Swamp

274

Hutch takes off on a vacation to visit relatives in Florida and encounters life-threatening trouble. It’s up to Starsky to find Hutch in time.

---

Part One

Hutch was just happy that Starsky wasn’t there to tell him “I told you so.” He hadn’t listened when his partner tried to convince him not to drive straight through the night. He was sure he could handle it. He was well rested and besides… he wasn’t interested in the scenic drive. He just wanted to get where he was going, then he would start his vacationing.

It was an odd feeling setting out on a trip alone. For years now vacation had been something the two had done together. But this year when vacation time had rolled around, Starsky had become too involved with the new love in his life and didn’t wanna make any out of town trips. So when Hutch had gotten the call that his Aunt in Florida was gravely ill, he had decided that this would be his vacation.

At first the thought of going alone wasn’t something he was really looking forward to, but the more he thought about it, the more he decided this could very well be an interesting self discovery trip. He even began to look forward to listening to his own music, eating where he wanted to eat… and above all not having to humor Starsky with his ridiculous card tricks at all hours of the day and night.

So finally time had come. He packed up, told Starsky adios, and took off down the highway. He had done fine all the way through Texas. He listened to the car stereo, sang songs of his own… and just all around enjoyed himself. It wasn’t until he reached Louisiana that the trouble began. He had stopped for a bite to eat, which, he decided, is where he made the wrong turn. At first when nothing looked familiar, he just chalked it up to not having been down this way in so long. But there was little doubt now. The highway was down to a little 2-lane gravel road, barely visible in the dark.

Of all the places to get lost, he thought. Why did it have to be in the back roads of Louisiana? The state itself he had no problem with. But it’s the backwoods, the swamps, and the like that made him nervous. He never did like it, and now, here he was at 1:00 in the morning, right smack dab in the middle of it! And if that wasn’t bad enough. Thunderstorms had been falling for several hours now. The roads had become very hazardous to drive. Why didn’t I stop at that last motor inn? he thought to himself.

Just as he rounded the corner, his thoughts were interrupted by something that had ran onto, then stopped in the middle of the road. He couldn’t be sure what the animal was. Everything happened too quickly. He was trained to know that it’s better to just hit whatever it was than to risk swerving into a tree… but reaction took over as he pulled to the left.

Hutch tried to bring the car under control, but it was too late. The car had already begun its slide down the muddy embankment. It began sliding at such an angle that it finally turned on its side and began the long roll down towards the bottom.

When the car was nearing the bottom, it screeched to a halt as it was broadsided by an unrelenting pine. The powerful impact brought the car to a stop in mid-roll. It came to rest on its side, passenger side up.

A stunned and injured Hutch could feel the rush of water coming in through the windows. He tried to move, but the pain wouldn’t allow it. He was stuck inside a mangled wreck with water quickly filling it. Hutch blacked out.

~~~~~   

Nick was sure he had heard something. He had long since been used to the noises that living in the backwoods brought, but this was not one of them. This was different. It had been raining, and the last thing he wanted to do at this time of night, was to go outside to check out where the noise had come from. Not to mention the trouble he’d get into if he were caught out at this time. He’d get a beating for sure.

But at last, curiosity got the best of him. He pulled up his overalls, grabbed his cap and flashlight, and headed outside. The evening could get scary for some folks, but not to Nick. After living there his entire life of 18 years, not much was left out there that could scare him. No, the only thing around here that could put a fright into him, were his “folks.”

Even from his front yard, Nick could see tire marks on the road. They were fresh. He was sure they hadn’t been there when he was out doing chores earlier that evening. Not to mention, this wasn’t exactly a high traffic area.

He could see that the tracks went off the road. It was a mess what with all the rain and mud, but he could see something… a car. It was resting on its side and Nick could see the floodwaters rushing through it.

Hutch came to with water rushing in around him. He tried to move, he couldn’t. He was pinned in. But it didn’t matter that he was stuck. If the door were wide open, the pain would prevent him from moving.

He could see that the water was coming in faster. He wouldn’t be able to hold his head out of the water much longer. He was fighting not to pass out. He knew that to pass out now, would mean certain death.

Nick slid down the embankment as quickly as he could. If someone was still in the car, he was sure that if they weren’t already dead from the wreck, they soon would be from the water. He was unable to see through the windows. He climbed up the car and looked down from the passenger side door. He could just make out a figure. He aimed the flashlight down and saw a man. He couldn’t make out if he were alive or not, but he would have to act now. The water had begun covering the mans face.

Nick lowered himself down into the car and made his way to the man just as water crept over his face. He grabbed him by is arms and pulled, but the man wasn’t budging. He held his breath and stuck his head under the water. He saw that the man was pinned between the seat and dash. Nick quickly jumped in the backseat and began pulling on the seat till finally it gave way enough the he could pull the man free.

Nick grabbed the man and pulled him out of the water. But there was no lifting him overhead to get out the passenger side window. No, he’d have to figure something else out and quick. He had let the man go long enough for him to kick out the back window. Finally, with the added weight of the rain, it came crashing in.

The floor waters engulfed the car in seconds. Nick “swam” over to the man and pulled him with him as he made his way out the window. Once outside the car, Nick got a better grasp of the man and pulled him free of the wreckage just as the flood waters began to take the car down the newly formed river.

Nick could see the man wasn’t breathing. He quickly got him into a position that he could try CPR. CPR the only thing he had been taught and that was only because Big Ben had a fear of water. And living in the swamps, that was a bad combination.

He leaned the man’s head back, cleared his mouth. Then began breathing is life into the still man. He pushed on the man’s chest, trying to get the lungs to do their job. Then again breathed in to the man.

When he had all but given up, the man started coughing. Nick rolled him over allowing the water to run out of his lungs. Then he started up the embankment with the dead weight of the unconscious man in tow. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Nick had the man on the top of the embankment, out of the threat of the rising waters. Only after making sure he was still breathing, Nick had to lay down beside him and catch his breath. He could hardly believe what had just happened. He turned and looked down as the car was carried out of sight.

Now what? The man was injured. Nick could see that just by looking at him. His arm was broken, that one was easy to see. Maybe even both of them. His head was nearly split open. Blood was everywhere. Nick wasn’t sure what to do next, but there was little choice. He would have to take him back to the shack. But he had to wonder… if it wouldn’t have been better for this man, if he’d just let him die in peace. Maybe so, but he couldn’t just leave the man out here like this. He had to try to help.

Nick was thankful that the man was out cold for the long trek back. He took him to the cellar; there he wouldn’t’ be found. At least not right away.

He dragged the man down through the cellar doors. It was no place to keep a human being. He knew all to well from all the times he was banished here for punishment…but it beat staying out in the rain, and going in the house was out of the question. Nick cleaned the man up best he could. And tended to his injuries. He made a splint and wrapped his arm tight. He bandaged his head, and cleaned up all the cuts he could see. His chest was already turning purple from the bruising. He was in obvious need of real medical care, but there would be none of that.

After doing all he knew to do for the man, Nick went back inside to his bedroom. This man would either be dead or alive in the morning. But his conscious was clear either way.

~~~~~~~~~~   

“WAKE UP!! YOU GONNA SLEEP THE DAY AWAY? YOU LAZY….”

He’d heard it many times before, there was no pleasing these people. He’d spent 13 years trying to do just that.

His thought immediately went to the stranger in the cellar. He’d have to check on him just as soon as he could do so without notice.

“YOU UP YET?”

“I’m up already!”

“WELL YOU GOT WORK TO DO!” Ben yelled.

What else is new, he said under his breath. He pulled himself out of bed and dragged himself into the kitchen.

“So, you ready to get to work?” asked his “mom.”

“Ready as I ever am,” he said.

“HEY!” his “father” raised his hand to him…”Don’t’ backtalk, boy!”

Nick turned and left the shack. He preferred chores to being in the shack with his “parents” and he used the term loosely. His real parents had died when he was 5, and as backwards as this society was, he was simply handed over to the highest bidder. Which wasn’t high, but high enough to buy a slave boy. And that’s all he had been all these years.

He had no schooling. State laws didn’t matter in the swamplands. He had never stepped inside a real school, never learned to read or write. But he had come to the conclusion long ago that those were not requirements to live here.

After working outside long enough not draw attention to himself, Nick stopped and filled a bucket up with water, then made his way down to the cellar. It was a hot sticky day. He could see that the man hadn’t moved since being brought in. He re-bandage some of the wounds that had bleed through. After rechecking all the injuries, Nick wet a rag and tried cooling the man off. He could hear goings on outside, he decided he better get outside and look busy.

“Blast you boy,” Big Ben said as he met Nick coming around the corner of the shack. “What’s a man gotta do to get a honest day work out of you?”

“What would you know about honest?” Nick couldn’t believe the words he had been thinking actually crossed his lips.

Big Ben backhanded Nick to the ground.

“I don’t know what’s got into you boy, but I ain’t’ putting up with any smart mouth kid being disrespectful. Now you get up and you get to work.”

There were no words to describe his hatred for this man. Since being brought here, that’s all he was to these people, a workhorse. If he didn’t do what they called “his fair share,” at best he didn’t eat that day, at worst he went without eating, but not without a beating. Why did he stay, why did he put up with this? He knew why. He had nothing. He knew no one. He had no money, no education, and no escape.

He picked himself up and started on the long chores for the day. While working he often escaped through his daydreams. He could remember a time. A time when he felt loved, and wanted. He had just a vague memory of faces, his real mom and dad. It brought him comfort to know that he had been loved once. The problem wasn’t with him, but with the monsters he now lived with.

~~~~~

Hutch came to and tried to move. He let out a cry as the pain engulfed his entire body. Confusion set in. Where was he? He looked around. He couldn’t make anything out. It was dark, and hot, so hot. Pain was everywhere. His head felt like it was trying to explode. It hurt to breathe. It would be quicker to say where it didn’t hurt… nowhere.

Finally the day was drawing to a close. Nick longed for the shorter days of winter. He put away his tools for the day. Then quickly headed to the cellar to check on his guest. This time as he entered he could see the man stirring.

Nick walked over and dampened the rag once again and held the wet rag to the mans forehead. His eye’s opened.

“Wh…where am I?” The man eeked out, as he winced in pain.

“You had a pretty bad accident,” Nick explained.

“Accident?” Hutch searched his mind. It hurt too bad to think.”

“I know you’re in pain and I’m sorry. I’m doing everything I can for you. You couldn’t have picked a worse place to wreck your car mister. What’s your name?”

“Ken Hutchinson,” he replied weakly. “You can call me Hutch, thanks for helping….”

The man closed his eyes and again fell back into unconsciousness, which Nick thought for certain was a blessing.

He again tried making Hutch as comfortable as possible, then headed back inside before he would be missed.

“It’s been dark for 15 minutes already, just where have you been?” sniped Judy.

“Just trying to cool down. It was a hot day today, coming into a hot shack doesn’t help.”

“So our shack isn’t good enough for ya, is that it?”

“What’s the fuss about?” Big Ben mumbled as he entered the kitchen.

“Well it seems our home isn’t good enough for the boy here. It’s to hot for his liking.”

“No problem, our shack isn’t good enough for you…”

He grabbed Nick by the scruff of his shirt and threw him outside.

“Now, maybe after sleeping outside for a night, you’ll learn to be grateful for what you have,” Big Ben said as he slammed the door shut.

“Not likely,” Nick said out loud. He knew what this meant. He wouldn’t be eating today. It didn’t much matter. No more than they fed him, he wouldn’t be missing out on much.

Although he grew up here and was used to most everything that crawled, walked or flew around. he still wasn’t looking forward to being at the mercy of any and all of them. On all the other occasions that this had happened… he had found shelter in the cellar. But he didn’t dare go there now. If they came looking for him for any reason, they’d find Hutch.

Nick had no doubt Hutch would be found eventually. There was no way around that. He thought it best for him if it were later than sooner. He climbed into the bed of broken down truck. At least the crawlers won’t get to him, he thought. He laid down, and thanks to the hard work and the hot sun that had drained him all day, sleep came quickly.

~~~~~

Hutch woke to the noise of life in the swamps. The only thing he could identify were the crickets and the frogs. He didn’t want to know what else was out there. Ironic, he thought. The one thing he dreaded about the trip was having to drive through the swamps, but, now here he was lying in the middle of it.

He still hurt every where. As he took inventory of the pain, the accident came back to him. What was that that had run in front of him? He was sure he’d ever know. He remembered the car sliding off the road and then rolling. The water. He couldn’t move and the water was rushing in around him. He knew then that he was going to drown that night. The pain… he flinched at the thought of it… He couldn’t move as the water came rushing in until finally it was over his head.

Hutch realized that it was this kid that had been there that night, that had pulled him from his would be watery grave. And although he’d be forever grateful, he had an uneasy feeling that he was taken from the pan and placed into the fire.

And he wasn’t exaggerating when using the term fire. He knew he wasn’t conscious much, but when he was, it was the most humid, hot day he could ever remember. How was he gonna get home? He knew Starsky would be looking for him sooner or later, but he had been lost. How would he… again before he could think how worse things could get, he was out.

~~~~~

It was still dark when Nick woke up, but he could tell morning was just around the corner. He was surprised he slept so soundly considering the mugginess. It was like sleeping in water. He stretched and worked out all the kinks then jumped down. It would be a safe time to check on Hutch. First, he’d have to stop by the shack and pick up something to eat.

He carefully snuck into the shack. He had gotten good at that from all the times he wasn’t fed. He grabbed a few pieces of fruit and crackers then quietly went back out and climbed into the cellar.

Hutch looked to be sleeping, but Nick decided he needed to wake him, no telling when he’d find the chance to come back in.

“Hutch? Can you hear me?”

At first there was no response. “Hutch? Got a little something to eat. You hungry?”

Hutch’s eyes slowly opened.

“Hey there, how are you feeling?”

“Man, I don’t think there’s one spot on me that doesn’t hurt,” Hutch said as he tried to wake himself up. “Oh, and I remember everything. I thought I was a dead man. Drowned for sure. Thank you for being there, for helping…”

“I was glad to do it Hutch, but before it’s all said and done, you might wish I would have let nature takes it’s course. This is a bad place.”

“Well, just the same, no matter what happens, thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Now are you hungry?”

“I’m starved, but I think everything hurts too bad to eat.”

“Well just the same, you’re going on the third day. You need you to eat something if you’re ever going to get any stronger. Here, it’s just a banana. You can eat that can’t you?” Nick broke a piece off and gave it to Hutch. He had been able to eat the whole thing.

“I’m sure you need more, but that’s a start. Here, take a drink.”

Hutch tried to sit up, but winced at the pain and promptly laid back down.

“Easy, here let me help.” He raised his head enough to be able to drink, then laid him back down.

“You’ll be getting stronger in no time. I was really worried you weren’t gonna make it. But I think you’re going to be just fine… gonna hurt like hell for awhile, but i think you’ll be okay.”

“Thanks to you. Why do you keep sneaking in here like this?”

“Well it’s like I kinda been telling ya. I live here with my “step parents.” My real mom and dad died when I was real young, and these people took me. Actually, truth be told, they bought me. They needed help around the place, they got one look at me and decided I’d make a nice little slave boy. And they’re not exactly nice people. I’m not sure what they’d do if they found you here.”

‘Doesn’t sound like fun. Why do you stay? Why do you put up with it?”

“What am I going to do? You don’t think I’ve dreamed about leaving? Only everyday! But that ain’t happenin’. We got no car, no phones. I have no family. If this man went crazy right now and came out here and shot me dead, no one would ever know or care. No, I learned along time ago, that this is my life, and I get through it best I can.”

“We’ll get out of here, just wait and see Nick,” Hutch said while trying to fight to stay awake.

“Hutch, go to sleep. You’ll need your strength for later, believe me, you will.”

~~~~~   

Nick went back out and began his morning chores. He rather just get started doing the inevitable, than to go inside and hear more yelling. Besides, he could get all the really hard stuff over with before the heat of the day set in.

We’ll get outta here… Nick thought about what Hutch had said. He wanted to believe it. He knew however that he had only said those words because he hadn’t sampled swampland reality yet.

~~~~~~~~~~

Starsky was at home enjoying the peace and quiet of the day. He was watching a movie he didn’t even particularly like, but it didn’t matter. The fact that he wasn’t going anywhere, or doing anything made for a wonderfully relaxing day. Then of course the phone rang. Man! he thought… shoulda unplugged that thing. He reached over and answered.

“Yello”

“David Starsky?”

“Speaking.”

“Hi, this is Matt. I’m a cousin of Ken’s.”

“Oh yeah! Hello there, Matt, what can I do for you? Is Hutch wanting you to call to check up on me? You tell him I CAN get along just fine without him!”

There was silence. “So he has left?”

“What do you mean? He’s not there?” Starsky sat up, as if it would help him hear better.

“No, we’ve been looking for him to show up. We thought perhaps he got tied up with business.”

Starsky tried to sound calm. “Well, you know Hutch. He’s probably just trying to take in every thing there is to see between here and there. But I’ll tell you what. Let me see if I can’t track him down and I’ll get back to you.”

“Thanks Dave. We hated to bother you… We’ll appreciate you letting us know.”

“Don’t worry about it. When I know something, you’ll know something! Bye.”

Starsky didn’t hesitate. He immediately began dialing the phone.

“Dobey.”

“Cap, it’s Starsky.”

“Starsky? I didn’t think I’d be hearing from you anytime soon.”

“You and me both, Cap. Listen, it’s about hutch. His cousin from Florida called. He hasn’t shown up yet.”

“You think that’s something to worry about? How long has he been gone?”

“He’s been gone nearly a week, Cap. He should have been there by now. And yes, I think it’s something to worry about.”

“I’ll put a call into the Hwy Patrol, see if they’ve come across any accidents. So you know the route he took?”

“He said he was going to ride out 10 all the way into Florida.”

“Ok, let me get on it. Sit tight. I’ll let you know what I find.”

“Come on Cap, you don’t really expect me to just sit here?”

“That’s exactly what I expect, Starsky. That’s a lot of ground to cover. We need to start narrowing down the search before you go half cocked to who knows where. At least wait long enough to see what the Highway patrol find. You get out there and we lose you too… lets just see what they come up with.”

“No promises Cap. I’ll try to wait, but no promises.”

“That’ll have to be good enough Starsky. I know you’re worried, we all are. But we don’t want to make more of it than it is just yet… I’ll be in touch.”

Starsky hung up the phone in disbelief. There must be some mistake. Hutch missing, unaccounted for several days now? The agonizing worry would begin.

~~~~~

It was another sweltering day. Nick worked until he thought he’d drop then decided to take his chanced inside for a rest and something to eat. He walked in, passing a drunk Ben asleep on the couch and Judy was watch her soaps, bad reception and all. He didn’t say a word. Just walked into the kitchen and quickly threw together a few sandwiches and grabbed a bag of chips. He took the water pitcher outta the fridge, put them all in a bag, and went out the back way.

He walked into the cellar to find Hutch trying to sit up.

“Whoa, what are you doing? Do you think you’re up to that?”

“Well I can’t lie around forever. I’ve gotta try to get my strength back. Although I have to admit, it hurts like hell.”

“Well maybe we’ll try that in a minute. How bout something to eat?” offered Nick.

“Thanks, I am getting pretty hungry. That’s a good thing I guess.”

“Well it’s no feast, but it’ll help fill you up and give you a little energy.”

He handed Hutch a sandwich and pulled out the water. Then sat back and enjoyed his lunch as well.

“Is it always this hot?” Hutch asked in between bites.

“Fraid so, and it gets worse before it gets better. I can tell you that much for sure.”

“How do you do it all day…nothing but work out there?”

“It gets tough, but it’s all I know.”

“What’s keeping you from just walking away?”

“We’re 15 miles from the closest people. I’m sure you noticed when you were driving around, there’s not much around here. And most of that 15 miles is swamp.”

“You mean to tell me that in all the time you’ve lived here, you’ve never left this shack?”

“Nope. I have a few memories of being with my real parents. Not many, but I treasure the one’s that I do have. They’re very important to me. Important for me to know that I’m not like these people! I can even remember going to the show with my folks. Can’t remember what we saw, but I had the best time of my life, I know that much!”

“Don’t worry. We’ll get outta here, and it’ll be my pleasure to take you to a show.”

“That’s a nice dream. But that’s all it is and if you tell yourself any different, it’ll just make you go mad. The best thing to do is just accept your fate. See, didn’t I tell you that you might have been better off NOT making it out of that car? Although I’ve enjoyed your company. It does my heart good to know there are good people left in the world.”

“Well don’t you forget that Nick. There are plenty and I’ll introduce you to a few of them when we get out of here.”

Nick decided to leave it at that. If it’s what this man needed, to believe he’d be leaving here, then who was he to take that away from him? He on the other hand knew that the quicker he comes to terms with his new life, the better.

“Well let me get on back to work before I’m missed.”

“You know I feel guilty laying here while you’re out there working so hard.”

“This is my life, not yours, and don’t worry… if and when you are found out, you’ll be out there right along side of me.”

Nick shut the door behind him and started back to work. He hated that this happened to Hutch, but he was happy to have a little company… a friendly voice for a change.

Hutch was finding it hard to sleep, but it was too hot to do much of anything else. He looked forward to the nights. Of course heat wasn’t keeping him down. He was still in too much pain to do much of anything. His ribs were feeling a little better. And the pounding in his head was down to a mild roar. His arm and leg hurt to move. He was grateful for the splint, but hoped it would be enough to allow it to set right. What future would he have in his line of work with out use of a good set of arms and legs.

His thoughts were interrupted by the opening of the cellar door. He was surprised that Nick had come back so soon.

“Well well, what do we have here?” Big Ben said as he walked over to the stranger.

Hutch cried out in pain as he spun around. He tried to sit up. He felt vulnerable laying down, especially at seeing the man’s size.

“So this is where the food has been disappearing to, is it?”

Hutch said nothing. With what Nick told him about this man, combined with his appearance. Hutch was apprehensive.

“Cat got your tongue? Where’d you come from?”

“I was in an accident. Wrecked my car.”

“Did you now? And what were ya doing round here any ways… you come spying on us?”

“Spying?” Hutch nearly laughed at the thought of it. “No, I just got lost and ended up here.”

“Is that so, sonny boy… well… who’s gonna pay for the food you ate?”

“I can pay you for it.”

“Can you now? We’ll let’s just see.”

He walked over to the man and pulled him to his side then yanked out his wallet, paying no attention to the obvious pain the man was in.

“Hey, I can give you the money, but it’s my wallet.”

Ben couldn’t believe the nerve. Although lately the brat was acting the same way. He’d have to nip this in the bud. He backhanded the man back down.

Hutch could feel blood at the corner of his mouth, his head was pounding again.

“Rule number one, NO talking back. Got that?”

Hutch was more furious than scared now.

“I’m not a kid…”

Big Ben grabbed the man up by the scruff of his shirt, picked him up and threw him hard against the wall. Hutch tried catching the breath that was knocked out of him, he slid down the wall, barely hearing the rest of what the man had said before losing consciousness.

“Bet you don’t talk back again,” the man said as he took the wallet and left. He’d settle up with the brat later. Right now, he had to count his earnings.

~~~~~~~~~~

Nick couldn’t last another minute and decided it was time to quit for the day. It had been a good day. Any day that he didn’t come in contact with his “folks” was a good day. He went in and jumped in the shower then headed into the kitchen for something to eat.

He passed Big Ben intently looking over something as he sat on the couch. He could barely make it out, but it looked like he was going through a wallet. It hit him immediately. Without hesitation, which would have saved him a lot of grief, he bolted over to where the man was sitting.

“You have no right! That isn’t yours!!!”

“Listen to you raising your voice again, just like the man you had hidden away tried to do. I’ll have teach you too I guess.”

The meaning of his words rang through… what had he done to Hutch? He ran out of the shack and down into the cellar. Hutch was still lying where Big Ben had left him.

“Hutch? Hutch, are you okay?” he asked as he ran over to him.

Hutch began to come around. “Yeah,” he said has he grimaced in pain.

“You don’t look alright. Come on, let’s get you back over and can you move?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Hutch replied. “Nick! Behind you!”

The warning came too late. Ben grabbed Nick, spun him around and socked him in the stomach. Nick was doubled over as Big Ben added a right cross.

“Okay, one more time. NO talking back. Now, since you like it down here so much this is your new home. You’ll be locked in for the evenings. Only to be let out during the day to work. I hope you two are happy together,” he said as he slammed the door shut.

“Nick? Can you hear me?” Hutch asked. He could see where he had fallen and he wasn’t moving. But Hutch could do little to help, as he was in no shape to move either. Both Hutch and Nick spend the next several hours just as they had fallen.

Big Ben was still rather pleased with himself as he drank himself silly again while looking through the wallet.

“Look here! We got ourselves a cop. They sure don’t make cops like the used to, this one here is a wimp. But he did have some money on him, close to $2000 bucks. All this money and new slave labor too. This is our lucky day! Now go on and get outta here woman, I need space to think”

“Ya need a brain first,” Judy said as she got up went back to the bedroom. She got away with a little more than the kid, but she had to watch herself as well.

~~~~~

Nick came to to blackness. He let his eyes adjust a few seconds then could make out his surroundings. He made his way to the door, but just as the old man said, it was locked. He then walked over to Hutch and poured a little of the water from the bucket on him. Undoubtedly Ben didn’t realize that was here. He would have taken it as well.

“Hutch?” He could hear Hutch coming to. First from movement then from moans. “Hey Hutch, let me help you back over to the bed, see if we can’t make you a little more comfortable.”

“Nick, you know what?”

“What?”

“You weren’t exaggerating about that guy. What a nightmare. I’ve never seen anyone so big in my whole life. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, he’s a piece of work. That’s dear ol’ dad. I’m fine. That gut shot left me a little sore, and I think my jaw needs realigning. Other than that, I’m fine. Sorry about this.”

“Don’t be,” Hutch offered as he let Nick help him back to the bed. “Can’t blame yourself for a monster like that.”

“Nah, I blame myself for bringing you back here. I knew you’d be found out sooner or later.”

“What was the alternative? Leave me out there? I’d be dead right now. Given the choice, I like it right where I am, thank you very much… at least this way I still have a fighting chance.”

“Well there have been plenty of times that I wished I were dead…”

“Don’t worry…it’s always darkest be the dawn.”

“Are you always this optimistic?”

“Doesn’t cost anything. And besides, I have friends, they’ll be looking for me. It won’t be long, I’m sure.”

“For your sake, I hope you’re right. But for now I suggest we get some rest. Tomorrow won’t be any fun for either one of us,” warned Nick.

“Good idea. We’ll trade off on the bed until we split this joint.”

~~~~~

Starsky picked up the phone before it had a chance to finish the first ring. It’s how he answered every call since Hutch came up missing.

“Hello?”

“Starsky…”

“What did you find Cap? Where is he?”

“They don’t know Starsky. But they’re keeping an eye out along the entire stretch of I10.”

“Okay, well that does it Cap. I’m not waiting for someone else to look for him. He’s a total stranger to them. This is my job.”

“Starsky, where are you going to look? That’s several hundred miles and several states. You’re just gonna get lost yourself then what? Try to just wait it out a few more hours at least. You know Hutch, he probably stopped at every historical landmark along the way.”

“Cap, I’ll give it a few more hours, then I’m outta here, one way or the other, I’m gotta find him.”

<~~~~~

“RISE AND SHINE!” Big Ben hollered as he swung open the cellar door. “Time for you working stiffs to earn your keep.”

Hutch and Nick both woke to the man’s bellows. Ben walked over and kicked at Nick. “Come on lazy. Time to start the day. But look at the bright side. Today you’ll have help out there. Right boy?” he said looking at Hutch.

“He’s in no shape to work Ben. I’ll go.”

“I know you will sonny boy, and so will he. Come on you wuss cop. Do I need to come over there and pick you up and carry you out?”

“No, I think a bath is what you need,” Hutch said under his breath.

Ben walked over and gave Hutch a shove. “NO BACK TALK! Now get up.”

Nick hurried over to help take the focus off Hutch.

“Please Ben, he hasn’t been up since his accident,” he said while trying to help Hutch to his feet.

“He’s got a broken arm and his leg ain’t much better. That’s just half his problems. What good is he going to be for you out there? I’ll work hard enough for the both of us, until he’s able to work.”

“You best be doing that anyway, boy. Now I don’t wanna hear anymore about it. If he can eat the food, he can work it off. Here,” he said as he reached in the corner of the cellar. “Learned to save everything. Never know when you might need something.” He handed Hutch a crutch.

The two men slowly made their way out of the cellar. It was the first time Hutch had seen daylight in several days. And the first time he got a good look at his temporary home. He’d never seen anything so run down in his entire life. The shack was just barely that. It was obvious it hadn’t been painted, ever. The “backyard” consisted of nothing but dirt, or mud, depending on how close you were to the swamps. He couldn’t believe people live like this. There were animals running around freely. Chickens, goats, pigs.

“Now let’s see, what is something you can do in your delicate condition? Ah, got just the thing. Go take a seat over there on that stump.”

Both men started walking with Ben.

“Not you boy, You’re healthy. You tend to your regular chores.”

“Good luck,” Nick whispered to Hutch as he walked away.

Hutch hobbled over to the stump as instructed and waited.

“Ok, see all that corn and grain? It’s your job to strip and wash it good. You can handle that, can’t ya sonny?”

“Yeah, I can handle it.”

“Watch that tone boy! Now, get to work. There ain’t gonna be no eating till I think you’ve done enough work to pay for it.”

Hutch watched as the huge hillbilly picked up a jug and walked back in the shack. It didn’t take long to put two and two together. He was making moonshine. That apparently must be the way they make a living here. He thought people like this only existed in bad movies. His body ached but at least he was given something he could do sitting down. He wanted to tell the man where to go, but he was 3 times his size, and he decided he was in enough pain. Best just to go along with things for now.

It wouldn’t be for long. He was sure that Starsky was out looking for him by now. It was his faith in his partner that gave him hope that he would get through this. He couldn’t imagine what life was like for Nick. Living like this with no hope of anyone ever coming for him. He made a mental note to let Starsky know just how much he was needed and appreciated… he’d tell him as soon as he shows up.

~~~~~

After several hours, Hutch’s work was down to doing basically nothing. His one arm was virtually useless and the other had grown too tired to continue. He tried to look busy but it was becoming more difficult. The heat was sucking every bit of strength he had in him, and he was aching from head to toe. He was tempted to hit on one of the jugs himself.

Finally Nick came over and sat down next time him. “Hey, you can relax, the old man is passed out drunk on the couch. Used to just be that way at night, but these days, he’s been staying drunk most of the time, which isn’t good. He’s a mean drunk. Come on over here in the shade and lie down. I’ll grab us something to eat and drink.”

“Don’t get yourself in trouble, Nick. That is one scary man.”

“You’re telling me? As long as he’s passed out, we’re okay. I’ll be right back.”

~~~~~

Several minutes later, Nick sat the food down and helped Hutch sit up and lean against the tree.

“You hungry?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Well let’s eat, He’s passed out and she’s still watching her soaps, so I think we have time to relax a bit. So, you looked to be in deep thought… what were you thinking about?”

“Home. I was just wondering about my family and friends. I’m sure they’re very worried. I wish I had some way of contacting them.”

“Sorry Hutch. Nothing like that for miles around here.”

“I don’t get it Nick, how can you live like this? This is no life.”

“This is all I know. I’ve never been away from here. Not since these people bought and paid for me. And there is no way out. Even if I was to try to get away, these backwoods people stick together. No, I’ve learned to accept it. It’s not so bad, I figure they gotta die sometime soon. Anyway, enough about me. Tell me about your life. What’s your life like outside these swamps? I saw a guitar floating out of your car. Are you a singer?”

“You didn’t happened to grab that, did you?” Hutch asked with a smile.

“No,” Nick answered laughing. “I figured you could always get another guitar, but the guitar couldn’t get another you.”

“Well, since you put it that way… good choice. And to answer your question, I do love to sing, but it doesn’t pay the bills. I sing when I can and work when I should. I’m a detective with the Los Angeles Police dept. Been doing that quite a while now. I’m not married, except to my job. And, some say to my partner.”

“Your partner is your girlfriend?”

“No,” Hutch said with a laugh. “My partner’s name is David Starsky.” Hutch could see ‘the look’ come over the young man’s face.

“No, it’s not what you’re thinking. It’s just that we’re best of friends. We spend a lot of time together and well, it’s just an office joke that we might as well be married. He’s the one I’m counting on finding us. I know Starsky. He won’t stop looking until he finds me.”

“Well you’re new here so I don’t blame you for having hope. I’ve given up on that along time ago. It just makes living here even harder.”

“So you’ve never been out of Louisiana?”

“Nope, never been anywhere but here, and I’m sure I’ll die here as well.”

“I’ll tell you what. When we get outta here, we’ll take you with us. Would you like to see California?”

Hutch could see Nick’s look of excitement quickly turn to disappointment. He knew what he was thinking.

“Come on Nick, we’ll get out of here. As soon as I’m well enough, we’ll come up with something. You’ll see.”

Nick said nothing and the two finished eating and went back to work. Ben never made an appearance the rest of the day. When darkness fell, Nick helped Hutch back into the cellar. They were both ready for sleep. It felt good to rest.

~~~~~

“Ok, whadaya got, Cap?”

“Highway patrol called. It seems they have found Hutch’s car. It had been washed up after being carried quite a while down a swollen river.”

Silence…

“Hutch?”

“No sign of him Starsky.”

“The car was empty. They said that the car had apparently been in a wreck. There was quite a bit of damage to it.”

“Where is it? Where did they find the car?”

“They found it in Louisiana. They’ve had heavy widespread flooding over there. The car could have traveled from anywhere.”

“That settles it, Cap. I’m off to Louisiana.”

“Starsky, he would have called.”

“Cap, I don’t know why we’re having this conversation. If you wanna give up on Hutch that’s your business. But I know that he’s out there someplace. You know I’m not going to just sit back and see what turns up.”

“So you’re just going to drive all over the state looking for him?”

“The way I see it, Cap. Before, there was an eight state possibility and now it’s been narrowed down to one. That’s a good headstart in my book.”

“Okay Starsky. I want you checking in. We don’t need both of y’all out there lost. I’ll do what I can from here. Do you want me to assign you someone to help out?” Dobey knew these two well enough not to use the word partner.

“You mean a partner, Cap? No thanks, I don’t need a new one. Just wanna find mine. I’ll keep in touch.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The next three days went by without incident. Big Ben was still on his drinking binge, caring little about anything else. Nick and Hutch did things around the shack. They tried to at least give the appearance that they’d been working.

Hutch was healing up nicely. Course his broken arm excluded.. But all in all he felt he was getting strong enough. He would try something soon. He had to.

~~~~~

Starsky was becoming discouraged. He had driving every inch of the highway and stopped at every place there was to stop within 5 miles of the highway. No sign. No one had seen anyone resembling Hutch or his car. It didn’t make any sense. Someone had to have seen him… he couldn’t have made the trip without stopping somewhere!

He pulled into a diner. He walked up to the counter and gave his order to the girl eagerly waiting at the register.

“I was also wondering…” Starsky continued after giving his order. “Have you seen this guy?”

“Ah, a cop? Thought so! I’m pretty good at that kinda stuff and I had you pegged for a cop.”

“Well you’re right,” Starsky humored her.

“Wow, what did the guy do?”

“No, he didn’t do anything… He’s a cop too… he’s my partner and he’s missing. Have you seen him around here?”

“Yeah,” the girl said, “he was here… at least it was a guy that looked like that picture.”

“Can you tell me where he went when he left here?”

“Sorry, all I know is he said he on his way to visit relatives. He was very nice, not to mention, easy on the eyes! I watched him until he drove out of sight. Course, I did think it was strange that he went in the opposite direction from where he said he was headed.”

“What do you mean? Which way did he go? It’s very important I know which direction he was headed in. He’s been missing for awhile now, and I’m trying to track him down.”

“Gosh, I hope he’s okay. Well look, see that road there? To get to the highway, you have to turn left and double back. It can be a bit confusing to folks. Well I guess he was confused to, cuz instead of the left… he went right. I even got in trouble for taking too long on my break, cuz I waited outside to watch for him when he doubled back, like everyone does that makes that mistake. But he never came back. At least not while I was watching.”

“Thanks… Janie,” he said as he looked at her name tag. “You’ve been a huge help, I can’t thank you enough.”

“Good luck on your search.”

“Thanks again. Oh and by the way, what IS down that way anyway?”

“Not much of nothing, mostly swamp land, and lots of hillbilly types. You wanna be careful on those little roads at night.”

“K, thanks for the warning. I can’t thank you enough for your help.”

“Good luck.”

Starsky left with more hope than he’d had in days. A fresh trail, someone that actually saw Hutch, talked to Hutch. It was getting late though. He knew his search wouldn’t get a good start until the morning. He’d do what he could tonight, but if it’s as barren as she said, he needed to find a place to sleep for the night. The car served the purpose the night before, but with this new lead, he wanted to be good and rested.

~~~~~

Both men were sleeping soundly has the door to the cellar was thrown open. Big Ben came stumbling in, throwing around anything within reach.

“YOU THINK YOU’RE IN CHARGE NOW?”

Nick had never seen Big Ben this wired. He looked like a raging bull.

He walked over and picked a groggy Nick up with his huge hand wrapped around his throat.

“YOU THINK YOU MAKE THE RULES?”

“What are you talking about, Ben?” Nick asked.

Ben’s grip tightened. Nick could feel the life being choked out of him.

“YOU KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT, YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING!”

Hutch got to his feet as quickly as he could. He wasn’t sure what he could he do with a man three times his size that was obviously out of his head, but there was no time to come up with a plan.

He grabbed an empty jar that was left lying around, waiting for when it could be used again. He swung as hard as he could knocking the jar against the back of Big Ben’s head.

Ben’s grip loosened, and Nick fell to the ground.

The hit probably would have killed a normal man, but Ben stood there looking dazed for a few seconds, then turned to Hutch, with fire in his eyes.

Big Ben lifted his tree limb size arm and backhanded Hutch as hard has could, knocking Hutch against the wall. Then it was his turn. Ben walked over and picked Hutch up by the throat and smiled as he watched the color drain from the man’s face.

Nick was getting his senses back and saw what was happening. He called out. “BEN!!”

He got no response.

“BEN LISTEN…THIS GUY, HE’S FAMOUS! HE’S WORTH MILLIONS, BEN!”

As if slapped in the face, Ben’s head turned and his grip slightly loosened. “What are you talking about?!”

“Its true Ben. I just found out and was going to tell you. He’s a famous singer, he’s worth lots of money Ben, more money than you’ll ever see in your lifetime. But its no good if he’s dead Ben… BEN, let go!”

“What are you trying to pull kid. I know this guy is a cop… there’s no money in that” he said as his grip remained firm.

“He didn’t get his money from being a cop… he sings Ben… He told me all about it. Turn loose NOW or your throwing away a gold mine.”

“You best not being lying to be boy, I’ll feed ya BOTH to the gators.”

“No lie Ben. He had $2000 on him, didn’t he? Why else would anyone carry that kind of cash on them?”

Finally, just as Nick was beginning to think that Hutch was a dead man, Ben released his grip and Hutch fell to the ground.

“You best check on him,” Ben demanded.

Nick hurried over to Hutch. Since he had watched as hutch turned purple long ago, he wasn’t expecting to find him alive.

“Hutch? Can you hear me?”

Nick could already see the bruises on his neck.

“I don’t know how or why, but he’s still breathing,” Nick reported back to Ben.

Ben bent over and picked up Hutch and carried him out of the cellar.

“Where are you going with him Ben? What are you going to do?”

Ben turned and shoved Nick to the ground. “YOU ARE NOT IN CHARGE!” Then locked the door behind him.

Nick couldn’t imagine what Ben’s next move would be. He liked the idea of money, he didn’t think Ben would be able to pass that up. Maybe he was taking him inside, to protect his interests. At least it brought him peace of mind to believe that.

If Ben had been thinking clearly, that’s exactly what he would have done. But he wasn’t. His mind couldn’t focus, he was drunk and hung over at the same time. One thing he knew… this man could make him rich… he had to make sure he was secured. Make sure he didn’t get away.

He dragged the blond cop next to the shed… he thought of the best way to make sure he stayed put. “The Stretcher.” It was what he used for his alligator skins. He tied each arm up to the corners and did the same with the legs. After making sure it was secure, he went in to sleep it off. He knew he needed to think clearly if he was going to act on the new information given to him.

~~~~~

By the time Hutch had begun to come to, the morning sun was making its appearance. The only thing Hutch knew as he woke was the excruciating pain that enveloped his entire body.

“NICK? ANYONE?”

…”HELP ME!!”

He tried everything he could to free his good arm, but he was tied tight. He was out of his head with pain.

“STARSKY!!!!!” he screamed before he finally passed out.

Nick heard Hutch’s screams. It sent a shiver down his spine. Help him? From what? What had Ben done that was causing him so much pain. He took the crutch and began knocking the roof of the cellar/the floor of the shack, and yelling.

“BEN? BEN GET OUT HERE…..BEN!!!!”

After an hour or so the cellar door opened. A more controlled Ben stood in the doorway.

“What’s gotten into you boy. Is it lesson time?”

“Hutch… I heard him screaming. What have you done with him?”

“You forget yourself boy… I don’t answer to you. Now I think it’s time you get started on your chores?”

Yes, he thought, at least he’d get out to see what was going on.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

“Good boy, let’s get on with it then. You know,” he continued as he followed Nick out. “If what you say is true about this cop havin’ money… I’ll have no need for you anymore will I? You best watch yourself now.”

They walked to the side of the shack. Nick could see Hutch from there.

“Ben you can’t leave him like that. You know his arm is broken, and his leg isn’t much better… look how tight you have that pulled.”

“I thought you were going to watch yourself?”

“Come on Ben, don’t you have a heart at all? You can’t leave him like that. What if he ups and dies on you, Ben?”

“No one’s ever died from a broken arm boy. Now get on with your business.”

“Not from the broken arm, Ben. I seen it on TV. It’s called shock. He goes into shock and it shuts down his heart.” He had no idea what he was talking about, but as long as Ben didn’t know that, he was one step ahead.

“Like I said,” Ben replied, less sure of himself. “You worry about yourself. Now get to work.”

Ben very casually made his way over to the stretched out man. He grabbed him by his blond hair and pulled his head back. He looked at the man’s face. What did someone look like when they were in shock? Did that stupid kid have any idea what he was talking about? It wasn’t that he cared how much pain this cop was in. It was the money he was worried about.

~~~~~

Starsky was up and out at the crack of dawn. He jumped in his car and started in the direction Hutch was last seen. He reached down to feel the reassuring coldness of the pistol under his seat. He didn’t like the sound of the word “swampland.” Hutch had joked about that being the worse part about the trip. He hated to think that he was out here somewhere. But it was better than the alternative.

As he drove he thought of the last time he saw Hutch. His partner was so excited about his little trip alone. Just him, the road and the car stereo. He hadn’t had that kind of privacy in so long. None of them had. And this was his chance to get away. It was all still to hard to believe. Starsky turned his thoughts off and the radio on.

~~~~~

“Hey you,” Ben said trying to wake Hutch up. He slapped his face, then grabbed the bucket of water and threw it on him. It seemed to be working, he could see the man starting to move.

“Hey you!” he said again, louder this time.

Hutch’s eyes opened then immediately closed tight from the pain. He didn’t want to give this man the satisfaction of yelling out.

“Hurts, don’t it? I’ll make ya a deal, kid. I’m gonna cut ya down… hell, I might even let you go. But I want the money.”

Hutch didn’t know what money he was talking about.

“You already got my money,” Hutch said, gritting his teeth.

“No no, think big man. I know you’re worth some money and all you have to do is tell me how to get in touch with your folks. We’ll make a swap. How does that sound?”

It took a few seconds for what this man was saying to sink in. He was being held for ransom now?

“Come on kid, what do you say? I bet I sure would feel good to get cut down.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t have money. You got my wallet, you saw I’m a cop. Cops don’t have money.”

Hutch, being half out of his mind from pain, was none the less able to see the rage building in the man’s face.

“We’ll just see about that now won’t we? Let’s see if that’s the same thing you say after you’ve been stretched out here a few days without nothin’ to eat or drink!. You know what I used this contraption for?”

He pointed to the back wall.

“That’s right. I use it to stretch gator skins after I’ve skinned it. So what do you think you’ll look like in a few days?”

“I can’t give you something I don’t have.”

“Then die you will,” Ben said. He walked off, but only after getting the satisfaction of a few punches to the stomach before he walked off. He’ll break, he thought to himself. It may take a day or two, but he had nothing but time.

Nick was going crazy not being able to help Hutch. He was locked in during the evening, and watched in the day. If he could just get Ben on a drinking binge again. But that wasn’t likely. Ben had a new focus about him. He wondered if it had been a mistake to make up the story about the money. But he knew… he knew if he hadn’t come up with that, they would have both been dead.

~~~~~

Starsky tried not to get discouraged at another day passing. There was a lot of backwoods to cover, he was sure Hutch had to be back here somewhere. He had to be. But for now, he’d have to turn back. It was late and too dark to make anything else out. He hated to go back, but it wouldn’t do Hutch any good to get lost himself. He would get a fresh start bright and early in the morning again.

~~~~~

Hutch drifted in and out of consciousness through out the night. He was weak from hunger and thirst, not to mention the pain. But he was grateful for the coolness of the evening. He didn’t want to think of another hot day that would come tomorrow. He was losing hope. He had to finally admit to himself that he might never get out of here alive.

“Where are you Starsky?” Hutch asked out loud, then blacked out.

Morning came a little too early for Ben. He had downed a few too many the night before. It was the kid. He was driving him to drink. As if he needed a reason. It was going on nearly 2 days since he hung the cop out to dry, he wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer.

Ben didn’t normally enjoy the mornings. But he was looking forward to seeing how much more he could torment the cop. He wouldn’t even bother with breakfast. He pulled his overalls on and walked outside. Another scorcher, that could only work to his benefit. He walked over to the stretched out man and grabbed his hair and pulled his head back.

“Morning Hutchinson.”

There was no response. He picked up the bucket of water and threw it on the man… no response. No wait… he could see some slight movement… yes, the man was coming around.

Hutch opened his eyes to the brief spell of consciousness… Hot, so hot. He needed a drink. He was so dry.

“Water…. Please.”

“What’s that? You need a drink? Well I have lots of ice cold water… but you know what to do to get it…”

“Go to h…” he passed out again.

~~~~~

With a smile on his face, Ben proceeded to unlock the cellar door. Someone was going to have to work around there!

Nick was willing and ready. He had been up for hours. He knew that Hutch couldn’t last much longer. He’d have to think of something.

“Okay,” said Ben. “Get on with the chores. I’m going in to rest for awhile.”

Much to his delight, Nick could see that he was in a drunken stupor, and was going in to sleep it off. It was his chance to check on his friend.

~~~~~

Starsky was ready for another day of searching. He wouldn’t let himself be negative. There were two ways of thinking… Hutch was out here someplace… or Hutch was dead. He wouldn’t even let himself even THINK the second, which meant… Hutch was out here somewhere. He filled his tank up and headed back to where the search ended the day before.

“Hold on Hutch,” he said out loud. “I’m coming for you, just hang on.”

~~~~~

Nick could tell by looking at Hutch that he was near death. He knew that cutting him down would most likely be handing himself a death sentence. But he’d have to take that chance. He couldn’t leave him up this way. He looked around and found a buck knife Ben had stashed away. He cut Hutch down and laid him on the ground. He poured a bucket of water on him to try and cool him off.

“Hutch?”

There was no response. They had to get out of here. They were both dead men if they didn’t get out of here. But how? If he knew that, he would have been gone years ago.

“Hutch? Can you hear me?”

He could try to leave on foot, but that was laughable. He would have to carry Hutch, and how far would they get before they were found out? It didn’t matter there was no other choice. He would have to hope that Ben was out for another long one.

Nick pulled down a plank that Ben used to lay over the swamp as a bridge for when he checked his traps. He strapped Hutch onto it, and tied rope from both ends. He grabbed some of the fruit he had in the cellar along with a canteen of water. He picked up the ropes and put them over his shoulders and began walking, pulling the plank behind him. It would be slow going, but it was going. Maybe they’d get lucky and run into someone on the road. Course, it’s likely if they did, whoever it was would drive him right back to the shack. He couldn’t think about that now. He had to stay focused on Hutch. He wasn’t sure how he had stayed alive this long. He couldn’t fight for much longer. Not like that. He walked on.

 

Part Two

A few hours passed when Judy glanced outside on her way to the ice box. The man. Where was he? Did Ben move him? Taken him somewhere? She better wake Ben up. He was a mean drunk, especially when he didn’t sleep it off. But she’d have to take the chance. She knew that cop equaled money, and big money according to Big Ben.

“Ben wake up. Ben!” she called out as he tried shaking him awake.

He just mumbled some obscenities and turned over.

“BIG BEN! WAKE UP. IT’S THE MAN HE’S GONE!”

Ben’s blood shot eyes opened wide in a look that frightened Judy, she stepped back to see what he was going to do.

He jumped up and looked out the window.

“WHERE IS HE? YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO WATCH HIM!”

“He was there when I looked, then he was gone,” she said.

“HE WAS THERE?? GOOD FOR NOTHING…”

He continued to scream as he began beating her then staggered outside. He pulled the distributor out from its hiding place, stuck it into place and tried to start the old truck. It took a few times before it would turn over. Ben hollered and banged on the truck until it started up. Then pulled out.

Starsky could see a truck pulling from a driveway and pulled over. He rolled his window down and tried flagging the man down. The man passed him by without any regard. The man looked out of his mind. Starsky decided to pull up to the shack, since it’s been the only one he’d seen for hours. He knocked on the door and it opened to show a woman slumped on the couch.

“Are you okay?”

“He’s gone mad. He tried to kill me. He’s going to kill them, I’m sure of it.”

“Kill who?”

“The boy and the man, They got away. He’s going to kill them.”

“I’ll call for help”, Starsky said as he ran out of the shack. He had no idea who these people were, but he had to find out what this was all about. He ran back in his car and took off the same direction the truck left in.

Nick had tucked themselves inside the brush to get some rest. He didn’t know how much longer he could go on. But he would keep going until he dropped.

“Nick?” he heard in a faint whisper.

Nick turned to see Hutch’s eyes open.

“Hey Hutch… am I ever glad to see you awake!” he put the canteen to his mouth and let him drink.

“Where are we?”

“We’re on the side of the road. How bout that? We’re making our big escape. You just rest.”

He turned to see Hutch had passed out again. They had to keep going. He put the rope back around him and pulled back on the road and began walking again.

It wasn’t long afterward he could hear a car coming. Could it be true? Could they really be getting away? This car could take them anywhere… he didn’t care.. just out of here. He waited with great anticipation… at first sight, his excitement turned to horror as he recognized the truck. He tried to duck behind the brush, but he could hear the truck slowing down, he had seen them. He pushed Hutch back further from view then took his stance.

Big Ben shut the truck door so hard the truck shook for several minutes. He was blinded by rage. The boy, he would get the boy and teach him a lesson he would never have the chance to forget.

“WHERE IS HE?!”

“Just leave us alone, Ben. I lied to you. This man is just a cop. He don’t have any money. He’s useless to you. Just let us go.”

“Is that a fact? Useless? See I don’t think so! He’s going to take your place after I kill you, I’ll need someone to tend to things, won’t I?”

Ben could tell by Nick’s positioning that the man was just behind him. He began walking towards them with a vengeance. Nick tried stopping him but Ben grabbed him and slammed him into the tree. Nick was stunned as he slid down in a heap.

Ben grabbed the plank. “Ingenious idea here, kid.” He ripped the straps with his bare hands and grabbed Hutch. He threw him over his shoulder and walked back to the truck. Nick tried to shake it off. Where were they?

Starsky saw the pickup pulled over. The closer he got he could see someone throwing something in the bed. He reached under his seat and grabbed his pistol. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he felt better having it handy.

Nick charged at Ben as he threw Hutch in the back. It caught Big Ben off guard and he stumbled back. Nick jumped into the bed and pulled out the knife.

Big Ben got up and looked at the kid. Then started laughing.

“Geez kid, give it up would you?”

Nick stood over Hutch with the knife pulled.

“That’s real impressive kid, But it seems you brought a knife to a gun fight,” he said has he pulled his pistol from his belt. He was laughing so hard he hadn’t heard the footsteps behind him.

“So, any last words, kid? I wish I could say it’s been a real pleasure, but it hasn’t. You’re a loser kid. And now you’re a dead loser.”

Nick was frozen. he was staring down the barrel of a gun. He was about to die and couldn’t do anything about it. He looked down and saw Hutch’s eyes open.

“I’m sorry, Hutch, I tried, I really did.”

“Oh that’s so sweet. I think I’m going to cry. Bye kid.”

Big Ben took aim and pulled the trigger… but it was his body that felt the pain. He spun around to look at the stranger, then fell to the ground.

Starsky ran to the truck, and saw two people lying in the bed. He jumped in and turned the boy over.

“Hey, you okay? Looks like you took it in the shoulder. You hang on, you’ll be fine. He looked over and tears began filling his eyes as he recognized the other person. It was Hutch. He was barely recognizable, but it was Hutch.

“HUTCH?!” He sat down and put his head in his lap. “Hutch can you hear me?”

“You need to get him to a doctor. He’s hurt bad,” Nick said.

“Hutch, it’s okay man, you’re gonna be fine.”

He laid his head down, got to his feet, then open the tailgate.

“Let me help,” Nick offered. “His left arm is broken, so be careful. So you know him. You wouldn’t be Starsky by any chance?”

“Yeah, that’s me.”

“He said you’d be coming after him.”

“Yeah, he knows I’ll always be there for him. Let’s get you two in the car and we’ll talk.”

Starsky raised Hutch up from under his back while Nick grabbed his legs. They lowered him down, and made their way to the car. Starsky grabbed the front door handle and swung the door open. He reached in and laid the seat all the say back and carefully lowered Hutch into it. He made him as comfortable as possible, fastened his seat belt, and was about to shut the door.

“Starsky?” he saw Hutch’s eye open. “Starsky is that really you… what took you so long?” he asked with as much of a smile as he could muster.

Starsky couldn’t hold back the tears. “Hey blondie… how bout next time leaving some bread crumbs, huh?  It’s good to see you, partner.”

“Likewise, Starsk… It’s been…” Hutch’s voice trailed off. Starsky could see that time was of the essence. As he closed the door, he saw the boy had fallen to the ground.

“Hey, hang in there, come on… Let’s get you into the back seat.”

Nick looked up. “I can come with you?”

“Of course, you need help. Come on. I’ll help you in.”

Starsky helped the boy into the backseat. Then hurried to his door. He had the car started before his door had shut. As he drove off, he could see the man he had shot. He could see him moving… He hadn’t killed him after all. He would have to wait for help. Starsky wasn’t concerned with him.

Starsky wasn’t sure what Hutch’s injuries were. He glanced over every few seconds just to make sure his chest was rising and falling.

“You hanging in there?” Starsky asked as he looked at the boy in the rear view mirror.

“What’s your name?”

“Nick, and yeah.. thanks… it hurts, but it’s worth it. Anything to be away from that mad man. I’d be dead now if you hadn’t come along… Thanks!”

“It’s the least I could do for the way you stood and protected Hutch the way you did. And neither of us will soon forget it. Listen, no more talking for you, save you strength. We’ll talk more at the hospital.”

Starsky finally made it to the coffee shop. He ran in and asked the manager to call an ambulance.

Within 15 minutes, Nick and Hutch were being driving to the local hospital with Starsky following in the car. He wanted to ride with Hutch, but that would have meant that Nick would have to wait for another ride, and of course he couldn’t do that. But he stayed close behind.

Finally after what seemed like hours they pulled up to the hospital and were greeted at the emergency entrance with waiting gurneys to take both men in.

Starsky parked and ran in. The two were already out of sight.

“Excuse me,” he asked the girl at the front desk. “The two guys that were just brought in, can you tell me where they’ve been taken?”

“Yes sir, they’re both in the trauma unit being checked out. You can wait right there and I’ll come get you as soon as we know anything.”

“Thanks. Oh and where are your phones?” The girl pointed to the waiting room.

“Thanks.”

Starsky walked into the vacant waiting room. He took the corner couch by the table with the phone. Should he wait until he knew more? No, that wasn’t fair. He had to let everyone know that they were here.

“Hello?”

“Cap? It’s me. I found him, Cap. I found Hutch.”

“No one doubted you would Starsky. Where are you?”

“We’re at the hospital, the Pine Valley hospital in a town called Jergen.”

“How is he?”

“He’s hurt, I’m not sure how bad, but he’s alive. At least he was when I brought him in. He’s in the emergency trauma center now. I thought I should call and let y’all know.”

“We’re on our way. do you need anything Starsky.”

“Well, if you could call his family and let them know, Cap.”

“Consider it done. See you soon, Starsky.”

~~~~~

Finally, there was nothing to do but wait to hear from the doctor. Starsky realized there was one more call to make, he had to notify police about the man he left behind.

He explained as much of the story as he knew and they said they would be down to look into it.

Two hours had passed before finally the doctor walked into the waiting room. “Hi. You’re here with the two men that were brought in?”

Starsky stood up and offered his hand. “Yes sir. Name’s Starsky, David Starsky. How are they Doctor?”

“Let’s have a seat.”

Starsky already didn’t like the way this talk was starting.

“The boy, he said his name is Nick? He’s going to be fine. He’s got a pretty serious gunshot wound, but it’s under control, also some older wounds that are a bit sore for him. But we think he should be just fine.”

“And Hutch?”

“Well, he’s a little more serious. I don’t know what happened to him, but he’s got several serious concerns. First, he’s severely dehydrated. Very malnourished. We’re giving him an IV to try to stabilize his fluids. We’ll have to see how his body reacts to it. He’s got several broken ribs, a concussion from a fractured skull. We can’t even begin to count his cuts and bruised. His left arm looks to have been broken then rebroken.”

“Okay, okay Doc, that’s enough already. I just need you to get to the part where you tell me he’s going to be okay.”

“I don’t feel safe offering that to you just yet. He’s very very weak. We have to see if he response to the fluids. It’s just too close to call. He’s got a lot of fight in him. He’d be dead already if that weren’t the case.”

“Can I see him?”

“They’re getting him settled in his room as we speak. Give them a few minutes, and they’ll come get you.”

“How bout Nick? Can I see him?”

“Sure he’s in room 24. Don’t stay long though. He needs his rest.”

“Okay doc. Please tell them that’s where I’ll be when I can see Hutch.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

Starsky found the Chapel first. His first prayers had been answered, it was time to push his luck. Afterwards he made his way to Nick’s room.

He knocked lightly then slowly pushed the door in. He appeared to be sleeping and Starsky started to leave.

“Please, don’t go. How’s Hutch?”

Starsky walked over to the bed. “He’s hanging in there, Nick. The doctors just don’t know. How are you feeling?”

“I have a list, would you like to hear it? I’m a bit sore, a bit tired, a bit hungry and a bit scared.”

“Yeah, well don’t worry. They’ll take care of all that. When you’re feeling up to it, I’d like to hear what happened out there.”

“I don’t think you do. It’s not pretty… But Hutch was tough.”

“I can tell by the looks of you two that the story won’t be pretty. But when you’re ready to talk about it, I’d like to hear it.”

“Okay. I can at least do that for you.”

The nurse stuck her head in the door. “You can see him now.”

“Well I’m going to go look in on our mutual friend. You rest easy. Let them pamper you. You deserve it.”

“Thanks. Oh, and Starsky? Can you tell him something for me? Can you tell him, he was right… we made it!”

“You bet. I’ll check in on you later.”

~~~~~

This was all so new to Nick. This must be what it’s like to have people that care about you. How nice to have someone care whether you live or die. He knew he had that with his real parents. He didn’t know what was going to happen to him now. But he’d have plenty of time to figure that out. He allowed the medications to work, and went to sleep.

~~~~~

Starsky quietly walked into the room. As many times as he’s visited his friend in a hospital room over the years, he thought he should be used to seeing Hutch like this. But he knew he never would. Each time was scarier than the last. It seemed that Hutch had nine lives, and Starsky wasn’t sure how many of those had been used up. He walked over and took Hutch’s hand in his.

“Hey buddy. You’re lookin’ a lot better than when I first saw you. Can you hear me?”

Hutch gave no response.

“Hutch, do you know how many miles I’ve covered trying to find you? The least you could do is open those baby blues of yours and let me see you’re okay.”

No response.

“I’m gonna let you rest, Hutch, but I’ll be sitting right here when you decide to wake up.” Starsky pulled the chair up next to the bed and began the long wait.

Starsky had sat half waiting, half worrying, praying, and half sleeping for the next two hours. He had just looked up to make sure Hutch was still breathing, when he saw the door slowly open. Captain Dobey walked into the room.

“They said I could peak in just for a minute.”

He looked at his detective lying in the hospital bed.

“Starsky, you two have put me through this too many times. And this time can’t even be blamed on the job. This was suppose to be a long relaxing vacation. Starsky, what happened?”

“I know, Cap, I’ll never forgive myself for letting him go alone.”

Dobey motioned to Starsky to step out of the room

“Now come on Starsky, you can’t blame yourself for this happening to Hutch while he was on vacation. It’s not like you weren’t there to cover him during a stakeout out or something. Y’all both agreed you had different interests this vacation. No one could have known something like this could happen.”

“I know you’re right, Cap, but when I see him lying there like that, it just makes me feel like there should have been something I could have done.”

“You’re a man, Starsky, not God. Now what do we know about what happened?”

“Really nothing yet. I was closing in on finding Hutch when I came across what seems like a domestic disturbance. The lady kept saying he was going to kill “them.” I didn’t know who or what she was talking about. I’m not even sure I let myself believe it had anything to do with Hutch. But I had to follow him. Whether it was Hutch or not, someone was in trouble.”

“Once a cop always a cop.”

“Yeah, something like that, Cap. Anyhow, I took off after the guy, and when I found him, he was aiming his gun at someone so I fired. When I got to the bed of the truck, I saw that the maniac had hit his target anyway. I jumped in to check on him, and that’s when I saw Hutch in the truck as well. I don’t know any of the story yet. But it’s safe to say the man had been holding this kid and Hutch against their will.”

“Where’s this maniac now?”

“Don’t know, Cap. I called it in to the local authority. That’s all I know.”

“Well, let me see what I can find out. You take it easy Starsky, and remember… None of this was your fault.”

“Thanks, Cap. Thanks for trying anyway.”

Starsky went back to sit with Hutch. He may not have been able to be with him before, But he would make sure he stayed with him now. He wanted to be there when he opened his eyes. All the hours of driving had caught up with him, before he even realized it himself. He was fast asleep in the chair.

Several hours later Dobey came in looking for him. “Hey Starsky,” he whispered.

Starsky woke with a start. “What?! Is it Hutch?”

“Shhh. It’s just me Starsky. I wanted to tell you what I found out. Look Hutch is still sleeping where you left him.”

Starsky relaxed at seeing his partner. He stood up and walked out of the room behind Dobey.

“What did you find out, Cap?”

“Well this man, Big Ben Boudreaux is his name. He’s in this same hospital.”

Dobey could see the look on Starsky’s face. “Now calm down. this is the only hospital within several hundred miles. There was nowhere else to take him. But he’s got an armed policeman at his door.”

“I’m not sure it’s him you need to worry about, Cap. I’d like to ring his neck for what he’s done to Hutch.”

“I thought of that, but I knew you’re too professional to do something so out of control.”

“Don’t count on it, Cap. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think Nick needs to know to be on the lookout just in case.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Starsky walked down the hall towards Nick’s room, then decided he would check on this guy himself. He took the stairs up to the 8th floor and opened the door to the stairwell.

He looked down the hall and was upset at first to see no one in the corridor. He walked down the hallway looking for the room. He felt more at ease as he turned the corner and saw the cop standing guard in front of a room. He walked up and took his badge out.

“Hi, I’m Detective Starsky. I understand this is where Ben Boudreaux is being held?”

“Yes sir. He’s to stay here until his wound is such that he can be transferred to the prison infirmary.”

“Good job, Officer Stacey,” Starsky said at reading the man’s tag. “Now if you don’t mind, I think I’ll step inside and just make sure everything is okay in there.”

“I don’t know sir. I was instructed that no one go in or out except the doctor.”

“Good, but as you can see, I’m a cop too, so there would be no harm done, now would there?”

“I guess not sir,” Officer Stacey said as he stepped aside and let the detective enter the room.

Starsky walked over to the bed and looked down at the source of his anger. He could only wonder what it was like for Hutch to face this man for all these days. He had been cleaned up, but it hadn’t helped. It was evident personal hygiene was not in this man’s vocabulary. He was a huge man with arms and legs to match. The man seemed to be resting comfortably. He would have to do something about that.

Starsky picked up the water pitcher from the table and proceeded to pour it all over the sleeping man.

The man started to let out a cry from the ice cold water, but Starsky covered his mouth before a sound could be uttered.

“So, you’re the tough guy that goes around picking on kids?”

The man tried to speak.

“Oh no. I’ll do all the talking if it’s al the same to you. You see, what disturbs me is that you’re lying here all nice and cozy. Do you know what my partner looks like downstairs? They couldn’t fit another machine in there if they tried. And I understand he’s got you to thank for that.”

Again Ben tried to talk.

“I don’t wanna hear what you have to say. But you better be listening to me.”

Starsky was nearly nose to nose with the man now. “Have you said your prayers today Big Ben? I think you had better, cuz if my partner doesn’t make it, I’m coming after you. And there ain’t a hole big enough to hide in. Do you got that turkey?”

Starsky stood back up. “Now, any questions?” he asked coldly.

Ben could see the guard looking in the window.

“Just one. Has your partner always been a yella bellied coward? I mean, when I had him, he begged for his life saying he had money if I’d let him go. He even offered up the boy in his place.”

There was no more being rational. Starsky rapped his fist around the mans shirt and yanked him up.

“You son of….”

Just then Dobey came barreling in.

“Starsky! Come on, you get out of here,” he said as he pried the mans shirt out of his detectives hands. “This man will get what he’s got coming to him. Lets go.”

“That’s right Starsky,” Ben said sarcastically. “You turn and run just like your friend. You’re all the same.”

Starsky lunged at him again, but again Dobey kept them apart. “Come on Starsky. You can see what this man is trying to do. Now I want you outta here. That’s an order!”

Starsky walked backwards to the door, the look never leaving his face.

“You just remember what I told you. You better start praying.”

Finally Dobey was able to get him out of the room and on to the elevator.

“Now what was that all about Starsky? You know better than that.”

“Sorry Cap, I wasn’t planning on going in. I was just going up to check and make sure he was secured in his room. But when I looked in and saw him lying there all snug, I just lost it.”

“Well, no harm done this time, but you stay away from there before I have to put a guard on you, got it?”

“Don’t worry, Cap. I’m better now. I don’t care if I ever see that guys face again. Now, if you don’t mind, I think I’m going to go sit with Hutch again.”

“It’s late why don’t you get some sleep.”

“Sure, Cap. You bet.”

Starsky went back into Hutch’s room. He was surprised to see another bed had been wheeled in. Starsky went back out to ask the nurse about it.

“Uh, Angie? Hi, I’m sorry to bother you, but I see that there’s been another bed added to Mr. Hutchinson’s room and well, I just don’t know if it’s a good idea to put someone else in there with him right now.”

“Relax, Mr. Starsky,” the nurse, said with a grin. “We put that there for you. We can’t have you sleeping in that uncomfortable chair, now can we?”

Starsky found himself smiling. “Thank you Angie. That’s very thoughtful of you. I have to admit I wasn’t looking forward to the chair again. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome detective. Is there anything else you need?”

“Just for my buddy to wake up.”

“I know sir. We’re doing our best!”

Starsky flashed another smile, then went back to the room. “Hey buddy, I’m back you rest easy now.”

Starsky went over and laid on the bed. He rolled over on his side and watched Hutch breath until finally he was asleep.

~~~~~

He woke the next morning to find the doctor examining Hutch. He could see the light coming through the window, and realized it was morning.

“Hey Doc. How’s the patient?” Starsky asked as he got up off the bed.

“Well he’s actually doing much better. He seems to be responding to the fluids, which is half the battle. He’s not out of the woods yet, but it’s a good sign.”

Starsky had to sit back down on the bed to collect himself. He had allowed himself to think the worst, and hearing that there actually was improvement was nearly too much to handle standing up.

“That’s great Doc. so he’s going to be okay?”

“Off the record? I think he’s going to be okay. He’s still in pretty bad shape from his wounds, but it’s my opinion that the worst is behind him. So, If you’ll excuse me, I have other rounds to make.”

“Oh sure Doc. Thanks for the good news!”

Starsky felt as though a ton of bricks had been lifted from his shoulders. He could breathe again. It would take some time, but Hutch was going to be okay.

“Hey buddy, did you hear that? You’re gonna be just fine,” Starsky said as he closed his eyes and said a quick thank you. “You gave me a scare Blondie. Now rest up and get your strength back, I’m going to go share the news with Nick, who’s fine by the way.”

Starsky walked down the hall and knocked on the door. Hearing a “come in” from the other side, Starsky walked in.

“Hey Nick, you’re looking really good. How are you feeling?”

“Hi Starsky! Feeling pretty good thanks. How’s Hutch?”

“Actually that’s what I wanted tell you. The doc checked him out this morning and says he’s responding well to the fluids that they’re giving him. The doctor thinks he’s going to be okay.” Starsky could see the relief in Nick’s face.

“So has your family been up here to visit yet?”

If he only knew how ridiculous that statement was, Nick thought to himself.

“Oh yeah, I’ve been seen,” Nick replied. He wasn’t going to be a pity case.

“Do you feel up to telling me a little of what happened, Nick?”

How could he tell the story without sounding like a charity case? He didn’t know what was to become of him. But he didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for him.

“Sure. What do you wanna know?”

“Where has Hutch been all this time? How did you two connect?”

“Gosh, it seems like a lifetime ago. Hutch wrecked his car close by the shack, so I brought him back to my place.”

“He’s been there all along? Why hadn’t he called anyone to tell us he was okay?”

“He wasn’t okay, and there was no phone. There was no way to get in touch with the outside world. You saw. There was no working truck, no phone, no people for miles, swamp everywhere. There was no going anywhere. He wasn’t greeted well by the people that lived there. He spent most of his stay being terrorized, and I couldn’t do anything to help.”

“Sounds like you were terrorized yourself. This day and age, that sounds pretty far fetched.”

“Yeah,” Nick agreed, “I suppose it does.” Nick played it up a bit to make the detective think he wasn’t up to the questioning.

“Well thanks for talking to me Nick. I can see you’re tired. I’ll let you get some rest. I’m sure your folks are eager to get you home.”

“Yeah, suppose so.”

Starsky left the room, but the conversation stayed with him. Nick wasn’t telling him very much. Was he hiding something? He knew he couldn’t have had anything to do with holding Hutch, not the way he tried to protect him at the truck. But still there was something. Oh well, he’ll have to just wait and found out details as they came.

Another day passed with Hutch still making slight progress. The doctors told Nick he could go home the next day. Although the doctor noted that he didn’t seem all that happy about leaving.

That evening Nick asked the nurse to bring Starsky into his room. He wanted to visit with Hutch before he left for who knows where.

“Hey Nick, you rang?”

“Starsky, I was wondering. You know I’m getting out of here soon, and I was wondering if it would be okay to visiting with Hutch for a few minutes.”

“I’m sure that’ll be fine, Nick.”

“Thanks. I won’t take a lot of time, just a quick goodbye.”

“Sure, let me go get a chair. I’ll be right back.”

~~~~~

As he watched Starsky walk out the door, thoughts turned back to his immediate future. He, of course, had no one. It wasn’t just that no one would take him. It was more of a case of there being no one period. He wasn’t going to feel sorry for himself! He was out of the hellhole and that would have to be good enough for now.

A few minutes later Starsky walked back in with a wheelchair.

“Ah come on, I can walk,” Nick pleaded.

“Sorry, doc’s orders. Only way you’re allowed to move about for now. They wanna make sure you don’t hurt yourself and stay longer!”

Nick laughed. “Fine, if that’s the only way to get to see Hutch, let’s go.” He lifted himself up off the bed with help from Starsky and sat down. Compared to his hard life, this hospital stay was like a dream. Being catered to, being taken care of. A guy could get used to this.

Starsky wheeled him into the room and excused himself. Nick awkwardly wheeled his chair around to face the bed. It was the first time he’d seen Hutch since the day they tried to get away. He looked so much better. So much more alive. He was glad he stopped in to say goodbye. He stood up next to the bed.

“Hey Hutch, it’s Nick. They’re letting me outta here tomorrow, so I just wanted to come by here and tell you goodbye. The doctor says he thinks you’re going to be just fine. Looks like you were right. We did get out of there. So anyway… I’m gonna leave ya alone now, but if you can hear me… Thanks, Hutch… thanks for your courage. It taught me a thing or two.”

Nick sat back down, took a last look at Hutch. He knew Hutch would pull through, he just wouldn’t be around to see it. He said goodbye again, then rolled himself out the door and back to his room.

It wasn’t until 1:00 the next day that Starsky found out Nick had left. He had convinced the nurse to let him wait outside on his own. He had cabin fever… is what he told the nurse. When she had checked on him again, he was gone. She felt safe in assuming his family had picked him up.

Starsky had wanted to find out where he’d be. He was sure he, not to mention Hutch, would want to stay in touch. But it was too late. He was gone.

~~~~~

Nick had no idea which way to head as he walked away from the hospital. No where to go and not a penny to his name. He kept walking realizing that there was no turning back now.

He walked down the streets as a wide-eyed child seeing things for the first time. He hadn’t been away from his “home” in so many years. There were so many new and different things to see. It nearly kept his mind off the fact that he was hungry, sore and tired. He probably should have stayed for the last free meal, but he didn’t wanna take the chance of Starsky asking more questions.

He walked into the local store, Wal-Mart it was called, just to cool off and see if there was some water somewhere. He was amazed at the size of the store. He spent an hour just walking around, looking at things he either hadn’t seen before or at least in a long time. He wandered back into the electronics department. Technology sure had improved since Judy’s old black and white. He saw a few TVs that were turned on. He watched as the TV played people singing a song. He remembered when radios did that, he laughed to himself.

Suddenly he started feeling light headed. He steadied himself against the video cases.

“Are you okay?”

Nick looked up to see a woman, apparently a fellow shopper.

“I’m fine, thanks.”

“Do you always look like that when you’re fine?”

“Well, I think I just need to sit down.”

“Sure, come on. Let me help you.” The lady let Nick lean on her just enough so he could walk.

“Here, sit down here. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Thanks. Can I get some water please?”

“Sure,” the lady replied as she walked up to the counter.

He was going to like the outside world. He had always wondered if people were going to be like his ‘step-parents. But since meeting Hutch and his people, and now a perfect stranger offering help, he was very happy to be on the outside.

“Here ya go. Can I get you anything else?”

“No thanks. I think I’m just worn out and needed to sit for a minute. Thanks for your help.”

“It’s no trouble. Do you mind if I sit with you just minute? I could use a break myself.”

“No, go ahead.” Nick looked around the snack bar. Some of the foods he recognized, and some of them he didn’t. He marveled at how quickly you could just walk up to the counter and be served food.

The lady noticed how the young man was watching everyone eat, and looking up at the food.

“Can I ask you a favor?” the woman asked.

“Sure.”

“I’m hungry, but not quite hungry enough to eat a whole order myself. If I get something, do you think you could split it with me? I hate seeing good food go to waste.”

“No, really…”

“Come on, you’d be doing me a big favor. Let’s see, what would be good? Do you feel like a hamburger, a hotdog… a pizza maybe… I just don’t know.” She saw him eyeing the hamburgers. “How bout a burger?”

“Well if you’re sure…”

“Sure I’m sure… onion rings or fries? Never mind, we’ll get both,” she offered before he could answer. Then she disappeared over to the checkout.

Nick was starving and had no idea where he was going to get his next meal. He couldn’t believe his luck!

A few minutes later the lady sat back down with a tray of food.

“I know, I know,” she said, “but once I got up there, I kinda was feeling hungry… so it’s hamburgers for everyone. Oh, and I hope you like Dr Pepper, cuz that’s what I got.”

“Dr who?” Nick asked, not knowing what a doctor had to do with anything.

“Not Dr who, Dr Pepper. It’s a soda. Don’t tell me you haven’t heard of it?”

“Okay, I won’t tell you,” Nick said feeling embarrassed. He was in a whole different world. He’d have to learn it fast!

“You know, this is really too much, I can’t…”

“Can’t what? You look like a growing kid with pretty good appetite, so don’t tell me you can’t eat this. Come on, help me dig in.”

“Thank you very much. I am a little hungry.”

“Happy to do it. So what’s your name? I mean, I think we should at least be on a first name basis if we’re eating together.”

“I’m Nick. And you?”

“Hi Nick. My name is Annie.”

“Thanks again, Annie.”

“Okay, okay, let’s dig in before it’s too cold to eat.”

They both stopped talking and started eating. Annie noticed how the young man was scarfing down his meal. He had an interesting story to tell, she was sure of that.

Nick couldn’t remember the last time he ate something that tasted so good.

“Well that wasn’t bad for a Wal-Mart meal,” Annie replied.

“It was very good, Annie. This was very nice or you.”

“You’re welcome. Are you feeling better now?”

“Much better. That’s what I needed, I guess. I was a little light headed from not eating.”

“Well I’m glad you’re feeling better. I guess I’ll leave you to your shopping then.”

“I wish I could give you something for the meal,” he offered.

“This one’s on me, and here. I’ll leave you the receipt to remember me by,” and she stuck the paper inside his shirt pocket.

“You’ve been very kind. I won’t forget this.”

“Think nothing of it. Just be sure you do it for the next guy. That’s how it works, you know.”

And with that she walked off. After sitting for a few more minutes, Nick decided he was up to getting on with his journey.

It wasn’t until he was walking down the road later that he started wondering about the receipt. Just how much do things cost in the real world? He reached into his pocket, and there was no receipt, just a $20 dollar bill. He was overwhelmed by the generosity of a total stranger. He only wished he could have found it sooner so he could have thanked her. But then she probably knew he would never have kept it. He knew it wasn’t going to get him far. But it was $20 more than he had ever had in is life. It was a start.

~~~~~~~~~~

Starsky was once again at Hutch’s side. He had been showing signs of coming around all day, but just wasn’t there yet. The doctor told him they couldn’t rush these things, he had to come back in his own time. And that was fine with Starsky as long as he came back.

Hutch had been aware of himself for awhile now. He had heard Starsky’s voice and knew he was safe. He wasn’t concerned that he wasn’t able to open his eyes yet. As long as he knew Starsky had his back, he was able to relax and let the medicines do their job.

~~~~~

Big Ben had thought of nothing else since that sorry excuse for a cop had come in the room and had nerve to threaten him. Apparently he didn’t know who he was messing with. No one talked to Big Ben Boudreaux that way and got away with it!

He had been keeping track of the comings and goings of the guards. It wouldn’t be hard to out smart these guys. He just would wait for the right time, then make his move. He’d teach that cop! He’d show him that NO ONE talked to him that way! He was going to be the one that better say his prayers.

~~~~~

That night was the first cool night of the season. Nick couldn’t remember feeling so good. Away from his own private hell, with money in his pocket. He was growing tired and decided he’d better look for a place to turn in. He knew that $20 would probably get him a place to sleep, but thought better of it. He’d slept outside many times before, he could do it again. Beside that $20 had to last for awhile. It was then as he walked past an old junk yard, he saw what would be his bed for the night. He jumped in the back of old truck, curled up inside and fell fast asleep.

~~~~~

Morning shown in through the hospital room window, but only one was awake to see it. Hutch had woken up a few minutes earlier and found Starsky asleep on the bed next time him. Panic had begun to set in until Hutch realized that Starsky was in his street clothes, not decked out in his same hospital attire.

He had spent the first few minutes of consciousness taking a mental note of what all was wrong with him. It was still a little hard to breathe. He could feel his ribs ache every time he took a breath. But it was a million times better than the pain he could remember only too well. His arm was in a cast. A real cast, thank goodness. His head was throbbing a bit, but wasn’t too bad. He was still very sore, but so very grateful he was away from the swamp prison. The aches and pains were a small price to pay to be back safe with his partner looking after him.

~~~~~

“Ben! I’m warning you. If you don’t come out now, I’m coming in shooting!”

“And risk hurting your partner here? I don’t think so Starsky. So who’s the big shot now, uh?”

“What do you want?”

“See, I knew you’d see things my way. First of all, I want you to walk in here unarmed.”

“Oh sure! So you shoot me dead? How stupid do you think I am?”

“That wasn’t a request. you come out now, or the next noise you hear will be a hole being put into your partners head. Yeah, right between the eyes would do nicely.”

He felt helpless, what should he do? Finally he decided to take the chance. He dropped his gun and started walking in. But something went wrong. His gun, it was like it had a mind of it’s own. It was back in his hand. It started shooting on its own. Then again, it fell to the ground.

“You fool! You had your chance, cop! Say goodbye to your buddy!”

“No wait, you don’t understand!”

“Oh I think I understand all right cop…”

Starsky’s knees went limp as he heard his partner scream…

“STARSKY…….”

The next noise he heard was a gunshot. Then silence.

~~~~~

“NOOOOOOOO!!!!… HUTCH!!… BEN?! I’M GONNA KILL YOU!!”

“STARSKY!! Hey Starsky, wake up!”

Starsky sat straight up in the bed, sweat rolling off his forehead. “Hutch!”

“Hey Starsk, that must have been some dream.”

“Hutch, you’re awake! Am I ever glad to see those baby blues! How do you feel?”

“I feel okay. Better than you look, I think.”

“That was one nasty dream. Complete with a guest appearance by Ben himself! Thank goodness you’re okay.”

“Thanks, Starsky. It’s good to be okay. I wasn’t so sure I was gonna get out of that place…” he paused. “Nick… How’s Nick?”

“Oh, he’s fine. He’s already gone home. I meant to get a number or something, but he was gone before…”

“What do you mean he’s gone home?”

“What do you mean, what do I mean? He’s gone home.”

“Starsky, his home is where I just spent some of the worst days of my life!”

“What are you talking about Hutch?”

“Am I not talking English here?” Hutch winced at the pain. “You need to understand something… I was being held by a guy by the name of Ben… Ben is Nick’s Step-dad…”

“I don’t get it Hutch. He didn’t say anything about even knowing Ben. I asked him about his parents and he said that they were up to see him, and that he’d be going home.”

“I guess he didn’t wanna be a burden. But he doesn’t have anywhere to go. You need to find him, Starsk.”

“Hey Hutch, I’ll make you a deal. You get some sleep and I’ll drive around and see what I can turn up. Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out. Just rest of now.”

“Thanks Starsk, and thanks for being there for me.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s our thing, ya know?! Now rest!”

Hutch didn’t have to be told twice. He was very tired. Sleep came easy. It always did when he knew that Starsky was with him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Nick woke up to a nice morning. Not a cloud in the sky! He jumped out of the truck, ready to see what the day had in store for him. He woke up hungry and remembered the truck stop a little ways back. He hated to backtrack, but not knowing where there nearest place was ahead of him. He headed back.

“Morning darling. What can I get for you?” asked the waitress.

“Good morning. Can I get some pancakes, please?”

“Well, it’s nearly coming on lunch time. I can still get ’em for you, but I’ll have to nuke ’em.”

She could tell by the look on his face that he didn’t have a clue what she was talking about.

“You know, I’ll have to throw them in the microwave. Is that all right?”

“Okay, I’m missing something here,” Nick said flustered. “What’s a microwave?”

“You are kidding?” the waitress replied, although she could tell be the look on the kids face, he wasn’t. “You know, a microwave oven… its warms up the food really fast.”

“Oh, well of course… nuke it.”

As he ate his ‘nuked’ food, he wondered what else he missed out on living in the swamps. He hadn’t even known how much was out there to be missed. He would forever be grateful to Hutch for wrecking his car that night. He counted his money and was down to $17.05 cents. He knew that he needed to work to make more money, but he wanted to get as far away from his home before staying put.

He thanked the waitress and walked out. Not noticing the disgusted look on her face at seeing no tip. What do you expect, she thought to herself. If he had never heard of a microwave, she doubted he knew what a tip was.

Again he traveled on foot, not wanting to spend money on a ride. Starving was a lot harder to take than walking. He made sure to stay near the highway. He didn’t know much, but he knew the hwy was going away from home, and that’s all he needed.

~~~~~

Starsky walked into Hutch’s room with a cup of coffee in one hand and a bag of donuts in another.

“I hope you have enough there for the both of us,” said an alert Hutch.

“Hey, you’re awake. And yes I do, but only by accident. Since when do you wanna donut in the morning?”

“Since I thought I’d never live to see another one, that’s when. Here, just set the bag and cup down here. I’ll wait while you go get your coffee.”

“Hutch, I don’t think coffee is a good idea, do you?”

“I think it’s a wonderful idea. Now do you care to join me?”

“Fine, you can be impossible sometimes ya know that?”

“Yeah, I know… we have that in common. Now hurry. I wanna find out about Nick.”

Starsky rolled his eyes in disgust as he walked out the door. He made sure Hutch hadn’t seen the smile on his face as he left. He would have given his partner a entire coffee factory at this point. But he wouldn’t let him know that.

~~~~~

Today was going to be the day. Big Ben had seen enough coming and going that he felt he could leave without being noticed. At least he wouldn’t be noticed until it didn’t matter any more. He just needed to wait for the afternoon guard to come on. He had been running a good 20-30 minutes late the last couple of days. The morning guard had been waiting around, but since Ben had been a model patient, it had gotten to the point that he was out of there when his time was up. The other guard had always showed up, but always late. He had no reason to believe today would be any different.

The only tough part was not knowing the status of the two cops. The one that had been the cause of all his troubles, the other that had made things personal in his own room. He spent most his waking hours debating over which one he was going to have tag along with him. Once that decision was made. It came down to timing. All he could do now was sit and wait.

~~~~~

Starsky walked back into the room just as Hutch was trying to sit up. He hurried over to help his partner position himself a little better, but shied away at hearing Hutch gasp with pain. “Oh sorry buddy. Are you sure you should be doing this so soon?”

“So soon? Need I remind you how long I’ve been in this hospital?”

“Not unless I need to remind you how long you were held captive.”

“You’re right. I’m still pretty sore, but I figure the quicker I start moving around, the better. I wanna get back home. Far far away from swamps and such.”

“I can understand that. Okay, well then eat your donut, and tell me about Nick. What was he doing living in a place like that anyway?”

Starsky listened as Hutch told him the story of Nick losing his parents and ending up living with the parents from hell.

“That’s just hard to believe. Why didn’t he just leave?”

“You have no idea how many times I asked that same question. He had been there most of his life. In his mind he had no where to go, no one to go to. This was all he knew. That’s why I’m worried about him. He doesn’t know anything about the outside world. I assume you didn’t find anything?”

“Sorry, not a thing. I backtracked to the shack… nothing new there. Then I drove down the highway a bit. It’s hard to say where a guy that has no where to go, might actually go.”

“You need to try again for me, Starsk. I would, and will do it myself… but I don’t think I could walk outta here right now.”

“Sure, I’ll take another look after you get your next check up and meds. But for now, tell me what life at Big Ben’s swamp was like. I mean, I haven’t heard the story. I tried talking to Nick, but he wasn’t very forth coming, It crossed my mind that maybe he was hiding something.”

“I don’t know why he didn’t wanna talk about it. Unless he was just ashamed and felt partly responsible. It may have taken a lot of time to live it, but the story is a short one. I got lost in Louisiana, of all places. I mean you get lost in Texas and what’s the worse that can happen? You find yourself at a rodeo with a bunch of folks saying yucks and shucks. Nooo, I had to lose it in swampland USA. So anyhow, I’m driving, I’m lost, tired and getting more angry as I go along. And of course, to make it just perfect, it’s raining. Raining cats and dogs, or in this case, alligators and snakes, for hours. It was some ugly driving. Then something ran out in front out me. For all I know, it probably “crawled” out in front of me. Either way, I lost control of the car and started rolling down an embankment. I must have been knocked out for awhile, cuz the next thing I know, I’m coming to with water up to my face. I’m pinned in. As far as I was concerned that was it. My last thought was who was gonna take care of you, then nothing.

Nick filled in the blanks a little. He’s very humble about what he’s done. But he was able to free me from the car, and somehow managed to get back to the shack. That couldn’t have been easy, and I’m just glad I wasn’t awake to make what must have been a rigorous trudge with me not being able to help, and sliding through the mud… I just can’t imagine. The entire time I, we, were held there he just kept apologizing for him helping me out of the pan and into the fire, so to speak.”

Hutch looked at Starsky face and had to smile. He put his hand on Starsky’s knee. “It’s okay, buddy. It’s over. I’m fine.”

“I nearly lost you and didn’t even know it. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, Hutch.”

“What are you talking about, Starsky? It’s not like you abandoned me. I went on vacation, for Pete’s sake… You can’t be everywhere all the time.”

“Well, still… I should have….”

“Should have nothing Starsky. You’re forgetting you came after me, and if memory serves me correctly, you saved my life.”

“Yeah, well suppose I did do that didn’t I?” Starsky said with a grin. “But as long as we’re handing out pats on the back, it’s time to sing Nick’s praises. You should know how he held Ben off long enough of me to get there. When I came driving up, Ben had already picked you up and thrown you in the back of the truck. Nick was standing over you with a knife like a mother protecting her young. I was very impressed. However I didn’t get a shot off before Ben fired and hit Nick. Even wounded, he helped me put you in the car. You should have seen the look on his face when I told him to get in the back seat. He really thought I was gonna take you and leave him. This kid doesn’t have much faith in man kind, does he?”

“No, he doesn’t have much reason to.”

Hutch continued his story of what Nick’s life was like before and during his stay there. Told Starsky of his promise to show Nick L.A.

“He never believed it, though. Never thought he’d get out of that place. And I just kept telling him that you were coming, that everything was going to be fine. But things got so bad even I had to wonder if I would ever get out of there.”

“I wish I knew all this Hutch. I never would have let him leave. Damn, I should have asked more questions. But he didn’t hesitate when asked. Said his folks had been up to see him and that they were coming to pick him up. I had no idea.”

“I know Starsk. You couldn’t have known. But now you see why I wanna find him.”

“Yeah, I would like to find him myself. As soon as…”

As if on cue, the doctor walked in for his rounds.

“So detective, you’re looking a bit chipper today. It’s hard to believe you’re the same man that was lying in that bed, even two days ago. How are you feeling?” he asked as he saw the donuts and coffee on the table.

“Much better, Doc. Still sore here and there. I don’t have much strength back yet.”

“Well all in good time. I think your recovery time has been remarkable since you’ve come to. Although not remarkable enough for coffee and donuts yet. You’re probably gonna pay for those.”

The doctor checked all vitals and gave Hutch the once over before declaring that he was listed as in satisfactory condition. If all things continued as they were going, he would be out of here in maybe two to three days.

Hutch wanted to argue until Starsky chimed in about how thankful he should be at being able to leave at all, which had been a very big possibility not too long ago. Finally, he agreed and the doctor left having the last word. Which he could tell didn’t come easy where these two were involved.

“Okay Hutch. You’ll be resting again now, so maybe it’ll be a good time for me go check on our mutual friend.”

“Thanks Starsk. It means a lot to me that you’ll be out looking for him. Just don’t take any wrong turns!”

“That’s your department.”

Having heard Hutch’s near death experience, Starsky wasn’t all that eager to leave his side just yet. But he promised, not to mention he’d like to find the kid as well.

“You’re going to be okay while I’m gone, right?”

“I’ll be snug as a bug, Starsk. This stuff they give me knocks me out pretty good. You might as well leave. I won’t be able to form a sentence pretty quick here. The rest must be good for me though, I would swear that every time I wake up, I feel even stronger than before. I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

Starsky knew he was being over protective, but it wasn’t often he wasn’t there to be back up for Hutch. And when it happens, it takes a long time to get over.

“Okay, Hutch. I don’t like leaving, but we need to get Nick back here. So you just sleep and don’t worry about a thing. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“K Starsk, and remember… no wrong turns!”

Starsky gave him a thumbs up and was out the door. He couldn’t leave until he could check on a nagging feeling he had. Before he left, he went upstairs and checked on Ben. The guard was standing on guard, and Starsky looked in to see a seemingly sleeping patient. He’d have to just shake this feeling. Everything checked out, besides, the sooner he gets started, the sooner he would be back.

~~~~~~~~~~

The time had come. It was five minutes until the guard would be leaving his shift. He had just been visited by the doctor and wouldn’t be checked on again until after he was gone. He had begun to ready himself. He removed the IV, then waited for the final look-see by the guard. After that, it was easy, he threw on the proper hospital attire that he had acquired during a midnight walkabout. Then he simply walked out of the room, not making anyone even look twice.

Child’s play he said to himself has be walked down the stairs. Now to get the cop and scram.

He found a wheel chair and quietly and unnoticeably walked into the sleeping detective’s room. Ben didn’t know the cop’s medical condition, but it wouldn’t matter. He’d get him in the chair one way or another.

He walked over to the sleeping man and picked his arm up, then let go. It dropped straight down. “Hey cop, you awake?”

He got no reply.

Next, Bell pulled out the IVs, then got behind the detective and began pulling him off the bed from under his arms.

Hutch began to come to. He first thought that perhaps it was just the nurse checking on him and rearranging him to be their idea of comfortable, as they have done so many times before. But soon the roughness at which he was being handled began to worry him.

He was very out of it, but he was ‘with it’ enough to recognize his visitor. It was Big Ben! He tried to say something in protest. But the medicine was not allowing him to get out anything intelligible. He was too weak to put up much of a fight. His last hope was the nurses call button. It was lying beside him in the bed, he fumbled for it and it fell into place just as he was pulled of the bed.

“So cop, you and me together again, how bout that? Course thanks to you, the brat kid is no where to be found, but that’s okay. You’ll do nicely.”

He had Hutch in the chair and was fixing to push him out when a nurse walked in. Ben could tell by the look on her face, he wasn’t expected.

“Finally!” Ben said “I pushed that button a life time ago. Now, can you please help with this patient? He was supposed to be in x-ray 15 minutes ago. Now we’ll be running late all day.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t’ think I know you.”

“Don’t know you either, but I won’t hold that against you. I’m on loan over here. Now please, I don’t have time to give you my life story, can you help or not?”

“I don’t know. I think I should check this out, and besides look at him. He needs to be taken down in a gurney. He’s not up to sitting in a chair.”

“That’s what I thought too. t=That’s why I was buzzing for help. Now, you gonna go get us one, or you just gonna stand there?”

Hutch was trying to say something, the nurse could see that. He looked distressed, but being woken up from the meds he was given, she wasn’t surprise. He was probably pretty disoriented.

“Fine, let me go get a gurney. He’ll be much more comfortable and less irritable that way.”

“Make it quick please,” Ben replied.

As soon as she walked out of the door, Ben pushed the cop outside the room and headed for the front entrance. In his calculations, this was the next tricky part. But already he could see he had a ride as he was making his way to the door. A car had just pulled in, and they were getting an elderly woman out of the passenger side of the car. Just as the husband walked over to help her into the building, Ben practically threw Hutch in the still running car, ran around to the driver side. Then before the man was even aware his car was gone, they were out of sight.

“WOOHOO! Now was that easy or was that easy? Pretty smooth, huh cop?”

Hutch was terrified to be in this man’s presence again. He was just in the hospital room talking to Starsky. How could this happen? He was too weak to even try to protest what was happening.

“…Crazy…” was all he could manage to say.

“Crazy? Me? What’s the saying cop? Crazy like a fox? You can thank your partner for this one. He came in my room all smug telling me I better pray that you’re okay. What a laugh! I suppose he’ll be the one praying now, don’t you cop? Don’t you?”

Ben had it all planned out. For a long time he and his neighbor folk got together and talked about the government take over. It was then that a lot of them went home and made a kind of bomb shelter. He had enough food and water and means to live there that would last him well into a year. Not even the wife or the brat kid knew about his one. And now it would serve as his hideout. The best part was it was right under everyone’s noses. That just proved as stupid the cop and boy were. How many times were they in the shed, and never once did they realize they were sitting on top of a homemade shelter. It was a perfect plan. He hadn’t calmed down from his anger to know exactly what his objective was yet. Would he just live life here again with the cop as his new little helper, or would he play this game through and kill them both in the end? He’d have to give it more thought. But that was okay. He had all the time in the world.

~~~~~

Starsky was beginning to wonder if the boy was even still in the same state. It had been a few days now. He could be anywhere by now. He would keep looking, he owed it to Hutch. Not to mention, he owed the boy a debt of gratitude himself for being there when he couldn’t be. He decided Hutch would still be asleep, so he better just stay out and look around. The more time that went by, the further away the kid could be.

~~~~~

The nurse walked back into the room with the doctor. “They’re gone doctor. He said he would wait for the gurney. How stupid can I be?”

“From what you told me, you have nothing to feel stupid about. You did the right thing. It didn’t seem right to you so you got help. What were you going to do, man handle him yourself? Now just calm down and tell me what he looked like.”

The more the nurse described him, the more he grew nervous.

“No, it couldn’t be. He’s got a guard outside of his room.” he thought out loud.

The nurse followed him out of the room and to the nurse’s station. He picked up the phone and began dialing.

“Yes, this is Doctor Slater. Can you tell me the status of the prisoner in room 835 please… what do you mean he’s gone? He just got up and walked out of there? Where is the guard? Well just great! Send him down here right away!” He hung the phone up.

“What is it Doctor?”

“He’s gone. The prisoner just up and walked away. Do you know where his partner is?”

“He went out looking for that young man that was in here. I feel just terrible. He asked me to look out for him while he was gone.”

“And you did just that, now it’s out of our hands. Do you know how to contact him?”

“No… well we have the number to reach his captain. I’ll call him right away.”

~~~~~

Ben turned onto his property and a new rage enveloped him as he saw what had been done to his place. They had come in and picked apart everything there was to pick apart. Everything was strewn about. All his makings for the ‘shine were gone. He could see that they had torn the shack apart.

“WHAT GIVES THEM THE RIGHT? THIS IS MY PROPERTY!! BOUGHT AND PAID FOR! WHAT GIVES THEM THE RIGHT?!!”

Fear began to grip Hutch as he heard the man work himself into a tirade. It was too fresh in his mind how violent this man could be, and ten times worse than that when he was angry. He didn’t like the feeling that was growing in the pit of his stomach. As best he could he tried to rationalize. This had to be the craziest man alive to bring him right back here. This is where everyone would come looking. But then the man’s words came back to haunt him. Crazy all right. Crazy like a fox.

Ben threw the car into park and swung his door open. Sat for just a second then got out and stormed around the property. Cussing the entire time about how they had no right. The more he looked at it all, the angrier he became. Then is eyes fell on the cop.

“This is your fault,” he said while stomping his way over to the passenger side door. Hutch did the only thing he had strength to do. He locked his door. He knew the medicine would be wearing off soon, and he could put up more of a fight. But it didn’t look like he was going to get that chance.

“Oh you’re the clever one, aren’t you cop? Like I can’t walk around to the other side? I’m mad enough as it is, you best unlocked the door if you know what’s good for you.” Hutch threw his body weight towards the drivers side door and was somehow able to reach the lock. Even in his state he knew how ludicrous this was. But any time he could managed to stay away from the lunatic, the better for him. He could feel the effects of the meds letting go just a bit. But of course, the pain would be worse.

Ben couldn’t help but laugh. Even in his enraged state, he couldn’t help but laugh at the feeble attempt this cop was making.

“So that’s it? I just pack it in and give up cuz you decide to lock the doors? No wonder you’re a cop! Now, unlock the doors before you make me loose my temper. As it is you have one broken arm. I could double that in no time.”

Hutch was battling between his drugged mind and his rational mind. How much time had gone by? If he just tried waiting him out a few more minutes, would it be enough time that Starsky would be out looking for him? No, he was sure he would still be out looking for Nick.

Ben picked up a pick ax and slammed it into the passenger side window. Glass shattered everywhere. Ben went to the front windshield and did the same thing. He didn’t stop until every window in the car had been busted through. All the time Hutch laying low trying to avoid fly glass. Sometime successfully, sometimes not.

Ben unlocked then swung the door open. He reached in, grabbed the cop and with all his might yanked him out of the car and onto the ground. The impact sent pain through his entire body.

“Now what, you big bad cop? Now what are you gonna do? There are no more doors to lock.” He kicked Hutch in the middle of his back. “Huh? You’re all brave inside the car aren’t you?” he said has he kicked Hutch again. “Didn’t I tell you to open the door? Didn’t I tell you?”

Hutch could only hope that the beating would be over soon so that he could be in the peacefulness of unconsciousness. But Ben wasn’t making it that easy. He was making his torture last. He was enjoying every groan that escaped from the cop. The cop that had done all this to him. Ruined everything! Caused him to lose everything. It was then that it hit Ben. He hadn’t lost everything yet, but he’d better get him and this poor excuse for a cop underground and get rid of the car.

He grabbed Hutch’s arm and began pulling him over to the shed. The cop put up little struggle. He wanted to make him pay more, but time was important if he was going to get everything out of sight. There would be plenty of time for that later.

He cleared out the shed enough to lift the door that would lead to his underground world. He had the door fixed so that when shut, all the ‘junk’ would still be on the door. And they called him slow, he thought to himself. He went down first, found the light then reached up, grabbed Hutch’s arm and pulled him down the hole. Ben of course making sure nothing broke his fall. By that time, Hutch’s wish had come true. He was no longer awake to feel the pain.

The first order of business for Ben was to cut off the cast. He knew how hard those things were. He found a tool, crude, but effective and removed the cast.

“Like taking the claws from a cat,” he said aloud.

~~~~~

Starsky had gone out about as far as he could to be able to make it back by nightfall. He didn’t wanna take a wrong turn in the dark. He’d never hear the end of it from hutch. He was surprised to hear the radio calling his name. He didn’t even know it was on.

“Starsky here.”

“Starsky, Dobey here. You need to get back here right away.”

Starsky’s thoughts were immediately of Hutch. “What’s wrong, Cap? What’s happened to Hutch?”

“I just think you better hurry back here.”

“Dammit, Cap’n! If it’s about Hutch, you tell me now!”

“He’s gone, Starsky. Ben Boudreaux, he escaped and took Hutch with him.”

Starsky couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Hutch with that mad man again? It couldn’t be. He was just with him. He told everyone to look after him. He checked in on Ben himself.

“You still there Starsky?”

“Cap, there must be some mistake. He was fine when I left. Ben was behind a guarded door.”

“Or so it would seem, Starsky. But I’m telling you. He got into Hutch’s room, the nurse walked in on him. She didn’t recognize him, but knew Hutch wasn’t due for x-rays as the man had said. By the time she came back with help, they were both gone. Drove off in a man’s car as he was dropping his wife off at the hospital.”

“Anyone been out to Ben’s place?”

“They’re on their way now. He’d be a fool to go back there. But it’s the only place we know to look. You coming back here, Starsky?”

Starsky paused, trying to size up the situation and how to proceed.

“Starsky?”

“Cap, I’m staying out. You guys go to Ben’s. I’ve got to find Nick now. He may have some idea where he would have taken Hutch.” Starsky hung up before Dobey could reply. His search was more desperate now. The pain in the pit of his stomach was nearly to much to bear. Again? He let this happen again? He knew something wasn’t right when he left the hospital. He shook it off.

You can beat yourself up over this all you want after you get Hutch back, he told himself. He needed all his focus to be on finding the boy. What once had been a search for gratitude had become a search for Hutch’s life.

~~~~~

Ben was very proud of himself as he locked the tied up cop into his own little prison within his new dwelling. When he had built the make shift “jail” he had ‘the boy’ in mind. But it came in handy for his new guest. He figured it probably wasn’t necessary to have him tied up. There would be no escape from the room. But he wasn’t taking any chances.

Next he went back up top to make sure everything looked as it had before. He ran to the car and started it up, and drove to the backside of the property where the swamps ran the deepest. He put the car in gear then pushed it into the swamp. The swamp slowly devoured the car until nothing was left of its existence at all. Next he took some branches and swept away the tired tracks as well as his own.

Yes sir, they say I’m just a dumb Cajun hillbilly. But we’ll see who’s dumb around here. He checked everything again, then was back down in the hole. He called it the hole but it was as practically as big as the shed he had called home. It was many years in the making. Any spare time he had was spent in the hole. Enlarging, improving. There was always something that could be done to pack the place better. He always knew it was going to come in handy for something. He had stored plenty of food and water that could easily last a year. He ran plumbing and electricity, but just for important stuff. There would be no TV’s down here! This place was meant for survival, not for entertainment.

The ‘jail cell’ was an afterthought. Most likely to be used for the boy, but could easily be used for anyone that gave Big Ben any trouble. The room wasn’t big, that’s the way he intended. He even put plumbing in. The last thing he wanted to do was to be cleaning after somebody! He saw to it that this room was hidden from the rest of place. If someone didn’t know it was there, it would certainly go undetected.

Yes, folks liked to thing he was slow. But he’d like to see anyone else do a better job than he did. His place was totally self-sufficient. There would be no reason to leave anytime soon.

“Yes, it’s you and me now cop. I haven’t decided whether I wanna just kill you for the thrill of watching your big shot partner’s face… or just lay low and make you by new slave boy. I’ll have to give that some thought. No hurry though.”

Ben found his stash and began drinking his fill as he thought of what he had pulled off. Course he knew the true test would be when they came here looking for him. But he wasn’t worried. He was so sure of himself, he wasn’t worried about how much he drank. He was in his own world now. He could relax.

~~~~~

Not long after that, there were police cars surrounding the property. They drove in with guns drawn, fully expecting Ben to be there. It was the only place Ben had been all his life.

“Find anything?” Sheriff Quaid asked his men.

“Still looking sir, but nothing so far. The shack is secure and there are no signs that anyone has been around here.”

“Well keep looking. Folk like Big Ben Boudreaux don’t go too far from what they know.”

Ben could hear the muffled noises of people about. He smiled then pompously allowed himself to fall asleep with half the county police standing right on top of him.

 

Part Three

Starsky was growing more frantic as time went by. Nick had to be around here somewhere. He no longer allowed himself to believe that he could be out of state by now. He had to believe that he could lead him to Ben. He had pulled into nearly every coffee shop along the highway. Just one more left. He pulled in and walked up to the counter.

“What can I get you?” a waitress asked.

Starsky didn’t even notice the flirting eyes. He had no time for that.

“I’m looking for someone. He’s a kid about 18 years old. Blond, blue eyes… average height and weight. Have you seen anyone like that come in here?”

“I’m not sure. We see lots of folks coming in and out of here,” the waitress toyed with the man.

“You would remember this kid. He had a wide-eyed look about him. Like he’s seeing everything for the first time.”

She wished she had what this man was looking for, cuz she was definitely looking for this man!

“Well, maybe I did see this boy. Who wants to know?”

Starsky’s tone changed from one of anxious curiosity to angry desperation.

“Look Vicky.” Starsky didn’t miss a beat reading her name tag.” I don’t have time for this. Have you seen this kid or haven’t you?”

“I think I might have seen him earlier,” a voice said from behind.

Starsky turned to see another waitress sitting in a booth.

“Hey Georgie, get your own man!” Vicky hollered outright.

Starsky walked over to the booth. “You think you saw this kid?”

“Well she’s right. We get loads of folks come by here in a day. You know, being on the main highway and all. But there was something about that kid. He was a real cutie… much to young though, too bad.” She could see him loosing his anxious but pleasant disposition.

“Oh yeah, anyway… he ordered pancakes and when I told him it was too close to lunch but I could nuke him some. You should have seen the look on his face. Even when I explained microwave, he was like I was speaking a different language. Definitely the wide-eyes kid you’re looking for.”

Starsky felt hopeful for the first time. “Can you tell me where he went?”

“Sorry sweetie. He come in here about 11:30 this morning. He ate then he headed down the road, that way.” She turned and pointed in the direction.

“Sorry, that’s all I know.”

“Thanks Georgie, I owe you one. At least I know he’s still around here somewhere.”

“Don’t mention it, if he comes back…”

“Yes, please tell him that Starsky is looking for him and that it’s important he contact the police ASAP. Can you do that for me?”

Starsky noticed Vicky steaming in her own juices. He couldn’t resist… he bent down and gave Georgie a kiss and thanked her again.

Georgie looked at her fellow waitress and grinned from inside out.

“Floozy!” Vicky exclaimed.

“Yep and you’re a jealous floozy.”

Both women sadly turned and watch as the attractive stranger drove out of sight.

 

~~~~~

“Cap, it’s me. Find anything yet?”

“No luck Starsky. They’ve got nearly the entire police force out at Ben’s, but haven’t turned up anything yet. Any luck on your end?”

“Not much Cap, but more than we had before. I’ve talk to someone that has seen Nick. At least it sounds like it. The bad news is she doesn’t know where he was headed, other than the general direction. The good news is he’s still around here somewhere.”

“You gonna come in?”

“I can’t. This kid might be the only hope Hutch has got. You let me know soon as you hear anything. Anything at all.”

“You know I will Starsky. Stay in touch.”

~~~~~

Starsky had to keep fighting to stay focus. His heart and soul were aching knowing that Hutch was out there somewhere. He hadn’t even forgiven himself for not being there the first time. And now this… “Focus Starsky!” he said aloud as he hit the steering wheel w/his hand. “You’re not doing Hutch any good wallowing in guilt right now… save that for later.” He sharpened his senses and continued on his search.

~~~~~

Dusk was falling and Sheriff Quaid had finally closed the search down at the Boudreaux place. They had searched for hours without turning up any clues. The closest neighbors weren’t even aware anything had happened at Ben’s place, so they sure had no idea where he might be. Quaid got the feeling though, that they wouldn’t have told him if they knew.

He was hoping to be able to help out fellow officers, but there was nothing more that could be done here. He could no longer justify having so many men out on what had turned up to be a wild goose chase. He called off all men and gave the order for everyone to keep an eye out for the stolen car and that’s where the investigation would sit at least until they got any new leads.

~~~~~

Hutch woke up to total darkness. He found himself propped up against a wall, bound and gagged. His body was racked with pain. Again or still, he wasn’t sure anymore. As he tried to get a fix on his situation, he heard obscure sounds coming from overhead and knew there was someone out there. He tried several times to try to work free of the ropes, but there was little chance of that. The terrific pain in his broken arm was bad enough when he sat still. The slightest movement sent a shot of pain that made him cry out into the rag that had been stuffed then taped into his mouth.

He was surprised at realizing what he was feeling, besides pain… was anger. Not fear or worry, just anger. He had finally gotten to the point that he was ready to leave that hospital room and finally take Starsky and go home. Leave this all behind him. How dare this man take him and beat him back to helplessness! The anger was pointless, there was no outlet for it. He couldn’t move without pain and couldn’t talk for being gagged. He didn’t know how much time he’d be this man’s prisoner, but the best thing he could do was not make waves and bide his time until some of his strength came back.

Ben stirred for a moment, then woke with a start. He sat up and listened. He walked over to the hole in the cop’s room.

“Ya hear that cop? That’s right, you don’t. You know why? Cuz they didn’t find a stinking thing, and now they’ve all gone home! That’s one for the bad guys, right cop?”

Ben waited as if he actually expected Hutch to reply.

“It’s funny, Cop. I see your mouth-taped shut, but I don’t see anything to keep your head from moving. I would think you’d remember from our last stay together. I accept no talking back and I will not be ignored! You do remember those rules, don’t you?”

As much as Hutch hated to be talked down to, he had to go along with everything for now. He had to give Starsky time to find him. He shook his head yes.

“That’s a boy, I knew you’d see it my way! I think we’ll get along just great you and me. Now, I think I’ll just poke my head up and see what’s happened out there. Got this cool little peephole I can spy out. I’ve just thought of everything, wouldn’t you say?”

Again hutch nodded in agreement.

Ben got up and walked back to his lookout. After seeing no one in sight, he walked back, opened the ‘trap door’ then climbed up the latter.

“HEY COPPERS IT’S ME!!! BIG BEN BOUDREAUX. I’M HERE FOR THE TAKING!” Ben screamed at the top of his lungs. “COME AND GET ME STARSKY. YOU’RE SO TOUGH, COME AND GET ME!”

Hutch could do little but sit in pain while listening to the ranting of the crazed maniac. If he hadn’t already figured it out, he knew now. This was personal. It seemed Ben wasn’t going to be happy with just himself. Starsky was now a part of this. As the reality was being made clear, the fear grabbed him deep inside.

Ben climbed back down the latter and closed the door behind up. He was getting pretty hungry. First though, he’d rub it in to the cop a little more. Then he’d fix a bite to eat.

He opened the small opening on the door. It was intended to pass food through should he decide to keep this man on, he’d have to feed him from time to time. He turned his flashlight on and shined it into the small room. He could see that his guest was still propped against the wall, his head down. He couldn’t make out if he was sleeping or not.

“Hey Cop! You awake?”

Hutch was, but he didn’t feel up to dealing with whatever Ben and in mind. He gave no response.

“HEY! You best wake up if you know what’s good for you!”

Hutch played possum until he heard the door being opened. He raised his head up as if just waking up.

Ben walked over to his guest kneeled down and grabbed the cop by a handful of hair and pulled back. He shined the light straight into his eyes. Hutch tried to hold his breath from the smell of sour moonshine as Ben rambled on.

“You playing games with me cop? Huh?”

Hutch shook his head no.

“You know I don’t play games, you know that by now. Don’t you cop?”

Hutch reluctantly nodded.

“Next time I ask you a question boy, don’t make me come in here. You won’t like it when I have to come in here. You got that?” he asked as he pressed his knee into Hutch’s ribs.

Hutch winced in pain as he shook his head yes again.

“Good, I think it’s best that we know all the rules up front. Now, I’m feeling a bit hungry. Think I’ll go make me something to eat. All this excitement has really built up my appetite. So,” he continued as he straightened up and stepped half over and half on Hutch, “if you’ll excuse me, it’s off to the kitchen.”

He walked out and shut the door, again leaving Hutch to total darkness.

“Oh,” Ben hollered through the opening one again. “I almost forgot to tell you. We are underground you know, and this is swamp land you know. So if you feel anything crawling on you. Don’t worry. Not all over them are poisonous.” Ben smiled as he slammed the opening back up again.

Okay, Hutch, he thought to himself. That was a bad move. Next time let’s answer the man. It’ll save a little wear and tear on the already damaged ribs. His arms had become numb and sitting up put too much pressure on his ribs. He slowly laid himself down on his side. Trying to make himself as comfortable as possible. Then allowed himself to drift off before he had a chance to feel anything crawling around.

~~~~~

Starsky was nearing the Louisiana border. Still no Nick in sight. As he drove, he couldn’t help think how everything was deja vu all over again. He had just been on these roads looking for Hutch, and after finding a clue from a lady at a restaurant, he was able to track him down. And now, here he was again. Only this time it was the boy he needed to find. And again it’s been a clue from waitress that had given him hope that he could be close. Now he was afraid that just as before, he’d have to find somewhere to stay for the night. He couldn’t see much in the dark and there still was the worry of he himself getting lost. He couldn’t bare to think where Hutch was or what condition he was in.

Oh, how he regretted going in that hospital room that day. He gave the psycho just the excuse he needed to make this personal. But why Hutch when he was the one throwing the threats around? But he knew the answer to that. He was suffering much more this way than if Ben had done something to him. He wished he could take it back. Just stayed clear of the maniac and let the cops do their jobs. He’d be put away by now. But there was no taking anything back. Hutch was gone and all the wishing in the world wouldn’t change that.

He found a rundown motel on the side of the road, Sleep Cheap it was called. It didn’t have much, but it did have a phone.

“Cap it’s me. Any word?”

Dobey could tell by Starsky’s detected voice that he had come up empty on his end, and wished he had new that would put a little spark back where it belongs. But there was no news, good or bad.

“Sorry Starsky. The locals have done all they can. They’ve searched everywhere they know to look, still nothing. And no word from Boudreaux.”

“What, are expecting to hear from him? This isn’t a kidnap for ransom cap.”

“We don’t know that. We don’t know why he took Hutch or what his plans are. That’s all we can hope for is him to get in touch and let us know what this is all about.”

“Oh spare me, Cap’n. We both know what this is about. I stuck my face in his and he didn’t like it. It’s that simple. Anyway, I’m just calling to let you know I’m at a motel. It’s no good looking in the dark, so I’m gonna rest for the night and head back out.”

“Okay Starsky. Glad you decided to take a breather. Stay in touch and I’ll let you know about anything here. Night Starsky. Oh, and try to sleep, would you?”

Starsky hung the phone up. That was no small order. Try to sleep. How could he sleep with the relentless aching that was eating him inside out? The motel had no TV, no radio. There was nothing to serve as a distraction for his thoughts. He anguished for what seemed like hours before his body allowed him to get the rest that he needed.

~~~~~

Nick had caught a few rides with folks that stopped to ask if he needed a lift. He accepted most of the time. He declined the one man that stopped in a beat up old truck and looked as if he’d been drinking for days. No, he’d had enough of anyone that fit that description. The others had been very nice and had not accepted any money. Course with all the rides he had, he was still in Louisiana, although he could see from signs it wouldn’t be much further. Folks would laugh when he told them he was headed to L.A. They took him as far as they were headed, then wished him luck. Usually he got about a 30-minute drive down the road. None the less he was grateful. It sure beat walking. And he was still able to save money to eat with. He thought of Annie, and how surprised she’d be if she knew he was still living off the same $20.

He had talked himself into stopping at a worn down old motel, just to check prices. He couldn’t imagine a place this beat up asking much money. He was right $7 a night would be worth it to sleep in a real bed for a change. Course when he saw the beds, he wasn’t sure if he didn’t get ripped off. But it was a bed none-the-less. And since there were no TVs or radio for distraction, he quickly fell asleep, wondering what the next day held for him.

~~~~~

Hutch came to feeling more sore than when he had fallen asleep. And wouldn’t have all thought that would have been possible. It was pitch black, but he knew that didn’t mean anything. It may be broad daylight out there for all he knew. Course he doubted that. He felt that if had been much into the next day, he would have heard from ol’ big Ben by now. He tried to reposition himself, but stopped cold as pain shot throughout his body. He wasn’t sure how much pain a person could stand, but he had a feeling he was going to find out before it was all over. He tried to keep him mind occupied, not wanting to give thought to just how hungry and thirsty he was. It would do no good. If Boudreaux wanted him to eat, he’d be eating, otherwise, there was nothing he could do about it.

All thoughts went back to Starsky. Hutch knew him well enough to know exactly what he was going through. Starsky had felt guilt over him wrecking and ending up at Big Ben’s’ to begin with. He was sure this was eating him up. It wouldn’t matter that he left at Hutch’s insisting. He was only allowing himself to think that he wasn’t’ there for him again when he needed him. Hutch knew that was ridiculous, but he also knew he’d be feeling the same way if that tables had been turned.

He’ll find me, he thought. He’s got to. Not for my sake but for his own.

~~~~~

Starsky was next to wake up that morning with Hutch of course being his first thought. A new day. Another chance to find Nick. He tried to stay positive. He had gotten so close yesterday, today had to be the day. He took a shower to wake up, then went to the lobby to buy the paper. It wasn’t much of a lobby. Just a counter with a unshaven half asleep man leaning on it. There was one little table with two chairs along side of it. Not a matching set, but nothing in there did. He pulled the paper from the machine and sat long enough to drink the stale coffee the clerk had offered as a free amenity. It tasted as nasty as it smelled, but he needed something to get himself going.

He looked through the paper. Nothing interested him, he couldn’t concentrate. Just bought it out of habit really. Until he saw the small article about a local man-hunt under way for an escaped prisoner. He read on as the article told how a kidnapping suspect by the name of “Big” Ben Boudreaux had escaped from the local hospital taking an out of town detective with him. The article went on to warn that the man was dangerous and if sighted, to please contact authorities.

He was glad to read that. At least folks would read this and be on the look out. He picked up the paper and tucked it under his arm and started to walk out. Thinking twice decided he best leave the paper for the next fella that may not have a quarter. He dropped it on the table, thanked the sleeping clerk and walked out.

~~~~~~~~~~

The loud rumbling of a car taking off woke Nick up. His anger at being awakened quickly dissipated as he realized it was already later than he wanted to sleep. He took advantage of the first real shower he’d had since leaving the hospital. It felt good to get really clean for a change. He had washed up from place to place, but hadn’t had the opportunity to take a full-fledged shower. He had to finally make himself get out and get dressed.

He left his room and headed to the lobby to pay his bill. He walked up to the vacant counter and rang the bell. When he rang it the second time he was greeted by a voice yelling to just keep his pants on and someone would be right there. After standing around a few minutes, a paper on the table caught his eye. He picked it up out of curiosity. He had picked up on little words, the rest he liked to make up a story around. It was a way to pass the time.

He was flipping through when the clerk finally came out from the back. “That you ringing?” he asked “Where’s the fire?”

“Sorry, just didn’t know if anyone was around. I need to pay my bill,” replied Nick.

” Fine, that’ll be $7.”

Nick counted out $7 and handed it to the man. “Mind if I take the paper with me?”

“Nope, some fella left it earlier and I’ve already read it, so help yourself.”

“Thanks,” said Nick and he folded the paper and stuffed it into his back pocket. “Say, you got any kind of food machines around here?”

“Yep, outside to the left. Don’t complain to me if something ain’t fresh though. They don’t come out as often as they should.”

“Thanks, I’ll check it out .”

This didn’t sound appetizing, but the growling in his stomach told him he need not be to particular at this point. He fished some change out of his pocket and headed over to the machine. The clerk was right, some of the stuff looked like it has sat there awhile. He decided on lemon cookies. Somehow the fact that they were lemon made it seem more of a breakfast item. And it helped also that there wasn’t anything green growing on them yet. He opened the package as he walked towards the highway to get started on his new day of travel.

~~~~~~

The sounds of the swamp was just the way that Ben liked to greet the morning. It had been the worst part about his hospital stay, just too quiet. He could tell by the outside noises that he had slept in a bit, but that was okay. There wasn’t anyplace he had to go, and nothing he had to do. He was feeling a little hung over, but nothing bad. He was even looking forward to hitting the bottle again. But even he liked to enjoy the civilized cup of coffee in the morning.

After he had seen to putting the coffee on, he unlocked the door to check in on his guest. The flashlight showed the cop to be sleeping. He didn’t feel like messing with him just yet. He would drink his coffee, then he would go in and visit a spell.

As he poured the coffee and scrambled his eggs he started thinking that it was about time to come up with a plan. He wanted to teach that Starsky cop a lesson. But he also thought it could come in handy to have a slave boy around, now that ‘brat’ was gone. He wanted both. There had to be away to have both. He’d have to give it more thought. But for now, he’d just enjoy breakfast.

He sure did miss the wife and kid when it came time to clean up. Maybe that’s what he’d use blondie for. He could be the new maid. He smiled at the thought, then finished cleaning the last dish. He purposely made the breakfast he had just to drive the cop a little more insane. Nothing like smelling coffee, eggs, and bacon in the morning when you haven’t eaten in a few days.

He lit the lantern and grabbed the keys. He wondered if the idea of no light in that room hadn’t backfired on him. But no matter, this was working just fine. He turned the key and walked in. The cop hadn’t moved from his spot. Pity, all that bacon for nothing. He apparently hadn’t been awake to suffer through it.

“Hey cop, wake up,” Ben said as he gave him an incentive kick.

Ben was mildly concerned. He couldn’t imagine the cop could already be dead. He hadn’t even done nothin to him yet. He reached in his pocket, pulled out his pocketknife and cut the rope from Hutch’s’ wrists. Straddling him, he reached down and pulled the cop’s dead weight up and over to prop him up against the wall. He was still breathing, Ben knew that much.

He walked out and came back with cup of water and threw it in the cops’ face. “There we go,” Ben said as he noticed some flinching coming from the man. Hutch could feel the water, but he didn’t want to leave where he was. He felt no pain there. He felt nothing at all.

“Come on, Hutchy, you can do it. Open them eye balls. Maybe there will even be some breakfast in it for you, whadda say?” Ben was beginning to worry. This won’t be any fun at all if he just lays here and dies.

Ben left and came back with more water. “Look what I have for you Hutchy, some nice cold water. I bet you’re thirsty, aren’t you?” He pulled the tape off and removed the rag from Hutch’s mouth. Then held his head back enough to pour water into his mouth. Finally the cop started coughing and coming to.

Hutch’s body couldn’t resist the water, even though his mind was willing. He drank all the water offered to him, and still felt as dry as he hadn’t had a drop. “More water… please,” Hutch whispered.

“What manners, please and everything. You sit right there, no funny business!”

Hutch assumed he meant that as a joke. He was too sore, too tired and too hungry. He couldn’t lift a finger to save his life right now.

Ben came walking back in with more water. “Here, best take it ‘fore I change my mind. I’m not your caretaker, you know.”

Hutch tried to move his arm, but let out a cry and dropped it back down.

“Hey, you can’t fool me, cop that’s your good arm. Now you gonna take it or ain’t cha?”

“I don’t have a good arm anymore,” Hutch said, barely audible. “Please, help me.”

Ben was feeling very uncomfortable. He didn’t bring this man here so he could take care of him. He was his prisoner, for Pete’s sake. At the same time, however, if he wanted to keep around a little longer, he was going to have to do just that.

He reluctantly held the cup up and let the cop drink the rest of the water. He pulled a biscuit out of his pocket and laid it on the ground next to hutch’s hand. “Here, I’m leaving this here for ya, I will NOT feed you. I have to draw the line somewhere. I’m going to lay it right here, and when you think you’re up to it, eat it.”

“Thanks,” Hutch whispered.

“Oh no you don’t. .don’t thank me. I’d just as soon kill you as look at you. I’m just making you last till the fun starts,” Ben replied as he closed and locked the door behind him.

~~~~~

Hutch wasn’t even sure where the thank you had come from. How could one say that word to the like of someone like Ben Boudreaux? Hutch hated that man as he has hated few men in his life. But still the gratitude for being allowed a drink at a time when he never thought he’d live long enough to have one, was enough to say it. He was also very thankful his arms were no longer tied behind his back. They both ached terribly. The left arm hurt indescribably so, but being allow to let them fall freely was more than he thought he’d see anytime soon. He inched his way down to the ground so that he was lying on his back. He slowly grabbed the biscuit with his right arm and began eating it, also something he thought he’d never do again.

~~~~~

It was a weekend and the traffic along the highway at been much better than it had been. The first ride Nick had gotten was a short one. A man going to visit his brother and sister-in-law to get a first look at his new nephew. It was a pleasant ride. Nick had enjoyed the conversation and company. Finally however, the man has come close to his destination so he wished Nick luck and let him off by the side of the road.

The second ride had come from a husband and wife who, if he had to guess, had an argument before picking him up. Probably about whether or not to pick him up, he thought. They were nice enough and would be going in his direction for sometime.

“So what are you doing walking around these parts anyway?” the man asked.

“It’s a long story, but I no longer have a home here, and decided it was time to go find a new one,” answered Nick.

“Hey Honey, look… there’s a gas station, let’s stop. I wanna drink,” the woman said.

“We’re not stopping there Lori. We haven’t been on the road long enough to be stopping.”

“So we stop when you wanna stop, is that the way it is? Look, they have a coke machine outside. We don’t even have to go in.”

“Oh yeah, look at that would ya?” he said as they drove by. It was one of those old-timey kinds, too.

Nick and the woman looked as they speed by.

“You are such a tease! We stop at the next place, or else!” Nick heard the woman say has he looked back at the station. Something had caught his eye. A car. It nearly looked like Starsky’s car. That was crazy, he was hundreds of miles away. Must have just been a similar looking car he decided.

He spent the next 15 minutes in total silence. The couple had stopped talking. Actually the husband had tried, the wife was having no part of it. Nick had begun to feel very uncomfortable until he remembered his newspaper. He sat up to reach for it when the car suddenly swerved and stopped.

“Here, you happy? We stopped. That’s what you wanted isn’t it?” the man yelled.

“Oh yeah this just what I wanted. Let’s stop at a deserted gas station. Everyone knows they have the best sodas.”

“Well folks, if it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll just let myself out here. Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it.”

Before he closed the door he heard the husband call him chicken as they drove away.

Nick had to laugh. Poor lady was probably never gonna get that soda he thought as he walked on. It took about 20 minutes or so before Nick came to a run down side of the road café/gas station. He was starved, and didn’t know how far to the next place. He went in and sat at the first booth as he walked in.

After waiting so long that Nick didn’t know if there was anyone even working there or not, an elderly woman came shuffling over to his table.

“Hello there, sonny. Sorry to keep you waiting. Didn’t see you come in. What can I get you?”

“No problem. Can I see a menu?” Nick asked.

“Not much sense in that. All we have today is cold sandwiches. Grill’s not working, don’t you know. So, can I get you a sandwich?”

“I don’t know. I have $2.78 to my name. How much are they sandwiches?”

“We’re running a special today, sonny. It’ll run ya $2.78. BUT that includes a soda. So what’s your liking?”

Nick looked down at the table looking rather flustered. “Anything will do, thanks.”

“Right away,” she said as he walk off.

Nick remembered the paper and pulled it out from his back pocket and began looking through it.

“Here ya go, the $2.78 special. Hope you enjoy it.”

“I’m sure I will. Thank you. Thanks a lot.”

Nick continued to scan the paper as he scarfed his sandwich down. He hadn’t even noticed the next two men that had walked in the door. They sat at the counter and began taking inventory of the place. Both appeared to be in their late 20’s. Both appeared to have lived life on the rough side.

Nick had just swallowed the last of his soda and was just about to wad the paper up with the rest of his lunch mess, when something caught his attention. A word he recognized, must be mistaken he thought, but had to sit down and take a better look. It was the name in black and white. Boudreaux… Nick decided to swallow his pride, and called the lady back over to the table.

“Yeah? What do you need?” the woman asked.

“I was wondering if you could read this article for me?” Nick asked.

“Sure thing sonny…” She went on to read the article.

He sat back in his booth staring at the paper. This can’t be happening. There had to be some mistake. Ben had escaped the hospital? And with a detective… Hutch. Nick looked up at the lady.

“Do you have a phone I could borrow?” Nick said as he stood up.

“Sorry son, we don’t have a working phone. Was that some bad news for you in the paper?”

“You could say that, a little trouble back home. Well, thanks for your special. I’ll look you up next time I head this way. Maybe by then I can get the non-special,” answered Nick.

Neither one noticed the men trade glances at hearing the good news.

“Anytime son. Take care.”

“Hey, you looking for a phone kid?”

Nick turned to see two men he hadn’t given notice to before.

“Yeah, you know where I can find one?”

“It’s your lucky day. We’re just stopping in for a quick drink here. We have a phone in the car. Wanna try it?” the man asked with a yellow toothed grin.

Nick didn’t give much thought to their appearance. It was how he and Ben looked most all the time. “A phone in your car?”

“Duh, like you’ve never heard of a cell phone?”

Nick was blushing, his ignorance has come back to haunt him again. “Sure, hasn’t everyone? Mind if I use it?”

“No trouble kid. Tell you what. Here’s the keys. We’re the rusty looking station wagon out there. You’ll find the phone there in the front. Now go ahead and make your call, we’re just getting us a drink, and we’ll be right there.

Nick felt uneasy about the two men, but after what he’d just read in the paper, all he knew was that he needed to get back. “Sure, ok… what color is it?”

“You can’t miss it. It’s the only rusted out station wagon out there, kid,”

Nick grabbed the keys and headed outside… not giving a second thought as to why the men were lagging behind.

“Okay lady. Open the drawer. I want all the money, and I want it now!” said the man in the first barstool.

The lady looked up in disgust. “You’ve got to be kidding. You’re holding us up?” the lady asked, as she couldn’t help laughing.

“Maybe you didn’t hear me old lady. Empty your drawer, and now!”

“That’s just it. It practically IS empty,” she said as she opened the register.

The second man emptied the register out then demanded her watch and ring.

“Okay lady, now we’re leaving…. You just sit tight until we’re out of sight. That way we don’t have to kill you, got it?”

The lady shook her head yes.

The two men ran out the door and into the car outside.

Nick was just getting out of the car after finding no phone.

“Hey kid, start it up, let’s get moving!”

“No, I don’t need a ride,” a confused Nick said.

The dark haired man flashed his gun at the kid.

“We’re not asking, we’re telling. Now get in and drive!”

Nick didn’t know what this was all about, but he’d learned not to argue with a gun. He sat back down and started the car up and the others jumped in.

The man in the front seat held the gun at Nick’s head. “What are you waiting for? Step on it.”

“I’ve never driven a car before,” said Nick.

“Great get away play,” said the man in the front seat. “Look kid, just press on the pedal and steer the car.. that’s all there is to it.”

Nick stepped on the gas and the car fishtailed onto the highway. Nick could see the elderly man and woman running out of the building yelling.

“What did y’all do back there?”

“None of your business,” the man in the backseat said has he gave Nick a smack on the head. “You just worry about driving like you were told,”

“Man that was waste of time. They didn’t have but $50 in the whole place,” said the man in the front seat.

“You’re too greedy Phil. Its $50 bucks more than we had, isn’t it?”

“Oh smooth, Joe! Just give out my name to this punk.”

“So what if he knows our name? It’s not like he’s going to get a chance to tell anyone.” He turned his attention to Nick. “You see, we come from a long line of crooks. We just got finished shooting the gas station man a few miles down the road cuz he wanted me to actually pay for the gas… can you imagine such a thing? Then there was that hamburger joint last week. That one got a little ugly. But it was fun. They’re always fun.”

“Listen fellas,” Nick said in a shaken voice. “I don’t care what you’ve done, it’s none of my business. I just got somewhere I need to go.”

“Nope, don’t think so,” Joe replied. “I don’t think you ever need to go anywhere again, if you catch my drift.. .now just keep on driving.”

~~~~~~~~~~

It was getting late in the afternoon and Ben was growing bored. He was by now, very much drunk and loving it. But there just was no excitement. What good was it having a prisoner, if you don’t get to have fun with him, he thought to himself.

He staggered up and made his way over to the locked door. He fumbled for the keys a good while, then finally opened the door. The cop was lying on his back, looked to be fast asleep. Ben walked over to him and gave him a kick to see if he was.

Hutch woke up to find Ben standing over him. He wasn’t sure what he wanted of him, but it was obvious it wasn’t another meal he had in mind.

“Come on cop, get up, we’re going topside to get a little fresh air. Doesn’t that sound nice?”

“I’m fine thanks,” Hutch replied. Immediately regretting his sarcasm, as a painful kick reminded him of whom he was talking to. “I guess this means we’re not friends anymore,” he said as he made his way first to his knees, then holding up to the wall, managed to stand up.

“No, THIS means we’re not friends anymore,” Ben said as he hammered his fist against Hutches jaw. The hit knocked hutch up against the wall.

“Now, it’s nice to know you still have your wits about you, Cop,” Ben said as he waited for Hutch to pick himself back up off the floor. “But need I remind you, I’m twice the man you are, and I get mad fast. Think about that before you mouth off next time. Now, after you. Oh, and just so you can’t say I didn’t warn you, I do keep good company,” he continued talking as he waved the pistol in Hutch’s face, then pushed him forward.

Hutch held his left arm with his right to try to help minimize movement as they walked. He doubted the arm would ever be back to 100%. He squinted his eyes at the bright light as he left his ‘room.’

“Would you like some sunglasses?” Ben asked sarcastically.

Hutch didn’t answer. He thought he best just bite his tongue and save himself from as much pain as possible. He walked up to the ladder then grabbed it with his right arm and paused… trying to steady himself.

“Me first, cop. And don’t get any ideas. I got a hair-trigger.”

Ben took the lead up the stairs, all the time keeping the gun aimed at Hutch’s head.

“Okay, now you,” Ben said after he had gotten half way up.

Hutch began his monumental trek up the ladder. He grabbed the ladder with his right arm and leaned his body against it as he lifted his foot to the next rung, repeating this routine until he had to stop half way to catch his breath and steady himself.

“Stairs to much for you there tough guy?”

Again Hutch bit his tongue, took a deep breath (as deep as he could), then started back up again. His head had just cleared the opening when Ben pulled him up and threw him back down on the ground.

“Geez man, my grandma could made it up quicker than that, and she’s been dead 30 years,” Ben said. “Ah, the fresh swamp air. Nothing like it, eh cop?” he took another hit off the bottle and waited for his reply.

“Yeah,” Hutch agreed as he tried to sit up. “Nothing like it.”

“So, what do you think, Hutchy boy? You reckon that your partner has left without you? I mean where is he? I got the whole police force out looking for me and here I stand, right on my own property and no one’s the wiser. I can understand that from the local yokels. But what about your big time partner? Don’t you think he should have figured this out by now?”

Ben wasn’t asking anything Hutch hadn’t asked himself. He knew that Starsky wouldn’t leave without him. But where was he? He would just have to be patient and wait. The question wasn’t would Starsky show, the question was would he be alive when he got there.

“I said, don’t you think he should have this figured out by now?” Ben asked impatiently as he took another drink.

“Yeah,” was hutch’s reply.

“Yeah, well anyhow. Get up. We’re going to get a little exercise. We’ve been cooped up for too long. And since apparently no one is looking for us anymore… it’s safe to take a little walk,” Ben said as he leveled the gun back down to Hutch.

Hutch began the arduous task of climbing to his feet.

“This is such a rush cop. Have you ever had a little puppet? The power is awesome. I had it with that brat kid, and now with you. Imagine, just simply saying something makes it so… I tell you to get up, look.. you get up. If I tell you to sit down, you sit down.”

Hutch listened as he leaned against a tree. The line of questioning was beginning to worry him. Just what would he order next.

“No, never tried it I wouldn’t know.”

“Oh sure you’ve tried it. Every time you tell your prisoners to go here or go there. They do it don’t they? And doesn’t that do anything for you? Of course it does, why else would you be doing something like that for a living?”

“That’s different,” Hutch retorted.

“Is it? The only difference is, they’re afraid of getting locked up. Where in this case, you’re afraid of the unknown. You’re afraid of pain. Aren’t you cop? You’re afraid of me and what I might do to you.”

Hutch looked at Ben with an unrelenting glare. “I… I am NOT afraid of you.”

“OH? Then you explain it. You explain why when I tell you to hop, you ask how high?”

“I don’t fear you, Boudreaux. I just treasure life. It’s a pity you don’t know what that’s like. The only thing you care about is how much you can drink without passing out.”

“Although there is some truth to that cop, you’re wrong about one thing. There is one thing I care about… I care about seeing fear in the eyes of that hotshot partner of yours, just as he arrives to see you die. I care about that very much. Now let’s set out on our adventure. Whadda say?”

Hutch began walking in the direction Ben instructed. He was in so much pain and was so tired, he just wanted to lay down. He staggered a little further when he saw the crutch. He remembered when it had been dropped there, never thinking he’d see it again. He saw that Ben’s drunken state was growing worse, his walk had begun stumbling. Before he had time to give it rational thought, he dropped and rolled, grabbing the crutch and coming up swinging. He caught Ben quiet off guard and unready to muster up a defense. Hutch swung the crutch as hard as he could swing, hitting Ben in the head. He fell like a toppled tree.

Hutch started running best he could. Even with a blow like that, Ben could out power him in his state. His best hope would be to just get away. He took off, running as best he could, not giving much thought or care as to where he was going. He just knew he had to run. He ran until his body wouldn’t allow another step. As he staggered to slow down, his leg caught on a root, and Hutch himself went crashing to the ground. He laid there stunned, gasping for air. Trying to think but not having the rational to assess the situation. For a few seconds all he could do was lay there. Trying to suck air into his lungs. Trying in desperation to decide what to do next.

It wasn’t his decision to be made. He turned clinging on the vines, trying to pull himself up. He had to move, had to keep moving no matter what. His tired arm wasn’t strong enough to pull his weight up and Hutch again fell to ground. This time however he had company. Hutch was staring at the biggest alligator he had ever seen. Who was he kidding? It was the only alligator he had ever seen. It stood three feet away, mouth open ready to attack. Hutch didn’t know much about alligators, but there was no doubt he was ready to attack.

Hutch looked wildly for anything to use as a weapon. It was then that Hutch saw why the alligator was so mad. Hutch saw eggs lying next to him. He had stumbled onto a nest.

For that instant Hutch wasn’t aware of being tired. Wasn’t aware of pain. All he was aware of was the alligator looked ready to pounce.

It darted towards him, and he was able to roll out of the way. But the second charge was too quick. Before Hutch had time to think about moving, his left leg was in the mouth of the alligator. It clenched its teeth and dug in. Hutch let out a pain filled scream and looked around for anything, anything he could hit the reptile with. But there was nothing.

A quiet still fell. The gator stopped thrashing, and seemed momentarily happy to lay still with Hutch’s thigh in it’s mouth. Hutch tried with all his might not to move a muscle. As movement caused the gators grasp to sink further into his leg. It seemed like an eternity before the gator made a move, finally with grip just as tight as it had been. Hutch was slowly being dragged into the swamp. He grabbed frantically at anything he could used to grab hold off, but there was nothing. His legs and torso were now under water. Hutch found himself in the middle of everything, wondering what a L.A. cop was doing in the mouth of an alligator in the middle of swampland USA. Just as his drained body was pulled under, Hutch heard a muffled noise.

Just then the pressure on his leg loosened and he realized he was free. He tried to pull himself up out of the murky waters, but didn’t have the strength. He was surprised at feeling a hand pulling his arm, pulling him until his head was clear of the water.

It was Ben, standing there looking quite amused with a shotgun in his hand. “Take a look cop. Looks like he’s coming back for more.”

Hutch turned to see the huge reptile coming back.

“Now, you wanna tell me again how you’re not afraid?”

Hutch felt panic build as he turned and no longer saw the gator.

“Help me outta here, please!”

“She’s coming and you know it. She’s fixin to grab you and take you down. Now tell me, are you afraid now?” he paused waiting for a reply.

“Yes, yes, I’m afraid! just help me out of here!”

Ben pulled Hutch out just as the alligator came up for a bite. Ben lowered the gun and fired.

“Shame. I hated to kill the poor thing, but you made her angry. She would have been to deadly to live with.”

“Thanks,” Hutch said.

“Again, you’re gratitude is misplaced. I only pulled you out because she would have eaten you clean to the bone. There would have been nothing left for your Starsky to cry over. Now, I think we’ve had enough excitement for one day.”

There was no reply. Hutch had already passed out.

Ben picked him up and slung him over his shoulder carrying him back to his hideout.

~~~~~

The place looked old and run down, but Starsky wasn’t passing up any place that looked like it could have been a eating or watering hole for Nick. He pulled his car up and pulled to a stop as a elderly man came running out.

“We’ve been robbed! Get help, we’ve been robbed!”

“Easy there, Mister,” Starsky said. “Slow down. Let’s go inside and you can tell me what happened.”

“I’ll tell you what happened,” an elderly woman said in disgust. “These two men came in here and stuck a gun in my face and took all my money, that’s what happened.”

“Ok, anyone get hurt?”

“Nope, just took the money. Said if we came outside, they’d blow our heads off.”

“Well it’s a good thing you stayed inside”

“George did no such thing. I told him he better get out there and get the license number or something.”

George avoided Starsky’s glance.

“And you went out there George, after they warned you?”

“Had to. I’d never hear the end of it if I hadn’t,” he replied sheepishly.

Starsky found himself smiling at the couple. “So what did you see George?”

“Saw the two jump in a old rusted out station wagon… couldn’t read the plates though.”

“That’s right. Stuck his neck out for nothing. He can’t see more than two feet in front of him.”

“But you’re sure it was a station wagon? And no particular color, just rusted out?”

“That’s right.”

“Well I’ll tell you what. I’m a cop. I’ll call this in for you, but first I was wondering if you’ve seen someone come through here. He’s about 18. Blond, blue eyes. Nice quiet young fella?”

“Sure, I saw him,” said the lady. “I feed him lunch. He didn’t have the money to pay for it all, but he looked like a nice enough sort. I think the two robbers took him.”

“What do you mean, took him?” Starsky asked. “Please, tell me what happened.”

The lady went on to describe the events as they took place.

“…near as we can tell, they suckered him into driving the getaway car.”

“This is important. Is there anything else you can tell me about the car?”

“Nah, you know what they say… it all happened so fast. All I know is that it was a rusty looking older station wagon. Well one thing does come to mind. It was smoking up a storm. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’re pulled over up the road, all broken down.”

“Thanks!” Starsky said as he ran out of the place. “I’m calling this in right away. Someone should be here shortly.” Starsky hurried to the car and radioed the police station

“Yeah well, I’m not sure which district that is, that’s your business. All I know is that I happened onto this place and the folks say they’ve been robbed. I told them I would call it in.”

Starsky hung up, not having the patience to deal with anymore questions. He gave them the information they would need to get to the café. He had bigger fish to fry.

~~~~~

“Come on fellas, I have something I gotta do. Can’t you just let me out? I swear, I never saw you,” pleaded Nick.

“How bout it Joe? Can we just let him out here?” Phil asked with obvious sarcasm.

“Sure thing. Just a little further, and you’ll be home free kid. Just make sure you’re doing the speed limit. If we get pulled over, you’re dead.”

~~~~~

Starsky was no longer mindful of the speed. He knew time was slipping away. That is, if it weren’t too late already, it soon would be. He hadn’t heard anything new from Dobey or Quaid, which meant they hadn’t turned up anything. His only hope still rested on finding Nick.

~~~~~

“Hey Phil, we need to stop soon. I gotta go.”

“Did you hear that kid? Joe’s gotta go.”

“I heard. So where do we pull over?”

“Ya know what? We passed a rest area back down the road a bit. Cross over, we’re heading back.”

“You sure we wanna do that Phil? I mean go back to the scene of the crime?”

“Oh stop being melodramatic. We’re not going to the scene of the crime… we’re just backtracking. No one would think to look for us to do that.”

Nick’s hesitation cost him as Joe sat up determined to make his point. He struck Nick with the pistol. “NOW kid, you didn’t hear the man? Turn around now!”

Nick groaned in pain and the car swerved as he grabbed his head. He felt dizzy, the road spinning in front of him. He felt the warmth of blood run down his face.

Phil grabbed the wheel. “Are you nuts? For future reference, no pistol whipping the driver” He slide over and managed to reach the brake with his left foot.. he brought the car to an vicious off road stop.

Joe and Phil climbed back on to the seat after being thrown from the abrupt halt.

“What a marshmallow. I barely touched the dude,” Joe said as he tried to steer blame away from himself.

“Look at him Joe. Man. He’s out cold and blood is flowing like a fountain. I think it was more than a touch.”

“Yeah well, he’s dead meat anyway. what do we care?”

“We don’t Joe, but we do care about the driver not being able to drive. Get the picture?”

“Whatever. Hey Phil, we got company,” Joe said as he saw that a few cars had pulled over to make sure they were okay.

“Quick, get the gun outta sight. Let me do the talking,” Phil insisted.

He quickly pulled Nick up and tried to act like he cared as someone tapped on the window.

“Hey!” a man yelled through the window. “Y’all okay in there?”

Phil rolled the window down just enough to converse, making sure his face was never seen.

“Yeah, my buddy here got a pretty nasty bump from hitting the steering wheel. I think he’s going to be fine though, thanks.”

“You sure you don’t need help? Don’t want me to call an ambulance? Those head wounds can be tricky.”

“Thanks man, I got a phone right here, so everything is under control, but thanks for your help.”

He wasn’t sure he convinced them, but finally the cars began driving off, going about their business.

“Lets just shoot him now and get out of here.”

“Too much traffic. No, we’ll stick to my original plan. There’s a rest area up a few miles. We’ll do it there.”

Phil got out of the car and walked around to the driver’s side. He opened the door and pushed the semi-conscious kid aside. He suddenly turned and pointed his gun at the stunned man in the back.

“Don’t you EVER try anything like that again! Think next time. I mean geez man, he was driving the damn car!”

“Okay, Okay,” Joe relented. “I got carried away and I wasn’t thinking. But you have to admit, we’ve had tougher knocks then that, and didn’t bat an eye.”

Phil turned, giving no response started up the car. And drove off.

~~~~~~~~~~

Starsky made himself slow down as the speedometer caught his eye. He had to make a conscious effort not to let his foot get too heavy on the pedal. He scanned the road up ahead, seeing no car in sight. He should have caught up to them by now. Had they turned off?

Just then he saw it. It was the smoke coming towards him in the opposite lane that first caught his eye. And as it passed, he saw a rusted out station wagon. Every fiber in his being wanted to U-turn right there, but he had just hit a stretch of the highway that was passing over the local town. He’d have to drive on until the concrete barrier was gone.

~~~~~

Phil pulled onto the side road marked rest area and followed it up past the one other 18-wheeler that was stopped. Phil wasn’t worried about him. They pulled over al the time to sleep in the truck. He gradually came to a stop and scanned his surroundings. Not a car or person in site.

“Come on, let’s do it…” Phil instructed “Come around and let’s get him out.”

Joe climbed out of the backseat and opened the passenger side door. Nick was lying half on the seat and half on the floor of the car. Joe grabbed him from under his arms and yanked him up.

Nick began to come to. He was aware his was being moved and also aware that his head was killing him.

“What.. What happened?” Nick asked to whoever it was that had a hold of him.

“Nothin’ kid. You might as well go back to sleep. That way you miss the sad painful ending.”

Joe threw Nicks arm around his neck and picked him up by this belt. Then began half walking and half dragging him to a wooded area behind the restrooms.

Nick knew what was coming. He knew they wanted him dead. He also knew he was powerless to stop it. So, he thought to himself, there are others like Ben out here.

Joe took him to where Phil was waiting. He stood with a knife in his hand and a smile on his face. It had always worried Joe the way Phil enjoyed making people suffer. Worried that he would want it bad when only he was around. It had never happened, but it didn’t stop him from thinking about it.

“Oh yeah, it’s time for a little fun. Whadda ya say? Where are my manners? What is your name anyway?”

Nick didn’t answer, not right away.

Joe leaned over and whispered in his ear. “You’re dead man, no doubt about that, but he can make it ugly, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh, is that your counsel advising you? And what is your plea boy? To tell me your name or not to tell me your name?”

“Nick, my name is Nick,” he said with a odd sense of pride.

“Now that’s better. And of course Nick, you already know our names. But for the record, my name is Phil and that there is Joe. Now we can get on with things.”

Nick felt his stomach ache from being in knots. He had faced fear with Ben but that didn’t compare. He was really scared for himself. In the millisecond he had to sort his thoughts. He didn’t think it was dying he was worried about. It was the getting there.

“K, now you hold ’em real tight, won’t ya Joe?”

“I don’t know Phil. Don’t you think I oughta be the look out?”

“Turning yella again, are ya? You don’t think I figured on that? Here,” he continued to give instructions as he threw Joe some rope. “Tie him to the tree there. I knew it. You’re real tough with the pistol in the backseat when he’s not looking, ain’t ya? No, this is the thrill boy, lookin’ eye to eye.” Phil rambled on as Joe tied Nick up to the tree as per his orders.

“Okay ya chicken, turn tail and run. I’ll finish things here. Oh, one more thing Joe,” Phil said innocently.

Just as Joe turned to see what more was wanted from him, he watched as Phil plunged the knife into Nick’s arm, just below the shoulder.

Nick cried out in pain, and Joe turned away.

“Be a man Joe. That was child’s play. That didn’t even draw real blood. Now come back here and tie that bandana of yours in his mouth. Don’t wanna draw attention to ourselves, do we Nick?”

“You’re one sick puppy, Phil,” Joe said as he pulled the bandana tight. “Now if it’s all the same to you, I’ll go play lookout now,” Joe said as he walked away.

Nick was terrified to think what the next few minutes would hold for him. Somehow he figured the biting pain he felt in his arm was nothing compared to what laid ahead.

Phil pulled the knife out of Nick’s arm, ignoring the cry of pain.

He ran the knife from the kid’s throat, down his abdomen, holding the knife at the slightest angle, enough to draw just a hint blood has he went.

Nick felt lightheaded. He knew he was close to losing consciousness. But still not close enough. How he wished Joe would have knocked him a little harder.

“We got incoming!” Joe called out.

“Damn… Okay,” Phil finally said. “You lucked out kid. I don’t have time to play right now, but make no mistake, you have to die. So what is your liking? Slit throat, or perhaps through the heart?”

Nick looked the man in the eyes and waited.

“Very well,” said Phil… “I’ll choose.”

He pulled Nick’s head back and held the knife to his throat. The knife began to pierce the skin.

Nick closed his eyes

And just as the blade sank deeper, and Nick knew his life was over…. a shot rang out.

~~~~~

Nick had retreated so deep within himself, he gave no reaction to hearing the shot. He was only vaguely aware that his head was being raised back up.

“Nick?”

“Nick? Can you hear me?” He knew the voice, he allowed himself to journey back to reality. He opened his eyes and immediately fell limp within the ropes. He knew he was going to okay now. He blacked out.

Starsky picked the knife up from the ground and began cutting Nick free. It made him sick to think what the boy must have been through.

He looked at the dead man. At least it wouldn’t happen again, he thought to himself as he quickly looked Nick over, making sure there were no life threatening wounds.

When he was satisfied that Nick could be moved, he carefully picked him up and carried him to his car. He opened the front door and placed him down in the front seat. He grabbed a shirt he had in the back and ripped in into pieces then wrapped the knife wound on the boy’s arm. It wasn’t life threatening, but he imagined it was going to be painful enough. He turned Nick’s head to expose the cause for the dried blood that had run down the side of his face. He took a piece of the shirt and ran it under the water fountain that was out in front of the restrooms. Then carefully cleaned the blood away until he was able to see the wound. It had already begun bruising and was swollen. There was a gash that had proven to be the source of the blood.

He grabbed his first aid kit from the trunk and bandaged Nick’s head wound. Then did the same to the superficial cut on his throat. When he was satisfied he was going to okay, he climbed into the driver seat and picked up the radio as he peeled out.

He put a call into Quaid and recounted everything had just taken place. He told him he could find the one handcuffed to the bathroom plumbing, and the other man was dead. He went on to tell him that he would be bringing Nick back with him and hopefully he’d have some idea where to look for Hutch. After he had brought the sheriff up to date, he asked if he’d alert the local authorities, and also pass it along to Dobey.

Quaid was happy to comply. He had no doubt that things had gone down the way the detective had described. He felt bad at having to report no news on his end, but told Starsky to call on him when they got back into town. He’d be happy to do anything he could.

With that taken care of, Starsky had little to do but head back and wait for Nick to come to. He wouldn’t feel comfortable until he regained consciousness. He hadn’t stopped second-guessing himself for not getting Nick proper help. What if his injuries had required professional attention. Was he willing to put Nick’s life in jeopardy for Hutch’s sake? It didn’t matter how many times he told himself that he made the correct decision in determining that the wounds were not life threatening. He wouldn’t truly believe it until he woke up and told him he was fine.

~~~~~

Hutch came to, grabbing his leg from the unimaginable pain. His howl traveled throughout the underground fortress. As he looked down to find his leg crudely bandaged it took him a few seconds to even remember what had happened. But it all fell back on him has he saw the blood soaked rags.

Alligator! He still couldn’t believe it. How does a grown man end up in the mouth of something that crawls on the ground?

Pain had now become a constant companion. Hutch knew he wasn’t thinking straight, but still… he couldn’t help wondering where his partner was. He’s had plenty of time to find this place, to find me. Doesn’t he know that I need him? No sooner had the thought been formed, he tried to reason with himself. He knew his partner would never leave him. No, he didn’t know why it was taking so long, but he had no doubts that Starsky would show up. His last thoughts were of Starsky as he passed out again.

~~~~~

Ben was blissfully sleeping it off when he awoke to a scream. Even drunk he recognized what it was right away. That stupid cop who let himself get half eaten by a gator. What a city boy. Walked right smack dab in the middle of a gator nest. And they can him dumb, he thought.

He got to his feet and walked back to the cell door. He shined the flashlight on his guest, but found him sleeping again.

“Don’t think you’ll recover from this now, cop. I sure wish you’re buddy would come along so I could at least have a little fun with you before you’re gone. Course, you partner not knowing you’re gone, would still work to my advantage.”

~~~~~

Starsky was making good time, now that he didn’t have to stop at every roadside stop he saw. He had just about decided he needed to stop and find directions to nearest medical facility, when Nick start showing signs of coming to. Starsky pulled over.

“Nick? Can you hear me?” Starsky asked.

Nick’s eyes slowly opened. His face immediately was proving the recognition of who he was with.

“Hey Starsky. It’s true! You really were there.”

“Don’t think about that now. You’re safe. How do you feel?”

“Fine, I think. Got a bit of a headache, and my arm stings. But I’m fine, thanks to you! What a rescue that was! I had absolutely no doubt that I was a dead man!” Nick began reliving it. “He had the knife to my throat. I felt the blade cut into my skin.” He raised his hand to his bandaged neck. “Then I closed my eyes and waited.”

“Come on Nick, don’t think about it now. You’re going to be fine. Just relax and get some sleep.”

“Where are we going?” Nick asked before he dozed off.

“You leave that to me. Right now, just rest.”

Nick laid his head back down, and knowing he was in good hands, allowed himself to relax.

Starsky was relieved to see that the boy was going to okay. Not just for his own sake, but it surely has to be good news in finding Hutch. He saw no need to bother him about it yet. They still had a ways to drive, and Nick had been through enough for right now.

He sat thinking as he drove on, how he wished he had a dime for every time he and Hutch had been in a jam since joining the force. He could have retired a rich man by now. And each time seemed worse then the time before. But somehow they made it through. However he could remember thinking just like he was now, if this time the story would have a different ending. How many times can a person skirt death? He tried to push the negative thoughts away, tired to be positive. But he had to face reality. Hutch was in bad enough shape when first taken. Ben wasn’t running a hospital, so it was a safe bet that he wasn’t in any better shape now then when he was taken.

What was Hutch thinking? Has he given up on being found? Has Hutch given up on him? Once again that gnawing pain was eating away at his insides. The kinda of pain you have as you watch tragedy unfold without being about to help. But this was worse. This wasn’t just some tragedy happening to just anyone. This was his Hutch. His other and sometimes better half. No! He couldn’t allow himself to think the worst! He’d find Hutch, and that was all there was to it!

~~~~~

Hutch wasn’t doing very much thinking anymore. He drifted back from consciousness to unconsciousness, sometimes without knowing the difference. The world had become a fuzzy reality. He went back and forth from freezing cold one minute, to burning up the next. From time to time his head would be clear. Clear enough to know he was in trouble. Clear enough to know that still Starsky was no where to be found. There were even times when he’d swear Starsky was in the room with him. But all he had to do was merely blink a few times to know that nothing had changed. That he was all alone.

~~~~~

“So, you wantin something to eat in there, cop? I haven’t heard much from ya lately, you must be getting hungry,” Ben asked.

He was becoming increasingly worried about his guest. Not so much worried for his well being. Just worried he wouldn’t be living long enough to serve his purpose. He decided he best go in and take a look.

He opened the door and proceeded with his lantern. The cop was curled up on the floor, seemingly asleep. He walked over, placed the lantern down, and then rolled the cop over.

“Hey Hutchy. What gives? I haven’t heard much from ya…”

Ben knew what it was. He had seen it many times before. The cop had a fever. His gator wounds must have gotten infected. He could see the man having the shakes. He could see the wound red and swollen. There was little doubt. It wouldn’t be long now.

He was surprised to see the cop coming around… “Starsk, is that you?”

Ben didn’t say anything.

“Starsk? I see you. Why won’t you help me buddy? I’m so cold… so sick… please Starsk… please help me”…

Man you are sick, if you think I’m that rotten cop. This could be fun, he thought to himself….

“Yeah Hutch, it’s me alright. You’re ol’ pal Starsky. What do you expect me to do, Hutch?”

“Starsk… get… get me outta here… please…”

“And why should I, Hutch? Why should I care what happens to you?”

The confusion was obvious on Hutch’s face. He was trying to put the reality of what he was hearing with the reality of his life with Starsky. They weren’t going together. This wasn’t the Starsky he loved, and needed so badly.

Hutch looked at the man… His eyesight blurred, his sickness taken hold… it was Starsky. He was sure of it. He was standing in front of him. But why? Why wouldn’t he help?

“Starsk? It hurts buddy. Can’t you just get me out of this place? I wanna go home.”

“Sorry buddy, I don’t think I can do that. I think I’m just going to leave you here. You understand don’t you? I’ve got a new partner. I don’t need you anymore Hutch.”

Hutch was shivering uncontrollably now. He was no longer able to play Ben’s sick little game. Ben didn’t care. It was fun while it lasted, and the best part was that he thought it was his partner. He really believed it!

Hutch knew he was in a bad way. He knew he wasn’t in his right mind. But he saw him, he talked to him. Why? Why would he leave me here? Hutch took those thoughts with him as he drifted back into blackness.

~~~~~~~~~~

They were close to being back, but Starsky couldn’t drive another mile. He wasn’t able to keep his eyes open and Nick was in no shape to drive. Starsky was forced into stopping at a roadside inn. It killed him to stop, they were so close, but he had no choice.

He helped Nick into the room and over to one of the beds.

“You hungry, Nick? I think I’m going to see what kind of food they have to offer here. Can I get you something?”

“Sure, just whatever you’re having, thanks.”

“Okay, you rest, and I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Are you kidding me? Being with you is the safest bet right now.”

Starsky smiled and walked out. He had decided… after they ate, he would tell Nick about Hutch and see if he had any clues as to where he might be. They’d get to bed early and be back on the road first thing in the morning.

~~~~~

He didn’t know when the last time was that he been on a bed so conformable, if ever! Matter of fact, the one he had bought and paid for shouldn’t even be allowed to be called a bed. The two had nothing in common! Course, then again… after what he had just been through, being so sure that he wasn’t going to live to see another day, a bed of nails would probably be fine with him at this point.

He was so grateful to Starsky for showing up when he did. When he had closed his eyes, he had done so never expecting to open them again. He owed these two guys so much. Hutch for forever changing his life. And Starsky for still having one.

~~~~~

The door flew open and in walked Starsky trying to balance sodas, burgers and fries all at the same time. Nick got up to help him.

“Oh no no… sit… I’ve got it,” Starsky said as he kicked the door shut and made his way over to the nightstand.

“They didn’t have a lot to offer, but if you’re even half as hungry as I am, then this will do just fine!”

“Starved. Thanks Starsky,” Nick said as he took one of the burgers and began to eat. A look for sudden acknowledgement was on his face.

“Hutch! I found a paper at the last hole in the wall I was at. It said that Hutch was missing along with Ben. Is that true?”

Starsky felt relieved at not having to bring it up himself. “Yes Nick. Boudreaux escaped and took Hutch with him. There hasn’t been any sign of either one of them since.”

“He’s just plain crazy. He’s out of his mind. I knew he could be mean, but I never thought he’d take on the law and everyone else like this.”

“Well he has. I wasn’t there at the time. I had promised Hutch that I’d go looking for you. He was really worried about you being out there alone. So was I for that matter! And it was when I had left that Boudreaux made his move. The local police have searched high and low for him Nick. They can’t find him anywhere. Do you have any idea, any idea at all where they might be?”

Nick stopped eating. Starsky could see the wheels turning. The fact that he hadn’t said no right away, gave him hope.

“You say they’ve checked out the shack?” Nick asked.

“Yes,” a dejected Starsky answered. “That was the first place they checked.”

“Well, my mind is still reeling from everything that’s happened. Just let me think on it, and I’ll see what I can come up with. You two are pretty close, aren’t you?”

He was surprised to see a smile come across the worried detective’s face.

“You could say that. We’ve been through a lot together, and it’s made us the best of friends. It’s a wonderful thing in the good times. But in these bad times, it’s a curse. When something happens to Hutch, it’s as if it’s happening to me. I can’t explain it, but he’s… well he’s just part of me. Siamese twins that have been separated before birth. He feels it, I feel it, he hurts, I hurt. And I don’t mind telling you Nick, I’m hurting right now. More than I can say.” The smile was gone.

“I’m sorry Starsky, I didn’t mean to upset you. I knew there was something special about you two. I could tell by the way he talked about you. Don’t worry. We’ll find him. You’ll see… Everything is going to be okay. It has to be!”

“Thanks, Nick. I hope you’re right. I don’t mean to pressure you. Take as long as you need. Just keep in mind, Hutch is with that lunatic. The sooner we find him, the better.”

“You don’t have to tell me that, Starsky. I lived with that lunatic my whole life! I’m sorry I can’t think of anything right now. My mind is a jumbled mess, but I’m sure I’ll come up with something. But for now, I’m gonna turn in. I’m very tired… Thanks for the dinner.. and the room, oh and my life.”

“It’s the least I can do for all you did for Hutch! You were there for him when I couldn’t be. You took care of him when I couldn’t. I’ll never be able to thank you for that. Now… enough with this mushy stuff. You need to get some rest, and I’ll do the same. Sleep fast, because I plan to be outta of here first thing in the morning. We’re so close, I don’t wanna burn anymore time then we need to.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice Starsky… I’m going to sleep like a baby! I’ve been sleeping mainly outside, wherever I could find a place. The only time I bought a room, it was terrible. Granted it only cost 7 bucks a night. I don’t think it was worth even that. But I’m thankful I stopped in. Otherwise I wouldn’t have found the newspaper that was on the table in the lobby. I would never have known about Ben and Hutch.”

Starsky started putting the pieces together. $7 room, very bad beds, paper on the stand.

“What was the name of this place you stayed at?”

“Really classy name. It was called The Sleep Cheap motel.”

“You’re not gonna believe this. I was there at that same run down hotel. That paper you picked up was the paper I threw down. I can’t believe this. If we could have just crossed paths.”

“We could already be back by now. I could have missed the experience of nearly being killed in the middle of nowhere. The powers that be sure aren’t making this easy for us.”

“No kiddin’.” Starsky was still shaking his head in disbelief. “No sense dwelling on it, but that’s just hard to believe. Same night, same hole in the wall… I think I’d rather not have known that. Makes me sick to think this could be over by now.”

“Come on Starsky, like you said, dwelling on it does no one any good. Let’s just get some rest. If I’m not up when you’re ready, just wake me up.” Nick scooted down in the bed, not even realizing he was holding the bandage around his neck. Before Starsky had time to tell him goodnight, he was fast asleep.

“Night kid, I’m right behind you!” Starsky laid in the bed for several minutes, still “dwelling” until finally his tired body forced his mind to sleep.

~~~~~

Hutch woke up with momentary clarity. He knew he was burning up with fever. It was too dark to see of course, but he was sure he knew what was wrong… His wound had become infected. It hurt so badly. He knew that if he didn’t get help soon he would die. He had a flash … Starsky? Starsky was here earlier? He was sure of it, but at the same time, he knew it wasn’t true. He talked to him… he answered… But not the right answers. Starsky would never leave him here, but he did…. His clarity began to waiver… Starsky had been here, he told him he didn’t need him anymore. Told him…. NO! Not Starsky… Not possible!!…

“Boudreaux!!!! What’s going on?!!!! What game are you playing? It won’t work!” Hutch fell back and began coughing… “It won’t work,” he said again more faint this time. The darkness of the room enveloped him. Again he feel into unconsciousness.

Big Ben hadn’t heard a word. He was sleeping in drunken bliss, with a bottle in one arm, a shotgun in another… and a smile on his face.

~~~~~

“I’VE GOT IT!” Nick yelled as he sat up in bed.

Starsky bolted out of bed. Then stopped as he realized where he was. He looked over at the clock. 7:32 am.

“Man kid, you nearly gave me a heart attack!”

“I’ve got it, Starsky… I dreamed it actually… I know where they are!”

“Well don’t keep me in suspense, boy…”

“They’re back on the property!”

Starsky’s excitement faded.

“There’s nothing there kid. It’s been checked and checked again.”

“No, listen. I remember one day.. it’s been awhile now… but one day I came across something. It was a hole in the ground. I spotted Ben going in and out from time to time, but to tell you the truth, I never cared enough to find out what it was for. I don’t think he ever even knew that I knew about it.”

“I don’t understand. How could he and Hutch be in a hole?”

“No, not a regular hole. It was like an underground room, I could see that much for sure. I haven’t given that place any thought at all, till now. I dreamed about it!”

“You’re sure? You’re not still confusing your dream with reality? You know of an underground room on the property?”

“No doubt about it, Starsky. That’s got to be where they are. Ol’ Big Ben didn’t know anyone or anywhere else to go.”

“You up to driving some more?” Starsky asked with the eagerness of a child wanting to ride his new bike on Christmas morning.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine… let’s go.” Nick followed Starsky out of the room and into the car. “How far out are we?”

“To get back to Ben’s place? It’ll be about two more hours, depending on how fast I dare to drive.”

“Dare to drive fast, would ya?”

“As fast as I can get away with! I think you just might be on to something. Ben had no where else to go. The sheriff searched the property and came up empty… but they didn’t know to check underground. I have a good feeling about this.”

“Yep, but two more hours? A lot can happen in two hours. Do you think you oughta call the sheriff?”

“No way. It would practically take them that long to get organized. Besides, I don’t trust Hutch to anyone but me.”

Nick knew better than to argue the point. These two were tight, no doubt about that. How wonderful it must be to have someone mean so much and be such a part of ones life. Conflict was the only thing he felt since living with his stepfamily. He wondered if he’d ever be able to be a part of a “normal” relationship. One thing was sure, he was learning a lot about friendship from his new friends.

~~~~~

Ben took another drink as he woke up. Still quiet. Lame cop is probably dead by now. He laughed. Still can’t believe he walked right into a nest. City folk!

He pulled his huge body to its feet and dragged both the shotgun and the bottle with him to get a look at the idiot cop. He fumbled with the keys then after unlocking the door, through them across the room. “Wont’ be needing to lock up anymore.” He laid the gun down and picked up the lantern. He staggered into the dark room and saw the man lying just where he’d left him. He made his way over and used his leg to turn the man onto his back.

He was somehow still alive. He knew this from the sweat still pouring off the man. Dead people don’t sweat, do they? he asked himself. He staggered back out and filled a pitcher with water and went back in. He figured the man was too far-gone to actually drink anything. Ben was still hoping to make him last long enough for his dumb sidekick to arrive. But he was beginning to worry that the sidekick was too stupid, and this cop to sick for that to happen. He knelt down and tried pouring water down his throat. Then tired of playing nursemaid and threw the rest of the water out on the cops face. There was no sign of him coming around.

“Oh well,” he said aloud. When the dumb sidekick does show, he won’t know. I’ll still have my fun. He left the room with lantern and bottle in hand. He stopped to look at the cop through the open door. “You hear that Hutchy? You first, him next.”

~~~~~

“I want you to listen to me, Nick. When we get there, I want you to stay in the car. I don’t know what this guy has in mind, if anything. But I don’t wanna have to worry about you as well as Hutch. You got it?”

“But what if I can help? Aren’t two against one much better odds?”

“Only if the two are trained and know what they’re doing. Nothing personal Nick, but you don’t qualify.”

“I think living with that man all these years ought to qualify me for something.”

“Just tell me you’ll stay back.”

“Fine! Have it your way.”

~~~~~

Ben could hear a car approaching. He was very excited. He picked a pistol from the table in from of him and ran to the lookout spot.

“Showtime,” he said aloud. “You see cop? He came after all.”

~~~~~

The Torino skidded to a stop as Starsky jumped out with gun drawn. He ran low and took cover behind some empty barrels. He worked his way up to being within a few feet of the shed.

“Boudreaux! I know you in there. It’s over. Come out with your hands up.”

Ben was furious. How could he have known about his hiding place?! How?! The BRAT! He somehow knew. Again he ruins everything. Rage began to swell in the intoxicated man. This is what he had been waiting for. It’s why he put up with the lame cop.

He ran to the cop, wrapping his fist around his shirt, dragged him towards the door. Then let go and let him fall. “I fed you, didn’t I feed you?” He asked as he looked at the lifeless cop. “I gave you water, didn’t I? And for what? I’ll tell you for what! So that brat could come along and ruin everything!”

“Ben! I’m warning you. If you don’t come out now, I’m coming in shooting.”

“And risk hurting your partner here? I don’t think so, Starsky. So who’s the big shot now, uh?”

“What do you want, Ben?”

“See, I knew you’d see things my way. First of all, I want you to walk in here unarmed.”

“Oh sure, so you shoot me dead? How stupid do you think I am?”

“That’s not a request. You come out now, or the next noise you hear will be a hole being put into your partner’s head… yeah, right between the eyes would do nicely.”

Starsky stood paralyzed as he remembered his dream. It was deja vu all over again. He felt helpless. Finally he decided to take the chance. He began walking towards the opening as he dropped his gun. But something went wrong. His gun, it went off as it hit the ground, firing off several shots before lying still on the ground.

“You just had to play the big shot, didn’t you? Well you had your chance cop. Say goodbye to your buddy.”

“No wait, you don’t understand!”

“I think I understand all right cop…”

The next noise he heard was a gunshot. Then silence.

~~~~~

“NOOOOOOOO, HUTCH!! BOUDREAUX?! I’M GONNA KILL YOU” Starsky screamed as he dropped down in the hole. He was confused. There were two bodies lying on the ground. Ben was clearly dead from a gunshot. Then his eyes fixed on the other still figured lying lifeless. It was Hutch. Dead, Starsky told himself. He couldn’t look like that and still be alive. He snapped out of it and ran over to his partner.

Nick was down by then. “Look at this place. He’s made himself an entire home underground.” Then his eyes fell on Ben. Lying with his eyes open and a look of surprise still evident on his face.

“How is he Starsky? How’s Hutch?”

No reply.

Nick could see what had happened. Somehow Hutch managed to get to the shotgun. He still had it in his hands. It had apparently caught Ben unaware.

“Hutch?! Hutch, answer me! Come on buddy. I’m here. I’m with you. You’re going to be fine. You hang on Hutch, do you hear me? HANG ON!” Starsky laid his head on Hutch and started crying.

“Come on Starsky. Let’s get him to the car,” Nick said.

Starsky sat up as if someone had just slapped him. He gently picked Hutch up and walked over to the ladder.

“Let me go first. I’ll help pull him up from the top,” Nick offered.

Starsky didn’t say a word, but stepped aside and let Nick go first.

After Nick was top side, Starsky had to put Hutch over his shoulder then started up the ladder. Once Nick could reach, he held the lifeless man from under is arms and pulled him up.

“BE CAREFUL!” Starsky shouted. “His leg, watch his leg.”

“Got ‘im, Starsky,” Nick assured him.

Before Nick could say another word, Starsky was out.

“Let me have him!” Starsky insisted.

“He’s heavy Starsky. Let me help.”

Nick couldn’t believe the ease to which Starsky picked up Hutch. He made picking up dead- weight look like he was picking up a feather. He ran to the car, opened the door and pushed the seat forward.

Starsky laid Hutch down in the back seat, then ran to the other side…crawled in and raised Hutch up enough to lay in his lap. Never saying a word.

Nick felt uncomfortable. Like he was intruding on someone’s intimate moments. Like he didn’t belong. But he didn’t take offense to Starsky’s actions. It was obvious that each other were all they needed and all they wanted.

~~~~~

The drive to the hospital was quiet. Nick kept his eye on the road and not in the back seat. He wanted to allow them their privacy. He could hear Starsky whispering. He figured he was either praying or talk to Hutch, maybe both. He said a silent prayer as he drove. He’d never met two nicer, caring people. They deserved to get a happy ending to this tragedy. A tragedy Nick still felt responsible for.

 

Part Four

Finally they were there. Nick pulled up to the emergency exit and yelled for help. Two men came out rolling a gurney. They didn’t have to ask who it was for as they watched the dark haired man lift a man out of the car then carry him pass the gurney and towards the hospital.

“Excuse me sir. You need to lay your friend down here.” There was no response. “Please sir, it will be much more conformable for him,” the other said.

Starsky paused then waited as they wheeled the gurney up to him. Then he gently laid his friend down. He wanted to just collapse, find a hole and let the pain out… cry until there were no more tears to cry. The sight of his partner lying there… helpless, vulnerable. It was nearly too much to bear. But he would bear it, he had no choice. He had his back always and this was no different.

He walked along side the gurney until they got to the emergency room, where he was asked… ordered, politely, to wait in the waiting room. He was walking that way as Dobey walked up to him.

“You found him Starsky. I knew you would! Come on over here and sit down,” Dobey insisted. He could tell he was talking to a zombie. Starsky wasn’t listening to word he said, but that was okay. He just wanted to be there for him. He knew he could do little to comfort him.

The two men sat down, neither one speaking a word.

“Can I get y’all some coffee?” Nick offered.

“Yeah, thanks, Nick. Make it two,” Dobey replied.

“Two cups of coffee on the way,” Nick said trying to sound upbeat, and at time when he didn’t know if it was appropriate.

“Starsky I know what you’re thinking and you’re wrong. None of this was your fault. You put too much on yourself. You’re a man, not a guardian angel. You can’t be with that man at all times, that’s just impossible… Nick feels it’s his fault, you think it’s yours… why can’t we just say it like it is? It’s Ben Boudreaux’s fault. A sick twisted man made life hell for everyone that crossed his path. Why can’t it be his fault, Starsky?”

Starsky said starring at the ground. “You don’t understand Cap’n. None of you understand how it is for Hutch and me.”

“No I don’t suppose so Starsky, cuz you and Hutch are the only partners in the world that became best friends. If that’s what you think Starsky, that would make you not only pompous, it would make you wrong.”

Starsky looked up for the first time and saw the pain in Dobey’s eyes.

“Don’t you know how painful for me this is to watch Starsky? At least you found him alive. By the time I had found Elmo, it was too late. You have no idea how long it took me to come to terms with his murder. I should have been there for him. When he needed me, where was I?”

“Come on, Cap. You did everything you could have done. Jackson knew that.”

Starsky looked at Dobey as what he said sunk in. “Thanks Cap. I needed that!”

“We just need to keep our perspectives Starsky. We weren’t the first to go through this, and it’s my guess is we won’t be the last.”

The two men had a rare emotional moment as they put their arms around each other and sat a few seconds locked in a much needed moment of support.

“Coffee for every…” Nick abruptly turned out of embarrassed at having interrupted the two men. He walked away, trying to give the men their privacy.

“Come back here, Nick. Where do you think you’re going with that coffee?” Starsky asked.

Nick turned back around. “Well, I just thought…”

“Well, you can do your thinking after I get my coffee,” Starsky said with a grin.

Nick was relieved that the tension had eased if only by a little.

The three men turned at hearing Starsky’s name. “That’s me, Doc. How is he?”

“Well, you saw his condition when you brought him in, so you know he’s in bad shape. What we’re fighting right now is an infection, and not just an ordinary infection. We think he’s suffering the onset of gangrene.”

“Gangrene? What… How..” Starsky wasn’t sure what to ask first.

“Come on, let’s sit down and I’ll explain.”

“Gangrene develops when the blood supply to an affected area is cut off, in this case from the infected wound. My guess, is a gator bite…”

“Wait, you’re trying to tell me that Hutch was bitten by an alligator?”

“That would be my guess. Pretty nasty bite. There is a lot of damaged done to the skin, muscle, bone… He lost a lot of blood. Also he’s very dehydrated from the fever. And although all of that warrants concern, what we’re most worried about his the infection. He’s showing all the classic symptoms of having the early stages of Gangrene.”

“What’s the bottom like doc? What does this gangrene mean?”

“This can be a very devastating diagnosis, but you’ve caught this early on. We’ll be aggressively treating this with anticoagulants and antibiotics. He’s not allergic I’m hoping?”

“No” Starsky said flatly still trying to take it all in.

“Good, the next thing we do is make every effort to improve the circulation to his leg. Surgery is required to open and drain the infected areas and remove the dead tissue.” The doctor could see that he had left the detective behind.

“Well, I can fill you in as we go along, Detective. Just know we’re doing everything that can possibly be done.”

“One last question. What’s the worst case scenario?”

“Well the second worse scenario when you’re talking gangrene, is amputation. BUT, I can’t stress enough, that we’ve caught this in the earliest stages, so although it’s possible, I don’t think it’s likely. Sorry, but you asked.”

“Can I see him?”

“Not yet. We’re still trying to get his fever under control. He’s got several different areas of concern. We need to wait until we have them under control. Where can I reach you?” the doctor asked.

“You can reach me by turning the corner from the hall to the waiting room. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Listen detective. This could take some time. Oh wait, I remember you. You were here before… never mind. I’m wasting my breath.” The doctor finally relented.

“Thanks doc. Please let me know when I can see him, just to look at him.”

“Okay. As soon as we have him stable, I’ll call you in.”

“Did you hear that, Cap? How does Hutch’s leg end up in the mouth of an alligator?”

“You got me Starsky. That’s one we’ll have to wait and ask Hutchinson himself.”

“Goodness knows there a lots of them out there! There was a female nest close by the shack. And they can be mighty mean when there are eggs involved. But the nests aren’t hidden. I don’t know how he didn’t see it,” said Nick.

“He had to have been out of his mind… Oh Hutch, I’m sorry for what you went through. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you,” Starsky cried as he put his hands to his face lowering himself to the floor, his back against the wall. “I’m suppose to have your back!”

“Come on David,” Dobey said has be knelt down next to his detective. “I thought we agreed, it wasn’t your fault.”

Starsky lowered his hands to reveal his tear-filled, bloodshot eyes.

“Cap I know. With my head I know. I just can’t convince my heart.”

Dobey took Starsky’s arm and helped him to his feet. “I know Dave, I know. Come on, let’s go sit down. It may be awhile before we hear anything.”

Starsky allowed himself to be led to the waiting room. The long vigil had begun.

~~~~~

Several hours later Dobey woke up from the couch. His back was aching which was an indication he had slept there for some time. He pulled himself up to his feet and stretched as he looked behind him to see if Starsky was still asleep.

Nick was still sound asleep in the most unlikely position. He’s gonna hurt when he wakes up, Dobey thought to himself.

There was no Starsky. Dobey tried not to be overly concerned. There were several explanations as to why he wasn’t in the waiting room. But given his frame of mind, he was very concerned. He left the room and checked with the nurse’s station.

“No sir. He has stopped by here several times wanting to know if he could see his friend. But I don’t know where he could be.”

“He hasn’t been allowed to see Hutchinson?”

“No sir. The doctors have had their hands full with him. He’s having a tough time of it, I’m afraid. I’m sure the doctor will let you know when you can see him.”

“Thanks. Oh, and if you see Detective Starsky, be sure and mention that I’m looking for him, would you?”

“Yes sir,” the nurse replied.

Dobey decided to check out the cafeteria. Maybe he needed some coffee, he thought.

“Hey, Captain Dobey. I was wondering where everyone went,” Nick said as he was still rubbing his eyes, trying to wake up.

“Just woke up myself, and Starsky was gone. Nurse station didn’t know where he was. I’m going down to the cafeteria to check it out.”

“Anything to worry about?”

“I’m afraid in his frame of mind, it could be something to worry about.”

“Well, I’ll kinda look around myself. Any word on Hutch?”

“They’re still working on him. No word yet,” Dobey replied.

Nick knew these men were good friends. He could hear profound sadness in the captain’s voice. Not your ordinary captain, detective relationship. That much he was sure of.

“Well, let’s go see if we can’t find Starsky. We don’t want him walking around when the doctors call on him to visit with Hutch.”

“Right. Meet you back here in a few.”

They both took off in different directions but with the same goal.

~~~~~

After looking everywhere he knew to look, a near panicked Dobey decided to head back down to the waiting room. Perhaps Nick had had better luck. He walked down the corridor that led to the elevators. He pushed the down button and waited. It was then he heard it. He wasn’t sure at first. He listened again, yes… it was Starsky’s voice… He followed the voice as it led him down the hall to a new wing. Dobey wasn’t at all surprised to see what ward Starsky ended up on. He smiled as he walked by the sign… Children’s Ward.

He walked on until he found Starsky sitting Indian style on the floor of the kids play area. There had to have been at least 10-15 kids, all different shapes, sizes and ailments. But they all has one thing in common… they were all sitting with huge smiles on each of their faces as they watched the funny man put on a puppet show.

Dobey turned and headed back to the elevators. He chastised himself for thinking the worse. It makes perfect sense for his detective to find solace with the kids, after all… Starsky was the biggest kid he’s ever known.

~~~~~

Nick got up and walked over to the Captain as he walked off the elevator.

“I hope you found something, because I haven’t seen hide nor hair of him.”

“It’s okay. I found him. He’s fine, better than I gave him credit for.”

The two men went back to the waiting room to do more of just that. They tired passing the time by small talk, reading magazines, watching the TV… nothing helped take their minds off Hutch… Starsky either for that matter.

Several more hours passed and again Dobey found himself starting to worry. He was battling with the decision to go look or stay put, when the elevator opened and an exhausted looking Starsky stepped off and walked over to the two men.

“Nothing?” was all he said.

“Sorry Starsky, we haven’t heard a word. They said they’re still working on him. Come on, have a seat and relax.”

Dobey realized how stupid that comment was by the look on Starsky’s face. “Well sit down anyway. Your body needs a break even if your mind can’t take one.”

Starsky took the chair at the far corner of the room. His eyes were looking at the TV although he wasn’t watching it. He looked at it until without meaning to or even wanting to, he was asleep.

The hospital was dark and quiet now. Starsky, Dobey and Nick all were sleeping in spite of the uncomfortable chairs and couches they each had picked for the night.

Nick woke up several times from his arm hurting, but he wasn’t going to complain about something as minor as a cut on his arm, not when Hutch was in the condition he was in. He would grin and bear it, and just be thankful he was alive.

Dobey, too, woke once or twice with worry on his mind. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stay much longer. They were looking for him back home. If only he hadn’t taken his vacation earlier in the year although it was good for the family… still he had no more time and his boss, although sympathetic, made it clear he better be back soon. His only hope was that they received good news, and he would feel okay about leaving Starsky.

Starsky wasn’t so lucky. He did sleep… and with sleep came dreams. The same dream ran over and over as if someone were hitting rewind, again and again…

Hutch was strung up to a tree limb. He dangled from the rope above a pit, a pit of sand. Starsky knew… it was quicksand.

He watched, powerless to help. It was if he were paralyzed. Unable to do anything but watch. He watched… he watched in horror as he saw Ben standing with knife in hand, grinning from ear to ear, slowing cutting away at the rope. All the while Hutch’s eye’s fixed on his friend, his eyes pleading him to do something. He couldn’t, he was forced to just watch as Hutch struggled to get free.

Each strand seemed to take a lifetime to cut through. Each strand felt like a part of Starsky heart being cut to pieces… until ultimately it had come down to the last cut. Ben looked at the two men with his evil grin and asked if anyone had any last words…. Hutch looked at Starsky, first pleadingly, then accusingly and simply said… Why?

With that the rope was cut and Hutch began falling… falling in slow motion… all the while his eye’s fixed on Starsky. Starsky forced to watch until there was no more to see. Starsky was at last able to move. He ran up with pistol drawn.. grabbing Ben and spinning him around to face him, only… it was not longer Ben standing there with the knife in his hand. It was himself. He had killed the best friend he ever had…..

Again, the dream repeated….

~~~~~

….The rope was cut and Hutch began falling… falling in slow motion…

“Detective?”

… Starsky forced to watch until there was no more to see….

“Detective Starsky?”

Starsky woke with a start. “Shhhh,” the doctor said… “sorry to wake you, but I thought you should know.”

He motioned Starsky to follow him. He didn’t want to wake the others.

Starsky tried to put the dream out of his mind as he followed the doctor out of the waiting room and into an empty break room. Both men took a seat across from each other.

“You look like you could use a nap,” Starsky said. He realized he was just making nervous conversation. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear what was fixing to be told to him.

“We get used to long days, but this was one of the longer ones, that’s for sure,” the doctor replied.

“Now concerning Mr….. sorry, Detective Hutchinson’s condition…” He had seen many anxious faces in the course of his career, this wasn’t one of them. This man had dread written all over him. He apparently was already thinking the worse.

“It was no easy job, but he’s finally stable. That might not seem very newsworthy to you, but if you knew what all has transpired through out the day, you’d realize just what good news this is.”

Starsky wasn’t allowing any part of himself to relax. “Stable” is a long way from “gonna be okay.” He didn’t say a word, just listened as the doctor continued to go over Hutch’s condition.

“The fever and infection had a terrible hold on his body. Most of the day was spent just bringing those under control. But not before they did their damage. His temperature when brought in was 104 and it climbed a few degrees after being brought in. We’re not sure how long he had suffered with this fever, and the brain scan shows there is a possibility that he may have suffered some form of brain damage, but we won’t know for sure until he comes to.”

“Is that the good news or the bad news?” Starsky asked dryly.

“The good news, Detective, is that after hours of nearly loosing him several times, he’s still alive, albeit he’s in bad shape… he’s alive.”

“I’m sorry. I’m trying to down play what’s happened. I just, I just don’t know how to feel.”

“That’s perfectly understandable. Do you feel up to hearing more?”

“Shoot.”

“Another major concern was his infection. Thanks to aggressive antibiotic treatments, and with the success of the surgery, it too has been brought under control, and is successfully being treated, which again.. if you only knew how lucky he is to have beaten it…”

“What about the gangrene… don’t spare the details, doc… What’s the prognosis as far as that’s concerned?”

“I hate to keep using this word… but again he was lucky… Since we were able to catch it in it’s early stages, we were able to keep the damage minimal. We had feared amputation, but going into surgery we were able to overt that outcome. There was damage done, however. On down the line we’ll talk about skin graphs.

“Now, He is in no way, shape or form out of the woods. He’s in an extremely weakened state from loss of blood, combined with dehydration and the handful of injuries he acquired at the hands of Boudreaux. And I’m sure you remember that he wasn’t exactly ‘well’ when he was taken from here in the first place.

“I’d like to sum everything up by saying he’s still listed as critical, but considering how far he’s come… we’re looking at this optimistically.” He could see how overwhelmed the detective was with all the news.

“Would it make you feel better if I let you see him?”

Starsky’s eyes lit up. “Where is he?”

“Normally I wouldn’t allow visitors at this point you understand, so I’m going to have to insist 5-10 minutes tops. Deal?”

“Thanks doc. Deal.”

The doctor escorted the detective down to the intensive care unit, pointed Hutch’s room out, then left to give them privacy.

~~~~~~~~~~

They had been here so many times before, Starsky wasn’t even alarmed by all the monitors, tubes and machines hooked up to his friend. He walked over and looked down on his partner’s face. He looked so defeated. There was no energy coming from him.

He took Hutch’s hand in his… “Hutch? Hey buddy it’s me, Starsky.” He fought to hold back the tears. “I can’t stay long Hutch. Doc says you need your rest, but I just wanted you to know that we’re here. Dobey and Nick are outside, too. We’re here for you, and we’re not leaving until you’re ready to leave with us.”

A piece of his dream flashed in his mind…

“Why?”

There was no holding back anymore… the tears flowed as Starsky begged his friend to forgive him.

“I’m so sorry Hutch. If you wanna hate me hate me… but just get better.”

He felt a tap on his shoulder and knew his time was up.

He stood upright and wiped his eyes with his shirtsleeve. He looked at Hutch one last time then turned and left the room.

“Are you ok Detective?” the doctor asked.

“No, don’t know if I ever will be again,” Starsky said.

“Sorry for the cliché, but it’s always darkest before the dawn.”

“Until you can assure me there will be a dawn Doc, I don’t wanna hear it.”

The doctor stopped and let the detective walk on. There was nothing more he could say. He had always found it difficult to offer encouragement when he himself wasn’t at all sure the patient would pull through.

Starsky had hoped he would feel better after getting to see Hutch. But it seemed to have the opposite effect on him. Just something he couldn’t put in finger on. However, whatever it was made Starsky feel worse than he had before. The dream was fresh in his mind. He had the feeling that there was something about the feeling he had, and the dream was somehow connected.

He felt drained… so tired. He doubted that sleep would come, wasn’t sure if he wanted it to. If only he knew how to have sleep without dreams. He looked in and saw Nick and Dobey still sound asleep. He envied them.

He tried to rest, but after about 30 minutes, he was ready to admit he had all the sleep he was going to have. He stopped by the nurse’s station for coffee, then just ambled around the hospital, feeling somewhat lost, somewhat alone. What would he do without Hutch in his life? The thought had come up a few times in the past when Hutch was at death’s door. But he had never come up with the answer. He had never had to.

Starsky sat on a bench in the hallway… staring off, lost in his thoughts… vaguely aware of the music playing lightly from the nearby nurses station. A cry of anguish snapped him back to reality. He saw a doctor talking to a woman in the waiting room. Apparently it wasn’t good news she was receiving. Would he be the next to hear those words? His attention turned to the music… Country. Man how he hated that stuff. How could Hutch listen to that day in and day out? He always found it depressing. This song proved to be no different. Starsky began listening to the words to one of the saddest songs he’d ever heard…

I don’t pick up the mail
I don’t pick up the phone
I don’t answer the door
I’d just as soon be alone
I don’t keep this place up
I just keep the lights down
I don’t live in these rooms
I just rattle around

I’m just a ghost in this house
I’m just a shadow upon these walls
As quietly as a mouse I haunt these halls
I’m just a whisper of smoke
I’m all that’s left of two hearts on fire
That once burned out of control
It took my body and soul
I’m just a ghost in this house

I don’t mind if it rains
I don’t care if it’s clear
I don’t mind stayin’ in
There’s another ghost here
She sits down in your chair
And she shines with your light
And she lays down her head
On your pillow at night

I’m just a ghost in this house
I’m just a shell of the man I was
A living proof of the damage heartbreak does
I’m just a ghost in this house
I’m all that’s left of two hearts on fire
That once burned out of control
It took my body, my soul
I’m just a ghost in this house
I’m just a ghost in this house

Starsky found himself in tears as the song ended. It was obviously meant for the loss between a man and a woman, but he was able to apply it to himself. He felt the song had summed up what life would be like if Hutch didn’t make it. He couldn’t shake the profound sadness the song, and the dream had left him with.

“Excuse me, Detective?”

If he heard, he gave no indication.

“Detective Starsky?” The nurse said again as she sat down next to the solemn looking man. “Listen, we have a empty room. How bout you let us give you something to help you sleep?”

Starsky looked up, revealing his red, bloodshot eyes. “No thanks, I haven’t cared much for my dreams lately. I’d rather not.”

“I understand Detective, but you can’t stay awake for the rest of your life, can you? Now I know you’ve heard this all before, but it’s so very true. We see it happen all the time…. you’re going to sit out here like this until you have no choice. Your body will demand that it rest… and what happens if that demand comes just as your friend wakes up and needs you?”

“Believe me, he’s better off counting on someone else.”

“You may feeling that way, but I’m sure when he comes to, he won’t be. He’ll be looking for you. You need to make sure you’re ready and willing to be there for him. Please, it’ll just be a little something. It won’t knock you out for days… it’s just enough to allow you to relax and fall asleep.”

Finally Starsky relented… it was worth it to his just get that song out of his head. Course at the same time, he figured with his luck he would dream about playing that song over and over again.

“Ok, you win… show me the way.”

“You won’t be sorry… come on.”

She handed him a pill and a cup of water. “This stuff is pretty fast acting. You’ll wanna take it, then lie down right afterwards. We don’t wanna have to scoop you off the floor later.”

“Will do, and thanks… thanks for your concern.”

“You’re welcome. Just sleep good.”

Starsky sat on the bed and stared at the pill. Did he really want to set him self up for more dreams? But the nurse was right, he couldn’t go much longer without falling on his face. He swallowed the pill, laid down and waited for sleep to come. A few minutes later, he was sound asleep.

~~~~~

This time it was Hutch’s turn to dream.

He was running, running for his life. He was exhausted. He knew he couldn’t last much longer, but if he stopped… if he stopped he would die. He knew that like he knew his own name. It was gaining on him. He thought he had lost it at one point.. but he felt it. He could tell it was close behind.

He felt himself relax as a familiar face was up ahead. A face that would help him. He would be okay now. He ran towards the man… his heart sank as he realized the more he ran the further away the man was. He cried out to him… asked him to help… to do something before it was too late… before it got him.

But the dark man just watched…

“Why won’t you help me?” Hutch yelled out. “Please, it’s almost here, and I can’t make it by myself.”

But the man just watched…

Hutch collapsed, he had no more strength to go on. A sickening sense of dread overtook his soul as he realized there would be no help from the man, the man he thought to be his friend… he would die this day. The man would watch and do nothing, and he would die.

At last it found him. It’s mouth salivating… its eyes zeroing in on its prey. It lowered itself on its haunches and readied himself for the attack.

For the last time Hutch turned his eyes to the man. The man that was his friend… he was standing, arms to the side.. watching…

The growl of victory came from it as it leaped towards its victim… claws outstretched, teeth barred…

His last word… “Why?”

~~~~~

Dobey hung up the phone and walked back to the waiting room.

“They want me back, Nick. I can’t put them off any longer.”

“It’s okay, Captain Dobey. I’m sure the guys will understand.”

“It’s not so much that… I just hate to leave Starsky, not knowing how Hutch is going to be.”

“Maybe the doctor will have a good report this morning.”

“Yeah, maybe…. I don’t wanna wake Starsky up just yet. It’s a miracle he was talked into getting some sleep in the first place. Come on, let’s get something at the cafeteria for breakfast… maybe they’ll be some word by then.”

~~~~~

The two men sat and ate, passing the time away. Exchanging life stories.. Making small talk, but inevitably the conversation came back to the two detectives. Nick listened to stories about Starsky and Hutch, and their friendship. The Captain talked with great admiration and respect. Nick wished he could have witnessed the gruesome twosome, as Dobey referred to them… Wished he would still have that opportunity.

Just as the two were pushing back their chairs to stand up, Starsky walked in. They both sat back down and waited for him to join them. He looked rested, but still had the lost puppy look about him. He made his way over and sat down.

“Morning you two. Guess I overslept.”

“How do you feel this morning?” Nick asked.

“Fine. Still kinda feel tired, but I can tell the rest did me good.”

Nick stood up. “Want anything with your coffee?”

“No thanks. Coffee is fine,” Starsky said as he handed Nick a $5.

“Starsky, I need to talk to you… it’s about work.”

“You’re kidding, right Cap?”

“I wish I were, but I’m not talking about you. Talked to the boss this morning. I have to go back… I figured I’d leave later today. Are you going to be okay?”

“Sure, I’ll be fine Cap… I know you wanna stay, and that means a lot to me, but you can’t jeopardize your job… your family depends on you. We’ll be just fine, don’t worry about it.”

“You’re making this too easy on me, Starsky.”

“Really Cap, I know you don’t wanna go… we all do what we have to do.”

“Thanks Starsky… I’m hoping to get some good news before I leave…”

Nick walked over and sat down a coffee and a cinnamon roll.

“I know, I know… but you haven’t eaten in awhile. Besides I’m a big spender when it’s someone else’s money.”

They each enjoyed the lightheartedness of the moment. Nick sat down and the three talked, ate and drank their way around what was on everyone’s mind.

~~~~~

As the three men headed back to the waiting room, the doctor intercepted them.

“So there y’all are. I’ve got a little bit of news. Let’s have a seat in the waiting room and I’ll fill you in.”

“First let me say, detective, that it looks like the sleep did you some good. Second, your friend has been showing signs of coming to. That may not seem much to report, but believe me, it’s a great sign. His vitals are strong, stronger than they’ve been since he got here. I said earlier that he’s not out of the woods yet, and I’m afraid that still the case, but… he’s right there at the edge of the woods looking out!”

“What about the brain damage you talked about earlier?”

“I’m afraid nothings changed in that respect. Until he wakes up and shows us what he can do, there is still the possibly. His fever was so high, it’s rare to have fever that high and not experience some form of brain damage.”

“Well I’m sorry doctor, but I’m not sure if you just delivered good news or bad,” a dejected Starsky said.

“I guess the way I look at it, detective, is that the first order of business is his life. I’ll take life and go from there. It’s true that we don’t know how much of your friend is left inside that brain. But if he’s dead, it doesn’t much matter.”

“Yeah well, you can look at it anyway you want. I’m not partners with a brain,” Starsky said he stood up and walked away.

“I’m sorry, he’s just…”

“No need to apologize. I’m not sure I’d feel any different if I were in his shoes. It’s just that I’m not. I’m in the shoes of someone who realizes that it’s nothing short of a miracle that Hutchinson is still breathing at all. Everything from here is on the upside as far as I’m concerned.”

“Can we see him yet?”

“I want to have another look at him before I OK that. I assume I can still find you all here?”

“Well, I have to leave later today to go back to L.A. I was hoping to get a quick visit before I headed back. The other two will be here.”

“I’ll see what I can do. If there are no set backs, I’ll make sure you get in before you have to go.”

“Thanks doctor, I appreciate that.”

~~~~~

Nick wandered down the hall looking for Starsky… and finding him sitting on a bench out in the courtyard.

“Mind if join you?” Nick asked

“Help yourself,” was the reply.

“You know Starsky, that wasn’t necessarily bad news back there… granted we won’t know his condition until he wakes up. But the good news is that he’s closer to waking up. You have to give yourself a little hope.”

“You’re young. You’re allowed to think like that.”

“Young has nothing to do with it. Do you know that when Hutch and I were at Ben’s, that’s all he talked… about how we would get out of there… that everything would be okay, and that we’d get away. I never once believed it. As a matter of fact, I felt sorry for him that he believed it. I had lived there most of my life… I had come to expect the same thing, day after day… I accepted that was my place in life. And when Hutch came along and told me that we’d get out of there… I just couldn’t allow myself to believe it, and thought he was crazy for thinking it. But you know what? Here I am. Never… never in a million years would I have believed it, but here we are. You see, it doesn’t hurt to have hope. It worked for Hutch… I bet it would work for you.”

Starsky looked at the young man… just sat and looked at him…

“How did you get to be so smart? You’re right. He’s alive and that’s what we need to be thankful for. We’ll worry about what comes next when it gets here.”

“Sounds good to me!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Hutch could sense he was close. He could hear what was going on around him, but still was unable to make himself give up the security of where he was. He was constantly reminded of his dream. Or was it a dream? He needed his best friend, and finally his friend came for him. That was no surprise. But why hadn’t he helped him? Why was Starsky taunting him… why was he making no effort to help him? These were all questions that he couldn’t answer… but he knew that if Starsky wasn’t helping him, that perhaps he was beyond help. Perhaps it was time to quit fighting. Fighting had proved to be so hard. The hardest thing he had ever had to do. But he no longer had the desire nor the will to fight. Abandoned by his closest friend, perhaps it was time he abandoned the fight.

The nurse looked up as she heard the alarm sound. It was Hutchinson’s room. She alerted the team and headed for the room.

Starsky could see what was happening. He knew it was Hutch’s room. He ran to catch up with the nurse.

“What is it?” Please… tell me what’s happening!” Starsky begged.

“Sorry, I can’t talk now. We don’t know what happened. We have to get in there. Please wait here.”

Starsky stopped.. frozen in his tracks. It was Hutch, he was dying. Dying, and he wasn’t there with him. He bowed his head…then seconds later let out a howl of pain and heartbreak…

“HUUUUUUUUUUUUUTCH!!!!!!!!!!!!” He screamed has he dropped to his knees.

Dobey and Nick ran to Starsky and tried to comfort him best they could. But there would be no comfort. Starsky stood up, pushed both mean aside and ran out to his car. He jumped in and sped away.

“Should we go after him?” Nick asked.

“Where? We don’t know where he’s headed. It wouldn’t do any good if we did. He’s just got to get this out.”

“Get what out? He doesn’t even know what the situation is in there.”

“He knows all he wants to know. Come on, let’s go back and wait for the doctor.”

~~~~~

After 30 minutes the nurses and doctors finally began filing out of the room. There faces not giving away any clues.

Finally the doctor walked over to them. “What happened to Det. Starsky?”

“He lost it. He left,” replied Dobey.

“I know, there’s nothing harder to deal with than the unknown…”

“How is he?” Nick asked as he cut off the doctor.

“You know I have no easy answer. We were able to pull him through the crisis. We can’t explain what happened. It was as if he just decided to say goodbye.”

“He’s ok?” Dobey asked.

“Well, lets just say he’s no worse. We were able to bring him back and he’s stable again. I don’t know if we can bring him through another one though. I’m wondering if we don’t need to get Starsky in there for a little pep talk. This latest attack nearly had the feel of emotion rather than physical. I can’t quite put my finder on it… but I think I wanna try to get Det. Starsky in there before this can occur again.”

“Let me try to radio him, Doctor. I’ll get back to you.”

“Fair enough… try to convey the urgency here.”

“That goes without saying,” Dobey said as he walked away to try to reach his detective.

“Doctor, I spent a little time with him. Do you think I could talk to him until his partner arrives?” Nick asked.

“I don’t know. I didn’t intend for this to be a visiting hour.”

“Oh, no… I’ll make it quick. Just to let him know we’re here for him.”

“Ok fine. I’ll give you a few minutes, just be careful what you say.”

~~~~~

Nick nervously walked into Hutch’s room. The doctor’s last comment worried him. He didn’t want to make things any worse than they were!

He walked over to the bed and held Hutch’s hand.

“Hey Hutch? Do you know who this is? It’s me… Nick. You gave us quite a scare! Glad you decided to come back. Do you hear me, Hutch? You have to want it, Hutch… isn’t that what you told me? You have to think positive and everything will be fine. You taught me that… and everything is fine. Ben is dead. And thanks to you, I have a life now.”

Hutch could make out some of what was being said, but he also could make out that it wasn’t Starsky talking to him. Where had his best friend, his lifeline, gone? Why wasn’t he here…

“Hutch you hang in there. Starsky is on his way in here… He’s very worried about you! I’m very worried about him! He keeps saying he’s nothing without you Hutch, and I’m not sure I don’t believe that… or at least, I think HE believes that. He needs you, Hutch. Just hang in there and get better, okay?” Nick said as he saw the doctor motioning him to leave.

“I have to leave now Hutch. They want you to rest… But you hang in there… Starsky is on his way… you hear me? Hang in there!”

Nick left the room and tried to find the captain. He didn’t know these two guys that well, but he too felt an urgency to getting Starsky in the room.

“I can’t reach him on the radio,” Dobey said as he walked towards Nick.

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t know what to make of it. He was very upset, but I wouldn’t have thought he would have turned off communications…”

~~~~~

Starsky tried to raise the hospital on the radio. Must be the bad weather. He was devastated by the turn of events, but still he had to know…

“Starsky, can you hear me?”

Starsky could hear Dobey’s voice cutting in and out…

“Hutch… get… hear me?”

He’s calling to tell me he’s gone… Well, I don’t need to hear that! Starsky thought to himself has he reached down and turned the radio off…

Emotions then got in the way of driving. At least that was the only way to explain why he didn’t see the car pull out in front of him. By the time he reacted and slammed on the brakes, it was too late.

~~~~~

“I don’t know what to do, Edith,” Dobey said over the phone. “They want me back like this afternoon… how can I leave now?”

“I know you feel that way, I do, too. But we have to be practical.”

“Thanks Hon… that means a lot to me… Love you too, bye.”

He laid the receiver down and took a deep breath. He couldn’t believe he was going to do it.. he would defy the ranks and stay… At least until things were under control. He would call the office tomorrow.

He got up and walked over to Nick.

“You’re staying,” Nick said, trying to sound sure of himself.

“And just what makes you say that?”

“You’re breathing a whole lot easier!”

“It shows, does it? Yeah, I talked it over with the wife. She actually agreed with me. My place is here.. we’ll worry about the rest later.”

“The guys will be glad to hear that.”

“The guys nothing… I’M glad to hear that!”

“Captain Dobey? Can you please come to the nurses station?”

Nick looked over at Dobey. “That’s you.”

Dobey got up and walked over to the closest nurse’s station. “I’m Captain Dobey” he told the nurse has he lean over the desk.

“Oh yes, hang on just a minute.. there is someone here to talk to you.”

Dobey waited on the phone… till finally someone answered.

“Emergency room Nurses station…”

“Uh, yes, this is Captain Dobey, I was told someone wanted to speak with me?”

“Oh yes, captain… I wanted to let you know that I remember you and your detectives from when Detective Hutchinson was brought in. I thought you’d like to know that we have had a car accident victim just arrive. I recognized him. It’s your Detective Starsky. He was just brought into the emergency trauma unit.”

Dobey was at a lose for words… not believing what he was hearing.

“Captain?”

“Yes, I’m sorry… I don’t think I heard you right. You have David Starsky down in the emergency center?”

“Yes sir… I’m sorry… I don’t know his condition. I just thought you’d like to know.”

“Thank you” Dobey said as he set the receiver down on the desk.

“You okay sir?” the nurse asked him.

“No” he said as he walked away.

“It’s Starsky,” Dobey said to Nick. “It seems he’s been involved in some kinda of car accident.”

“What?!” Nick asked?

“I know… but that’s what she said. Someone was just brought in, and she just happened to recognize him from when Hutch was brought in.”

“Let’s go,” Nick insisted

“Right” a numb Dobey answered back.

The two men made their way down to emergency. “I’m looking for a Starsky,” Dobey told the nurse.

“Oh yes. I was the one that called you, sir. He’s in with the doctors… just wait over there, and we’ll be right with you.”

“I know that routine,” Dobey said as he gestured to Nick that they were to sit and wait.

After making small talk for 20 minutes, a doctor finally made his presence known. “Starsky?” The young doctor said.

“Here,” Dobey replied.

The doctor walked over and shook Dobey’s hand. “Ok… here’s what we got…”

Dobey braced for the worst…

“It’s not as bad as it looked. He took a nasty blow to the head. We’re keeping an eye on that. Otherwise… he’s got some scratches and bruises. His ribs will be sore for awhile. He jammed his foot on impact, but it doesn’t appear to be broken. They’re going over those x-rays as we speak. All in all, I’d say he’s a very lucky man.”

Dobey felt himself exhale…

“Thanks doc. He was just in here looking after his partner… he was here no more than an hour ago… It’s so hard to believe.”

“Life is crazy… love it while you have it. You wouldn’t believe some of the stories I’ve heard since I’ve been here… and not all of them have happy endings.”

“I know what you mean. I run into all of that in my line of work as well. Thanks doctor. When will we be able to see him?”

“Shouldn’t be long… just let us get him settled in the room, and we’ll call you in.”

The two shook hands and Dobey went back to the waiting room to relay the message to Nick.

“Thank goodness it wasn’t worse than it was. This has just been an unbelievable ride. If someone were writing a story, they couldn’t come up with something so far fetched.”

“So now I guess we wait here until he gets his room. I wanna make sure he’s okay before we go back up to check on Hutch. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”

“You can stay and I’ll go on up if it would make thing any easier?” offered Nick.

“You sure you wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not… just keep me advised.”

After Dobey’s assurance, Nick got back on the elevator and headed back up to Hutch’s floor.

What if what the doctor had said were true… what if Hutch needed to hear Starsky’s voice to know everything was okay. He just hoped the doctor is wrong about that. Otherwise they were all in trouble.

~~~~~

The night passed slowly for everyone. There was no change in either mans’ condition. Dobey stopped in one last time to check on Starsky then went back upstairs to have lunch with Nick.

The two men enjoyed the break and the company. But after a bite to eat and a little small talk they each headed back to their ‘posts.’ Both promising to update the other should anything newsworthy occur.

It hadn’t. After more soul searching and nail biting they met again for a midnight snack in the snack bar.

“You’re not looking too good, Captain Dobey,” Nick said.

“I think it’s time you call me Harold.”

“Oh no. I don’t think I could do that… that sounds so formal. How ’bout Harry?”

Harry?! Dobey thought to himself… he hasn’t been called that since grade school.

“So Harry. How is Starsky?”

Dobey hesitated… he wasn’t going to like this Harry bit at all!

“Still no change… and Hutch?”

“No change for him either”

The two men looked at each other as they found themselves in an awkward moment of not knowing what to say. Finally it was Dobey that broke the silence.

“So Nick, what are your plans after this is all said and done?”

“You know, I haven’t even had a chance to think that far. Hutch had told me lots of neat things about L.A. I thought it would be something if I actually made it there.”

“It’s a big step up from what you’re used to, but you would probably like it there… Lots of action all the time.”

They continued small talk until finally deciding it was time to head back. As they stood up, Dobey saw Starsky’s doctor walking into the cafeteria. He was walking over to their table.

“I’m I interrupting?” Dr. Carter asked.

“No doctor, we were just finishing up here.”

“Well then in that case, I was wondering if I might have a word with you,” he said has he proceeded to sit down.

Both Nick and Dobey sat back down.

“It’s kinda of late for rounds isn’t Dr. Carter?” Dobey asked.

“Time means nothing here. I wanted to, of course talk about Detective Starsky. It seems that he’s still near comatose and we can’t find reason for it. We’ve taken x-rays and examined him thoroughly and it just doesn’t add up.”

“Well you did mention a blow to the head during the accident.”

“Yes of course, and that’s the obvious thing to look at, so we have. There is no evidence that would explain him still being in his state. Normally with injuries like his we would have looked for him to regain consciousness in about 12 hours.. give or take. It’s now been well over 24 hours. Now I wouldn’t say that that’s reason to panic, but it is reason for concern. We would have expected him to have woken up and to have been very sore from his nasty little accident…”

“What are you getting at Doc?” an impatient Nick asked.

“I don’t know actually. I just have a strange feeling about this… it’s really to soon to tell, but it’s almost as if there is no physical reason for his condition.”

“Well if not physical, what?” Dobey asked. “Wait” Dobey continued. “Are you saying that he’s not coming out of this because he doesn’t want to?”

“I can’t say anything for sure at this point. But I’ve seen it before. The body’s willing, but the mind isn’t.”

There was several seconds of silence that seemed to last for hours.

“He left very upset. He thought that Hutch was dying and he thought he was the cause,” Dobey offered.

“But you radioed him to come back, you told him Hutch was still alive at that point,” countered Nick.

“Yes, but there was bad interference and the conversation was choppy at best. He never replied… Maybe he didn’t hear it at all.”

Again silence.

“So Dr. Carter, if what you say is true what can be done about it?” Dobey asked.

“Well, that’s tricky. The human mind is a tricky thing. If he’s ‘laying low’ thinking he’s killed his partner… perhaps he needs to be told his partner isn’t dead. The only problem with that is… in these cases we’ve had reported back to us that some patients could hear what was being said to them while others have no recollection at all. It’s a roll of the dice.”

“When can I talk to him doc?” Dobey asked.

“There is no ‘time’ for something like this… just a matter of when you’d like to try.”

“We need Hutch,” Nick said half under his breath.

“What was that Nick?” Dobey asked.

“We need Hutch to talk to Starsky. If Starsky IS willing himself not to get better because of Hutch, who better to talk him back than Hutch?”

“You’re forgetting one thing Nick. Hutch is in no better shape.”

“Okay, well then I think we all have a job here,” continued Nick.

“You go work on Starsky, I’m going to talk to Hutch…doc permitting and all,” he said as he looked at Dr. Carter.

“I’ll talk with his Doctor. We think alike when it comes to matters of mind over medicine.”

“Then that’s that. Thanks for being upfront with us, doctor,” Dobey said.

“I’m just glad you were open to it. Most people just want modern medicine to ‘fix it’. Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting back to basics.”

“So let’s do it,” Nick said as he stood up. The other men joined him. They all shook hands and set off one their mission.

~~~~~~~~~~

Dobey walked in and sat next to Starsky. He had seen this scene before. It was never easy to see, but it was something he could deal with now.

“Starsky? Can you hear me? Listen the doctor says that you might be holding back on us. That maybe you’re just not trying very hard to get back. I don’t know if that’s true, Starsky, but if it is, there’s something you should know… Hutch isn’t dead, Starsky. I tried to radio you. He pulled through and is doing fine. Can you hear me, Dave?”

Starsky’s mind was drifting. He heard a voice but didn’t want to focus on it. He didn’t care… He thought he heard something about Hutch? It didn’t matter… Hutch was dead, and somehow even wherever his mind was, he knew… it was his fault. “My fault… my fault… Hutch is dead… my fault.” The words echoed over and over again until finally he was able to turn it off.

Dobey jumped as he heard the alarm sound.

“Oh no, not again. Not you, too!” he said as the nurses came running in.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hutch? HEY HUTCH! Can you hear me? This is Nick! You remember me don’t you? You spent the last couple weeks with me, remember?”

Nick didn’t want to bring up anything to upset him, but was trying to use key words that might stick with him.

“Listen Hutch… it’s about Starsky. He’s hurt Hutch… Starsky’s hurt really bad. He needs you, Hutch. He needs you to wake up and show him that you’re alright! Are you listening to me Hutch?”

The voice again, Hutch thought. Why was he hearing that voice when there was only one voice he wanted to hear…

“It’s Starsky Hutch. He needs you. He could die without you.”

The voice… something about Starsky?

“Listen Hutch, this is very important. Starsky has been in an accident. He’s not doing too good Hutch. He needs you to be okay. Can you understand that, Hutch? Starsky could die without your help. Please Hutch, please wake up!” Nick pleaded.

The words were ringing true now… Hutch put the words together…. Starsky… hurt, needs you….

It no longer mattered what his dreams told him. He understood now, Starsky was in trouble. He somehow had to try to help. It didn’t matter that he had felt abandoned by his best friend. He was needed, Starsky needed him, and that was all that mattered.

“I hope you can hear me, Hutch. You might be the only thing that can bring Starsky back.”

~~~~~

Both Dobey and Nick went to sleep that morning thinking they had failed. Neither man had shown any signs of recovery.

It wasn’t until 11:00 am the next morning that the nurse came running over to Nick going on about good news.

“What?” Nick said out of a dead sleep. “What is it?”

“He’s awake! Detective Hutchinson, he’s conscious!”

Nick fell off the couch with excitement. “You’re sure? He’s awake?”

“Of course I’m sure. Come see,” the nurse insisted.

Nick jumped up and followed the nurse into the room.

Hutch was still lying w/eyes closed… nothing looked any different.. Nick began wondering about the nurse.

“Talk to him,” she whispered.

“Hutch?”

No response.

A cruel joke?

The nurse shook her head as if to say… try again.

“Hutch? Can you hear me?”

Slowly… the miracle unveiled itself as the blond detective opened his eyes.

“HUTCH!!!!!” Nick screamed. “YOU’RE BACK!”

Hutch tried to speak unsuccessfully.. Until finally he said it. “Starsky?”

Nick was ecstatic. “I can’t believe you’re back! You’re back!”

Again Hutch spoke…

“Starsky?”

“Yeah, okay okay,” Nick replied… as he tried to calm himself down.

“Can you understand what I’m telling you, Hutch?”

Hutch slowly nodded.

“Starsky has had an accident, Hutch. He’s here in the hospital. The urgency, Hutch, is that when he had this accident he was under the impression that you had died… which by the way, don’t worry, you didn’t. Anyway, the doctor feels that his injuries aren’t life threatening. So it’s possible he’s just not fighting to come back. He needs to hear you, Hutch. He needs to hear that you’re okay. Did you understand? Can you talk to him?”

Hutch motioned for Nick to come closer. Nick complied.

“You sure I didn’t die?”

Nick smiled. “Do I look like a angel to you?”

Hutch gave a weak grin. “Then get me to Starsky,” Hutch whispered.

“Yahoo!!!!!” Nick let out. “Hang on Hutch, we’re going to get Starsky.”

Nick ran out of the room and asked that the nurse page Dr. Carter. He was told that the Doctor would be calling ASAP.

“Doc?” Nick said. “It’s Hutch, he’s awake. How do we get the two together?”

“Leave it to me,” Dr. Carter assured.

~~~~~

Nick was amazed at how quickly a team at assembled to take Hutch down to Starsky’s room.

Dobey was advised that they were on their way, although after getting no response from Starsky, he didn’t hold out much hope.

Finally after much work to assemble all the parties together, Hutch was wheeled into Starsky’s room.

“Ok Hutch… if you can hear me… Starsky is right here,” Dobey said.

Hutch was slow to open his eyes, then gradually turned his head to face his partner. There was so much that needed to be explained. A lot of blanks that needed to be filled in, but for right now he knew what needed to be done.

Hutch motioned for Dobey this time.

Dobey walked over and gave Hutch’s hand a squeeze. “Hey Hutchinson, you don’t hear this very often from me, but it’s good to see you!”

“You’ll take that back soon enough, Cap.”

“Well not anytime soon anyway. You ready to give this thing a shot?”

Hutch weakly nodded. “Can we be alone?”

“Okay, you’re sure you’re up do this?”

“This is Starsky, Cap. I have to be.”

Dobey walked over to the Doctor. “He says he’s ready Doctor, but he can barely talk over a whisper. I don’t see anyway Starsky could hear him.”

The doctor looked at the two men and knew the captain was right. Detective Hutchinson wasn’t in any shape to be doing this in the first place, let alone exerting his energy by trying be heard. He stepped outside and walked over to the nurses station and came back with the nurses headset. He walked over to the blonde patient.

“Here,” he said has he carefully put the headset on Hutch. “Now it’ll be as easy as talking on the phone. It’ll come out over the intercom next to his bed.”

Hutch nodded that he understood.

Next Dr. Carter asked everyone to leave.

Dobey squeezed his hand again then followed everyone out of the room.

After the last of them had left, the Doctor went back over to Hutch and handed him the call button.

“Just in case. We’re right outside.”

Hutch nodded.

Finally they were alone.

“Hey Starsk, the doctor tells me that you’re being stubborn. But I told him, oh no… not MY Starsky. Not one stubborn bone in his body. Oh, unless you want to count all of them. What’s this all about, Starsk? You leave some unfinished paperwork at the office that you’re trying to get out of?”

Hutch could see as he turned his head, that Starsky wasn’t showing any signs that he had heard him. He wouldn’t be able to keep this up much longer. All he wanted to do was to close his eyes and sleep. He was so tired.

Starsky had no interest in the muffled sound inside his head. Wasn’t sure what it was or where it was coming from, but it didn’t matter. He would continue to let his mind float down, like a feather gliding aimlessly on the unseen currents until finally coming to it’s journeys end.

And that was fine with him. When he focused, he remembered… the pain would comeback. The guilt would come back. No, he would stay where he was.

Hutch knew he wasn’t going to be able to stay conscious much longer. He needed to think of something… some way to reach his friend before it was too late.

“Starsky?!” Hutch raised his voice as much as possible. “Listen to me, Starsk… I know you came for me! I KNOW you tried, Starsk. Are you listening?”

Starsky could no longer deny the voice. It began to take on a familiar tone. No, not a sound or a tone… a voice. He was hearing a voice… He felt his mind reaching up…

I know you came for me.

Hutch? He was sure it was Hutch’s voice, but it couldn’t be. He was there when Hutch had died. It was his fault… the pain was returning.

“I’ve come for you, Starsky,” Hutch said in a voice barley audible. “You came for me, and now I’ve come for you, buddy. Please Starsky, please come back with me…”

It WAS Hutch. Was he dreaming? Dare he make the trip back when it could all be a dream? “Come on Stark… thee and me, remember?! We’re not done HERE yet. We’ve got snitches to talk to, doors to bust down… I can’t, I won’t do it without you, Starsk.”

Hutch was exhausted and defeated. Starsky hadn’t shown any signs of coming to. He closed his eyes as a tear rolled down the side of his face…

Starsky opened his eyes, trying to focus… trying to validate his hopes. He slowly turned his head and couldn’t believe it as he saw Hutch very much alive lying beside him.

“Hutch?” Starsky said in no more that a whisper.

But it was enough for Hutch to hear. He opened his eyes, the tears flowed for different reasons now.

Hutch strained to say something…

“It’s about time. I was just about to start verbally abusing the Tomato.”

Starsky smiled his crooked smile. “Watch it buddy. it’s your only ride home.”

“Is that a threat?” joked Hutch.

“I’m sorry,” said Starsky, changing the subject. “I’m sorry I let this happen to you.”

“You didn’t LET anything happen, Starsky. You’re my best friend, not my babysitter. By the way Starsk, did they tell you that an alligator bit me? Can you believe that? Not a dog bite, not a spider bite.. not even a snake bite… an ALLIGATOR bite!”

“Yeah, I heard that. You just did it to have an interesting story to tell the girls back home.” Starsky smiled. “And by the way, I’ll be waiting to hear that one myself.”

The doctor, seeing that they were apparently just going to talk themselves to death decided he best interrupt the private session and send both men back to their rooms.

“Alright you two. You guys are in no shape to be here cracking jokes. I’m going to take you back to your rooms so that you can get your rest.”

“Aww doc, you’re no fun,” Hutch whispered. Although he knew he was right. He couldn’t stay awake much longer even if he wanted to.

The team of nurses came back in and prepared the two men to be taken back. Starsky was the first to be wheeled out, but not until he looked back and gave Hutch a thumbs up, only to see Hutch doing the same thing.

“It’s good to have you back,” said Dobey as they wheeled Starsky past him and Nick.

“Thanks Cap. I was an idiot. I’m sorry for causing so much trouble.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Starsky. Well, unless I lose my job, then I’ll make you plenty sorry!”

“Thanks Cap. Thanks for being here for me. You too, Nick.”

“Just glad you two are okay, Starsky.”

“Sorry guys. We gotta get the patient back to his room, doctor’s orders,” the nurse said as she began pushing Starsky down the hall.

Next it was Hutch’s turn. Nick and Dobey walked over to Hutch as they were wheeling him out of the room.

“I want the report on my desk by morning, Hutchinson,” Dobey said with a straight face.

“I got your report,” Hutch said with a grin. Then with straight face… “Thanks Cap, thanks for being here. Not just for me, but for that other detective of yours.”

“Where else would I be? Except down at the drugstore buying hair color. I’ve turned gray just since I’ve been here with you guys.”

“Really?” Hutch joked “Must be something in the water, Cap.”

“Well hurry and get well. Starsky will need you again when he remembers that he wrecked his pride and joy.”

“He’s just trying to have a better story to tell then me.”

“Hey Hutch,” Nick said. “You were right all along, Hutch, we did get away. Thanks.”

“Just gotta keep the faith,” Hutch said. “By the way, next time vacation rolls around, remind me of one thing… there’s no place like home!”

“I don’t think you’ll have to be reminded!” Nick said. Not missing the fact that Hutch was suggesting that he’d be in L.A. with them when vacation time rolled around. “Goodnight Hutch.”

“Night kid.”

~~~~~

Dobey and Nick watched as both men were taken away to their rooms.

“Well now what?” Nick asked.

“I say how ’bout you and me driving into the nearest town and get us some decent food for a change, my treat. We’ll make it a celebration, whadya say?”

“Do you think those two can manage to stay alive while were gone?” Nick asked.

“Oh I think they’ll manage,” Dobey said as he put his arm around Nick’s shoulder and walked out the front door.

THE END