FINDERS OF LOST LOVE
BY TOOKI
~*~Chapter One~*~
“Linda?” Hutch called as he caught sight of a woman in a crowd of people just ahead of him. He would know Linda Albright anywhere even thought it had been five years since she had given him back his engagement ring and left for Florida with her sixteen year old daughter.
The woman stopped for only a second then slipped out of sight, Hutch tried to follow her but the massive crowd wouldn’t allow him to move quickly enough to catch up with her.
“Christmas!” Hutch huffed as he strained to try and catch sight of her again. Knowing it was no use Hutch now scanned the crowd of people for his partner.
It was still three weeks until Christmas but you would think that it was the next day by the amount of people hustling from one store to another. Starsky had made Hutch stand on the street corner while he dashed into one of the stores. Hutch had tried to tell him that he didn’t want anything for Christmas but Starsky had insisted.
Starsky was going over board with Christmas as usual, and ever since his granddaughter Rosie had been born it was even worse. Hannah Starsky’s daughter had begged her father to take it easy that he was spoiling little Rosie, but her words went unheeded as their closet filled to capacity with gifts for the little girl.
Starsky came bounding down the street, a Santa hat sat cockeyed on his head and he was grinning ear to ear as he clutched several shopping bags. “Hey ya Hutch.”
“About time.” Hutch scowled at the hat perched on his head. “For heaven sakes take that stupid hat off you look like a fool.
“You are just hungry,” Starsky said still grinning. “You pick the place I’ll pay.”
Hutch had to admit he was a bit hungry but the thought of tolerating the crowds even to eat didn’t much appeal to him. He sighed, “Naw let’s just go back to my place I’ll whip us up something.”
“Oh come on Hutch,” Starsky said knowing it was always the same up hill battle every Christmas season.
Hutch gave another big sigh, “Okay fine but not in this mess.”
“You name the place partner.”
Hutch rolled his eyes as they entered The Pits, garland was strung and even a tree with flashing lights stood in the corner. “You been here?” he tossed over his shoulder at Starsky.
“You are the only one that is not in the Christmas spirit Hutch so why don’t you get over and have some fun.” Starsky said adjusting his hat.
“Why do I put up with you?”
“’Cause you love me,” Starsky laughed. Seeing Huggy behind the bar he pointed to one of the booths and yelled, “Hey Huggy how about a couple of burgers and fries.”
Huggy nodded to acknowledge that he had heard his friend but he was too busy pouring drinks to stop and chat.
As the two detectives settled in the booth and they both shrugged out of their coats Hutch said, “Starsk this is going to sound little nuts.”
“I like nuts so shoot.”
“Well while I was waiting on you I thought I saw Linda.” Hutch said, he watched Starsky’s face for a reaction when there was none he repeated, “Linda you know Linda Albright, the woman that I almost married.”
“I know who Linda is,” Starsky said as the waitress brought them a couple of beers.
“Burgers will be out in a couple of minutes guys.” Marie said.
“Thanks,” Starsky replied taking a drink of his beer, then turning his attention back to Hutch, “I thought she was in Florida.”
Hutch furrowed his brow, “She is, or was…I don’t know…maybe it wasn’t her but it sure looked like her.”
“There are lots of people out there that look like people we know.”
“You’re right but still I was so sure it was her. I called out to her and she stopped for a second.”
“Hutch it was probably a coincidence, the woman just stopped because the person in front of her stop.” Starsky said. Marie was back with the burgers. “Thanks hon, here,” He slipped her a ten, “For the kids, to help with Christmas.”
“Wow thanks Starsky!” Marie flashed a bright smile and was gone.
“You are going to be broke if you keep doing that.”
Starsky shrugged as he bit into his hamburger. Hutch did little more than pick at his. He didn’t feel like eating now, seeing that woman in the crowd brought back so many memories of Linda good and bad. They had written letters for a while she had sent him photos of Megan but as time when on the letters got fewer and fewer until they had finally stopped. Hutch could only image that she had met somebody else.
“Are you still moping about Christmas?” Starsky asked.
“What?” Hutch looked up from his meal; he had been lost in his thoughts of Linda.
“What’s the matter?” Starsky questioned, Hutch was always a scrooge but today he was acting even worse.
“Sorry Starsk I guess I wasn’t very hungry after all.” Hutch answered as he pushed his plate away from him. “Would you mind dropping me home?”
“Sure buddy,” Starsky motioned for Marie.
“What can I get you?” she asked eager to please after the generous tip.
“How about the check and a box for Hutch here?” Starsky winked at her.
“Sure, be back in a sec.”
“Box?” Hutch asked.
“You can take your food home and eat it later,” Starsky said as he pulled Hutch’s plate toward him in anticipation of the box.
“Here ya go.” Marie said handing the box to Starsky and putting the check on the table.
Hutch started to take the check but Starsky snatched it away. “I said I was taking you to lunch.” He put the food into the Styrofoam box.
“Thanks,” Hutch said, but he still pulled his wallet out. “Marie!”
The waitress came back, Hutch handed her a ten. “Oh Hutch!” Marie exclaimed. “Thank you. You guys are the best!”
“You old softy,” Starsky grinned at him as he pushed the box across the table toward his friend.
“Christmas is for kid’s not old cops,” Hutch teased but he gave Starsky his first smile of the day. “Now if you wouldn’t mind dropping me home.”
“Okay, okay,” Starsky said.
Hutch tossed the Styrofoam box of food on his kitchen table along with his keys. Starsky had wanted to come in with him but he wouldn’t let him telling him to go home to Hannah and Rosie. Hutch just wanted to be alone. It had been a long time since he had thought of Linda. He went to the bedroom and opened his bedside table; he pulled out a small velvet covered box. It was the ring he had given Linda the night he had proposed.
He opened the box slowly and looked at the diamond that sparkled in the setting. If things would have been different they would have been married five years now. Hutch snapped the lid shut, tossed the box back into the drawer and slammed it shut.
“HO, HO, HO” Starsky chorused as he entered the house he shared with his daughter and granddaughter.
“Grandpa,” squealed six year old Rosie as she rushed into the living room from the kitchen. Starsky dropped his packages and scooped up Rosie.
“How’s my best girl?” he asked planting a kiss on he cheek.
“Great! Did you bring me anything?”
“Rosie!” Hannah admonished as she walked into the room drying her hands. “See Daddy you are spoiling her every time you come home she thinks you have something for her.”
“And she’s right,” Starsky said beaming as he plucked one of the shopping bags out of the pile and handed it to Rosie.
“Ohhh what is it?” she asked eyes wide with excitement.
“Daddy!” Hannah protested.
“Open it and see,” He grinned up at an exasperated Hannah.
Rosie tore in the bag and pulled out a red and green plaid dress with a white collar and black velvet trim. Her little mouth formed into a perfect O as she looked at the dress, “Grandpa it’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” Rosie threw her self into Starsky’s arms.
Hannah shook her head but smiled as she watched the two of them. He had missed out on her childhood and she knew that was why he was so lavish with Rosie. Rosie held the dress up to her spun around. “Why don’t you go try it on honey?” Hannah relented. Rosie tore out of the room. “Daddy no more, okay? At least not until Christmas.” Hannah went to her father and put her arms around him. “I do love you though.”
Starsky squeezed her tightly. “I love you too Hannah.” He released her and retrieved another bag and handed it to his daughter. “This is for you.”
“Daddy!” But her eyes flashed as she took the bag and opened it. Inside was a long jewelry box, she opened it carefully. In the box was a beautiful silver bracelet. She took it out and held the bracelet out to Starsky to put on her. “I love it! But no more.” She cocked her head as she looked at him. “Promise me, no more until Christmas morning.”
~*~Chapter Two~*~
After dinner and Rosie was in bed, Hannah came into the living room where Starsky was watching TV. “Daddy?”
“Hummm…” he said engrossed in his program.
“Do you remember Linda?” Hannah asked. She knew that he would remember her; Linda had broken Hutch’s heart.
His attention immediately left the television and he looked at his daughter, “Of course,” he answered wondering where this was leading. “What made you think of her?”
“Well I think she called here today for you.” Hannah sat down next to her father.
“You think?”
“It sounded like her, this woman asked for you and when I told her you were out she just hung up.” Starsky just shrugged and started to turn his attention back his show. “Okay, so what’s up?”
“What do mean?” Starsky ask evasively.
“Daddy I know you and you are lying.” Hannah said.
“Is that anyway to talk to your father?”
“Uncle Hutch doesn’t know she is here does he?” Hannah persisted.
“Hannah if you want to play detective go to work uh? Starsky said beginning to get annoyed.
“Fine then you won’t mind if I call Uncle Hutch and tell him that I think Linda is in town.”
“Christ Hannah, you are like a dog with a bone.” Starsky said turning off the TV his interest in the show gone. “I didn’t want to get you involved in this. It’s bad enough me lying to Hutch I didn’t want you to have to too.”
“Why are you lying at all?”
“Linda asked me to.”
Hannah looked at him incredulously, “Linda asked you to do what?”
“Keep her being in town a secret.” Starsky said avoiding the look in Hannah’s eyes. “And now you are going to have to keep it too. Linda will be gone by the end of the week.”
“Daddy I can’t believe you would keep this from Uncle Hutch. He has a right to know she is here.”
“Honey she only came to town for some business. Linda isn’t staying and she thought it would be easier if Hutch didn’t know.”
“What kind of business,” Hannah almost loved Linda like a mother she had been there for her more than once.
Starsky sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. “She is getting married. She had some things to clear up here; Linda didn’t want to see Hutch.”
“Because he still has feelings for her?” Hannah asked.
“I don’t know she didn’t say.” Starsky said wanting the conversation to be over.
“Maybe it’s because she is still in love with him.” Hannah said.
“Hannah, will you please drop this?” Starsky was finally getting angry. “Just keep quiet; there is no sense in getting Hutch all upset. He doesn’t like the holidays as it and this sure won’t help matters.”
“Fine,” Hannah crossed her arms over her chest but her mind was still going.
Several hours later the phone rang, this time it was Starsky who answered it.
“Starsky?”
“Linda, why are you calling here?” He asked. It had been bad enough that he had accidentally run into her earlier in the week and was lying to Hutch but why did she have to keep calling.
“Hutch saw me today.” She blurted out.
“I know, he told me,” Starsky said. “I tried to convince him that it wasn’t you but I don’t know how well I did.”
“I will be gone in two days,” Linda said, “You won’t hear from me again.” Her voice softened and she asked, “How is he?”
“Well he was doing okay until he thought he saw you.” Starsky answered. “I don’t like seeing him hurt like this Linda. It took him a long time to stop thinking about you. And I know he never got over you.”
“I’m sorry I had to come back, I never meant either of you to know I was even here.” Linda said, “There were just some legal things that I had to tie up in person.”
“Hurry, I can’t keep lying to Hutch and now that he thinks he has seen you he will be looking for you.”
After Starsky hung up he caught sight of Hannah standing in the door way. “Linda?”
“I don’t want to go into this again,” Starsky said getting up from the couch. “I’m going to bed.”
Hutch woke with a start; it was nearly midnight he saw when he glanced at the clock. He wondered what had awoken him, he held his breath for a moment to listen but nothing but silence met his ears. He rolled over on his side to try to go back to sleep but all he could see was Linda’s face. He had never loved anybody as much as he had loved Linda. He had been so happy when she had accepted his marriage proposal. Then after Linda found her daughter Megan that she had given up for adoption things changed and Linda decided to take Megan and go back to Florida to patch things up with her parents. Hutch had held out hope that Linda would be back someday that they might pick up their relationship where they had left off but that had never happened.
Try as he might Hutch could not get back to sleep so he got up, went into the living room and flipped on the TV. There was a special report on about a terrible five car pile up on the interstate. Two people had been killed, the rest severely injured, it was a miracle anybody had survived the flaming wreckage. Hutch watched as a woman was being loaded into an ambulance. He caught his breath as he recognized the woman’s face. It was Linda!
It was nearly three a.m. when the call came to the Starsky residence, this time it was Hannah who sleepily answered the phone. “What? Yes, yes he is here just moment.” Hannah went to her father’s room and lightly tapped on the door. “Daddy?”
Starsky who was awaken by the phone told her to come in. “What is it Hannah what’s wrong? Is it Hutch?”
Hannah shook her head and handed him the phone. “David Starsky.” He said into the receiver.
“This is the LA Medical Center calling. Do you know a woman by the name of Linda Albright?”
“Yes, is she alright?”
“I’m sorry to tell you this Mr. Starsky but Miss Albright was in a very bad car accident. She has severe injures, she had your name and number in her pocket.” The nurse told Starsky.
“I’ll be right there.” He jumped out of bed and quickly put his clothes on.
“What is it?”
“Apparently Linda has been in a car accident,” Starsky told her.
“Are you going to call Uncle Hutch?” Hannah said as he followed him to the front door.
“NO and you aren’t either,” Starsky said, he turned around and looked at Hannah, “Promise me.”
Hannah glared at her father. “Okay I promise but you need to tell him.”
“I will if I have too.”
As Starsky entered the emergency room he saw Hutch standing at the front desk. “Hutch what are you doing here?”
“I might ask you the same question.” Hutch asked suspiciously.
Starsky grabbed his friend by the elbow and steered him to the waiting room. “Hutch, Linda is here and she was in an auto accident just a little while ago.”
“Yeah I know that, I saw a report on the TV about the accident. I recognized Linda and came down here to see if I could help.” Hutch said, “But that doesn’t explain why you are here.”
Starsky took a deep breath. “The hospital called me.”
“What? Why?” Hutch asked surprised.
“They found my name and number in Linda’s pocket.”
Hutch’s brow furrowed. “That was Linda I saw this afternoon wasn’t it? And you knew she was in town didn’t you?”
“Hutch let me explain,” Starsky began.
“Explain the fact that you knew she was in town and didn’t tell me?” Hutch said his voice rising. “How long has she been here?”
“Calm down.”
“Don’t tell me to calm down.” Hutch exploded. “How long?”
“A few days, Hutch,” Starsky answered. “She had some things she had to take care of then she was going back to Florida. I guess she didn’t want to get your hopes up.” He didn’t want to tell his friend that Linda was getting married.
“But she called you?” Hutch was incredulous.
“I accidentally ran into her at the court house Monday when I went to testify. She begged me not to tell you she was here.”
“Thanks buddy.” Hutch said sarcasm dripping from his voice.
“Hutch let me explain.”
“I need to check on Linda,” Hutch said turning his back on his partner.
“Crap,” Starsky muttered under his breath. He needed to tell Hutch about her fiancée before Hutch got himself into deep. “Hutch wait there is something else you need to know.
Hutch stopped but didn’t turn around. “What is it?”
“Sit down uh?”
“I’m not sitting,” Hutch still had his back to Starsky.
“Hutch Linda is engaged.”
Hutch was silent, he didn’t move as if he were letting the information sink in. Then with out speaking he went back to the nurse’s station to check on Linda’s condition.
Starsky followed Hutch out of the waiting room but instead of going the nurse’s station he went to a bank of pay phones. He put the correct amount of change in and dialed his own number.
Hannah picked the phone up on the first ring. “How is she daddy?”
“I’m not sure, Hutch is talking to them.”
“What? How did he find out?”
“I guess it was on TV he saw the report and recognized Linda.” Starsky explained. “Can you find a sitter for Rosie and come down here?
“Sure,” Hannah said. “He’s mad at you isn’t he.”
Starsky didn’t answer her question he just said, “Get here as fast as you can.”
~*~Chapter Three~*~
“I’m sorry Mr. Hutchinson but we can only release information to family members.” The nurse replied to his questions.
“I’m her fiancé,” Hutch lied.
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t realize.” The nurse said flustered. “You can’t see her right now they had to rush her to surgery for internal bleeding.”
“Just how serious is it?” Hutch asked.
The nurse’s face was grave as she said, “It’s not good but we have the best surgeons around and they will do everything they can. If you will just wait in the waiting room I’ll let you know as soon as I know something.”
Hutch nodded his thanks but he didn’t want to go into the waiting room as he knew that Starsky was probably in there and he was the last person he wanted to see. Hutch found a chair in the hallway and sat down. The doors to the emergence room slid open and Hannah rushed in.
“How is she?” Hannah wanted to know the moment she saw Hutch.
“Linda is in surgery.” Hutch said not surprised to see her there. “Did you know too?”
“About Linda being here?” Hannah asked sitting down next to him. “I just found out today, honest. I told daddy he needed to tell you. But he said Linda didn’t want you to know since she wasn’t staying.”
“So she is getting married.”
“That is what daddy says I haven’t talked to her my self. She did call the house but when I said that he wasn’t there she hung up. I thought it was her but I wasn’t sure until daddy got home and I started asking questions.”
“You don’t have to be here.”
“Linda is my friend,” Hannah said. “Uncle Hutch don’t be too hard on daddy he was just trying to spare your feelings.”
Hutch started to say something but a doctor came hurrying down the hall. Hutch and Hannah stood as he approached. “Are you here for Linda Albright?”
“Yes,” Hutch answered.
The doctor looked grave as he said, “I’m sorry but we have done all we can do. She has massive internal injures I tried to patch her up as best I could but there is nothing more I can do.”
They were both stunned, “Is she going to make it?” Hannah said her eyes filling with tears for she already knew the answer.
The doctor shook his head, “If she has any more family I would call them quickly.”
“Oh my god Megan,” Hannah said, “Do you know how to get in touch with her and Linda’s parents?”
“All I have is an address but I haven’t used it for a couple of years.” Hutch said sorrow filling his voice. “But I’m sure we can track them down from that.”
“Is she awake? Can we see Linda?” Hannah asked.
“She is in and out of consciousness. We are trying to make her comfortable.” The doctor answered. “Of course you can see her.”
“I’m going to get daddy,” Hannah said but Hutch hadn’t even heard her he was already following the doctor to Linda’s room.
The room was darkened and filled with monitors which blipped to tell them that Linda was still alive at least for the moment. Hutch immediately went to her bed side and took her hand. Linda’s face was almost unmarred except for a few scratches. The brunt of the impact had happened to her torso.
“Linda,” Hutch softly whispered as he leaned next to her ear. “It’s Hutch, I’m here.”
Linda’s eyes fluttered and opened, “Hutch?” her voice was barely audible.
“Yeah.”
Tears ran down the sides of her face. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Not letting you know I was here.”
Hutch had to lean even closer to catch all of her words. “Don’t worry about that now.”
“Don’t be mad at Starsky, he was only doing what I asked.”
“I need to get in contact with Megan and your parents I’m sure they would want to be here.” Hutch said. “Can you give me a phone number?”
“M-Megan is here.” Linda said her voice fading even more. “Motel.” Her eyes slid shut.
Hutch looked at the monitor but it still had a steady blip on its screen. He breathed a deep side of relief. “Linda?” She had fallen unconscious again.
Just as Hutch was about to leave the room Hannah opened the door, Starsky stood back unsure if he should have been come to the room. He didn’t want to upset Hutch further.
“How is she?” Hannah asked worriedly as she peered around Hutch into the darkened room.
“Not good but I did get to talk to her a few minutes. She said that Megan is here in a motel but didn’t say which one.” Hutch relayed the information he had gotten from Linda.
“You know how many motels are in L.A.? It could take hours even days to find Megan.” Hannah said.
Starsky spoke up; he was leaning on the wall across the hall from the room. “Let’s look at this logically,” Starsky said gingerly coming toward his daughter and partner. “Linda has lived here before so she knows the area. So it would make sense that she would pick a place that she knows to stay. That will narrow it down some or at least give us a place to start.”
“Good thinking Starsk,” Hutch said.
“Friends?” Starsky asked.
“Don’t keep secrets from me again uh?” Hutch said seriously. “Besides I need your help.”
“I would help you even if we weren’t friends anymore.”
Hutch gave Starsky a small smile, “I know your heart was in the right place and you were put in a tough spot. You know the first thing she said was not to be mad at you. So I guess I can’t.”
Starsky grinned at him, “Well then lets get busy and find Megan. From there we can get a hold of her parents.”
Hutch snapped his fingers, “Let’s run back to my apartment first. Maybe I can get their phone number, call them and see if they know where Linda and Megan are staying.”
“What do you want me to do?” Hannah asked. “I have a sitter for as long as I need one.”
“Stay here with Linda would you? I don’t want her to be alone. And maybe if she wakes up again you can find out what motel.” Hutch said.
“Anything Uncle Hutch,” Hannah threw her arms around him hugging him tightly. She wanted to say it was going to be alright but she knew they would be just empty words.
When Starsky and Hutch entered Hutch’s apartment, he went to find his address book while Starsky grabbed a phone book to see what motels were in the area. It would be must faster to call than to try and visit them all. He noticed that the answering machine was flashing. “Hey Hutch you got some messages.” He called
Hutch came into the living room carrying his address book, “They can wait.”
“Could be something important.”
“Yeah like Cap wanting us to come into work.” Hutch said flipping through the book until he found Linda’s address. “I don’t know if this is good. I’m sure she has probably moved from her parents and for all I know they might have moved too. “
“I can’t take this,” Starsky said as he pressed the buttons to pick up Hutch’s messages.
The first one was a telemarketer trying to sell something, but the second one caught their attention as well as the third and fourth. They were messages from Megan that grew more frantic with each call.
“This is Megan Albright, Linda’s daughter.” Megan’s voice said. “Mom and I are in town. She didn’t come back last night. I’m worried.” Megan left a telephone number. By the third message they could tell that Megan was in tears.
“Thank god,” Starsky breathed.
Hutch grabbed the phone and dialed the number. It only rung once before a frighten Megan picked it up. “Hutch?” She asked hopefully.
“Yes Megan it’s me.” Hutch said. “Tell me where you are and I’ll come get you.”
“What’s wrong?” She asked she hear the tone of Hutch’s voice things were not right.
“Megan your mom was in a bad car accident she is in the hospital.” Hutch said. “Starsky and I will be there in a few minutes to get you.”
Hannah sat watching Linda, hoping that she would wake up. She had just come back from getting a cup of coffee when the room door opened and Hutch entered with Megan. Starsky followed them in and went to Hannah and put his arm around her shoulder.
“Mom?” Megan said as tears streamed down her face. Hutch had filled her in on the ride to the hospital. Megan had been so happy to see them both when they had knocked on the motel door. And they were stunned by the beauty she had turned into. At twenty she had matured into beautiful young woman with long blond hair and green eyes. She had grown a few inches since the last time they had seen her.
Hutch joined her at her mother’s bedside. “The doctors are doing what they can to keep her comfortable.”
Linda moaned and opened her eyes; she tried to smile when she saw Megan. “They found you baby.”
“Mommy,” Megan cried and gently hugged her. “It’s going to be alright.”
~*~Chapter Four~*~
After talking for a few minutes to Megan, Linda faded back into unconsciousness again. Hutch led Megan from the room; when they were out in the hall Megan turned tear filled eyes toward Hutch. “But she looks okay only a few scratches.”
“Honey it’s not what is on the outside but the inside.” Hutch explained to her again. “Maybe you need to talk to your mom’s doctor.”
“Will he tell me anything different than you are?”
Hutch shook his head, “No I got my information from him.”
“Then my mom is dying, is that what you are telling me?”
“I’m afraid so,” Hutch said with a catch in his voice. “I think we need to call your grandparents and her fiancé.”
“Fiancé?” Megan looked confused.
“Linda told Starsky that she was here clearing up a few things before she got married.”
Megan shook her head, “Hutch mom wasn’t getting married, in fact she hasn’t even dated anybody since you.”
“Then why would she tell Starsky she was getting married?”
“I guess that was what she told him to convince him not to tell you she was in town.”
“But why?” Hutch asked.
“Is there some where we can sit?”
Hutch lead Megan to a near by waiting room, “What is going on?”
“I think mom was ashamed to see you again Hutch. She left here with me and went to patch things up with her parents. But they were horrible to her and to me. They wouldn’t even let us in the house when we got there.” Megan explained. “Mom was too embarrassed to come back right away so we found an apartment and mom got a job. So did I for a while until mom finally got on with the police force and starting making money then she made me quit working. She wanted to concentrate on my school work. And who would have guessed it I’m actually pretty smart.”
“I never had a doubt.” Hutch grinned at her. “I wish Linda would have come back, I wouldn’t have cared. I love her.”
Megan noticed how Hutch said “love” instead of “loved”. “Mom loves you too. It’s just her pride the kept her away.”
“But what are you doing back then?”
“You remember my little brother Cory? He was twelve when the Collin’s took off.
Hutch nodded, he did remember the toe-headed little boy. “I begged mom to come back and see if we could find him. I got a letter from him through the adoption agency. Those horrible Collin’s took him and the other two kids to Arizona when Cory was ten he ran away and came back here. He ended up back in the system. I got a couple more letters then they stopped.
“Did you get any leads?” Hutch asked.
Megan shook her head, “I guess he has kind of slipped through the cracks. Cory would be sixteen now.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Hutch said then he asked, “What were you planning on doing with him after you find him?”
“Mom was going to try and adopt him since there was no way they would let me.”
“That is pretty ambitious for someone so young.”
Megan shrugged, “I feel that I owe him plus he was my only sanity while I was there. I have such a good live now or I did.” Tears filled her eyes again. “What am I doing to do now?”
“You can stay with me if you want or Starsky and Hannah, I’m sure they would love to have you.” Hutch put his arm around her.
“I can’t believe I’m going to lose her all over again. We have only had five years to catch up.” Megan said as he buried her face in Hutch’s shoulder.
“Hutch,” Starsky called to Hutch when he found him with Megan in the waiting room. “Linda is awake again and wants to see you.”
Both Hutch and Megan got up and rushed down the hall, as Megan started to go in Starsky stopped her. “Your mom asked to see him alone.”
Megan nodded. “I won’t be long,” Hutch promised knowing that Megan wanted to spend time with her mother.
As Hutch entered Hannah stepped out of the room. Hutch walked over to Linda’s bed side, she gave him a cross between a smile and a grimace. Even with the morphine they had dripping in her veins the pain was getting worse. She knew she didn’t have much time left.
Hutch took her hand, Linda closed her fingers around his hand but there was no strength there. “Hutch,” Linda whispered.
Hutch leaned closer to her. “Don’t try to talk.”
Linda shook her had as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes, “I want…you to…to…make sure…Megan finishes…college.” Linda was gasping for breath. “Take…care of…her for…me.”
“You don’t even have to ask baby, you know I will.” Hutch said trying to control his emotions. He then released her hand for a moment and dug in his pocket coming out with the velvet covered box. He opened it and took out the diamond engagement that he had given Linda once before. “I want you to marry me.”
Linda nodded and more tears fell down the sides of her face. “I’m so sorry,” she mouthed her.
Hutch slipped the ring on her finger then kissed her gently on the lips. “Don’t worry about it. Megan wants to see you.”
“I..want to…see her too.”
Hutch went to the door and motioned for Megan to come in. Megan went to the other side of the bed then looked across her mother at Hutch. They both knew that Linda didn’t have much time left.
“Linda turned her head to look at her daughter, “I love you… Meggie, don’t… ever forget… that.”
“I won’t, I love you too.” Megan said as she broke down in tears.
Hutch reached across the bed and took Megan’s hand there was nothing more say or do, they could only wait.
The door opened and a nurse entered. “I’m sorry to interrupt but I really need to check out Miss Albright. If you two could wait in the hall for a few moments. After they left, Linda motioned for the nurse.
The doctor came down the hall and entered Linda’s room. After ten minutes both the nurse and doctor came out. The doctor stopped in front of them. “Her blood pressure is dropping; we have increased the amount of morphine she is getting to keep her comfortable. It won’t be long now, probably with in the hour.”
Megan threw her self into Hutch’s arms and sobbed. Starsky put his arm around his own daughter. After letting Megan cry for a few minutes Hutch said. “You ready to go back in there.”
Megan nodded and dried her eyes on the sleeve of her shirt. She grabbed Hutch’s hand and then Hannah’s. When they all went back into the room Linda was still awake. They stayed with Linda until the end, she went quietly, they only way they knew that she was gone was by the steady beep of the monitor. The nursed came in, turned the machines and unhooked Linda from them so that they could say their good byes.
As the nursed passed by Megan she pressed an envelope into her hand. “Your mom wanted me to give this to you.”
“Thank you,” Megan managed to get out as she slipped the envelope into her pocket.
After each one of them said their goodbyes they went out into the hall. “I’ll make arrangements.” Hutch said. “Where do you think she would want to be buried?”
“Here, close to you,” Megan told him as she clung to her hand. Once again she had no mother.
Hutch nodded as his eyes filled with tears. He brought Megan to his chest and hugged her tightly.
Finally Hannah put her hand on Megan’s back. “Why don’t you come over to our house? You can get some rest I’m sure you have to be tired.” Hannah looked at Starsky, “Why don’t you go to the motel and get Megan’s things?” Then the two women left.
Starsky put his arm around Hutch’s shoulders. “I’m sorry man.”
Hutch only nodded he was afraid to speak for he might have a total break down and he had to be strong for Megan. “Would you help me with the arrangements?
“You know I will.”
The funeral was a sad affair; Linda was given a full police funeral with many of her ex-co workers attending. Megan clung to Hutch through the whole ceremony, barely able to stay on her feet. If it hasn’t been for Hutch holding her up Megan would have slipped to the ground. When Megan was given the flag from her mothers casket she broke down and Hutch had to lead her back to the limo that was waiting for them.
When the funeral was over they went back to the Starsky’s where there was more food than they could eat in a life time. Linda had been very well liked at the department. People dropped in over the course of the day to give their condolences to Megan.
After things had calmed down and everybody had finally gone home Megan pulled the envelope out that the nurse had given her the day her mother had died.
“What is that?” Hutch asked, noticing the look on Megan’s face and the envelope in her hand.
“The day mom died the nurse handed this to me. I haven’t been able to open it.” Megan said as she sat down next to Hutch. “Would you open it for me?”
Hutch nodded, he took the envelope from her and opened it carefully. There was a note inside and the engagement ring that he had given Linda. He opened the note and began to read it. “Dear Meggie, You finish up college you only have a few months left before you graduate. You know I’ll be with you, watching you from above. Hutch will take good care of you. Go to him if you need anything. I want you to have the ring if it’s ok with Hutch. I want you to remember there is true love in the world. I love you forever Mom.”
Hutch tipped the envelope allowing the ring to fall into his palm. He took Megan’s hand and slipped it on her finger. Through her tears Megan said, “Hutch you can have it. I know how much mom meant to you.”
Hutch shook his head, “I want you to have it.”
~*~Chapter Five~*~
With only a week until Christmas the mood was somber, even Starsky wasn’t his usual cheerful self. But Rosie was delighted to have a new person in the house. Having Rosie around had helped Megan keep her mind busy. Hutch had decided it would be best if Megan stayed with Hannah and Starsky until it was time for her to return to college once her holiday break was over. Megan would be returning to Sara Lawrence to finish out her final year.
Hutch began digging to find what had happened to Cory, the whole reason that Linda and Megan had come to town. He threw himself into his work until Starsky was worried about him because it didn’t appear that Hutch was sleeping or eating.
It was this that prompted Starsky to ask, “Hutch how ya doing buddy?”
“I’m fine,” Hutch said but he didn’t look fine, there were dark circles under his eyes and he was looking thinner by the day.
“Why don’t you come by tonight and have dinner with us? Megan has been asking about you.” Starsky told his partner.
Hutch hadn’t been to the house for several days. He found that as much as he hated it he had a hard time being around Megan, she looked so much like Linda Hutch couldn’t look at her. “I’m sorry but I’m busy.”
“Doing what?”
“Starsky I said I was busy.”
“Killing your self trying to find this boy will not bring Linda back.”
“I never said it would.” Hutch snapped at Starsky.
Starsky put his hand on Hutch’s shoulder, “At least let me take you to lunch.”
“Can you talk about something besides food?”
“Hutch I don’t think you are eating.”
“I am fine!” Hutch answered. “I want to see if I can find Cory by Christmas for Megan.”
“Megan doesn’t need Cory right now she needs you. You are her only connection to Linda.” Starsky said desperately trying to get Hutch to see the girl. They had formed a special bond before when Hutch had found her.
“Well maybe if you had told me when you first saw Linda she wouldn’t be dead now!” Hutch shouted at Starsky and stormed out of the squad room.
Starsky stared after his friend, shocked and hurt at his words. But Hutch had only said what he had been thinking all along. If he had said something they would have been helping Linda she wouldn’t have been driving around alone and she wouldn’t have been in the car wreck.
“Are you sure?” Hutch asked into the phone. He finally had a solid lead on Cory. It seemed like he was in a group home for troubled boys. “I can be there in fifteen.”
When Hutch entered the house he was met by a black man in his early thirties. “Detective Hutchinson?” the man said as he extended his hand.
“Yes and you are Galvin?”
The man nodded, “Cory is not a bad boy, they just didn’t know what to do with him. He was found about a year ago loitering in front of a quick mart. When he couldn’t show any ID and had nobody to call he was brought here.”
“What about the rest of them?” Hutch asked curious.
Galvin shrugged, “Nothing too serious or they would be in juvenile. There are a few that got out of detention and had no place else to go. I will warn you that Cory is angry. But then again most of these boys here are.”
Hutch nodded as he looked around at the boys milling around. “Can they come and go?”
“No not without a sponsor, I would say about half of these boys have parents, sometimes the parents will come around sometimes they don’t.”
“Sad,” Hutch commented.
“Yes it is.” Galvin agreed. “Most of these boys, all they need is a home to go to.”
“Do you have kids?”
Galvin spread his arms to indicate the boys in the house. “These are my kids.”
Hutch smiled at him, “Can I see Cory?”
“Sure,” Galvin said, “I think he is out back.”
“I don’t want him to know that I’m looking for him.” Hutch said. “He doesn’t know me. I just want to make sure this is the boy we are looking for before I get the young woman’s hopes up.”
Galvin nodded in understanding, he led Hutch through the house to where they could see the back yard. The yard was surrounded by a high fence, several boys were playing ball. “There,” the black man pointed to a boy sitting by him self at a picnic table.
Hutch pulled out a photo that Megan had given him. A twelve year old Cory and a sixteen year old Megan stared back at Hutch. Hutch handed the photo to the man standing next to him.
Galvin studied the picture for a moment then smiled, “Yep that’s Cory alright I would know him anywhere. He hasn’t changed much just gotten older, matured some.”
Hutch grinned and clapped Galvin on the back, “Thanks man. Can I bring Megan around?”
“Sure anytime,” Galvin said.
It was early the next morning when Hutch knocked on the Starsky’s front door. Hannah opened the door, a pajama clad Rosie tried to squeeze out the door. Hutch grabbed her and picked her up saying, “Where you going little rose bud?”
Rosie giggled, “Hi Uncle Hutch, did you bring me something?”
“Rosie!” Hannah gasped as she took her daughter from Hutch. “I’m sorry about that. Daddy you know, he has spoiled her rotten, and she thinks you can’t come in the house unless you bring her something.”
Hutch laughed. “Not this time Rosie, but won’t be long until Santa comes.”
Rosie’s eyes sparkled, “And Rudolph too!” She wiggled to be free of her mother.
Hannah set her daughter on her feet and Rosie scurried back to the kitchen. Hannah hugged Hutch, “How are you doing?”
“Better,” Hutch said then whispered. “I found Cory.”
“Really?” Hannah smiled at him.
“I’m here to take Megan to him.” Hutch said. “I can’t give her Linda back but at least I can finish what she started before she died.”
Megan walked into the living room still in her pajamas too. “Hutch!” She exclaimed and rushed forward to hug him. “
“I found him Megan, I found Cory,” Hutch said bursting with the news.
“Oh my god,” Megan said tears springing to her eyes. “Where?”
“He is in a group home,” Hutch answered.
“When can I see him?”
“How long will it take you to get dressed?”
“About two seconds,” Megan squealed dashing from the room.
As they entered the group home, Megan was hit with the reality of what her life could have been like. Even as bad as the Collin’s had been it was nothing like this. Galvin meet them at the door and showed them into the living room, there were numerous boys sitting around watching TV or playing games. Galvin pointed to the corner of the room where a piano stood. Once again Cory was by himself; he was fingering the keys but making no sound.
Megan knew it was him just by looking at his back by way he was tilting his head as he studied the keys. She walked up slowly and stood behind him. She put her hand on his shoulder.
Cory immediately stiffened, “Get your hands off me.” But Megan didn’t remove her hand. Angrily Cory spun around ready to do battle, he had his fists clinch ready to strike out but when he saw her face his hands dropped limply to his sides and he jumped to his feet. “Megan!”
They engulfed each other in a hug, “Cory, I found you.” Megan said as she clung to him. “I have been searching for a long time.”
“I can’t believe it’s you,” Cory said letting go of her to get a good look. “Wow.”
Megan blushed then she said, “Wow yourself.” He still had the same blue eyes and blond hair but he had filled out and was now taller than she.
“I can’t believe you were looking for me.”
“I never forgot about you Cory never, when you stopped writing I tried to find out what happened to you. Then my mom brought me here to try and track you down but she was in a car accident and was killed. My friend Hutch took over the search and here we are.”
“I’m sorry about your mom but I’ll glad you found me.” Cory said hugging her again.
Once Hutch made sure that Megan was going to be alright he stepped away to talk to Galvin. “You did a good thing here Detective,” the man said.
“I would like to keep doing a good thing.” Hutch said and pulled Galvin into his office. “I would like to sponsor Cory, is that possible? I don’t want him to spend Christmas here, no offence.”
Galvin tipped his head back and laughed. “None taken, this is what I live for getting to see boys leave here.” Then the man turned serious, “The paper work usually takes about a week but seeing we don’t have that much time and that you are a police officer I’m going to push it through.” He began rifling in his desk and pulled out several pieces of paper. “I need you to fill these out and then you can take Cory today if you want.”
Hutch looked at him rather surprised wondering if everything was “push” through this quickly. He had flashed of the awful Collin family and how horribly they had treated the children they had.
Galvin sensing Hutch’s doubt laughed again. “Detective I had you checked out yesterday the moment you left here I had a feeling you would be back and want Cory. I have done this job a long time and I have learned to read people very well.”
Hutch grinned at him. “Well then I think you need to start calling me Hutch then.”
~*~Chapter Six~*~
Hutch flanked by Galvin went back into the living room, Cory and Megan were sitting side by side deep in conversation. “Well you ready to go?” Hutch asked.
Megan’s face fell as she looked up at Hutch. “But we just got here,” Megan said.
“You two will have plenty of time to play catch up,” Hutch said. “That is if it’s okay with Cory. I would like him to come and stay with me for Christmas.”
“Really?” Megan squealed as she jumped to her feet and raced to Hutch, she threw her self into his arms.
Cory remained on the piano bench not looking as pleased. “I-I don’t know,” Cory said looking from Megan to the man she was hugging.
“Come on Cory, this is the guy I was telling you about, Hutch. He has spent all this time looking for you.” Megan pulled Cory across the floor to stand in front of Hutch.
Cory looked doubtful at the tall blonde man. “Are you sure sir?”
“I would be honored Cory,” Hutch said sticking his hand out for the young man to shake. “Call me Hutch, all my friends do.”
The boy still looked doubtful, but shook the detective’s hand, “It’s nice to meet you Hutch.”
“Go get your stuff,” Hutch urged.
“Come Cory, I’ll go with you if it’s okay,” Megan. Galvin nodded and they went off down the hall to Cory’s room together.
“Don’t think he is ungrateful Hutch,” Galvin said, “I think he is just scared. It’s every boy’s dream to leave here, even for a short time. Most boys Cory’s age are here until they are eighteen; nobody wants a boy’s at this age.”
“Well I do,” Hutch said impulsively. “Is there anyway I can be made his guardian?”
“Hutch do you know what you are getting into?” Galvin asked. “Sixteen year old boys can be a hand full and Cory hasn’t had the best experience with adoptive parents.”
“I want to do this.”
“I’ll tell you what. You keep Cory until the first of the year, he had to be back her on January second to go back to school.” Galvin suggested. “If all goes well then we will start processing your request. What do you say.”
“Sound fair to me,” Hutch said grinning.
“I am going to ask you not to say anything to Cory though, just in case it doesn’t work out. Just let him think he is spending Christmas with Megan.”
“Deal!” Hutch said as he shook hands with the man.
Starsky and Hannah weren’t surprised when Megan and Hutch showed up with Cory but what did surprise them was the suit case the boy had in his hand. As soon as they were all introduced to each other Starsky pulled Hutch outside.
“Hutch what are you doing?”
“Cory is going to stay with me until New Years,” Hutch explained as he avoided his partner’s eyes. “But I was wondering if he could just stay here tonight.”
“You know he can,” Starsky said, “But spill the rest of it. I know you Hutch and you aren’t telling me the whole story.”
“Okay, okay,” Hutch sighed and shook his head as a smiled formed on his lips. Starsky knew him too well. “I am going to apply to foster parent Cory until he is eighteen, it’s only two years…I think I can handle it for two years.”
“Why are you doing this?” Starsky asked not accusingly but out of curiosity.
“I feel like I owe it to Linda.”
“Cory is not Linda’s son.”
“I know that Starsk but it was important to her and to Megan. And I think if Linda had lived she would be doing the same thing I am.”
“No doubt,” Starsky said. “Any thing you need, we are here you know that right?”
Hutch nodded as tears stung his eyes, “Starsk, what I said to you about Linda’s death being your fault…I-I didn’t mean that.”
“I know buddy, I know.” Starsky put hand on Hutch’s shoulder.
“You won’t mind keeping him for tonight?” Hutch asked again.
“Are you kidding?”
“I need go to out and do some Christmas shopping,” Hutch said.
“What?” Starsky asked in mock shock, “Hutch going Christmas shopping? Can I go I want to take pictures?”
“Ha, Ha,” Hutch said but he was grinning. “I want to get a few things for Cory to make him feel welcome.”
“He might be the best thing that has ever happened to you.” Starsky said.
“Hey Starsk, don’t say anything about me being a foster parent.” Hutch said, “Galvin at the home wanted me to do a trial run until after holidays.”
Starsky made a zipping motion over his lips, “Not a peep.”
Hutch ended up spending the night also but was up early the next morning to head out shopping. Hannah was in the kitchen making breakfast for her ever expanding guest list when Starsky came in carrying a card board box.
“What’s in the box Daddy?” Hannah asked as she scrambled up some eggs.
“Some old Christmas decorations. You know Hutch doesn’t have a one in his place. We can’t let Cory go home to a bare house this time of year. Where is Hutch?”
“Already gone.”
“Good I want to surprise him.” Starsky grinned mischievously.
It was nearly lunch time before Hutch reappeared back at the Starsky household. He found Megan and Cory entertaining Rosie so that Hannah could do some present wrapping. “So how about if I take everybody out to lunch?” He asked as he entered the house.
Rosie ran up to him and held up her arms. “Me too?” she exclaimed throwing her arms around his neck.
“Well of course you don’t think I would leave my best girl here do you?”
Rosie grinned at him. “Goody! Where are we going?”
“Why don’t we left Cory pick since he is the guest of honor.” Hutch said.
Megan and Cory were putting the pieces of Candyland back in its box. “Anything is fine,” Cory said softly, “You don’t need to go to any trouble on my account.”
“It’s no trouble Cory.” Hutch said as he put down Rosie. He opened the front door and stepped out side when he came back in he was carrying a large wrapped box.
Rosie squealed thinking the box was for her which brought Hannah out from her bed room where she had locked her self against prying eyes. “What’s going on out here,” Hannah asked.
“I just brought Cory an early Christmas gift.” Hutch said handing the big box to the boy.
“For me?” Cory asked in awe. He shyly accepted the large box from Hutch.
“Open it,” Hutch encouraged.
“Come on,” Megan joined in the excitement.
Slowly Cory pulled at the tape holding the wrapping paper to the box. After agonizing minutes for those watching he was finally down to a white box. When he pulled the top off he gasped when he saw the brown leather coat lying in side. “I-I can’t accept this,” Cory said looking up at Hutch. “This is too much.”
“Stand up,” Hutch ordered as he took the coat from the boy’s hands. When Cory stood up Hutch slipped it on the boy. “Perfect fit.”
Cory rubbed his hands down the soft leather arms of the jacket. “This is so cool. I have never had a new coat before.”
A sadness crossed Hutch’s face for a moment at the boy’s words then he smiled as he turned to Hannah, “Where did your dad get off too?”
Hannah shook her head, “I’m sure he’s Christmas shopping.” But she knew exactly where he was. He had called just before Hutch had gotten there to say that he had bought a beautiful Christmas tree for Hutch’s apartment.
“Thank you Hutch,” Cory said as he stuck his hand out to shake Hutch’s.
“You are very welcome,” Hutch said resisting the urge to hug the boy; he realized that had to come in time. “Why don’t the rest of you get your coats on and we’ll go to lunch.”
After lunch they took Rosie to see Santa for at least the tenth time as she never got tired of sitting on the white bearded man’s lap and spouting all the things she wanted. “Why don’t you and Megan go up?” Hutch suggested to Cory.
“Don’t you think we are a little old?” Cory asked looking at Megan for help.
“Hey I’m game if you are.” She giggled and grabbed Cory’s hand.
As they each took a knee on Santa’s lap, Hutch told the girl behind the camera to take a photo of them.
When they returned Hannah asked Cory what he has asked Santa for, “Nothing,” Cory replied, “I think I just got everything I ever wanted today.”
Megan slipped her arm around Cory’s waist, “I’m so glad Hutch found you.”
“Me too.”
“I guess we need to get you to my apartment and get you settled Cory,” Hutch suggested. “You ladies are invited if you wish.”
“We are going to Uncle Hutch’s,” Rosie said in a sing songy voice.
While walking toward the car Hutch lagged back and Hannah hung back also. “What is it?” She asked noticing the sad expression on his face.
Hutch shrugged, “I don’t have any Christmas decorations up at my place.”
Hannah hid her smile as she said, “Don’t worry about it Uncle Hutch I don’t think Cory will mind.”
They all got a surprise when they arrived at Hutch’s apartment. The strains of Jingle Bells wafted down the stairwell as they all started up. Hutch turned to look at Hannah but she just shrugged and hid her face behind Rosie who she had in her arms.
The door was standing open a crack when they got to the top of the stairs. At first Hutch was alarmed but then he realized that it could only be one person in his apartment. Hutch opened the door to find Starsky with his red Santa hat perched on his head putting the last touches on an evergreen tree. There were lights not only on the tree but strung though the whole apartment. And two red felt stockings hung on the wall near the tree.
“Grandpa!” Rosie yelled nearly making Starsky topple into the tree.
He whirled around to see them all standing in the doorway. “You caught me!” he laughed as Rosie ran to him and climbed into his arms.
“Wow,” Megan said as she looked at the tree filled with lights and ornaments. There were even several gifts already under the tree.
Cory was totally speechless as he stared at the twinkling lights. “I hope it’s not too much buddy,” Starsky said to Hutch.
Hutch grinned from ear to ear, “It’s perfect Starsk, thanks.”
~*~Chapter Seven~*~
By Christmas eve Hutch and Cory were fast friends and Cory felt at home with everybody. Hannah was having Christmas Eve and their tree was filled to the bursting point with gifts so when Hutch and Cory showed up with more presents the tree over flowed.
Cory stood staring at the tree; he had never been treated this wonderful by anyone in his whole life. But as he looked at the blinking lights sadness crept over him. He was lucky to be there with friends but his other friends back at the home were alone, there was no decorated Christmas tree in the corner. No wonderful smells of things baking wafting through the group home.
“What’s wrong?” Megan asked, she had been standing next to him for some time but Cory hadn’t noticed.
He shrugged, “Nothing.”
“Come have some eggnog then. Hannah actually made her own,” Megan told him impressed at what Hannah had done.
“Naw I’ll just stay here, I’m not really hungry.”
“Now Cory I know you have been looking forward to tonight all week long,” Megan said touching his hand with growing concern. “Did you and Hutch have a fight about something?”
“No,” Cory answered quickly. “Hutch has been great.”
“He is great isn’t he?” Megan said sadness now filling her face. “I wish my mom would have married him so he could have been my dad.”
Cory turned and looked at her, “Megan I’m so sorry.”
“About what?”
“Making you feel sad now.” Cory said. “I know this must be hard with you just losing your mom and all.”
Tears filled Megan’s eyes as she nodded, “Mom loved Christmas.”
Cory put his arms around her and drew her to his chest. “I’ll always be here for you.” He whispered in her ear.
“I know, Hutch is here for me too. And Starsky and Hannah treat me as if I were one of the family. I’m going to miss you all when I go back to school.”
Cory sighed he knew that once the holiday was over that Megan would be going back to the east coast to finish up college. “I’m going to miss you.”
“Hutch said he would bring you out to graduation,” Megan said, “And then I’m coming back here to live.”
“Spring seems like a long time away.”
“What’s going on in here,” Hutch boomed as he carried a tray filled with glasses of eggnog. Rosie followed with a tray of cookies most of which she was dropping as she walked.
Megan wiped her tears away, “Nothing, Cory and I were just talking.”
“Hutch could I talk to you a minute?” Cory asked.
“Sure,” Hutch sat the tray of drinks on the coffee table.
Cory headed out side, Hutch looked a Megan but she just shrugged so he followed the boy.
Starsky and Hannah entered the room, “Hey where did Hutch and Cory go?” Starsky asked looking around the room.
“Cory needed to talk to Hutch they went out side,” Megan answered.
Hannah crossed the room and put her arm around the girl sensing that she was sad about her mother. “Honey believe me I know how you feel.”
Megan nodded knowing that Hannah had lost her mother too. Megan threw her arms around Hannah’s neck and hugged her tightly. “Thank you for everything.”
The front door opened and Hutch stepped in followed by Cory. “Hannah do we have some time before dinner?” Hutch asked.
“It won’t be ready for a few hours,” Hannah answered, “Why?”
As Cory started gathering up most of the gifts that he had Hutch at brought in, Hutch explained to the rest of them. “Cory wants to give the guys at the group home a special Christmas too.”
“You guys have given me so much already,” Cory said, “I want to make their Christmas as happy as mine.”
“We are going to the apartment and getting the tree and decorations,” Hutch said.
“I want to help,” Megan said a smile spreading across her face.
“Me too,” piped up Rosie. She held up the tray that mostly empty. “We can take the boys some cookies.” Then she though a moment and said, “What boy’s?”
They all laughed. “Why don’t we just take dinner with us.” Hannah said. “And I bet there are a few gifts under the tree that we can contribute, right Daddy?
Starsky grinned at her. “Oh I think there are few.”
Cory beamed at them.
When they all arrived at the group home baring their gifts and decorations Galvin was more than a little surprised when he opened the front door. “What do we have here?”
“We have come for Christmas,” Hutch announced. As Cory led them into the common room, there were a few home made decorations hung around but no Christmas tree or presents.
Starsky carried a large pan with their Christmas turkey in it and the rest of the food was still in the car. A few of the boys were in the room and jumped to help the strangers, taking packages, food and helping put the tree in the stand. The noise in the room brought the rest of the boys who had been else where in the house to see what was going on.
Cory sat down at the piano and began playing Christmas songs to everyone’s surprised. None of them had ever seen him play before. Galvin came in carrying bowls of popcorn and Hannah asked where she might find some string and needles so that they could make popcorn garland. All the boy’s loved little Rosie and took turns keeping her entertained, so that Hannah could make dinner.
Galvin took Hutch aside, “I didn’t want to say anything in front of Cory but you have been approved to be Cory’s guardian until he turns eighteen, if you still want to.”
“Are you kidding?” Hutch beamed at Galvin, “This is the best Christmas present I have ever gotten. He has already become one of the family.”
Galvin clapped Hutch on the back, “I’m glad to hear that Hutch.”
It was nearly midnight, all the food had been eaten and the gifts opened. The boys were delighted with all the presents and traded around until they got what they wanted or needed.
A sleepy Rosie crawled up on Hannah’s lap, “Where’s mine?”
“Your what honey?’
“Presents?”
Hannah smiled at her daughter, “They are still at home. I don’t think these boys would want little girl’s things do you?”
Rosie shook her head no, then asked, “When I open them can I come back and share them?”
“I think the boys would like that.” Hannah said but Rosie was already asleep in her arms. She poked Starsky, “I think we need to get her home, Santa will be there soon.”
“Santa,” Rosie mumbled in her sleep, they all laughed.
“I guess we had better be going Galvin,” Hutch said.
“I don’t know how to begin to thank all of you,” Galvin said. “You have no idea what this has meant to these boys and me.”
“It was all Cory’s idea,” Hutch told him.
Galvin hugged Cory, “You have a Merry Christmas son, all of you.”
“Merry Christmas,” they chorused back to Galvin and that the boys that hadn’t wander off to their rooms.
With Hutch’s apartment now bare of Christmas decorations, Starsky and Hannah asked them to spend the night so they could all be together Christmas morning. Rosie of course had them all up early so that she could see what Santa had brought her.
Santa had not only filled Rosie’s sock but to the surprise of Megan and Cory they each had a stocking filled with little gifts also. Then it was time to open the presents they had left under the tree, they were all for the girls except one that Hutch held behind his back. It was in a long flat box and he presented it to Cory.
“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Cory exclaimed. “I don’t have anything for you, it went to the boys.”
“This is something special,” Hutch smiled at the young man.
Slowly Cory unwrapped the box and opened it; in side were several sheets of paper neatly folded. He looked up at Hutch confused; he took the pages from the box and unfolded them. As he read what they said his eyes filled with tears. “Is this for real?”
“What is it?” Starsky asked.
“Hutch is my legal guardian,” Cory said leaping up and hugging Hutch, it was the first time Hutch had gotten more than a hand shake from the boy.
Starsky looked at Hutch in surprise then smiled at him. “You couldn’t get a better person to take care of you.” Starsky said then added, “Well unless it was me.”
“Daddy!” Hannah said poking him.
“I have a feeling I have more than just one new dad,” Cory beamed. “I have only been here a week and I already feel like you are all my family.”
Megan hugged Cory, “I hope there will be room for me when I get back in the spring.”
Hutch ruffled her hair, “There will always be room for you Megan.”
Then all at the same time they called out, “Merry Christmas!”
The end