks to be coming out of this just fine, Detective. I think all of our worries are behind us.”

“I think so too Doc, but I’d sure feel a lot better if he’d stay awake.”

“You just sit with him and have patience. It’s all just a matter of time.”

Two hours had passed, when Starsky noticed Hutch starting to stir.

“Hutch, can you hear me? Its Starsky.”

Hutch was slow at coming to. At last his eyes opened.

“Hey Starsk.” His voice was no more than a whisper. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“I’m right here buddy, don’t you worry. I’m right here looking out for you. You’re gonna be just fine.”

“I’ve had one heck of a dream, Starsk. I’ll have to tell you about it sometime.”

“Yeah, we’ll swap stories when you feel up to it. So you feeling okay?”

“Very tired. Other than that it’s hard to say. I think I’m okay. I don’t feel like I’m all here yet.”

“You’re more here than you’ve been in a long time buddy. You rest now. Everything is finally going to be okay.”

“I feel like that’s all I’ve been doing is resting, but I’m still so tired I can’t keep my eyes open.”

“Whether you know it or not, you’ve been through a lot. Your body needs to recoup.”

Starsky was trying to keep from breaking down in front of Hutch. A tremendous amount of weight was lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in a long time he was worry free. It was an amazing feeling.

“Hutch, you don’t know how good it is to hear your voice. I never thought the day would come when I’d miss hearing you talk.”

“Don’t worry Starsk. You’ll live to regret those words,” Hutch joked.

“I don’t doubt that,” Starsky replied, knowing it wasn’t true. He’d never take anything about Hutch for granted again.

“No more chit chat. There’ll be plenty of time for that. Rest up for now. I’ll be waiting on you.”

“If you insist, and Starsk?”

“Yeah Hutch?”

“I’m not sure what’s all happened, but thanks.”

“You’re welcome, buddy.” That’s all it took, Starsky couldn’t hold back any longer. Thank goodness Hutch feel asleep before he could see Starsky cry. He’d never let him live that down.

THE END