New Partners New Friends
                                                                                     
                                                                                                          ​By Tooki

​​

                                                                           CHAPTER ONE

Officer Susan Carlston had two things going for her, she was much younger looking than her twenty-two years and she was a hell of a cop. Susan put her long dark hair up in a French twist when she was in uniform but undercover with it hanging straight down her back she couldn't even get a glass of beer without being carded. Her hazel eyes always flashed in amusement at the reaction of people when she showed them her badge.
These days Susan worked more undercover than in uniform. She always seemed to be in a short skirt standing on some street corner. Susan lost count of the number of pimps and hustlers she had busted.
Susan worked in vice, with her young looks no one suspected she was a cop. Cal Simpson, her partner was always there to back her up. At fifty he had groaned when he found out his new partner was a woman, twenty and just out of the academy but Cal had come to respect her in the last two years. He liked Carlston because she didn't flaunt the fact she was a woman, she just fit in with the guys. She didn't want any special treatment but she didn't shoot daggers if one of the guys opened a door for her.
When the call came over the radio for Susan, Cal wasn't surprised Captain Dobey wanted to see her. Susan had been grabbing them a couple of cups of coffee when dispatch relayed the message to their car radio.
Both officers were in uniform this day just working the streets. Susan returned to the squad car carrying two steaming cups of coffee, Cal was grinning to himself and didn't hear her open the car door.
"Cal . . . Cal," Susan had to call twice before he took the cup she was holding out. She sat down putting her coffee cup on the floor between her feet; she fixed a strand of hair that had slipped out from under her hat. Susan picked up her coffee and looked at her partner. "What are you grinning at?"
"Have you ever heard of a Captain Dobey?" he ask still smiling.
"Yeah, I think he's the Captain of Detectives, right?" She said sipping the hot coffee.
"That's the one, well he wants to see you in his office this afternoon at two," Cal told her. "Oh and by the way he said to dress up."
"Dress up?" Her eyebrows shot up. "What does he mean dress up?"
"Well I know there has been those murders at a few dance clubs," Cal said. "He's probably looking for a fresh face to go undercover. Hey you're in the big time now."
Susan laughed, "You think so uh?"
"Everyone says you're going to make detective one of these days."
"Oh come on Cal, I'm too young."
"That maybe so but you are a good cop," he praised.
Susan rolled her eyes but she was excited about the meeting with Dobey. Cal drove her to her apartment so she could change, he offered to wait and drive her to the station but she declined the offer saying she would drive herself.
Going to her closet Susan pulled open the doors, one side was what she called her hooker clothes but they didn't seem right. She started going through her own clothes, remembering what Cal had said about the club murders she pick out a soft pink blouse, black leather mini skirt and laid them on her bed. Susan took a shower and washed her hair, then she dried and curled the ends of her dark hair. She put on black hose and black leather heels; to finish off her outfit she put on a black leather fringed jacket and black purse with a gold chain shoulder strap. Susan stood back looking at herself in the full-length mirror on her bedroom door, nodding her head in approval she left for the station.
Officer Carlston was nervous as she approached Captain Dobey's office. She stopped in front of the door straighten her skirt and checked her make-up. Taking a deep breath Susan knocked on the office door.
"Come in," a voice bellowed, slowly she opened the door.
Dobey was a huge black man with a black mustache, and black short curly hair; he was in his late forties. Sitting behind his desk, he had an air of authority, which he did. His dark eyes met hers as he silently motioned for her to come in. In front of him sat two men both dressed in leather jackets. Susan could only see the back of their heads, one had blond hair the other black curly hair.
"I'm Officer Carlston," Susan said stepping into the room. "You wanted to see me Captain Dobey?"
The two men turned around and stared at her, they both had blue eyes that sparkled with mischief, as they looked her up and down. Dobey stood up with a surprised look on his face. The captain held out his hand, Susan shook it. There were photos of several female officers lying on his desk; one of them was of her with very little make-up on and her hair in a tight bun.
"Awful isn't it?" she smiled pointing at the photo.
Dobey nodded giving her one of his rare smiles, "Officer Susan Carlston these are my men Detective Dave Starsky and Detective Ken Hutchinson."
Susan shook hands with Starsky, "Detective Hutchinson," then she turned to Hutch, "Detective Starsky."
"I'm Hutch," the blond detective said, jerking his thumb at his partner. "He's Starsky."
"Oh I'm sorry," she apologized blushing slightly.
"Don't worry about it, happens all the time," Starsky said putting his arm around her shoulders.
Hutch looked at Starsky's arm around Susan, he grabbed a chair pushing it between the chairs they had been sitting in. Taking her hand, "Here have a seat."
"If you two are finished playing the dating game," Dobey growled. "We have work to do."
The two detectives gave their captain sheepish looks and sat down on either side of the female officer.
"I take it you want me under cover?" Susan ask.
"Yes, I'm sure you have heard about the young women disappearing from dance clubs downtown," Getting a nod he continued. "We haven't been able to get any leads. Starsky and Hutch thought that maybe a woman undercover might just bring him out."
"What type of woman does he go for?" Susan ask.
"Everyone of his victims have been different, the first one at The Lighthouse was a red head the second at The Attic was a blond, the third and fourth were taken from The Roundhouse, one was brunette the other girl was black." Starsky explained to her.
"The only things that they all have in common besides coming from dance clubs is that they were found in dumpsters, strangled with panty hose," Hutch said, Susan turned her head to look at him.
"This has all happened in the last month," Starsky added.
"No one has any idea what this man looks like," Hutch said.
"There are no witnesses," Starsky said.
"Wait a minute," Susan held up her had. "You two are making me dizzy."
"Do you two mind?" Dobey said, who hadn't been able to get a word in. "She's not going to want to do this if you drive her nuts."
"Want to?" Susan ask surprised, she was rarely ask if she wanted an assignment.
"This is voluntary, it could be very dangerous," Dobey told her. "You came highly recommended, your captain said you were the best on the streets."
Susan smiled, "The most dangerous thing I've faced in a high pimp but I'm willing to try."
"There has been more than one cop killed by someone on drugs," Hutch said looking impressed at his new partner.
Dobey looked relieved, "Don't let these two clowns get to you." Dobey stood up. "Starsky, Hutchinson you two behave yourselves."
The detectives took Susan out to their desks. Starsky got her a chair, Hutch sat a cup of coffee in front of her and sat down in his partners chair.
Starsky made a face, "You are sitting in my chair, Hutch." Shrugging Hutch got up going to his own desk and sat down.
"What are we going to do for the next seven hours," Hutch ask looking at his pocket watch. "The clubs don't get going until around ten."
"We need to get changed," Starsky said looking down at his tee shirt and jeans. "We can't get in dressed like this."
"Speak for yourself buddy," Hutch said straightening the collar of his shirt. "Besides that won't take seven hours."
"Let's take her to Huggy Bear's, we can get something to eat and introduce her to Hug," Starsky suggested.
"Good idea," Hutch jumped up but Starsky was already helping Susan to her feet.
"What's a Huggy Bear?" Susan looked at the detectives. "You guys into stuffed animals?"
They laughed at their new partner, Starsky held open the door. Hutch took Susan by the arm leaving Starsky holding the door. Making a face he ran to catch up with them.
The three officers left the building going to the police parking lot. A bright red Torino with a white stripe that ran the length of the car and over the top stood out in the parking lot. Starsky walked over to the passenger side and opened the door.
"Yours?" Susan ask with delight, Starsky nodded. "I always wonder who owned this cool car."
"See she likes my car," gloated Starsky.
Hutch rolled his eyes at his partner mumbling something about tomatoes as he slid in next to Susan. Starsky ran around and jumped in the driver's seat. The car roared to life, Starsky squealed out of the parking lot. Hutch grabbed on to the doorframe to keep from crushing Susan as they turned onto the street, "Take it easy Starsk."
Huggy Bear turned out to be a thin, tall black man, he owned and operated a bar and grill called The Pits. It was clear that he was very good friends with the two detectives. Susan took a seat at a table close to the bar, Starsky and Hutch were talking to Huggy at the bar.
"Which one of you is the looker with?" Huggy ask looking over their heads at Susan. "Kind of robbing the cradle aren't ya?"
Susan over heard the comment, silently she got up and stood behind her two new partners.
"She's something, uh?" Starsky smiled.
Susan had had it, she could laugh and joke with the best of them but she was tired of their act. She reached between the two detectives and slapped down her badge on the bar. All three men jumped, Huggy peered at the badge as Starsky and Hutch turned to look at her.
"I don't want to be paraded around like the catch of the day," she snapped, closing her badge and shoving it in her purse. "When you two clowns are ready to work let me know." Officer Carlston stocked out slamming the door. They all stared after her.
"Wow!" Huggy exclaimed. "She's a little hell cat."
"Guess we pushed it too far." Starsky said with a guilty look.
"We?" Hutch frowned.
"Hey what was all that stuff back at the station," Starsky said defensively.
"Ok, Ok we," Hutch admitted, "think somebody should go talk to her?"
"Dobey will really be pissed if we mess this up," Starsky said getting up.
"See if you can get her to come back in," Huggy said wiping the bar with a rag. "I'll put on some burgers."
Starsky started for the door, Hutch stopped him, "Why don't you let me." Starsky shrugged and sat back down at the bar, Laura, Huggy's number one waitress sat a beer in front of him.
Hutch found Susan sitting in the back seat of the Torino, he opened the car door sitting side ways in the front seat so he could see her. She looked at him waiting for Hutch to say something. He was just about to opened his mouth to speak when they heard a loud scream just out side the car. Hutch jumped out to see what was going on, Susan was right behind him.
A man dashed by them with a woman chasing him screaming and waving her arms. Susan kicked off her heels and was in hot pursuit. Hutch caught the woman, before he could tell her he was a cop she began slapping him. Finally Hutch was able to pin her arms behind her back and explain who he was.
Meanwhile Susan grabbed the very surprised subject, he had a death grip on a brown leather purse, the strap had been cut, the pieces of the straps hung limply to the ground. She twisted his arm behind his back pushing him toward the car.
"Can I borrow your cuffs?" Susan ask Hutch, he handed them to her. Taking the purse from the thief she snapped the cuffs and shoved him into the back of the car.
Hutch handed the woman her purse explaining that she had to go down to the station to fill out a report. Then he called for a squad car to pick up the subject. A few minutes later a black and white showed up they had already been on the way.
After the thief had been taken away Hutch looked around for Susan. She was sitting in Starsky's car looking mournfully at her hose. The feet were almost completely ripped out from her race down the sidewalk.
Hutch squatted down to look at her, "Not bad."
She looked at him, "Thanks but look at my hose." She wiggled her toes through the holes.
He smiled, "Tell you what, why don't you come back in we'll have some dinner and start over."
She looked at him, "Wel-l-l."
"Oh come on," Hutch held out his hand. "I'm Ken Hutchinson."
Susan slapped his had away grinning, "Alright but no more games, Ok?"
"You got a deal."
Starsky looked up when Hutch and Susan walked in, he almost choked on his hamburger when he got a good look at Susan. Her hair was a mess, her blouse hung untucked and her hose were ripped to shreds. Susan sat her shoes on the floor next to their table, Huggy came in from the kitchen he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Susan.
"God Hutch I didn't want you to beat her up, just talk to her," Starsky exclaimed.
"I need to use your bathroom," Susan said to Huggy. He motioned toward the back. Picking up her shoes Susan fixed her purse strap on her shoulder trying her best to look dignified as possible on her way to the bathroom.
Hutch filled in Huggy and Starsky what had happened outside. He also told his partner about the truce they had with Officer Carlston and warned him to behave. Huggy went back to the kitchen to get the rest of the food. Susan came out of the bathroom looking more together. She was carrying her ripped hose in one hand, which she dropped in a trashcan out side the bathroom door.
Both detectives started to get up when she approached the table then thought better of it. Instead Starsky pushed a chair out for her with his foot. Susan smiled as she sat down, "Thanks," she laid her purse on the table. "You guys know where a girl can get a new pair of hose?"
"Sure," Starsky said. "There is a store just up the street from my apartment."
Huggy sat plates of burgers and fries in front of Hutch and Susan, "I don't think we have been formally introduced. "I'm Huggy Bear, proprietor of this fine establishment."
"Good to know you Huggy," Susan shook his hand. "I'm Susan Carlston, I'm a vice cop most of the time."
"I'm sorry about that stuff at the bar, I didn't know," he apologized.
"And they didn't bother to tell you either," she looked at her partners shaking her head. "Don't worry about it."
Leaning over so only she could hear him Huggy said, "Give these two another chance, they're really good guys."
Whispering back she said, "I kind of got that feeling or I wouldn't be here."
"Hey what's all the whispering about?" Starsky demanded.
"Just told her to watch out for you two," Huggy said winking at her.
Starsky dropped Susan and Hutch off at the store close to his apartment, he went home to change. Opening the door he was greeted by clothes strewn all over his apartment, he was still tossing clothes in the closet when his partners showed up.
"Maids day off Starsk?" Hutch ask looking around the still messy room. Starsky shot him a dirty look as he stuffed a towel under the couch cushion.
"Can I use your bathroom?" Susan ask holding up the sack from the store.
"Sure," Starsky motioned toward the bathroom door. There was a damp towel hanging on the doorknob, which Starsky grabbed quickly.
"You better be careful in there," Hutch teased. Starsky lobbed the wet towel at Hutch's head, he ducked and the towel landed in a heap behind the couch.
The scene at Hutch's apartment wasn't much different. Starsky made some crack about Hutch using the same maid and the banter started all over again. Susan sat on the couch listening to them smiling to herself, she was really beginning to like them. It was almost seven they decided to get down to business and decide exactly what they were going to do.
"Which club are we going to tonight?" Susan ask.
"The Roundhouse," Hutch called from his bedroom as he put on a sport coat.
Starsky flopped down on the couch next to Susan, he propped his feet up on the coffee table. Hutch who had just come into the room promptly knocked them off.
The Roundhouse was dark and smoky, there was a huge dance floor in the middle, and small tables with bar stools adorned the perimeter of the floor. There was a VJ at one end of the room with a huge television screen above his head. At the other end of the room was a bar that ran from one side of the room to the other, there was another huge screen behind it. The music was loud, the lights bright and the bodies sweat covered.
Just out side the door Susan straightened her shirt and checked her hose. Starsky who was standing directly behind her whispered in her ear, "You look great."
Susan smiled over her shoulder, "Thanks, so do you." She moved on ahead of her two partners so it didn't look like she was with anyone.
By the time Starsky and Hutch got into the dance club, Susan was perched on a barstool with a young man deep in conversation with her. The detectives stationed themselves where they could watch her and keep an eye on the rest of the club.
The man, Teddy who was on the large side had disappeared, as Susan sat watching the crowd dance she spotted Starsky and Hutch as soon as they had entered. Teddy returned quickly carrying two drinks, Susan sipped her drink slowly while Teddy gulped his down. By their third dance he was drunk, Susan was sure he wasn't the killer and was wondering how she was going to get rid of him.
During a slow dance where he was holding her so tight she could hardly breath somebody tapped Teddy on the shoulder, he held on even tighter trying to ignore the intruder.
"Come on buddy," said a familiar voice, since Teddy was so large Susan couldn't see who was behind him.
Sighing Teddy reluctantly loosened his grip on Susan, he smiled at her and staggered though the crowd of dancers. Hutch stepped up and took Susan in his arms.
"Hi!" he said, his lips brushing her ear.
"Hi, yourself," she smiled gratefully at him, "I never thought I would get away from him. I think he was about ready to propose."
Hutch laughed, "We thought you look liked you needed help. Starsky and I flipped for you." Hutch told her, "I won."
"It's kind of hard to mingle when you have some guy slobbering all over you." Susan smiled up at Hutch.
"Well I'll try not to slobber on you."
Susan laid her head on Hutch's chest, at six-one he was a good eight inches taller than she was, and her five-inch heels closed the distance some. She could hear his heart beating even with the loud music. They slow danced until the song was over, Susan wished the song would go on forever, she liked being in Hutch's arms. Slowly they parted, as Hutch started to walk off Susan grabbed his hand pulling him toward her.
"I'm glad you won the flip," Susan said softly and disappeared into the crowd.
Hutch stood in the middle of the dance floor staring after her. A girl with a very short skirt, see-through blouse and very long hair bumped into the detective, "Sorry," he mumbled with out even looking at her. Hutch headed off the dance floor, Starsky was waiting for him with a puzzled look on his face.
"What's with you?" Starsky ask, as he watched the blond-headed girl began to dance.
"Uh?" Hutch said absently trying to catch a glimpse of Susan. "What do you mean?"
"Didn't you see that blond that bumped into you?" Starsky said giving his partner a strange look. "She's a knock out."
"Who?"
"Never mind," Starsky said in an exasperated voice. "Let's hunt Susan down."
"What?" Hutch was clearly distracted. "Let's find Susan."
Starsky stared at Hutch as his partner turned searching for Susan. Starsky started to say something else but then shrugged following Hutch. They finally found her being drug onto the dance floor by another over anxious guy.
By closing Susan was exhausted from dancing, her partners were bored, no one remotely suspicious showed up. Actually everyone there was a little strange but nothing to worry about. The two detectives followed Susan home just in case, Starsky dropped off Hutch then went home himself and crashed. Hutch lay in bed thinking about what Susan had said to him at the club. They hadn't had a chance to talk, he finally fell asleep thinking about the case and Susan.
​

                                                                                           CHAPTER TWO

A hand perfectly manicured, red nails not too long but long enough. The fingers were long and slender, on one glittered a large diamond ring. There were only two flaws, one the hand was deathly white, the other it was sticking out of a Dumpster.
A woman dressed in rags stopped in the alley, stooped picked up an object, she rubbed it on her threadbare coat. She examined it closely before placing it carefully in her coat pocket. It was hard to tell the age of the woman, her dirty hair hung limply in her face. She shuffled when she walked, the shoes she had on were at least two sizes too big. She kicked a box, it was empty, shrugging she spotted a Dumpster at the other end of the alley.
The woman hated this time of night, four a.m. the bars were closed, no one moving around except for the homeless, even the drunks had long passed out. She found a crate, pulling it up to the Dumpster she climbed up carefully. The woman tugged on the flap of the cardboard box, it slipped toward her easily. She picked up the box, empty, tossing it over her shoulder she leaned farther into the Dumpster. Something glittered in the dim light cast by a near by streetlight. Trying to reach it the bag woman almost fell in, she just couldn't quite reach it. Finding a slat out of a crate she could just reach the glitter, carefully she slipped the slat under the object she gently tried to flip it toward her but it wouldn't budge. She pushed harder, suddenly something white popped up she leaned even closer.
She felt a scream rise in her throat, stumbling backward off the crate she fell flat on her back. One shoe slipped of, the woman scrambled to her feet not bothering to retrieve the missing shoe. She made her way to the street, an on coming car slammed on it's brakes just short of hitting the ragged woman. She stood staring into the headlights, that was when the scream broke loose tearing its way out of her throat.


The phone rang, the lump in the bed moved then was still, phone again, a hand crept out from under the covers and slapped the clock to the floor. Phone again, this time the lump sat up. Susan blinked looking around the room, she could tell by the light in the room that it was well into morning but since she had been out until after three a.m. Dobey said not to report until noon. She looked at the clock, it wasn't there, and the phone was still ringing. Susan leaned over and picked up the clock, nine a.m. The phone rang for the tenth time, scrubbing the hair out of her face she reached for the receiver.
"This had better be good," she growled into the phone.
"It's Hutch," said the blond detective, he was already at the station. Hutch was a known early riser, even when he had been out all night. Starsky hadn't shown up yet, Hutch had already called and gotten him up thirty minutes ago. Susan was as much trouble to wake up as Starsky, he was just about to hang up and go over there when she finally picked up.
"Hutch it's nine a.m.," Susan moaned. "We don't have to be in until noon."
"There was another girl found dead," Hutch told her.
"What?" Susan swung her legs over the side of the bed, she was fully awake now. Getting up Susan stretched the phone cord to her closet where she grabbed a pair of jeans and slipped them on.
"How fast can you get here?" Hutch ask. Starsky had just come into the squad room carrying a bag of donuts in one hand and a white foam cup of coffee in the other. His shirt was untucked and his curly dark hair was a mess. Hutch looked at his scruffy looking partner and shook his head.
"I'm half dressed, I'll be there in less than thirty," Susan tossed the receiver with out giving Hutch time to respond. She grabbed a bra and shirt out of a drawer and dashed for the bathroom.
Susan arrived at the station twenty-two minutes later, at least she was dressed unlike Starsky who still hadn't tucked in his shirt or combed his hair. Hutch was going over the coroner's report when she pulled up a chair and sat down next to him.
"What have you got?" she ask looking over at Starsky whom was on his third donut with his feet propped up on the desk.
"Well," Hutch said, he looked over at Starsky too, rolled his eyes and continued. "It is the same M.O. but as far as I can tell she wasn't at any one of the clubs and never has been."
"So she was strangled with panty hose but not her own, correct?" Susan ask. "Found in a Dumpster?" Hutch nodded.
Starsky sat up, he tossed the sack of donuts at Susan who caught it. She looked in side and pulled out a glazed donut. She held out the bag to Hutch who made a face and shook his head. Susan tossed the sack back to Starsky who had just set a cup of coffee in front of her.
"Suntan," Starsky said propping his feet back on his desk.
"What?" Susan said around a bite of donut.
"The shade of the hose is always suntan." Starsky elaborated. "Brand new."
"Are you sure she wasn't at one of the clubs?" Susan ask.
"We still need to talk to the girls room mate to be totally sure but she was not dressed to be going to a club. I talked to her mother earlier when she was down to ID the body. Mrs. Cay said her daughter was not into dance clubs."
"Mothers don't always know what their darling daughters are up to." Susan said finishing up her donut, she drained her coffee cup and stood up. "Well you want to pay the room mate a visit?"
"If Starsky ever finishes dressing we can go." Hutch said pushing his partner's feet off the desk.
Starsky glared at Hutch, tossed the empty bag in the trash and stocked out of the squad room, Susan and Hutch tagged along behind him. They waited out side the men's room, Starsky emerged, hair combed, shirt tucked in. He took the black leather jacket Hutch held out to him and slipped it on.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Starsky ask as he started down the hall.
Karen Cay had been a pretty blond nineteen-year-old with everything to live for, no one deserved to end up strangled and tossed in a Dumpster. She had a large diamond engagement ring on her finger. The fiancé didn't know she was dead yet, he was out of town.
The roommate, Donna Malone was sitting on a brightly flowered couch sobbing into a soggy tissue. The detectives stood awkwardly watching while Susan tried to comfort the crying girl. They had gotten Miss Malone out of bed she hadn't even known her roommate hadn't returned. She had a terrible cold and had gone to bed early. Karen had gone out to pick up some medicine for her.
"Miss Malone," Susan said handing the girl a dry tissue. "We really need to ask you a few questions."
Donna gave her a blank look, "What more do you need to know, she's dead."
"We want to find her killer," Susan said evenly, she didn't want to upset the girl further.
Sighing the girl nodded, "Alright, I'll try.
"Good girl," Starsky said sitting in a chair across from the young woman.
Donna looked startled, "These are my partners Detectives Starsky and Hutchinson, they came in with me, remember?" Susan put her arm around the shaking girl.
"Oh yes," Donna gave them a weak smile. "I'm really a mess, I'm sorry."
"Take your time," Starsky said softly. "Did Karen go to dance clubs?"
"Karen?" the girl repeated, she looked at Susan. "She was at a dance club?"
"No, we want to know if she went to dance clubs," Susan explained.
"Are you kidding she didn't even listen to that kind of music," Donna shook her head sadly. "She is . . . was very religious, Karen's fiancé is a minister. This is going to kill him, he's out of town right now."
"Yes we know, could you tell us where he is?" Hutch spoke for the first time.
Donna looked up at the blond detective who was still standing by the front door. "I'm not really sure where Danny is, he's at some kind of conference." She hung her head spilling her dark hair into her face. "They were going to be married next month, I was the maid of honor.
"Could we see her room?" Susan ask softly pushing the girls hair from her face.
Donna looked at her with red swollen eyes, "Sure anything to help. It's the first door down the hall.
The three cops entered the dead woman's room, Starsky flipped on the light. Karen's room was tastefully decorated in pale pinks and purples. Hutch opened a dressed drawer, underwear, he continued searching the rest of the dresser. Starsky opened the closet and began going through her things. Susan checked out the bedside table and under the mattress, a favorite hiding place, nothing there either. Karen Cay was so clean she squeaked.
Donna stood in the doorway watching them as she twisted a tissue in her hand. There was a knock at the door, terror filled the girl's eyes. Susan got up and walked the trembling girl to the door. A good looking young man stood there beaming at them when Susan opened the door. Donna broke into a fresh batch of tears when she saw who it was and ran to her room slamming the door. The young man looked at Susan with a mixture of concern and surprise on his face.
Susan motioned for him to come in, "Who you are?" She had already figured out that it was the fiancé.
"I'm ah. . . .ah, Danny Webster," he stammered. "Who are you?"
"Officer Susan Carlston."
"Police?" Danny ask. "What's wrong?"
"Are you Karen Cay's fiancé?" Susan ask, he nodded.
Hutch and Starsky appeared in Karen's bedroom door. Danny's expression changed to pure shock to see two men coming from his fiancées bedroom. His fists clenched and unclenched.
Susan said quickly, "They are officers too, Starsky and Hutchinson.
Danny Webster sat limply in a chair next to the door, "Has something happened to Karen?"
"I'm sorry to tell you this Mr. Webster but Karen was murdered last night," Susan said watching the young man's face. Danny 's face went totally white, "Are you alright?"
He shook his head like he was in a trance, "How?"
"She was strangled," Susan purposely left out the details, he didn't need to hear right now. He would find out soon enough when it hit the papers.
"Oh," It sounded like someone punched him in the stomach.
Hutch stepped into the living room, he and Starsky had been watching from their place in the bedroom doorway. "Mr. Webster, we are investigating a series of murders, all the girls were at dances clubs just before they were killed. Miss Cay's murder fits the same MO except for the fact she wasn't at one of the clubs.
"Dance clubs?" Danny said in a daze. "What does that have to do with Karen?"
"All of the girls were killed in the same way including Karen," Hutch explained patiently. "Did she ever go to dance clubs."
"No, never," the young man said, his eyes flashing. "She wasn't that kind of girl."
The roommate came back into the room perching on the edge of the chair Danny was sitting in, he patted her hand she had slipped into his, "I keep telling them that she didn't go to places like that."
Starsky said from the doorway, "Miss Malone you said Karen was going to get you some medicine, where was she going to get it?"
"At the Dairy Mart a couple of blocks away," Donna said softly dabbing her eyes with a wad of tissue.
"And you were out of town?" Hutch ask looking at Danny.
"Yes," he choked out.
"Could I ask where?" Hutch said.
"A conference in Colorado," Danny sadly shook his head. "I should have never gone."
"It's not your fault," Susan said kindly.
"I guess that's all for now," Hutch said. "If either of you think of anything give us a call at headquarters."
The three detectives left going back to the station to fill in their captain. They discussed Karen Cay's murder being a copycat but since there was never information released about what the girls had been strangled with there was little chance it could be two different parties.
Tonight it was their turn to stake out The Attic. The three partners would mingle hoping Susan would pick up the killer, the odds weren't very good, considering there were lots of single girls wandering around hoping to find that special someone. Susan decided to give satin black pants with a white lace blouse a try for tonight.
Hutch had made some crack about Starsky running out of nice clothes before they closed the case, which started their usual banter.
When they arrived at The Attic it was already jumping. Susan wandered around smiling in what she hoped was an inviting smile at every man. Since they had no idea what this crazy looked like Susan approached every male in the place. Starsky and Hutch kept an eye on their partner, Susan danced most of the night with several different guys but nothing happened.
The two detectives followed Susan back to her car from a safe distance but that was uneventful too. They watch until she drove off then hopped in Starsky's bright red Torino. They had agreed before hand to meet at The Pits.
Susan was already seated at a table with her shoes off drinking a beer when Starsky and Hutch appeared. Hutch had contacted the other two stake out teams on the way over but like them they got no where either. The detectives joined their female partner, Starsky pulled out the chair Susan had propped her feet on, they hit the floor with a thud. He sat down and pulled her legs over his lap.
"Feet hurt?" he grinned at her, she nodded. Hutch sat two beers down on the table and sat down.
Hutch frowned as he watched Starsky rub Susan's feet, "I thought we weren't playing any more games."
"Her feet hurt," Starsky said tickling the bottom of her feet. Susan jerked her knees up bumping the table almost causing it to tip over. Hutch made a grab for the glasses catching them just before they went over.
Huggy came over with his hands on his slim hips giving them a disapproving look. Starsky and Susan gave him sheepish looks, she slipped her legs off Starsky's lap and put her shoes on.
"There is a phone call for one of you," Huggy said wiping the table where some beer spilled.
"I'll get it," Hutch said getting up, he put his hand on Huggy's shoulder. "Watch these two will ya?"
When Hutch returned to the table Starsky and Susan were still clowning around. They both looked up at Hutch with huge smiles on their faces but when they saw his grim expression their smiles faded.
"There has been another girl found," Hutch said taking some money out of his wallet and threw it on the table.
The three officers jumped into the Torino and arrived at the murder scene in minutes. The coroner's officer was just removing the body from the Dumpster as they got out of the car. The girl had long dark hair, was dressed in a very short shiny dress, she only had on one high heel. An officer that had been in the dumpster stood up holding a pair of panty hose in one hand and the missing shoe in the other.
Hutch walked over to get a better look at the girl as she lay on a litter. There were marks on her neck, which were turning an angry purple.
Starsky took the hose from the officer, Susan joined him, "We missed him," she sounded defeated.
"Do you know the odds of this creep picking up an undercover officer?" Starsky ask stuffing the hose into an evidence bag another officer handed him. "We did our best, so did the other two teams.
Hutch joined his two partners, Starsky handed him the plastic bag with the hose. Sighing Hutch passed them along to the waiting woman from the Crime Lab.
"Hutchinson!" called an out of breath voice.
Hutch turned around, Officer Jim Calahand was running toward them, "Got something Jim?"
"Yeah," he said trying to catch his breath. "We found the dead girl's car. It's in the parking lot of the Dairy Mart a couple of blocks away. Somebody called because it's sitting there running with the door hanging open."
"It took this long for somebody to call in a running car with the door open?" Susan said in an amazed voice. "She's been dead. . . what a couple of hours?" Hutch nodded, that was what the coroner had told him earlier.
When they arrived at the twenty-four hour market a large crowd had assembled, there were two squad cars with lights flashing parked on either side of the light blue Mustang. The car was still running, the officers were waiting for the detectives to arrive.
"Get this thing turned off," Starsky told the closest cop. The officer reached in with a gloved hand and flipped off the ignition. There was a paper bag lying in the floor under the steering wheel.
Susan leaned in the car trying not to touch anything to get a better look at the bag, "Where is that damn Crime Lab?" Susan said straightening up, unable to tell where the bag was from.
About that time the Crime Lab car rounded the corner screeching to a halt directly behind the Mustang, "Sorry it look so long, we were finishing up at the other scene," Sam Walters said getting out of the station wagon. He was a tall man in his mid forties with thinning hair and a killer smile, which he flashed at Susan. He went around the wagon and dropped the tail gate, he pulled out a big metal box and carried it to where Susan was standing, "Anything?"
"I don't know, you tell me," She pointed to the bag. "See what's in that."
Sam opened the metal box, took out rubber gloves, he put them on then took out a number of plastic bags. He got down on his knees, gently he grabbed the sack by a corner and brought it out. His partner Kat Wallace was standing at his side holding a flashlight, as he held up the bag she snapped the light on.
Kat was a beautiful woman with long shapely legs and a killer figure, she looked more like a fashion model than a police officer. Her reddish blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
"Is it empty?" Susan ask Sam, the bag had Dairy Mart written in big blue letter on the front.
Sam shook his head no and poured the contents onto the seat of the car. A lipstick, a pack of gum and cigarettes tumbled out. The receipt fluttered out of the bag landing in the parking lot. Susan bent to pick it up then looked at Sam to see if it was all right, he nodded. Susan scanned the receipt quickly, three items were wrung up, all accounted for.
Starsky who had been asking question of bystanders came up behind Susan and Sam, "Hey Sam, you got a photo of the dead girl yet?"
"Yeah," he knelt down next to the box rummaging around, he produced a photo taken less than thirty minutes ago. She was still a beautiful girl even though she was deathly pale. The marks on her neck showed up plainly, Sam shook his head as he handed the photo to Starsky. The detective went into the store to join his other partner. Susan could plainly see Hutch through the plate glass window talking to a man behind the counter, Starsky handed the man the photo.
Turning her attention back to Sam, Susan ask, "Can I have the evidence bag with the items for a minute." Kat opened a plastic bag, Sam dropped in the cigarettes, lipstick and gum along with the store sack into the bag. Kat sealed it handing it to Susan with strict instructions that it was not to be opened and to bring it right back.
Susan went in to the store, Hutch looked up as she opened the door, he couldn't help thinking about their dance the night before. She sure didn't look like a cop all dressed up with her long brown hair curling around her face.
Susan tossed the plastic bag down on the counter, Starsky looked up surprised to see her, he hadn't seen her enter the store, "What's that?" he ask.
"Found it in the floor of the dead girl's car," Susan explained to her partner then to the cashier. "Did she buy this stuff tonight?"
Vic looked Susan up and down but didn't answer, "The lady ask you a question," Hutch
said leaning over the counter, he was almost nose to nose with the man.
"Is she with you?" Vic ask, he was short, fat and balding with a stub of an unlit cigar in his mouth.
Susan pulled her badge out of her purse and shoved it under his nose, the man's eyebrows shot up, "Now would you please answer the question," She said in a tight voice, pushing the plastic bag closer to him.
Vic picked it up turning it over in his tobacco stained hands, "I can't remember every sale," the cashier growled. "Ya got a receipt?"
Susan handed him the piece of paper. The man held it up squinting at it then he rummaged around under the counter.
"Come on Vic," Starsky was getting more than annoyed.
"Ok, Ok," Vic grunted as he produced a pair glasses with thick lenses and slipped them on his face. "Yes, this stuff was brought tonight, roughly three hours ago," he showed the officers the top of the receipt.
"Is this where Karen Cay came the night she died?" Hutch ask as they were on their way out.
"Could be but do you know how many of these stores there are?" Starsky ask, holding the door open, Susan went out into the parking lot. The Crime Lab was just packing up, Susan went over and gave Kat the plastic bag.
"I think it's worth checking out," Hutch stopped behind Susan, Kat winked at him waving as they pulled out. Hutch opened the car door as he nodded toward Kat, Susan frowned as she slid to the middle of the car. Starsky climbed in the driver's seat. Hutch was still standing leaning on the open car door staring at the store thoughtfully.
"Hutch. . . . Hutch," Susan finally leaned out of the car. "Are you coming?"
He smiled at her as he joined his partners in the car, Susan and Starsky were deep in conversation on the way to the station. Hutch watched Susan, she hadn't said anything but the usual things, he was beginning to wonder if he imaged the other night, maybe she had just been kidding around but it felt more than that.
​

                                                                                    CHAPTER THREE

​​
The well-groomed man watched the activity from across the street, it was easy not to be noticed with the mob of people gathered at the all night market. Not that he would have stood out anyway, he had the looks that women drooled over and men envied. At almost thirty he had had his fair share of women, he didn't love nor hate any of them they were just expendable.
Finally after six murders the cops had wised up. True all but one of the girls had come from the dance clubs but that was just a coincidence. It didn't really matter where they came from.
He jammed his hands down in the pockets of his suit coat, his tie hung loosely around his neck. It was so easy to approach the girls, they never suspected any thing until it was too late. He saw three cops come out of the mart, one of them was a woman, she was dressed up but he knew she was a cop. They got into a bright red car with a white stripe and sped off. It was almost morning and soon he would have another page for his scrapbook.

Susan sat at Starsky's desk, a steaming cup of coffee sat in front of her. She had her eyes closed but she wasn't asleep, just dead tired. It had been almost twenty-four hours since she had had any sleep. Hutch fell into his chair across from her, throwing down a stack of files on the desk. Susan opened her eyes but didn't move, Hutch smile at her tiredly.
He leaned over the desk toward her, "You know the other night at . . ." Starsky came in carrying a tray with a huge sandwich on it, he pulled up a chair sitting down next to Susan. Hutch sighed, leaning back in his chair he flipped opened the top file and began studying it.
"What were you saying?" Susan ask him.
Hutch glanced up at her, "Nothing," he went back to reading.
Starsky jabbed her in the side making her jump, she almost slid out of the chair, "Hey watch it," Susan laughed grabbing on to the desk. "These pants are slick."
Starsky held out a piece of sandwich like a peace offering, with a huge grin on his face he said, "Hungry?"
"Starved , thanks," she said taking the offering. "I didn't know when I agreed to do this job I wouldn't get any sleep or be able to eat."
"Ya, got to get it where ya can," Starsky winked at her.
Hutch watch his old and new partner over the top of the file, it was apparent that they were really hitting it off. He couldn't help feeling a little disappointed, but he sure wasn't going to let some girl come between him and Starsky. Susan would most likely be gone as soon as the case was over anyway. Suddenly Hutch realized Susan was watching him watch her. He dropped his eyes back to the coroner's report.
Susan had this feeling Hutch wanted to talk to her but it seemed like they were too busy or getting interrupted or maybe he didn't want to get involved with another cop. Although she had a feeling that both Hutch and Starsky had dated their fair share of lady cops. She had seen the way Kat had looked at Hutch as they drove off. Susan and Starsky had become great friends in the short time they had been working together, he was like the big brother she never had. They had a great time kidding around and talking.
"Hutch," Starsky called holding up another piece of sandwich, it was big enough to feed half of the department. "Hey buddy, you hungry?"
Hutch looked up shaking his head, "I'll catch something later." Starsky shrugged and went back to eating. Hutch leaned back in his chair stretching, "What time is it?"
"Almost seven," Susan said, after looking at the wall clock.
"I'm going to give it another hour and give. . ." he paused, flipped through the file, finding the name he was searching for, ". . . Miss Malone a call, find out for sure what Dairy Mart Karen Cay went to. I want to take a look at the dead girl's cars if they are still in impound."
"What are you looking for?" Susan ask, getting up to pour herself another cup of coffee. "Want some?"
"Sure," he smiled at her. "I'm not sure, but if Karen was at that same mart we might just have another connection."
Dobey open his office door, calling the three partners into his office. They went over the night's events, Hutch didn't say too much about his thoughts on the mart connection. He wanted to check out a few things first. Dobey ordered all of them to go home and get some rest.
The trio agreed to meet at Huggy's at seven for dinner before going to the club. Hutch told Susan and Starsky to go on that he had a few calls to make. Starsky drove Susan over to Huggy's so she could pick up her car.
On the way over Susan sat with her feet up on the seat and her chin resting on her knees. Starsky glanced at her sideways, "Anything wrong?" he ask.
Susan shook her head no, "Starsky?"
"Yeah?"
"Does Hutch have a girl friend?" she ask softly not looking up.
Starsky stopped at a red light, he looked over at her. She looked so young sitting there with her legs all pulled up in the seat and her dark hair spilling into her face. The light turned green, someone behind them honked, "No."
The person behind them honked again. Starsky slowly moved the car forward, there was another honk and the car behind them sped around gesturing something obscene.
"You like Hutch?" Starsky ask as he pulled into a parking place behind Susan's car. The Pits was closed, there was a big sign in the window proclaiming it so. "Does he know?"
Susan shrugged as she explained to Starsky what had taken place at the dance club, "Maybe he thought I was just kidding around."
"Why don't you just tell him?" Starsky ask, as he rolled down his window letting the morning air in.
"No, I can't do that," she answered shyly. "And you don't say anything either."
Susan opened the car door, Starsky started to get out too, she went around the front of the Torino meeting him in the street. Susan got in her car and rolled down the window Starsky leaned in, "I don't mind talking to him," Starsky grinned at her, "I love playing match maker."
"You promise me you won't say anything," Susan grabbed his arm.
"Alright I promise," he kissed her on the cheek. "Now go home and get some sleep."

Hutch called Donna Malone asking about which Dairy Mart Karen would have gone to. As far as Donna knew it would have been the same one where they had found the running car. Then Hutch went to the impound lot to search the cars but they were all clean. Going back to his desk Hutch called the Crime Lab.
Kat answered the phone, "Crime Lab."
"Kat?" Hutch ask. "Do you have the contents of the cars from the dance club murders?" The name of the case might change soon if he was right.
"Sure, come on down blondie," Kat smiled into the phone. She and Hutch had dated a couple of months but ended up just friends much to her dismay.
She found the six bags of evidence and lined them up on her desk. Five minutes later Hutch appeared in the doorway of the lab. Kat was busy labeling items unrelated to the case Hutch was interested in. She glanced up, seeing the blonde detective standing in the doorway she pointed to the bags on her desk, "Be with you in a sec."
Hutch nodded, he went over to the desk. Kat finished up what she was doing and joined him, "What are you looking for?"
"Bags, receipts, anything that could tie the other girls to that Dairy Mart," Hutch said opening up a bag, it was from the first murder victim. The evidence bag was crammed full, empty chip bags, candy wrappers, pill bottles, napkins and pop cans.
Kat rolled her eyes, "That girl's car was a rolling trash can, but we had to save it all just in case."
At the bottom of the bag Hutch found what he was looking for, a crumpled sack from the mart. Hutch pulled it out and looked in side, a lipstick and a candy bar wrapper were in the bag, he fished around for the receipt. Finding it he checked the date on the scrap of paper to the date on the evidence bag, they were the same.
The next evidence bag contained the contents of Karen Cay's car. Hutch pulled out a gold cross on a chain, he looked at it a moment before he gently laid it on the desk. There were a few other typical car items, a map, registration and car wash coupons. Hutch grabbed a bottle of aspirin it had never been opened , there was also a bottle of cough medicine unopened but no Dairy Mart bag. Hutch shook the evidence bag upside down a white ball of paper tumbled out, he carefully straightened it out. A receipt, it had Dairy Mart printed across the top and the date matched.
Hutch finished going though the other four bags finding receipts in all of them with dates matching the dates of the murders.
"I think we have another connection," Hutch said. "All of these girls were at the same mart the night they were murdered."
"Only one car was found at the mart," Kat said taking the evidence bags from Hutch and putting them away.
"But the clubs and the mart are all with in blocks of each other right?" Hutch ask.
Kat nodded, "I think so."
"And Karen Cay, the only girl that didn't go to the clubs lived in the area," Hutch sat down on the edge of the desk. "Her car was found about two blocks away."
"I'm impressed," Kat smiled at him. "How's that pretty new partner of yours?"
Hutch glanced at Kat, "Ok, she's a good cop."
"Like her don't ya," Kat crossed the room, going back to her work.
"What?" Hutch followed her with his eyes.
"Hey I saw that look on your face when I ask about her," Kat said sealing up a bag and dating it. "You can't fool me."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Hutch started out the door. "Hey Kat, thanks."
"Sure anytime," Kat said with out looking up. After the detective was gone Kat sighed. "Lucky girl."
Hutch at down at his desk just as Captain Dobey came out of his office. The captain frowned when he saw that the detective was still there, "Hutchinson, I told you to go home two hours ago," Dobey growled at him.
"Captain, I've found another connection between the girls," Hutch said, getting up he went in to the captains office, Dobey followed him.
Hutch filled in the black captain on his findings. They agreed that they would stake out the store that night instead of the dance club leaving the other two teams on the clubs. Then Dobey ordered Hutch home to bed.
Hutch pulled up in front of his apartment, he sat in his car for a few minutes before going in. He groped for his house key he kept on he ledge over the door, finding it he let himself in putting the key back in place.
He took off his shoulder harness and hug it on the closet door. He undressed as he made his way to the bathroom dropping his clothes along the way. Turning on the shower Hutch stepped in, he hadn't realized how tired he was until the hot water began to relax him. Finishing he turned off the water dried himself and put on a robe. Deciding he was hungry he went into the kitchen but nothing appealed to him and he was too tired to go out or wait on a delivery. Hutch went into the bedroom and collapsed on the bed, he reached for the phone and dialed Starsky's number. After about fifteen rights Starsky picked up the phone mumbling something unintelligible.
"Starsky, wake up," Hutch sighed. "I need to talk to you."
"Hutch," moaned Starsky. "Don't you ever sleep?"
Briefly Hutch explained to his sleepy partner what he had found out. "We are staking out the Dairy Mart tonight so we don't need to dress up." Hutch said, then in what he hoped was a casual tone. "Is Susan there?"
That brought Starsky fully awake, he sat up in bed, "Susan, why would she be here? I dropped her off at Huggy's hours ago, didn't she make it home?"
"I'm sure she did I just thought . . . never mind," Hutch said, he felt relieved that she wasn't there. "We can fill her in tonight, go back to sleep Starsk."
After Hutch hung up Starsky laid in bed wondering why his partner would think Susan was there. If he hadn't been so tired Starsky would have put two and two together but he quickly fell back to sleep.

At five thirty Susan's alarm went off, she rolled over picking up the phone, then realizing it was the clock she laughed at herself and turned the clock off. Susan jumped in the shower, thirty minutes later she was standing in the kitchen drinking a glass of milk. She left her hair straight tonight, she had on a short white sleeveless dress that glittered when the light hit it. She sat her empty glass in the sink, slipped on her white satin heels and grabbed her matching purse. She checked herself in the mirror next to the door on the way out.
By the time Susan arrived at The Pits Starsky and Hutch were embroiled in a game of pool, Huggy stood off to the side watching them. Both detectives were dressed in jeans, T-shirts and leather jackets.
Susan walked up next to Huggy Bear, he grinned at her, "I'm keeping them honest." They both looked at her and smiled then continued on with the game.
"Did I miss something?" Susan ask, looking at their clothing. "Either I'm over dressed or you guys are under dressed."
"Just a sec," Hutch called as he sunk a pool ball.
"They are always going at it," Huggy shook his head.
"Who usually wins?" she ask watching Starsky sink his ball.
"It's about fifty-fifty I guess," Huggy said. "Can I get you something?"
"No thanks," Susan said looking down at her dress. "I just want to know why I'm all dressed-up."
Hutch sunk the last ball, "My game!"
"I'll get you next time," Starsky slapped his partner on the back.
The three sat down at a table, Huggy went back to the bar, Starsky propped his feet up on the empty chair at the table. Hutch gave him one of those looks and Susan was still wondering why she was the only one dressed for the club.
"So what's up?" she ask looking from one to the other.
"We are staking out the Dairy Mart tonight," Hutch said. He explained what he had discovered earlier that morning

Hutch took his car on the stake out, it didn't stand out like Starsky's red tomato. The two detectives sat in Hutch's beat up brown nondescript car. Susan drove her three year old blue Madza into the parking place in front of the mart and got out. She glanced over her shoulder to see where her partners were parked, she spotted them about a half a block away.
Hutch watched as Susan entered the store, he took a deep breath, "She's really a great girl."
Starsky was playing with the radio, "Who?"
"Susan," Hutch looked at his partner, they had only been in the car thirty minutes and Starsky had already eaten two candy bars, depositing the wrappers on the floor.
"Oh, yeah," Starsky picked up a cup of coffee from among the candy wrappers, "she's a lot of fun."
"Yeah."
"Hutch what is with you," Starsky ask watching his friend. "You have been acting real strange."
"Nothing," Hutch looked straight ahead wishing he hadn't said anything.
"You call me up wanting to know if she's with me . . . " Suddenly it hit Starsky, "You like her."
"Of course I like her."
"No, no, I mean dating like," Starsky grinned at Hutch.
Hutch barely nodded, "I don't want to step on your toes."
"WHAT?"
"You and Susan are so close, always kidding around and talking and . . . " Hutch stopped.
Starsky started laughing, "Hutch, Susan and I are friends, that's it," he assured his friend. "Besides she's crazy about you."
Hutch looked at him stunned, "That night at the dance club. . . "
"I now she told me about it."
"You two were always together, I thought I misread what she said," Hutch smiled.
"To tell you the truth she and I are too much alike to ever date, we would drive each other crazy," Starsky was keeping an eye on the mart as he talked to his partner. "She's been wondering why you haven't said anything to her. I guess I know why now, you should really talk to her."
Hutch nodded, he couldn't believe she liked him as much as he liked her. He couldn't wait to talk to Susan but decided it would be best to wait until tomorrow when they weren't dead tired.
The rest of the night passed slowly, Susan hung around the mart as much as she dared without looking suspicious herself. Susan would wander around for awhile in the store buy something small then leave coming back twenty or thirty minutes later. It was a quiet night, not many people out and about. Finally about six, Starsky got out of the battered brown Ford and crossed the street, Susan was just coming out of the mart carrying a cup of ice. She smiled when she saw Starsky coming, hoping he would call it a night.
"Hey, let's pack it in, it's almost daylight," he said taking a piece of ice out of her cup.
"Good," she sighed. "I've been here so long people are beginning to think I'm a hooker."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Starsky teased her.
Susan smacked him, "Don't be a smart ass."
"Want to go grab something to eat with us?" he ask opening the car door for her.
Slipping inside, "I don't think so, I'm really tired," she yawned as if to prove her point. "These late nights are really getting to me."
"You get some rest, Hutch and I will report into Dobey," Starsky leaned in the window and kissed her cheek. He wanted to tell her about the conversation he had had with Hutch but he had promised him that he would stay out of it. "We'll call if something happens."
She nodded and drove off toward home, about three blocks from her apartment a nicely dressed man stepped out into the street waving at her.
Susan pulled along side of him and stopped, "Yes can I help you?"
"Are you Susan Carlston?" he ask stepping closer to the car.
"Yes I am," she was still eating her ice. "Do I know you?"

Hutch was disappointed that Susan wouldn't be joining them. The two detectives ate breakfast then went to Dobey's office. The captain was at his desk with a steaming cup of coffee sitting in front of him and a sack full of donuts.
Starsky and Hutch took their usual seats in front of the desk. Dobey opened the sack offering his men a donut, Hutch shook his head but Starsky grabbed one nodding his thanks. Hutch rolled his eyes, Starsky had just eaten a huge breakfast including several candy bars.
"You know Starsk one of these days your stomach is going to fall out," Hutch made a face at his partner as he watched him take a big bite of the sugar coated donut.
"Well how did it go last night?" Dobey ask. "And where is Carlston."
Starsky was too busy eating so Hutch answer, "It was very quiet. Starsky sent Susan home after the stake out."
Dobey gave Starsky a disapproving look, "Starsky I like ALL of my officers to report in, she was the one in the store not you."
"I know Cap, but she was exhausted," Starsky said. "She's been on her feet for the last three nights."
Dobey grunted. "How's she doing?" the captain ask sipping his coffee.
"She works well with others," Starsky laughed. Dobey shot the curly headed detective a dirty look.
"Seriously Cap, she's very good," Hutch glared at his partner.
"So you two haven't driven her crazy yet?" Dobey smiled slightly.
Starsky opened his mouth but Hutch said quickly, "We are getting along just fine."
"Why don't you join your partner and get some rest," Dobey suggested.
The two detectives got up to leave, Starsky said in a mischievous voice, "I don't think her bed is big enough for all of us."
Hutch sighed and shoved Starsky through the office door, her turned looking back at Dobey who was enjoying his second donut, "We really need to do something about him," Hutch said, Dobey nodded in agreement.
​


                                                                                       CHAPTER FOUR

Jack Brighton or at least that was his name this week, stood on the corner hoping she would come home this way. It was the most direct route to her apartment, he had spent the last twenty-four hours finding out everything he could about one Officer Susan Carlston.
It had been very easy, no one suspected this clean cut nice looking guy to be doing anything but looking for an old friend. Jack had walked right into police headquarters telling them he was a friend from high school and was looking for her. Everyone was very helpful and ask no questions.
The rest of his information he got from a bar he had followed the detectives to. A very colorful character named Huggy Bear gave him more information on the police woman. Now all he had to do was wait and if she didn't go out for breakfast or to headquarters she should be coming anytime. Jack had seen her talking to one of her partners, it looked like they were getting ready to leave. Jack had watched them all night as they were watching for him.
Suddenly her bright blue Madza appeared in the distance, he stepped from the curb. As she got closer he began waving, she slowed down and stopped. Susan was sucking on an ice cube from a paper cup.
"I'm Jack Brighton," he said, answering her question of if she knew him. A frown crossed her face, the name didn't ring a bell, why would it. He pulled a gun out of the waist band of his pants and stuck it in her face. "I'm your worst nightmare, now move over.
A flash of terror crawled across her face, she started to reach for her purse, Jack cocked the gun, "I'm a police officer," she said.
"I know that," he said pulling up the door lock and opening the door. "Now be a good girl and move over or I'll blow you pretty head off right here."
She moved over spilling her cup in the floor, Jack slipped in behind the wheel, he grabbed her purse with a gloved hand tossing it into the back seat. As he drove down the street he smiled to himself. He had killed a lot of woman, a few men but never a lady cop, he glanced over at her, she was sitting perfectly still except for her eyes which were darting around looking for a way out. Jack knew he would have to watch this one. Officer Carlston was too calm, all the other girls were hysterical by this time, but after all she was a cop.
When Jack shoved the gun in her face Susan was more than surprised. It never crossed her mind that this was the murderer they were looking for. Susan had tried to get her badge and gun from her purse but he was too fast, he already knew she was a cop.
Susan slid over to the passenger seat hoping she would get her chance to get away or disarm him. They drove around for about an hour, he finally stopped a block from the Dairy Mart, pulling up behind a large black car. Jack forced Susan from her car leaving her keys in the ignition and her purse in the back seat. He shoved her into the waiting car. Susan looked in the back seat of his car, there were several packages of panty hose scattered across the seat. She knew they were sun tan and that she was in very big trouble.


It was a little after seven that evening when Starsky and Hutch showed up at The Pits. Hutch hated to be late anywhere, and Starsky had still been in the shower when his partner arrived to pick him up.
"Come on Starsk," Hutch yelled. "We are going to be late."
"Hold on, hold on," Starsky laughed. "She'll still be there."
"Who?"
"Don't who me, " Starsky said, coming out of the bedroom slipping on a shirt over his head. "Have you talked to her yet?"
"No," the blond detective tossed his partners shoes at him. "And I'm never going to get to if you don't come on."
Starsky started to sit down to put his socks on. Hutch grabbed his arm, "Hey," Starsky protested.
"Put them on in the car," Hutch said, holding the door open. Starsky sighed picked up his shoes, grabbed his gun, jacket and slipped though the door just in front of his partner.
Now they both stood in the bar looking around for Susan. She, like Hutch was never late, Susan wasn't any where in sight. Huggy was behind the bar talking to a man that had had one to many. The tall black man had already taken the car keys from the drunk and was trying to talk the man into calling someone to pick him up.
Hutch walked up behind the drunk, "Trouble Hug?"
"This gentleman doesn't want to leave," Huggy said waving his hand in front of his face as the drunk exhaled.
"Well I can't," slurred the man. "Ya got my keys."
"You let Huggy call somebody for you," Hutch pulled out his badge and showed it to the man. "Or I'll run you in and you can sober up in the drunk tank."
Finally the man relented giving Huggy his brothers number, then he promptly fell off the bar stool. Hutch helped Huggy prop the man up in a chair against the wall until the brother showed up.
"Now what can I do for you?" Huggy ask clearing away the drunk's glass from the bar.
"Where's Susan?" Hutch ask looking around again.
"Not here yet, or at least I haven't seen her," Huggy said. "Something wrong?"
"I don't think so, " Hutch said, but he was getting worried. "She must have over slept.
By eight there was still no Susan and Hutch was pacing the room. He had called her apartment but there was no answer. Huggy and Starsky watched him pace, finally Huggy stepped in front of Hutch, "Hutch you are going to wear a hole in my floor."
"Sorry," Hutch sat down. "Starsky maybe we should go over to her apartment, she could have over slept."
Starsky agreed, they arrived at Susan's apartment ten minutes later. Hutch was going to go to the manger to get a key after they knocked several times. Starsky stopped Hutch, fished around in his pocket producing a key and dangled it in front of his partners face.
Hutch grabbed the key, "She gave you a key?"
Starsky shrugged, they entered the apartment, Hutch checked the bedroom and bathroom, no partner.
"Hutch, I don't think she's been here," Starsky said holding up the morning newspaper and her mail.
Hutch picked up the phone dialing Dobey's home phone number, a woman answered, "Edith, this is Hutch can I speak to Cap?"
"Just a moment, Hutch," Edith said.
Dobey picked up the phone, "Hutchinson?"
"Sorry to bother you at home Cap," Hutch apologized. "But have you heard from Susan?"
"No," Dobey grunted, "What's going on?"
Hutch filled in his captain on what was going on. Dobey wanted them to call him back in an hour if they hadn't found or heard from her.
The two detectives were on their way back to The Pits hoping she had showed up, when the radio went off, "Zebra three, zebra three," squawked the radio.
Starsky pick up the microphone, "This is Zebra three."
"Zebra three, an officer found a car a block from the Dairy Mart, the keys are in it and a purse is laying in the back."
Starsky and Hutch looked at each other, "Damn," Hutch said flooring the gas pedal.
"We're rolling," Starsky said in the microphone as he slapped the flashing red light on to the top of the car.
When they arrived a black and white was sitting next to the abandoned car. Hutch pulled up next to the patrol car. Officer Shaun Daniels walked over to them with a grim expression on his face.
"Another girl?" Hutch ask, not really wanting the answer.
Daniels didn't answer, he just held up a wallet letting it fall open. Hutch grabbed it starring at the police badge and Susan's ID. Starsky leaned over to get a better look, his face went pale. Daniels handed Hutch her purse with her gun still inside. The detectives leaped out of the car, rounding the squad car almost hoping maybe she had dropped it or someone had stolen it or. . .
Susan's blue Madza sat glowing in the setting sun, Hutch let out his breath, he suddenly realized he had been holding it since they had pulled up. Starsky opened the drivers side door and looked in, the cup she had had the last time he had seen her was laying in the floor. Other than that the car was clean.
Starsky and Hutch sat in Dobey's office, they had called their captain, he was meeting them there. The office door flew open, Dobey appeared with his tie hanging around his neck and his suit coat over his arm. He sat down behind his desk looking at his two best detectives with a worried look on his face both Starsky and Hutch looked stricken.
"What have we got?" Dobey ask fixing his tie.
"Nothing," Hutch said softly looking at his partner. Starsky sat looking at the floor, he felt guilty, they should have followed her home or made her come to breakfast with them.
"What do you mean nothing," Dobey stood up, slamming the palms of his hands down on his desk. Everything on the desk shook, a pile of files toppled over sending paper sailing all over the office.
"Sam and Kat from the Crime Lab went over her car three times," Starsky looked sadly at his captain, "no prints except hers and mine, there was nothing in the car except her purse, keys and a spilled glass of ice which was melted."
Suddenly the office door opened and a police woman stepped in, she looked startled to see the three men in the office at that time of night. She started to back out but Dobey motioned for her to come on in.
"What do you need Libby," Dobey ask.
"I was just bringing up some files," Libby explained. "I didn't know anyone was here."
Libby Stanford laid the files on the captains desk. She was dressed in a police uniform her reddish hair was up in a bun. She turned and smiled at the two detectives.
"How ya doing Libby?" Starsky ask.
"Ok, I'm really sorry to hear about Susan," she said grimly, he looked at her in surprise. "It's all over the station, bad news travels fast especially when it's a fellow officer."
"Thanks, Libby," Dobey said touching the files.
Libby nodded, she left closing the door softly. She stood in the outer office watching the other officers in the room. Something was nagging at her, if she could just. . . she snapped her fingers. Libby jerked open the door with out knocking again, all three men jumped and looked at her. Dobey was just about to yell at her. "There was someone here looking for Susan," Libby said, slightly embarrassed at just bursting back in. "I don't know if it means anything or not."
"Who?" Hutch ask.
"When?" Starsky jumped up closed the office door and drug another chair over to the desk.
Libby sat down, "This man came in asking about Susan earlier today, he said he was an old friend from high school."
"What was his name?" Hutch ask leaning toward her.
"Ah. . . . let's see," Libby closed her eyes trying to think. "Jack. . . .Jack Brighton, that's it. He was very polite, dressed very nice in a three piece suit. He was about your height Hutch, dark brown hair, cut neat, green eyes."
Starsky raised his eye brows at her, "Boy you remember him."
"Well I'm a trained police officer," Libby said. "Besides we don't get many guys in here that look like they just walked off the cover of GQ."
Hutch made a face at her, "Gee thanks a lot."
Dobey cleared his throat, "Do any of you know where Carlston went to high school?"
"I know she's not from here," Starsky said trying to think if Susan had said anything. "I think she came from the mid west."
"I'll go down and check her file," Libby said getting up. "I'll call up with any information."
"See if you can get a hold of the school, find out if a Jack Brighton went there." Dobey told her just as she went out the door.
The two detectives were at a loss as what to do. With no leads except a man that had come looking for Susan, there was nothing.


The room was dark and dingy, there was one rickety chair, a table that had seen better days and a full size bed with a sagging mattress. The floor was dusty with a filthy rug next to the bed. There was a cracked mirror hanging over a rust stained sink. A neon sign flashed out side the grimy window bathing the whole room in a sickening red light.
The split door banged open causing some cracked plaster to fall, Jack Brighton stepped in, he looked around making a face, he was accustom to much better. He stepped back into the hall and reappeared dragging Officer Susan Carlston by the arm, his jacket was around her shoulders. It slid to the floor as he roughly shoved her on the bed. He picked up his jacket and tossed it on the chair.
Jack had gotten her through the lobby easily enough, most of the occupants of the hotel were drunks or small time criminals. Brighton had jabbed his gun into her ribs and threw his coat around her, then forced Susan to put her head on his shoulder hiding her face. Brighton told the deck clerk that his girl friend had had one to many.
Susan sat up taking in the awful room. She started to get up but her captor turned glaring at her. He tossed a pair of panty hose on the bed still in the package. She looked at the package then up at Brighton, he gave her an evil grin.
"What are you going to do with me?" Susan ask in what she hoped was a confident voice.
"I haven't decided yet," Brighton said taking a hand full of her hair gently, he let it fall to her back. "I could do you like the others or . . . . " He started to reach for her again.
Susan moved away giving him a wary look, "Or what?"
"Hey," Brighton dropped his hand and moved over to the window looking out. "I'm no rapist, I don't have to force any one."
"I'm sure you don't, you get your kicks murdering girls," Susan spit out.
Brighton wheeled around advancing on Susan his hand drawn back. He slapped her full force across the face. The force of the blow propelled Susan into the wall cracking her head painfully. She brought her hand to her mouth, she could taste blood, a knot was already raising on the back of her head and her lip was badly split. Susan looked at her hand it was covered with blood.
"Don't cops cry?" Brighton sneered at her.
Susan glared at him, her mouth hurt like hell as did her head but she wouldn't give this creep the satisfaction of letting him see her cry. His anger subsided, Jack Brighton gave Susan a smile which she didn't return. He went over to the chipped dresser where a suit case sat open. Brighton dug around in it a few minutes, he pulled out a coil of rope. He walked over to the bed, pulled Susan to her feet and began tying her up.
"What are you doing?" she demand trying to struggle away from him.
"Hold still," he raised his had as if to slap her again, then went back to tying the rope. "I'm going to get us some food. You stay put." Pushing her back on the bed Brighton ran the rope through the bed frame pulling the rope taut, Susan could barely move.
After Jack Brighton left, Susan began pulling on the ropes but they only got tighter. She finally allowed herself the luxury of a few tears, her mouth throbbed painfully. She looked around the neon light flashed off and on, it was the only light in the room. Susan was looking for some clue as to where she was, Brighton had made her lay down in the car seat. They had driven around for hours, it was almost dark when they had finally arrived at the seedy hotel. He had half dragged her up three flights of stairs, so she knew they were on the third floor.
Susan tried to sit up again but the ropes were just to tight. There was no phone in the room, not that it would have done any good. She thought about screaming for help but by the looks of the place no one would car. She didn't want to make Brighton mad again, he was very volatile, she had to stay alive and give her partners time to find her.


Hutch was sitting at his desk, his cup of coffee had gone cold, the phone went unanswered. He had the files of the murdered girls in front of him, there had to be something they missed.
Starsky, Hutch and Dobey had stayed at the station all night, hoping maybe the murderer would call in but there were no calls. Starsky had gone out cruising the streets several times but with no clues as to what to look for, it was a waste of time. He went to talk to Vic at the Dairy Mart again and Donna, Karen's room mate. There had been no witnesses to any of the murders. Starsky gave up going back to the station, on the way to the fifth floor he ran into Libby she looked excited.
"Starsky," Libby called as he entered the building. "I was just on my way up to talk to Hutch."
"Did you find out something?" he ask her as the elevator rose.
Libby nodded, the doors slid open. Starsky followed the female officer to the squad room and held the door open for her. Hutch looked up as they entered.
"What did you find out?" Hutch ask standing up, Dobey came out of his office joining them.
"Susan went to high school in a small town in Indiana," Libby explained to the three men. "They were nice enough to go through year books and records, there was no one by the name of Jack Brighton in the school in any grade.
"Let's run the name through the computer," Starsky suggested.
"I already did, there were three Jack Brighton's," Libby said. "One is out of the country, one lives in New York and is eighty-nine and the other one died last week, he was black."
"Are you sure about the one out of the country?" Dobey ask.
Libby nodded, "She pulled out a photo of the man, "I had photo of the man faxed, he's not the one, sorry."
"We are back to square one," Hutch slammed his fist down on the desk, "Now what?"
"Maybe square two," Starsky said. "Looks like this guy Brighton might be the killer."
The phone rang, Libby leaned over the desk, picking it up, "Police headquarters," she listened a few minutes. "Hutch, Starsky, someone named Huggy Bear?"
Hutch took the phone, "Yeah Huggy."
"You find Susan?" Huggy ask.
"Sorry we didn't get back to you," Hutch sighed. "We think the dance club murderer has her."
"What?" Huggy gasp in surprise. "Are you sure she didn't go out with that boy friend of hers?"
"What boyfriend?" Hutch snapped, he was immediately sorry for his tone. "I'm sorry Huggy."
"It's Ok man," Huggy could tell his friend was very upset. "Some guy came in her night before last looking for Susan, he said he was an old boy friend and had lost her address."
"You bought that?" Hutch ask in amazement, he couldn't believe street wise Huggy would fall for a line like that.
"He looked on the up and up," Huggy said. "Dressed real nice, three piece suit, the works."
"My god," Hutch breathed. "Did he give you a name?"
"Let me think, Huggy said, after a few endless minutes. "Jack something."
"Brighton?" Hutch ask holding his breath. Starsky, Dobey and Libby were watching him.
"Brighton, yeah that's it Brighton," Huggy exclaimed. "How did you know?"
"Huggy get down here now," Hutch said and hung up, "Looks like we have a lead."


Huggy Bear and Libby Standford sat in Dobey's office with a police artist trying to get a composite drawing of Jack Brighton. Hutch paced endlessly in the outer office. Starsky watch his friend but didn't know what to say, he was just as worried. Starsky had never felt so helpless in his whole life. He wanted to be doing something but until they knew what his guy looked like they were just spinning their wheels.
Dobey opened the squad room door, the two detectives looked at their captain, "They got a drawing yet?" Dobey growled motioning toward his closed office door.
"Not yet Cap," Starsky said. About that time the office door opened. Jerry, the police artist held up the sketch he had been working on.
Hutch grabbed the paper staring at it intently, he shook his head, "I've never seen the man before."
Starsky checked out the sketch too, he hadn't seen the man before either. Libby and Huggy appeared in the door behind Jerry. Dobey took the drawing and handed it to Libby.
"Get copies of this made along with Carlston's picture, make sure every squad car has copies," Dobey ordered. "Also get copies to all the newspapers and TV stations."
Hutch's head snapped up, "Cap, I don't think that's a good idea. If you print their pictures we could spook him, he might kill her."
"If she's still alive," Starsky said softly.
Hutch advanced on his partner, grabbing Starsky by the collar of his leather jacket he said, "She's still alive."
Starsky closed his eyes hoping Hutch was right. He opened his eyes giving his friend a sympathetic look. "Then let's get out there and find her."


It was just a little over twenty-four hours since Jack Brighton had kidnapped Officer Carlston. She was still tied to the bed but not as tight. Jack had generously let her have enough slack so she could sleep comfortably.
He had returned last night with sandwiches he had picked up at a deli a few blocks away. Jack was very carefully, he was sure the whole police force was looking for them by now. He was gone an hour, after picking up the food, Jack walked blocks out of his way before he returned to the run down hotel. He wanted to be sure he wasn't being followed.
Jack opened the door to the room his cop still lay where he put her. Susan's make-up was streaked where she had cried earlier but her face was dry now. She had fallen into a troubled sleep thirty minutes after he left. The long hours of undercover work and the days events had taken their toll.
Brighton leaned over her, "Ah, so cops do cry," he said pleased to see the tear stained face.
Susan's eyes popped open, his face was only inches from hers. Her mouth was badly swollen and her head throbbed painfully, she twisted her face from him, "Get away," she managed to say from her bruised lips. Then instantly she regretted her words, Susan waited for the slap. But Brighton only laughed at her as he reached down untying the rope from the bed then untied Susan.
She rubbed her wrists painfully and sat up as Jack tossed a sandwich on the bed. Susan looked at the wax paper wrapped object then back to her captor.
"Go on eat it," he told her as he handed her a can of pop.
Susan was starved and very thirsty, she stared at the pop can but didn't take it. Jack pressed the can of warm pop into her hand, "Come on," he said gently. "I know you have to be hungry and thirsty.
She closed her hand around the can, he then handed her the sandwich that was on the bed next to her, she took that too. He crossed the room and sat down in the wobbly chair at the table, it creaked in protest, Jack began to eat. Susan slowly unwrapped the sandwich and opened the pop taking along drink, it was warm but at least it was wet. She began eating watching Brighton out of the corner of her eye.
In the morning Susan sat up straining to see in the dim light, she knew it had to be very early. The Officer could just make out Brighton sleeping in the chair across the room. He had tied her to the bed again, but not so tight, Susan could reach the knot tied to the bed frame. Slowly she tugged at the knot, three finger nails broke off to the quick and began to bleed, she didn't even notice.
Finally the knot loosened, with one final tug she was free from the bed. Silently she got up going to the door. Susan's hands were still tied together in front of her, turning the door knob was hard. She got the door open a crack, that's when she realized he was standing behind her.
Jack had been awake when Susan began moving around, he sat, eyes half closed watching her through his lashes. He was tired of the game, it was time to move on, he thought maybe he would let her go but that wouldn't be any fun. Adding a cop to his list would be perfect.
Jack put his hand on the door slamming it shut, Susan spun around pressing her back to the wall. "Going some where?" he ask, the glint in his eye was deadly. Jack grabbed her arm flinging her across the room, Susan stuck the dresser with her hip falling to the floor. Jack lunged across the room, pulled Susan up by her arms, tossing her on the bed. She hit the bed bounced off hitting the bed side table with her forehead, blood ran down her face. Jack crawled across the bed towards her pulling out a pair of panty hose from his pocket. The killer reached over the edge of the bed entwining his hands in Susan's long hair and pulled her back on the bed.
Susan was half unconscious from hitting her head, she didn't put up a fight as he hauled her onto the bed. Jack straddled her body with his legs and wrapped the hose around her neck. He began twisting, Susan weakly tried to push her assailant off but to no avail.
Suddenly there was a sharp knock on the door, Jack looked at the door as he continued to twist the hose, "Yeah!" he called out.
"Hey Mister, this is Albee the manger," said a skinny man with thinning hair.
"Yeah?" Jack said again.
"You said if the cops came nosing around to let ya know," Albee said, pressing his ear to the door.
Jack watch as Susan's face turned blue, he gave one finally twist and released the hose. He pushed her limp body off the side of the bed away from the door, she hit the floor with a dull thud.
"You Ok in there," called the nosy manger.
Jack crossed the room, he took one look back to make sure the cops body was out of view. Satisfied he opened the door, "Cops down there now?" Jack ask the skinny man.
"Gone," Albee said nervously looking around. "They were showing a drawing of you."
"What else did the cops say?" Jack ask blocking Albee's view of the room.
Albee was trying to look over Jack's shoulder, "Nothing but they really want you bad. What did you do?"
Ignoring the man's question, "Thank-you," Jack said as he started to close the door. "I'll be down to pay up, there will be something extra for you."
The man beamed at the killer, "Yes sir."
Jack Brighton closed the door, he grabbed his suitcase and took one last look around the room. He left closing the door softly, without hearing the low moan coming from the other side of the bed.


                                                                                           CHAPTER FIVE

Cal Simpson volunteered for the grim task of checking the area dumpsters, since the other victims ended up there Dobey thought they should keep an eye on the trash receptacles. Cal held his breath as he checked each one but he had only found a couple of cats.
Starsky and Hutch hit the streets with the sketch of Jack Brighton. They hoped that he hadn't left the city with Susan. Beginning with every motel, hotel and bar in the area around the Dairy Mart, the two detectives searched, working their way outward.
Huggy went back to The Pits and started making phone calls, calling in every favor he was owed. Dobey even left the office not being able to just sit and wait. Most of the police force was looking for Officer Susan Carlston and they were doing it as quietly and quickly as possible.
Starsky pulled up in front of a real dumpy hotel, The Royal it had never lived up to it's name and had only gotten worse over the years. Hutch got out of the passengers side, Starsky slid across the hood of his car joining his partner. They entered the hotel together, Hutch pulled out the sketch laying it on the counter, the skinny manger looked at the paper.
"You seen this guy Albee?" Starsky ask watching the man's face. "He could be wearing a three piece suit, brown hair, green eyes."
"Don't ya think he's a little classy for this joint?" Albee smirked. "What's he done?"
"It doesn't matter what he did," Hutch snapped grabbing the front of the mangers shirt. "Have you seen him?"
Starsky grabbed his partners arm, Hutch looked at him and released his grip on Albee, "No I haven't seen him," Albee said straightening his shirt. "Now if you two don't mind."
Starsky glared at the man, "If you see him you give us a call," Starsky said poking the skinny man in the chest. "Got that." Albee nodded wide eyed.
The two detectives weren't even out the door before Albee dashed up the stairs. Outside Hutch sat in the car staring at the sketch, he had been over that face a hundred times in his mind but he was sure he had never seen the man before.
"Hutch," Starsky called to his partner, Hutch looked over at him. "You Ok?"
"Yeah, let's get out of here," Hutch said putting the paper on the seat between them.
Just as the Tornio pulled away from the curb a man dressed in a three piece suit carrying a suit case hurried out of the Royal Hotel going in the opposite direction.


Jack Brighton recognized the red striped car as soon as he stepped out of the hotel door, he decided it would look less suspicious just to keep going. A block later he finally checked behind him, Jack didn't see the red car. Sighing he picked up his pace, the deli that he had gone to the night before caught his eye. Jack realized that he was hungry, he entered the store and placed an order. A couple of minutes later two uniformed police men entered the deli. One went up to the counter placing an order, the other sat on a stool next to the door. Jack turned his back to the cops, there was no way out without being seen.
The officer sitting on the stool watched Jack Brighton, he looked familiar, suddenly it dawned on him. Shawn Daniels pulled out a folded sheet of paper, he opened it up looking at the drawing then at the man standing at the end of the counter. Daniels got up tapped his partner, Pete Hunter on the shoulder and handed him the paper jerking his head toward Jack.
Jack turned to see both officers staring at him, he tossed his suitcase at them dashing out the door. The officers ducked at the same time, the suitcase smashed through the plate glass window.
The owner looked up from the sandwich he was making, "Hey," he yelled waving a mayonnaise covered knife. "Who's going to pay for that?"
"Call for back up," Daniels yelled to his partner as he dashed after the fleeing man.
Officer Hunter leaned in the squad car grabbing the radio, "This is Zebra twelve, the suspect in the disappearance of Officer Carlston has been spotted at Franklin's Deli," Hunter almost yelled into the microphone. "Send back up!" He didn't wait for an answer, tossing the microphone in the seat he took off after his partner.
When the broadcast came over the radio Starsky slammed his brakes on so hard the car behind them almost hit the detectives. Starsky made a U-turn as Hutch slapped the red light on the top of the car and hit the siren.
"We were just down there," Hutch yelled over the wail of the siren.
Daniels chased Brighton into a dead end alley. Realizing that he was trapped Jack pulled out his gun.
"Police, drop the gun," yelled Daniels.
Starsky pulled up at the deli, Hutch was out of the car and running before the car stopped rolling. There were five or six squad cars already there, Dobey pulled up behind Starsky.
Jack Brighton aimed his gun at Daniels, Hunter was right behind his partner, both officers had their weapons drawn. Brighton pulled the trigger dropping Daniels, Hunter fired back at Brighton, the bullet caught him in the chest.
Hutch was screaming, "Don't shoot him, don't shoot," as he rounded the corner of the alley but it was too late. Hutch raced up to the fallen murderer, "Where is she?"
Starsky was a few steps behind his partner, Hutch was shaking the man demanding him to tell where Susan was. Starsky put his hand on Hutch's shoulder, "Hutch, he's dead," The blond detective didn't hear his partner or didn't want to hear. Starsky bent down pulling Hutch to his feet, he looked at Starsky sadly, "He's dead Hutch."
"He was our only way of finding Susan," Hutch choked on his words.
Skinny Albee pushed his way through the throng of gawking people and police, "Hey Starsky, Hutch."
The two detectives looked over at him, "Get him out of here," Starsky growled.
"No wait," Albee called, "he was staying at the hotel," Albee jerked away from the cop holding his arm. He ran up and looked down at Brighton. "He just checked out a little while ago."
"We were just there a little while ago Albee you said you had never seen the man before," Starsky glared at him.
"I didn't know he kidnapped a cop," Albee sputtered. "You know I'm not into that kind of stuff."
"What room?" Hutch demanded.
"He paid me extra to tell him if the cops came looking for him," Albee rambled on not even hearing Hutch's question.
This time it was Starsky who grabbed Albee by the shirt, "What room," he shouted.
"318!"
Starsky released Albee, the two detectives started for the car but it was hopelessly blocked. They tore up the street, by the time they got to the hotel both were out of breath. That didn't stop Starsky and Hutch, they took the stairs two at a time, reaching the third floor Hutch took one side of the hall, Starsky the other.
"Here it is," Hutch called, without hesitating he kicked in the door. Starsky joined his partner, they stepped in the room, it looked empty. Hutch checked the bathroom, Starsky rounded the bed to look out the window, that's when he found Susan laying on the floor.
"Hutch!" he called kneeling next to her, he pulled the hose from around her neck. Starsky brushed her hair out of her eyes, he winced when he saw her battered face. Hutch knelt next to his partner, he picked up her hand looking at the ragged bloody nails.
"Stay here," Starsky leaped up. "I'll get the life squad."
Hutch sat down on the floor, he pulled her limp body into his lap cradling her. Reluctantly he felt for a pulse, breathing a sigh of relief he started rocking her, "Hold on Susan, hold on," he whispered in her ear. Her pulse was faint but at least it was there.
Hutch touched her face gently, there was a big gash on her bloody forehead, her mouth was purple as were her neck and both of her arms where Brighton had grabbed her. Susan's white dress was blood splattered and dirty, her hair was tangled, there were even bald places where Brighton pulled out handfuls of hair as he dragged he up on the bed.
"What did he do to you?" Hutch was still rocking her back and forth. Starsky came back into the room, "Where the hell is that ambulance?" Hutch ask.
Starsky bent over looking at her, "They'll be here any minute," he said taking her limp hand. "Is she. . .?"
"She's still with us," Hutch looked at Starsky. "But she doesn't look good, He really did a number on her."
Two paramedics came in carrying boxes of supplies. The detectives got out of the way so they could work on Susan. One of the paramedics strapped on an oxygen mask while the other started an IV. Two more paramedics arrived pulling a stretcher, Dobey was following behind them. Starsky and Hutch went out in the hall to talk to their captain.
"How is she," Dobey ask looking into the room.
"Not good Cap," Hutch said softly, he took a deep breath. The paramedics were bringing her out, Hutch stopped them, he bent over and whispered in Susan's ear, "I'm glad I won the flip too."
"We really need to get her to the hospital," the paramedic said putting his hand on Hutch's shoulder. Hutch nodded and followed them out.
"What did Hutch say to her?" Dobey ask as he follow the two detectives down the hall.
"It's a long story," Starsky told his captain. "Remind me I'll tell you sometime."
When Starsky and Captain Dobey emerged from the hotel, Hutch was standing on the sidewalk watching the life squad pull away.
"Come on buddy, let's get down to the hospital," Starsky put his arm around his partner guiding him to the car. Someone had brought the Tornio down from the deli.


Half of the police force was in the waiting room when Dobey arrived, he ordered all the officers back to work leaving Hutch, Starsky and Cal Simpson to carry on the vigil. Huggy Bear showed up carrying a big bouquet of flowers and joined the officers. It had been four hours since Susan had been brought into emergency, no one had said anything to them. Finally a doctor stepped into the waiting room, he looked around at the waiting officers.
"Detective Hutchinson?" the doctor ask.
Hutch stood up, "I'm Hutchinson."
The doctor looked at him grimly, "Miss Carlston's condition is not good, we almost lost he twice," the doctor shook his head. "She is stable for now but is in a coma."
"Coma," Hutch echoed looking back at Starsky who was standing behind him.
Starsky put his hand on his partners shoulder, "Dr. uh . . ."
"Morgan."
"Dr. Morgan, will she come out of it?" Starsky ask, he could feel Hutch tense up under his hand.
"Of course, but she could have brain damage, there is no way to know until she wakes up," Dr. Morgan said.
"Can I see her?" Hutch said in a whisper.
The doctor nodded, "In about thirty minutes, she'll be moved into a room by then.
The doctor left, Hutch dropped in one of the waiting room chairs. Dobey walked over to Starsky who was standing next to the window looking out, "Take as much time as you two need." Dobey said softly, he looked over at Hutch, "They got something going?"
"Almost," Starsky said sadly. Looks like they may never get a chance."
Dobey shook his head and left, Cal went with him leaving the two detectives alone. Starsky went over and sat down next to his partner, Hutch looked at him miserably.
A nurse appeared in the door way, "Are you waiting to see Miss Carlston?" she smiled at them.
"Officer Carlston," Hutch snapped, getting up. "Yes we are waiting to see Officer Carlston."
"Hutch take it easy," Starsky said in his ear.
"I'm sorry," the woman said giving Hutch a strange look. "You can see Officer Carlston now." The two detectives started to follow her down the hall, she stopped and turned around. "Only one at a time."
"Look, we are her partners," Hutch snapped at her again.
"Hutch," Starsky said.
"It's alright," Dr. Morgan said coming up behind the nurse.
She shrugged and left, the doctor took them to Susan's room. He stood in front of the door, "Some believe that people in coma's can hear what's going on around them."
"Do you?" Hutch ask curiously.
"As a matter of fact I do," Dr. Morgan said as he pushed the door open. "Be positive, talk about things you have done together, anything."
Starsky and Hutch stepped into the room, the door closed behind them silently. Susan lay in the hospital bed, her dark hair made her face look even paler where it wasn't black and blue. She was hooked up to oxygen and monitors for her breathing and heart rate.
Hutch pulled up a chair next to the bed, there was bandage on her forehead where she had hit the bed, he picked up her hand looking at her fingers, he kissed them gently.
"How you doing Susan?" Starsky said trying to sound cheerful and feeling a little foolish. He pulled a chair up on the opposite side of the bed, he picked up her other hand, holding it. The two detectives looked at each other both hoping that she would make it.
Hutch closed his eyes and pressed her hand to his forehead, "I didn't even get to talk to her.
"You guys will have plenty of time to talk when she gets out, won't you Susan," Starsky said, it was hard for him to look at her face. He couldn't even image what she had been through.
The door opened Huggy Bear stuck his head in, he was still carrying the flowers, "I went to make a call and when I got back everyone was gone." the tall black man pushed the door the rest of the way open, "Hey Susan."
"Huggy, she's in a coma," Hutch informed him.
"I know," he laid the flowers down on the bedside table. "She's going to be alright, Susan is one tough lady. As I remember she put you two in your place, this is a piece of cake."
Starsky smiled gratefully at Huggy, he wished that he could be that optimistic and for Hutch's sake he would be. Starsky looked over at his partner who was sitting with his eyes closed again he looked exhausted they both were, it had been almost forty-eight hours since they had had any sleep.


A week later Susan was beginning to look more like herself, the color was returning to her face and some of the bruises were starting to fade. A nurse had come in washed and brushed Susan's hair and applied some make up.
For the first few days and nights Hutch refused to leave her bed side, finally the doctor and Dobey ordered him to go home, he reluctantly left. Starsky returned to work, he couldn't bare just sitting at the hospital, but he visited several times a day.
When Hutch and Starsky walked in and saw Susan with her hair fixed and make up on they thought that she had come out of the coma. Hutch rushed to her side, her eyes were still closed, he touched her arm, "Susan?" There was no answer.
A nurse came in to check on Susan, "Doesn't she look pretty?" the nurse ask the two detectives.
They just stared at the woman dressed in white, "You mean she's still in a coma?" Hutch ask.
"Yes, we fix up the coma patients hoping in some way it will make them feel better," the nurse realized what they had thought. "I'm sorry if you thought she had come out of it."
Hutch looked defeated, Starsky tried to cheer him up, talking to both of his partners and telling Susan funny stories about some of the things that he and Hutch had done. Dobey pushed open the door and came in, "Carlston is looking much better," he said gruffly. "But you two look like hell."
"How are we doing today?" said a voice from the door, Huggy poked his head in. "Looks like the gangs all here."
Starsky was telling Dobey about the night they were at the dance club and how Hutch had rescued Susan from the creep she was dancing with. The four men were standing at the foot of the bed, it was the first time anyone had seen Hutch smile in days.
"I don't want you two flipping for me any more," said a soft voice.
"You don't have to worry about that," Hutch laughed, then stopped suddenly.
All four men turned at the same time, Susan had been watching them as they talked and joked around. She smiled weakly and whispered, "Where am I?"
Huggy ran for a doctor, Hutch rushed to her side, "You're in the hospital," he said brushing the hair from her fore head. "Don't you remember what happened?"
Susan thought for a few minutes she began to frown as she remembered what had happened to her, "Where is he?"
Captain Dobey looked at Starsky who barely shook his head no, if Hutch had been paying attention he would have caught the motion, "Hey you just concentrate on getting better, don't worry about him." Starsky said in what he hoped was a cheerful voice.
Hutch looked up frowning at his partner and captain, he wondered why Starsky just didn't tell her Brighton was dead and put her mind at ease, "He's dead, don't worry."
"He murdered those other girls." Susan said slowly.
"We know," Dobey said smiling at her.
"I think there are more girls" Susan said looking at Dobey. "The way he talked there are a lot maybe all over the country."
"I'll check it out," Dobey assured, "you don't worry about that right now."
Dr. Morgan came running in followed by a couple of nurses, "Could everyone leave I would like to examine Miss. . .Officer Carlston." Apparently the nurse had told him about her run in with Hutch.
Captain Dobey went out followed by Starsky, Huggy was waiting for them in the hall. Hutch started to leave, Susan tightened her grip on his hand, he smiled patting her hand, "I'll be right outside."
"No," she had that determined look. "I want you to stay with me."
"It's alright," the doctor smiled at them. "Do you know who this guy is?" He pointed toward Hutch.
"Ken Hutchinson," she smiled at Hutch squeezing his hand. "My partner and Dave Starsky, he's my other partner."
The Doctor nodded his approval, "Do you know your name?"
"Well of course," Susan gave the doctor a funny look.
"Officer Carlston, I'm asking you these questions because you have been a coma for the past week," the doctor explained.
"Really?" she looked at Hutch who nodded in agreement.
"You don't seem to have any brain damage but we'll need to do some tests," Dr. Morgan explained. "Do you remember what happened to you?"
"Well basically, things are kind of fuzzy," Susan said clinging to Hutch's hand.
"That's normal," the doctor said. "Your memory of the kidnapping may come back totally or just parts.
"I think I don't really want to remember," Susan looked at the doctor. "I must have been a mess."
"You are going to be just fine," Dr. Morgan said patting her hand. "I'll leave you two alone."
As the doctor went out Susan said to Hutch, "So you're glad you won the flip, uh?"
He looked at her stunned, "I told you that when the paramedics were taking you out of the hotel."
She smiled up at him and shrugged, "I heard you some how, I kept dreaming about you."

Starsky sat in a chair out in the hall way, Dobey leaned against the wall as they waited for the doctor to finish with Susan. "I should have told Hutch," Starsky said.
"Why didn't you," Dobey said gruffly. "It's not like you to keep things from your partner."
"I thought he had enough to worry about," Starsky said getting up, he stood close to his captain. "Besides in the shape he was in I was afraid that he might have gone after Brighton."
"They have to be told," Dobey rubbed his hands through his hair. "Susan is the only living witness, without her testimony he could possibly walk."
"Let's just give them a couple of days, they deserve it," Starsky said as the doctor came out of the room. "Brighton isn't going anywhere."
"Alright, a couple of days." Dobey agreed, then to the doctor. "How is my officer?"
The doctor smiled at the captain, "she seems to be just fine, a little confused on what happened but that's natural her memory should return with time. Looks like she has a lot of people who care about her."
Starsky smiled back at the doctor, "She's very special to my partner and I."
"You three can go back in now."
Huggy had been standing a little ways down the hall while Starsky and Dobey were having their discussion. He had found that was the best way to find out things was to keep you mouth shut and your ears open. He was surprised to hear that Brighton was still alive, it was being kept very quiet.
Hutch had just leaned over and kiss Susan as Starsky, Dobey and Huggy reentered the room, Starsky grinned, "Well it's about time."
Susan blushed, Hutch just shook his head, "There are things that I can manage by myself Starsk."
Starsky went over and hugged both of his partners, "Like what? You know if the two of you had let me get involved before. . . "
"Starsk!" they exclaimed together.
"You guys are just no fun," Starsky pouted.
​

                                                                                         CHAPTER SIX
​

Jack Brighton lay in a third floor hospital bed four floors below Officer Carlston, an armed police guard sat out side the room checking everyone who went in or out. And as Huggy had thought it was being kept very quiet.
The bullet had hit Brighton on the left side just missing his heart. He had been unconscious when Hutch had reached him in the alley. Brighton was out about twelve hours, after he woke up it was only a matter of minutes before a plump black man and a curly headed man appeared in his room. Jack instantly recognized Starsky, both men wore grim expressions.
"Jack Brighton?" Dobey ask gruffly, the man in the hospital bed just stared back at the police captain, "I'm Captain Dobey, this is Detective Starsky."
Brighton looked from one man to the other but didn't speak. Starsky moved closer to the bed, "We need to ask you some questions, have you been read your rights?"
Brighton turned his head away from them and looked at the wall, "Have it your way," Dobey said as he started out of the room.
Starsky was about to say something but instead followed his captain out. He stopped next to uniformed guard out side the room, "How you doing Pete?"
"Alright," Pete Hunter said standing up and stretching. "How's Officer Carlston?"
"No change," Starsky frowned. "Daniels doing Ok?"
"He'll be going home in a few days," Hunter said sitting back down.
"You keep a close eye on that joker in there," Starsky said, then ran to catch up with his captain who was holding the elevator for him.

The day Officer Carlston regained consciousness Sally Anderson was in Brighton's room taking the mans vitals. She had just removed the blood pressure cuff when Joanna Reynolds, another nurse popped her head in the door.
"Hey Sally," Joanna called in a low voice. Sally looked down at her patient, he appeared to be sleeping, she hung the blood pressure cuff back in it's place on the wall.
"Yeah?" Sally met her fellow nurse at the door.
"Did you hear?" Joanna said in an excited tone. "That police woman is out of the coma."
"Really?" Sally exclaimed. "I've taken care of her a few times. I bet that detective is happy, he has hardly left her bed side."
"Must be nice to have someone that cares that much," Joanna said wistfully. "You done in here?"
Taking a look backward, Sally said, "Yeah I just finished with him."
As soon as the two nurses left Jack Brighton sat up in bed, he had been very surprised to hear the cop was still alive. Now he would have to finish the job he started. He had never left any witnesses and didn't plan on starting now. First he would have to get rid of the cop on the door.

Two days after Susan had regained consciousness, Captain Dobey sat next to her bed with a stack of computer print out sheets. Hutch sat on the other side of the bed, he looked much better, he had finally been able to sleep knowing that she was out of danger. Starsky was sitting in the window eating a chocolate candy bar and drinking a pop.
Hutch made a face at him, "Starsk, that stuff is going to put you in the hospital."
"I'm already in the hospital," Starsky teased. "Or is it a jungle?" Susan's room was over flowing with plants and flowers. The three officers laughed as they looked around the room.
Dobey cleared his throat loudly, "Can we get back to this," he said holding up the print out. "There are unsolved murders from coast to coast with the same M.O. as Brighton's or who ever he is. He has no recorder, his prints don't match anyone in the computer and we know the name doesn't match.
There was a knock on the door, Starsky hopped out of the window, "Hope it's not more flowers," he opened the door, it was Shawn Daniels, his arm still in a sling, he was dress in street clothes and looked pale and shaken. "Shawn how are you doing?"
"Ok," Daniels said grimly looking at the floor.
"Something wrong?" Starsky ask.
"Captain Dobey can I speak to you out side?" Daniels ask, not moving from the doorway.
"Let's just have it." Dobey grunted, he was not a man for playing games.
Daniels took a deep breath as he looked around the room his gazed stayed on Susan as he said, "Brighton just escaped, he killed Pete."
Susan's face went totally white, Hutch jumped to his feet, "What!" he yelled. "Brighton is alive?"
Dobey gave one of those I told you so looks to Starsky as he got up, "You can handle this," the captain said as he followed Daniels out of the room.
"You knew about Brighton!" Hutch exploded after Dobey left.
"Hutch take it easy," Starsky said, trying to calm his partner. "You had enough on your mind."
"You had no right keeping that kind of information from me." Hutch raged, he glanced at Susan who was sitting in bed staring out into space. Softly Hutch said to Susan, "You Ok?"
Slowly she turned her head and looked up at Hutch, "I have to get out of here," she whispered as she started to get out of bed.
"You are in no condition to go anywhere," Hutch said, gently pushing her back in the bed.
Starsky stood watching his two partners wishing he had told Hutch. Jack Brighton was a very dangerous man, it looked more and more like he was some kind of serial killer. If Brighton was responsible for the unsolved murders on the print out, he had murdered over fifty girls. There would be five or six girls in one city then the killings stopped then would pick up any where from weeks to months later in another city. At the station there was a map with colored push pins in it that lead right to L.A.
Hutch looked over at Starsky who was deep in thought, "Just how bad is it," Hutch said with an edge to his voice.
Starsky sighed, "Looks like he's killed a lot of girls and this is the first time anyone has caught him or that he's left anyone alive."
"So what you're saying is that Susan is a target with a big red bulls eye on her forehead," Hutch snapped, he picked up the phone next to the bed. Hutch dialed police headquarters, Libby Standford answered the phone, "Libby I need a police woman down at the hospital ASAP to guard Officer Carlston."
"Give me thirty minutes I'll get someone down there, what's going on?" Officer Standford ask.
"Brighton has escaped," Hutch said and hung up.
"I don't want anyone protecting me, I want out of here," Susan said trying to get up, "I'm not going to lay here and wait for that maniac to finish the job, I want my gun."
Ignoring her, Hutch said to both of his partners, "I'll stay here until the police woman arrives."
"You are not leaving me here, I want my gun," Susan was standing next to the bed, she started to cross the room to the closet when her legs gave out on her. Hutch grabbed her just before she hit the floor.
"You get back in that bed," Hutch ordered, he picked her up and gently laid Susan in bed.
Susan sighed as she pulled the covers over her, "You tell Dobey I want my gun."
"Anyone ever tell you have a one track mind?" Starsky teased her.
"You're not the one he's after," Susan snapped, seeing Starsky's wounded look she smiled at him. "I'm sorry Starsk, I know you were just trying to make me feel better.
Both detectives decided to wait with their partner until back up arrived. Starsky nearly scared the life out of an orderly who was bringing Susan her lunch tray. The unsuspecting man backed his way into the hospital room carrying a tray. Starsky grabbed the orderly by the back of his shirt, spun him around causing the man to let go of the tray which landed on the foot of the bed covering Susan and Hutch with food. Susan recognized the orderly and told Starsky to released him, by that time the detective had the orderly on the floor with his hands behind his back. Starsky let the man up with an apology, the man tore out of the room. Hutch and Susan were laughing so hard they were almost in tears.
Officer Libby Standford was the police officer that showed up to protect Susan, who was still demanding her gun. Hutch promised the first chance he got he would go to the station and get it. The detectives left strict instructions that no one was permitted in the room with out being checked first. They also posted an officer outside the door.
Jack Brighton had no trouble killing the officer who was guarding his room. When his nurse had been in earlier Jack had turned on the charm and ask her for a robe. As soon as she left he stripped the belt from the robe and tossed the robe in a heap on the floor. He picked up the metal water pitcher from his bedside table, Jack took it along with the belt into the bathroom. He poured out the remaining water from the pitcher then climbed into the shower stall. Jack Brighton heaved the pitcher as hard as he could against the bathroom door, it made a horrific noise.
Pete Hunter was the officer on guard duty out side Brighton's room, he was half asleep when the crash came from inside the room. Hunter jumped to his feet startled, he looked up and down the corridor for a nurse, a doctor, anybody. Not seeing anyone, he slowly opened the door and peered in, the room was dark even though it was day light. The curtains were drawn and there were no lights on. Hunter noticed a crack of light under the bathroom door, he stepped farther into the room, still holding the door open.
"Brighton?" he called nervously. "You Ok?"
There was no answer, the officer took one last look into the empty hall, then sighing went into the room. The door slid closed behind him leaving Hunter in the gray darkness. Slowly he walked to the bathroom, he rapped on the door, "You alright in there?"
Still no answer, Hunter eased the bathroom door open, it struck the empty pitcher causing it to clank against the floor. He jumped then looked down at the pitcher rocking from side to side, Hunter smiled to himself and bent down to pick it up.
Jack Brighton elbowed the thin plastic shower curtain aside, with both hands wrapped with the belt he flipped it over the head and around the neck of the unsuspecting officer. Jack began to twist the belt, Hunter struggled but Brighton had caught him off guard and in an awkward position. With in a matter of minutes it was over, Brighton leaned over feeling for a pulse on the dead cop, he wanted to make sure this time. Satisfied that the officer was dead, Brighton pulled the body into the shower and shut the curtain.
The murderer picked up the belt, he went out into the room, retrieving the robe he threaded the belt through the loops. Jack then slipped the robe on, he went to the door, opening it a crack he looked into the hall it was still empty. He slipped out and disappeared around the corner.


Dobey arrived in Jack Brighton's room thirty minutes after Peter Hunter had been discovered. A passing nurse had noticed the officer was not at his post and had gone into the room.
The body had been left where it was until Dobey got there. Kat and Sam also arrived at the same time as Dobey, they followed him into the bathroom. Sam stepped forward carefully pulling the shower curtain back with a gloved hand. Dobey looked at the dead officer and shook his head.
Officer Glen Thomas came up behind Dobey. Thomas was a tall muscular man with dark hair and even darker eyes, "We have the building sealed off, he can't get out," Thomas said in a deep voice.
"Unless he's already gone," Dobey growled looking at the officer. "How long has Hunter been dead?"
"Not more than an hour," a little man with round glasses said, he had on a white lab coat.
"Who are you?" Dobey ask, not recognizing the man.
"Mort Cassidy," replied the man. "From the morgue down stairs."
Sam looked up from the body and nodded in agreement, "About that long, no longer."
"Brighton has had plenty of time to leave the building," Dobey said.
"He could be hiding in the hospital," said a voice from the hospital room doorway.
Dobey turned to see who spoke, Starsky stood there, Hutch right behind him. "Hutch and I think he's going after Susan."
"Then why the hell aren't you with her," Dobey exploded.
"We called a police woman to guard her," Hutch spoke up. "And there is a guard in the hall."
"One of you get your ass back up there," Dobey ordered. "Brighton is no one to fool with. I want Carlston moved out of this hospital NOW!"


Jack Brighton was in the supply room across from Officer Carlston's room. He had found a scrub suit which he put on along with a lab coat. Brighton had watched Libby Standford arrive and Starsky and Hutch leave. He grabbed a medicine cart, opened the door and looked out, there was a cop just sitting down in front of Carlston's door. Brighton quickly ducked back into the room, he stood there thinking for a minute, then putting on a surgical mask he went out into the hall.
Brighton walked by the officer, he nodded at the police man, noting his name as he went. Jack quickly went to the nurses station and paged the officer. Barry Compton looked around unsure of what to do when his name was called. After the second page he got up and went to the nurses station. Jack told the officer he was needed down stairs, that Brighton had left the building and Detective Starsky was organizing a man hunt.
"But Detective Starsky told me to stay here," Officer Compton said doubtfully.
The fake doctor shrugged his shoulders, "I'm just passing along a message."
Compton looked back at the door he was suppose to be guarding, "Ok, but I need to let Officer Standford know I'm leaving my post."
"Don't worry about that," the doctor told him. "I'll tell her, you go on, this Brighton man sounds dangerous."
After the cop hurried off Brighton went back to the closet got the cart and pushed it across the hall, backing into Susan's room. Libby had been admiring Susan's plants when he pushed open the door pulling the cart.
Susan sighed, "More pills, I can't wait to get out of here." She watched the man, something about him was strange, something just didn't feel right.
Brighton was ready to pounce on the uniformed officer but Carlston didn't sound the alarm. He pulled down the mask letting it drop around his neck, still no reaction from her. He went to her bedside leaving the cart by the door, "Here let me get you some more water," Brighton said picking up the pitcher.
Susan continued talking to Libby but watched who she thought was a male nurse, something was nagging at her. Something she was trying to remember, the doctor had said her memory concerning the kidnapping might start coming back. When Susan thought about Jack she recalled most of it but he was just a shadow. She hadn't told anyone, not even Hutch that she couldn't remember what Brighton looked like.
The man returned carrying the pitcher, he poured her a glass of water, sitting the pitcher back in it's place on the table, he handed her the glass, "Here," he said.
Susan looked at the man then to the glass he was thrusting into her hand them back to his face, his eyes widen, this man had handed her a can of pop this man was . . . . "Libby!" Susan called out in alarm but realizing that she recognized him. Jack shoved Libby Stanford, who was standing next to him to the floor. She hit her head on the foot of the bed knocking her unconscious. Libby had just started to pull her gun, but when Brighton push her, the weapon hit the floor and skidded under the bed.
Susan rolled off the bed away from Jack and landed on the floor, the move surprised Brighton, he made a grab for her but came up with a handful of covers. Susan slipped under the bed, she saw Officers Standford's gun laying toward the foot of the bed. She almost had her hand on the gun when she felt Brighton's hands on her ankles.


Starsky and Hutch left the scene at Brighton's room on a dead run to the elevators, just as they were getting on the elevator next to them opened and Officer Compton came out. Starsky saw him just as the doors started to slide shut, he stuck both hands in the door shoving it open, Hutch looked at him quizzically.
Starsky stepped out of the elevator and yelled, "Compton!"
The officer turned around, "oh there you are Detective Starsky."
"You are suppose to be guarding Officer Carlston's room," Starsky growled, advancing on the stunned officer. Hutch stood holding open the elevator doors.
"I was told you wanted to see me down here." Compton said suddenly getting a bad feeling.
"Who told you that," Starsky snapped.
"A doctor up stairs."
Starsky's heart skipped a beat, he jumped in the elevator, the doors slid closed, Hutch jabbed the seven. They stood looking at each other as the car rose unbelievably slow or it seem that way to them. Finally the seven flashed on and the door slid open, just as a gun shot split the silence. Both detectives tore to Susan's room hitting the door at the same time but they screeched to a sudden halt. Jack Brighton was laying in the middle of the floor, there was a dark red stain spreading in the center of his white lab coat.
Susan was sitting in the corner behind the door with Officer Standford's service revolver gripped so tightly in both hands that her knuckles were turning white. Starsky went over to check on Standford who was just regaining consciousness. Hutch knelt next to Susan, he tried to take the gun from her but she wouldn't let go, she just stared at Brighton's body not even aware Hutch was next to her.
"Susan," Hutch said gently. "Give me the gun."
Slowly she looked at Hutch who had his hand on the gun, she released her grip allowing him to take the gun. Suddenly Susan began shaking, Hutch stuck the gun in his belt and pulled her into his arms, she started sobbing.
"She Ok?" Starsky glanced at his partners with a worried look. He was on the phone calling for Dobey.
Hutch nodded, "She's fine, aren't you." She didn't say anything just hugged him tighter.


When Brighton had grabbed her ankles Susan made a final stretch just reaching the gun before he pulled her out from under the bed. As she came out from under the bed Susan rolled over onto her back causing Brighton to lose his grip on her ankles. She planted both her feet in the center of his chest and shoved with all her strength. Brighton crashed into the wall, Susan scrambled around the end of the bed on her hands and knees. Brighton regained his footing and was right behind her, he hadn't noticed that she had a gun, as he backed her into a corner. Susan pulled the gun from behind her back and pointed at her attacker. Brighton took a step back with a surprised look on his face, once again he had under estimated the cop. He lunged for the gun, Susan pulled the trigger, the bullet hit him dead center in the chest. A look of total shock crossed his face before he fell flat on his back in the middle of the floor.


Starsky hung up the phone, "Everybody is on the way," He went over and looked down at Brighton's body. "He won't be hurting anyone again."
Libby was sitting on the edge of the hospital bed still looking dazed, "Everything happened so fast...." she said softly.
"It's alright," Starsky said sitting down next to her.
"Susan, look at me," Hutch ordered, they were still sitting on the floor, he was holding her tightly.
Slowly she pushed herself away from his shoulder and looked up into Hutch's worried face, "See I told you I needed my gun."
Hutch's face broke out into a huge grin, he hugged her, "I guess you did."


Later that day, Starsky, Hutch, Officer Standford and Dobey stood in Susan's room talking over the days events.
"We will probably never know if Brighton killed those other girls across the country," Dobey informed them.
"At least nobody has to worry about him again," Libby commented.
"You're sure he's dead this time." Susan ask.
"Very dead," Starsky said, "Don't worry."
"Why didn't you tell us you didn't remember what he looked like," Hutch ask Susan.
Shrugging she said, "nobody ask and I didn't really want to remember."
"When are they going to let you out of here?" Hutch ask.
After Brighton's body had been removed, Dr. Morgan had checked out Officer Standford who was fine except for a bump on the head. Susan was also fine, he was surprised she was able to do as much as she did.
"How about in a couple more days" said a voice from the doorway. Dr. Morgan had just entered the room, "anyone who did what Officer Carlston did sure doesn't need me."
Everybody turned and looked at the doctor, "Really?" Susan smiled.
"Really," Dr. Morgan returned her smile.



                                                                                     CHAPTER SEVEN
​

A month and a half later Susan was back on vice, fully recovered with her old partner Cal Simpson. Hutch had spent as much time with her as his work scheduled would allow. Cal was a little surprised when Susan returned to vice, he was sure Dobey would keep her in his department but he was glad to have her back with him.
Once Susan went back to work she hardly saw Hutch or Starsky, they always seem to be working opposite shifts. Occasionally they would have the same days off, Susan was beginning to wonder if things would work out for her and Hutch after all.
Hutch was sitting at his desk catching up on some paper work when Dobey entered the squad room. "Where's Starsky," the captain ask the blond detective.
"Getting food, where else," Hutch said looking up.
"As soon as he gets back I want to see you two in my office," Dobey growled, slamming his office door.
Hutch rolled his eyes wondering what they had done now. Starsky came in about that time carrying a tray of food, he sat it down on his desk and started to sit down.
"Don't sit, Dobey wants us in his office now." Hutch told his partner.
"But. . . .but," Starsky sputtered looking mournfully at his lunch.
"He said now," Hutch got up and went around the desk. "Come on."
Hutch knocked and then opened Dobey's office door. The captain was sitting at his desk waiting for the two detectives. Starsky followed Hutch in carrying his sandwich with him. They both sat down in front of Dobey's desk.
Dobey frowned at Starsky, "don't be dropping that all over my office."
"A guys got to eat Cap," Starsky said with his mouth full.
"What's going on," Hutch ask not really wanting to hear.
"I've just come from the commissioner's office, we were discussing Officer Carlston."
Dobey said.
Hutch who had been slumped in his chair sat up, Starsky stopped in mid bite. Dobey forced himself not to smile, he was really enjoying dragging this out.
"What about her?" Hutch ask, Dobey had his full attention now.
"She's a fine officer and did one hell of a job under cover Dobey said slowly. "I want her in this department. Although she is young Eldridge agreed that she should be promoted to detective."
Starsky completely stopped eating and looked at Dobey then his partner, Hutch grinned at Starsky, "You mean she would be working with us?" Starsky ask.
"That's what I really wanted to talk over with you two," Dobey said looking at both of them seriously. "Hutchinson I know that you and Carlston have been seeing each other. But I want to assign her to you, I think the three of you work well together, can you and Carlston handle working together and keep it professional while on duty?"
"Yes Sir!" Hutch said.
"Well let's see what Officer Carlston has to say," Dobey said finally allowing himself to smile, he picked up the phone.
Susan was getting coffee when the call came from Captain Dobey that he wanted to see her. Cal took the call telling the Captain they would be there shortly. Cal saw her coming with the coffee, he took the steaming cup from her. Once she was settled he said, "Dobey just called for you."
Susan pulled her hat off and laid it in the seat, it felt kind of funny being back in uniform, "What did he want?"
"To see you," Cal replied casually, when Dobey found out that Susan wasn't in the car, the captain let Cal in on what was going on.
"Why?" Susan ask surprised. "Does he have another assignment for me?"
Cal shrugged, "Let's get going I told him I would have you over there soon."
When Cal dropped Susan off at police headquarters, he parked, waited a few minutes then followed her up. Susan walked into the squad room everyone greeted her, she hadn't been there since she had gotten out of the hospital. She stopped outside Dobey's office door, all of this had a de` ja`vu feel to it. Susan smiled to herself as she thought of her first visit to the office. How Starsky and Hutch made such a fuss over her, so much had happened in just a few months. Susan really missed being with them everyday, they were her best friends. Maybe Dobey did want her for another assignment.
Sighing she knocked softly on the door. Dobey yelled for her to come in, Susan opened the door. Dobey sat behind his desk as usual, Starsky was leaning on the water cooler with a paper cup in his hand. Hutch was sitting on the edge of Dobey's desk, he was trying hard not to grin at her.
"It's about time," Dobey said gruffly. "Have a seat Carlston."
"I got here as fast as I could," Susan was a little taken aback by Dobey's attitude.
"Well," he continued as gruffly as he could while trying not to smile. Starsky was pretending to be drinking out of the cup trying not to laugh, Hutch got up and went to the window so his back was to her. "I expect my detectives to be on time, just ask Starsky and Hutchinson."
"Now listen," Susan was beginning to get steamed, she didn't even work for him now, "I was on duty across town, my partner . . . ." she stopped and stared at Dobey, then she looked at Hutch who still had his back to her, then to Starsky who was about to drain the water cooler. "What did you say?"
"I said I expect my detectives to be on time," Dobey finally broke out into a huge smile.
"But I'm not a detective," Susan sputtered.
"You are now," Dobey stood up extending his had. "Congratulations Detective Carlston."
Susan just stood there with her mouth handing open as she shook her new captains hand. Hutch came around the desk and grabbed her giving her a big hug, Dobey cleared his throat, Hutch released her holding out his hand, "Welcome Detective Carlston."
Susan shook his hand giving him a strange look. Starsky tossed the cup in the trash can and came over to her, "Well I'm not dating you," he said as he hugged her tightly and kissed her.
"What?" she ask confused.
"I promised Cap that if he put you on with us that you and I could be professional while on duty," Hutch explained to her.
"You can be can't you," Dobey said looking directly at Susan.
She nodded, "Starting in one minute," She through her arms around Hutch and kiss him, then she went around Dobey's desk and gave him a kiss on his plump cheek.
He touched his cheek and looked up at her grinning, "Now get to work."
The three detectives went out into the outer offices, the room was full of smiling faces, Cal Simpson was right in front beaming at her. Dobey stood in the office door behind them, the squad room door opened, Commissioner Eldridge stepped in. Hutch put his hand on Susan's shoulder as Eldridge stopped in front of her. The commissioner held out a brown leather wallet to Susan. She took it flipping it open, inside it was her new
ID and badge.
"Thank-you sir," Susan said happily to Eldridge shaking his hand.
The older man smiled at her, "Good luck Detective Carlston, you deserve it."
When the commissioner left the squad room erupted, a cake appeared from no where, paper cups and plates materialized from file cabinets and draws. Starsky and Hutch looked just as surprised as Susan.
"What, did everyone know but Hutch and I?" Starsky ask as someone handed him a plate with cake on it.
"There might have been a cleaning lady that didn't know," Libby laughed.
Cal was talking to Susan, Dobey was on his second piece of cake and Starsky and Hutch were still amazed that the whole thing had been kept so quiet. After about thirty minutes Dobey ordered everyone back to work. He told the three detectives to get out but to be in bright and early the next morning.
They arrived at The Pits just as it was starting to fill up for dinner, Huggy had a booth waiting for them with fresh flowers on the table and a bottle of champagne cooling in a bucket. Huggy greeted them at the door when they entered and lead them to the booth. Susan threw her arms around Huggy's neck giving him a big hug when she saw the table.
"Congratulations Detective," Huggy grinned at her, "Steaks with all the fixings will be out in a minute on the house."
"Thanks," Susan said sitting down.
"Anything for my favorite cop," Huggy said as he left to get the food.
Starsky and Hutch just stood there staring at each other, "Does everybody know?" Hutch ask.
"Favorite cop?" Starsky frowned. "Hey what about Hutch and me?" he called after Huggy.
"You have been replaced," Susan teased sitting down.
Hutch slid in next to her and Starsky sat across from them. Huggy reappeared carrying a tray loaded with food, after serving them the tall black man slid in next to Starsky, "So we have been replaced," Starsky pouted.
Huggy laughed and pulled a candy bar out of his pocket handing it to Starsky, "No one could replace you two, Susan is just a nice addition, much prettier."
Starsky peeled off the candy wrapper and began eating it, Hutch groaned, "Starsky you just had three pieces of cake back at the station."
"I like my dessert first," Starsky said with his mouth full. "Besides it's better than that stuff you drink for breakfast.
"And just what is wrong with what I drink?" Hutch ask. "At least it's good for you."
"You're saying this isn't?" Starsky said waving the candy bar in his partners face.
"Please," Hutch rolled his eyes, shoving Starsky's hand away.
Starsky finished the candy, balled up the wrapper and tossed it toward Hutch. He dodged the paper, which hit the seat and bounced to the floor.
Susan smiled at her two new partners shaking her head as they kidded back and fourth. Huggy also watched them, "You think you can stand these two?" Huggy ask.
Susan linked her arm through Hutch's and smiled at Huggy, "Oh I think so."




                                                                             ​​​THE END