Chapter One
Detective David Starsky stifled a yawn behind the wheel of his red Ford Torino. Detective Ken Hutchinson looked over at his partner, “I think I should have driven today. You are going to fall asleep and kill us both.”
“Lily had us up half the night,” Starsky said around another yawn.
“You and Teddy need to find a bigger place to live. That tiny apartment of yours isn’t cutting it.” Hutch advised. “Lily needs her own room.”
Starsky raised an eyebrow at Hutch, “Since when are you a baby expert?”
“I read. I can’t believe you don’t have a baby book tucked somewhere.” Hutch glanced around the car, “You are always reading those silly books. Raising a kid is serious business.”
“Hey, I like those books, stress relief. Sorry I don’t think War and Peace is fun.” Starsky huffed as he reached under the seat, coming to a stop at a red light, pulling out a copy of The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care by Benjamin Spock.
Hutch laughed, “I knew it!”
“You don’t know anything. Just you wait,” Starsky wagged his finger in Hutch’s face, “Your turn is coming.”
“Lights green.”
Starsky sighed as he moved the car through the intersection. “Every baby is different.”
“And you know this because you've been around so many babies,” Hutch jeered.
“One more than you,” Starsky countered.
“Touché!”
James Gunther, a high powered business man, had a score to settle with two detectives. The hit he had put out on them backfired, landing him for a long stint in prison. So long he probably would not live long enough to see the light of day.
The one detective had nearly died from the gunshots his men, posing as officers in a squad car, had managed to squeeze off before fleeing. The other detective had gotten by unscathed and had tracked him down. Gunther had been plotting his revenge as he sat in his jail cell.
He could have put out a hit on them at any time since he was still very powerful but he wanted to be there to witness it. Starsky and Hutchinson were going to pay!
Megan Hutchinson took Burt Stewart’s blood pressure, he was a sweet elderly man that always made her smile. She glanced at her watch, her shift was nearly over. Several loud noises startled both of them. Megan knew instantly it was gun fire, she went to the door immediately, closing it.
“What was that?” Burt asked, he knew what it sounded like, he had been in the service but they were in a hospital. Why would there be gun shots in a hospital?
Megan put her finger to her lips then pressed her back to the door, trying to think. She wondered if it had to do with a prisoner that had been brought in overnight. Two prison guards and a police officer were stationed in the man’s room and in the hall.
She took a deep breath, opened the door a crack and peeked out. The room she was in was at the opposite end of the hall from where the prisoner was but she could see a body laying on the floor. Two men came out of the room carrying guns and they stepped over the body. They proceeded to open each room door making their way down the hall. One man pulled a nurse from a room. He checked her name tag, shook his head no, then roughly shoved her aside.
It was clear they were looking for someone, Megan took off her name tag and shoved into her pocket. She went to the phone on Bert’s bedside table. She sat on the floor against the wall next to the bed bringing the phone with her. She dialed a number and waited.
“Dobey!” Barked into the phone.
“This is Megan Hutchinson,” She quickly explained what was going on.
“I’ll have you patched through to Hutch,” Dobey told her, “I’m on my way.”
“Zebra Three, zebra three, patch through from Megan Hutchinson,” Dispatch came over the radio.
Hutch glanced over at his partner, concern on his face. He knew Megan would never ask to be patched through unless something had happened. “This is zebra three, Megan what’s wrong?”
In a low voice she said, “Shots have been fired on my floor. There is an officer down and two men going from room to room. They are looking for someone.”
“Are the men officers?”
“I don’t think so, they pulled a nurse from one of the rooms. Looked at her badge then just shoved her aside.” Megan whispered, she was trying to sound calm but her heart was nearly beating out of her chest.
Starsky had already sped up and motioned for Hutch to put the red bubble on top of the car.
“Where are you?” Hutch asked, panic rising in his chest.
“In the patient's room at the other end of the hall but they are getting closer.”
“Hang tight, we’re coming.”
The room door opened, the detectives could hear noise in the background, then, “That’s her,” A muffled male voice said in the background.
The sound of the receiver hitting the floor and Megan saying, “I’ll go with you, just don’t hurt him.”
“MEGAN!” Hutch’s face went pale as he flipped on the siren, “Step on it, Starsk!” He rarely encouraged his partner to drive faster. In fact he would tell him to slow down but today was different.
When they screeched to a halt in front of the hospital, several squad cars were already there, and the two detectives dashed into the hospital. Starsky took the stairs while Hutch rode the elevator to the third floor. Hutch flashed his badge to an officer who tried to stop him as he exited the elevator.
“I’m Detective Hutchinson, my partner Detective Starsky,” Hutch pointed to Starsky who had just pulled the third floor door open and was running down the hall toward his partner. “What the hell happened here?”
“It’s a need to know situation,” The officer said.
Hutch angrily grabbed the officer's shirt collar, “I need to know! They have my wife!”
“Hutch!” Starsky put his hand over Hutch’s, “Let go.”
“Hutchinson!” Captain Dobey bellowed as he came down the hall.
“Cap, what the hell is going on?” Hutch shouted turning loose of the officer.
Dobey said, “I just found out myself.”
“Found out what?” Hutch demanded, “Who has Megan?”
“Gunther!” Dobey shouted, “James Gunther!”
“WHAT?” Starsky was incredulous as he stared at Dobey. “Gunther is in prison!”
Dobey motioned for his two men to move down the hall away from all the chaos. “Seems Gunther paid off the prison doc to fake test results to indicate that Gunther needed some type of surgery.”
“And he landed at this hospital on Megan’s floor?” Hutch grumbled. “Why weren’t we notified?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure as hell going to find out,” Dobey growled. “I’ll send some officers over to your house to keep an eye on Kim and the kids.”
“Not good enough, last time we had men stationed outside Hutch’s house, Kevin Williams got in and went after Megan and Kim.” Starsky snapped, “Find a safe house for them!”
Kim Wilson, a friend of the family, had lived with the Hutchinson’s before Hutch and Megan had married, helping out with Megan’s kids, Lucy and Sam. Now with the two detectives married and Starsky and Teddy with their own little one, they made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. The couples decided they would pay Kim to be a full time nanny, she jumped at the chance. Kim was dating Grayson Lawrence, Megan’s former father-in-law. Megan’s first husband and the children's father had been killed in the line of duty in NYC.
Kim was on the way to pick up the kids from school while Grayson watched a sleeping four month old Lily, Starsky and Teddy’s daughter.
While Starsky and Dobey were talking, Hutch wandered down the hall, Megan had said she was at the other end of the hall from the shooting. He poked his head in the last room, and elderly man looking distraught looked back at him.
“Hutch?” Bert questioned. Megan had talked so much about her husband that he would have known the detective anywhere.
“Yes, I’m detective Hutchinson.”
“I’m so sorry, I couldn’t stop them from taking Megan.”
Hutch stepped into the room, “Did you see who took her?”
The old man nodded, “They were two big men, both had dark hair and guns. One of them pulled Megan to her feet, she was sitting on the floor over there talking to you on the phone. He grabbed the front of her uniform, I think he was looking for her name tag. Megan had taken it off, she is a smart one, but he had a picture. The other man held his gun to my head, I guess he thought Megan wouldn't give them any trouble if they threatened me. She never resisted.”
Hutch walked over to where the phone lay on the floor. He bent over to hang it up, the glint of something caught his attention, it was partially under the nightstand. Hutch grabbed the object, it was Megan’s name tag. He ran his finger over the letters then gripped it tightly in his fist. “Thank you.” Hutch said to Bert as he left the room.
Detective Teddy Starsky and her partner, Lori Chapman, stepped off the third floor elevator into chaos. The dead police officer was being loaded onto a gurney. The two prison guards that were in Gunther’s room had sheets over them.
“What are you doing here?” Starsky asked, coming up behind his wife.
“We heard the call,” Teddy answered, “Sounded bad and I wanted to check on Megan.”
Starsky grabbed her arm pulling her out of earshot of anyone that might be listening. “You and Lori need to get out of here. I don’t want you on this case, do you hear me?”
“Let go, you are hurting me.” Teddy jerked her arm from his grasp. “We aren’t starting this crap again, you know I can take care of myself. What the hell happened? Where is Megan?” Teddy glanced down the hall to see Hutch striding toward them.
When Hutch got to them he opened his clenched fist, he had been clutching his wife’s badge so tightly it had left marks in his skin. “He has her,” Hutch said in a tight voice, like there had been any doubt.
“Megan? Who has her?” Teddy demanded.
“Gunther.” Starsky stated.
“Gunther? He has been in prison for years.” Teddy knew a little about the case, she had just entered the academy when the man was arrested. “Why would he take her?”
“To get back at Hutch and me, which puts a target on all of us,” Starsky growled. “Now, you and Lori get out of here. In fact, I want you and Lily in a safe house with Kim and the kids.”
“Safe house?” Teddy said with defiance as she began shaking her head no. “You are going to need me!”
“I need you to be safe and protect our daughter.”
“You don’t understand.” Hutch began, “Gunther put a hit out on us years ago. Starsk damn near died from being shot!”
Recognition dawned on Teddy’s face, “The bullet wounds.” She looked at Starsky. She had asked once about the scars but he refused to talk about how he got them.
Starsky nodded, “It’s something Hutch and I just don’t talk about.”
“I tracked Gunther down and arrested him. He has been sitting in prison plotting all this time.” Hutch said. He looked at Starsky, “We need to get to the prison, check out his cell.”
Starsky grabbed Teddy’s hand, “Please babe, just for now, go to the safe house with Kim. Take Grayson too. And give Lori the option to go with you.”
“You think Gunther would go after my partner and her family?” Teddy looked worriedly at Lori who was talking to one of the officers.
“I don’t know, just let her know how serious this is.” Starsky answered. “Maybe after we check out his cell we will know more.” He looked Teddy in the eyes, “I love you.”
“I know,” She squeezed his hand, then grabbed Hutch’s arm, “Go find Megan! I’ll keep everyone safe…or die trying.”
Chapter 2
As they were on the way to the prison Teddy’s words “die trying” rattled around Starsky’s head making his chest tighten. It had only been a miracle he hadn’t died that day. The bullets had ripped through his body, leaving him near death. He would always believe it was Hutch that had brought him back to the land of the living through sheer will power. If anything happened to her or any of them….
Hutch sat in the passenger seat, lost in his own thoughts. His mind drifted back to Starsky lying in the hospital bed hooked to machines keeping him alive. His partner flatlining and the doctors and nurses bringing him back. He had never felt so helpless in his whole life. Just waiting to see if his best friend was going to live or die. The only thing he could really do was bring Gunther down and with Huggy Bear’s help he did just that.
“We need to warn Huggy.” Hutch said more to himself than Starsky.
The dark headed detective looked over at his partner,”This is why we never married before, we knew a day like this would come.”
Hutch nodded in agreement, but he still wouldn’t change a thing.
They rode the rest of the way in silence. When the two detectives arrived at the prison they traded their weapons for visitors' badges. They were escorted by a guard past cells of men that were catcalling and making obscene gestures as they passed. The prisoners seem to sense they were police. Finally the guard stopped next to an open cell, the warden stood in the middle of Gunther’s cell, which had been torn apart.
Warden MacDonald stepped out to shake hands, “Gentleman.”
“I’m Hutchinson,” Hutch said, accepting the man’s hand, “My partner, Starsky.”
The Warden nodded, then shook Starsky’s hand. “Tim MacDonald.”
“How could this happen?” Hutch snapped. “That bastard has my wife!”
“He paid off Doc Stewart to fake labs to make it look like he needed gallbladder surgery.” The Warden explained, “I’m sorry Gunther took your wife.”
“Can we talk to the doctor?” Starsky asked.
Warden MacDonald sighed. “He was found dead in his office an hour ago.”
“Mac, the cell is clean,” A guard said.
“I’m not surprised,” The Warden replied, “Gunther is too smart to keep any evidence in his cell. Go check Big Ed’s cell.”
“Big Ed?” Starsky asked, he glanced at Hutch. He could tell his partner was barely holding it together. They had no idea where Gunther took Megan and the prison was producing no leads.
Mac led the two detectives to another cell, the door was shut and a man sat on a bunk staring straight ahead. “Big Ed,” The Warden called to the man, but there was no indication the prisoner heard. Mac nodded to the guard, who took out his cuffs.
“Stand up,” The guard commanded as the cell door unlocked. Slowly Big Ed lumbered to his feet. The name fit the man, he towered over everyone gathered around the cell. “Hands out, you know the drill.”
After the large man was cuffed and out of the cell, “Toss it!” Mac said to several guards that showed up. Big Ed pulled against the guard holding him. Mac looked at him, “Hold still unless you want to end up in solitary. You can make it easy on yourself and tell us what we need to know.”
Hutch looked anxiously at the large man hoping he would say something but he remained tight lipped. “Where did Gunther take my wife?” Hutch demanded.
“I don’t know what you are talking about!” Big Ed snarled.
Hutch advanced on the man, Starsky put a hand on Hutch’s shoulder and squeezed tightly. The blond detective stopped and looked at his partner who gave him a sympathetic look.
“Got something!” One of the guards called.
The warden and the two detectives stepped into the cell. The guard held out dirt covered photos and some folded pieces of what looked like notebook paper.
Mac took the items, which had been hidden in a hole in the wall under the big man’s bunk. He shook off the debris, he first looked at the photos, then handed them to Starsky.
Starsky was almost afraid to look at them. The first picture was of him and Hutch, it looked like it had been snapped outside the station. Then the next one nearly made his heart stop, it was Teddy pushing Lily in a stroller heading to Hutch and Megan’s. The next photo was Lucy and Sam coming out of school, the next they were getting in Kim’s car. Another one was Megan walking into the hospital. There were several more photos of all of them in different places, the park, the zoo, the grocery store, even one from Starsky and Teddy’s wedding on the beach. Gunther had them followed for months. Starsky’s blood was boiling as he looked at each photo then passed it on to Hutch.
Hutch silently looked at each photo, taking note of where and when they had been taken. How could they have missed someone following them around? He felt sick, he hadn’t been protecting his family like he should have.
Sensing what Hutch was feeling, Starsky said, “We didn’t know. There was no way we could have known.”
Mac had unfolded the papers and was studying them, “We won’t get anything from these, it’s all in code.”
“SHIT!” Hutch yelled and slammed his fist against one of the bars of the cell.
Mac looked at Big Ed, “I don’t suppose you would like to decipher these for us?”
Big Ed just gave the warden an evil grin but wouldn’t speak.
Megan had been hustled out of the hospital and into a waiting limousine. She was unceremoniously shoved in the back next to an older man still in a hospital gown. She recognized him as the man that had been under guard.
“Mrs. Hutchinson,” he addressed her. Megan just looked at him. “I’m James Gunther.”
She still didn’t respond but she was taking in her surroundings as the car pulled away from the curb and sped off.
“Do you know who I am?” Gunther asked.
Megan finally looked at him, “No!”
“So your husband never told you about me?”
“Why would he?” Megan glared at Gunther. She wasn’t afraid, although she should have been, but she was angry. “You need to stop this car and let me out!”
He laughed, “Would you be so kind and hand me that bag next to you?”
“Get it yourself!”
“Awwww, it seems Hutchinson has found himself a little spitfire.” Gunther said as he reached for the bag.
“What the hell do you want?” She snapped.
“What do I want? I want your husband and Starsky dead!” He said so sweetly it made her skin crawl. He leaned close to her, “And I don’t care who I kill to get them!”
“Are you threatening me?” Megan barked at him.
“Why would I threaten you? I already have you.” He sat back laughing and began pulling off the gown. Gunther opened the bag and pulled out dress pants, and a button down shirt. “Now if you will excuse me, I have missed my finer clothing.”
“Hutch….Hutch!” Starsky said behind the wheel, leaving the prison in the rear view mirror. Hutch silent, unmoving next to him. “Hutch!” Third time was the charm, the blond head swung toward his partner.
“What?”
“You okay?”
“No, I'm not okay.” Hutch snapped.
“I know your not, stupid question.”
“I’m sorry,” Hutch sighed, “What am I supposed to tell the kids?”
“That their mother will be home soon.”
“I’m not lying to them. We both know what Megan’s chances are coming out of this alive.”
Starsky abruptly pulled over on the side of the road and jammed the car into park. He turned in his seat to look at his friend. “We will get Megan back…do you hear me Hutch?”
“Do you think Gunther knows she’s pregnant?”
“I don’t know how. She hasn’t told anyone at work has she?”
Hutch shook his head no, “She is waiting until she is at least three months along. We haven’t even told the kids yet.”
“So, it’s only the four of us and Kim?”
“Grayson might know but that’s it.”
Starsky pulled back on the road, “Let’s go find Megan!”
“We gotta get out of this tomato, they will see us coming a mile away.”
Starsky agreed for once, “Maybe Merle has something we can borrow, they will know your car too.”
Kim had picked up Lucy and Sam and they were nearly home when two police cars pulled her over. An officer approached the car, “Miss Wilson?”
“Yes, what’s happened?” Kim instinctively knew it wasn’t a routine traffic stop.
“I’m Officer Callen, you and the kids need to come with me.” He said opening the driver's side door.
Kim looked at him suspiciously, “I need to make a phone call first.”
He nodded, “I can radio dispatch, if that will do.”
“I need to speak to Detective Hutchinson.” She said getting out of the car. Kim opened the back car door, “Come on kids.”
“Did you run a red light?” Sam asked.
Lucy rolled her eyes, “Be quiet Sam.”
Office Callen led them to the squad car, “This is my partner Office Osborn, he’ll radio headquarters.”
Moments later a familiar voice came over the radio, “Dobey, here.”
“Go ahead ma’am,” Osborn said, holding the microphone toward Kim.
“Captain Dobey, this is Kim Wilson, these officers have pulled me over and want me and the kids to go with them.”
“We have a situation, go with them.” Dobey said, then to the officer, “Bring them to my office.”
“Yes Sir!” Osborn said, “We good?”
Kim nodded, then said, “The kid's grandfather will be worried.”
“He is our next stop. We understand he has Detective Starsky's child?” Callen asked.
“Yes, he is watching her while I pick up Sam and Lucy.”
Sam leaned over forward, “Can you turn on the siren?”
“SAM!” Lucy gasped.
Officer Osborn grinned at the boy, “Not this time buddy.”
After picking up Grayson and Lily, the patrol cars made their way to the precinct. The officers escorted them to Dobey’s office.
Teddy was in Dobey’s office and opened the captain’s door when Callen knocked. “Thank you Don,” she said to the officer.
“Any time Detective.”
Kim handed a sleeping Lily to Teddy, “What is going on?”
“Wait until the guys get here, they are on their way.” Teddy said. “Cap, you remember Kim and Grayson?”
“Of course,” Dobey stood and shook hands with Grayson and nodded at Kim.
“You remember me too?” Sam piped up.
“I sure do.” Dobey said.
“Can I sit in your chair?” Sam asked.
“SAM!” Lucy said in exasperation.
“Sure you can.” Dobey winked at Lucy as Sam climbed into the chair.
Lucy smiled at the captain, “He’s so embarrassing.”
A few minutes later Starsky and Hutch arrived with Officer Minnie Kaplan in tow. Hutch addressed Lucy and Sam, “Kids, this is Minnie, she is going to show you around. Maybe get you a treat?” He looked at the police woman who smiled and nodded.
“Where’s mom?” Lucy asked, sensing something was up.
Hutch pulled her to him, giving Lucy a quick hug, “Just go with Minnie, I’ll explain later.”
Sam excitedly went with Minnie, Lucy was reluctant, but went, looking over her shoulder at Hutch as he closed the office door.
Starsky stood with his arm around Teddy, Lily was still sleeping in her mother’s arms.
“Is someone going to tell us what is going on?” Kim was sitting, Grayson standing behind her, his hands on her shoulders.
“Megan has been taken by a man that is after Starsky and
me. Any one close to us is in danger,” Hutch didn’t mince words. “All of you are being taken to a safe house.”
Tears sprang to Kim’s eyes, she got up and went to Hutch, “You have to get her back.”
There was a short knock on Dobey’s door, Hutch opened the door a crack to see who it was, then opened the door allowing Lori to step in.
“What are you doing here?” Teddy asked her partner.
“I sent Ben and the boys to his mom’s in Sacramento. I’m here to help.” The female detective responded.
“Are you sure?” Starsky asked, “Gunther is a dangerous man.”
“Would you leave Hutch?”
Starsky shook his head no, “I just want you to know what you are getting yourself into.”
“I saw the carnage at the hospital, I know what I’m getting into.” Lori reiterated. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Teddy handed Lily to Starsky, she went over and put her arms around her partner, “Thank you.”
“With the two of us at the safe house, just let Gunther try something.”
Chapter Three
“After you,” Gunther said graciously, holding the door open to the penthouse for Megan.
It had been a long ride to San Francisco, they stopped at the Fairmont Hotel. Gunther walked through the lobby like he owned the place and then to the elevator. Megan walked next to him, he hadn’t directly threatened her. But Megan had a feeling if she gave him any trouble he would instruct his men to kill her.
Megan looked around the penthouse, it was huge with an impressive view of the bay. It had been hours since she had eaten and it was beginning to take its toll. The last thing she wanted to do was let Gunther know she was pregnant, she knew he would use the information to get at Hutch.
Gunther was also taking in the penthouse house, it was good to be out of prison. He looked at Megan who was looking rather pale. “Harrison,” He called to one of his bodyguards, “Get Mrs. Hutchinson something to eat.”
Megan hated the way the man said Hutchinson, his voice was so full of venom. “Please, call me Megan.”
He nodded at her, “Have a seat, you look tired.”
Megan sat down on the edge of one of the couches in the room. “For someone that just escaped, you are making yourself easy to be found.”
“That is the idea.” Gunther sat in a chair opposite her.
“Hutchinson will come for you. I don’t want to make it too hard.”
“So I’m bait.”
“For the lack of a better word, yes.”
Megan looked at the man, “Why? Why not just disappear? I’m sure you have millions stashed somewhere.”
“I’m not a young man, they stole years of my life. It’s payback time.”
Lucy and Sam each had a popsicle, Minnie had shown them around then stopped in the cafeteria. They were sitting at Starsky’s desk in the same chair when Hutch came out of Dobey’s office. Minnie was perched on the edge of the desk, “Back safe and sound,” she winked at the detective.
“Thanks Minnie.”
“Any time,” She patted Lucy on the back, “Come see me again uh?”
The kids nodded. Lucy looked at Hutch, “What is going on? Where is mom?”
Hutch motioned for them to stand up so he could sit in the chair. Then he pulled Sam onto his knee and held out his hand to Lucy. “I’m not going to lie to you. A man that is mad at Starsky and I took your mom.”
Tears began to course down Lucy’s cheeks, she was old enough to fully understand what Hutch was saying but Sam wasn’t, “Where did they go?” The boy asked.
“I don’t know, but Starsky and I will find her, I promise .” Hutch said. He knew he shouldn’t have promised because he didn’t know if he could deliver.
Lucy wrapped her arms around Hutch’s neck burying her face on his shoulder, “Is mommy going to be okay?” Lucy whispered in Hutch’s ear not wanting her brother to hear. Hutch hugged her tightly, but didn’t answer.
Dobey’s office door opened, “You ready to head to the safe house?” Starsky asked.
“What’s a safe house?” Sam asked curiously.
Starsky picked up Sam, “It will be fun buddy.”
Kim pulled Hutch aside, “The kids are going to need some things from the house. And Whiskers needs to be fed.”
“I’ll bring back bags for you and get Whiskers.”
“Be careful.”
“Always,”
“I’ll go with you,” Lori offered.
Hutch didn’t protest, the help was welcome, he looked at Starsky, “You get everyone settled at the safe house.”
Hutch and Lori cautiously entered the Hutchinson home. After checking each room, Lori went to pack bags for the kids and Kim. Hutch stood in the doorway of the room he shared with Megan thinking about her and their unborn child. He went to the closet pulling out a small suitcase to pack some things for his wife. He sat down on the bed, wondering if she would live through this. Hutch would do what he had to do so Lucy and Sam would not lose their mother even if it meant sacrificing himself.
He tossed a few things in the suitcase, then went to the kids room where Lori was busy with their clothes. “Make sure you get Sam’s dinosaur.” She had put Kim’s bag in the hall, Hutch picked it up along with Megan’s and carried them downstairs.
Whiskers was weaving in between Hutch’s legs as he made his way to the kitchen, “Hungry buddy?” The detective asked the cat. After feeding Whiskers, he began collecting a few cans of cat food. That was when he felt the cold metal barrel of a gun on the back of his head.
“Mr. Gunther wants to see you.” Growled a voice in Hutch’s ear.
“Where does he have my wife?”
“Shut up and listen or I’ll kill the cop upstairs.” The voice threatened. “Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The penthouse. Alone!”
“Is my wife there?” Hutch asked. Getting no answer he slowly turned around. The back door stood open, the gunman gone. Hutch pulled his gun and ran out the door but the yard was empty.
“Hutch, are you ready?” Lori called from the living room. When he didn’t answer, she walked into the kitchen. Hutch was standing in the open door staring into the back yard. “What’s wrong?”
Hutch jumped and spun around, his gun still in his hand. Realizing he still had his gun out he quickly shoved it in its holster. “I thought I heard something,” he lied. He didn’t want anyone to know he had a visitor. He had to go to San Francisco alone to get Megan.
“Are you okay?” Lori asked, noticing the detective looked shaken.
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine,” Hutch scooped up Whiskers, grabbed the bags and followed Lori to the car.
Megan sat across from James Gunther as he tore into a thick steak. She poked at the salad she had ordered. “Eat up!” Gunther said, he was in a jovial mood. It had been a long time since he had a good meal.
She took a bite of lettuce then set her fork down and looked at the man across from her. “Please don’t do this.” Megan didn’t want to beg but she didn’t want to lose the man she loved. And Lucy and Sam couldn’t lose another father and possibly their mother.
“The wheels have already been set in motion.” Gunther said as he savored his steak.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I'm sure your knight in shining armor is on his way here as we speak.” Gunther took a sip of wine then held an empty wine glass out to Megan, “Would you care for some?”
She shook her head no, “How do you know Hutch is on the way?”
Gunther laughed, “My dear, I invited him.”
“NO, NO!” For the first time Megan was truly frightened, she jumped up, knocking her chair over. “You can’t do this!” She screamed at him. Two of Gunther’s bodyguards stepped forward grabbing her arms. “Let go of me!”
“Put her in one of the bedrooms!” Gunther commanded, he had enough. He shoved his plate away, his meal unfinished.
The men grabbed Megan’s arms, dragging her across the room to one of the closed doors as she struggled against them, “Mr.Gunther please!” They opened the doors shoving her in. Megan fell over a chair and slammed into a bench at the foot of the bed. She hit the floor hard and lay there unconscious. The men shut the door without looking back.
The moment Hutch and Lori arrived at the safe house, Lucy ran to him putting her arms around his waist. Sam followed suit, Hutch knelt down hugging them both. He knew this could be the last time he would see them.
“I love you guys.” He tried to keep the emotion out of his voice.
“We love you too dad,” Lucy said, it was the first time she had called him that.
Hutch stood up with tears in his eyes, he blinked them away. He smiled at the kids. Now to figure a way to get out of the house without Starsky. He was hoping Gunther would be satisfied with him and leave Starsky alone, but that was wishful thinking.
Lori handed Whiskers to Kim then went back for the suitcases, Hutch followed her out. Lori opened the trunk, Hutch held out his hand for the keys. “I’ll be back,” he told her.
“Where are you going?”
Hutch didn’t answer, he got in the car and drove off leaving Lori standing in the driveway with the bags.
“Where’s he going?” Starsky asked, coming out of the house.
Lori shrugged, “He didn’t say.”
Starsky frowned as he watched the car Merle had loaned them disappear down the road. There was no way to reach Hutch, since there was no police radio in the car.
Starsky helped carry in the bags, then he went to Teddy, “Something is up with Hutch, he just took off.”
“Without talking to you?” Teddy asked surprised.
“I think he knows where Gunther took Megan.”
“How? He’s only been to their house.” Teddy asked.
“Lori!” Starsky called Teddy’s partner over, “Did anything happen while you were at the house?”
“No…well maybe.”
“Maybe? What happened?”
“I came downstairs and Hutch was standing at the back door with his gun out. He said he thought he heard something. He looked upset but said it was nothing.” Lori explained.
“Somebody made contact with him.” Starsky fumed. “Why didn’t he say something?”
Teddy put her arm around her husband, “He’s trying to protect you…us!”
“By facing Gunther alone?” Hurt filled Starsky’s voice at being excluded.
“What would you do if the situation was reversed?” Teddy asked, looking into his blue eyes. “Gunther nearly killed you, I don't think Hutch could live with himself if Gunther succeeded this time.”
“I’m going to see Huggy, maybe he knows something.” Starsky said.
“I’m going with you.” Teddy declared. There was going to be no arguing with her and Starsky knew it, he just nodded.
“Shit, we don’t have a car!” Realizing, Hutch took the only car at the safe house.
“There are plain clothed officers down the block in a van.” Lori offered a solution.
Teddy went to Kim and Grayson, “If anything happens to us…”
“You know we will take care of the kids.” Kim said, taking Teddy’s hands.
Teddy then went to the bedroom where Lily was sleeping peacefully. She kissed her sleeping daughter, Starsky was standing behind her, “You need to stay here,” Starsky whispered. “We can’t leave her an orphan. It’s Hutch and me that Gunther wants.”
“You are not going alone!”
They walked to where the van was parked. “We need a ride,” Starsky said.
“We can’t leave our post Detective Starsky. Dobey will have our heads.” Officer Osborn said. He and his partner Callen had changed into street clothes so they could be on the protection detail.
“My partner is with them,” Teddy said. “You won’t be gone long. We just need a ride home.” She looked at Starsky who nodded. They were getting the Torino, neither of them cared if Gunther saw them coming.
After picking up the Torino, Starsky and Teddy headed toward Huggy’s. They found the tall black barkeeper behind the bar pouring beers. He looked up when they came in, Huggy immediately stopped what he was doing and came around the bar.
“Is Megan okay? Was it her that Gunther took?” Huggy asked, it had been all over the news but the name of the nurse hadn’t been given.
Starsky explained everything and then asked, “Have you heard where Gunther is?”
“Word on the street he’s hold up in a penthouse somewhere.” Huggy told them.
“Nothing like keeping a low profile.” Starsky quipped. “Where?”
“Have a drink and let me make a few calls.” Huggy said as he went back around the bar to the phone. After placing four calls, he finally hit pay dirt on the fifth. “Yeah, yeah I owe you one, maybe two.”
Starsky and Teddy were sitting close to each other holding hands, waiting, the drinks sitting in front of them untouched. “Well?” Starsky asked hopefully as Huggy approached them.
“Gunther is at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.” Huggy answered.
“And Hutch has over an hour head start on us.” Starsky got up and headed to the door, “Thanks Huggy.” He tossed over his shoulder.
“Watch your backs!” Huggy called after them.
Chapter Four
Hutch pulled in front of the Fairmont, a young man came out to park the car. Hutch tossed him the keys and entered the grand lobby, Gunther was sparing no expense. He went directly to the elevator, he stabbed the penthouse button and waited impatiently for the doors to close. The elevator ascended, Hutch leaned on the back wall, legs crossed at the ankles, his head down. There was no hiding, he knew Gunther could mow him down the moment the doors slid open. But if Megan was already dead he didn’t care what happened to him. Then Hutch thought of Lucy and Sam. He would fight, fight until the end.
The elevator slowed and the doors opened, Hutch pushed off the wall, he didn’t draw his gun, there was no one there to greet him. He stepped off the elevator that opened directly into the penthouse and looked around.
Gunther sat on the couch, a glass of scotch in his hand, he tipped it toward the detective. “Welcome Hutchinson.”
Hutch walked toward Gunther, he stopped in front of the old man, “Where is my wife?”
“She is here.”
“I want to see her.”
“Of course.”
Gunther’s bodyguard’s came out of nowhere to stand behind the detective. One reached under Hutch’s jacket and relieved him of his gun, the other patted him down. Finding nothing else the men stepped back.
Hutch glared at Gunther, “I want to see my wife…NOW!” He spoke slowly as if speaking to a young child.
Gunther jerked his head toward the closed door across the room. Hutch turned to look at the men behind him then walked toward the door Gunther had indicated. He slowly turned the door knob and stepped in. He started to close the door but a big meaty hand stopped the door from closing all the way.
The room was dark except for a strip of light coming from a partially open bathroom door. Hutch looked around in the minimal light, at first he didn’t see her curled in a ball in the bed. Fear gripped his heart as he walked to the bed and sat on the edge, afraid that Gunther had already killed her.
“Megan?” He called softly to her, he held his breath.
She murmured, “I knew you would come.”
“Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?” Hutch tried to roll her over but she remained curled up.
“Hutch,” she said miserably.
He forced her coiled body into his arms. Megan’s eyes were squeezed shut, she didn’t want to look at him. “Look at me! Are you hurt?”
“I…I lost the baby.” She began to sob as she buried her face in his chest.
Megan didn’t know how long she had been unconscious, when she came to she was laying on the floor at the foot of the bed. She started to get to her feet when a stabbing pain in her midsection dropped her back to her knees. “No,” she whispered to herself. Megan finally made it to her feet and into the bathroom. She leaned on the vanity looking at her reflection. She was still in her nurses uniform, her hair hung down around her face, she had taken her cap off in the limousine.
Another cramp gripped her, she held tightly to the vanity to keep from falling. Megan eased herself on to the toilet. She wasn’t sure how long she was in the bathroom but no one came to check on her which she was thankful for.
Finally the pains subsided, she cleaned herself up as much as she could. Then went back into the bedroom where she curled into a ball crying softly until she fell into an exhausted sleep.
Starsky floored the Torino as he and Teddy headed toward San Francisco. With the head start Hutch had he would already be at the penthouse confronting Gunther…alone.
“Dammit Hutch!” Starsky pounded on the steering wheel.
Teddy reached over putting her hand on his shoulder but didn’t speak, there were no words of comfort that would make things better.
“What if we are too late?” Starsky fretted, pushing the car to go faster.
“Why don’t we radio Captain Holder?” Teddy suggested, knowing her former captain would help. Starsky stubbornly shook his head no. “You can’t cowboy this one, we need help!”
“Fine!” Starsky growled, he knew he couldn’t do it alone but he also didn’t want anyone else getting hurt.
Teddy radioed Holder and told him the situation, he was more than eager to help as Gunther had been a pain in his side also. He had been shocked when he had heard the man had escaped, and was even more shocked to find out that it had been Hutch’s wife that was taken. He said he would assemble some men and meet them at the hotel.
The bright red Torino screamed up to the front of the Fairmont. Starsky jumped out of the driver's seat, scrambled across the hood of the car and was inside before the valet could take his keys.
Teddy dashed after him, calling for him to slow down. But there was no slowing down the dark headed detective. Captain Holder was in the lobby waiting with heavily armed men. All the guests were told to stay in their rooms and the elevators, except one. had been shut down.
Holder was trying to talk to Starsky but he wasn’t listening, the only thing on his mind was getting to Hutch. He stood stabbing the up button. Teddy grabbed her former captain, “Let him go.”
“It’s suicide, they will be waiting for him.” Captain said to Teddy, but loud enough for Starsky to hear.
Starsky stabbed the button one more time then looked at the Captain, “I know!”
The doors slid open, Starsky stepped in followed by Teddy, the Captain and several of the heavily armed officers. Another group of officers were heading up the stairwell. The ride to the penthouse seemed to take forever. Starsky pulled his gun, he would be ready the moment the doors opened and he would be the first out of the elevator.
The elevator slowed and stopped, just before the doors opened there were three gun shots that made Starsky’s blood run cold. He was too late!
Blind rage filled Hutch, he reached for his gun forgetting it had been taken from him. He threw the bedroom door open and crossed the room to stand in front of Gunther, “You bastard!” Hutch threw the words at the old man. He took another step toward Gunther. The bodyguards grabbed Hutch holding his arms behind him.
James Gunther waved the men off the detective as he grabbed a gun that had been laying on the couch next to him. He pointed the weapon at Hutch squeezing off a shot as Hutch advanced on him. The bullet caught the detective in the right shoulder but he did not go down or even stop, he had no gun but he would kill Gunther with his bare hands.
The second shot the old man fired brought Hutch down. Hitting him just below the first bullet. He crumpled to the ground, blood seeping into the carpet. An evil smile spread across Gunther’s face. He turned his attention to his two bodyguards, he fired, catching one dead center in the chest, the other bodyguard turned to run, Gunther shot him in the back. Then Gunther turned the gun on himself, there was no way he was going back to prison. He wanted both detectives dead but one was good enough and he didn’t want to take the chance of being caught.
James Gunther took a deep breath as he put the weapon to his head and pulled the trigger, the gun fell from his hand as he slumped over.
Holding his gun out in front of him Starsky stepped through the elevator doors. He nearly tripped over the bodyguard Gunther had shot in the back. The man was laying face down, it was clear he was dead. “HUUUUUUTCH!” Starsky yelled. Nothing but silence met his ears.
He could see another body on the floor, too big and dark headed, to be Hutch. As he moved quickly further into the room, Starsky saw Gunther slumped on the couch, he also was obviously dead and by his own hand. Starsky still retrieved the gun, slipping it in his waistband, he wasn’t taking any chances.
“Hutch!” He called again, Starsky swung his gaze around the large room. Another body lay on the floor at the other end of the couch. He knew instantly it was Hutch. He dropped to his knees next to his friend. “Hutch…Hutch.” A low moan escaped the blond’s lips. Starsky gently rolled his partner over. “Shit!” He cursed seeing the two bullet wounds.
“Gunther….” Hutch barely whispered, fearing he would shoot Starsky.
“He’s dead buddy.” Starsky was examining the wounds. He was so focused on Hutch, he didn’t hear Teddy come up behind him.
“Megan,” Hutch opened his eyes, “Help her.”
“Is she here?”
“Bedroom,” Hutch said just before passing out again.
“Teddy,” Starsky called but his wife was already running toward the bedroom.
She found Megan was on her feet making her way toward the door when Teddy entered. “Is Hutch dead?” She asked, there had been so many gunshots, she had counted five.
Teddy shook his head no, “But he has been shot.”
“I need to see him,” Megan took a few steps then stopped, her head swimming.
Teddy caught her friend in her arms, that was when she saw the blood on Megan’s white uniform. “Are you hurt?” Megan had passed out.
Teddy called out, “I need help in here.” One of Holder’s men stepped into the room and picked Megan up in his arms.
There was a flurry of activity in the penthouse as more officers and EMT’s arrived, they checked the detective out, started an IV and examined the gunshot wounds. Then Hutch was loaded onto a gurney.
“Is Megan alright?” Starsky asked, seeing her loaded onto a second gurney.
“I’m not sure,” Teddy was holding Megan’s hand, “She doesn’t appear to be shot.”
One of the EMT’s asked Teddy, “Was she by any chance pregnant?”
“What happened?” Starsky was too distracted worrying about Hutch to put it all together.
“Oh no!” Sorrow filled Teddy’s face. “Go, go with Hutch. I’ll take care of Megan.”
“I’ll see you at the hospital.”
Chapter Five
Megan slowly opened her eyes, she was unsure where she was at first. She looked around seeing the IV and realized she was in a hospital. Suddenly it all came rushing back, her being taken from work, the limousine ride to San Francisco, the penthouse, Gunther, losing the baby and…Hutch…gun shots. OH GOD!
Megan tried to sit up, someone squeezed her hand, for a moment she was relieved thinking it was Hutch until she looked over and saw it was Teddy holding her hand. “Hutch, where’s Hutch?” She croaked.
Starsky paced the hall waiting for the doctor to come out of surgery. Hutch had lost a lot of blood, he hadn’t regained consciousness in the ambulance which scared his partner. Starsky didn’t release his partner's hand until they reached the hospital. “Hang on Hutch, Megan and the kids need you…I need you.” He whispered in Hutch’s ear before he was wheeled away and the doors swung shut.
“Hutch is in surgery,” Teddy said gently. “He was shot twice in the shoulder.”
“I can’t lose him! I just can’t.” Megan closed her eyes as tears slid from under her lids. “Gunther! What about him? Is he going to keep coming after us?”
“Honey, Gunther is dead.” Teddy assured her, “Why don’t you concentrate on getting better?”
“I’m fine, miscarriages happen all the time.” Megan said matter of factly.
“They do sweetie, but not to you,” Teddy brushed Megan’s hair back. “Stop being a nurse for a minute and be a woman who just lost her baby.”
“I can’t, maybe later.” It was her way of coping with the situation. At the moment her worry over her husband was all she could handle.
There was a knock at the safe house, Lori pulled her gun as she waved the kids, Kim and Grayson into the kitchen. She opened the door to find Captain Dobey standing there. She feared the worst since the Captain came personally. “What happened?” Lori asked bracing herself for bad news.
“It’s over, Gunther is dead.” Dobey said with a grim look on his face.
The look on his face scared the female detective, “What aren’t you saying.” Dobey looked into the house. “I sent them to the kitchen.”
“Hutchinson was shot twice, he is in surgery. And Megan was taken to the hospital.” Dobey informed her, “Starsky and Teddy are fine.
Lori let out her breath she had been holding, “Was Megan shot?”
“I don’t have all the details,” Dobey said, “I’m heading to San Francisco now. Would you like to go with me?”
“Is it safe for them to go home?”
“It is, Gunther's two men are also dead.”
“I think I’ll stay here and get them settled back home.” Lori said. “Have Teddy call when she can.”
Dobey nodded and was gone. He was anxious to get the details of what transpired and be there to support his officers.
Kim had ventured out of the kitchen while Dobey was still there and heard what he had told Lori. “So we can take the kids home?” She asked.
Lori nodded, “It’s safe.”
“What are we going to tell them about Megan and Hutch?” Kim wanted to know.
“They are both alive, for now, that is all Lucy and Sam need to know.” Lori said.
By the time Dobey arrived at the San Francisco hospital, Hutch was out of surgery and in recovery. Captain Holder met Dobey in the lobby. “How’s Hutchinson?”
“Out of surgery,” Holder said as he shook his counterpart's hand. “Doing well from what I understand.”
“And his wife Megan?”
“You need to talk to her.” Holder answered, feeling it wasn’t his place to discuss her medical condition.
“If you need anything just let me know.” Holder said, “I’m headed out.”
Dobey nodded, he made a detour to the gift shop. He arrived at Megan’s room, flowers in hand and knocked on the door.
Starsky opened the door and ushered his Captain in. Megan was beside herself with worry but managed a smile for Dobey. The Captain nodded at his two officers, “I hear Hutchinson’s surgery went well.”
“It did,” Starsky confirmed. “He should be waking up soon.”
“And I need to be there,” Megan persisted. She was pulling at the IV going in her arm.
“Stop!” Teddy commanded as she gently stopped Megan from pulling out the IV.
“Megan are you alright?” Dobey asked.
“I will be as soon as I see my husband.”
“Did Gunther hurt you?”
She shook her head sadly. Dobey looked confused. Megan took a deep breath, “I was pregnant, I lost the baby.”
The Captain looked stunned, he wasn’t sure what to say. Fortunately there was a tap on the door, an orderly held open the door as two more pushed a sleeping Hutch into the room.
Starsky had talked to the doctor asking him to put Hutch in the same room as Megan. The doctor had wholeheartedly agreed it would be best. Starsky helped the orderlies position his partner's bed.
A nurse came into the room to check Hutch’s vitals then she checked Megan’s, “The doctor will be in a few minutes.”
“Can I get rid of this IV?” Megan asked the nurse.
She checked the bag which was nearly empty, “How are you feeling?”
“Much better.” Megan answered, now that she had seen Hutch but she was anxious to be by his side.
“I will keep an eye on her,” Teddy said.
“Alright, but take it easy.” The nurse busied herself freeing Megan.
Dobey pulled Starsky away, “Will you tell me what the hell happened?”
Starsky led his captain into the hall while Teddy pulled a chair next to Hutch’s bedside. She helped Megan to the chair, once she was settled, Teddy joined her husband and Dobey in the hall.
Megan took Hutch’s hand, “l love you.” She whispered, putting his hand to her cheek. “We are going to be alright.”
“You will have to get the rest of the details from Hutch and Megan, he was in pretty bad shape by the time we got there.” Starsky said after telling Dobey he knew that went down.
The three headed back into the room, Megan was asleep with her head laying on the bed next to Hutch. Exhaustion had finally taken over.
Hutch opened his eyes when he heard them come in. He had woken up to find Megan holding his hand but asleep. Hutch was relieved to see her there. He remembered very little of q1what had happened when he had gone to confront Gunther in a rage.
Starsky let out a deep sigh seeing his partner awake. He grinned, “Welcome back buddy.”
Teddy walked to Megan, “Honey let’s get you back in bed.”
Megan sat up, she looked at Hutch who was smiling back at her. Tears filled her eyes, she stood, leaned over and kissed Hutch, her tears running down her cheeks falling on his face.
Hutch reached up brushing the tears away from her face, “I love you.”
“I love you! I was so afraid,” Megan said softly.
“I’m okay, I’m okay babe.” Hutch murmured. His face grew sad, “How are you?”
“I’m okay too.” Megan took his hand again, lacing her fingers through his. “We can try again.” She whispered.
Hutch nodded, tears now filling his eyes. He had been so excited about the baby. “We will.” He assured her.
“Come on,” Teddy guided her friend toward the empty bed.
Starsky crossed the room, taking the seat where Megan had been sitting. He put his hand over Hutch’s, no words were needed between the partners.
Three weeks later.
Everyone was gathered in the backyard at the Hutchinson’s. A small tree was ready to be planted. Starsky and Grayson, with instruction from Kim, were digging a hole. The kids stood by watching. It had been Sam’s idea to plant a tree in honor of baby Hutchinson.
“That is a wonderful idea Sam,” Megan had said. Both she and Hutch had worried how the kids would take the loss of a sibling. One they had known nothing about, but they took it in stride and now they were planting a tree.
Hutch wished he could help but he was still recovering from his gunshot wounds, and no one was letting Megan lift a finger at home even though she was back to work.
Kim had been planning to tell them she was moving out and in with Grayson so they would have room for the baby but she had put those plans on hold. She didn’t want her empty room to be a constant reminder of what they had lost. Grayson had been incredibly sweet about it.
Teddy stood holding Lily, who was getting bigger by the moment. They needed to find a bigger place to live. She and Starsky had been looking but they wanted to stay close.
“Okay kids, help put the tree in.” Starsky called once the hole was big enough.
Sam and Lucy excitedly put the small tree in the ground, after they filled dirt around the tree and watered it. They stood back admiring their handy work. “I hope the baby likes it.” Sam said looking up at his sister.
Lucy put her arm around her brother's shoulders. “I’m glad you are my brother.”
Sam shrugged off his sister's arm, “Don’t get all mushy.”
Lucy looked at her brother, then she bent down and grabbed a handful of wet dirt. “Mushy? I’ll show you mushy!” Lucy threw the hand of mud at Sam. He ducked as the mud came flying at him. Starsky was in the line of fire and was hit in the chest.
“Hey, what did I do?” Starsky sputtered as the mud slid down his shirt and plopped on his shoes. He reached down and picked up a big handful of mud and lobbed it at Hutch.
“I’m injured here!” Hutch yelped, wiping it from legs where it had landed.
Sam laughed as he picked up some mud tossing it at his sister, it hit its mark. “You started it!“
Grayson was next to pick up a handful of mud, he threw it at Megan. She scraped it from her shirt, tossing it at Sam. Hitting him square in the back.
“Awww mom!” Sam wailed, “No fair.”
Laughing they began grabbing mud throwing at each other. Everyone was covered with mud, Kim grabbed the hose and turned it on the muddy group. Which only made things worse as they slipped and slid in the now wet grass.
Starsky made his way over to his best friend and partner, he put a muddy arm around Hutch, they smiled at each other as they watched their families.
The End
