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Ultimate Revenge
(Part 5 in the 'Rosey Malone Series')

By

Sue M

   How does that look?" Rosey Starsky asked her friend Darlene Burkett as she came down from the stepladder.

   "That looks pretty good," Darlene said.

   Rosey had been spending the day over at the community center of the town house complex with her girl friends getting the party room ready for the next day's party. Part of the mother's group that Rosey belonged to had started a practice that once a month they held a birthday party for all the participants whose birthdays occurred in the following month.

   This month's birthdays included DAS's and his father, David.

   The party was not for just the participants of the mother's group. It had been opened to anyone who lived in the townhouse complex and their family and friends.

   Rosey and her committee had decorated the room in a spring theme because spring was scheduled to come at the end of March. She had found some really nice large cardboard spring decorations at one of the party stores that went nicely with her theme. She had bought crape paper and had decorated the ceiling with some green and yellow streamers.

   It was almost four o'clock when she got the job done. It was time to head home and think about supper. She went into the small room where the children were and rescued the volunteer baby-sitter from off the wall. DAS was at a small table playing with some blocks and he put his blocks away and left with his mother. His sister was just waking up from her afternoon nap.

   Rosey asked the volunteer how the children had behaved and she was reassured that as usual, they were angels. The children adored the volunteer baby-sitters and they looked forward to the one afternoon a week when they could play with their friends.

   She asked the volunteer if they were coming to the next day's party. When she told Rosey that she was coming, Rosey said, "Good then see you tomorrow."

   Rosey put Barbara in her carriage and DAS walked beside her. She decided that it would be the old stand-by of spaghetti for supper. She had the dry pasta and tomato sauce in the house. She went to the neighborhood meat store and picked up some ground beef, and then some vegetables - onions, carrots, green peppers, and celery that she planned to cut up with the food.

   Rosey did not notice anyone was watching her. Well, now this is very cozy. A little family. This will go well with my plans, Starsky.

   When she got home, she put the kids in the living room and they were able to play while she started supper.

   By the time David came home from busting the bad guys, at his usual time, 7 p.m., dinner was ready to eat.

   When the children heard the key in the door, they made their usual rush to the door. Barbara was walking at quite a good pace these days and of course DAS was first to get there. Sarah and Tara had grown to be quite bigger since Christmas and they added to the stampede to welcome home their hero.

   Rosey was the last to make it to the door. By the time she got there, David had DAS in one arm and Barbara in the other. And the two pets were trying to get a bit of his attention. He bent over to pet Sarah and Tara and put down the children.

   He went over and gave Rosey an affection squeeze. "Hey there, Lovely Lady. How was your day?"

   "Fine, thank you, David. Have been busy over at the community center getting the party room ready for tomorrow."

   "Oh yeah. I forgot."

   "You had better not forget, Buster. You are one of the honorees."

   "Yeah, don't you worry," he said as he bowed in mock reverence to His Lady Fair, "I will attend the proceedings on the morrow." She giggled. He took her in his arms and gave her a deep kiss. "I am glad today is Friday. "

   "Yeah, me too."

   "Two whole days with my lovely wife and children."

   "Yuppers."

   "What is for dinner, I can smell it."

   "How about the old stand by - spaghetti."

   "Hey, sounds good. You know I always love the way you make it."

   "Yeah, that is why I make it that way."

   "Need any help?"

   "Well, I could use some help putting it on the table."

   "You got it, Lovely Lady."

   They both went into the kitchen and brought the things out to the table.

~~~~~~~~~~

   The next afternoon was a bright and warm day. Hutch had been invited to the party and he couldn't turn down an invitation to a party that included his adopted niece and nephew. He had driven his car to the Starsky house and they walked to the community center. DAS had recently decided he was a big boy and didn't want a carriage anymore and so David and Hutch were walking him over, followed by Rosey and Barbara in her carriage.

   Hutch and David were in a strange mood. It had been a long and stressful week and they had just finished working on an important case. The relief that the case was over showed and they were trying to relieve some of the bottled up emotions by teasing and joking.

   Many other families were coming to the party also and the front of the community center was starting to fill up with adults and children.

   No one was watching the occupants of an old beat up car that was parked in the parking lot outside the front of the community center. The man who was sitting the passenger's side of the car was aiming his gun at the front of the community center. Well, well, I knew Starsky would make an appearance at his own party. Happy Birthday, Detective. I hope you enjoy your present. Suddenly a shot rang out and people began to scream. The car sped off.

   David dove for his son and pushed him to the ground. Hutch ran behind to where Rosey was and pushed her to the ground. They both grabbed their guns and aimed them in the direction of the shots. When no more shots were forthcoming, Hutch got up, put his gun in his holster and went over to David. David put his gun back in his holster, turned around and looked up at Hutch. Suddenly Hutch noticed a pool of blood and a large red stain getting bigger on the back of DAS. He dove for the little boy and tried to feel for a pulse. David looked wide-eyed at his son, who was lying face down on the ground. Hutch could feel a very weak pulse.

   The look of despair on David's face almost broke Hutch's heart. He had grown to love the little boy as much as Rosey and David did. If anything was to ever happen to his adopted nephew, he did not know how the Starskys could ever recover from it.

   Rosey rushed over to join her husband. She began to sob uncontrollably. Rosey began to cradle her son in her arms. David put his arms around his wife and son and started to will for his son not to die.

   Meanwhile, other parents began to gather. Someone offered to go inside the community center and call an ambulance. Someone else pushed Barbara's carriage over to the distraught parents.

   Many of their friends offered words of support and comfort.

   The ambulance and black and white police cars only took a few minutes to arrive, but to David it seemed like an eternity. The paramedics began to work on the limp little boy, and when they got him stable, put him into the ambulance to transport him to Memorial. Rosey rode in the ambulance with him. Hutch and David rushed over the Starsky house to retrieve the Striped Tomato. One of their friends offered to take Barbara to their house and look after her there. Hutch offered to drive the car. He knew that his best friend was in no condition to drive.

~~~~~~~~~~

   Hutch sat in the hospital waiting room waiting for news. The Starskys had been in the emergency room with DAS and then when they wheeled him into surgery, they came and waited in the waiting room with him. David had his arm around his wife. Hutch's heart went out to them. He knew that any gunshot wound can be dangerous and depending upon where the bullet penetrated the body, can cause damage.

   Finally after about four hours of waiting, a tired looking, older man in green hospital scrubs entered the room. Hutch knew that the Starskys were in no condition to talk to the doctor, so he stood up and approached him. He introduced himself and the doctor told him he was Dr. Peter Chernack.

   David came over to the pair, "How is he, Doctor? I am David Starsky, his father. That is my wife, Rosey."

   "Well as well as can be expected I guess. He is a very fortunate little boy. When the bullet entered his body, it missed his spinal column, but it punctured a lung and collapsed it. He is recovery night now, but in a few hours, we are moving him up to intensive care and you can go see him then."

   "Thanks, Doc."

   "If you will excuse me, I have to go back to the ER."

   "Thanks again, Dr. Chernack." The look on David's face showed everything. He was relieved to know that his son had not died in surgery and he almost danced for joy. He hugged Hutch, and gave Rosey a big kiss because by this time, she had joined them

   The doctor tried to smile sympathetically. He had seen too many of these tragedies. He left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~

   Rosey, David and Hutch entered the ICU unit. Rosey looked at her son through the glass window. It almost broke her heart. It was hard to believe that this was the same little boy that only that morning was romping and playing with his pets before they left for the party. He looked so different, with the machines hooked up to him. His hair was starting to show beads of sweat. His deep blue eyes were closed.

   Suddenly a nurse appeared and told them, "Are you the Starskys?"

   David stepped forward. "Yes, I am David Starsky, and this is my wife, Rosey. This is our friend, Ken Hutchinson."

   "Okay, I am Nurse Janice Paige. You may go into your son's room whenever you want. I will instruct the staff to make sure that your friend's name is on the list of people allowed in, okay?"

   "Thanks."

   They all went into the room quietly. DAS was hooked up to a respirator because of the situation with his lung and a heart machine because he had just come out of surgery. It tore at the Hutch's heartstrings to see him there. He still couldn't believe someone would try and harm such an innocent child. He hoped he would have the pleasure of busting the clown himself.

   David found several chairs and moved them close to the bedside. He motioned to Rosey to sit down. She instead went over to his bedside and started to stroke his hair. She brushed the hair off his forehead. "Sweetheart, Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Hutch are here." When she said both the men's names, she looked directly at them and she could see pools of tears in blue eyes.

   Hutch came over to her and gave her a big hug of reassurance. "He is going to be just fine, Rosey, I know it. He is a strong little boy. And we all love him," he said with a lump in his throat. "We just have to be strong for him and keep on thinking nothing but good thoughts."

   "Thanks, Hutch, for being such a good friend. I love you for being that way."

   "You are welcome, Rosey. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I have grown to love you and the children as if you were my own flesh and blood and I feel as if they are my adopted niece and nephew."

   She wiped the tears from both their eyes and gave him a big hug.

   "Do you guys want anything from the cafeteria? I am going to get a coffee." Hutch offered.

   "Maybe some sandwiches is a good idea, and some coffee too," Rosey said.

   "Okay."

   Hutch left the room. Rosey went and sat down beside her husband in a chair. "David, who would ever do such a thing to such an innocent child?"

   "Honey, I have no idea, but I am going to find out who."

   "David, don't do anything stupid. I need you and the children need you, but you are not much good if you are in a jail cell because you got revenge on the person who did this."

   "Don't worry, Honey. "

   "But I know you too well, Copper, just take my advice. Don't go off the deep end."

   He gave her his patented grin, "Okay."

~~~~~~~~~~

   After Hutch returned with their meal, he slipped out and made a phone call to Captain Dobey. He felt that the Captain should be informed of the situation.

   Captain Dobey came right over.

   David suggested they go out into the hall and discuss this. "I don't want DAS hearing any of this."

   "Starsky, you know that I am so sorry about this."

   "Thanks, Cap'n"

   "Any idea, who would do such a thing?"

   "Nope, but it must have been someone who had something against me because they aimed straight for me and not anyone else."

   "I hate to do this, but I need you guys to hit the streets and get some work done. We need to get some investigations started while it is still fresh in people's minds."

   "That is a good idea, Cap'n." Hutch agreed. He turned to David, "You can stay here and I can do some snooping around."

   "No, Hutch, he is my son. Rosey is here. If there is any change, she can always patch it through to me."

   "Okay, partner. I'll drive, Starsk."

   "Okay, Hutch. I had better go tell Rosey first where I am, okay?"

   "Okay, I'll wait for you here."

   David went back into the room and took Rosey aside, "Honey, I have to go out and try and get this investigation started."

   "Okay, David."

   "Okay, Lovely Lady. If there is the slightest change in DAS, you call headquarters right away and they can patch it through to me and I can be here in a flash."

   "Yes, David."

   "I am also going to swing past the complex and check on Barbara and also tell them how DAS is, okay."

   "Okay, David."

   "Sweetheart, I will be back as soon as I can. I love you."

   "I love you too, David."

   He pulled her in for a quick kiss. He whispered in her ear, "See you later."

   "Bye."

   He went over to his son and kissed his forehead. Rosey went to sit down on the chair. David gave her a kiss on the forehead. "See you soon." She leaned over and started to stroke her son's hand and talking to him. David threw a kiss to Rosey as the door closed.

~~~~~~~~~~

   They decided to head towards Metro Headquarters and see what the black and whites were able to determine as far as witnesses. Someone did give a partial description of the gunman and they were able to get a license number, but it turned out to be a false lead because the plates were stolen.

   But still no hard leads.

~~~~~~~~~~

   Starsky headed back to the hospital.

   There still was no change in DAS' condition. However, there had been several floral arrangements sent by several of their friends and they helped to brighten up the room.

   He had stopped off to see how Barbara was doing. The friend who was taking care of her re-assured him that Barbara was doing okay and they would take care of the little girl for as long as it took. He also stopped by the Starsky house to check on the pets, put them out and also feed them.

~~~~~~~~~~

   Hutch came over to the hospital later on in the evening. He had gone home to get some rest. He suggested, maybe they head over to Huggy Bears' place. Maybe he could put the word out on the street and do some sniffing around and see what happens.

   They also went over to Metro and looked through some files of people who may have had a grudge against them. While they were there Captain Dobey came by. "Can we talk in my office, Starsky and Hutch?"

   "Sure, Captain."

   "I have some bad news, Starsky."

   "Shoot, give it to me straight."

   "Remember our old buddy George Prudholm? Well, I got word earlier when you were out that he escaped from prison earlier in the week. They are still trying to track him."

   "Terrific," David said with a tone of dread in his voice.

   "Chances are it may have been him."

   "This does not look good, Starsky. But, don't do anything rash. I know how much you loved Terry, and he may still be out for blood, but you will not do Rosey and the kids any good sitting in a prison cell."

   "Okay, Cap'n."

   "So, now what is our next move, Cap'n? If it was him, what should we do?" Hutch asked.

   "I think our best bet is to just sit back and wait for his next move. A guy like him will not sit back for long and when he does make his move, we will be ready for him."

   "Yeah, okay, Cap'n"

   "In the meantime, Starsky, get back to the hospital. Your wife and child need your support."

   David gave him his patented grin. "Thanks Captain for all your support. You will never know how much it means to me to have friends like you."

   "Starsky, you are like a son to me."

   "Thanks."

   "And try to get some rest. This may be a few days before anything happens, both with George Prudholm and your son, and you are no good to anyone without proper rest."

   "Okay, Cap'n."

   "Come on, Starsk, I will drive you to the hospital and then take you home." Hutch offered.

   "Thanks Hutch."

   And that is just what Hutch did. He escorted David to the hospital. When they found there was no change in the little boy's condition, they headed to the Starsky house and Hutch stayed over with him. They also made sure the pets were okay.

~~~~~~~~~~

   Meanwhile at the hospital, Rosey had spent a restless night. The hospital staff had been nothing but sympathetic and treated her with kindness. They had been able to find a cot for her.

   Before David checked in at Metro, he stopped by the hospital. He had showered and changed. There still was no condition on the DAS.

   Hutch had gone home and showered and changed also. He stopped by the hospital also.

   A package was delivered to the room. David, Hutch and Rosey were all there when it arrived. Inside was a dozen dead flowers. The card attached said, Too bad your son did not die, but soon you will feel as much pain as you have caused me.

   Hutch could not imagine the emotions going through both David and Rosey's minds. He secretly vowed it would be his pleasure to help bring this person to justice.

~~~~~~~~~~

   David and Hutch stayed by his bedside for a little while and then they went to check out Metro.

   While they were gone, DAS woke up. Rosey was holding his hand when she noticed pressure on her hand. She looked in his blue eyes and they were looking back at her. She rose from the chair almost immediately. "Welcome back, Son." She looked at her son and knew that he did not know what was going on. "You were shot. So that is why you are here in the hospital. I am going to get your doctor." She let go of his hand and pressed the buzzer. The nurse came in the room.

   "Something wrong, Mrs. Starsky?"

   Rosey smiled with tears in her eyes, " Yes, my son has woken up. Can you call Dr. Chernack?"

   "Sure."

   "Can I use the phone at the nurse's station to call my husband?"

   "Well, normally we don't let people use the phones, but I guess it will be all right, just this once."

   Rosey turned to DAS, "Mommy has to leave the room for a sec, but she will be right back." Rosey left the room and went to the nurse's station while the nurse did an exam in the little boy. She dialed the number for Metro and got Dispatch. "Can you dispatch me through to Detective Starsky, please."

   "Sure."

   "This is Zebra 3," Hutch answered. They were in the car.

   "Stand by for a dispatch from Mrs. Starsky."

   "Okay."

   "David?"

   "No, this is Hutch. Is this Rosey?"

   "Yes, can I speak to my husband."

   "Sure." Hutch gave the radio to David.

   "Honey?' David asked.

   "Yes."

   "What is it?"

   "DAS is awake."

   "Rosey, that is great news." He answered with a lump in his throat. "Hutch and I are on our way. Will be there soon. Love you."

   "I love you too, David."

   David gave the receiver back to Hutch who hung it up. Hutch gave him the thumbs up and David turned the car around and headed in the direction of the hospital. They made it in record time to the hospital in the Torino and they rushed up to the ICU. Rosey was back in his room when they returned. She stood up when they entered the room and parents and Hutch huddled together for a group hug with tears flowing freely.

   "We have our son." Rosey managed to say.

   "Yeah." David said with a lump in his throat. "I am glad to have my boy back."

   Hutch just hugged them for dear life knowing that all those good thoughts he had told them to hold on to had helped. After a while, they broke the embrace. Hutch suggested, "This calls for a celebration." He went to the cafeteria and bought some coffee and sandwiches and brought them up to the overjoyed parents. They ate together, talking about how fortunate they were that their son was back with them.

   However, their joy was overshadowed by a phone call later on in the afternoon. George Prudholm had gone to a church in the townhouse complex and was holding a young people's group hostage.

   Just as David was ready to head out the door, both Hutch and Rosey went to the door before him to try and calm him down.

   "David, Copper, please stop for a minute," Rosey pleaded.

   "Starsk, Starsky, please relax," Hutch said.

   "I want him, Hutch." David growled with a lump in his throat, "He is mine."

   "David, Sweetheart, please no. Don't do it." She looked into the same violet eyes that she had fallen in love with just a few short years before

   "Starsky, listen to us." Hutch said. "George Prudholm is not worth it. Sure, he killed Terry and those other two policemen, but it is worth it killing him?"

   "Yeah, is it worth it. I need you and so do the children. You are no good to us sitting in some jail cell rotting," Rosey added.

   David looked at his wife and then his best friend. Rosey and the children meant more to him than life itself.

   Both Rosey and Hutch could see in his eyes that he wanted to get George for what he had done to his son, but he also knew that if he killed George in cold blood, the courts would put him away for a long time.

   Finally, David calmed down. "Okay, Rosey and Hutch, you guys win. I will be rational." Rosey went over and hugged her husband.

   "David, we now have our son back and George Prudholm will be gone for a long time, we know."

   Hutch gave Rosey a hug of relief and Starsky and Hutch headed out the door to pay George a visit. Before David left, he held his wife in his arms and whispered, "I love you, Rosey. Thanks for helping me."

   "Anytime, Copper," she whispered back.

~~~~~~~~~~

   David and Hutch arrived over at the Blessed Redeemer Worship Center. The small church was surrounded by black and whites and also several ambulances were on stand by. A group of the parents were standing in a circle outside the church praying.

   Our favorite detectives got out of the car and went over to the makeshift command center. Captain Dobey was there talking to George Prudholm via telephone.

   "Starsky, let me tell you that I am glad to hear the news about your son."

   "Thanks, Cap'n."

   "Are you in communication with Prudholm?"

   "Yes, Starsky."

   "Well then tell him if he wants me, he's got me."

   Captain Dobey said, "Prudholm, this is Dobey. Release the hostages."

   "If he wants me, he has me," Starsky told Hutch.

   "Starsky, you are not going in there alone."

   "Hutch, he is mine."

   "Partner, listen to me. We have our boy back now. He is going to be fine. Rosey needs you. DAS needs you. Barbara needs you. I need you."

   "Hutch."

   "Starsky, he is both ours. I loved Terry, as a friend. DAS is my adopted nephew."

   "Hutch."

   "Okay, let's go for it.

   They cocked their pistols and both entered the church at the same time. The sanctuary of the church was up a flight of stairs and the basement was off to the right down a fight of stairs. On the left was a coat rack. Hutch went first. He stopped at the corner leading to the stairs. David followed and he quickly went down the stairs. When he was at the bottom, he signaled for Hutch to follow. Off to the right was the main room where George and his gang was holding the hostages.

   David stood behind the door leading to the room. He yelled, "Prudholm?"

   "Starsky" was his answer.

   Hutch came from behind David and went in first without being detected. He quietly slipped behind a filing cabinet.

   "Prudholm, release the hostages. Let them go. If you want me, you have me," David said.

   "Not until you are dead, Starsky."

   "I will never give you the satisfaction of seeing me dead."

   David moved into the room. Hutch, who had been listening to the exchange of words, moved in also. Some of the children began to scream. Hutch began to herd the children outside so that only David and Prudholm remained. Then several of the uniformed officers started down the stairs. Prudholm began to fire, but fortunately he missed. One of the uniformed officers took aim and fired right at George and hit him in the leg.

   Hutch returned and went over David who was lying on the floor from emotional exhaustion.

   "Come on, Starsky, let's go back to the hospital and see Rosey."

~~~~~~~~~~

   "Well, I would say this party was a success." Rosey leaned over and said to his husband.

   It had been a great birthday present for David. Because of the shooting, the party had been postponed until DAS was released from the hospital. DAS had been released on David's birthday.

   David was sitting at one of the tables with Rosey and Hutch. DAS was playing in the middle of the floor with his new toys and his friends.

   "I am so grateful that he survived the shooting and that there would be no lasting effects on him. " David said.

   Hutch smiled as he watched DAS and watched the Starskys' reaction to their little boy. It was hard to believe it was the same little boy who just a few weeks ago was in the hospital hooked up to a heart machine and respirator. Even though the Starskys would have to be careful and not over tire him for the next little while, he would be able to resume all the normal little boys at his age did - play with his friends and his beloved pets.

THE END