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THE TRUE BROTHER
by
Abigail Crabtree
Part One
Starsky grinned at his partner as they entered the squadroom. He had been teasing his blond friend all morning about the heavy date he had last night. Hutch was totally worn out this morning. Starsky couldn't resist a chance to tease him for a change. Usually it was Starsky himself who was the one dragging after a late date. "Boy, she must be something! When do I get to meet this lovely creature that's keeping you so busy?"
"Soon, Starsky, soon, now can we talk about something else for a change? How did my love life manage to become our main topic of conversation this morning?"
Starsky smiled and gave Hutch a little shove toward his chair. "Sit down, before you fall down. Well, you can't blame me for being a little curious about who's causing you all these sleepless nights, can you?"
"A little curious, Starsk? I would hardly call your curiosity little. Now, how about we try and earn our pay, and maybe get a little work done around here today?"
"Sure, sure, if you think you're up to it, partner." Starsky gave Hutch another of his sly grins.
The day finally ended, and the two partners headed out to the parking lot. "You got time to grab a beer and a pizza, or do you have another one of those heavy dates with the mystery lady?"
"No, Starsky, no date with the mystery lady or anyone else for that matter. But I think I'll pass on the pizza and beer. I'm just going home and try to catch up on my sleep."
"Guess that will be a change for you, huh?" Starsky couldn't resist saying. "Probably resting up for a big Saturday night."
"Yeah." Hutch smiled. "That just might be what I have in mind. What about you, any plans for the weekend?"
"Nothing for sure, but I'll find something to do," Starsky said as he opened the door to the Torino. "But hopefully I'll be in better shape Monday morning than you've been the last couple of days."
"Goodbye, Starsk, see you Monday."
"Yeah, you too, Blondie." Starsky pulled out of the parking lot, still smiling. Boy, this new lady in Hutch's life must be something.
Hutch slid into his car and wondered what his partner would think if he only knew the truth. It wasn't a woman keeping him up nights, it was prank calls. He knew he should have mentioned them to Starsky, but there was no sense in both of them losing sleep. He knew he could just take the phone off the hook, but that wouldn't really solve anything. He was sure whoever was making these calls probably knew where he lived anyway. What he wasn't sure about was how serious he should be taking this.
~~~
Hutch pulled up in front of Venice Place. Maybe I should take the phone off the hook, I could sure use the sleep. But he knew that even if he took the phone off the hook he would still lie awake, waiting to see if anyone would show like they had threatened to do. He knew the voice; he knew it, but he still could not put a name to it. Sooner or later it will come to me. He slid out of the car and headed up the stairs to his apartment. He was still feeling a bit guilty about not saying anything to Starsky. But he knew if he had mentioned it to him, he would now have Starsky camped out there. No point in Starsky's weekend being ruined, too. Starsky could be such a mother hen when he put his mind to it.
~~~
Hutch reached above the door for his key, slowly inserted it into the lock, and placed the key back on the ledge. As the door swung open, he cautiously entered, looking to the right and then the left. He checked the bathroom and bedroom. Everything looked just as he had left it this morning. Hutchinson, you're starting to get a little paranoid.
He took off his jacket and tossed it on a chair. Then he removed his holster and hung it in its usual place on the closet door.
A shower was his next order of business and he headed into the bathroom, removing his shirt as he went. The shower did wonders for him, but as the hot water flowed over his body, he still could not get that voice out of his mind. It was obviously someone with a grudge against him. He was almost anxious for the next call. He wanted to listen carefully to see if he could pick up any clues as to the identity of the caller. The first couple of calls had so startled him that he was unable to get a feel for what was behind this. Well, all I can do now is wait. Wait for what? He slid into a pair of jeans and a shirt. He figured he should be ready for anything. No point in getting caught without my pants.
Hutch finished the sandwich he had fixed for his dinner. He was just too tired to make anything else. He picked up his dirty plate and took it to the kitchen. He couldn't help thinking that if he had told Starsky and he was camped out here right now, at least he would have some company. Admit it, you're getting a little edgy now. That is probably just what that sicko is hoping for. He probably thinks if he gets you all unnerved you'll be that much easier to handle when he gets around to making his move. Making his move? Hell, these could be just prank calls! Nothing more.
Hutch flipped on the TV and settled down on the couch. He watched the news for a while, then found a movie he hoped might hold his interest. In just minutes, his eyes were closed, as he lost his battle to stay awake.
~~~
The brown Thunderbird had been sitting in front of Hutch's apartment for several hours now. Inside were two men. One of them had been quietly staring at the window of Hutch's apartment. "I really hate this guy," he said, as he finally broke his silence. His companion glanced over at him.
"Nick, I have never really understood what this is all about. Why do you hate this Hutchinson so much?"
In a voice full of resentment, he replied, "I hate him because my brother seems to think he's the only person that exists in this world. My brother would rather be with him than with me. To tell you the truth, I think I might just hate them both! They both seem to think that they are so damn perfect." Nick sat there and again looked up at the apartment window, his face a mixture of anger and hurt. "Wonder what the great cop is doing right now? What do you think, Jake? Think he's getting a little scared yet?" Nick gave a nasty laugh.
Jake shook his head. "Who knows. Crank calls are probably a way of life for cops. I'm sure they get threats all the time."
Jake turned to his pal and could see that he wasn't really listening to him at all. "Just what is it you hope to accomplish by getting Hutchinson out of the way?"
Nick's eyes took on a strange look as he said, "When Hutch is out of the way, Davey will have to turn to me, won't he? He'll need me. We'll be brothers again."
Somehow, Jake didn't think it was going to be all that easy, but he knew better than to rile Nick. Nick could get real mean when provoked.
Suddenly, Nick said, "Let's go."
"Now?"
"No time like the present. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I get my brother back." Nick opened his car door, slid out of the seat, and quietly closed the door behind him. Jake followed him.
When they got to Hutch's door, Jake said, "What are we gonna do, knock and wait for him to open the door?" Nick reached up above the door and took down the key.
"No point in disturbing him, when we already have the key." Nick had the look of someone utterly determined, and Jake knew there would be no turning back now. He was beginning to think that his friend might be just a little bit crazy.
Nick unlocked the door and quietly pushed it open. "Ready or not, here we come, Detective Hutchinson," he whispered under his breath.
Hutch, who was deep in sleep, had no idea that his sleep was about to be rudely interrupted. Nick and Jake stood looking down at Hutch as he slumbered. Nick had a vile look on his face and Jake could tell that this was going to get very nasty, very quickly.
Just then, Hutch opened his eyes. He had an uneasy feeling he was being watched. As his eyes slowly focused, the two shapes standing next to the couch began to take on forms. Suddenly, he thought he recognized the one figure. At first he thought it was his partner, but then realized he was too short to be Starsky. Then it hit him--the voice and the figure standing over him belonged to Nick Starsky. "What the hell is going on here?" he demanded to know. Just then he was grabbed by the other unknown person.
"You just shut up and speak when spoken to," the man growled at Hutch.
Hutch started to get to his feet, but the man shoved him back onto the couch with such force it made his head swim. "We're in charge here, cop, and don't you forget it," Jake snarled. He was beginning to enjoy this.
Nick gave his friend a warm smile as he said, "Now you're getting the idea."
Hutch looked at Nick and asked, "Does your brother know you're in town?"
"No point in him knowing until you are out of the picture. He wouldn't have time for me anyway with you still around." Nick gave a demented laugh, "But all that is going to change real soon."
With no warning, Nick then lunged at Hutch, grabbing him by both shoulders and flinging him across the room and against the wall. Hutch hit the wall so hard, the wind was knocked out of him. He slid to the floor, struggling to catch his breath. He tried to get up, but just as he thought he might make it, Nick slammed a fist into his chest. Down he went again. "Come on, Hutchinson, I thought you were a tough cop." Hutch once again attempted to get to his feet, and this time he was successful. He even managed to strike a blow against his opponent. But his victory was short-lived as Jake grabbed Hutch from behind, forced his arms behind him, and then held them tightly. Nick immediately began beating Hutch in a frenzy. It was as if Nick had completely lost his mind. He just kept hitting and hitting. Blood trickled down Hutch's face from his nose and mouth, as Nick's fists continued their assault. Hutch felt himself slipping into darkness, and he welcomed it.
When Hutch came to, he was lying on the floor; he could feel his broken ribs throbbing as he tried to move. "Where you do you think you're going, Blondie?" Nick asked, as he slammed his foot down hard on Hutch's right arm.
Hutch heard the bones break, as once again he was enveloped in jarring pain. "Why, Nick? Why are you doing this? What have I ever done to you?" the pain making it almost impossible for Hutch to speak.
"What have you done?" Nick replied in a tone filled with fury and anger. What have you done? Just taken away my brother, that's all." Nick's voice began to rise as his demented state continued. "In his eyes I am nothing, but you...you are so perfect. God, how I hate you! As long as you're around he will never want me in his life. You...you're all he needs. He doesn't give a damn about me! He barely knows that I'm alive." Nick's breathing was becoming more rapid and he once again began to strike Hutch. "I hate you! I hate you!"
Jake watched as Nick continued his almost hysterical beating of Hutch. One vicious blow after another. Blood poured down Hutch's face and his eyes were beginning to swell shut.
"Hey, buddy, how about saving me some of that cop? I didn't come along just to watch, you know.
Nick slowly ceased his frantic blows, turned to Jake and said, "He's all yours."
Jake slowly walked over to where Hutch lay crumpled in a heap on the floor. He rolled Hutch over onto his back and looked down at his face. "You know, he's kind of a pretty cop…well, he was until you used his face for a punching bag." Laughing, he stood and gave a vicious kick to Hutch's groin.
Hutch sobbed as the pain coursed through him. "Please," his voice trembled as he weakly tried to speak. "Please, no more." Jake just laughed as Hutch felt himself losing consciousness.
The beatings seemed to go on forever. Each time Hutch regained consciousness the beating began again. He knew he would be lucky to survive the night.
Hutch slowly opened his swollen eyes. It hurt just to do that much. He realized he was now on his bed and his wrists were tied tightly to the bed. His broken arm throbbed. Just breathing hurt. He knew he had several broken ribs, too. He attempted to lift his head to see if he could find his tormentors. He couldn't see them, but he could hear their muffled voices from the other room. He couldn't understand what they were saying, but he knew they were still there. He had never realized how sick Nick Starsky was. He had always known the kid was nothing but trouble, but he had never imagined anything like this. Starsky is going to be so mad at me. I never should have kept those phone calls a secret from him. I'm gonna die here and Starsky will blame himself, especially when he finds out it was his brother. And I know Starsky will find out. Starsky will not rest until he finds those responsible for my death. Death, something a cop thinks about a lot. But somehow, I pictured Starsky and me going out in a blaze of glory, like something out of one of those movies Starsky's always watching. Hutch almost smiled at the thought, as he drifted back into unconsciousness.
"Jake, you're a real pervert, you know that?"
"Yeah, I've been told that before, so what?"
Nick watched as Jake took a pair of shears to Hutch's shirt, slowly cutting the material away from Hutch's body. When he was done with the shirt, he moved on to the jeans. He hesitated for a second and then slowly cut away the white briefs Hutch was wearing. He slid his hands slowly along Hutch's nude body. "Nice, very nice." He grinned at Nick.
Nick gave Jake a disgusted look. "Do whatever you want with him, and then we have to finish him off."
Jake gave Nick a demented grin and proceeded to run his hands over Hutch's body. Hutch's eyes opened slowly, the pain still more than he could bear. Then the realization hit him that someone's hands were caressing his naked body. Naked? What the hell? He tried to move, but remembered that he was now tied to his bed. Looking down, he could see that the hands touching him belonged to Nick's so-called friend, Jake. Hutch began struggling, desperate to get away. Feeling more fear than he could ever have imagined. If he had a choice now, he would choose death.
Just then, the phone rang, causing both men to jump. They looked at each other nervously. "Maybe we better get out of here," Nick said. "Someone might come looking for him, if he doesn't answer the phone. Jake glanced over at Hutch lying on the bed, hating to leave without getting what he wanted. The blond cop looked very appealing to him, and it could have been so good.
Nick glanced at Hutch and then at Jake. "I want him dead." He handed Jake a gun. "Finish him off and let's get out of here.
Nick left the room, as Jake leveled the gun at Hutch's head. Hutch closed his eyes, knowing this was the end. But Jake hesitated; he really wanted another chance with the pretty cop. He lowered the gun slightly and pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Hutch in the shoulder, and he let out a moan as the added pain hit him. Jake whispered to Hutch, "Now you owe me one, and I'll be back to collect. I promise you that."
~~~
Starsky was still grumbling as he slid out of the Torino. Dobey had called before he was even out of bed. Something about paperwork, but it would only take a few minutes to get it handled. Starsky had tried calling Hutch, but there had been no answer. Well, partner, I hope I'm only going to be waking you up and not disturbing you and your new lady. Just the thought of that brought a grin to Starsky's face. Guess, that would be one way to meet her.
Starsky bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Might as well get this over with.
He knocked on the door, but there was no answer. He knocked several more times, still no answer. He knew Hutch's car was parked out front. Well, I might as well check and see how sleeping beauty is doing. He reached up and fumbled around for the key. Not finding it, he slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out his own keys. Finding the one to Hutch's apartment, he slid it into the lock and pushed the door open. "Hey, Hutch, you awake?" He looked around, but no Hutch. He walked over and slowly eased Hutch's bedroom door open.
Starsky could only stare in horror. "Oh, my God, Hutch."
He slowly approached the bed where his partner's naked body lay. His mind could not even began to comprehend what was he was seeing. His partner lay there so still, bleeding and broken. Starsky's mind was reeling, he couldn't seem to find the strength to make a move.
Finally, he called out softly to his friend, "Hutch? Hutch, I'm here."
He sat down as carefully as he could on the edge of the bed, noticing that on the floor in a pile lay Hutch's cut-up clothing. He reached over and touched Hutch's cheek, and then slowly slid his hand down to check for a pulse. Finding one, he breathed a sigh of relief. The pulse was weak, but he was alive. "Hutch."
The only response was a slight whimper. There was blood everywhere. At least it seemed that way to the bewildered Starsky. Starsky's eyes took in the battered body and the bullet wound in Hutch's shoulder. I have to stop the bleeding. Starsky got to his feet and hurried to the kitchen, where he grabbed some towels from the drawer and soaked them in cold running water. He also ran some water into a glass. Towels and glass in hand, he rushed back to the bedroom.
Hutch lay just as Starsky had left him. Starsky eased back onto the bed and reached to untie Hutch's wrists. Hutch moaned as his arms were untied. "Easy, it's going to be okay." Starsky gasped in horror as he realized Hutch's right arm was broken. My God, what kind of animal did this to you? What kind of person breaks your arm and then ties it to the bed? "Hutch, can you hear me? Hutch? Open your eyes, please!"
Starsky lifted Hutch's head and wiped his face with one of the wet towels, while he pressed the other towel to the wound in Hutch's shoulder. Hutch opened his eyes, staring unseeingly straight ahead. Starsky swallowed hard, the lump in his throat feeling like it might choke him. He forced a little of the water into his partner's mouth. Hutch struggled and started to choke. "It's okay, you need to drink some of this. Take it slow." Hutch's eyes finally met those of his partner. Starsky knew he would never forget that look. It was a look of sheer terror.
"Please, no more, no more," Hutch begged, as he started to struggle to get away.
"Hutch, it's okay! Look at me. It's me, Starsky. Everything is going to be okay."
Hutch suddenly became calm and his eyes met Starsky's. In a weak voice, he said, "Starsk...?" Tears began to well up in Hutch's eyes.
"Yeah, buddy, it's me. Take it easy." Starsky took one of the wet towels and gently wiped his friend's bloodied and bruised face. He gently pressed the other towel to the bullet wound in Hutch's shoulder once again. "I'm going to call an ambulance now, buddy." Starsky started to get up from the bed.
"Starsk, don't leave me. Please...don't leave me. They're coming back... please...Starsk...."
Starsky sat back down on the bed. "Hutch, I'm not going to leave you. I have to call an ambulance. I'm just going to call an ambulance, I'm not leaving you. I have to get you to a hospital." Starsky had never felt so helpless in his life.
Starsky hung up the phone, praying that the ambulance would be there soon. He knew Hutch had some broken bones and had lost a lot of blood from the shoulder wound. He also knew there was the possibility of internal injuries. His partner's naked body had put questions in his mind that he wasn't sure he wanted answers for. What the hell had gone on here? Please, God, not that.... But what worried him most was what this might have done to Hutch emotionally. There was fear in his eyes, but Starsky knew there was something else there, too. Something that really scared him, but he wasn't sure just yet what it was.
After calling the ambulance, Starsky sat down next to Hutch again. As he leaned toward his friend, Hutch cringed and started to tremble. "No, no more. I can't take anymore. Please, just go away." Hutch murmured over and over.
Starsky's insides turned cold. Who had done this to Hutch, and why? He knew he wouldn't rest until he found the ones responsible for this. He wanted to pull his partner close and hold him until all the pain went away. But with Hutch's broken and bruised body, he didn't think that that would be such a good move right now. He settled for brushing Hutch's hair back from his face and wiping his face once again with the cold wet towel. He whispered over and over that "everything was going to be all right now." Then he carefully laid a blanket over the battered body. He sat there waiting for the ambulance and tried to figure out what had happened here. And he couldn't keep the ugly thought of what might have happened out of his mind. All he knew for sure was that Hutch had been nearly beaten to death. But why?
Starsky heard the sirens of the approaching ambulance. Thank God! "Hutch, help is here. We're gonna get you to the hospital now, and they'll take good care of you."
"Starsk...it hurts..."
"I know babe, but it's almost over now." Tears filled Starsky's eyes and he fought to keep them from streaming down his face.
~~~
It had been hours since they had arrived at the hospital. Starsky had called Dobey as soon as they had arrived. Dobey was sending a team over to Hutch's to gather any evidence they might find. Starsky prayed they would find something that would lead him to those responsible. He couldn't stop thinking about what had been done to Hutch. Whoever had done this had to have been one very angry person. What had Hutch done to make someone this angry? No, it had to be more than one person who. Hutch would never be in the condition he was in if it had only been one person. But why? Starsky got to his feet, and began pacing the hallway. What was taking so long? The longer he waited, the more worried he got, and the sicker he felt at what at had been done to Hutch. He knew he would never forget the sight that had met his eyes when he pushed open Hutch's bedroom door. Starsky stopped his pacing and once again resumed his seat back in the waiting room. What the hell was taking so long?
Just then, the door to the ER swung open and Starsky stood to meet the doctor approaching him. "Are you the detective waiting for word on Mr. Hutchinson?"
Starsky nodded, then corrected the doctor, "That's Detective Hutchinson. He's my partner. How is he?"
"Well, Detective, as you know, your partner was very badly beaten. We removed a bullet from his shoulder, and he is in recovery right now. He also has three broken ribs and a broken arm. He has lost a lot of blood and he's very weak, but he will recover. We are going to keep him for several days. Once he is released, he will need complete bed rest for several weeks."
Starsky felt the relief wash over him, as he heard the words, "He will recover." Then he remembered Hutch's cut-off clothing lying on the floor next to the bed. "Doctor, was...well, was he...?"
"What is it you are trying to ask me, detective?"
Starsky took a deep breath. "Was he sexually molested?"
The doctor shook his head. "No, we found no evidence that he had been molested."
"Thank God," Starsky whispered to himself. Looking back at the doctor, he asked, "When can I see him?"
"Well, he will be in recovery probably another hour or so, and then they will bring him down to his room. I'll make sure that you're told the minute he is in his room."
"Thanks, Doctor. I really appreciate all you've done."
"You're welcome, Detective, but like your job, it's all in a day's work." The doctor moved down the hallway to his next patient, and Starsky sank back down on the chair to resume his waiting. But at least now he knew Hutch would be okay.
Starsky hesitated at the door to Hutch's room, the image of what he had found on the other side of the door just hours ago still fresh in his mind. He shook his head slowly as if to clear that image out of his mind, and pushed open the door. His eyes took in the welcomed sight of his partner. He had to admit that even though Hutch looked awful, he still looked much better than he had a few hours ago. He pulled a chair close to the side of the bed and sat down. He reached over and took Hutch's hand. It felt good to have this contact again. Starsky's eyes traveled over his partner's body. His face was very badly bruised, both eyes purple and swollen, a thick bandage on his shoulder, and a cast on his right arm. Those were just the things he could see. What about the loss of blood, the pain, and the fear he knew Hutch had to have felt? He's been through so much. How alone he must have felt. As good as it was being here with him and knowing he would recover, he still knew that until Hutch opened those bright blue eyes of his, he couldn't be sure of anything. Hutch would have to let him know that he would be okay, not the doctors.
Hours passed. Starsky had dozed on and off in the chair. Several times nurses had tried to persuade him to leave, go home and get some rest. But Starsky knew he had to be there when Hutch woke up. Hutch had already gone through so much alone, Starsky was going to make darn sure that he was not alone anymore.
Watching Hutch as he slept, Starsky couldn't help but think that even in sleep, Hutch seemed to be in pain. Starsky reached out and squeezed Hutch's hand lightly, just to let him know that he was not alone. To his amazement and delight, his hand was squeezed in return. He looked up and found himself looking into those blue eyes that he had been so anxious to see open. "Hutch?" There was no answer, and the eyes slowly closed once again. "That's okay, Hutch, you just rest." Starsky patted Hutch's hand and leaned back in the chair. Within minutes, Starsky, too, was asleep.
~~~
Hutch slowly opened his eyes. Pain, so much pain. What was wrong? What had happened to him? Then it started coming back. The phone calls...Nick...Nick Starsky...hating him so much he wanted him dead. Nick and his partner beating him repeatedly. Hutch moaned just thinking about what this would do to Starsky. He knew he could not be the one to tell Starsky it was Nick who had done this to him.
Starsky heard Hutch moan and immediately moved toward his partner.
Hutch turned toward the movement. "Starsk?"
"Yeah, buddy, it's me." Starsky softly ran his hand down Hutch's face. "Everything is going to be okay now."
Hutch shook his head weakly, thinking about how things had never been more messed up. Nothing would ever be okay again. Starsky noticed the uncertain look on Hutch's face. "Really, buddy, everything is going to be okay now. The doc says that in a few weeks you'll be good as new."
Hutch tried his best to give his friend a smile, but the result was a very weak attempt.
"How you feeling, you need anything, huh?" Starsky's anxious face hovered above Hutch's.
Hutch wanted very much to ease Starsky's anxiety, but it just hurt too much right now. "Hurts...everything hurts, Starsk."
"Yeah, buddy, I know. I'll get a nurse and she'll give you something for the pain. You need some rest, later we'll talk about what happened. But in the meantime, if you know who did this to you, it would sure be a big help if you could tell me now."
Hutch shook his head and slowly closed his eyes.
Starsky couldn't help feeling some disappointment. He desperately wanted to nail whoever did this to Hutch, and the sooner the better. "Hutch, can you tell me anything?"
Hutch moaned softly, "Starsk, I can't talk about this right now. Please...don't ask me any questions now."
Starsky could tell Hutch was beginning to get himself worked up. The last thing he wanted to do was upset Hutch right now. "It's okay, we can talk about it later." Starsky patted Hutch's arm.
Starsky sat by Hutch's bedside after the nurse had been in and given him something for the pain. He couldn't bring himself to leave his friend, even though he knew he would be sleeping for quite a while. He sat there thinking how unlike Hutch it was that he wouldn't even try to give Starsky any leads on who had done this to him. The Hutch he knew would want to nail the ones responsible just as much as Starsky did. Starsky sighed, maybe it was just that the beating had taken so much out of him, he had been through a lot. Starsky was sure when Hutch was feeling better, he would tell him everything he could about who had done this.
Several hours later, Starsky, who had fallen asleep, was awakened by a nurse who had a message for him from Captain Dobey. He was to call Captain Dobey first chance he got.
Since Hutch was still sleeping, Starsky wandered out to the nurses' station to call Dobey.
"Captain Dobey, here."
"Captain, it's Starsky, what's up?"
"Hey, Starsky, how is Hutch doing?"
"The doctor says he'll be up and around in a couple weeks. In the meantime he will need a lot of rest, but he's going to be okay."
"That's great news! Look, Starsky, I need to talk to you, but I don't think it should be over the phone."
Starsky thought Dobey sounded a bit strange. "Captain, what's wrong? Do you have a lead on who did this to Hutch?"
"Starsky, we'll talk about this when you can get to the station."
Starsky began to worry about what Dobey had to tell him. "Look, Captain, I'll be in as soon as Hutch wakes up. I don't want to leave him without letting him know where I'm going."
"Okay, Starsky, I'll be here."
"Thanks, Captain, see you in a while." Starsky hung up the phone and wandered back toward Hutch's room. What was all that about? He couldn't imagine what it could be about this case that Dobey couldn't discuss over the phone. Must be something important if Dobey was still in his office this late at night.
He quietly entered Hutch's room, not wanting to wake up his partner. He knew Hutch needed his rest. But upon entering the room, he found his partner awake. Hutch turned as he heard the door open. "Starsk...where did you go? I thought you'd left." Hutch's voice had a slight tremble to it.
"Hey, it's okay, buddy, I didn't leave." Starsky could see that Hutch waking up alone had really upset him. He seemed scared of something, too. "Hutch, what is it? What's wrong? Talk to me"
"Starsk...I'm sorry, but I'm scared. He's going to come back. He told me he'd be back. Starsky...he's gonna...." Hutch's voice trailed off. Starsky sat down on the edge of the bed and took hold of Hutch's hands, squeezing them gently.
"Hutch, who's going to come back? What's he gonna do?"
Hutch turned his face away from Starsky, saying once again, "I can't talk about this now."
"Hutch, you're not making any sense. Please tell me who's coming back and why." No response from Hutch.
"Hutch, I'm going to call Dobey and have him put a guard on your door. I'll be right back."
Hutch never moved or even acknowledged that Starsky had spoken. As the door closed behind Starsky, Hutch wondered why he hadn't kept his mouth shut. So, he was scared. There was nothing anyone could do if he wouldn't talk to Starsky, and he sure couldn't be the one to tell Starsky that his brother had been responsible for all of this. He would have to try harder to keep the fact from Starsky that he was scared of Jake coming back. It was never easy to keep anything from Starsky. It would be especially difficult this time if he couldn't hide his fear. Fear of Jake and Nick, and fear of what finding out about his brother would do to Starsky. He only knew he didn't want Starsky hurt. He slowly closed his eyes. It was just all too much for him to deal with right now.
Returning from making the phone call to Dobey, Starsky found his partner was asleep and Huggy had arrived. "Hey, Hug."
Huggy glanced up. Taking in Starsky's haggard appearance, he said, "You look almost as bad as our blond friend. Is he going to be okay?"
"Yeah, good as new in a couple of weeks," Starsky said as he looked down at his sleeping partner. Starsky couldn't help but think how Hutch looked troubled even in his sleep.
"Dobey call you?" Starsky asked, wondering how Huggy had found out so fast.
"Yeah. Oh, and I stopped and picked up some of Hutch's things for him." Huggy motioned toward a small suitcase on the floor.
"Thanks, Hug, I might not have thought of that for a while. Hutch would've been a little cranky, too, without his butterfly bones and granola."
Huggy stared at Starsky with a puzzled look. "Butterfly bones...? Granola...? Starsky what are you talking about? I just brought him some clothes and his shaving stuff and toothbrush!"
"That's okay, Huggy...I think it'll be a few days before Hutch will be interested in those things."
Huggy, with a puzzled look still on his face, nodded toward Hutch. "If either of you need anything give me a call. I have to get back to the Pits before the hired help puts me out of business."
Thanks, Huggy, you're a good friend." Huggy patted Starsky's arm on his way out the door. "Tell Blondie I was here and to get well real soon."
"I'll do that. Thanks again." As Huggy closed the door, Starsky turned back to where his partner lay sleeping. He looks so troubled. He knew there had to be a lot more to this than what he had originally thought...some reason that Hutch did not want to talk about it. He didn't plan on pushing Hutch now, but when he was feeling better, he was going to have to talk to him about what had happened. In the meantime since Hutch was sleeping, Starsky knew he had better head in to see Dobey. Something strange seemed to be going on there, too. He told the nurse to let Hutch know where he had gone and that he would return as soon as possible. He hoped Hutch wouldn't wake up scared and feeling alone again. Maybe with a little luck he'd be back before Hutch woke up.
Starsky found Dobey sitting slumped at his desk, a half-eaten doughnut and cold cup of coffee next to him. He looked about the way Starsky felt.
"What's up, Cap'n? Any leads on who attacked Hutch?"
The expression on Dobey's face as he looked toward him made Starsky extremely uneasy. He had the feeling he was about to learn something very unpleasant. "Sit down, Starsky."
That confirmed it for Starsky. This was not going to be pleasant. "Okay, I'm sitting, give me the bad news."
Dobey leaned forward in his chair and took a deep breath. "Starsky...we found some prints at Hutch's place."
"Hey, that's great! Now all we gotta do is go out and get the scum who did this to Hutch." Starsky stood as if ready to do just that.
"Starsky, please sit down. Don't you want to know who the prints belong to?"
"Oh, sure, Cap'n." Starsky sat down with a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach, and that feeling that something unpleasant was about to happen persisted.
"Starsky, has your brother ever been to Hutch's place?" Starsky jerked his head up toward Dobey. Dobey sat there looking intently at Starsky.
"What do you mean?"
Dobey shook his head slowly and hesitated, as if he didn't really want to continue this conversation. "Well, I was wondering if Nick had spent any time at Hutch's place?"
"Hutch's place? Nick? Wait a minute, what are you saying, Cap'n?" Starsky's face was a mixture of anger and confusion.
Dobey, his eyes still intent on Starsky, sighed as he said, "I'm asking because his prints, along with a guy's named Jake Tyler, were found in Hutch's apartment." Starsky stood up and began to pace the office. "I don't understand any of this. As far as I know, Nicky isn't even in town. And I don't think he's ever been to Hutch's. This just doesn't make sense. What would Nicky be doing at Hutch's place? And who is this Jake Tyler?"
Dobey shrugged, "Just some-small time punk with a rap sheet a mile long, but nothing too serious. At least so far, nothing connects him to Hutch."
Starsky, still pacing, paused to stop in front of Dobey's desk. "But why? It doesn't make any sense that Nicky would want to hurt Hutch. I've got to talk to Nicky. Hell...I've got to talk to Hutch." Starsky headed for the door.
"Hey, Starsky, don't you want the information on Jake Tyler?"
Starsky stopped dead in his tracks, "You bet I do! He may just have all the answers I'm looking for." Starsky grabbed the paper out of Dobey's hand and headed once again for the door. "Thanks, Cap'n."
Now what? Do I question Hutch again? Do I look for this Jake character first, or do I give my brother a call? As he headed out of the parking lot, he turned toward the hospital. He knew he had to see Hutch and make sure that he was okay. What the hell do I say to him if it turns out that Nicky was behind this? None of this makes any sense. Hutch and Nicky barely know each other. Of course, I don't think Hutch is real fond of Nicky, but that certainly is no reason for Nicky to beat him almost to death. And who is this Jake character? Maybe Jake is the one really behind all of this? But then why on earth would Nicky go along with hurting Hutch? Nicky knows how much Hutch means to me, that he's my best friend. But if Nicky is somehow involved, that would explain why Hutch refuses to talk about it. Hutch would try to spare my feelings. Damn it! None of this makes any sense at all.
As Starsky made his way down the corridor, he noticed several nurses rushing back and forth from Hutch's room. Something's wrong! Starsky ran toward the door.
The uniformed officer outside Hutch's door stepped forward to stop Starsky. "Sorry, sir, no one is allowed in this room without authorization."
Without hesitation, Starsky flipped out his badge and continued into Hutch's room. As he entered, he almost ran head-first into a nurse on her way out.
"What's wrong? Is he okay?" Starsky's eyes were already looking in the direction of the bed where he had left his friend. Relief swept over him as he realized Hutch was indeed still there. But the relief was short-lived as Starsky's eyes met those of his partner. The anguish in Hutch's eyes sent a cold chill down Starsky's spine.
The nurse patted his arm, and tried to assure him that everything was all right. "It seems he had a bad dream. He'll be okay now. He has been given something to help him relax. He'll probably fall back to sleep in no time." She then gave Starsky a warm smile and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Starsky quickly crossed the room and sat down on the edge of Hutch's bed. "I'm sorry, buddy, I should've been here when you woke up." He gently patted Hutch's arm, once again their eyes meeting.
Hutch shook his head. "It's okay. Sorry I caused so much trouble. It was just a dream, no harm done." But even as he uttered the words, he knew that it was no dream. He knew that Nick Starsky had been standing next to his bed. Hutch had opened his eyes to see him standing there, not saying a word, and then he had smiled and turned and walked away. It couldn't have been a dream. Hutch closed his eyes tightly, trying so hard to forget everything that had happened. The shot the nurse had given him was beginning to take effect. His eyes were feeling heavy. He reached for Starsky's hand and tried his best to put on a brave smile.
Starsky squeezed his hand. "You just try to go back to sleep now. I promise I'll be here when you wake up." Hutch winced as he struggled to get comfortable. "Easy, buddy. Take it slow." Starsky helped his partner get settled into a more comfortable position.
"Thanks, now why don't you go on home and get some rest yourself? You really look terrible." Hutch didn't like the way Starsky looked; this had obviously taken its toll on him also. "Really...Starsk, there's no need for you to sit here and watch me sleep." Hutch's eyes were closing before the words were out of his mouth.
"Okay, buddy," Starsky whispered quietly, "I'll go take care of some business as soon as I know you're sleeping peacefully." Starsky sat quietly watching as Hutch drifted off into sleep. Starsky had decided the first thing he would do was call home and see if Nicky were there. He still didn't know what he would do if it turned out that Nicky was not home. He would cross that bridge when he got to it.
Hutch moaned softly in his sleep as he once again struggled to find some sort of bearable position to sleep in. Broken bones and a gunshot wound did not make for easy sleeping. Seeing Hutch in pain was not something Starsky had ever been able to deal with. Hutch should not be lying here battered and beaten. Hutch deserved much better than this. And why after nearly beating Hutch to death did they find it necessary to shoot him? Their aim certainly couldn't have been that bad. Obviously, whoever had shot him hadn't intended to kill him. Had this just been another way to make Hutch suffer? Why? Starsky shook his head, as if to clear the confusion away. He stood and carefully pulled the blanket up around Hutch. He lightly brushed the hair away from Hutch's bruised face. "I promise you, buddy, whoever it was that did this to you, they're gonna pay! And it doesn't matter who it is!"
~~~