This is a sequel to A Big Surprise. It’s an intense story of natural disasters and the trauma associated and related aftermath. No major character death, but lots of pain and guilt and healing.
Author’s Notes: Thank you to Lapfordlass for being my beta for this story.
The newlyweds had arrived in the limo and exited gracefully and were gliding through the airport on a cloud of love and excitement towards their assigned gate. They were mutually oblivious to the world around them as newlyweds should be. They had checked their luggage curbside. Starsky, glancing at his watch, knew they had time for a celebratory drink before reaching the gate. Starsky flamboyantly ushered Mrs. Starsky into the bar for a preflight beverage to calm his nerves. To this day he still hated flying, despite a past in the army that had him in the air on all too many occasions.
As they exited the bar and turned towards their respective gate, a collective gasp was heard in the terminal. Starsky immediately assessed the situation and saw nothing in the airport to elicit that kind of response from the travelers. Then he turned to find Ellie almost as pale as her dress, staring at the abhorrent scenes on the TV.
“This is Jim Brighten, with KPIX, reporting on the earthquake that hit the southernmost part of Bay City, leveling nearly a city block that also included a wedding venue, which was still in full swing at the time of the event. It had been rented out into the evening, hence there were still many people on the premises at the time the quake struck. It’s been reported the quake was big, an 8.9 on the Richter scale unofficially, of course. Here is some footage of the stricken area.”
The tape rolled, Starsky and Ellie looked on, not believing the horror they were seeing.
“Oh God,” Starsky said in a daze.
Ellie started to sway and Starsky put his arm around her waist to steady her, then he guided her to the nearby chairs.
After a moment, Starsky whispered Hutch, “Oh God, Blondie. I’m coming, partner, hang on.”
The footage revealed a mass of guests outside the venue. Multiple cars were nose first into a gaping hole. Starsky and Ellie were able to quickly identify several cars: Hutch’s, Dobey’s, Simmons, Babcock’s, Sarah’s amongst many they did not recognize. The guests outside the venue were in various stages, from some being dusty and dirty to others that were bleeding. There were some that had limbs being immobilized.
On the screen it was also noted that there was one form covered with a white sheet that had been identified as the parking attendant. Starsky knew his Ma left the reception with Nicky, Uncle Al, and Aunt Rosie prior to himself and Ellie leaving. His Ma was still recovering from a summer cold that had turned into pneumonia a couple weeks back. He was relieved to know that at least the four of them were safe.
The building itself was in horrendous shape. There was no footage of their closest friends or family. The devastation was enormous and the reporter gave a grim outlook for anyone left inside.
“No, no, no, this can’t be happening,” Starsky muttered.
He looked at Ellie and said, “We’ve got to get to them; that’s our friends and family.”
Ellie nodded numbly and got up. As panic began to set in, they started to run towards the door reaching the curb. Starsky soon realized he had no transportation. He spotted a cruiser at the end of the drop off section and ran towards it. Starsky flashed his badge and asked the officer to either escort them back to the venue or to let him commandeer his vehicle for police business. He went on to say there were many police officers at that venue, that could be in trouble as well as many other treasured guests. The officer ended up being none other than Meg’s dad. He readily indicated he would accompany them. He made a quick call and Starsky and Ellie got in and the trio sped away with lights and sirens on in the direction of the wedding venue.
Despite the lights and sirens, it took the trio an unfathomable amount of time to reach the venue. When they did the sight was sickening. The once elegant venue was mostly gone. It looked like the ground had swallowed most of the building. Stepping out of the cruiser, pain filled screams could be heard along with hard barked orders. The site was nothing more than chaos. Starsky inhaled and looked at Ellie to see if she was ready for this, she nodded slowly and squeezed Starsky’s hand. Starsky obtained a jumpsuit and boots from emergency personnel. Ellie quickly donned the proffered items.
Starsky then made his way to the man in charge, flashing his badge and asked for an update. The disaster chief handed Starsky a clipboard with the names of those that had already been pulled from the rubble. One column was of those that had already been rescued. The second column was of those that the recently rescued had reported being with. The third was of deceased identified persons. Starsky was relieved and also scared when he didn’t find their family or friends on any of the lists.
As Starsky and Ellie were getting direction on where to help, there came a pleading, “David.”
Starsky turned to see a very weary and a bedraggled-looking Edith, who was clutching her right arm and Sarah who was holding her head and limping beside Edith. When Starsky reached them, Edith tearfully told him that she didn’t know where Harold and the kids were.
Sarah kept saying, “My baby, my baby, I can’t lose her too.” Then she mumbled, “I can’t lose him either.”
Edith said she and Sarah hid under a steel prep table as debris was raining down.
The next to emerge from the rubble was Simmons, his wife and their little one. They were looking scared but relatively uninjured.
*****
Cal groaned and coughed. He wasn’t sure what had happened, but he knew Huggy had shoved him back into the bathroom. It was dark and the air was thick. He could hear someone breathing nearby. He was certain it was Huggy. The thick air and his injured side made it hard to breathe. It was also pitch black, and he was wet and cold. He tentatively called out to Huggy and was rewarded with an incoherent moan and mumbling.
Surprisingly Cal was not pinned down and wasn’t suffering anything more than difficulty breathing. One because of the air quality and secondly, his ribs felt really sore. He had a couple scrapes and several bruises. Cal was able to move around enough in their little cave until he found Huggy. He couldn’t rouse Huggy for more than a couple of seconds at a time. Cal diligently ran his hands over Huggy trying to see if he could find any injuries. He noted a large lump on the back of his head with a sticky substance coming from it. Cal continued feeling around in there cavern. He realized there was nothing he could do to get them out. He stayed close to Huggy to share warmth as Huggy was soaking wet too.
A while later, Cal and Huggy were extracted from the rubble. For a couple of reasons Huggy was whisked away to the hospital immediately. Cal refused to go, staying with his mother until his father and sister were pulled out from the wreckage.
It was nearly midnight and fifteen people thus far had been extracted from the wreckage, those included were Babcock, his wife Maria, and Jared. Keri was still unaccounted for.
Minnie Kaplan and Ellie’s sister, Rebecca, were next to emerge from the rubble. They had scrapes and bruises, but no major trauma. It was then the first aftershock hit. Bringing with it several muffled cries and a large plume of dust as the debris shifted.
*****
Underneath the rubble, Dobey was trying to reach out to get a grip on Rosie and Keri. His side was on fire, and he felt enormous pressure in his stomach. After the aftershock he was surprised he could still reach both girls. They were both crying and scared. Rosie said her right ankle, foot, and head hurt really badly. Keri said her left elbow and her knee hurt too. Dobey tried to offer calming words to the girls. It seemed to help a little. He then offered reassurances that people knew that they were down there and that they would be working to free them very soon. Then they would get the medical care they needed.
As much for himself and the girls they started praying. They prayed that the rescue workers would find them fast. They asked God to protect them from further injury. He thanked God for Hutch’s awareness of the impending quake. He reveled in the fact that his officer’s quick action at alerting and corralling guests towards the exits probably saved many. He hoped Edith and Cal had been among those that reached the exit. He and Hutch had come from opposite ends of the ballroom to reach the sleeping children and arrived at merely the same time. Hutch had scooped up Rosie and Keri placing them briskly in his Captain’s arms, urging him to go on. He recalled the following; “Go Cap, get out. I’m right behind you,” Hutch had said.
Then he saw Hutch reach down and scoop CJ and Catherine up and he began moving toward the exit. Dobey was able to tell that Hutch’s recent back injury impeded what would have normally been a brisk exit. They were approximately one third of the way to the exit, when the floor gave way and they fell. Dobey himself, and his little charges, had just cleared the point of where the chasm erupted but they became entombed by falling debris.
Dobey continued talking to the girls, for a couple of reasons. One so they would not feel alone and not be so scared. The other was so he could keep tabs on them and know if their condition had changed, not that he was in a position to do anything about it. After what seemed like hours, Dobey knew he was going into shock. He told the girls to keep talking to one another and praying, but he needed a nap (of course he knew he was bleeding internally).
An undetermined time later, Rosie, Keri, and Dobey were hauled from the rubble. Both girls were conscious; Dobey however wasn’t. Edith quickly made her way to them. She would ride in one of the two ambulances that were taking Cal (who now relented to treatment after seeing his sister and father had been extracted), Rosie, and Keri to the hospital. Ellie, who was not trained for this type of disaster relief, rode with Captain Dobey and promised to stay in touch with Edith while the children were treated. Dobey was taken to Memorial. The children were taken to Benioff Children’s Hospital.
*****
As he was coming to, he could hear muffled sobs. Hutch swallowed as his throat was dry and filled with dust. With more strength than he thought possible, he called out for CJ and Catherine. There was nothing. Then he tried again, putting more force in his breath. This time he was rewarded with scared little voices responding to his call.
“Daddy.” The response was weak and pain filled.
Hutch roused, the pain in his back and hips almost completely stole his breath away and had him retreating back into darkness but CJ needed him; if for nothing more than to hear his voice. Hutch knew he was in bad shape. His back and hips were on fire. His legs, he could barely move as he was pinned down. His left leg already feeling numbness lurking. He knew that leg was subject to considerable damage after the Humphreys/Slater incident and wondered if the damage was as bad this time. He stowed his own pain and responded to CJ.
“CJ, I’m here, son, okay?”
“Daddy, I can’t feel you anymore since the shiver. I can still feel Catherine, but you went away. Catherine keeps taking naps. I’m scared, Daddy.”
Aftershocks, Hutch thought.
“It’s okay, son, help is on the way. Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Yeah, my right leg hurts bad. It feels like there’s something in it. My shoulder needs a tunnel thingy like you had. Daddy, I could feel you before the shiver, but now I can’t. Where are you? I can’t see anything, it’s too dark. I know Catherine is close, I can feel her dress. She calls out for her mommy. She told me her knee and hand really hurt.”
“CJ, I think I’m about 5 feet from the two of you. I’m pinned down. Let’s try not to move too much but try to feel around for something metal so that we can tap on it and maybe they can find us quicker. I have already felt around in my area. There’s nothing that will work. We can’t scream loud enough for them to hear us over the equipment and conversations. We’ll have to find another way to let them know we need help.”
“I think I found something, Daddy.”
“OK, good, CJ. Now see if you can find something to bang on that piece of metal with.”
“Got something.”
“CJ, now tap on the pipe five times stop and do it again if you can do it 3 times.” CJ complied.
After a few moments CJ said, “Daddy, are we gonna get found? I’m scared and my leg hurts.”
Catherine began to whimper.
Hutch said, “It’s okay for you to take a break and rest. Yes, CJ, we will get out of here. People know we are down here; they won’t stop until they find us. We just have to hang on.”
Hutch then attempted to calm a scared and frightened Catherine. After initially calming her, Hutch realized he needed to come up with a distraction to keep the kids calm and to help pass the time.
He suggested that they sing some songs or make some game they could play in the dark and not cause themselves any undue stress or rock their precarious position of where they lay in the rubble. Initially they sang children’s songs over the next little while then broke as fatigue claimed them and the kids couldn’t think of another song that kids knew.
Hutch said, “Here’s a song I’m working on. I think it will give us some hope and comfort.”
He started:
I’m so tired, alone, and in the dark, on the cold, cold ground.
Will there ever be a time when I feel loved and warm? I long to see the smile of you.
I want to feel love and be warmed by your light,
Remove me from this dark and damp place
I call to you
Oh Jesus, light my fire
Let me feel the warmth of your love, giving me the mercy. I don’t deserve.
Oh yeah, I’m alive because of you. The glorious sight, that I can now see just
because you have brought warmth and light into me, for all eternity.
Oh Jesus light my fire
I’m no longer cold and alone there is something growing in me. It’s a light, no it’s a fire of you.
Because of your mercy, I can reject the stone builders who want to invade my soul (in this case fear and pain Hutch thought to himself)
Oh Jesus, light my fire
Please, Lord, let your light shine through me
so that I too can be a beacon of hope.
Fill me up with so much light that it abounds from me
Jesus light my fire
Hutch said, “You will never be alone as long as you have Jesus in your heart. Even though we can’t see each other right now, know that you’re never alone.”
“That’s pretty,” said Catherine.
“Yeah,” came CJ’s response.
The trapped trio succumbed to sleep once again.
*****
It was nearly 5 AM, about 9 hours since the quake. A couple of crews had just pulled the bodies of four that were not as fortunate. They were identified as kitchen staff and two members of the band. Disaster Chief Hale called a halt to all activity. Everyone needed to stop and to get something to eat and drink as the food truck had just rolled up.
Starsky ignored the call. His partner and friends were down there. “I’m coming, Hutch, you just hang in there,” he said to the ugly earth. They had just rescued a pocket of people—there were about 20 of them. They had nothing more than minor injuries, but none were Hutch, CJ, or Catherine. This had hit Starsky hard and drove him on.
“Detective Starsky, are you choosing to ignore my orders?” inquired Chief Hale sternly.
“Chief, those are my friends and family. They were here because of me. I can’t let my partner down, I just can’t.”
Chief Hale softened his eyes and reaching out to Starsky and said, “I know how hard this is for you, but you are not going to do your partner, friends or family any good if you’re flat on your back with an IV in ya. Come on, son.” He gently pulled Starsky to the waiting refreshment and while doing so emphasized, “This is just a break, we’re not stopping.”
Starsky relented.
As they were walking towards the waiting refreshments, both stopped simultaneously upon hearing tap-tap-tap pause tap-tap pause tap-tap-tap.
Chief called out, “We’ve got some live ones over here! Anybody who’s eaten and gotten fluids in them get over here.” He grabbed Starsky and said, “Not you; nourishment first.”
Two firemen and a police officer came to start removing debris to unearth the survivors. Starsky reached the refreshment table, grabbed a sandwich and a couple of waters. He ate as hurriedly as he could with intent to get back to find his family. As he was eating, he realized how famished he truly was. He thanked the chief for making him stop to get food on his way back to the site to dig.
The sun was now at full rise, adding heat to the day. The rescuers were rewarded with a little pink shoe. The sun glistened off the buckle, drawing their attention.
Starsky kneeled down and said, “Catherine, we see you. We’re coming. Try not to move unless we tell you.”
“Okay, Uncle Dave,” came the weak tearful reply.
“Sweetheart is there anybody with you?”
“CJ could reach my foot, but Ken went away. I think he’s sleeping; the shaking sent Ken away.”
She began to cry. Starsky gulped at hearing this. He tried to soothe Catherine. About 45 minutes later they were able to get her out. She clung to Starsky, a reporter snapped a picture.
Wedding Nightmare: Man on his Wedding Day, still dressed in a tux, pulls small child from the fallen venue after the quake.
Starsky told Catherine her mommy would be at the hospital with Mrs. Dobey waiting for her. Starsky asked a fellow officer to call the hospital and make sure her mom was there. He nodded in agreement and set out to complete the assignment. As Starsky went to resume digging, one of the rescuers located CJ. He had sustained significant injuries, which meant removing him was going to take quite a while.
At one point CJ weakly called out, “Daddy.”
Starsky said, “Hey CJ, it’s me your Uncle Dave. Can you hear me, tiger?”
“Yes, my leg and my arm hurt really bad, Uncle Dave. I’m cold too. My daddy hasn’t talked to me in a long time.”
“It’s okay, buddy. We’re gonna get you out and then we’ll get to your daddy.”
A few moments later, with the child immobilized the best they could, the emergency personnel started to move him. CJ howled in pain. He was begging them to stop moving him because it hurt. Starsky was nearby offering comfort and soothing words.
CJ plead, “Stop, please stop! It hurts! It hurt so bad. Uncle Dave, make it stop.”
Hearing the cries from this little guy, who sounded so much like his father, Starsky nearly lost all composure. Soon CJ was free of his entrapment. His little hand came up searching for his uncle’s. Starsky locked onto it and leaned down kissing his forehead, while trying to stay out of the EMT’S way.
Starsky said, “I’ll see you at the hospital. Aunt Ellie and Miss Sarah will be with you until I can get your daddy out. Then I will come to see you. Can you be brave for a little while longer?”
“I think so,” came the reply.
As Starsky turned back to the rubble in search of his partner a second aftershock hit. Although it was relatively minor, it did nothing to calm Starsky’s fretted nerves. He mentally called out to his partner, “Dammit Hutch, don’t you make a liar out of me. I’m not telling that boy his daddy didn’t make it. So you hang on, Blondie as long as it takes, I’m coming for you. Do you hear me?” Starsky hoped their unexplainable connection was still intact.
Simmons had seen Starsky pale after the aftershock. He grabbed his friend by the arm and turned him away from the debris filled hole that his partner was in and said, “Starsky, you know how tough and stubborn that partner of yours is. He’ll be okay.”
“He better be. I’m not about to tell that little boy his dad didn’t make it, that I could not save him. Hell, this is all my fault. Nobody would have been here if it were for me and the wedding,” he said looking at Simmons with glistening eyes.
Simmons shook his head no and said, “Starsky, this was a freak of nature not your fault. Yes, many have been injured, some have died but again this is not on you or about your wedding, got it?”
“Yeah, thanks,” came the reply.
They got back to removing chunks of the destroyed building.
******
Meanwhile at the various hospitals. Huggy was treated for a subdural hematoma and was in the ICU. Dobey was also taken to Memorial was treated for a punctured spleen as a result of a rib fracture, and a severely bruised left kidney. Dobey was admitted to the ICU as well. Sarah was treated and released. She was with Ellie watching over Captain Dobey and Huggy.
At the Children’s Hospital, Rosie was taken into surgery for her ankle fracture. Keri’s elbow was set and she was able to be released. Cal was treated for multiple lacerations, and his ribs were bandaged to provide support. Edith had her wounds cleaned and sutures placed in her forearm, while waiting on Rosie to come out of surgery.
As promised, Ellie had provided Edith with multiple updates on her husband and Huggy while inquiring about the children. She relayed that Starsky was still at the site and that Hutch had yet to be extracted from the rubble.
While they were catching up, Rebecca who had come from Memorial said, “They just brought CJ in and he is being taken to surgery straight away. He looked to be in bad shape.”
Rebecca and Sarah decided to switch hospitals, so Sarah could be with the children.
*****
As the second aftershock hit, Hutch was struck by something sharp that felt like it had stripped the skin from his back. He knew he was in trouble now that frigid water was encasing him. He was still not able to move. Desperation was taking hold. He didn’t want to know what his death would do to those he loved the most. Would CJ and Starsky be alright? What if— “No,” he screamed to himself, saying, “Stop it!” Then it was if he could hear Starsky saying, “Hutch, Hutchinson, you will make it.”
The sun was heading down. Starsky knew that it wouldn’t be long before the night chill set in. When someone yelled, “I got him,” Starsky shot back from the nourishment table he was once again ordered to. He was rewarded with a leg extending beyond a fallen beam that was pinning his partner to the soggy earth. A medic swiftly climbed into the area and assessed the fallen man.
The initial report was: “He’s alive. His pulse is weak and thready, and he is in or close to hypothermic shock. I need warmed Lactated Ringers and the hypothermia blankets now.”
Within a couple minutes Joe had an IV in Hutch’s ankle and it was running wide open. He had also given the injured man a dextrose bolus and covered him the best he could with the warming blankets.
The rescue team worked diligently to get the beam unearthed.
A short time later there was a: “S—S—St—Starsk?”
Starsky dropped to the ground and said, “Hey partner, I’m here, buddy. You just hang on. We will get you out of there soon, ya hear?”
“Y-Ye-Yeah. CJ and Cath-Catherine?” he croaked from pain and cold shivers slurring his speech.
Simmons said, “They’re okay and have already been taken to the hospital. We’ll get you out soon.”
The ground shifted and Hutch screamed out in pain. “It hurts. Oh God, it hurts, make it stop please.”
“Hey partner, we’re getting you out soon as we can, you just hang in there, huh?”
Chief Hale pulled Starsky to the side and said, “We’re about to remove the beam from on top of Hutch.” He added that either the pain of blood flow returning would be excruciating or maybe there would be nothing. Either occurrence was not an assurance that he would walk or not ultimately lose one or both legs.
Starsky nodded and said, “He had a similar experience a couple of years ago when his car was pushed off the road up in the canyon. He was trapped under his car, but it was only one leg, his left.”
Hutch screamed agonizing screams during the extraction process until he passed out. Even after, Starsky was still crooning to his partner as they loaded him into the ambulance.
Minnie stated that Hutch was the last of the wedding guests or workers that were on the premises. After being extracted herself, she and a small crew had been calling to confirm the guests’ whereabouts, or they had made house calls based on the registry list Ellie had provided. Fortunately, 95% of the guests were locals and easily tracked down.
*****
On route to the hospital, Hutch woke briefly and with and pain filled eyes asked, “St-Starsk, CJ, take care of him. T-Tell him his daddy loved him.”
“NO DAMMIT! Hutch, you tell him yourself. Do ya hear me?”
“I’m not gonna make it, Starsk.”
“Yes! You can and you will! I refuse to tell that little boy anything but that you will see him in a day or two, got it?”
“Yeah,” came the weak reply before he lost consciousness.
Five hours later, Starsky was still pacing the OR waiting room. Ellie came equipped with sandwiches, fruit salad, cookies, and a chocolate shake. She approached the bewildered looking man and softly said, “Hey.”
He whirled around at her voice. She could see the pain in his eyes and the anguish in his heart.
“Anything yet?” asked Ellie.
“No, he’s been in surgery for five hours. They haven’t told me anything. He was so cold and so pale when they pulled him out. His hips were pinned and crushed. They don’t know if he’ll walk or if they’ll even be able to save his legs. He was going into what they call compartment syndrome on top of the shock, severe hypothermia, and fractured pelvis.”
“Honey, Hutch is strong. He made it to the point of rescue. He’ll pull through. He may have some changes to contend with and definitely a grueling recovery, whatever that entails. He won’t go through it alone. He has you and me, CJ, Sarah, and Catherine and all of our friends to help him through whatever the outcome is. He will know that we’re gonna be right here with him and helping him anyway we can.”
“How can a day start off so beautifully and end so horribly? I’m sorry, honey. We should’ve been celebrating our marriage, not digging our friends and loved ones out of rubble.”
“Dave, slow down, honey. The day was beautiful. We had a beautiful marriage ceremony and a great celebration. Yes, things got a little out of control due to the earthquake, something neither of us had any control over. We are very fortunate that our friends and family are alive. We need to focus on that and helping them get better.”
“Thanks for the save, babe.”
“I called over to Benioff Children’s and spoke with Sarah. Rosie is out of surgery. Edith and Cal are with her. Catherine didn’t require surgery; they set and casted her arm. She is being admitted for dehydration. CJ had just gotten back from surgery and really hasn’t been awake too much. Sarah was able to get both Catherine and CJ in the same room since they are family, well, gonna be.”
*****
Starsky and Ellie were sleeping in the hard plastic chairs of the OR waiting room when the doctor approached them. He nudged Starsky’s shoulder and Starsky was instantly awake, inquiring how his partner was doing. Ellie woke on hearing Starsky’s voice.
Dr. Mitchell said, “Detective Starsky, I was not expecting to see you so soon nor your partner. Ken has had extensive surgery to both sides of his pelvis. We put in plates and screws in his pelvis. The prolonged pressure of the beam caused a condition known as compartment syndrome, which causes extreme swelling in the muscles which constricts blood flow and can cause nerve damage. For this we performed fasciotomies, which is an incision into muscle to relieve fluid. We also applied wound vacs to each incision to aid in healing. However, we won’t know the effects of his entrapment until he awakens.
“I’m sorry David, there are not many answers right now other than your partner is alive. Along with the pelvis injury, his back was pretty gouged up. He suffered extreme hypothermia, which has also added to kidney damage. We have put him on dialysis, which I hope will be temporary. Amputation is not out of the question right now, especially regarding his left leg.”
Starsky visibly paled at hearing about his friend’s condition and potential devastating outcomes. Ellie shored him up and guided him to sit down.
“Doc, can I see him?”
“Yes, you can be with him as much as you want.”
Starsky gulped at hearing this, his stomach was trying to relieve itself of the recent coffee he consumed. He understood the doctor’s unspoken message; Hutch wasn’t expected to live.
“Room 327,” said Dr. Mitchell.
Starsky and Ellie made their way into the indicated ICU room. Upon entering, what they saw was enough to take their breath away. His partner was so pale, blending in with the white sheets and heating blankets, still shivering, despite his lack of consciousness. He was covered in bruises with multiple scrapes, but what was most unsettling was his partner’s bluish/black legs. The sight of all the equipment (which included the ventilator, heart monitors, dialysis machine, two IV lines with fluid warmers, wound vacs) horrified Starsky.
The doctor spoke: “We also have him in a medical coma, as pain medications won’t touch the pain he is going through, it the only humane option we have.” Starsky’s eye flew to the doctor when he heard about the medicated coma. This didn’t go unnoticed by Dr. Mitchell. He went on to say, “I have consulted with Dr. Franklin who has worked with you two considerably in the past and I am aware of everything. When we bring him out, we will control the narcotic removal at a rate that is safe for him.”
Starsky relaxed at hearing this.
Starsky approached Hutch’s bed, he leaned down into his ear whispered, “I’m sorry Blondie, I’m sorry but I’m so glad you’re here. Whatever the outcome will get through it together. I’m not going anywhere.”
Ellie cut in. “No David’s wrong, Ken. WE aren’t going anywhere, you hear me! We will get through this, whatever comes henceforth, we love you. Don’t leave me a broken David that can never be whole again. You fight this.”
Starsky looked at his new bride, eyes filling with moisture thinking to himself; “She really gets us, Hutch.” Starsky took her hand and closed it whispering, “I love you, Mrs. Starsky.”
******
CJ cried from both the pain that he was in and from missing his daddy. He was nearly inconsolable.
“Hey Tiger, how are you doing huh?”
“Uncle Dave. Where’s my daddy?” he whimpered as he began to sob.
Starsky sat on the edge of the bed and pulled CJ gingerly to him and stroked his back trying to calm him. CJ took comfort in his uncle and the dam broke, telling Starsky everything about the time they were trapped and how he thought his daddy was gone too. He started crying harder. Starsky remained, silently comforting this tiny version of his partner, until the tears stopped and he fell into sleep.
CJ woke 45 minutes later to find that his uncle was still holding him, but was lying on the bed next to him, snoring softly. CJ smiled.
******
The next four days were a fever pitch of going from hospital to hospital seeing their wounded friends and family. Everyone had been discharged except for Captain Dobey, who would be going home the next day; CJ, who had two more days of antibiotics; and Hutch, who had returned to surgery the previous day for wound debridement on his left leg. Despite the procedure, amputation was still a serious possibility. Huggy had stopped by yesterday to see both Captain Dobey and Hutch on his way home with Diane watching him closely. He was recovering remarkably. Starsky told Huggy that they were going to bring Hutch out of his medical coma and the Doctor had said the road ahead was gonna get quite bumpy. They hated knowing that.
By lunchtime the following day, Starsky was about to break as he sat by his partner’s bed, trying with all his might to bring comfort to his inconsolable partner, who was now conscious, although barely. The amount of pain that Hutch was experiencing was almost unfathomable to Starsky. The moaning, the agitation, and the pleading for pain medicine brought Starsky back to a time long, long ago when he had shored his partner up, after his stint with Forrest.
Ellie entered Hutch’s room and demanded that Starsky take a break. She could see the strain and the pain etched within him. She told him to go home for a few hours and sleep.
“Then go see CJ. Sarah could use a break, too. Give CJ an update on his daddy,” she said. “He’s been nearly as difficult to console as his father.”
Starsky snorted, but got up a kissed his wife, then leaned over and looked into Hutch’s pain filled eyes and told him he was going to stop by and see how his son was doing. Hutch nodded briefly, then another wave of pain hit and he reached for Starsky’s hand, but Ellie intercepted it.
She looked at her husband and said, “Go, I’ve got him.”
As Starsky was leaving the room, he heard Ellie talking softly to Hutch telling him everything would be OK and that he wouldn’t be alone. They would all get through this mess. He thought to himself, “How did I end up with someone who understands the bond between me and my partner and isn’t threatened by it?”
******
Edith brought Harold into Hutch’s room on their way home. They were immediately stricken at the site of Hutch. Both his lower legs were very swollen and had a dark bluish color to them. The bulky dressings from the wound vacs and incisions did nothing but make the sight of him worse. His sweat slicked hair framed his face. The visit was brief, but Dobey relayed to Ellie how much his actions saved many at the time of the quake. During the visit, Hutch had a brief period of lucidity and asked them how they were doing.
Dobey said that he was grateful to be alive and not any more injured than he was. He also thanked Hutch for his quick action in warning and herding people out of the building. He also said he’d be putting him in for a commendation. They left shortly thereafter as Dobey was quite weak still. The Dobeys wished Ellie well and Harold said to tell Dave that he would be in touch with him in the next day or so.
A couple of hours later, Ellie was still sitting with Hutch, and a nurse brought a phone into the room and plugged it into the wall. She said that his partner would be calling from his son’s room and that just maybe the two of them could talk and both be better off.
Hutch awakened. Ellie told him that Starsky would be calling from CJ’s room and that they’d be able to talk to one another. This pleased Hutch. A few moments later the phone rang, Ellie answered and spoke with Dave. Then she gave the phone to Hutch, who with controlled breathing said, “Hey buddy, how are you doing?”
The conversation was tight and it was obvious that Hutch was fighting pain and discomfort. He told his son that he was sorry he couldn’t be with him.
“Daddy, I miss you, but I want you to get better real soon. I get to go home in a day or two.”
“I’m glad you get to go home. You behave for Meg, Uncle Dave, Aunt Ellie, and Ms. Sarah.”
“I will, Daddy, I will do my bestest, okay? And besides I am never alone, cuz I have Jesus in my heart like you said.”
Hutch smiled, then winced. Ellie took the phone, knowing Hutch wouldn’t want CJ hearing him in pain. She told CJ his daddy needed to hang up now, then spoke briefly to Starsky before ending the call.
Hutch’s pain was no longer in control; he was writhing uncontrollably (as much as his condition would allow), moaning and crying. Once again Ellie was at his side, holding his hand and rubbing circles on it and reassuring him that the pain would let up soon. His temperature skyrocketed and within 2 hours he was back in surgery for another irrigation and debridement on his left leg.
Two days later Hutch had less pain and swelling, but most importantly his circulation in both legs had improved vastly. It appeared he was out of the woods now as far as amputation was concerned. Sarah had come in early that Tuesday morning to relieve Starsky, who was headed to the hospital to collect CJ and bring him by to see his dad. However, Starsky did not mention this to Hutch as he wasn’t sure how the boy would handle being in the car and moving around.
About lunchtime there was a knock at the door. Sarah, figuring it was Starsky wheeling CJ in, rose to get the door. She smiled at CJ and put her finger to her mouth for him to be quiet until he was in the room and turned, facing his daddy. It brought tears to both Sarah and Starsky’s eyes watching the two Hutchinsons meet after the forced separation. They both had their 1000 watt smiles on and the blue eyes were dazzling to look at. Nothing short of pure joy.
“Daddy, I missed you so much, I’m sorry you’re hurting so bad and have to stay in the hospital for a long time. I brought you these,” CJ said as he reached into his sling and pulled a roll of pictures and cards he had made for his daddy.
“I missed you, too, son. I’m so glad you are getting to go home. You listen to the adults and be good,” Hutch said as he took the pictures CJ had proudly colored for him. Hutch looked at them and was very pleased with them. “You’re turning out to be a pretty good artist. Are you taking lefty lessons from your uncle?” asked Hutch.
As nurse Betty came in, she saw the pictures and asked who the artist was and CJ proudly said, “Me.” Everyone chuckled.
She offered to hang the masterpieces up and CJ agreed and directed her with as much fanfare as he could muster. Afterwards nurse Betty asked CJ if he could lay pretty still for a few moments knowing how much energy kids have.
He said, “I don’t think I’m up to doing jumping jacks for a while,” again the room buzzed with laughter.
“Alrighty, then if your uncle will pick you up, we will get you situated next to your daddy for a few minutes.” She had always had a soft spot for the two detectives having the pleasure of nursing one or both of them back to health on multiple occasions, but this little guy was too much for her and she was delighted to do something special for them.
Both Hutchinsons replied, “Really?”
A few moments later, CJ was nestled against his dad. Both were ridiculously happy being able to hug one another. After about 45 minutes of endless talking and laughing, it was obvious that both were tiring rapidly so Starsky stated, “Hey Tiger, I think it’s time to get you home for some much needed rest and Aunt Ellie is there waiting for us.”
******
The next few weeks progressed well for Huggy and Captain Dobey as they were both able to return to work and full duty. As for Rosie, Carrie, and Catherine, their casts were off and they were mostly recovered. CJ was weight-bearing but still had a splint on his knee for support. His arm was healed, and his activity was returning to normal. Hutch was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation eight days after CJ’s cast came off. The imposed immobility was taking a toll on him.
******
Today was supposed to be a monumental day for Hutch as it was going to be a day in which he could put weight on his legs and attempt to stand. Debbie, his team rehab rehabilitation nurse, advised Starsky that this day would be particularly grueling for Hutch.
With that bit of information, Starsky contacted Captain Dobey and arranged the day off so that he could be with his partner. It turned out that the day was indeed grueling and exhausting for everybody involved. Hutch was extremely down after the therapy session and continued to get more frustrated as the week went along and his body refused to do what his mind implored of it.
As a result of his growing frustration, he was lashing out at nearly everyone. His movement and flexion of his right hip and leg were coming along. The left was lagging behind considerably. A therapist who didn’t work with Hutch made a comment one day in the Therapy Room that he most likely would never regain full function. Needless to say, depression was vying for top spot in his emotions. Sarah had walked in during one of his more intense outbursts a couple of days later, where she overheard him say he wished he would have died in that rubble.
She walked over to her fiancé and said, “Kenneth Richard Hutchinson, that is the second dumbest thing I’ve ever heard you say. That is enough of the negative comments. You will keep working and you will improve, but if despite all your efforts, you end up no better than this, we will deal with it as a family. You will not give up on your son, myself, and daughter or your partner and his wife (my sister) and all the other friends who love you. I love you. DO YOU HEAR ME?”
Hutch nodded meekly.
“Damn Blondie, remind me to never make her mad at me.”
“Where do you think I learned it from?” Sarah said while looking at her sister.
Starsky’s eyes flew to Ellie who nodded in confirmation. Starsky gulped.
They all shared what seemed like a rare laugh.
******
One day Hutch desperately conveyed to Starsky that, after nearly 2 ½ months trapped in a hospital bed and hospital grounds, emotionally as well as physically, he needed to be home. That was all it took. Starsky cornered Hutch’s doctor and therapist to find out what equipment Hutch would need going forward. Less than two weeks later, Hutch was ready to be discharged. His right leg had improved tremendously. He was nearly able to stand on his left, but it continued to be like a new foal and kept buckling under. The leg wasn’t responding neurologically well either, but with the aid of a leg brace and forearm crutches, he was able to walk out of the rehab center. CJ was cheering him every step of the way. He was so excited to have his daddy home that Starsky thought he was gonna have to tie him to the car’s seat.
Sarah, Ellie, and Catherine stayed at the beach house getting things ready for Hutch’s homecoming. Soon Edith and Rosie arrived, and Edith helped the ladies with preparations, while Rosie and Catherine colored pictures and made posters for Hutch, welcoming him home. Cal and Captain Dobey arrived with Huggy. They carried the tables and chairs up to the balcony and then brought the food in for the girls to finish the final prep and presentation for the quiet evening ahead. Everyone peeked into the study and marveled at all the therapy equipment. Hutch was still going to require intensive therapy.
The euphoria of the evening was present on everyone’s face. It wasn’t just having Hutch home. It was having their family and extended family intact. Even though the future remained uncertain, the present of the here and now was what it was all about. The kids played and swam while the adults talked and laughed. The afternoon seemed to fly by, unlike the dreary long days in the hospital and rehab. Huggy and Edith made it their mission to get the weight Hutch had lost during his hospitalization back on him as soon as possible. He was still too thin, so they made all his favorites and encouraged him to eat and eat. Eventually, Hutch teasingly accused them of trying to feed him to death.
At one point during the celebration, Hutch said, “I would like to make a toast to the best family a man could have. Thank you all for the love, support and endurance of my outbursts whether directed at you personally or in general. It has been a difficult time for all of us. I know I certainly would not have made it this far without you guys. I don’t know what the future will hold for me in its entirety. But I know this,” taking his hand and encompassing everybody in the arc, “family. To our family,” he toasted.
“To our family,” the group repeated.
******
As the weeks progressed, Hutch’s right leg returned to normal. He had good flexion extension and was continuing to rebuild strength. His left leg was still very problematic. He could now hold his weight briefly, but the leg’s movement was still uncoordinated, and he was struggling to regain muscle mass, hence he still needed to use the brace.
His hopes of getting back to full duty and working the streets with Starsky were beginning to look very bleak. Hence his frustration and irritation had mounted. He was in the squad room working limited duty, when a perp that was brought in by Bretz made antagonizing comments about Hutch, which ended in Bretz snickering, not so subtly. Surprisingly, the Nordic temper did not flare outward, but on the inside. Disgusted and angry feelings at his body’s refusal to function the way it had left him in a brooding state.
Starsky returned to the squad room and saw all the signs of a Hutchinson implosion in the making. He looked around at his fellow officers, trying to figure out what transpired while he was getting lunch from the cafeteria for them. Detective Babcock thumbed at the perp that Bretz had in the squad room.
Starsky said, “Hey Blondie, let’s get out of here.”
No response.
“Hey Blintz, let’s go.”
“Huh.”
“Come on, let’s go. Maybe we can head to Huggy’s for a cold one. What do ya say?”
“Yeah, no, Starsk. I just wanna go home.”
“And brood,” thought Starsky. “No way, partner.”
Starsky allowed his partner to sit in the passenger seat with his eyes closed, while he decided that Hutch needed to vent his frustration. Instead of heading to The Pits, he turned right and a short while later they pulled into the parking lot.
“Okay, Blondie, we’re here. Let’s do this.”
Hutch opened his eyes and saw where they were, Vinny’s Gym, and asked, “What are we doing here?”
“Buddy, you are about to explode and possibly implode all at the same time. I think you need to blow off some steam.”
“But, but I, but I can’t,” he said, pointing to his left leg.
“Maybe not, Blondie, but we’re gonna see how far you get. You with me? I got ya, buddy. Me and Thee, remember?”
It took considerable effort to get Hutch up the stairs to Vinny’s. They were greeted with welcomes by many. Starsky helped Hutch change into gym clothes. After helping Hutch get his leg brace reapplied, he quickly changed and they headed out to the bags.
It was extremely awkward at first. Hutch had a hard time striking out at the bag and maintaining his balance. Starsky could see the coiled tension in every fiber of Hutch’s being. Starsky was grateful that, even though there had been multiple platitudes and acknowledgements given to his partner, the gym had thinned out, to the point that they were practically alone, other than Vinny and a weightlifter.
Starsky said, “Come on, Hutch, you gotta deal with this stuff one way or the other. Hit that bag like you mean it, Blondie. Show me how you feel about the struggles and anguish of the last few months. All the trauma you’ve endured the past few months and still having to need that leg brace, despite all the agonizing therapy sessions. How you felt about the endless surgeries you’ve endured. How you felt when you learned you might lose one or both of your legs. Not being there for CJ. How you felt about being a victim in the earthquake. The helplessness and terror you felt while you were trapped, not being able to help CJ or Catherine or yourself for that matter. Show me how you feel about Marlow and what his actions cost you.”
With each comment, Hutch was hitting the bag with more intensity and drive until the stress began uncoiling. The final comment about the perp in the squad room had Hutch responding with such a massive right hook that it knocked both Starsky and himself to the floor. Starsky got up quickly and knelt down by his partner and asked, “Hey Hutch, you alright? You’re not hurt or anything, are ya?”
Lying there on the gym floor with silent tears falling from his face, Hutch said, “I’m fine, Starsk.”
“Good. Now what are you gonna do about it?” asked Starsky.
Hutch gave a sob-filled chuckle, then said, “Pick myself up and keep going.”
“That-a boy.”
After a few minutes of strenuous tedious work, Hutch had managed to pull himself to his feet and was standing. Starsky put his arm around his shoulders and said, “Come on, Blondie, I think it’s straight home for you. I’ll let Sarah clean ya up.” He wagged his eyebrows suggestively.
After Starsky got Hutch into the Torino, Hutch looked over to his partner and said, “Hey Starsk, thanks.”
“Me and Thee, partner,” was the response.
******
The next few weeks proved fruitful for Hutch, his left leg improved enough that the leg brace could be shoved aside. The nerves were beginning to respond to the demands requested of it and early signs of muscle mass was beginning to return somewhat. Things were finally going well, until there came a bellow from Dobey: “Starsky, my office. Now!”
“Hey Cap. Hutch is in the little boy’s room; he’ll be back in a few. I’ll wait for him.”
“If I had wanted Hutchinson, I would’ve called him,” came the grumbled response. “Get in here, now.”
Starsky reluctantly got up from his desk and went into his captain’s office, shutting the door behind him.
Dobey laid out the issue: a chemical rehab facility up north was seeking undercover cops to go in and validate the illegal activity of using the facility to dole out illegal drugs under the guise of being for the patient’s benefit. There had been four deaths over the previous year that had made them speculate and two in the last three months. They wanted Hutch to go in because of his status.
“So what? They want my partner, who is still recovering, to go into the facility by himself? No way, I’m not letting my partner do this, uh oh!”
Captain Fields from the nearby narcotic squad interjected, “Detective Hutchinson’s injury has been well publicized and unfortunately, it’s justified. The only thing we are making up here is his substance addiction. His backstory is too real, not to utilize it in this situation.”
“So now what? We just use recovering police officers for anything now? This stinks. You’re treating him like a pawn.” Starsky was practically screaming.
“STARSKY! That’s enough,” Dobey cut in. “It’s out of my hands. It came from above. I’m just as concerned as you,” he said, gruffly, giving Starsky a knowing look. “What I need is for you to bring Hutch into the fold of this plan.”
“So you’re telling me, you want ME to tell my partner that he’s got to relive his most horrendous experiences in life, for the job. That’s asking a lot.”
“Well, I’m not asking. Now go get your partner.”
Hutch had just returned from the facilities after spending a few moments discussing with an interested colleague his medical progress and upcoming marriage, which was now just about five weeks away. As he entered the bullpen, his eyes scanned the room for his partner, not seeing him. He looked at one of the other officers, who pointed to Dobey’s office.
As Hutch started to move toward the captain’s office, the door was flung open with such ferocity that it crashed into the wall, knocking papers off the filing cabinet. His partner stormed out of the office. Starsky locked eyes with Hutch, silently communicating with his partner and saying that he was sorry for what he was gonna have to do and that he wasn’t happy about it. Hutch acknowledged Starsky’s rage and fear.
Before he could respond verbally, Starsky said, “Come on, Blondie, let’s blow this pop stand.”
They exited to the Torino without another word spoken between them.
Once seated in the car, Hutch said, “Starsky what’s going on, huh?”
No response.
“Starsk talk to me, what’s got you so angry?”
Starsky sighed, puffing his cheeks as he did so. After a moment he looked over at Hutch and said, “They want to use you and your injury to solve a case.”
Hutch listened while Starsky laid out the facts of the case.
When it appeared that Starsky was finished, Hutch said, “Ya know, Starsk, it’s not all bad. At least I can still prove my worth and maybe not end up out of a job on medical.”
“You’re okay with this?”
Hutch nodded.
They spent the next few minutes sitting in the Torino devising a plan that included their friend, Dr. Jace, to collaborate on Hutch’s supposed substance abuse. They called into his clinic and Jace advised the use of caffeine in very high doses over the next few days. He also recommended a caffeine injection, prior to going to the facility, to help simulate withdrawal, which Hutch would go through, just not from illegal substances. They discussed the grunge factor, extreme fatigue, dirty, smelly etc. With a plan in place, they set out to inform their families.
******
The next four days found Hutch consuming gargantuan doses of caffeine via high caffeine content beverages. He achieved the overly exhaustive state with the help of his family and friends. Hutch hadn’t slept more than 30 minutes a couple of times, since he awoke Wednesday morning through Monday morning. Starsky had started working at the facility on Friday morning.
Sunday evening as Hutch was telling CJ that it was time for a bath, because the next day was a school day, CJ said, “Daddy you need a bath more than I do.”
Hutch chuckled and said, “Yeah I do, but ya know I can’t; it’s for work.”
“Yeah, but Daddy you aren’t really sick again, are you?” CJ asked, trying to hold back his fear that was escaping in the form of tears.
“No son, I’m not, it’s just part of my job. I’ll be okay, buddy. Besides Uncle Dave will be there too.”
“Okay,” came the muffled response. “Hey Daddy, can you let go of me ’cause you really smell bad?”
Hutch laughed and let go of his boy. “Now go get that bath.”
“Yes sir,” he said saluting his father before dashing into the bathroom.
*******
Hutch had been in the facility less than a week when he was approached about distributing narcotics. His performance in the facility was worthy of some kind of award, thought Starsky. The anger, the frustration and resentment over losing his career made him bitter and angry enough to screw the system he had lived by for so many years.
The Topper was the letter Carson (Starsky) had brought him from his ‘ex-partner’ on his second day. The outrage Hutch displayed repeatedly and maliciously in comments was what convinced the corrupt doctor and his sidekick that they needed him. The corrupt entities yearned for the insight Hutch could provide about avoiding capture and other pitfalls.
Starsky knew his partner was good undercover, this performance even had Starsky believing it, except for how Hutch’s eyes would soften when he was in close proximity to Hutch. It was subtle and would be overlooked by anyone who didn’t know Hutch. The case was wrapped up in eight days’ time. Nearly a record.
*******
One evening, the partners and families were gathered at Starsky’s beach house for dinner, which in itself was not unusual, but Starsky, who had been wound tighter than a drum all day at work, was still as keyed up. This was surprising to Hutch.
Starsky was tending the grill bouncing from one foot to the other. Hutch couldn’t take it a minute longer and asked, “Gordo, are you all right?”
Starsky’s eyes flew to Ellie, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod.
Starsky turned facing Hutch and said, “Yes Uncle Ken, I’m more than alright. We are great.”
“Well—wait. What?” Hutch and Sarah both looked at Ellie, who was smiling radiantly and nodded in confirmation.
The atmosphere was soon electrified with hoops and hollering with hugs and slaps on the back.
Sarah asked, “When is the baby due?”
Ellie replied, “The babies are due in about four and a half months.”
“Babies, not baby?” inquired Hutch
“Yeah Blintz, we’re having twins.”
More hoops and hollers were let out and Hutch pulled Starsky into a huge hug and Sarah did the same with her sister.
******
Hutch awoke on his wedding day feeling on top of the world. He knew in his heart without a doubt this marriage would last the test of time, unlike his first marriage to Vanessa, where he had misgivings and doubts from the start. The guys had bunked at Starsky’s, while the ladies bunked at Hutch’s for the night. CJ ran into Starsky’s guest room and jumped on his daddy.
“Uh Daddy, today is the day, where I get to carry the ring and you and Ms. Sarah get married, right?” CJ asked with all the bubbly enthusiasm a neat six-year-old could muster. “Then we will be a real family then.”
“Slow down, little man. Yes, today is the day.”
CJ got a real serious look on his face and asked, “Daddy, would it be alright to call Ms. Sarah…to call her Mom and for Catherine to call you Dad? “
“Yes, son if you are comfortable calling Miss Sarah Mom, then that is fine. If for any reason you’re not, that is also OK and the same goes for Catherine. She may call me Dad if she likes. Both of you have lost a biological parent. It is okay either way. We want both of you to be comfortable. I already think of Catherine as my daughter just as I know Sarah thinks of you as her son.”
The wedding was beautiful. The wedding party was essentially the same as with Starsky and Ellie’s wedding with the interchanging of principle players for Hutch and Sarah, the reception was held at the Pits. Huggy had closed the place down and decorated marvelously for the evening. The event was on the smaller side but still very lovely and well put together. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson were in attendance and looking forward to spending quality time with their grandchildren while their parents honeymooned.
Before the night ended, Hutch requested a moment to speak to all the guests. He quoted from scripture (Psalm 133:1 & Romans 13:10) about family and their importance. He acknowledged each guest with an inclusive sweeping arm arc. He appreciated their faithfulness to helping one another to recover, mostly himself. He went on to say he was glad that they were all able to be together tonight as a family.
Then he looked at Starsky and Ellie with a mischievous grin and said, “To the couple that gave up their own honeymoon up to dig us all out of the rubble and care for us. I would like to inform them that they will be joining us for a long overdue honeymoon of their own.”
Starsky began to protest and say that he didn’t have the time, when Captain Dobey stepped up and said, “Dave, your time off is approved.”
Starsky and Ellie were surprised and dumbfounded.
Ellie said, “But we’re not packed!”
Sarah replied, “Hutch and I packed for you.”
Hutch said, “Anything we missed or forgot. We’ll just buy there.” He went on to say that this was a long overdue celebration. It was their gift to them for helping them in the aftermath of the earthquake.
“No wonder you never asked us to watch the kids while you were on your honeymoon,” said Starsky.
A short while later, with hugs to the kids, the two couples headed off, sister and sister, brother and brother, as husbands and wives for three blissful weeks in Hawaii. The happy couples exited the reception with joy and anticipation of the days ahead.
What could go wrong—well, this time …Nothing, except a wonderful time for all.
******
It seemed like the weekend with the kids, before the return of the work week, was full of great stories of their time with their grandparents, for which Hutch was grateful. Especially knowing how demanding his father could be or used to be. The kids slipped into calling Hutch and Sarah ‘Mommy and Daddy’ as if it had always been that way. The first time Hutch heard Catherine call him ‘Daddy’ his heart melted and was filled with even more joy.
Everyone was returning to their respective jobs Monday morning. On the drive into the station, Starsky could see that Hutch was tense. He quietly reached over and squeezed his partner’s shoulder and said, “We’ll be alright, whatever the outcome is, partner, okay?”
Hutch looked at his partner and quickly closed his eyes to keep unshed tears at bay as he nodded his affirmative and quietly said, “Thanks buddy.”
Hutch was due to have a medical to assess him for fitness for full duty on Monday morning first thing. This was the final evaluation for his return to full duty vs long term disability. He still had some issues with the left leg, especially when he was exhausted. He was able to run within the time requirements and had met the other physical abilities of the exam.
After showering, he returned to the police staff doctor’s office. The event had taken nearly 3 hours to complete. He waited restlessly for the results. Dr. Harmon came in the room smiling and Hutch let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Ultimately, he received a clean bill of health and was reinstated to active full duty immediately. Hutch earnestly thanked the physician. On his way back upstairs, Hutch was marveling at the fact he actually made it past the medical board. He was thinking of all those who helped him along the way as he returned to the squad room deep in thought. When Starsky saw the deep level of concentration, he was immediately concerned.
Hesitantly he said, “Hutch?”
The sound of his partner’s voice pulled him out of his reverie. Hutch looked at his partner and, with a brilliant smile, said, “Hey Starsk, wanna hit the streets?”
“Yeah! Oh man! Yes, partner!”
The outburst in the squad room of whistles, clapping and hollering was heartwarming and made Dobey smile as he put down the phone in his office, as he too had received the good words from the doctor. He thought to himself, “My boys are back.”
*******
A couple of weeks later, the guys were out cruising their patch when a call came in. “Zebra Three, Zebra Three, come in, come in Zebra Three.”
Hutch picked up the mic and said, “Mildred, this is Zebra Three. Go ahead.”
“Zebra Three, I have a call from Sarah at Memorial Hospital.”
“Please put the patch through,” said Hutch.
“Ken, this is Sarah. I’m at the hospital with Ellie. It’s time.”
Hutch responded, “We’re on our way!”
As he was slapping the Mars light on the roof, Starsky did a 180 and gunned the Torino towards Memorial.
Hutch then asked Mildred to relay a message to Captain Dobey, “Tell Pappy to bring the cigars to Memorial. Hutchinson out.”
Of course, they made it to the hospital in record time, and both detectives were running into the facility towards the maternity ward before the Torino’s engine began its cool down pinging.
A while later, the world welcomed Michael Oliver Kenneth Starsky and Elizabeth Rachel Ann Starsky. Both babies and mom were doing well.
A couple of hours later, Hutch, Sarah, Dobey, and Huggy got to meet the new addition to their family. Dobey said that Edith would be by in the morning as she had all the kids.
The room was full of love and laughter and precious bundles of joy that were being passed amongst the family like little footballs.
At one point Hutch said, “Hey Starsky, it’s sure nice when the sun shines down on us for a change.”
“That it is, partner. That it is.”
The End
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