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THE TRUE BROTHER
by
Abigail Crabtree
Part Two
Back in his apartment, Starsky slowly hung up the phone. It had been great talking to his mom, she had sounded wonderful. But when she had mentioned that Nicky had been out of town for several days and she was worried that she hadn't heard from him, Starsky had felt his world start to crumble around him. He tried to tell himself not to jump to conclusions, but things were not feeling right.
Starsky wandered into the living room and sank down onto the couch. He was tired, so tired. I'll sleep for a few hours and then head back to the hospital to check on Hutch.
Hutch...how will I ever be able to face Hutch, if my brother is the one who did this to him...?
Starsky tossed and turned, pictures of his brother beating Hutch tormenting him. Finally, he drifted off into a restless sleep.
~~~
Hutch floated in and out of sleep. Awake or asleep, visions of Nick Starsky kept drifting through his mind. Hutch soon found himself afraid to close his eyes for fear that Nick would once again make his way into the dark hospital room. He had no doubt that Nick was not done with him. He all too vividly remembered the anger and rage that had consumed him. He had never realized the hatred that Nick had in him.
The more Hutch tossed and turned, the more fearful he became. He knew in his condition he would be no match for Nick. He couldn't stay here. But how could he leave?
Hutch looked at the phone on the stand next to the bed, maybe he could call Starsky. Starsky might think he was nuts, but he knew Starsky would get him out of here. But how do I explain why I am so terrified to stay in the hospital? How do I tell Starsk that his brother scares the hell out of me?
Despite the pain, he finally managed to get the phone within reach. After several attempts, he succeeded in dialing Starsky's number. The phone rang and rang, no answer. Starsky, where the hell are you? Still holding the receiver in his hand, he lay back, exhausted. The little he had exerted himself had just about completely done him in. The blue eyes closed and he once again drifted off to sleep.
Hutch woke again a half hour later. Someone had replaced the receiver back on the phone. Alone in his dark hospital room, he couldn't help but worry about Starsky. Why hadn't he answered the phone? Was Nick crazy enough to...? Not even wanting to consider the answer to that question, Hutch knew there was only one thing he could do.
Getting out of bed and out the hospital wasn't going to be easy, but that is exactly what the blond detective decided he had to do. Trying to pull himself up to a sitting position was one of the most painful things he had ever experienced. He finally managed it. Now what? He couldn't just walk out of here in that skimpy little hospital gown. There had to be something he could change into.
Hutch was now on his feet, unsteady as they were. He stood, looking around the room. He noticed a familiar bag on a chair. Someone had gone to his place and brought some of his things. Please let there be some clothes. It took him what seemed like hours to retrieve the bag. He found that getting back onto the bed was just as difficult as getting off the bed had been. He was totally exhausted. He sat quietly for a few minutes, trying to gather more strength. Having one arm in a cast and a bullet wound in the other shoulder made everything so difficult. He wished he could just crawl back into bed and sleep. But he wasn't safe here, and he wasn't sure Starsky was safe. He had to get out of there and get to Starsky.
After what seemed an eternity, he finally had managed to pull on the pair of pants that had been in the bag. After attempting to get the hospital gown off, he finally decided it would have to stay. There was just no way with his arm and shoulder that he would be able to change. After debating on the shoes and socks, barefoot seemed the best option.
Taking tiny pain-filled steps, Hutch made it to the door. He slowly eased it open. He was in luck. The guard that Starsky had had put on his door was down the hall talking to a nurse. No one else was in sight. If his luck would just hold for a few minutes more, he might just make it to the elevator. With his eyes fixed on the police officer, Hutch slowly inched his way to the elevator.
Once inside the elevator, which Hutch had been relieved to find empty, he slumped against the wall. His body seemed to be engulfed in pain. Everything hurt--his ribs, his arm, his shoulder, and his head was pounding. He began to doubt whether he would make it out of the hospital.
When the elevator reached the ground floor, Hutch carefully surveyed the scene. Dressed as he was in a pair of jeans, a hospital gown and barefoot, he doubted that he could go unnoticed. The best thing was to just make his way to the entrance and act as if there was nothing unusual about an obviously very battered man, dressed as he was, walking through the hospital. Because of the lateness of the hour, there were few people moving about on the main floor. The few that were in the area appeared to pay little attention to the injured man sneaking out of the hospital.
Once outside, Hutch took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air. He glanced longingly at the benches outside the front of the hospital. He wasn't sure if he could manage to take many more steps, but he had to try.
In his weakened condition, Hutch was barely able to walk. He knew he would continue to stumble along until he could no longer take another step. He had to see if Starsky was all right. It was dark out, and once again Hutch felt fear. Nick could be out here somewhere. Nick and that creep, Jake.
~~~
Starsky woke feeling a little better. After a quick shower, he headed back to the hospital. He hadn't liked leaving Hutch like that. He hoped Hutch hadn't had any more bad dreams.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, Starsky knew immediately something was wrong. There were several uniformed officers standing in front of Hutch's room. The nurses looked worried. Quickly, Starsky made his way over to the officers.
"What's happened? How's Hutch?" Not even waiting for an answer, Starsky pushed open the door to Hutch's room. The room was empty. He turned to the officers who had followed him in. "Where is he?" From Starsky's tone, the officers knew they were not going to have an easy time of it.
"He seems to have disappeared," the officer who had been guarding the door replied. Fear clearly showed on his face. And for good reason.
"What do you mean he's disappeared? You were put outside his door to make sure something like this didn't happen." Starsky reached out and grabbed the young officer by his shirt. "If anything else happens to him...." Starsky abruptly released his shirt. "What do we know for sure?" Starsky asked the group of officers.
"It appears that he left on his own, no signs of any kind of struggle. It looks like he took something out of the bag that's on the bed. He must still be wearing the hospital gown, though. And he left his shoes behind."
"And just how much do you think someone in his condition could struggle? So, we don't really know anything for sure, do we?" Starsky's tone was cold and very angry.
Starsky turned and headed back toward the elevator. He had to find Hutch. He knew Hutch had been scared, maybe so scared that he wanted out of the hospital.
He turned back to the officers, "Let Dobey know that I've gone out to look for Hutch."
Hutch wanted desperately to keep going, but he was beginning to realize there was no way he was going to be able to walk to Starsky's place. Unable to take one more step, Hutch stumbled to the ground. Dragging his poor battered body along the ground, he managed to get himself off the sidewalk and up against a building. He felt terrible and he was beginning to feel chilled. His eyes closed. Just a little rest....
Hutch never noticed the brown Thunderbird that had been following him. It was now parked across the street in the shadows. "Well, well. Looks like our big tough detective's not gonna make it," Nick laughed. "Guess we will just have to give him a ride. A one-way ride!"
Just as Nick and Jake started to open their car doors, a red Torino came into sight, slowly cruising down the street.
"Damn, it's my brother," Nick said as he slowly shut his car door.
"Maybe he won't notice Hutchinson leaning up against that building," Jake said.
By now Hutch had opened his eyes. He was cold, and he knew couldn't stay here. He struggled to get to his feet, but between the broken arm and the bad shoulder, he was not successful. He stumbled to the ground again.
Out of the corner of his eye, Starsky caught a glimpse of something moving. He slowed down even more. He couldn't be sure, but it looked like a person. A drunk maybe? Or someone in Hutch's condition? Starsky pulled to the curb.
Even in the dim light, Starsky could make out the blond hair of the person he was approaching. "Hutch?" Gently taking hold of Hutch's unbroken arm, Starsky pulled Hutch up so that he was cradled in his arms.
"Starsk...are you okay?" Hutch asked, practically using all that was left of his strength.
"Other than going out of my mind with worry over you, I'm okay." Starsky shook his head at Hutch. "What did you think you were doing?"
"He was in my room. It's not safe there, and I was worried about you," Hutch said as the chill began to take over his body.
Starsky quickly removed his jacket and placed it around Hutch. "Don't worry about me, you need to rest and let your body heal. Let's get you on your feet and into the car. The sooner we get you back to hospital and into bed, the better."
"No!" Hutch moaned as he struggled to get up. "I'm not going back to the hospital."
Seeing Hutch in so much pain was more than Starsky could handle.
"Okay, take it easy. I'll take you to my place. But you'll do as I say or it will be right back to the hospital. Understand?"
Hutch gave Starsky a weak smile and the blue eyes, though filled with pain, showed his gratitude.
"Okay, partner, let's get you on your feet. Easy does it."
Hutch moaned as fiery agony spread through his body.
"Sorry, Hutch." Starsky hated to add to his partner's pain.
With Starsky supporting Hutch's body, they slowly made their way to the Torino. Each step seemed to bring renewed pain.
Once settled in the Torino, Hutch collapsed against the back of the seat. His breathing was ragged and uneven. Starsky looked at him, concern showing.
"Starsk...I'm okay...really."
Starsky was so busy fussing over Hutch on the way to his place, he never noticed the brown Thunderbird following behind.
Forty-five minutes later, Starsky had gotten Hutch into his apartment and onto the bed.
"Okay, Blondie, lets get you out of these clothes and under the covers. Starsky quickly pulled the jeans off, though the hospital gown took a bit longer. Starsky gasped as the hospital gown slid off.
The sight of the dark bruised markings that covered Hutch's chest and abdomen brought a distressed look to Starsky's face. The bruises covered almost every inch of what was left uncovered by the bandages holding his ribs in place. Starsky had a feeling that it was more of the same under the bandages.
He felt Hutch's hand on his arm. "It's okay, Starsk. I'm okay...really." Starsky looked up to see Hutch watching him intently, his face full of concern.
"Hutch, I can't believe what they did to you. I'm so sorry."
"Hey, it's not your fault," Hutch squeezed his arm gently. Starsky wished he could believe that it wasn't his fault, but somehow the idea that maybe his brother was involved kept running through his mind. He knew he should just come out and ask Hutch, but he was afraid of upsetting him, and he knew for sure he was afraid of the answer he might get. At this point he really didn't know what to do. Should he keep his mouth shut about it and wait for Hutch to say something?
"Thanks, but I guess I just wish I could have been there when you needed me." Starsky brought his wandering thoughts back to the present.
"You're here now and that's what counts" Hutch said, as he tried his best to give his friend an encouraging smile.
"And I'm going to take real good care of you, too, starting right now. Let's get you settled into bed, and then I'll call the hospital and Dobey." With that said, Starsky adjusted the pillows behind Hutch and pulled the covers up around him. "Just rest, I'll be right back."
"Starsk...thanks for not taking me back to the hospital."
Starsky flashed him a grin. "What are friends for?"
After making the necessary phone calls, including one to Huggy to ask him to pick up Hutch's prescriptions and taking a lot of static from Hutch's doctor about not returning him to the hospital, Starsky returned to check on Hutch. He found his partner writhing in pain, hands clenching the blankets so hard his knuckles were white. Starsky moved quickly to the bed.
"Hutch, babe, it won't be much longer and we'll have something for the pain. Huggy will be bringing it real soon."
Starsky sat down on the bed next to his friend and, as carefully as possible, lifted him so that now he held Hutch against him. He rubbed his arm, talking soothingly. "It's going to be okay...it's going to be okay. Huggy will be here real soon and then you'll have something for the pain. I promise you, it's gonna get better. It's going to be okay." Hutch seemed to relax some and lay easier, listening to the soothing tones of Starsky's voice.
"Starsk?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry for being so much trouble."
"Don't even think about it. You just try and rest now."
~~~
"Did you see that? He just gathered him up and took him on home with him. And I'm sure he will take real good care of him, too. Makes me sick." Nick had been going on and on ever since they had watched Starsky put Hutch in his car. Jake had been silently listening. He still didn't quite understand why Nick hated Hutchinson so much. Not that it really mattered to him. He just wanted to get on with this, get it over with and get out of town. Of course, he was looking forward to his reward. He planned to enjoy himself with that cop. And when he was done this time, he would make sure the bullet did its job. He didn't like the idea of killing a cop, but he didn't like the idea of dealing with one Nick Starsky, very much either. Although, why Nick wouldn't want the honor of killing Hutchinson himself he hadn't a clue.
"Well, when do we make our move on Hutchinson?" Jake asked.
Nick, with a nasty chuckle said, "You don't think my big brother is going to be leaving his precious partner alone, do you? He'll be playing nursemaid for a while. We'll just have to watch and wait for our chance. Sooner or later my brother will have to leave him. Then Hutchinson will be all yours. And you make sure you enjoy yourself thoroughly with pretty boy."
Starsky sat by the side of the bed, watching Hutch sleep. The painkillers were doing their job, and Hutch was finally getting some much needed rest. Starsky knew he should try to get some rest, too, while Hutch was sleeping, but the need to keep an eye on Hutch overruled that. Too much had happened today...was it really only this morning that this nightmare had started? What a day, first finding Hutch beaten and shot, and then Hutch leaving the hospital. Why did Hutch leave? Hutch would never have left without a good reason. What was it Hutch had said about someone being in his room? Who had been in his room? He would have a lot of questions for his partner when he was rested and able to give some answers, not the least of which would be if he knew his attackers. But that question was one to which Starsky feared to hear the answer.
Finally, the need for rest won out, and Starsky took a blanket and pillow and went out to the couch. Within minutes, the long day caught up with him and he was soon sound asleep.
~~~
Starsky sat bolt upright. Bloodcurdling screams were coming from the bedroom. Hutch, oh God, Hutch. "I'm coming, Hutch..."
Starsky flew into the bedroom. Hutch was tossing and turning, drenched with sweat. A vague relief came over Starsky as he realized Hutch was having a nightmare. For a second, he had been afraid that maybe someone had gotten past him. But his relief was quickly overtaken by concern for Hutch.
"Hutch, wake up. Please, wake up." Starsky lovingly ran his hand gently across Hutch's forehead, soothing back the damp hair.
"Please...please, don't do this," Hutch muttered. "No! Please don't."
Starsky, not wanting to hurt Hutch but having no choice, took Hutch by the shoulders and gave just a little shake. "Hutch...it's me, Starsk. Come on, wake up, buddy. It's just a bad dream."
Hutch moaned at the added pain the shaking had caused, but remained oblivious.
"Hutch." Starsky's voice grew louder and he shook him just a little harder. "Come on, wake up."
Hutch groaned louder, but seemed to be waking up. One more little shake, and Hutch's eyes slowly opened, his gaze meeting Starsky's concerned eyes.
"Hey, buddy, it's me. It was just a bad dream."
Hutch shuddered, "No, he's...coming back after me." His voice filled with anguish, Hutch kept repeating, "He's coming after me, he's coming after me."
"Who? Who's coming, Hutch?"
"Jake is coming, Starsky, he's going to.... Oh God, Starsky, don't let him."
Starsky pulled Hutch closer, rubbing his shoulder, trying to ease his fears. "I'm here with you, Hutch, no one is going to hurt you. I promise you that." Starsky could feel Hutch's body trembling in fear.
"Starsk, don't leave me. Please, don't leave me alone. He's gonna...."
"I'm not going to leave you. Just try to relax, huh?" With Starsky talking soothingly and continuing to rub Hutch's shoulder, Hutch seemed to slowly calm down.
"Hutch, let me get you something for the pain, you need to try to get some rest." Starsky slowly eased Hutch back against the pillows.
"Starsk?"
"I promise I'll be right back and I'll stay right here with you." He moved off the bed and, when he received no protest from Hutch, went to the kitchen to get some water and the pain medication, stopping in the bathroom to get a cold towel.
So, there is a Jake. And with that thought, Starsky realized there must surely be a Nick, too. There really was no other way to explain the prints found in Hutch's place. He would have to call Dobey in the morning and tell him to get warrants issued for both men. Issue a warrant for my brother’s arrest? I don't believe this is happening. Hutch is going to have to talk to me.
"Okay, I'm back," he held out the glass of water and the pain pills. Hutch's trembling hand reached out, and Starsky steadied his friend's hand. Once the job of getting the pain pills down was accomplished, Hutch lay back against the pillows and closed his eyes. "You think you're gonna be okay now?" Starsky asked as he sat the glass down on the nightstand.
"If you stay with me."
"Not going anywhere," Starsky said as he reached for the wet towels. He tenderly wiped Hutch's face.
"That feels good." Hutch's voice sounded drowsy.
"Feel like you can go back to sleep now?" Starsky asked, as he continued wiping the cool cloth over Hutch's face.
Hutch patted the bed next to him. "As long as you stay here with me."
"I'll be right here. You go to sleep."
Starsky curled up next to Hutch and began rubbing his hands in a soothing manner over Hutch's chest. Hutch's breathing had evened out and he seemed to be much calmer. Starsky would have liked to pull Hutch close and hold him tight, but he knew that would only cause him pain. He was so thankful that Hutch was safe now. Nick, what have you done and why? Why would you want to hurt Hutch? You know how much he means to me. Starsky finally fell asleep, questions still running through his head.
~~~
Hutch opened his eyes slowly, trying to remember where he was. Then it all came back to him--the whole ordeal he had gone through--leaving the hospital, the fear that Jake would return, and.... But then he also remembered that he was with Starsky, and Starsky wouldn't let anything happen to him. He was safe.
Hutch looked down to find Starsky's hand still lying on his chest. Starsky was still sleeping peacefully. God knows he probably needs it. What would I do without you, Starsky? I sure hope I never have to find out. Hutch was still studying the sleeping form next to him--wondering how he would deal with things when Starsky found out his brother had been behind all this--when he noticed that Starsky was awake and was now watching him.
"Good morning, Starsk."
Starsky smiled at his partner, "How're you feeling this morning?"
"I guess not too bad, considering that everything hurts like hell."
Starsky grinned, "I hate to say this, buddy, but you look probably even worse than you feel."
Hutch returned the grin, "Thanks for cheering me up."
While Starsky busied himself making the two of them breakfast, Hutch slowly made his way to the bathroom, thankful he could at least do that on his own. He could hear Starsky on the phone. Probably checking in with Dobey. Hutch stared at his face in the mirror. Starsky was right, he did look worse than he felt, although he hadn't thought it possible. His face was a mass of bruises and cuts. His lips and eyes were swollen. He splashed some water on his face. Thank God he had one good hand.
Hutch almost dreaded having to leave the bathroom and face Starsky. He knew he wouldn't be able to stall Starsky's questions forever. God damn you, Nick Starsky!
When Hutch came out of the bathroom, Starsky was waiting for him.
"Okay, let's get you back into bed and get you fed."
"Starsk..." Before Hutch could say any more, Starsky gave him a look that said there would be no argument about the subject. Hutch allowed himself to be led back to bed. Once Starsky had Hutch settled against the pillows, he handed him a glass of orange juice and several pills.
"What are these for?" Hutch asked accepting the glass.
"For infection. Can't have you getting that shoulder wound infected now, can we?"
Hutch swallowed the pills.
"I'll be right back with your breakfast." Hutch couldn't help wonder what kind of concoction Starsky had cooked up.
"Here you go, Blondie, I know it's one of your favorites."
"Starsk, to tell you the truth, I'm not very hungry."
Well, you still have to try and eat a little." Starsky held a tray in his hands that he set down on the night table.
Hutch peered over, "Oatmeal?"
"Yep, and just the way you like it, with some fruit thrown in for good measure."
"Thanks, Starsk, that's really nice of you."
"Yeah, I thought so, too." Starsky grinned at him. "I didn't think you were up to leftover tacos or pizza."
"And I certainly appreciate that, Starsk." Hutch did his best to form a grin on his face.
"Well, you want me to feed you?"
"Huh? That's okay, my right hand is working pretty good. I think I can manage okay."
Starsky sat on the edge of the bed watching Hutch eat, ready to lend a hand if needed.
After Hutch had finished nearly half of the oatmeal, he said, "I can't eat anymore, Starsky."
"Maybe just a little more?" Starsky said. Hutch shook his head. "Okay, buddy. Well, we have a few more things to take care of then, before you settle down to getting some more sleep.
"What's that?" Hutch asked.
"Well, I need to change the bandage on your shoulder, make sure it's not getting infected or anything, and then...I need to ask you a couple of questions."
Hutch's face looked anguished at the thought of answering questions. "Starsk...can't the questions wait 'til later?"
"Hutch, you're a cop, you know I have ask you some questions. Don't you want us to get whoever did this to you?" Starsky studied Hutch's face as he waited for an answer. Looking at the tormented face of his partner, Starsky knew for sure that his brother was involved. Hutch looked like he might be sick.
Starsky took a deep breath. "Hutch, let me make this easier for you. Right now warrants are being issued for a Jake Tyler and…" he took another deep breath, "and Nick Starsky." Starsky felt tears welling up in his eyes at having to actually say those words. He couldn't even look Hutch in the eye. Suddenly, Starsky felt like he might be sick. This couldn't be happening. Part of him was waiting for Hutch to deny it, to ask why on earth a warrant had been issued for Nicky. But Hutch remained silent. Starsky finally looked over at his partner.
Tears were streaming down Hutch's face. "I didn't want you to find out...Starsky. I didn't want to see you hurt. I'm sorry."
Starsky, struggling to get his emotions under control, reached out to Hutch and pulled him into his arms. Hutch put his good arm around Starsky's neck and held on tight. They stayed that way, both quietly sobbing, until Starsky heard a small voice say, "I don't have to tell anyone Nick was involved." Starsky pulled back and tenderly attempted to wipe the tears from Hutch's face.
"That's real nice of you, Hutch. It means a lot to mean that you'd be willingly to do that. But it goes against everything that you believe in. I can't let you do that. Nicky did this and Nicky has to pay." Starsky's voice broke a little, but Hutch could tell he meant every word he said.
Starsky eased Hutch back, still struggling with his emotions. "Hey, we can talk later, after you've had some rest. Let's get this shoulder looked at now." Hutch himself, still feeling emotional, just nodded. "I'll get the bandages and ointment. Be right back." Starsky attempted to give his friend a reassuring look as he left the room, but wasn't sure how successful he had been.
Arriving back in the bedroom with the supplies, Starsky found Hutch with his eyes closed and obviously in pain. "Hey, buddy, once we get the bandage changed, I'll get you something for the pain."
Hutch wearily struggled to open his eyes and in a soft voice said, "I'm okay. Don't worry so much about me, okay? You make sure you take care of yourself, too, huh? I know this isn't easy for you. I know you're hurting, too, and you can't eliminate your pain by taking some pain pills."
Starsky, with trembling hands worked on removing the bandage on Hutch's shoulder. "Easy, no, it's not easy. Not at all easy watching you in pain and knowing that MY brother did this to you. MY brother, God, I can't even begin to comprehend what he was thinking. I'm just so sorry about this Hutch."
Hutch watched as Starsky replaced the bandage and carefully, so not to cause Hutch any added pain, applied the tape. "Starsky...it's not your fault, Nick has problems, buddy. But it's not your fault. You've got to believe that."
Starsky shook his head as he got up from the bed. "I'll get the pills for you."
Hutch watched his partner leave the room, his heart breaking knowing how much this was hurting Starsky. Once again he heard himself saying, "Damn you, Nick Starsky!"
After Hutch had taken the pain pills, he slept peacefully for several hours. Starsky kept a close eye on his best friend. Somehow, he felt he had to make up for what his brother had done to Hutch. Finally, Starsky lay down next to Hutch and slipped off into a not-so-peaceful sleep, himself.
Starsky was awakened by the sounds of Hutch having another nightmare. Starsky wrapped his arms around Hutch and tried to reassure him that it was only a dream. "You're safe, buddy. Easy, Hutch, no one is going to hurt you." The soothing tones of Starsky's voice gradually began to calm Hutch, and once again he slept. Starsky lay awake then, wondering exactly what it was that was causing the nightmares. Was he reliving the events of that night, or was it something he feared might still happen? He knew it had something to do with Jake coming back. It was very obvious that Hutch was scared of Jake. Poor Hutch, trying so hard to keep from hurting me. I've got to make sure he doesn't get hurt again.
That night after dinner, of which Hutch had eaten quite a bit--much to Starsky's relief--they watched a movie on TV. Starsky had done his best to make Hutch comfortable on the couch. Starsky thought Hutch seemed stronger, and was feeling more like himself.
When the movie ended, Starsky asked, "Feel like talking a little?" Starsky couldn't help notice that Hutch still got a pained look on his face at the idea of talking about what had happened. "I promise, just a couple of questions. I've got to try to understand what happened. I know it's not easy for you to talk about all of this, but it's going to have to come out sooner or later."
With some hesitation, Hutch finally replied, "Okay."
Starsky moved closer to the blond, "It's okay, Hutch, I can handle it. It's not knowing everything that's hard to handle. Why did Nicky come after you?"
"Starsk, first there's something I have to tell you." Hutch knew he had to tell Starsky about the phone calls. "I'm really sorry that I didn't say something sooner...I should have told you right from the beginning."
"What is it, Hutch?" Starsky wasn't sure what to expect.
"Well, my sleepless nights…well, they had nothing to do with a woman." Hutch stayed silent for a moment, knowing that Starsky was probably going to be furious with him.
"Hutch? Talk to me, Hutch. What was preventing you from sleeping then?"
"Phone calls were keeping me up. I was getting these threatening phone calls. I thought maybe they might just be pranks, so I didn't want to worry you. I sort of recognized the voice, but couldn't put a face to it. Not until I woke up and found your brother standing over me."
Starsky's face was a mixture of grief and anger. "Did he say why he was doing this? I have to try to understand this whole situation. It just doesn't make any sense to me."
"Well," Hutch replied, "it might not make any sense to either one of us, but to Nick it seems to make perfect sense. He feels, and I mean very strongly, that I have come between you two. He seems to think I'm the reason that you and he are not closer. And that you care more about me than you do about him."
Starsky sat stone-faced for a few seconds and then in a quiet voice said, "You do. You do mean more to me than he does." He looked over at Hutch. "I know that probably sounds pretty awful, but I've tried over and over with him. It's his fault we're not closer, he just won't even try to meet me halfway."
Hutch squeezed Starsky's arm, "I know how hard you've tried with him. It's not your fault he won't try." Hutch took a deep breath, "Starsky, I hate to say this, but your brother really seems to be losing it. He was pretty much out of control last night. He wants me dead. I'm not saying these things to hurt you, but I think you should realize what kind of shape your brother is in."
"I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt me, you're just being honest with me, and that's what I want."
Hutch leaned back against the couch and closed his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Starsky."
"You look beat, Hutch. I just have one more question for you. Are you up to it?"
"Might as well get it over with now, what is it?"
Starsky kind of stammered around, trying to find the right words. Finally, he just blurted it out. "You're really afraid of this Jake character, aren't you? Why?" Starsky could immediately see Hutch tense. Now it was his turn to stammer, trying to find the words to explain why he felt the way he did.
Finally, hoping to maybe break a little of the tension, Hutch replied, "Well let's just say he's interested in more than my sparkling personality. He seems to want to know me intimately."
Starsky felt his stomach churn, "I guess that explains why your clothes were cut off you, huh? He didn't do anything...did he?"
"No, I think they got scared when the phone rang. They were worried that if I didn't answer, someone might come by. Jake was supposed to kill me, but he made sure that he didn't succeed so he could come back and finish what he'd started. He warned me he'd be back. I assume your brother is pretty pissed off that I'm still alive."
"Damn it, this is worse than I had imagined. I'm sorry, Hutch. But I promise you I'll get them both. They'll both pay for what you've been through. When I get my hands on them...."
"Take it easy, Starsky. Don't get yourself all worked up."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. But I mean it, Hutch, they're gonna pay!"
Hours later, after getting Hutch settled into bed and staying by his side until he had fallen asleep, Starsky sat trying to make some sense of all that had happened. He came to the realization that it was never going to make any sense. He would just concentrate on getting Nick and Jake put in jail where they belonged, and the sooner the better. He wasn't going to give them another chance to hurt Hutch. He had checked in with Dobey, but so far, no one had had any luck tracking them down. Starsky was having a hard time keeping himself from going out to look for them. But he had promised Hutch that he would stay with him.
~~~
The next day, Hutch was able to move around a little more. It didn't take him long to see that Starsky was a bit on edge. Being confined and not being able to doing anything to catch Nick and Jake was wearing on him. Even though Hutch was terrified of Jake returning, was he being fair to Starsky?
Not being able to tolerate Starsky's pacing any longer, Hutch said, "Why don't you take a trip down to the station and see what's happening?"
Starsky looked at Hutch with eagerness, but replied, "I don't want to leave you alone, Hutch. Remember, I did promise, and I wouldn't feel right leaving you. What if Jake shows up?"
"Starsk...it might be a while before he's caught. I don't think you'll be able to stay by my side every minute of every day. I mean, sooner or later Dobey is going to want you back to work...what then? I'm a big boy, I'll keep the door locked. There's no point in you sitting here watching me sleep." Hutch could see how tempted Starsky was. "Go on, Starsk...you know you want to."
"Well, okay, but only for a little while, and only after we get you settled in bed."
After repeated instructions to Hutch, and making sure he had taken his pain pills, Starsky finally had Hutch settled back into bed. "You know, if you need me, I'll only be a phone call away."
"All right already, Starsk, just get out here and let me get some sleep."
"Okay, I'm outa here." The door slammed shut, but only seconds later Hutch heard the door open again. Starsky's head appeared around the door, "Hutch, are you sure you're gonna be okay here by yourself?"
"STARSKY!" The door slammed shut again. Hutch smiled and snuggled down under the covers.