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Part 3

BLACKMAIL

by

Kathy Kellenberger

PART 4

Chapter 29

    Starsky spent the remainder of the night close to his partner, just staring at the youthful features and innocence that Hutch possessed. He didn't notice the dawn rising and the sun peeking through the small window in the room. He arched his back that had become stiff from sitting in the same position next to his partner and from his own fatigue. He became more alert and anxious when he noticed Hutch was perspiring and his face seemed reddened. He placed his hand on his partner's forehead only to feel that he was burning up with fever. He was about to run for the nurse when one appeared behind him.

    "He's burning up. What's happening to him now?" Starsky was disillusioned as yet another problem overcame his friend.

    "I need to take his temperature now, it does look like he spiked a fever. The Dimercaprol can cause the patient to get a fever. I need to give him another injection now, too. Would you mind waiting outside?"

    "Yes, I would mind waiting outside. I'm staying right here with my partner, and please don't call him 'the patient'...his name is Ken. Please, call him Ken."

    The morning nurse was agitating Starsky. He had gone without any restful sleep for at least the last 24 to 48 hours and his partner and best friend lay dying, while all he could do was watch as Hutch became more depleted and weak, slipping further away from him with each passing moment.

    Starsky did win this battle. Nothing was going to keep him from his partner. Nothing but death itself could separate them now.

    The nurse apologized to Starsky, realizing she was a bit hasty in her actions and her attitude. She decided to start over and take the friendly approach with the visitor. "I'm sorry, Mr. Starsky, you can stay. I understand. Would you mind helping me turn Ken onto his side?"

    Starsky was more than happy to be able to assist with the care of his partner, but felt nauseous as he saw the large needle that his partner would soon be feeling. Oh God, why does Hutch have to suffer like this? Please don't let this all be in vain. Please...God help him. He doesn't deserve this. Please don't take him from me...please show us one of those miracles.

    With Hutch now on his side, the nurse took his temperature and got the syringe ready to administer as ordered. The movement aroused Hutch a bit and his eyes did open. Starsky bent down to be at Hutch's eye level and spoke to him soothingly. He told him what was happening and that it was time for another injection. Hutch didn't fight, he didn't struggle, he was past that stage. He just looked into Starsky's eyes. Starsky never broke the eye contact with his partner. He could only imagine what this must be feeling like for Hutch, physically and emotionally. Starsky bargained with God to let him trade places with his partner...to spare his life.... What would life be without his best friend in it, anyway? Starsky begged to God that he would not have to find out.

    Hutch didn't even flinch when the injection was given. He only continued to look into his partner's eyes, a single tear rolling down his cheek.

Chapter30

    "Aw Hutch, I know it hurts. I'm holding onto ya, buddy. I'm right here, and I've got ya." Starsky did his best to hold back the tears that were ready to spill. He purposely looked away so Hutch would not see the despair and devastation in his eyes. Starsky wanted to scream, Oh God! This is freaking not fair! He had so many things he wanted to do yet. He's not finished here...he can't leave.... I need him dammit! God, why? Why Hutch? Please don't take him. If you take him, please take me too. I don't want to be here without him...please....

    Starsky's thoughts were broken as he felt Hutch's arms squeeze him ever so gently just before he went limp, his eyes now closed, non-responsive.

    "Hutch! Please Hutch...wake up...buddy, wake up for me...come on Hutch..." Starsky felt his world fall from beneath him. He took Hutch in his arms and held his friend's head close to his chest, rocking back and forth, now sobbing.

    Dr. Gregory was at Hutch's bedside suddenly and quickly when he saw what just happened. He examined Hutch, took his pulse and blood pressure. "Dave? Dave...David!" Dr. Gregory finally was able to get Starsky's attention. "Dave, calm down, son, he's still with us. He just passed out. He's dealing with a lot right now, and the treatments are strong, and are not easy on him. Put him down, David, you can't hold onto him forever." Dr. Gregory meant this in the most consoling way, his voice was now soft and gentle. He saw the look of terror in Starsky's face as he was shaking his head "no."

    "Yes, I can. I don't want to ever let him go." Starsky was still crying so hard. It broke Dr. Gregory's heart to see the anguish in Starsky's eyes. "Dave, how about I get you something for your nerves?"

    "No...I'll be okay...he's okay now, right? You said he only passed out?"

    "Yes, son, why don't you step outside with me for just a minute? Only a minute I promise...you can come right back.... He'll still be here."

    Starsky gently laid Hutch back onto the bed, carefully placing his partner's head back onto the pillow. "Hutch, I'll be right back, I'm only gonna be outside at the door for just a minute. I promise I'll be right back."

    Dr. Gregory and Starsky stood outside of Hutch's room to talk, although his eyes and attention remained on the frail figure in the bed.

    "What's happening, Doc? Isn't there anything you can do? Anything?"

    "Dave, Ken is in serious condition. Isn't there anyone who could be here with you?"

    "I just want to be alone with him, Doc. I don't want anyone else here. I just want Hutch."

    "We're doing everything we can possibly do for your partner. Whoever did this to him really knew what they were doing. We found an unusually high concentration of arsenic in his bloodstream. I haven't seen anyone survive this long after ingesting as much of the drug as he did. That is a good sign, Dave. He's still alive. It’s been almost 24 hours since he was brought in, and he is still hanging on. We can only hope and pray now that the treatments will do their job. If they are going to work, we should see some improvement in another 24 hours. Don't give up hope, Dave. Ken is strong, he knows you are here with him. He has developed some complications, ones that we would expect to see with this type of poisoning."

    "How much more can he take? What complications? Isn't there anything you can do to stop anything more from happening to him?"

    "He's in renal failure Dave. The blood tests show he is also in the beginning stages of liver failure. His lungs are filling with fluid and he has developed severe neuropathy in his extremities. That is why he can't move his hands and feet. The neuropathy can be very painful. Can't you talk him into accepting some pain medication, Dave? I am certain he could use it. He seems to still be having the stomach cramps and I am sure his back is hurting him."

    "I think he should have something for the pain, but I can't go against what he wants. I wouldn't do that to him. If it gets too bad...well, I don't want to see him suffering and in pain. I don't know what to do, Doc. Hutch seems to have accepted that he doesn't have much time left. I can tell he is fighting sleep...and I know it might seem selfish, but I want him to be awake and know that I am there with him...and...and Doc, I'm afraid every time he closes his eyes that it will be for the last time." Starsky could not go on. He dried his eyes the best he could and headed back to his best friends bedside to once again hope, pray, and beg for God to save his partner's life.

Chapter31

    Starsky had not eaten and barely slept for a couple days now. He was exhausted, but running on adrenaline. After Doctor Gregory left, he resumed his place in the chair next to Hutch's bedside. While staring at Hutch, the tube in his throat, the tube in his nose that went into his stomach, the monitors, the catheter that drained any urine that his kidneys would produce, the IV's, and the ghostlike appearance of his partner, he prayed and unwillingly fell asleep. Hearing the heart monitor beeping was of some comfort to him.

    Starsky was in a half sleep and thought he was dreaming when he heard two nurses talking about turning off the respirator. He became alert quickly, thinking that Hutch had passed away and that there was no more need for the respirator.

    "NO!!!" The scream escaped him before he was totally awake.

    He felt a hand on his shoulder slightly shaking him to a fully awakened state. It was Amy, Hutch's nurse that he had come to know as a friend.

    "Dave, what's wrong? Were you having a nightmare?"

    "I don't know.... Why are you turning off the respirator? What's wrong? What happened?" Starsky was trembling, and feeling like he would be sick.

    "It's okay, Dave. We are weaning Ken off of the respirator. The doctors believe he will gradually be able to resume responsibility for regulating his own breathing."

    "Will he be able to breathe on his own? He won't have any trouble, will he? Does this mean he's getting better?"

    "Well, it means that his throat is not as constricted as it was and that he should be able to breathe without assistance. It may take some getting used to on Ken's part, and the removal of the tube is uncomfortable, but I think he will do just fine. We will be watching him closely. The doctors are somewhat concerned about the congestion in Ken's lungs. They want him breathing on his own as soon as possible. He's strong. I believe he can do it. We also have orders to remove the NG tube. He will be so much more comfortable without all of those tubes. The catheter must stay in because of the renal failure. We need to monitor that closely. And we will probably be suctioning him. He has gotten very congested, and is too weak to fight these excretions. I'm sorry to throw so much at you at one time, Dave, but it is a good sign that we can get him off of the respirator, and get the tube out of his stomach."

    "What if he gets sick?"

    "We're right here and I know you will be with him at all times. I am sure he will be okay. He may still have some nausea and vomiting, but we will help him."

    "Thank you, Amy. I'm glad you're here. You've been so kind and understanding."

    "You're welcome, Dave. I know how special Ken is to you. I think he's hanging on for you. He's been a miracle so far. You must mean an awful lot to him."

    "Yeah, we mean a lot to each other. I'm gonna make him keep fighting this. I know he can beat it."

    "I'm going to start another hemodialysis treatment. Why don't you go and get yourself some coffee?"

    "No, thanks, Amy. I want to be here when he wakes up. He's been so scared and in a lot of pain. I don't want to leave him alone with it. He's gotta know I'm here."

    "Okay, Dave. I understand. How about I bring you a good cup of coffee? You need to keep up your strength for you and your partner. You're looking pretty tired and exhausted yourself."

    "The coffee sounds good. He'll probably wake up when you start the hemodialysis. Oh, it will be good to see his blue eyes."

    Starsky moved to the edge of the bed to be closer to his partner, and once again started talking words of comfort and hope. He took a washcloth from the basin of cool water at Hutch's bedside and smoothed it over his face and neck. Hutch still had a fever, a side effect from the Dimercaprol ( he was hoping that was all it was from). He told Hutch about the tube in his throat being removed and the tube in his nose being removed. He made it sound like a Christmas gift. To Starsky, it was a gift from God Himself. If Hutch could make it without the assistance of those machines, he must be getting better, thought Starsky. He took Hutch's hand in his own, feeling the coldness and seeing the slight blueness in his fingers. He remembered what Doc Gregory said about the neuropathy and how painful it could be. Starsky handled the hand softly and very carefully. He didn't want to cause anymore pain to his friend. For the first time in days, Starsky felt some hope. He only hoped that his optimism was not in vain.

Chapter32

    Amy returned not only with a good cup of hot coffee for Starsky, but brought him a sandwich, French fries, and a cup of soup from the hospital cafeteria. She knew he had not eaten in a couple days. Starsky could not have been more appreciative. He didn't realize how hungry he was until he smelled the good food. Hutch was in the middle of his dialysis treatment and seemed to be sleeping peacefully except for periods of what seemed like nightmares that had started to plague him. Starsky continued to provide total support to his partner, calming his nightmares and sponge bathing him for the climbing fever. He asked for more blankets when Hutch began to shiver more profoundly from the fever.

    Nurses and doctors continued to busy themselves in Hutch's room with their patient. Amy was there to assist when the doctor came in to remove the tubes from Hutch's throat and nose.

    Hutch was startled awake when the doctor started to remove the tape that held the endo tube in place from the area surrounding his mouth. He tried to push the doctor away. He didn't know what was happening to him now, and was still in a half-sleep state.

    "Ken, don't fight us, we're just going to get this tube out of your throat. It may be uncomfortable for you when we take it out, but you will feel much better after it is removed. Same goes with that tube in your nose. You do want to get rid of them, don't you?"

    Hutch was becoming more awake, and shook his head 'yes'. Starsky was there to hold Hutch's hands down gently and to reassure his partner that he was going to be okay, to try to relax and let the doctor do his work.

    Removing the endo tube was painful but only lasted for a few seconds until it was out. Hutch began to cough and gasp for air. The doctor informed Hutch and one very nervous Starsky that this was normal.

    The NG tube was next. Hutch's arms reflectively went to push the doctor away, but Starsky held him secure. Hutch went into the dry heaves when the tube was removed. The entire experience made him feel sick. Once again the doctor assured him that this was normal and that the pain and nausea from the removal of the tubes would subside.

    Amy got Hutch cleaned up and tried to make him more comfortable. Starsky was able to relax his partner with his continued and selfless unconditional love for him.

Chapter33

    Hutch was exhausted after the tubes were removed and he fell into a light sleep, or passed out. Starsky was not sure, but stayed very close to his partner. He still was not convinced that Hutch would continue to breathe all right without assistance. The tube in Hutch's nose was replaced by a nasal canula to provide extra oxygen.

    Hutch began to call for Starsky in his sleep. It was but a mere whisper as his throat was very sore and traumatized from the endotracheal tube. He was straining to call for his partner. Come here.... I can't touch you out there.... Get me out of here, please.... Get me out of here.... Help me, Starsky.... I want to see your face....

    Starsky was dabbing at Hutch's face with the cool washcloth, trying to get him out of the nightmare that was tormenting his partner. Starsky could feel the heat radiating from Hutch's body and the moisture from the washcloth disappeared immediately. The last temperature check on his partner was 103.5. Hutch was shivering uncontrollably.

    "Hutch...come on, Hutch, wake up, babe.... You're having another nightmare. Come on, I'm right here. Wake up and tell me about it, okay? Everything is gonna be all right."

    "Starsky." Another whisper. Hutch was coming out of the bad dream. "Where am I?"

    "You're in the hospital, Hutch, remember?"

    "You don't have a mask and gloves on. You shouldn't be in here. I don't want you to get this. I mean it, Starsky, you need to get out of here." There was apprehension and fear in Hutch's voice.

    "Hutch, come on, pal. You're not quite awake yet, are ya, buddy? This fever's giving you some pretty bad dreams, isn't it?"

    "I guess."

    Starsky smiled as Hutch sounded like a four year old little boy with the sweetest pouting voice. "Wanna tell me about the dream, buddy?"

    "I was dreaming about when I was in the hospital with the plague. At first I couldn't touch you because they wouldn't let you near me. Then I dreamt about that plastic oxygen tent.... I was trapped in it and couldn't get out. Then you were sitting on the side of my bed without a mask or any protection. It scared me, Starsk. I don't want anything happening to you."

    "Aw Hutch, it's okay...it was only a dream. It's gonna be okay. You don't have the plague anymore, and we're both gonna be fine. Try not to talk too much now and rest your throat. I'll be right here."

    Starsky rubbed Hutch's back and shoulders until his partner finally relaxed enough to seem to drift into a more peaceful sleep. He kept up the massage even after Hutch was asleep. He was so grateful for the moments where Hutch seemed to be able to rest without pain or the nausea that continued to torment him.

    Hutch's peaceful moments were not to last long. It was time for another injection and a dialysis treatment.

    Starsky stopped the nurse, hands full of supplies, and asked if she could please wait just a while before disturbing his partner.

    "Hey, can you hold off on that for at least an hour? My partner is exhausted and I just got him back to sleep."

    "I'm sorry, Mr. Starsky, but these treatments are critical for his survival and we can't interrupt the schedule. I need to also check his temperature and have medicine for his fever."

    "I understand." Oh God...Hutch, I'm sorry babe, it's rude awakening time again. I'll help ya get back to sleep again.

    Starsky gently pulled his partner back out of his seemingly more peaceful sleep.

Chapter34

    Both detectives were able to get some badly needed rest between Hutch's treatments. Hutch seemed to be resting better with the NG tube and the endo tube having been removed. They were reaching the 36 hour mark.

    Hutch's heavy breathing woke Starsky from his half sleep. Starsky was glad to see that Hutch was breathing regularly and on his own. Starsky stood slowly, straightening his body from the form it took while sleeping in the chair. He placed a hand on his partner's forehead that was still alarmingly hot to the touch. Out of concern, Starsky made his way to the nurses' station to inquire on the condition of his partner. In the hall, he ran into Dr. Gregory who was on his way to see Hutch.

    "Hi Dave, I was just on my way to see that partner of yours. I have good news for you both. Ken's lab work shows that the levels of arsenic concentration in his system are coming down. Barring any complications, Ken should be okay."

    "He still seems so sick, Doc, and his fever seems worse."

    "He still is very sick, Dave. I'm worried about the congestion in his lungs which could lead to pneumonia. I am going to have the nurses start to suction him as he is not able to expel the excretions on his own. He is still too weak, and the high fever has him too delirious to help us. Its gonna be a while till he is up and running around again. He is still in critical condition, but he is going to live. I'll have the nurses check his temperature again."

    "Thank you, Doc!" Starsky took a deep breath and exhaled with a great sigh of relief. Hutch was going to be okay...that was all he needed to hear. Together they could handle the complications. "Can we stop the shots now, Doc?"

    "No, Dave, we must follow through with the Dimercaprol injections and the dialysis until his kidneys are able to resume their normal function. I'm sorry."

    "I understand, it's just that those shots are so painful for him. I know he will start fighting them once he is feeling stronger."

    Starsky returned to Hutch's bedside with Dr. Gregory. Dr. Gregory did a short routine examination of his patient and a nurse came in to take Hutch's temperature. The commotion woke Hutch from the tranquil sleep he seemed to be in.

    "Hi, Ken, I need to take your temperature now." The nurse said so motherly.

    Hutch attempted to help her and roll onto his side.

    "No, Ken...we don't need to take your temperature that way anymore. Since the tubes are out, we can just put it under your tongue." She smiled and gently slid the thermometer where a thermometer should normally go.

    The reading was 104.7 degrees. Hutch's temperature was climbing. His eyes were glazed over and he seemed a bit disoriented. Dr. Gregory assured Starsky that this was normal when someone's temperature was very high. The doctor was still very concerned, though. He ordered the IV of normal saline solution to be turned up to further hydrate his patient, and instructed the nurse to start to sponge bath Hutch with cool washcloths. If the fever went up to or over 105 degrees, Dr. Gregory gave orders for more drastic measures to be taken to get the fever down.

    Hutch was mumbling incoherently. He would call for Starsky, but when Starsky went to his side and talked to him, Hutch would push him away and say he wanted Starsky. This went on for a while, until Hutch exhausted himself and fell into a restless sleep. Starsky stayed by his side and continued to assist with the sponge baths. He kept talking soothing and encouraging words to his partner, hoping that somehow he was getting through to the Hutch that was trapped inside the feverish body.

Chapter35

    Hutch did indeed develop pneumonia. When Starsky asked why and how this happened he was told that pneumonia often develops in patients who have who have been immobilized for prolonged periods of time. Hutch was a prime candidate for this since he was already debilitated from the arsenic poisoning and from having the endotracheal tube in place for so long. His lungs were weak and very susceptible. Hutch was started on strong IV antibiotics immediately. IPPB treatments were started immediately also to loosen the secretions that were building up in Hutch's lungs.

    Hutch was not happy about the extra attention he was now getting from the staff, and did not know why they were doing what they were doing. Starsky tried to tell him, over and over again, but it didn't seem to sink in. All Hutch knew was that he didn't want the mask placed over his face for the IPPB treatments and fought with what little strength he had to get away from those who were so intent on torturing him. He had no idea that they were trying to help him. Starsky attempted to keep him calm but to no avail. Hutch was lost in the fever and nothing was making sense or sinking in right now. He just wanted to be left alone.

    Hutch seemed to gain fighting strength when the nurse inserted a catheter into his mouth and down into his throat to suction what secretions she could. He coughed and gagged and thrashed violently to get away. Two more nurses came in to assist with the agitated patient. Two of them held Hutch down while the other did her job the best she could. Hutch bit down on the suction catheter, not allowing it to reach his throat. Mistake number 1. They then slid the suction catheter down his nose, where he could not fight it. He was suctioned until the nurse was satisfied, for now, that she did the best she could. It was unpleasant, but was crucial for treatment of the pneumonia. Seeing that Starsky was there with Hutch, the nurses attempted to make their patient more comfortable and left the room.

    "Hey, buddy. You've had better days, huh?" Starsky continued the cool sponge bathing to calm the fever and also in an attempt to calm his partner, who was now very agitated, upset, and seemingly confused. Hutch was yelling near obscenities and crying to be left alone.

    "I know this is no fun Hutch, but all of these awful things are making you better. You just don't know that right now. I promise you, you are getting better. Soon we'll be getting back to some kind of a normal life.... I'll even let you take a few jabs at my car...how does that sound, buddy?"

    Starsky was saddened to see what his partner was having to go through now. It hurt him almost as much as it hurt Hutch. The only comfort he had was in knowing that the treatments were necessary and that Hutch was getting better. He had to be. Starsky only prayed that one of the complications would not be too much for his once strong partner to handle. It hurt to see someone you've loved and love go through being poked, prodded, injected, suctioned, and all of the other awful things Hutch had to endure since the entire ordeal began.

    Starsky was thankful and relieved when he saw Amy come to start her shift and to take care of Hutch. He had come to trust her. He talked with her for a bit and Amy was able to persuade Starsky to get some fresh air. She would be there to attend to Hutch. Starsky reluctantly decided he would go home, take a shower and get into some clean clothing and come right back.

Chapter36

    Hutch had become increasingly agitated and was still in a delirious state from the fever. He decided he wanted to leave this place that only seemed to bring him pain and suffering. He sat up slowly, fighting off the dizziness and nausea. With sheer determination, he was able to swing his legs in between the top and bottom side rails of the bed. He stood, swaying and weak. He held onto the side rails for support until he felt he could make a break for it. He cursed quietly when he felt a stab of pain in both of his arms.

    He had ripped the IV's out in his attempt to escape. He cursed again as he almost hung himself with the oxygen tubing that was around his neck and going into his nose. He screamed louder when the catheter was violently pulled out as he attempted to make a break for the door. He could not understand what all of the attachments were and why they were holding him. The pain finally sickened him and he succumbed to the dizziness and nausea. His weakness caused him to fall to the floor, bleeding from the trauma of pulling all of the tubes out. Places hurt that shouldn't hurt, he thought. He laid his head onto the cold floor. It felt good against his hot skin. He had no strength left to finish his escape as planned.

    The loud scream caused nurses and orderlies to rush into Hutch's room, only to find their patient on the floor, bleeding, moaning and helpless.

    He was lifted back into his bed where he was secured by a restraining jacket to prevent him from getting out of bed and falling again. The IV's needed to be reinserted along with the catheter. It was indeed a bad day for Hutch. The nurses and orderlies gently restrained his hands with soft restraints since Hutch would fight them and try to pull the IV's out again and again. He was not himself. The fever was raging. The last reading was 105.3 degrees. The other measures needed to be taken to get the fever down. Hutch was packed in ice and a cooling blanket was placed beneath him. Hutch was screaming and sobbing for Starsky. He needed his friend and he couldn't find him. He was beginning to panic. He wanted to go looking for him, but the restraints would not allow it. He was given a mild tranquilizer to calm his agitation and restlessness. He soon tired himself out and drifted off into a light sleep. He dreamt of Starsky, reaching for him and not being able to grasp onto his hand.

Chapter37

    Hutch lay alone in his room, only a dim light on, packed in ice and shivering uncontrollably. Why am I so cold...? And where is Starsky...? I need him and I need him now.... Starsky...help me.... I can't breathe.... Help.

    Amy reassured Hutch that his partner would be back very soon, that he just went home to take a shower and change. It didn't sink in. Hutch was caught in a nightmare, a bad one, but he was awake. He continued to call for Starsky over and over. His voice was but a hoarse whisper now as he had yelled and irritated his already sore throat even more. He continued to try to get up, but was held securely by the restraints. He felt as though he was suffocating with the oxygen mask over his mouth and nose. At one point, he thought that maybe he had died and gone to hell. Another mild tranquilizer was given and Hutch drifted into a drug induced sleep, as much as he tried to fight it.

    Starsky returned about an hour later. There was more bounce in his walk and more of a smile on his face as he knew Hutch was going to be all right. His happiness was short lived as he got closer to his friends bedside and saw him restrained and packed in ice. His face lost its color and his smile was lost. "Oh God...Hutch?"

    Hutch only moaned, he was groggy from the tranquilizer and still lost in the fever. He thought he heard Starsky, but could not open his eyes. He tried to call his name, but it was muffled through the mask over his mouth and nose. With his voice being so hoarse the sound just came out as a moan. He tried to reach for Starsky, dream or no dream, but could not as the restraints were against him. He just cried.

    Starsky wanted to cry and scream at the same time. He was angry and wanted answers now. He headed out into the hall and yelled for Amy. He felt his partner had been abused and wanted to know what happened. It wasn't fair. Hutch is so sick and now he is tied down, too!

    "Amy! What the hell is going on here! Why is Hutch restrained? I trusted you when you said you would be watching over him. I won't leave again! I want him untied now!"

    "Dave, let me explain, please. I am sorry. I went on my dinner break and came back to find Ken had attempted to get out of bed and he fell onto the floor. He tore his IV's and the catheter out. He fought us because of his high fever. We are only trying to help him. We don't want him hurting himself again. I'll call the doctor and see if we can get the restraints removed. We have him packed in ice now because his fever went up to 105.3. He was delirious, Dave.... He didn't know what he was doing."

    "I'm sorry, Amy. I didn't mean to explode and take it out on you. I am just so damn tired of seeing him suffer. If it is not one painful thing happening to him, it's another. It has to stop. He doesn't deserve this. He has feelings, too. What do you think this is doing to him? He shouldn't be tied down like an animal. I promise I'll be staying with him. Please take the restraints off. I'll be there to watch him."

Chapter38

    The restraints were removed and Hutch's fever did come down to 101.3.

    Starsky was by his side like glue. He was not leaving him again. The ice packs were removed and Hutch did seem to be more coherent. He was still shivering and felt so weak. Starsky did his best to calm his partner and provide the extreme encouragement he knew was needed.

    "Hutch, I'm so sorry I left you, even if it was only for a couple hours. I won't leave you again. Your fever is coming down and you should be feeling better soon. I'm sorry for what you had to go through. We're gonna do something special when you get out of here. We both need the break." Starsky continued to run the cool washcloth over Hutch's face and neck, and stayed close.

    "Starsk?" It was only a whisper. "Starsky, I'm glad you're here. I was scared and I kind of knew what I was doing and kind of didn't. I hope the nurses aren't mad at me. I didn't mean to do anything wrong."

    "Aw, Hutch. You didn't do anything wrong. You had a pretty high fever, buddy. Anyone with a fever that high wouldn't be thinking straight. You have nothing to be sorry for, Hutch."

    Starsky continued to try and relax his tense partner. He reminisced about some of the crazy cases they had over the years and about the good times on vacations, and the bizarre times on vacations. He did get Hutch to smile. A small smile, but a smile just the same. He went back as far as the Academy and talked about some of the stuff that happened to them there. "I always knew I'd have to look out for ya, but I didn't know how much I needed you to look out for me. We're a team, Hutch. You're gonna get better so we can create some more bizarre stories to tell our grandchildren. You with me on that?"

    "Sure Starsk. I'm gonna beat this thing and we'll be back on the streets together in no time. Right?"

    "Yes, Hutch...you are going to beat this thing. The arsenic levels are coming down. It's just the complications we need to get you over and you'll be fine. Try not to fight the nurses and doctors. I know it's hard, but they're only working to get you better. I need you better, Hutch."

    "I'll try, Starsk. I just hope all of this is over soon. I hate it and I want to get out of here. I want to go home. I don't think I'll be able to sit for three months, those shots hurt so much. Can they stop them soon?"

    Starsky reassured Hutch that he would not have to get many more injections, but that they did have to complete the series to make sure that the arsenic was totally out of his system, and for him to completely recover.

    Amy came in to attend to Hutch and smiled widely when she saw that urine was collecting in the catheter bag. "Hey, Ken, it looks like your kidneys are starting to function normally again. You feeling any better?"

    "Yeah, a little. I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble. I didn't mean it."

    "Ken, you are no trouble at all. Don't worry yourself. I think you're over the worst of it now. I do have to give you another injection now and I want to see if your temperature came down any more."

    "Okay, thanks, Amy."

    Hutch's temperature was down to 100 degrees. Starsky held on tight to Hutch's hand as the next injection was administered. He was overjoyed when the grip was returned. Hutch didn't fight Amy when the shot was given, but tears came to his eyes and a small sob escaped him. He held on tight to Starsky's hand, waiting for it to be over.

Chapter39

    Hutch continued to improve. The pneumonia was better and his temperature was back to normal. The neuropathy was much improved and his kidneys were functioning on their own once more. The lab work proved that the arsenic was almost totally gone from his system. Hutch was moved to a regular room and was eager to go home.

    There was still the issue of the ruptured disc, which started the entire ordeal he was put through. The doctor wanted Hutch to rest before doing the surgery. He would be able to return to work, but unfortunately only for desk duty. Both detectives did not complain about this at all. They were just happy to be able to get back to some sort of normalcy and to be able to work side-by-side once again.

    Starsky did a thorough investigation of the doctor who would be doing the surgery on Hutch's back. He was taking no chances. This doctor had no criminal record, and Starsky found that his med school education came from a full scholarship. He was still nervous, but felt safe with the new doctor treating Hutch.

    Luke Cirillo was behind bars and would be for a long time. When he realized there was no other alternative for him, he made a complete confession. He was not one bit remorseful and was still a very angry man. Starsky and Hutch were present in the courtroom to hear the verdict and sentencing of this man who caused them so much pain and suffering. It was finally over.

    Cap'n Dobey was thrilled to have his two boys back at work although he would never let on how he really felt. Starsky and Hutch knew. They were ready to move on with their lives and would be very careful of the Luke Cirillo's of the world.

END