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Everybody Hurts
A Coffin For Starsky - What If?

by

When the day is long – and the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Hang on – Hold on.
        R.E.M.

   Vic Bellamy had a job to do, one he was getting paid a lot of money to carry out. He was being paid by one crazy professor to make sure that Starsky and Hutch suffered before their immanent deaths. It was an opportunity for him that he could not pass up. He wanted revenge on two particular detectives that had made his life hell and getting paid for revenge was almost too good to be true. He was on a mission and was not going to be stopped. After both were dead, he would collect his money, ditch his irritating girlfriend and leave the country. His first stop would be at the apartment of one David Michael Starsky, Detective Sergeant First Class. Scum – deserves what he's got coming to him…first Starsky, then his pig partner Hutchinson.

   Bellamy was given strict instructions on how the game was to be played. First Starsky, then Hutchinson. He was to give Starsky an injection of death in the early am hours after having someone else slip him a drug that would limit his movement, not cause him to lose consciousness, that wouldn't be fun. He was to suffer and know that he was going to die.

   The temporary drug was to be dispensed into Starsky's beer at a new disco the two inseparable detectives found. Both were having a good time and liked the new place, lots of pretty ladies and loud music. The Silo was a happening place, sound stage set up to hold the town's largest bands, waitresses in skimpy t-shirts. No one would even notice, the place was jumping with all sorts of clientele, people packed in like sardines, pushing and shoving to get to the bar - all in fun of course. Bellamy used the money the professor gave him in advance and instructed a young corner prostitute that she was to inconspicuously pour a couple drops of the small vial's contents into a beer that would be ordered by Detective Starsky. Bellamy was prepared. He had a picture of both Starsky and Hutch and had her study the pictures so there would be no room for error.

   Stella, the prostitute, did not know what the vial contained, but she was in bad need of a fix and would do anything for the money to feed her habit. She paid the cover charge and entered the Silo. She found her target and waited for him to order his next beer. Acting as a waitress, she handed the good looking, dark haired man his drink.

   "Thanks shweethart, come to this place often?"

   "Starsky – that's the oldest line in the book, I can see we need to have a talk partner, I can teach you few things."

   "Well, maybe we ain't been reading the same books blondie. I kinda like that line and it usually works."

   Hutch smiled at his partner, shaking his head. "Hey Starsky, that girl over there – two tables over – she's been looking your way for a while now. She's not bad, why don't you ask her to dance – 'shweethart'?

   "I just might 'blue eyes', she probably comes here often."

   Both laughed as Starsky got up, exhibiting his best stroll, and went over for his pick up.

   Hutch was not much of a dancer. He enjoyed watching his partner have fun dancing, and even had more fun watching him trying to pick up girls. He sat back against the small uncomfortable chair. Thirsty, he took a swig of his beer, deciding it tasted pretty good, drank till the glass was empty.

   Stella panicked as she watched the blond down the entire beer, the beer that was meant for the dark haired guy. She realized she first blew it when she accidentally dumped the entire contents of the vial into the drink instead of only the couple drops she was instructed. Shit, that maniac out there's gonna kill me when he finds out I messed up, but he's not getting his money back. Stella panicked and scored quickly, just in case the crazed man wanted his money back.

   Bellamy found Stella out behind the Silo, sitting next to the dumpster. He realized that she already spent her earnings and got the fix she needed. She was floating when he got to her.

   "Hey bitch, what are you doing back here? You were supposed to come and get me when you were finished." Bellamy was furious.

   "Sorry mister." Stella was beyond even being able to lie at this point. "The cute blond one drank his friends beer – all of it." They sure are cute, why'd ya want to hurt them?"

   "None of your business slut." Bellamy grabbed for the vial Stella still held in her hand and nearly went ballistic. "What the hell! I told you a couple drops! Not the whole damn thing!"

   Stella had passed out before Bellamy could finish his tirade. He had to think of something quick, knowing the numbing drug would not take long to work. He was supposed to kill them both anyway, why not take out Hutchinson first.

~~~~~~

   Hutch watched Starsky putting on the moves and having a good time out on the dance floor. His vision was starting to blur and he was feeling sick. He headed for the bathroom quickly.

   Bellamy had waited for this moment. He had gotten into the bathroom through the window and waited for Hutchinson.

   Hutch was already fading, having trouble breathing and retching when the masked man grabbed him, pinning him to the floor with a heavy knee to the chest, and gave him the shot.

   "You've got 24 hours to live pig – count um – 24"

   Hutch could only stare in horror. He tried to move but that had become impossible now too. Starsky – help – I need ---

~~~~~~

   When Starsky did not find his partner at the table, he figured he went to the bathroom, but after 20 minutes without a sign of his friend, he went looking.

   "Hutch! God Hutch! What happened buddy? Wake up for me okay?" Starsky gently shook the unconscious blond and screamed for someone to call an ambulance. It's

   okay buddy, I'm right here. Help is on the way. You stay with me you hear? Don't go anywhere on me – stay with me buddy." He now held his friend in the crook of his arms, rocking him slowly.

   Three hours, and the beginning of an ulcer later, the ER doctor came to speak with Starsky. If the look on his face was any sign of how Hutch was – it was not gonna be good news.

   "How is he doc? What happened to him? Is he gonna be all right?"

   "You're Detective Starsky?"

   "Yeah, please tell me what's going on."

   "You're friend has been poisoned. We're not sure of the exact ingredients, but the one we are sure of is highly fatal. Detective Starsky, you're friend is dying. If we knew the exact makeup of the poison, we could possibly reverse the effects, but we don't."

   "But – I – I don't understand. Can't you do some tests to find out what was in the compound? You gotta be able to do something!!! Help him damn-it! You can't let him die."

   "Detective, we'll do everything we can to keep him comfortable. Is there anyone you'd like us to call for you?" Starsky went pale.

   "No, I want to see my partner now."

   "Of course, follow me."

   Starsky entered the trauma room in the ER and made his way to Hutch's side. Hutch's eyes were closed and he looked so pale and fragile. He took his friends hand and brushed the blond hair off of Hutch's forehead.

   "Starsk."

   Their eyes met, holding the stare as if communicating without words. Both knew of Hutch's fate – both knew his time was very limited.

   "Starsk, I'm sorry." A tear trickled from the corner of Hutch's eye.

   "Hey--- nothing to be sorry for partner. You didn't do anything wrong."

   "I screwed up Starsk. I should have came and got you – I didn't know I was drugged. Thought I just drank too much."

   "It's okay Hutch – try to relax." Starsky tried to keep Hutch calm, seeing that any exertion at all was making things worse for his friend. He talked soothingly and kept stroking Hutch's hair back.

   "I'm gonna die Starsk. I'm gonna die – and I'm not ready." The tears were falling freely now for both men.

   "You're not gonna die Hutch. I won't let you. I'll find out who did this and what was in the shot – you're gonna be okay. I need you to tell me everything you remember – can you do that for me buddy?"

   "It's not much Starsk. My vision got blurry and I felt sick. Went to the bathroom and was jumped by a big guy wearing a mask. I couldn't go after him – I couldn't move!"

   "Shh – its okay buddy. Did you recognize the voice? Did he say anything?"

   "He had a really mean laugh – told me I was gonna die – 24 hours. What time is it now Starsk? How much time ---"

Don't let yourself go
Cause everybody cries
Everybody Hurts
Sometimes…
         R.E.M.

~~~~~~~~

   Starsky took in all of the information that Hutch could give him and was intent on finding some answers. He was torn, he didn't want to leave Hutch, seeing how afraid he was, but if he didn't leave, he may never see Hutch alive again.

   Hutch wanted to come with him, but was too weak and sick. He was taken to the intensive care unit.

   "I promise you Hutch. I'll get whoever did this and find out what was in the hypo. You don't go anywhere on me okay?"

   "I'm not going anywhere Starsk. Hurry okay?"

   After a long locked glance, the four blue eyes detached themselves. Starsky bolted out of the ICU room and Hutch was left to wait. The pain in his stomach was already starting and it was becoming more difficult to breathe. He was hooked up to all sorts of monitors, IV's and oxygen. All of the things he hated.

~~~~~~

   Starsky talked to every snitch, every working prostitute and the general population near the Silo, looking for clues – anything to go on. His mind was back in the ICU room with Hutch, but he knew he had to focus if he was going to save his partner's life. He found Stella, still behind the Silo, leaning against the dumpster. He knew immediately she was strung out and was about to go on with his search when he heard her say, "You – it was supposed to be you."

   "What? What'd you say kid?"

   "I didn't want to do it, but I needed – the money."

   "What's your name kid?"

   "Stella."

   "Okay, Stella, what are you tryin to tell me?"

   "Why should I tell you anything!"

   "Hey, I thought we were friends?" Starsky took out a $20 bill and put it in her hand.

   "Will you talk to me now?"

   Stella looked into the soft blue eyes, noticing both panic and fear. "Like I said mister, I needed the money. I didn't know what the guy had in mind. Did he hurt you?"

   "STELLA! Focus for me will you? I need your help. Please. I'm not hurt – but my best friend is laying in the hospital and is – he's dy – he's really sick. You can help him to get better." Starsky was getting very nervous and found himself continually checking his watch.

~~~~~~

   "Starsky? Where is Starsky? I need him here."

   The poison was running its course and taking its toll, having no mercy on its victim. Hutch was in severe pain, but refused anything that would cause him to sleep. He had to be awake when Starsky got back. He had to see Starsky one more time. He was afraid if he took the pain medicine, he would never again wake up. Huggy stayed by his side in Starsky's absence – sponging Hutch's feverish face and neck, trying to keep him calm.

   "Hutch my man, try to relax. Why don't you let them give you something for the pain? I'll wake you when Starsky gets back."

   "No --- I might not wake up. If I go to sleep it might be over."

   Huggy stayed by Hutch's side, continuing to talk to his blond friend who was at times now delirious, calling for Starsky constantly, retching and crying. It broke Huggy's heart when in Hutch's half lucid moments, he asked Huggy if he had already died. Huggy could only listen to his agonizing friend. Huggy reached up to wipe at the tears falling from the light blue eyes as he saw Hutch struggling to move unsuccessfully.

   "Huggy, tell Starsky I'm so sorry. I don't want to leave him. It's too soon. You stick close to Starsky for me? It's not gonna be easy for him."

   "Hey blondie, you can talk to Starsky yourself when he gets back. He should be back soon."

~~~~~~

   Starsky took Stella down to the station and filled Dobey in on what he had found. He asked that Dobey find out what he could from Stella, that he had to get back to the hospital to see Hutch.

   Walking into the intensive care unit, Starsky's heart began to pound, fearing what he might find.

   "Hutch? Can you hear me babe?" Starsky lowered the siderail and sat on the side of the bed, taking Hutch's hand in his own. "Come on buddy, open those baby blues for me."

   "Sta…"

   "Its okay buddy, you don't have to talk now. We got a break Hutch. I found the girl who put something in your drink – only it was meant for me. You gotta stop drinking by beverages blondie."

   "No – not you. Nothin' can happen to you."

   "'Hey, shh, I'm right here. We're close buddy, close to finding the guy who did this. You gotta stay with me here okay? You got a lot to teach me remember? About how to pick up girls?"

   "I'll try – it hurts Starsk – it hurts so bad, and I can't move – can't see too good."

   "I want you to rest for me now buddy, I got some more work to do, then I'll be back."

   "No Starsk – don't go. What if --- How much time do we have left?"

   "We got plenty of time bronco. You hang on – you fight this Hutch. I'll be back real soon."

   Starsky knew he had to leave the room quickly. He just made it to the outside of Hutch's room when his own tears began to fall. He looked at his watch and ran for the stairwell.

Sometimes everything is wrong,
Now it's time to sing along,
When your day is night,
Hold on --- Hold on.
When you feel like letting go,
You think you've had enough of this life,
Hold on --- Hold on.
           R.E.M.

~~~~~~~~

   Stella has sobered up and made a full confession. She was able to describe the man who hired her – Vic Bellamy. "I'm sorry – I didn't mean to do it – I'm sorry – they seemed like nice guys – I'm sorry."

   Dobey had everyman available and not available on the hunt for one Victor Bellamy. This case was given top priority. Dobey seldom admitted how close he felt to his two hard headed, annoying detectives. He loved them like family and was not about to lose either of them. He knew if he lost one he would lose the other too. He was relieved when the call came in that Vic Bellamy had been apprehended. Before he was shot, he told them who his employer was. All units were directed to the college campus to apprehend the professor and were told that he was to be brought in alive. The other syringe filled with the poison meant for the other half of the dynamic duo was found in his desk drawer and brought to captain Dobey, who immediately rushed the syringe and its contents to the hospital.

   Starsky was once again at Hutch's bedside, holding onto his friend's hand, praying for a miracle. Hutch had taken a turn for the worse in Starsky' short absence. Hutch now lay unconscious, taking shallow gasping type breaths.

   "Doc, isn't there anything you can do to help him? Please?"

   "I'm sorry Detective Starsky, we've done all we can. It won't be long now. You can stay with him if you like. I'm sorry."

   "No! Damn-it! Hutch, you can't die on me. I need you! Please fight this. I love you buddy, and I'm not ready to face this world without you in it. Please hang on – please."

   Starsky was losing control. His world was falling apart. He leaned over and took his partner into his arms, not wanting to ever let go. He no longer was able to contain his emotions and sobbed onto Hutch's chest, begging him to live.

   "Starsky?"

   "What?" Starsky did not look up, but knew it was their captain talking to him.

   "Starsky, we got him. It was Cheryl's father, the professor. The lab is depicting what was in the syringe. Hutch has a chance now Starsky. You've gotta keep the faith."

   Starsky looked around at his superior. "He's dying cap. Doc said his blood pressure is falling rapidly and he's having trouble breathing – said they might soon have to put him on a respirator. It might be too late cap."

   Starsky turned and put his head down on the bed next to Hutch, praying like he never prayed before.

   "Detective Starsky?"

   "What now!" Let me have some time in peace with my friend.

   "I have the antidote, we need to give it to him now."

   Starsky looked up with hope in his eyes. "Honest doc? It's not too late?"

   "Not if we get it into him now. We've got to hurry though, he's losing ground fast. Let me help him son."

   Starsky stood next to Hutch, never letting go of his hand. "C'mon buddy, you're gonna be okay now. I'm right here and I want you to fight babe. Fight."

~~~~~~

   One week later Hutch was released from the hospital and taken home by a very happy Starsky. They had another chance. In having each other, they were able to 'hold on'.

You feel like giving up – No No No,
You're not alone in this life
When the days and nights are long
Hold On – Hold On
        R.E.M.

THE END