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BLACKMAIL
by
Kathy Kellenberger
PART 1
Chapter 1
The sudden pain gripped itself like a vice around his lower back, taking him slowly but painfully to his knees.
Hearing his partner yell out was more than enough to get Starsky's attention. He quickly dropped what he was doing, almost stumbling to be by his partner's side. Okay, he had to admit to himself that he was hypersensitive to Hutch's needs especially when he was sick or in pain. This came from being a good cop, a good partner, a brother and most of all a best friend.
Starsky was quickly on his own knees next to his partner, gently putting an arm around Hutch's waist to steady him.
"Hutch? Hey...what happened? What's my partner doing sitting down on the job?" Starsky's attempt to get a smile from his partner had failed, basically going unnoticed.
"My back. Ohhh...my back, Starsk. I felt something pull and it really hurts. I'm not sure I can stand up." Hutch half laughed and half cried. "It hurts all the way down my leg. Just give me a minute okay?"
Starsky gave his partner the minute he requested, seeing that he was in obvious pain. Hutch crouched down against some boxes, resting his perspiring forehead on them as well. Being as supportive as he could Starsky took hold of Hutch's shaking hand that was reaching for him.
"Come on buddy, let me help ya up."
Hutch looked at his partner, giving a nod of 'okay', hoping that the sharp pain in his back would cooperate with his partner's good intentions.
"Okay Hutch, ya ready...? Here we go." Starsky lifted his partner to a semi standing position as gingerly as he could, avoiding fast and jerky movements that could cause more pain. He hated hurting his partner, but what was the alternative? Hutch refused to let him call an ambulance. Could he blame him? No. Hutch had seen enough of ambulances and hospitals to last a lifetime. They both had. Now it was Hutch's back. Is there an end to all of this? Starsky continued to think internally. They weren't that old, why had life taken so many frustrations out on them? If it wasn't getting hurt on the streets or by some act of revenge, it was a natural disaster or a physical ailment. It's not like we're careless...just the opposite. Why do we stay in this job anyway?
Starsky's thought process was interrupted as Hutch yelped and the grip he had on Starsky's arm intensified.
"Starsky, it really hurts," Hutch said between short breaths and clenched teeth. "I don't know if I can walk.... Damn!" Hutch was in visible distress. The pain only intensified as he tried his best to stand without putting all of his weight on his partner.
It had only been six months since he was released from the hospital after being diagnosed with the plague. Starsky was at his side for weeks after he was released, waiting on him hand and foot, taking care of him like a good mother would her child. He very often wondered what he would have done without the loving care his partner continued to give to him unconditionally. He wondered what he would do without him, period. That was just not an option in Hutch's book. He would do anything for this faithful friend of his. He wanted to do something special for Starsky to show his appreciation for all of the good things he was given by this man. The last thing he wanted to do was to have him taking care of him again. His intentions were to hide his back problem from Starsky for as long as possible in hopes that it would get better and not have to be an issue. He felt his partner had been through enough. Now it would be impossible to pretend it didn't exist in front of Starsky. Why did this have to happen while I was with Starsky? Why did this have to happen at all? Damn again!
"Hutch? Hey, you seem a million miles away.... You okay?"
"Yeah...but no...but...yeah...."
"You're hurtin pretty bad, huh? Come on buddy, this isn't working."
Before Hutch knew what was happening he was being lifted into his partner's arms and being carried to the car.
"I want to take you to the emergency room Hutch, you need to have this looked at."
"NO, Starsk! Just take me home okay?"
The fear and irritation in Hutch's voice told Starsky that this was more of a command, not a question.
Hutch saw the reservation in his partner's eyes. He knew Starsky would never go against his wishes as long as his life was not in danger. Did Starsky want to go against his partner's request not to be taken to the emergency room, but to be taken home? Of course, but the apprehension in the baby blue eyes staring back at him beseeched him to just return him to Venice Place, to the comfort of his own warm surroundings and his own bed, not the cold, white, sterile walls of a hospital...not again.
Chapter 2
"What am I gonna do with you? Okay, I'll take you home, but I'm at least gonna call the doctor when we get there. I'll call Dobey too. You're not gonna stay alone, you can't even walk. How ya gonna take care of yourself? What if you need something and you can't get to it? I'll grab a few things from my apartment after we get you settled and after I call the doctor. I'll order a pizza, I can't eat that 'stuff' you have growing in your fridge. I'll let ya watch the late movie with me if you promise not to be moving around too much. Do you...?"
"Starsky! I'll be fine. It gets better. I just need to rest a while."
Before starting the car, Starsky lightly squeezed his partner's forearm. "I'm sorry, Hutch. I can't help it. I almost lost you to the damn plague. I know I'm being overprotective sometimes. I just can't...I mean...Hutch, I just worry, I know you're gonna be fine, but I want to make sure. How long has this been going on anyway? What do you mean 'it gets better'? You mean this didn't just happen? The pain has been this bad before? Why didn't you say something, Hutch? Do you think I would have left you lift those heavy boxes if I'd have known about that!"
"Starsk, please don't be angry with me." Hutch saw the dejected look on his partner's face and the brightness fade from his eyes. He was hurt. I guess I'd be hurt too if Starsky kept something like this from me too. I was just trying to protect him. He doesn't need this! Hutch's guilt was now beginning to consume him. He also knew that all too often he took his frustrations out on his partner.
Starsky's heart was in the right place, especially when it came to Hutch. Hutch understood this at a deep level and wished he could calm his own pride and be more gentle when it came to letting his partner help him. He still struggled in situations that threatened his independence, physically and emotionally. He didn't have that "closeness" or "trust" in anyone while growing up. He always had to be "strong," "be a man"...he couldn't let anyone see his vulnerabilities or insecurities.... He was a "Hutchinson."
It wasn't until he met one David Michael Starsky at the police academy that he realized it was okay to let his guard down a bit. It was only for Starsky though, for reasons he was still unsure of at times. He was able to 'really' talk to this man, to feel safe with him. For the first time in his life he felt that someone 'really' cared about him for who 'he' was, not for his possessions, not because he came from a well-to-do family, not because he got an "A" on his report card. Starsky cared about all of him, his vulnerabilities and insecurities. For some reason Starsky was able to get to the root of all of them.
What did I do, Hutch continued to think to himself, to be given such a gift? To be given a friend like Starsky? He could only thank God for the years since he met his partner and pray that he would never have to know life without him in it again. Starsky was so much a part of his life now.... Well, he knew that he could not do without him.
Chapter 3
"I'm not angry with you Hutch, I just wish you wouldn't keep things from me. I'm not a child, I'm your partner for God's sake. You could have been hurt, worse than you are now. I need to know these things!" Starsky slammed his palms against the steering wheel, looking away from Hutch and out the window.
"Starsky, I said I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. I just want to be okay. I don't want you looking at me like I'm an invalid. I thought it would just go away. I know I should have...told...UUGGHHH...."
Just then another series of sharp spasms clamped down in Hutch's back. Starsky's irritation was quickly forgotten as he turned and rubbed his partner's arm just a bit, almost afraid to touch him. "I'm sorry Hutch, I didn't mean to upset you."
'No Starsk, I'm sor...sorry."
The spasms weren't letting up. Starsky pulled away from the curb, keeping his right hand on his partner's shoulder. The sight of Hutch trembling and arching his back in pain told him that this was more than just a pulled muscle.
"Hutch, I need to say I'm sorry again, cause I'm taking ya to the doctor. You're not okay and you're hurting. I can't let you go home like this. You wouldn't let me... I know you wouldn't. The doc will at least give you something for the pain."
"Okay Starsk...take me to the doctor. I need some help, but I'm not staying in no hospital."
"Hey, we're just two sorry people huh?" This comment got a small smile out of Hutch. I won't let um keep ya. I don't think they'd want you back anyway, distracting the nurses away from their work."
"Yeah...we have been saying a lot of 'I'm sorry's' lately haven't we, and I didn't distract any nurses, it was the other way around buddy. Uugghhh.... Hurry, Starsk."
"Just try to relax, we're almost there buddy. Take some deep breaths for me, okay? I saw on TV where these women in labor got relief from taking deep breaths."
"Starsky...I'm not in labor. Just drive okay?"
Chapter 4
Dr. Jacob Gregory was a kind, benevolent, fatherly type man who knew both "boys" as he called them, well. He had seen them both over the years for colds, the flu, and other minor ailments. He was a good doctor, a man who both detectives trusted and knew they could count on. Starsky ran around the front of the car and into the doctor's office to get some help for his hurting partner. The receptionist brought a wheelchair to the car to retrieve their patient. Once in the chair, she took Hutch directly to the exam room and summoned Dr. Gregory.
Hutch lay on the exam table, trying to keep his moaning to a minimum, still feeling he had to be strong and not burden his partner. Starsky knew what his partner was thinking. He wanted to tell him to "get over it," that it was okay to lean on him, that he would always be there for him no matter how many times he got sick or hurt. He wondered if he could ever break Hutch of his need to always be in control and not feel like a bother. It was okay out on the streets, but not okay between just the two of them. Why was it okay for Hutch to take care of him, but not visa versa? Starsky knew Hutch. It would not be long before Hutch let his partner into his inner most feelings. It just takes Hutch a while to adjust to not being in total control. Well, Starsky was going to be there for his 'challenge' no matter what Hutch was thinking...case closed.
Dr. Gregory entered the room with his usual air. "Hi Ken...Hi David. Ken, what seems to be the problem? Is it your back again?"
Starsky cringed once again at the thought of Hutch keeping this from him. He wondered who else knew about his partner's back problems. Had it been on the news and he missed it? A long talk was coming when his partner felt better.
"My nurse said you seemed in pretty much distress. I'll have to take a look, son. You'll need to turn on your side for me."
"Easier said than done, doc." Hutch held his breath as Starsky and the doctor assisted him onto his side. He cried out a bit as the movement cut like a knife. Hutch's hand reached for his partner's, gripping tighter as the pain became worse.
Dr. Gregory did a thorough exam, trying not to cause his patient additional pain. "Looks like you're gonna need some x-rays this time, Ken. I think you may have a ruptured disc in your lower back. You have any numbness in your legs?"
"Yeah, just a little. This something you can fix, doc?"
"We'll get you fixed up, but you're probably gonna have some significant pain for a while. I want you to get the x-rays and see a friend of mine, Dr. Nicholas Guiseppi. He's young, but a good doctor. He specializes in trauma and injury to the spine. I'll call him and let him know you're coming. I'm gonna let him prescribe something for the pain after he sees the x-rays. I'll have my nurse give you a couple aspirin for now, but Nick will prescribe something stronger, I'm sure. I'm going to have you wear a brace around your lower back for now, too. That will help the pain."
"Thanks doc. Can I have those aspirin now?"
"Sure Ken, coming right up. Oh, David, do you want me to call an ambulance or do you think you can get Ken to the hospital for the x-rays?"
Hutch intercepted. "Starsky can take me. I don't want to go in an ambulance...please."
"I'll take him, doc. Wouldn't want him harassing the ambulance crew. I can handle him as long as he behaves."
Chapter 5
The brace and the aspirin helped the pain a little, at least to the point where Hutch could walk at a slow pace. He held onto Starsky, or Starsky held onto him, and they stopped when the spasms hit.
Dr. Guiseppi's office was in a new building attached to the hospital. The wait was long and what little relief Hutch may have gotten from the aspirin was wearing off quickly. He could feel the brace cutting into his back. All in all, he was totally uncomfortable and feeling miserable.
Hutch continued to bear the pain as best as he could. It wasn't easy and the pain was worse. Starsky asked the receptionist how much longer they would have to wait to be seen. He returned to the waiting area to find his partner lying flat across the double seated chair, intermittently arching his back, his eyes closed. Starsky gently moved Hutch's upper body a bit so he could rest his partner's head onto his lap. It felt like they had been waiting for hours.
"It won't be long, Hutch. They said the doc would be seeing you next." Starsky took out his handkerchief to wipe away at the beads of sweat that had formed on his partner's forehead. "Hey buddy, try to relax...come on deep breaths remember?"
"I'm not in labor, Starsk." Hutch mumbled through clenched teeth. Hutch reached for Starsky's hand and held on tight. Neither cared what the other people in the waiting area might think of their appearance and actions.
Starsky's patience was wearing thin as he had a harder and harder time watching his partner suffer and not be able to do anything for him. Please let the doctor see him soon. This is too much, Starsky thought as he held onto his friend.
"Mr. Hutchinson, you can come back now," called the nurse.
They waited about twenty minutes more once Hutch was in the exam room. Starsky had just about all the waiting he could take and went to find the doctor when the door of the exam room opened.
"Mr. Hutchinson? I'm Dr. Guiseppi, please forgive me for the wait, it's been a crazy day. Dr. Gregory called me and said you were having some back problems, a possible ruptured disc."
"I don't know, Doc, it just hurts and I want it to stop." Hutch was becoming exhausted and irritable by now and was not saying too much. Starsky stayed by his side as Hutch once more lay on an exam table.
"Can you please give him something for the pain doc? He's hurtin' really bad and not getting any relief."
Dr. Guiseppi acknowledged the dark man's request and explained to both that he wanted to examine Hutch first, then send him to radiology for a complete series of x-rays and a CT scan on his back. "Ken, I'll give you something for pain as soon as you return from radiology and I see the results, I promise."
The results of the tests were delivered promptly to Dr. Guiseppi. He went back into the exam room where his patient had been returned and told him of the findings. He ordered something for the pain and excused himself from the room for a few moments.
Starsky had a bad feeling about the young doctor. He couldn't figure out why. He never met the guy before. He did give Hutch something for the pain "finally." Starsky shook his head, unnoticed by his partner, thinking he had to shake the feeling. Well, at least Hutch should get some relief now.
Chapter 6
Dr. Guiseppi stopped outside of the exam room and leaned against the wall, knowing that what he was about to do was wrong, so, so wrong, but he had a debt to pay and he had already been threatened. One part of him insisted he didn't do this, another part of himself said that he had to, that he had no other choice. He took a deep breath and headed for his office to make the phone call.
Guiseppi called Luke Cirillo, not someone he would call a friend or even human, but someone he was intimidated and haunted by, someone he was indebted to.
"Hi Luke, this is Nick.... Look I don't want any trouble, and no, I don't have any money for you right now...but...."
"Listen, Nick!" Luke Cirillo was an angry and powerful man with connections that ran from the gutter to the penthouse. "I want my money! You wouldn't be a high and mighty doctor right now if I hadn't lent you the money to get through med school. I better start seeing some large payments very soon, or your career will have been short lived! You hear me, Nick! You owe me and your time is running out!"
Guiseppi thought he would be sick. Either way my life is over.... There's no way out for me, but maybe I can save my wife and baby, he thought.
"Luke...listen to me. I'd like to make an offer to you. I just got a new patient I think you'd be interested in talking with." Nicholas Guiseppi was desperate and 'in' way too deep.
"Well, what is it, Nick? What do you want to offer me? Pacify me, Nick...come on!"
Guiseppi closed his eyes momentarily, then continued. 'Luke, I'm treating Ken Hutchinson. Isn't he the cop who put your nephew away?"
"Hutchinson? You sure you got the right guy?"
"Yeah, I remember his picture in the newspaper, from outside of the courtroom right before he gave his testimony that put Johnny away, that eventually got him killed in that horrible prison he was sent to. The blond guy, right?"
"Yeah, sounds like him. He have a dark, curly-haired guy with him named Starsky?"
"Sure does. They're partners aren't they?"
"Okay Nick, this is good. I hadn't planned on getting to him so soon, but now that the opportunity is knocking.... I'm gonna spare you some time Nick, but you're gonna have to do a few things to earn it."
Chapter 7
"Listen, Luke, you're only gonna talk to him about Johnny, right? You just wanted to know what really happened, and Hutchinson can probably tell you that. You and I both know Johnny got what he deserved. He was guil...."
Before Guiseppi could finish, Luke was furious. "You shut up, Nick! Johnny was a good boy. Yeah, he got into some trouble, but he didn't deserve to get killed."
"Luke, Hutchinson was only doing his job. He didn't kill Johnny." Guiseppi realized that he had done the wrong thing in calling Luke. He wanted to take it all back but knew it was to late. He only wanted to get himself out of some of the trouble he was in with Luke Cirillo. Until now he didn't realize that Luke wanted to do more than just talk with his blond patient. "Look, Luke, don't hurt him. I don't know what you have in mind, but I didn't call you for any trouble. Just talk to Hutchinson, okay? Nothing else."
"Forget it, Nick! You're gonna do me a big favor. You owe me, remember? I swear, Nick, if you don't do as I say, exactly as I say, your wife and new baby will have an accident and there will be no survivors."
Guiseppi realized at this time that there would be no survivors either way. He was horrified at what he had done, but it was too late to take it back.
"Luke, please...."
"You're gonna play by my rules, now." Luke was in full fury and eager for revenge. "If you don't, I'll make your life a living hell and I will inform the 'family' if you don't cooperate with me. Once the 'family' gets involved, it's all over for you, Nick, you know it is. It won't only be that pretty wife of yours and your baby...but one by one the rest of your family will disappear too, without a trace! Do you understand me, Nick? So, what's it gonna be?"
Nick Guiseppi's life had changed for the absolute worst in just fifteen minutes. He was a doctor, a good doctor with a promising future. He helped people, not hurt them, but the thought of losing his wife Patti and little Nicky was something he could not live with. His next five words would change his life forever. "Okay, Luke, I'll help you."
"Good boy Nick. Now, what's wrong with Hutchinson and what's your course of action?"
"Well, he has a ruptured disc and needs surgery, but I'm gonna put him on some pain medicine and muscle relaxants for at least two weeks before I can do the surgery. I am going to have him stay off his feet as much as possible. No driving, no working...mostly bed rest."
Nick's voice was beginning to crack as he was unnerved that he was even having this conversation with Luke Cirillo. He felt a wave of nausea again as he knew that what Luke was going to request of him could not be good...not good at all.
"Okay Nick, I want you to send him home, no admitting him to the hospital. We're gonna take care of him at home for a while. He only comes in for the surgery, got it? I'm not gonna let him go down easy. He has to pay and suffer for what he has done." Luke's voice was cold and heartless. "You're going to put him on pain meds and muscle relaxants like you said, but you'll deliver the pain medicine to him later tonight...after you see me. I want you to meet me at the health club around 6 pm. You'll find some excuse to make a house call. There is one more thing, Nick.... When you do the surgery on Hutchinson, he is going to die on the table.... You will make sure of that."
"Luke please! I can't do that to him.... I'm not a murderer! Isn't there some other way? Please?"
"I'm running out of patience with you, Guiseppi! You're gonna follow my rules now! You'll do as I say. Patti and little Nicky can be taken care of before you get home tonight if that's what you want. It's your choice. I'm not kidding with you, Nick! I'll see you at 6 pm sharp!"
Nick felt as though he would pass out. The guilt at what he had done was stabbing at him while at the same time he knew there was no other way out of this one, nothing next to suicide which he knew he was too much of a coward to carry out. "Okay, Luke, I'll be there. I'm just going to give him something more for the pain and tell him I'll drop off the pills at his place later. Please don't hurt my wife or baby. Patti and little Nicky are innocent. I'll do what you say." Nick's voice was broken with sobs by now at what he had started. God forgive me, he thought.
Chapter 8
Nick hung up the phone and jumped as his nurse entered the office. "Dr. Guiseppi, is everything okay? We're almost finished for the day. Do you want me to release Mr. Hutchinson?"
"No, thanks, I have to talk to him before he leaves. Tell him I'll be right there." Nick could not even look at his nurse. He was still in shock over what had just taken place. He had to pull himself together. He did so enough to get back to the exam room that held Hutch and his partner.
"Okay Ken, I've looked over the x-ray and CT scan results. Looks like you're going to need surg...surgery on your back, but until the swelling goes down I want you to rest and take the medicine I am going to give you. I want you on bed rest as much as possible. I can schedule the surgery for about two weeks from now. I'm just going to give you some samples of the pain medicine. It's something new that I think will work well for you. I'll write a prescription for the muscle relaxants. The pharmaceutical company will be stopping by with more samples of the pain pills today before we close. If it's okay with you, I can drop the pills off at your place later tonight. I see by the address on your chart that it is on my way home. I'm gonna give you something a bit stronger for the pain before you leave. It should hold you over until I can drop the pain pills off later."
"Thanks, doc." Hutch said in a broken voice. By now the spasms were once again tearing at him. He stopped himself from crying out from the pain and gripped onto Starsky's arm. Hutch was hurting, so bad that he felt he would be sick at any moment. "Can you please give me something stronger now for the pain?" This time the cry was evident in his voice.
Dr. Guiseppi decided to drug Hutch with a high dose of Demerol. He didn't want to have to deal with questions when he dropped of the pill at the blond's apartment later. He administered it himself, knowing his nurse would wonder why this patient was getting even more pain medicine so soon. Dr. Guiseppi's eyes met Hutch's just after he injected the medicine into Hutch's lower hip area.
God, I'm so sorry. Why does he have to have such an innocent look in his eyes. He actually thinks I'm helping him. God...he has no idea that I'm going to have to kill him. He is looking at me so thankfully for the pain medicine. I can't do this...but I have to.... I have no choice.... I am so sorry Mr. Hutchinson.... I didn't mean for you to get hurt...but I have to go through with the plan now.... I have no choice.
Dr. Guiseppi's thoughts were interrupted as Hutch took his hand in a gesture of 'thanks' and gave him a smile of sincere appreciation.
"Okay Ken, I want you to go home and stay in bed as much as possible, only getting up when absolutely necessary. Take the muscle relaxants as prescribed and I'll drop the pain medicine off later tonight."
Nick was definitely distracted. He could not bear to look at the innocent man he would have to let die so needlessly. He exited the room quickly and summoned his nurse to assist Starsky in getting Hutch to the car.
Chapter 9
It wasn't long before Hutch was breathing more calmly and for the first time in hours he was able to move a little bit without excruciating pain.
"Okay, buddy, lets get you home and tucked in while you're still awake. I'm gonna call Dobey and take a few days off to stay with you, Hutch." Starsky was still concerned as the feeling that something was not right ate away at his mind. Maybe he was just being overprotective. Hutch accused him of it all time. Am I being overprotective? Maybe. He wanted to shake the bad feeling. There was no way he was leaving Hutch alone, not until he knew for sure he was gonna be okay. That meant staying at Venice Place for a while. Starsky kept a close eye on his partner on the drive home.
"No, Starsk, its okay. I'll manage all right. Really. I don't want to be a burden to you with this. You don't have to baby-sit me. I'll take the medicine that Dr. Guiseppi gave me, and he is stopping by later. I'll probably just sleep for a while anyway."
"Hutch, come on.... You can't take care of yourself like this. You're supposed to be on bed rest and that is what you're gonna do. I'm not taking no for an answer. You're just gonna have to put up with me.... End of conversation, buddy."
"Okay." Hutch had to smile sheepishly a bit at his second mother. He knew he needed help and really was hoping Starsky would stay with him, but he wanted it to be his partner's decision. He knew it was a lot to ask. "So, mom, I mean, Starsky, are you gonna get me home or what?"
"Well, son, I mean, Hutch, we're almost there." Starsky smiled at his partner, glad to see the pain was getting better for now and knowing that the Demerol was making Hutch very silly, very fast. Hutch was not used to stronger pain meds like Demerol. Starsky knew the pain had to have been bad for him to even accept it.
Hutch kept his partner laughing on the drive home. Starsky knew the shot left his partner out in left field somewhere. It wasn't often that Hutch was 'this' relaxed. Starsky continued to be concerned, this time thinking about the Demerol and of what Forrest had done to him just over a year ago. He rationalized that it was only one shot...no more. He would make sure that Doc Guiseppi was giving his partner pain pills that were safe.
Upon arrival at Hutch's apartment, Starsky hurried around to the passengers side of the car to help his partner get up and out. Knowing Hutch was feeling no pain now didn't mean that the damage wasn't still there. Hutch beat his partner in getting out of the car himself and stood up, not realizing how dizzy the drug had made him. Luckily, Starsky was there in time to catch him and prevent his partner from meeting the sidewalk unpleasantly.
"You're coming in, Starsk, aren't you?"
"How else do ya plan on getting up the stairs? Of course I'm coming in."
Hutch moved to walk down the sidewalk away from his apartment entrance, pulling against Starsky's hold on him.
"Hey, buddy, you're coming in, too.... Where do ya think you're going?" Starsky said as he steered his partner in the right direction.
"Sorry Starsk, I don't know." Hutch said playfully, ruffling the thick curls on the back of his partner's head.
Chapter 10
Starsky finally reached his desired destination with Hutch. He took his partner directly to his bedroom where he laid Hutch on the bed and told him to stay. Searching through the dresser drawers Starsky found no pajama's. He did find a large overflowing wash basket of dirty clothing in the corner of the bedroom. Hutch must have been in too much pain to even do his wash. Starsky found a pair of sweat pants and a sweatshirt that were suitable. He figured he would do some wash for his friend after the pain meds took him into sleep. Hutch was getting groggy now from the medicine as Starsky undressed him from the clothing he was wearing and slipped the sweats onto him quickly before Hutch fell asleep. Starsky thought about doing the wash and about his empty stomach as he, too, was exhausted from the day's events. They had forgotten to eat anything since breakfast. They really didn't have a chance since Hutch collapsed with the pain, went from one doctor to another, to radiology for the x-rays and CT scan, and finally got back home. Starsky found another pair of Hutch's sweats and put them on. He covered his sleeping partner and thought he would just rest his eyes a bit. Resting next to Hutch, he, too, was soon in a deep sleep.
Starsky woke as he heard a knock at the door. It was Dr. Guiseppi with the pain medicine he promised to bring for Hutch earlier. Dr. Guiseppi seemed eager to just hand over the medicine and leave. Maybe he had an emergency case he had to attend to, Starsky thought.
Nick Guiseppi nervously inquired on how Hutch was feeling.
"Well, he is sleeping now.... That shot you gave him really knocked him out. At least he doesn't seem to be in so much pain now. Are you okay?" Starsky noted the doctor's shaky voice and pale face. I'll at least try.... Something about the young doctor still bothered him in a negative way.
"Yeah, it's just been a long day." Why did even Starsky have to have such a kind disposition and innocent look about him, Guiseppi thought. He wanted so much to help his patient and assure his friend that his partner would be okay. He knew that was not to be the case. This was only the beginning of the plan that Luke Cirillo had for the blond he had so much hatred for. "Give Ken one pain pill every four hours for the pain. Make sure he takes them, okay?"
"I'll make sure he takes them. What are you giving him?"
"The medicine is called Naproxen. It's an anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and inflammation. Ken might experience some side effects at first like nausea, vomiting and possible diarrhea." These side effects would be very rare, but he was not about to share that information with Starsky. The less they know the better, thought Guiseppi. This way when Hutchinson starts getting sick they will think it is just a side effect of the pain medicine.
"Is it addicting, Doc?" Starsky asked, hoping the answer would be 'no.' He could not bear to see Hutch going through withdrawal symptoms again and he knew his partner would not be able to handle that either. Seeing Hutch go through the agony of withdrawal once was more than enough for a lifetime. Starsky vowed never to let his partner to be tormented like that again.
"No, Naproxen is not addicting.... Like I said he may have some side effects, and he should try and take it after eating if possible." At least that part is the truth, Guiseppi thought, trying to subdue his guilt. He did not tell Starsky what else was included in the pain pills that his partner would soon be consuming, and the deadly effects that may result in time. "Listen...I really have to go now. Keep your partner comfortable and on bed rest as much as you can okay?"
"Don't worry, Doc, I'll be taking good care of him."