Chapter One
Detectives David and Teddy Starsky had finally found the perfect house. They had been living in Starsky’s one bedroom apartment and even after their daughter Lily was born they had been reluctant to move. They loved living just down the street from Ken and Megan Hutchinson.
Lily was nearly seven months old and the apartment was feeling more crowded by the moment. Starsky had given up the dream of staying close to his partner and best friend when the perfect three bedroom house went on the market. It was only two blocks away, they immediately put a bid in and got the house.
Starsky, dressed in a T-shirt and cutoff jeans announced he was going for a run. Teddy gave him a perplexed look, “We still have boxes to unpack.” Her long auburn hair was pulled up in a ponytail, she was barefooted and wearing one of his shirts. Lily was still asleep in her brand new room, but the baby would be awake soon.
“When I get back we will tackle the boxes babe.”
“Lily will be awake by then,” Teddy knew nothing would get done once their daughter was up.
“Call and see if Lucy will come and keep an eye on Lily.” Lucy was Megan’s 11 year old daughter. There was also Sam, 8. Hutch was in the process of adopting the kids.
Starsky blew a kiss in the air as he started out the door, “Really, that’s all I get?”
He grinned as he backtracked, he pulled Teddy against him, and bent her backward as kissed her then said in his best Bogie impression, “How’s that sweetheart?”
Teddy laughed, “Go for your run!”
Starsky jogged along the walk, enjoying the cool air of the morning. It was early so the park was mostly full of joggers. He nodded to a few familiar faces as they passed each other. Usually Hutch joined him but he was still recovering from being shot by Gunther.
There was a woman just ahead of him, doing a slow jog, she had long blond hair and very short shorts. The kind of woman in his single days he would have tried to pick up. Starsky was in a hurry to get back to Teddy, he weaved around the young woman.
“David!”
Starsky stopped in his tracks but didn’t turn around, he just stood there. He knew the voice, a voice he would never forget. The woman that had shattered his heart by picking her father over him. They had moved to Mexico and there had been no communication from Rosey Malone since.
“David,” Rosey called again.
Starsky slowly turned, she stood there smiling at him, looking much like she did the day she left.
“Rosey.” He was rooted to the sidewalk.
She took a couple of steps toward Starsky, “How are you?”
When he didn’t answer, “You look the same.”
“Don’t.”
“Don’t what?” Her face fell, Rosey didn’t expect him to welcome her with open arms but she did think he would at least talk to her. Starsky turned to leave; he really had nothing to say to her. “David, please.”
He turned back and looked at Rosey, she was so beautiful, she still had that innocent look about her. “What do you want, Rosey?”
“I need your help.”
“I haven’t seen you in years, no phone call, not even a postcard and now you need my help?” Starsky was not usually cruel. But it had taken a while to get over Rosey. There had only been three women that he would have settled down with. One had tragically died, one was standing in front of him and the third he had married.
“David, you know I couldn’t contact you. Daddy and I had to disappear.” She looked at him with pleading eyes.
“You could have stayed.”
“Then daddy would have refused to go.”
“Everyone has choices.”
Rosey sighed. “Daddy is missing.”
Nonplussed Starsky just looked at her for a moment then said, “What do you want me to do about it? Talk to the Mexican authorities.”
“He’s not in Mexico, he’s here.”
“Rosey, I'm still a cop, I’m not getting involved with a mob boss.” Starsky told her not wanting to hear the details.
“Ex-mob boss.” She had a pained look. Although she had known what her father did he had always kept her out of it.
“I’m still not getting involved.” As Starsky turned to go, he said “Goodbye Rosey Malone.” The irony of him being the one walking away from her hadn’t escaped him.
“DAVID!”
This time Starsky didn’t turn around, he sped up walking, then started running. He didn’t stop until he got home. He stood on the front porch trying to catch his breath.
Starsky was bent over with his hands on his knees, chest heaving when Teddy, holding Lily, opened the door. “Getting old?” She teased.
He stood up too quickly, making himself dizzy, Starsky stumbled backward. Teddy put her hand out to steady him.
“Are you alright?” She asked, noticing how pale he looked.
Rosey’s reappearance had thrown him. It had been a long time since he had thought about her.
Starsky had told his wife about Rosey and Terry who had died. He hadn’t gone into great detail about the women and Teddy had never asked.
“I guess you are right, I’m getting old,” He finally caught his breath, but still looked pale. He needed to talk to Hutch, Starsky wanted his take on Rosey reappearing. “I’m going to see how Hutch is doing.”
“Starsk, the boxes?” Teddy shifted Lily to her other hip.
“I won’t be gone long and I’ll bring Lucy back with me. Lily loves her.” Starsky promised.
Teddy started to protest but she knew her husband well. Something had happened on his run and he needed his best friend. “Go on.”
Hutch was in a jovial mood when Starsky arrived in the backyard. Kim had let him in and he grabbed two beers from the fridge as he passed through. Hutch was tossing a baseball with Sam while Lucy was sunning herself in her swimsuit.
“Are you supposed to be doing that?” Starsky wanted to know as Hutch tossed him the ball.
“I’ve been cleared for work!” Hutch grinned at his partner. It had been a long haul after he had been shot twice in the right shoulder by Gunther, who was now dead by his own hand.
“That’s great,” Starsky said without much enthusiasm. He tossed the ball to Sam then handed a beer to Hutch.
“Are you loving riding around alone?”
“Yea, nobody making fun of what I’m eating or telling me I’m driving too fast,” Starsky quipped, giving Hutch a lopsided grin.
“What’s with you? You look like hell. And you smell.”
“Thanks!” Starsky flopped in one of the lounge chairs next to Lucy.
She looked at him and wrinkled her nose. “You do smell!”
“Everyone's a critic.” Starsky grumbled, “I was jogging.”
“Dad!” Sam yelled at Hutch as he threw the baseball toward the two men.
Hutch reached out, catching the ball just before it hit Starsky who was clearly distracted. “Hey kids, why don’t you go see if you can get Kim to make some cookies?” He suggested. Kim was their friend and now full time babysitter when the couples were at work.
“Chocolate chip?” Sam asked.
“You’ll have to ask Kim.”
“Come on Sam,” Lucy said, getting up. She pulled her towel from the lounge and wrapped it around her waist.
As soon as the kids were in the house, Hutch sat down next to his friend, “Okay Starsk, what's going on?”
Starsky closed his eyes, “I saw Rosey.”
“Rosey? Rosey Malone?” Hutch stared at him.
Starsky nodded.
“Where?” Hutch asked.
“The park.”
“I thought she and her father were in Mexico.”
“That is what I thought… actually I hadn’t thought of Rosey in a very long time.” Starsky looked at Hutch who could see the fresh pain on his friend's face. He had fallen fast and hard for Rosey all those years ago.
Hutch sighed, “What did she want?”
“What did she want?” Starsky repeated.
“Yea, what did Rosey want?”
“Help, she wanted help.”
“Damnit Starsk!” Hutch barked. “What the hell is going on?”
“Frank Malone has disappeared, Rosey wants me to find him.” Starsky finally got to the point.
“What are you supposed to do about it?” Hutch wanted to know. “What did you say?”
“I told her no. I am not getting involved with them again. I can’t.”
“Did you tell Teddy you saw Rosey?” Hutch wanted to know.
“No, why would I?”
“Just in case Rosey doesn’t let this go buddy.” Hutch looked at his friend. “She came to you for help. She might try again.”
“I’m not dredging all that up again.” Starsky shook his head. Seeing Rosey was bringing up all kinds of feelings.
Hutch leaned over putting his hand on Starsky’s leg, “Are you okay?” He asked again.
“I’m fine, it was just a shock to see her after all this time.”
“You still need to tell Teddy.” Hutch persisted.
“Rosey means nothing to me.” Starsky said but the look on his face told a different story.
Teddy opened a cardboard box, it was full of kitchen items and she began pulling things out laying them on the counter. Lily sat in her high chair pushing Cheerios around the tray of her chair.
Teddy sighed as she glanced at her watch, “Where is your daddy?” It had been more than an hour since Starsky had left. She was about to call the Hutchinson’s when there was a knock on the door.
“Did you forget your keys?” Teddy asked as she opened the door. A pretty woman with long blonde hair stood there, “Oh, sorry I thought it was my husband.”
The woman smiled, “I’m looking for David Starsky.”
“That’s my husband, he’s not here, can I help you?”
Lily began to cry, Teddy waved the woman into the house as she went to the kitchen to get the baby.
The woman slowly followed, taking in her surroundings. “Did you guys just move in?”
“We finally found this place, we were afraid we were going to have to move out of the neighborhood.” Teddy shared as she picked up Lily. “We wanted to stay close to our friends.” She stopped and looked at the woman she did not know. When did she let strangers in the house? “I can give him a message.” Hoping to get the woman out so she could go back to unpacking.
The blonde held her hand out, “I’m Rosey, David and I are…old friends.”
Rosey, the name was familiar, “I’m Teddy, and this is Lily.” She said cuddling the baby.
Rosey reached out and touched the baby’s hand. If she had only stayed this could have been her life. “Hi, Lily.” The little girl was the perfect combination of her parents, David’s wavy dark hair and her mother’s green eyes.
“He should be home any minute. He went down the street to see…”
“Hutch, right?”
Teddy smiled, “Yep. You do know Starsky.”
“I do, or did, about a million years ago.” Rosey smiled, she held her arms out for Lily, “May I?”
Teddy hesitated a moment and handed Lily to Rosey.
Starsky returned home with a plate of cookies and Lucy. He unlocked the door and called, “I’m home babe.”
They heard voices coming from the kitchen. Starsky and Lucy followed the talking, he stopped short when he saw Rosey holding Lily, causing Lucy to run into him.
He took the baby from Rosey and handed her to Lucy, “Can you take Lily to her room?” After they were out of ear shot. He turned to Rosey, “You followed me home?”
“I’m sorry, I’m desperate.”
“Excuse me, would you mind telling me what is going on?” Teddy looked first at Starsky then to Rosey. She had been trying to think how she knew the woman’s name. Suddenly it hit her, Rosey Malone, she had broken Starsky’s heart by picking her father over him.
“You need to go,” Starsky looked pointedly at Rosey. “I told you in the park, I can’t help you.”
“You met in the park?” Teddy frowned.
“We did not meet in the park.” Starsky glared at Rosey. “She tracked me down!”
“I don’t want to cause trouble.” Rosey looked at Teddy, “I didn’t know David had a family.”
“It wouldn’t have mattered.” Starsky said a little too quickly.
“Will one of you tell me what is going on?” Teddy demanded.
“My father is missing,” Rosey began. “We have been living in Mexico. One afternoon daddy got a phone call, the next thing I knew he was gone. I haven’t heard from him.”
Teddy handed Rosey a tissue as she had begun to cry. “Why not just go to the police?”
“It is complicated.”
“It’s not THAT complicated!” Starsky growled. “Go to the station and file a missing persons report.”
Teddy was studying the woman as she talked and dabbed her eyes with the tissue she had rolled into a ball. She figured Rosey was close to her age. Teddy saw her glance at Starsky then dropped her gaze several times. After all these years Rosey Malone still was in love with David.
Teddy had to wonder if Starsky was still in love with Rosey. “I’ll take you to the station and help you with the report.” Teddy offered.
“I can’t file a report.”
“Why not?”
“My father is not supposed to be here, it was part of the deal.” Rosey trembled as she stood looking at both of them. She was exhausted. It had been over 24 hours since she had slept, and she couldn’t remember the last time she ate.
Teddy guided Rosey to the kitchen table, “Sit down, can I get you something? Food? Water? Something stronger?”
Starsky grabbed Teddy’s arm, “Can I talk to you?” He pulled her toward the living room. “She is not a stray puppy, Rosey has to go right now.” They had just come off a run in with Gunther that could have ended much worse than Hutch being shot and Megan having a miscarriage. They could have left their children orphans.
“She doesn’t look dangerous,” Teddy said looking at the woman sitting in the kitchen.
“Her father is Frank Malone, a mobster, and most likely someone he sent to jail and could be out for blood.” Starsky hissed, “That is not going to fall on us by getting involved.”
“Starsk.”
He shook his head, “We have to protect Lily.”
“We could do it under the radar, ask Dobey.” Teddy suggested.
“Why are you so ready to help Rosey?” Starsky asked.
Teddy pulled him further into the living room, “To get her out of our lives. She is still in love with you.”
“No way, it’s been years.”
Teddy grabbed his hand, “I see how she looks at you. What about you?”
“What about me?” Starsky looked at his wife. “Are you asking me if I still love Rosey? Hell no! I can’t believe you would ask me that!”
She wrapped her arms around him, “I’m sorry.”
“Get her out now!” Starsky hissed in her ear.
Teddy put her hand on his chest, she could feel his heart pounding and had to wonder if her husband was lying to her. “Go see what Lily and Lucy are up to. I’ll take care of Rosey.”
Teddy walked slowly back to the kitchen and found Rosey asleep with her head on her arm laying on the table. Teddy couldn’t help feeling sorry for the woman. She put her hand on Rosey’s back. “You need some rest, do you have a room somewhere?
Rosey opened her eyes and looked at Teddy. “No,” she said in a groggy voice.
“I’ll call and get you a room. How about a car?”
“Down the block,” Rosey pushed her hair out of her face. “God I feel like such a stalker. I’m so sorry.”
Teddy grabbed a napkin and a pen, writing down a number. She shoved the napkin to Rosey. “This is my number at the station. Call me tomorrow.”
“You’re a police officer?”
“Detective. I’ll see what I can find out.”
“Thank you.” Rosey got to her feet. “Again I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, call me.”
Rosey nodded and left.
Chapter Two
The knock on the front door caused Teddy to jump, the last time she had answered the door it had been Rosey Malone turning their lives upside down. Slowly she turned the door knob, she was relieved to see Hutch and Megan standing there, Hutch with a big bouquet of flowers which he handed Teddy.
Megan had a pan of lasagna, she smiled at her friend, “We thought you might need a break. Kim and Grayson are bringing the salad.”
Sam pushed his way in, “Where’s Lily and Lucy?”
Teddy smiled at him, “Backyard with Starsk.” Then to the adults, “Come on in.”
Megan looked around, boxes were still everywhere, “I thought you two were unpacking today.”
Teddy grunted, “So did I.”
The two women made their way to the kitchen, “So what’s up?” Megan asked as she put the lasagna in the oven to keep it warm.
“What do you mean?” Teddy pulled open a box looking for a vase to put the flowers in. She had figured Starsky had talked to Hutch about Rosey showing up.
“Sam said Starsky and dad were having a talk. And that he and Lucy HAD to make cookies.” Megan laughed, “Like that was a great sacrifice.”
Teddy shook her head, “Sam is always so dramatic.”
“I don’t think that’s all the drama going on.”
“What did Hutch say?” Teddy asked.
“Nothing, just intuition.”
“Do you know anything about Rosey Malone?”
Megan shrugged, “Just that she broke Starsky’s heart. But that was a long time ago.”
“Well she showed up on our doorstep today.”
“What did she want?”
Teddy told Megan everything she knew, then added, “She still loves him.”
“Who cares he loves you and Lily.” Megan grabbed her hand.
“I know, I know, but I think there are some unresolved feelings there.” Teddy finally found a vase and stuck the flowers in.
Hutch had followed the women to the kitchen but kept on going to the backyard where the kids and Starsky were playing.
When Starsky saw his friend he picked up Lily and cornered Hutch. “What’s wrong?” Hutch asked immediately.
“You mean more than Rosey showing up?”
“Is there more?”
Starsky sighed, “When Lucy and I got here, Rosey was standing in the kitchen?”
“She followed you home from the park?” Hutch asked shocked, it didn’t sound like something Rosey would do but then again he never knew her well. “Do you think she knew you were married?” Hutch asked.
Starsky shrugged, “Makes me wonder if Teddy hadn’t answered the door what her plan was.”
“You sent her packing, right?”
“Teddy did after Rosey told us her sob story, Teddy said she would take care of getting her out of the house.” Starsky looked guilty, “I should have done it and made it clear not to come back.”
“What did Teddy say to her?”
“I don’t know, I went to check on Lily and Lucy.” Starsky answered. “Teddy seemed open to helping her but I told her we were not getting involved with Rosey and Frank Malone.”
“You don’t think…?” Hutch began.
Lily began to fuss, Starsky looked at his daughter, “Guess it’s time to feed you.”
Hutch let it drop, he hoped Teddy wouldn’t try to help Rosey. “Come on kids.” He called to Lucy and Sam.
The next morning Teddy had just sat down at her desk when the phone rang, “Detective Starsky.”
“It’s Rosey.” The voice on the other end said.
Teddy glanced across the room to where her husband and Hutch were getting ready to head out on a case. “I haven’t had time to check into anything yet.”
“You are still willing to help me?” Rosey wanted to know.
“Of course.”
“I thought David would talk you out of it.”
Teddy took a deep breath and looked at Starsky who was walking her way. “I didn’t tell him.” She covered the receiver with her hand. “Be safe,” she smiled at him.
“Always,” Starsky squeezed Teddy’s shoulder and smiled, “Get back to work.”
Teddy nodded, she hated lying but she needed Rosey gone and helping her was the only way she knew to get rid of her. Back into the phone, “Give me an hour or two. Is there somewhere we can meet?”
“My hotel room?” Rosey asked hesitantly.
“Okay, two hours,” Teddy agreed. “I’ll be there in two hours.”
Lori Chapman, Teddy’s partner, leaned across the desk, “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” Teddy’s second lie.
Lori wasn’t letting it go, she knew her partner and something was going on. “Teddy.”
“Fine, but you can’t breathe a word of this…to anyone!”
“Especially to your husband?”
“Or Hutch.”
Lori was suddenly wishing she hadn’t asked. “Tell me what’s going on?”
“Works better if you start the car,” Hutch tapped the key with his finger.
Starsky sat behind the wheel of the Tornio staring through the windshield. “What?”
“Rosey has really gotten to you.” Hutch observed.
Starsky started to object but then said, “She has, I don’t know why. I’m happy with Teddy. I wouldn’t change a thing that happened but…”
“You didn’t get closure with Rosey.”
“Closure? What have you been reading now?” Starsky quipped, shaking his head.
“After she left, you thought for a long time she might come back.”
“But she didn’t and I moved on.” Starsky started the car.
“Did you?”
“Damnit yes!” Starsky hollered. “Rosey just surprised me. I got used to the idea that I would never see her again.”
“Calm down,” Hutch advised.
“I was calm,” Starsky growled. “Can we get to work, if you are done trying to be my shrink?”
Teddy and Lori came up empty; there was no sign of a Frank Malone in the city, at least not by that name. “Now what?” Lori asked.
“I don’t know, Rosey gave me nothing to go on other than her father was in L.A.” Teddy said.
“What are you going to tell her?”
“That I did my best.” Teddy sighed. “But Rosey isn’t going to let this go.”
Rosey sat in a chair in her hotel room staring unseeing at the TV screen. The detectives had to knock several times before the woman answered. She slowly opened the door, “No luck?” Rosey could tell by the look on Teddy’s face. “Who’s this?” She asked, looking at Lori.
“My partner, Lori Chapman.” Teddy said. “You didn’t give us much to go on. He could be using a different name. Maybe he didn’t come here. Does he have any friends?”
Rosey gave a short laugh, “When you are a mob boss you don’t have friends, you have employees that you pray are loyal and adversaries.”
“So who would call him that would make your father come back?” Lori asked.
“I don’t know, I have been racking my brain. It’s been years since we have been in the states. There has been no communication from anyone. At least not that I know of.” Rosey looked as though she was about to cry.
“Can you give us a name? Any name, just somewhere to start.” Teddy looked at Rosey.
“Ray Shelby.” Rosey finally said.
“Who is he?” Teddy asked.
“My father testified against him, which is why we had to go to Mexico.”
“Is Shelby in prison?” Lori asked.
Rosey sighed, “I don’t know, he could be dead for all I know. Neither he nor my father are young men.”
“You could be in danger, if you come in we can offer you protection,” Teddy told her but Rosey shook her head no. “Then you sit tight.”
By late afternoon, the guys were back in the squadroom. Dobey jerked open his office door and yelled, “Starsky, Hutchinson, in my office.”
Both men jumped and looked at each other. They slid their chairs back simultaneously and got up.
“What did we do now?” Starsky whispered. Hutch just shrugged as they entered their captain's office.
Dobey looked livid, he was waving a folder in the air, “What the hell is going on?”
Hutch, puzzled, grabbed the folder from Dobey’s hand. He opened it and both detectives studied what was written. “I don’t understand.” Starsky looked just as confused.
“Starsky, why are you requesting Ray Shelby’s files?” Dobey growled.
“I didn’t.” He hadn’t heard that name in years, not since Rosey left. Starsky looked at Hutch, “Damnit, Teddy is looking for Frank Malone!”
“Malone?” It was Dobey’s turn to look confused. “Malone disappeared.”
“He and Rosey went to Mexico after he testified,” Hutch said. “Rosey approached Starsk in the park. Seems her father is MIA and she wants Starsky to find her father.”
“And I’m just finding out about this now?” Dobey barked.
“I thought it was taken care of.” Starsky frowned.
Dobey picked up the file, “Does this look like it’s been taken care of?”
“Rosey showed up at our house. I told her again we were not helping her. But I guess my wife had other ideas.” Starsky growled.
“Fix this or we are going to have the Feds breathing down our necks.” Dobey stood up. “I’m surprised they aren’t already here.”
Starsky was furious as they left their Captain’s office, “Take it easy.” Hutch put his hand on his partner’s shoulder.
“I made myself clear, we were not getting involved in this!” Starsky looked across the room, Teddy and Lori were not at their desks. “Where the hell are they?”
“Since Teddy had the file pulled I would say they are on the way in.” Hutch said.
Moments later Teddy and Lori stepped off the elevator, they saw their male counterparts were waiting on them in the hall, and neither looked happy.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” Starsky grabbed Teddy by the arm.
“Easy Starsk,” Hutch said in his ear.
“Do you understand how dangerous these people are?” Starsky hissed at her.
“Like Hutch going after Gunther on his own or you?” Teddy was standing toe to toe with her husband. “You can’t turn your back on Rosey. She came to you for help!”
“I don’t owe her anything!” He nearly shouted. People were starting to take notice of their conversation.
“What are you so afraid of?” Teddy glared at Starsky.
“I’m not afraid of anything!”
“No? Well I think you are afraid of Rosey!” Teddy shouted in his face not caring who heard.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Starsky sputtered.
“Ask Hutch,” Teddy stormed into the squad.
Starsky looked at his partner, “What is she talking about?”
“How is it that everyone can see it but you?” Hutch said.
“See what?” Starsky was getting more angry by the minute.
“That you have unresolved feelings for Rosey.”
“Oh not this bull shit again.” He stalked to the elevator and jabbed the down button. The doors slid open, Starsky stepped into the elevator, Hutch started to follow, “Don’t.”
Hutch sighed as the doors closed, he ran his hands through his blond hair. Then turned and went back to the squadroom.
Chapter Three
Starsky pulled up to the curb and got out of the car at the park. He started walking the path thinking about Rosey. He had loved her, she was special and they had an instant connection. When she found out who he was he should have walked away. But he didn’t, he pursued her and won her back only to lose Rosey to her father.
He stopped, maybe they were right, he didn’t have Rosey out of his system. If she had just stayed they might have gotten married and had a couple of kids by now. An impossible union of a mobster's daughter and a cop. Sounded like a bad movie, Starsky shook his head trying to shake Rosey Malone out of it.
“David?”
At first he thought the voice was in his head until he heard his name called a second time. He turned to see Rosey standing behind him. This time he didn’t turn and walk away, this time he walked toward her until their faces were only inches apart. “You destroyed me.” He said softly.
“I know.” Rosey looked into his blue eyes.
“Why now?”
“I told you, I have to find my father.”
“Is that the only reason?”
Rosey dropped her gaze as she shook her head no. “I wanted to see you. I never forgot you David Starsky.”
“It’s too late.”
“I know,” Rosey looked up again. “Teddy is lovely, and Lily is beautiful. You are a lucky man.”
Starsky closed his eyes, “I wasn’t acting like it earlier.”
Rosey looked concerned, “You found out your wife was trying to help me.”
“I did and I didn’t take it very well.” He admitted.
“I didn’t mean to cause trouble, that wasn’t my intention.”
“You aren’t causing the trouble, I am.” He took her hand, “Rosey, I’m sorry.”
“I don’t think I’m the one you should be apologizing to.” Rosey pulled her hand away from his.
“Yes I do. You came to me for help.” Starsky smiled at her. “Teddy had Shelby’s file pulled. We will check into it.”
“Do you think he is the one that called my father?” Rosey asked.
Starsky shrugged, “I guess we will find out.”
Teddy and Lori sat in Dobey’s office, he was still furious his detectives hadn’t looped him into what was going on. “Cap, I'm sorry.” She apologized. “But what about Shelby?
Dobey grunted at her as he read the report. Then he looked up, “Ray Shelby isn’t in prison. Seems he cut a deal for himself, and got out of the business like Malone.”
There was a knock on the captain’s door and Hutch poked his head in, “I got an address on Shelby, he’s living in Hollywood Hills.”
“Where the hell is Starsky?” Dobey barked.
Hutch stepped in the office, “Cooling off.”
“Hutchinson, you and Teddy pay a visit to Shelby. See if you can get to the bottom of this.”
“What should I do Cap?”Lori asked.
“Get Miss Malone in here.”
As the detectives were leaving Dobey’s office Starsky and Rosey entered the squadroom. Starsky pulled out his desk chair and had Rosey sit down then he went to Teddy, “We need to talk.”
Teddy nodded, she followed her husband out into the hall. “I’m sorry!” She said before he could say anything. “I shouldn’t have gone behind your back.”
Starsky shook his head as he looked into her green eyes, “l love you!”
“I know,” She whispered, taking both of his hands. “I never doubted that, not for a moment.”
“You were right, I was afraid of Rosey, afraid of the feelings she stirred up.”
“It’s okay.” Teddy looked at him, her face full of love. I completely understand. “You’ll have to tell me about her sometime.”
“Teddy, you are a remarkable woman.” Starsky kissed her, not caring who saw them.
“I have really made a mess of things.” Rosey looked up at Hutch.
“We will talk to Shelby then go from there.”
“I’m coming with you.”
Hutch shook his head, “It could be dangerous.”
“I don’t care.”
“I do, Starsky would never forgive himself if something happened to you.” Hutch looked toward the squadroom door.
“It’s not up to him,” Rosey stood, “I’m going, even if I have to go by myself.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
Hutch and Rosey joined Teddy and Starsky in the hall, “Are we going to do this?”
“Do what?” Starsky asked, looking at them.
“Talk to Ray Shelby!” Hutch exclaimed.
“We…are, she’s not!” Starsky looked pointedly at Rosey.
“Starsk, we will be there.” Hutch said to his partner. “She will be fine.”
Starsky pulled the Torino into the circle drive of Ray Shelby’s house. It was a large house with a perfectly kept lawn. The four got out of the car and made their way to the front door. Hutch knocked on the door, they only had to wait a few minutes until Shelby himself opened the door.
“Gentleman, ladies,” he addressed them as he stepped aside to allow them to enter the foyer.
Starsky took out his badge and flashed it at Shelby, “Detectives Starsky and Hutchinson.”
“I know who you are.” Shelby said. “I’m out of the business boys.”
Rosey stepped forward, “Mr. Shelby, do you know where my father is?”
Shelby just looked at Rosey.
“Answer the lady.” Starsky stepped closer to the ex-mobster.
“It’s alright,” said a voice from inside.
Rosey recognized the voice instantly. “Daddy?”
Frank Malone appeared, “I’m sorry Rosey. I didn't mean to worry you.”
“Worry me?” Rosey glared at her father. “You disappeared without a word.”
Frank took a step toward his daughter, she crossed her arms across her chest still glaring at her father. Malone stopped, then looked at Starsky, “Figures she would come to you.”
“Don’t do that daddy, don’t make this about David.” Rosey said.
He held his hand out to his daughter, “Can we talk?”
“Go ahead,” Rosey was not going to give an inch, she was furious.
Teddy put her hand on Rosey’s arm, “Go talk to your dad.”
“No!” Rosey looked at her father, “Just tell me… what was so important that you couldn’t tell me where you were going?”
Frank took a deep breath, “I had some questionable test results. The doctor back home wanted me to come to the states for more tests. I called Ray and he graciously allowed me to stay here and referred me to a doctor.”
Rosey went to her father and put her arms around him, “Are you alright?”
“I am,” He hugged his daughter.
She stepped back, “You should have told me.”
“I didn’t know what I would be walking into and I wanted to keep you safe. Ray and I used to be friends before we were adversaries, now that we're both out of the business.”
“You still should have told me. I’m not a child.”
“We can stay if you wish.” Malone said, “There is no reason for us to hide anymore.”
Rosey thought for a moment then said, “Not right now, maybe someday.”
Malone looked at Starsky, he had a feeling that his daughter not wanting to return had something to do with the detective. He hated to see his daughter unhappy, and regretted forcing her to come with him. He was about to tell Rosey that she could see whomever she wanted until he noticed the wedding ring on Starsky’s hand. “Whatever you want.”
“You can stay here with your father until you are ready to leave,” Ray told Rosey.
Rosey smiled at Ray, then turned to the three detectives, “Thank you.” She gave Hutch and Teddy brief hugs, then she looked at Starsky. There was so much she wanted to say to him but none of it mattered any more. “Thanks,” Rosey finally said.
Starsky nodded as he took Teddy’s hand and they walked to the car, leaving Rosey to watch as they drove off.
Chapter Four
Weather and schedules permitting, a Saturday in the park was a weekly thing. Picnic baskets had been packed, coolers filled with ice and drinks. Hutch and Starsky spread out a large blanket under their favorite tree as Lucy and Sam ran to the playground.
Kim and Grayson sat close to each other grinning like a couple of teenagers while Teddy and Megan began taking out the food. Starsky picked up Lily holding her up in the air until she began to giggle. Hutch smiled as he watched his friend with his daughter.
The kids were called from the playground for lunch. Kim looked as if she were about to burst, finally she cleared her throat and everyone looked at her. “Grayson and I have an announcement.”
“What are you two up to?” Megan asked.
Kim held up her hand to display the diamond ring on her finger, “Grayson and I got married!”
“What? When?” Teddy exclaimed excitedly as she grabbed Kim’s hand to get a better look at the ring.
“Last week.” Grayson smiled at his bride.
“Now you are my grandma!” Sam piped up.
Kim laughed, “I guess I am!”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Hutch wanted to know.
Kim just shrugged, as Megan hugged her friend. “We will have to have a party.”
“This can be our party. I can't think of anything more perfect.” The older woman smiled.
While everyone was talking and eating a black car pulled up, the door opened and Rosey Malone got out, she walked across the grass. She stopped, watching them, she didn’t want to interrupt.
Starsky, still holding Lily, saw Rosey, he got up and walked toward her. Rosey smiled as he got closer to her. “Fatherhood looks good on you.”
“Who would have thought?” Starsky grinned.
“You told me you wanted to be married and have kids.” Rosey said wistfully.
“Are you heading to the airport?” He asked.
“We are, I wanted to say goodbye.”
“How did you know where we would be?”
Rosey looked past Starsky and smiled at Teddy, “You are lucky to have her.”
Starsky turned to see his wife watching them. He had to agree, he was lucky. “Are you going to come back?”
Rosey shrugged, “Maybe someday. Daddy and I have a good life where we are.”
Starsky kissed Rosey on the cheek, “You still knock me out, Rosey Malone.”
“You take care of Teddy and this little girl,” Rosey tickled Lily.
Frank Malone was standing watching his daughter and the cop, he knew he had made a mistake, he should have let her stay years ago.
Rosey gave Starsky one last smile, “Goodbye David.”
Starsky watched her walk across the grass, and get into the car with her father. He turned around going back to his wife and friends.
Hutch looked at his partner, Starsky nodded indicating that he was alright. They rarely had to speak to communicate. Starsky handed Lily to Teddy then content stretched out next to them.
“Can we go play mom?” Sam asked as he crammed the last of his sandwich in his mouth.
Megan looked at Hutch, he winked at his wife, “Hutch and I have our own announcement. We are pregnant!”
Starsky sat up and slapped Hutch on the back, “Congratulations man!”
Lucy squealed and hugged her mom. “It better be a girl,” she proclaimed.
“But I want a brother,” Sam stood in the middle of the blanket, his lip stuck out and arms across his chest.
“I have no control over that.” Megan laughed at her children.
Hutch grabbed Sam and headed toward the playground, Lucy and Starsky followed. Lucy went to swing and Starsky climbed the ladder to the top of the slide.
“Starsk, I wouldn’t do that in cutoffs, you are going to burn your legs!”
Starsky waved away his partner's advice and plopped down at the top of the slide. He pushed off, but the moment the hot metal touched his bare legs he knew he should have listened. “HOT! HOT! HOT!” He yelped, putting his feet down to stop his descent. Starsky lifted his legs off the hot metal but his butt was on fire as well as his hands. He looked around wildly trying to figure out what to do, Starsky looked down to the sand below, then heaved himself over the edge of the slide. He landed flat on his face in the sand.
“Don’t say it!” Starsky grumbled.
Hutch just shook his head. Lucy jumped off the swing and went to stand next to him, “Dad told you not too.”
Sam got down on his knees next to Starsky, “Can you show me how to do that?”
Starsky rolled over on his back and looked at Sam, “Sure.” He said sarcastically.
Sam grinned then got up and ran toward his mother. “Mom! It’s okay I don’t need a baby brother, I got Uncle Starsky!” Sam yelled.
The End