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Part 1

BLACKMAIL

by

Kathy Kellenberger

PART 2

Chapter 11

    Hutch rested peacefully throughout the night. He slept straight through until the sun came through the bedroom window. He woke to the smell of coffee and bacon. The pain medicine he received last night had worn off and he felt the familiar stiffness and sharp intermittent pains that he had become so accustomed to. This time the pain was worse though. He really did do some damage lifting those boxes yesterday. He rubbed his hands over his face and eyes in an attempt to further wake himself. He knew a trip to the bathroom was very much a necessity now. Getting out of bed was not something he took for granted these days. He braced himself for the pain as he tried to roll out of bed. He moved slowly, stopping to catch his breath and will the pain away.

    Starsky's attention was drawn to the bedroom as he heard his partner stir and heard what he thought was a soft whimper. He found Hutch holding onto the dresser, seemingly stuck in his tracks.

    "Hey, need some help?" Starsky put his right arm around Hutch's waist and held onto Hutch's left arm with the other.

    "I have to go to the bathroom, Starsk. My back doesn't seem to understand how bad I have to go."

    "We'll get ya there, blondie. Hold onto me. Doc Guiseppi dropped off the pain pills last night. I'll get one for you as soon as you're done in the john. Still havin' a lot of pain, huh?"

    "Just a bit. Hurry Starsk, I gotta go."

    Starsky got Hutch to the bathroom in time and waited outside of the door. "I made us some breakfast. Hungry?"

    "Coffee smells good. Shouldn't you be at work?"

    "I called Dobey and got some time off. I told ya I was gonna stay with you for a while. I'm sure you don't remember though, you were pretty dazed from the medicine Guiseppi gave you last night. You got pretty silly. You ready?"

    "Yeah, you can come in. I'm decent."

    "Well, I don't know if you're 'decent,' but you're dressed?"

    "Funny, Starsk, what's with the chipper mood this morning? I just want to wash up a bit, okay?"

    A short but sharp moan from his partner told Starsky that he would need some help. "Hold on, buddy, let me help ya." Starsky filled the sink with warm water and helped Hutch wash up and get a shave. "Okay, lets get ya back to bed, then I'll bring you some breakfast and a pain pill."

    "I don't want to go back to bed, Starsk. I'm tired of laying down."

    "I was put in charge of your recovery, and bed rest was the doctor's orders...so its back to bed you go."

    "How about the sofa, Starsk? I can at least watch TV."

    "Okay," Starsky sighed. "I guess this is what it must be like having kids, or maybe worse...you big kid, you."

    Getting Hutch settled on the couch was not an easy task. A sick Hutch can be so picky and demanding. Starsky didn't mind though, he was glad his partner was feeling okay enough to order him around. He must have tried at least six different positions, putting a pillow here and a pillow there, only for Hutch to say he wanted the pillows somewhere else.

    "I'll put the pillows somewhere else, Hutch. You keep going on like this and you're going back to bed." Starsky gave his special grin to his patient.

    Hutch realized Starsky was serious and decided he really was comfortable as he was, and he really was comfortable.

    Starsky knew that his partner was like a little boy who got to stay home from school and was enjoying being fussed over. Starsky was all too happy to fuss over his partner, although he was not about to tell him that.

    Finally being settled and comfortable, Starsky brought Hutch a cup of hot coffee and some breakfast, along with the first pain pill.

Chapter 12

    Starsky stayed with Hutch for two days before Dobey insisted he needed him back at work. He was still reluctant to leave Hutch alone, but rationalized that he would call him frequently and stop in to check on him on his lunch break. The pain medicine seemed to be helping to an extent, although Hutch seemed to be catching a cold. Starsky was hoping it was not the flu. He had a flashback of Hutch lying in bed in the ICU at Memorial being tormented by the plague. He had to remind himself that it was only a flashback, a memory, that was not going to happen to Hutch again. He's been through enough, the last thing he needs is the flu, especially now.

    It was still difficult for Hutch to get to the bathroom alone and making something to eat for himself was almost out of the question. Starsky prepared everything Hutch would need for breakfast and lunch the night before he had to report back to work. Hutch would only have to heat it up. Starsky would take care of the dishes when he got home. He made sure Hutch had the phone near him where he could reach it and had his pain pills within his reach.

    Starsky sat on the side of the bed that housed his partner. "Okay, buddy, I have to go to work now. I'll be back to check on you at lunch. Think you'll be okay 'til then?"

    "I'll be fine, Starsk, go on. I'm sure the paperwork is really stacked up by now. You can catch up on my share, too."

    "Funny, Hutch. I'll do what I can. You know I hate paperwork. If you need anything, I mean anything, you call me, okay?" He squeezed Hutch's shoulder and stood to leave.

    "Yes, mom...see ya, Starsk." Hutch felt like he might have to throw Starsky out the door as he seemed so hesitant to go. Gotta love him, thought Hutch as he smiled.

    Hutch slept for a couple more hours and woke with a sore throat and felt so tired. He attempted to get out of bed, only to find that he was too weak. The dizziness pulled him back onto the bed. He laid back down in surrender to feelings of dizziness and slight nausea that overcame him.

    Hutch was thirsty and wanted some hot tea to soothe his throat, but he decided to rest a while longer before attempting the long trip to the kitchen. He was certain this feeling would pass. He was intent on not telling Starsky about the sore throat, dizziness, and nausea. He didn't want Starsky calling in the paramedics.

    I'm sure this will pass soon, I just need to rest a bit longer. He closed his eyes willing the dizziness and nausea away.

    Starsky came home on his lunch hour as promised to check on his patient. He found him sound asleep in bed. He didn't want to wake him, so he quietly placed a sandwich, tea, and a fresh glass of water on the bedside table for Hutch to find when he woke. Little did Starsky know that Hutch had not been out of bed all day.

    Starsky glanced back at his sleeping partner one more time before having to return to work. He had been kept so busy at work that he did not have a chance to call and check on his partner earlier.

    Hutch woke still feeling drowsy, hoping the dizziness was gone. He looked over to the clock on the dresser and saw it was 4:30 pm.

    4:30! I must have been tired. I have to get up.

    He was still so tired and his throat still so sore. He found the sandwich and tea on the table next to him. Starsk.... He smiled, knowing his partner must have been there earlier to check on him. As much as he knew Starsky had to get back to work, he missed having him around and was looking forward to his return home. It was just too quiet. He had become used to the sound of dishes rattling in the kitchen and felt a comfort in hearing the TV he knew Starsky would be watching. He felt consolation, knowing his partner would be returning in an hour or two. His concentration was interrupted with the ringing of the phone.

    "Hello."

    "Hey, Hutch, you doing okay?"

    "Yeah, just tired. I slept a lot today."

    "I know. I stopped in around noon and you were out like a light. Did you eat anything?"

    Hutch was hesitant in telling Starsky that he had not eaten a thing, but that he just woke up and had slept all day.

    "I was just gonna try something now. Thanks for the tea and the sandwich, Starsk."

    "Are you taking your pills?"

    "I'm just gonna do that now, too."

    "Okay. You want me to pick anything up on my way home?"

    "Nope, got everything I need, unless you can find me a new back."

    "That might be hard to come by. I'll see ya soon.... Bye."

    "See ya, Starsk."

    Hutch really needed to get to the bathroom once again and knew he could not wait for his partner to get home to help him. I can do this. Just take it slow. I know I can do this. Hutch was mustering up the courage to get up and out of bed. He sat up slowly, wishing he would have been awake to take a pain pill earlier. The dizziness was not gone, but he was not going to give into it again. He held onto the bedside table and waited for it to pass a bit. He then inched himself toward the bathroom and, after what felt like a hike up Mt. Everest, he found himself at his destination.

    He completed his business in the bathroom and took some deep breaths in preparation for the trip back to bed. He felt he must be getting the flu. Damn, not now, I can't handle the flu right now.

    He rose to a standing position only to find himself back at the toilet, this time vomiting. The feeling came upon him without much warning. His throat was stinging and he was weak. After his stomach allowed him to stop gagging, he sank onto the floor and leaned up against the cold tiles. At least they felt good. God, I can't let Starsky know about this. I have to get back to bed and I need a pain pill.

    It was too late, he heard the opening of his front door and the familiar sound of Starsky's voice softly calling his name. Hutch just didn't have the strength to get himself up. He would assure Starsky that it was just the flu and that he would be fine. He didn't want his overprotective partner worrying anymore than he already was.

Chapter 13

    Starsky peered into Hutch's bedroom, surprised not to find him there in bed.

    "Hutch? Hey where'd ya get to?"

    "I'm in the bathroom, Starsky. I'll be right out." Hutch grabbed onto the towel bar and tried with all his strength, which was not much, to pull himself up. It was just too hard. "Starsky...Starsky, I might need some help."

    Starsky was there within seconds, kneeling down next to his partner. "Oh, Hutch, what happened, buddy?" Starsky felt Hutch's forehead for fever, then wet a washcloth and smoothed it over his partner's face gently. He sat on the floor with Hutch, gently holding him, not wanting to move him just yet. He had more questions, but Hutch looked so pale and lethargic. "What happened, Hutch? You got sick, didn't you? Why didn't you call me?"

    "I just came into the bathroom a few minutes ago. I think I might have the flu, Starsk. I don't want you worrying about me. I'll be fine."

    "Yeah, you look terrific, Hutch. Come on, let's get you back to bed." Starsky attempted to carefully lift Hutch to his feet when he realized just how weak his partner was. He finally got him to his feet when Hutch jerked away from him and went back toward the toilet. He was vomiting and retching once again.

    "I'm sorry, Starsky." Hutch slid back onto the floor in exhaustion, taking short, shallow breaths and sweating.

    "Hutch, you're really sick, I'm gonna call Dr. Gregory. I'm sure he'll stop by tonight to see you. I want you to be checked out, Hutch. I'm sorry I left you today. I'm not leaving you again.... I'm staying right here with you. It's gonna be okay, just rest against me for a minute then we'll try to get back to the bedroom again. Think you can make it this time?"

    "Yeah, I'm sure it's just the flu, Starsk."

    "I know, you told me that already, but we want to make sure it's nothing else."

    Starsky all but carried his weak partner back to the bed. Hutch was in a frail state and just gave into letting Starsky help him. His head fell onto Starsky's shoulder, he couldn't fight it anymore. Starsky got his patient changed and into some clean sweat pants and a T-shirt and piled a couple of heavy blankets on top of him. He then called Dr. Gregory.

    "Hi, Doc, this is Dave Starsky. I had Ken in to see you a couple days ago."

    "Hi, Dave. How is Ken doing?"

    "Well, that's why I'm calling you. He's not doing too well. I think he might have the flu, but...but...well, I'm really worried. Do you think you could stop by tonight to see him? I found him in the bathroom. He's been vomiting and is so weak. I nearly had to carry him to get him back to bed."

    "Okay, Dave, don't worry. it does sound like the flu, and there is a really bad strain of the flu going around right now. I'll be over in about an hour. Just keep him comfortable; I'll be there." Doctor Gregory knew that neither of the boys called him unless it was for something they were really worried about, and he could hear the deep concern in Starsky's voice.

    "Thanks, Doc. We both really appreciate it."

Chapter 14

    Starsky's concern grew deeper as he watched his partner in such an uncomfortable condition. He made sure Hutch was kept warm and made some hot tea for him in addition to getting a much needed pain pill into him, which he was able to keep down. He silently cursed himself for leaving Hutch to go to work today, although he knew Dobey was giving him no choice, and he didn't know Hutch was getting so sick. He stayed by his partner's side, rubbing his back, hoping he could get some rest.

    Doc Gregory soon arrived to Starsky's relief. "He's in the bedroom, Doc." Starsky nearly pulled the doctor into the bedroom. "He hasn't thrown up since I called you, but he is just so weak. Is it the flu, Doc?"

    Dr. Gregory took Starsky into the living room to have a word with him. He was such a gentle man, kind of like a father figure to the boys. To Starsky's surprise, Doc Gregory took him by both arms and looked straight into his eyes. Talking softly and caringly, he focused on Starsky.

    "Dave, I need you to calm down for me. Ken is going to be all right, but I don't want to see you getting sick, too."

    Starsky understood and realized that he was being very hyper. He just put his head down, knowing Doc Gregory was right.

    "I'm sorry, Doc. You're right. I need to get a hold of myself." Starsky began to cry unwillingly. "It's just that ever since I almost lost Hutch when he got the plague, I can't stop worrying. I'm still having nightmares that he died. I'm just so damn afraid of losing him. Then seeing him on the bathroom floor, so weak and vomiting...I panicked. I still can't get the image of Hutch being in that oxygen tent, burning up with fever and in pain, out of my mind. He almost died, Doc. I almost lost him forever. I'm still so scared that that nightmare will come true. Death was just too close."

    Doc Gregory pulled Starsky into a gentle embrace. No other man would have been able to get that close to Starsky except for Hutch, but the doctor understood and really cared about his boys. He knew their relationship was special and that they were closer than brothers. Starsky accepted the doctor's comfort and understanding. He thought that his own father would have been a lot like Doc Gregory.

    "Dave, Ken is going to be okay. I'm gonna take a look at him now and I'll stop by tomorrow again. I know you're worried and I can certainly understand why. Ken is strong, the flu is going around and we both know that where we find the flu, we are certain to eventually find Ken, too."

    "Thanks, Doc." Starsky had to smile, knowing that Doc Gregory was right. Hutch did get the flu once or twice a year. "I'll be okay now. Thanks for talking with me and understanding."

    "Okay, lets go see that partner of yours."

    "Ken, it's Doc Gregory. Dave tells me you're not feeling too well. He said you're stomach was upset. How are you feeling now?"

    Hutch opened his heavy eyelids and swallowed hard. "Doc?" He was too weak and exhausted to say anything more.

    "I'm gonna examine you, Ken. Just relax for me okay?" Doc Gregory felt Hutch's glands, checked for a fever, felt around his stomach and looked into his patient's throat. "I'd say you did catch the flu, Ken, or it caught you. I'm gonna give you a shot for the nausea and I want you to drink as much fluid as you can keep down. I don't want you getting dehydrated. Are you having any other symptoms?"

    "Just my throat, it's really sore and my stomach hurts and I'm so tired." Hutch looked at Doc Gregory with eyes pleading for help.

    "Well, you're gonna be in bed for a while, and I want you to listen to that partner of yours when he tries to get you to drink fluids and soup or whatever he can get into you. You're gonna be okay. I know this is no fun, but the flu will pass and you'll be feeling better in no time."

    "Okay, Doc, thanks." Hutch's eyes were too heavy to keep open any longer and he fell back to sleep within minutes.

    "All right, Dave, keep him warm, check his temperature every four hours and get some fluids into him. I am going to leave some antibiotics with you, too. Give him one every six hours, and I would try to keep him on the pain pills and the muscle relaxants that Dr. Guiseppi prescribed. We need to take care of that back of his, too. I wouldn't be surprised if the vomiting continues for a bit longer and he may develop diarrhea, unfortunately, but it looks like the flu, so I don't want you worrying. If you're feeling scared again, know that you can always give me a call, okay?"

    "Thanks, Doc, you're an angel. A man angel, I guess."

Chapter 15

    Starsky pulled up a chair and sat on the edge of it, watching apprehensively as his partner slept. "Looks like we're gonna have a long night ahead of us, kiddo. You just sleep, I'll be right here." Starsky settled back into the chair, taking his partner's hand. He wanted to be alert if Hutch woke up and needed anything, but also just needed the contact with his partner.

    Hutch slept for a couple hours more before a violent wave of nausea and stomach cramps woke him. "Starsky, I have to go to the bathroom now. My stomach...."

    Starsky knew that look. There wasn't going to be enough time to get to the bathroom. He grabbed the trash can and held it under Hutch's head as he supported his partner while he was once again vomiting and retching.

    "Starsk, I gotta get to the bathroom. I gotta do something that I can't do in the trash can."

    If it weren't for Hutch being so sick, Starsky could have almost laughed a bit, but Hutch was sick and Starsky wasn't finding humor in anything right now.

    "Okay, lets give it a try. We'll take it slow."

    "No, Starsk, I have to get there now...please."

    "Come on, buddy, lets go." Starsky helped his partner to the bathroom, making it just in time. The diarrhea that Dr. Gregory said might happen, was happening.

    "Wait outside, okay, Starsk?"

    Starsky was hesitant, but waited outside of the bathroom door. He, too, felt sick as he heard his partner not only having the problem he went to the bathroom for in the first place, but also heard him grab the trash can from the bathroom floor and was once again getting sick. It all seemed so violent to Starsky. He wasn't going to wait outside much longer. He needed to be there for his partner and he knew his partner needed him. He entered the bathroom when he heard the retching slow down and his partner beginning to cry.

    "Starsky...I can't take this."

    It broke Starsky's heart to see and hear his partner in such distress, but this was not something he could control. Out on the streets it was different. They dealt with danger most everyday and could fight it, deal with it, control it...but this.... How could he fight something or protect Hutch from something like this? He could only be there for him and help him with whatever he needed, even if it was just to hold his hand or give him a drink of water and not to leave him.

    "Hey...." Starsky took Hutch's head in both of his hands so he could make eye contact with him. "It's gonna be okay..." Starsky could only pray it really was going to be okay, but even if he felt scared and had his doubts, he had to make Hutch believe he was going to be just fine.

    Starsky took the trash can from the grip that his partner had on it and set it back onto the floor, then pulled Hutch's head into his stomach and rubbed his back. Hutch didn't resist Starsky's hold on him.

    "You ready to try to get back to bed?"

    "Umm-hmm...."

    Starsky once again supported his partner, getting him to a standing position and finally getting him back into bed. Hutch immediately curled up into a fetal position, holding his stomach. The worried detective covered his friend, then sat on the edge of the bed rubbing his back and talking to him in an attempt to provide some comfort. Hutch did seem to calm a bit as Starsky continued to rub his back. Listening to Starsky talking to him relaxed him enough to finally fall into a light sleep.

    When Hutch's breathing became more regular, Starsky resumed his position in the chair next to the bed. He kept one hand on Hutch as he rubbed his own eyes that were tired and heavy. He too was soon asleep, not moving from his partner.

Chapter 16

    Dr. Guiseppi nervously knocked on the door to Hutch's apartment at Venice Place. He had to know how his patient was doing. He felt so responsible.

    He was.

    Starksy opened the door to face the nervous young doctor. "Dr. Guiseppi? What are you doing here? Is something wrong? Did you find something else wrong on Hutch's x-rays?"

    "No, I'm sorry, Mr. Starsky, I was just on my way to work and thought I would stop by to see how Ken is doing."

    "I wish I could give you better news, Doc, but Hutch is sick. He came down with the flu."

    "Oh, I'm sorry. Is he getting any rest?"

    "You can see him if you want. I'd feel better if you took a look at him."

    Starsky led Nick Guiseppi into Hutch's bedroom where his patient now lay, pale and so weak looking. He walked over close to Hutch and put a hand on his forehead. "Ken, how are you feeling?"

    Hutch looked up to see who was talking to him when another series of stomach cramps hit him hard. He wanted to curl up again and ride them out, but he knew the routine by now. He had to get to the bathroom quick.

    "Starsky...help me, huh? I gotta go again...and I'm feeling sick."

    Doc Guiseppi and Starsky assisted Hutch into the bathroom as quickly as possible. Hutch was even more weak today than last night.

    "Please close the door. I'll be okay."

    Starsky's nerves were balancing on a thin wire. "Doc, does this seem like the flu to you?"

    "Yes, unfortunately. It is going around. I can't imagine how Ken's back is feeling with him being up and down like he is."

    "He's been vomiting, too, and...his throat is sore. That doesn't go along with the flu, does it?"

    "He may have a cold along with the flu. He might have been more susceptible to these type things since he was in pain with his back for so long. He may have been run down."

    Dr. Guiseppi tried to sound convincing. He thought he was doing a pretty good job of it.

    Starsky just looked at the young doctor. Why do I feel like something is not right when he is around? Why did he even stop to see Hutch? Most doctors don't make a house call unless you call them to your house.

    "Starsky? You there? I think I can get back to bed now."

    Starsky took one more glance at Guiseppi and tried to let go of the bad feeling he was having. "I'm here, Hutch. Come on, buddy...here we go."

    Starsky was getting good at maneuvering his partner back and forth to the bathroom. He was getting a lot of practice. Once again he tucked his partner into his bed and tried to make him comfortable. Guiseppi hadn't even offered to help him with Hutch on the return to the bedroom.

    "We'll be fine, now. Thanks for stopping by, Doc." Starsky wanted this man out of the apartment. Just the young doctor's presence was beginning to irritate him.

    "Please call me if I can help."

    "Thanks, we'll be okay." Starsky nearly shut the door in Guiseppi's face before returning to his partner's side. He found that Hutch was sleeping and decided to clean up around the apartment and make some breakfast in hopes that Hutch would be able to keep it down.

Chapter 17

    Nick Guiseppi ran around the front of his car, got in and took off quickly. He stopped the car around the corner and pulled over to the curb. He started sobbing, hating himself for putting an innocent man in the position he did.

    Nick drove off in anger, at himself and at Luke Cirillo. He wanted some answers. He drove directly to Luke's health club where he knew he would find him.

    "Luke! I need to talk to you in private. Now."

    "I was expecting you, Nick. Follow me."

    Luke took him to the basement of the building to have a talk with Nick.

    "Luke, what the hell did you put in those pills you gave me for Hutchinson?"

    "All in good time, Nick, all in good time."

    "I'm not going through with this, Luke! I can't do this. It has to stop now!"

    "I knew you would be weak, Nick, so I took out a little insurance. Take a look."

    Luke took Nick down the hall and led him into one of the small offices. He pushed Nick into the room with force. Nick was horrified at the sight before him.

    "Patti!" Nick went to go to his bound and gagged wife, but was stopped by two of Luke's cronies.

    "Let her go, Luke. Let her go, please."

    "Patti will be okay as long as you do as I say. When Hutchinson is dead, Patti will be returned to you. For now you just do as I say."

    "Okay Luke, I'll do what you say. Will you tell me what is going on? Hutchinson is really sick. He's dying, Luke. What are you doing to him?"

    "I just put a little something extra in the pain pills I had you deliver to him."

    "I thought you wanted him to die on the operating table?" Nick Guiseppi thought he had some time, time to maybe turn all of this around.

    "Well, if he makes it to the table, then he will die there. Guess we'll find out just how much he can take."

    "Luke...I'll do whatever you want me to do. Just don't hurt Patti. If you want me to help you, you need to tell me what you are doing to Hutchinson."

    "Okay, Nick, I trust you won't mess up, not with Patti's life in jeopardy." They were far enough away from Patti that she could not hear what was being said. "I swear Nick, one wrong move from you and she dies. I wanted Hutchinson to die on the operating table, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted him to suffer. Johnny suffered, and he's gonna suffer too. The pills are laced with Arsenic. The pills near the top of the bottle have just a little of the arsenic in them and as he gets toward the middle to the bottom of the bottle, the pills contain more of the damn poison. He'll suffer and get what he deserves."

    Nick felt numb. He looked at his wife and told her how much he loved her as he exited the room. He talked with Luke just a bit more outside in the hall. "Luke, I promise I won't mess this up for you. Just please don't hurt her."

    "Just do as you're told and she will be okay."

Chapter 18

    The thought that Hutch might be able to keep some breakfast down was short-lived. Hutch continued to throw up and have to make frequent trips to the bathroom. He was almost too weak to make the journey anymore. The symptoms persisted throughout the day. By late afternoon Starsky brought some pillows and blankets into the bathroom and made his partner as comfortable as he could. In between bouts of vomiting and diarrhea they both got a few periods of restless sleep. Starsky held onto his partner, each time hoping the torment his partner was suffering would ease. He saw and felt his friend getting even more weak and lethargic. He knew he had to get some fluids into him as Hutch was getting dehydrated.

    Hutch was having more difficulty swallowing, and attributed it to his severely sore throat. He figured the shortness of breath was just due to his weakened state. The stomach cramps persevered along with muscle cramps in his arms and legs. His back was hurting so bad that he thought he would pass out at times. The prospect of passing out became a welcomed thought. He didn't pass out though, just continued to suffer. The only comfort he felt was having Starsky holding onto him and hearing his soothing voice.

    Starsky sat, leaning up against the bathroom wall, holding onto his partner. He held on tighter when bouts of the chills consumed his friend. He felt so helpless. He knew doctor Gregory said he would stop by tonight and hoped it would be soon. He wanted to call an ambulance for Hutch, but Hutch protested with any strength he had left.

    "It's just the flu, Starsk, It'll get better. Just stay here with me, okay?"

    "Okay, Hutch, but if you're not better by morning, you need to go to the hospital."

    "Let's just wait 'til morning then, huh?"

    "All right, but we gotta get some fluids into you, Hutch. I think you're getting dehydrated. We gotta at least try."

    Hutch tried to keep some tea down just to pacify his partner. Hutch knew what he had was not the flu. He was terrified of dying, but even more terrified of being taken to the hospital and dying there. He remembered the plague and what it did to him. They wouldn't even let Starsky in to see him except on occasion and those moments were taken away quickly. It wasn't enough. He needed his partner, and felt if he were taken to the hospital, Starsky would be kept away from him. Right now being at home with Starsky seemed the better choice. At least he had Starsky to hold and comfort him. If he was going to die, he wanted Starsky to be with him. His last moments were not going to be in some cold and isolated hospital room. He felt the guilt of leaving his partner behind and knew he could not handle Starsky dying on him, but if it would have been Starsky who died first, nothing would keep him from being by his partner's side.

    Starsky felt Hutch's forehead for a fever. He didn't seem to have one even though he seemed to be having severe chills.

    "Hutch, how about a warm bath? It'll warm you up and make you feel better."

    "Okay Starsk, that might feel good."

    Starsky ran the warm water into the tub, got Hutch undressed, and lowered him into the tub. The warm water did feel good to Hutch. He was so cold. Starsky sat by the side of the tub and left Hutch soak and warm up. He intermittently ran more warm water as Hutch requested.

    "Hey, buddy, you'll soon be able to go swimming in there. I think we should get you out before ya turn into a prune."

    "Thanks, Starsk. This did feel good." Hutch looked up to his caretaker, too weak to even feel embarrassed. He reached for Starsky's arms to guide him out of the tub and let his partner dress him and get him back to bed. The bath had relaxed him and he felt he just might be able to sleep.

    Starsky had not realized how much weight his friend seemed to have lost until he saw him in the tub. You could see his ribs, and for the first time Starsky noted that Hutch looked emaciated and almost ghostlike. I have to get something into him. He gets 'til morning. If he's not better by then he's going to the hospital. I know he won't like it, but he's going.

    Starsky returned to the bedside with some warm tea, chicken soup, and crackers. "Come on, Hutch, ya gotta try." When Hutch didn't acknowledge his dinner, Starsky began to feed him. "Hutch, please. Just a couple spoonfuls and some tea. You can't go on without eating. How ya gonna get your strength back, buddy?"

    Hutch did his best. He took half of the soup and most of the tea. He only requested the trash can once, but having almost nothing left in his stomach, he could only heave.

    "Okay, pal. You did good. We'll try more later. It's time for an antibiotic and a pain pill, buddy." Starsky reached over to the pharmacy Hutch had accumulated on his bedside table to get the pills. He retrieved an antibiotic and fed it to Hutch. He then went to get a pain pill when Hutch folded into more stomach cramps. The pills were knocked from Starsky's hands and went everywhere.

    "I'm sorry, Starsky." Hutch said as the cramps passed.

    "Its okay, blondie. If you didn't want a pill for pain all you had to do was say so."

    "No, I need one. Everything hurts."

    Starsky gathered all of the pills up and poured them back into the bottle. "Here ya go.... This should help." Hutch got the pill down, nearly choking on the water. Swallowing was becoming more difficult.

    "It's okay, Hutch. Just try to relax."

    Hutch was trying, it was just a fight he was not winning. He tried to catch his breath and not alarm Starsky. This will pass.... Why can't I breathe..? Why can't I swallow...? I need help, but NO, I'm not going to a hospital.... No...no...not again. Hutch closed his eyes, taking in the comfort and strength his partner continually offered. He was soon in a light sleep. Hutch never realized just how afraid he was of hospitals after dealing with the plague...not until now.

Part 3\