by

Cheryl T

"Hutch, you've got to hide. But the question is, where to hide you. They'll find you no matter where you go."

Hutch stared at his partner. "What the hell are you talking about? Why am I hiding, and from whom?"

"From them, Hutch, from them." Starsky was clearly getting more agitated with each passing second.

"Starsky, you're making no sense." Grabbing his jacket, Hutch started for the door.

Before Hutch could get to there, however, Starsky was in front of him, blocking his path.

"Starsky, get out of my way." Hutch gave his partner a gentle shove. "What's with you? I thought we were going to play some pool."

"No we can't. It's way too dangerous."

"Playing pool is dangerous? Since when?" Completely puzzled now. Hutch was beginning to have serious doubts about his partner's sanity. "Starsky, talk to me. What's going on?"

"Hutch, I been trying to tell you that you're in danger. I'm talking major danger here. I'm talking pain and suffering. There's just no telling what they'll do to you." Starsky guided his blond friend toward the couch. "Sit down, Hutch, I've got some really bad news for you."

"Okay, Starsk, give it to me. Tell me what's going on in that strange little mind of yours."

"Try to stay calm, Hutch."

Taking a seat on the couch, Hutch waited, wondering what could possibly have his partner so upset.

"It's the fanfic writers, Hutch. You know they usually settle for just tousling you a bit, but the word on the street is this time they're going to hurt you big time."

"The fanfic writers?" Hutch's voice was almost a whisper. "I'm done for." The blond's voice trembled in fear. "Starsky, they're unstoppable. I can't hide. I mean, I might as well be wearing a bull's-eye on my back."

"Don't say that, Hutch. Don't even think it. I heard one of them say, 'Just aim your gun and shoot.'"

Hutch stood up and headed for the door. "I've got to get out of here."

"Hutch, but where you going? It's not safe out there."

"Starsky, it's not safe anywhere. They've all got a way through my door. I'm going to the best place I can think of right now."

"Where's that? There's no place to hide. There's nothing we can do." Starsky grabbed his jacket and prepared to follow his partner.

"I'm going to the hospital. I'm going to sit right there in the emergency room. I can at least be prepared."

"Good idea. Come on I'll drive." Starsky shoved his partner toward the door.