​​​YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND
                                                                                     BY TOOKI
​

                                                                                   CHAPTER ONE

​​The woman quickly packed checking her watch every few minutes. This was the hardest decision she had ever made. Being a cop with its life and death decisions was nothing compared to moving out on Hutch. She had made detective after only a year on the force, that was five years ago and they had been living together ever since.
Susan smiled as she looked around the room, her gaze came to rest on a photo of herself smiling, long dark hair slightly wind blown, brown eyes twinkling. Detective Dave Starsky with his curly dark hair and blue eyes, and Detective Ken Hutchinson who everyone called Hutch with his blonde hair and blue eyes. How could she do this? Leave Hutch, the police force she loved and Starsky her best friend next to Hutch. But it was time to move on. She had decided she didn't want to marry a cop and her feelings for Hutch were affecting her job. One of these days she knew she would make a mistake trying to protect one of her partners or she would watch one of them die in the streets. Susan had thought of quitting, just being a wife but she realized a long time ago that she couldn't sit by the phone waiting for someone to call saying that Hutch was dead.
Things had changed so much since she first joined the force. The gangs were a daily threat, it wasn't safe to walk down the street in broad daylight. Things just weren't the same anymore. It seemed like the system didn't work.
Finished packing, she looked through her purse to make sure her plane ticket was in order. One way to a small town in Iowa where she would take over as a police captain of a whole force to ten. The cab would be there any minute, she put her things by the door and picked up the phone dialing the number she knew by heart.
"The Pits, can I help you?" asked a female voice.
"Yeah, I'd like to speak to Huggy," Susan smiled into the phone. Huggy Bear was a tall black man that wore some of the loudest clothes she had ever seen. He helped them out a lot with what was going on in the streets.
"This is Huggy, how may I help you?" he asked.
"Huggy, it's Susan," she said, "I was just calling to say good-bye."
"What do you mean good-bye?" he replied in a surprised tone, "Hutch didn't say anything about you guys going away."
"That's because he doesn't know yet," Susan answered with tears forming in her eyes, "I'm leaving him."
"Oh."
"Huggy if you see Hutch before I don don't say anything, I want to be the one he hears it from."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"No, I wish there was," she sighed, "Huggy thanks for being a good friend. Maybe we'll see each other again someday."
"You take care," said a confused Huggy Bear, hanging up the phone he shook his head and went back to tending bar.
Susan looked at her watch again wondering where the cab was. Picking up her things she decided to wait out side, as she opened the door Starsky was on the other side getting ready to knock.
"Oh!" Susan gasped as he stumbled in the door. She set her suitcases down next to the couch.
"Susan, I need to talk to you." Starsky said slightly out of breath.
"What is it, what's happened." her darkest fears coming true.
"It's Hutch, he's in the hospital and the doctors don't know if he's going to make it." Starsky was pale and shaken.
"What happened?" she said grabbing her purse heading out the door.
"Remember the movie theater case we were working on?" he ask opening the car door for her, "well we were staking out a theater that got hit this afternoon. A gang opened up on the crowd with a machine gun. Hutch was hit several times, there were at least a dozen people killed, he was lucky."
"Why wasn't I informed that we were going on a stake out, we always go together."
"Hutch didn't want you on this one," Starsky explained, "we were pretty sure that this one was going to be hit, he didn't want you in the line of fire."
"But damnit that's my job, just like it's his," Susan steamed, "what gives him the right to decide when I can and can't go on a stake out?"
"Look!" Starsky shouted, "out partner is laying in the hospital, he may even be dead and we sit her arguing. Now do you want to argue some more or do you want to see him?"
Starsky's words were like a slap in the face, Susan burst into tears. He leaned over taking her in his arms smoothing her long brown hair. He knew it was just her way of dealing with what had happened, everybody had their own way. He himself had already had a shouting match with the doctor.
When the two detectives arrived at the hospital, the place was full of reporters. As they got out of the car they were rushed by all of them at once trying to get the scoop for their station.
"Let us by now!" Starsky demanded shoving one reporter almost knocking her to the ground.
"All right clear out!" boomed a loud voice. Captain Dobey appeared through the throng of people. Everyone moved aside to let the plump black captain through. Susan and Starsky followed him into the hospital. Captain Harold Dobey had a air of authority about him, when he yelled everyone listened. He had short black hair, black mustache and dark eyes that flashed when he was angry. Dobey usually wore a somber expression and today was no exception.
"Any news?" Starsky ask the moment they were inside.
"No change," Dobey said quietly, shaking his head, "but it doesn't look good. You better call any family that needs to be here."
All the blood drained out of Susan's face and she swayed, Starsky put his arm around her just in time to keep her from falling to the floor, "Get Detective Carlston a glass of water," he said to a passing nurse.
They lead Susan to the closest waiting room, she laid down on the couch as Starsky sat next to her. The nurse brought the water, "Do you want me to call a doctor?" she ask.
Starsky shook his head, "she'll be all right."
A few hours later and a dozen cups of coffee, Starsky remembered the suitcases sitting by the door when he had picked up Susan. He had wanted to ask her about them earlier but it never seemed like the right time. He looked over at her staring out the window, she hadn't had anything to eat since they had gotten there for that matter neither had he.
"Hey, let's go get something to eat down stairs," Starsky suggested putting his hand on her shoulder.
Reaching up she covered his hand with hers, "I can't leave."
"It's only down stairs, the doctor will page us if there is any change." Pulling her to her feet, "come on, Cap you want to come?"
The captain shook his head, "I'll stay here, thanks."
Slowly they walked down the hall hand in hand. Once in the cafeteria they found a quiet table away from everybody and sat down. The reporters deciding that they weren't going to get anything more finally left. There were very few people around, mostly family members of other patients.
"Susan I've been wanting to ask you something," Starsky began slowly.
"What is it?" she said looking up from her cup of coffee, that was all he could talk her into. Starsky didn't feel much like eating himself and was only pushing his food around his plate.
"Well when I got to the apartment I noticed some suitcases by the door and . . . ." he stopped when he saw the look on her face.
"Oh God," she sobbed, "he had a right to know, it involved him and I just made up my mind without even talking to him."
"What in the world are ;you talking about?" Starsky ask, completely confused.
"I was leaving, leaving for good, I was on my way downtown to say good-bye when you came."
"Leaving?" he was still confused.
"I have a one way plane ticket," she said taking the ticket out of her purse and showing it to him.
Starsky took the ticket, opening the envelope he read the destination, "Iowa, what's in Iowa?"
"A job," she said looking down at the table, "it's a small town, I'm going to replace the police chief there."
"But why?"
"Because of this," she said spreading her hands indicating the hospital, "because I knew that one day it would end up like this and I just couldn't take it. I didn't get away in time."
Starsky jumped angrily to his feet, "what in the hell is wrong with you, Hutch loves you more than anything in the world and you are just going to run out on him?"
"It's not like that."
"Then what the hell is it like? Why don't you just get on that plane right now. I'll tell him I couldn't find you, that you left. I thought you loved him."
"I do, I love him more than you'll ever know, that's why I'm leaving."
"That really makes a lot of sense," Starsky slammed his fist down on the table, several people looked around to see what was going on.
"Don't you think it's killing me to leave? But I know in time we'll both get over it."
"Over it, over it, you make it would like the flu, you BITCH!"
"You are twisting my words, you don't understand," Susan looked up at her partner with pleading eyes, "please try to understand."
"I thought I knew you," Starsky said softly, turning away he headed for the door.
About that time a doctor came running toward them, "are you detectives Starsky and Carlston?" he puffed, "I'm Dr. Rainier, your partner is awake and asking for you two."
When Susan and Starsky got to ICU they could see Hutch through the glass window, he was awake all though he was pale and seem so small next to all the machines he was wired to.
A nurse opened the door, "you may come in for a few minutes but please don't do anything to upset him."
Susan wondered as she stepped into the room if the doctor had over heard her fight with Starsky.
Starsky followed close behind Susan, "How you doing buddy?" he ask leaning over the bed so that Hutch could see him.
Hutch gave him a weak smile, "not so hot Starsk, they really got me this time, didn't they?"
"Don't worry about that now, just get better, we need you out there."
Susan hung back by the door afraid to face Hutch. "Is Susan here?" he ask taking a gasp of air.
"I'm right here," she said moving closer so that he could see her, "do you need the nurse?"
"No, I'm OK," he gasp again, "the doctor said I was hit in the lung."
Hutch started turning slightly blue, the nurse opened the door, she checked on of the many machines, "I think he needs to test, you can talk to the doctor."
Once out in the hall Susan broke down again, "I knew this was going to happen, this is what I was so afraid of."
"He's been shot before and made it," Starsky said with a bite to his voice.
"I know but this is really bad, it's not a bullet in the shoulder."
"Your right, it is bad," said Dr. Rainier as he came up behind the two detectives, "I think we should talk in my office.

                                                                     CHAPTER TWO

​​
The doctors office was big, book selves lined one wall, it was filled with all kinds of medical books. The other was filled with framed documents. There was a bank of windows directly behind his huge desk that looked out on to the parking lot. Dr. Rainier sat down at his desk, his graying hair fell into his eyes, tossing his head back the hair went back in place. He unbuttoned his lab coat and leaned back in his chair.
Motioning for the pair to sit, "Please sit down. I don't want to scare you but Detective Hutchinson's condition is not good. he may not live through the night. He has a hole in his left lung, a nicked kidney, two broken ribs and several other wounds that are not life threatening. What we are most concerned with is the kidney and lung."
"Will he lose the kidney?" Susan ask in her professional voice.
"I don't think so usually these things heal themselves." Dr. Rainier answered, "he is very weak from loss of blood, the next twenty-four hours will tell the story."
"So I guess we wait," Starsky sighed.
"Now I don't know what is going on with the two of you, and it's none of my business," the doctor stated, "but Hutchinson's condition is my business, he can't be upset. So I suggest that if the two of you care about him you won't let him know something's wrong.
"He won't be upset," Starsky glared at Susan.
Forgetting that the doctor was there Susan spun around in her chair to face Starsky, "what, you think I'm going to march in there and tell him I'm leaving?"
"I take it that you are his girl friend?" the doctor ask.
Blushing she nodded, "yes and his partner." Turning back to Starsky, "and I'll be here as long as he needs me, YOU GOT THAT STARSKY!"
"Yeah," he mumbled.
The intercom buzzed on Dr. Rainier's desk, he depressed the button, "Dr. Rainier, this is the ICU nurse, we need you down here stat. We just called a Code Blue on Hutchinson."
"Thank-you," the doctor jumped up heading toward the door.
Both detectives had confused looks on their faces, "what's wrong?" Starsky ask.
"Your friend is in major trouble, he's stopped breathing," Dr. Rainier said over his shoulder as he rushed out.
Susan and Starsky sat in sunned silence staring after the doctor. Finally they jumped up and ran back down to ICU, the place was a mad house. Doctors and nurses were running everywhere. One nurse came rushing down the hall pushing a crash cart and disappeared into Hutch's room. Another nurse came out, "I'm afraid you'll have to go back to the waiting room, NOW!"
Susan and Starsky stumbled back to the waiting room in shock and sat down. Dobey came in carrying a cup of coffee, "what in the world is going on?" he demanded.
"It's Hutch, I think he's dying," Susan said matter of factly, staring straight a head, "we are losing him."
"Don't day that," Starsky shouted at her, "for God sakes he'll make it, he has to."
"Maybe we should call Huggy I think he would want to be here." Susan said getting up, "I'll go do it."
After she went down the hall Starsky said, "how can she talk like that, like he's already dead."
"She's in shock, you had better go after her," Dobey advised, "there's no telling what she might do."
"Did you know she was leaving?"
"Yes I did, I've know it for a couple of weeks" Dobey said, "In fact I helped her find the job she's going to."
"What didn't you tell one of us?" Starsky ask.
"Well she ask me not to and besides it wasn't my place to say anything."
When Starsky found Susan she was standing in a phone booth holding the phone but he could tell she wasn't talking to anyone. He stood watching her for a few minutes then walked up and tapped on the glass, she didn't move. He pushed open the door and shook her, still no movement. Susan was a wake but it was like she was in a trance.
"Susan you OK?" Starsky ask shaking her again.
Finally she turned and looked him, he could tell she had been crying, nodding she said, "I can't remember Huggy's number."
Starsky pulled her out of the booth and into his arms, "it's going to be all right."
Pushing herself away, "no it's not, just leave me alone. You don't care how I feel, you said some awful things to me, how could you do that?"
"I'm sorry about that but you caught me off guard. Everything is such a mess, you hurt me, you didn't trust me enough to say what was going on."
"It was hard for me, how do you leave someone you love? When you get to scared to do your job because you are in love then something has to give."
"Then why couldn't it be your job?" Starsky ask trying very hard to understand his partner.
"It could be if Hutch wasn't a cop but I don't want to be married to a cop. I couldn't sit at home waiting for you to call and tell me he was dead."
Captain Dobey came hurrying down the hall, He pulled through this time, he is going into surgery right now. The doctors have to get that lung patched up, he might not make it the next time."
"How long will the surgery take?" Susan ask.
"I really don't know, the doctor was in a hurry and didn't have time to explain everything."
It was a long night, Susan did a lot of thinking about what she wanted. Dobey stared out the window most of the time and Starsky watched Susan wondering what she was thinking. early the next morning the doctor came into the waiting room he looked exhausted.
Susan was the first to see him, jumping to her feet, "is he all right?"
Well he's far from all right but he did make it through the operation, I don't know how but he did," Dr. Rainier smiled, "he's really a tough guy. Why don't you all go home and get some rest, Detective Hutchinson won't be awake until sometime this afternoon."
"Ok, I could use some sleep," Susan sighed, "Captain Dobey could you call Mr. Masters and tell him what's happen and that I'll be in touch with him when I know when I'm coming."
"Sure," Dobey nodded surprised, he was sure all this had changed her mind.
As they walked out of the hospital together Starsky said, "I was sure that you would stay now."
"I will until Hutch is back on his feet."
"But he needs you, don't you know that you are the one he's staying alive for?" Starsky stopped Susan, "Let's sit down a minute."
They found a bench outside the hospital, she stared up at the window wondering which one Hutch was behind. She was very confused, on one hand Susan knew that she had to get away on the other hand she wanted to stay with Hutch who would now need her more than ever.
"Why are you going?" Starsky looked at the ground.
Sighing Susan looked at her hands, "This little town is great, I'll probably be bored in a week but I'm tired of the blood shed, the tears, the courts turning these jokers right back on the streets. We don't make a difference."
Starsky looked at her sadly knowing she was right, "then why don't you just get out of it all together?"
"Being a cop is all I know, I guess I'm like you and Hutch, I can't give it up but I'm to scared to stay here."
"I'm scared too you know, every time I strap this gun on I wonder if I'm coming home at night," Starsky said softly.
She nodded, "if I thought he could be happy I would ask him to go with me or I would go with him any where he wanted. But it would kill him to leave his work here and someday he would blame me for taking him away from it then where would we be? He will get over it and go with his life."
"Will you get over it?" Starsky ask, looking up at her.
Shaking her head sadly, "no, I don't think so, he has been the only man I have loved since I was twenty-two."
"What makes you think he'll get over you?"
"It's easy to pretend."


Later that day after checking the hospital Susan went into the station. Everything was the same just as nothing had happened. Everybody ask about Hutch but there wasn't much new to tell. She went to their office and slowly opened the door looking around, there was Hutch's coffee cup sitting on the desk where he had left it the day before. She studied the photos of the three of them on the wall. They had had a lot of good times. There was file laying on the desk, Susan picked it up reading the label she got a strange determined look on her face.
Dobey was sitting at his desk when the door flew open, Susan walked in and threw the file on his desk, "Do I still work here?"
He picked up the file, it was the theater robberies, "sure, but you are not going after this gang, you are to personally involve in it."
"Who's working on this case?"
"No one as of yet."
"Cap, an officer wash shot and almost killed and nobody is assigned to this case?"
"Listen here," Dobey jumped to his feet, "don't tell me how to run this department. I'm assigning someone today, and it's not going to be you!"
"Please," she begged, "I already know this case, it would take someone else days to come up to speed."
Dobey knew she was right but it was against his better judgment to let her have it. Sighing he gave in, "I guess if I don't give in you'll go out on you own anyway." She nodded. "Ok, but you be careful and if you get out of line I'll personally put you on that plane!"
"Count me in too," said a voice from the door. Dobey looked up and Susan turned to see Starsky standing the door way. He smiled at his partner, "I knew I would find you here. Let's get started."
The theater where the shootings took place was beautifully done, it was one of the newer ones. The gang didn't bother hitting the dumps when they knew where the big money was. There was a big closed sign on the door but the two detectives could see someone inside.
Starsky tapped on the door, the man inside looked up but didn't come to the door. Starsky tapped again, the man yelled, "we're closed."
"And we're the police, open this door," Starsky yelled, pressing his badge to the door so the man could see it.
"Hey I'm sorry," the man said, "I'm Don Keys the owner, the police told me to keep everyone out, not that anyone would want to come now anyway. Movie business is way down since all this started."
"We need to look around, "I'm Detective Starsky and this is Detective Carlston," Starsky told the man, "it was our partner that was shot."
"Oh yes, I remember you now, please look around all you want. The sooner this stops the sooner I can get back in business. If this keeps up much longer I'm going to have to shut down."
"We'll try our best," Susan smiled, "this gang have to be stopped before anybody else gets hurt."
"By the way how is your partner?" the man ask leading them into the auditorium that the shootings took place.
"Not real good but at lest he's still alive." Starsky said grimly.
"Well I hope he makes it," Mr. Keys gave them a sober smile, "I'll leave you to your work."
After Keys left the pair began searching the auditorium, it was a fairly big one with over a hundred seats. There were still shells laying on the floor, it looked like a war zone. Several of the seats were blood soaked and pieces of clothing and shoes were scattered all around. The ceiling was full of holes as was the movie screen. Susan sat down in one of the clean seats stunned.
"Believe me it was a mess," Starsky explained, "things went down before we even had a chance to get off shot. Hutch just happened to get in the way, most people hit the floor when the shooting started. Hutch was trying to protect a little girl, which he did. I guess I need to tell him that, I'm sure he doesn't remember. He was down and out before he knew what hit him."
"I guess the place has been gone over already," Susan said looking around, taking in the room.
"Yeah I'm sure it has but let's go over it again it sure couldn't hurt."
"How could anyone do this?"
"It's happening all over the city that is what is so confusing, gangs have turf's that they don't cross. But these guys are all over the place and from the gang Hutch and I talked to they don't know who this new gang is and are as afraid of them as everybody else."
"They have hit ten theaters as of now, right?"
"Yeah that's about right."
"I wonder when the next one is going to be?"
Starsky shrugged his shoulders, "let's get out of here and see if Huggy has heard anything."
After thanking the owner they left in Starsky's bright red Torino, it had a white stripe that ran from the front of the car and up over the top. Hutch always said it was a tomato on wheels. As they pulled up a Huggy's a group of people came out and wondered down the street. Huggy was standing in the door watching them go.
"Chasing away you customers?" Starsky ask getting out of the car.
"Very funny, damn preppies if there isn't yellow neon everywhere it isn't a bar, well who needs them anyway," Huggy stormed, "you coming in or do you need neon too?"
"I hate neon so you are safe with me," teased Susan.
"How is Hutch doing" The last I heard he was still on the critical list," Huggy said pouring them both a beer.
"Hand me the phone and I'll call the hospital and see," Susan said taking a drink.
While Susan was making the phone call, Starsky ask Huggy if he had heard anything on the street about the theater gang.
"Not a thing," Huggy answered, "usually I pick up something but they must be from out of town nobody keeps things this quiet."
"If you hear anything let one of us know, I want these guys for what they did to Hutch."
"I guess Susan is staying on, uh?" Huggy asked watching her talk on the phone.
Starsky frowned looking her way too, "yeah, I guess so, for a while anyway."
"Hutch is still in critical condition but stable. The hospital has been trying to reach us." Susan said smiling at the two men, "Hutch is awake and asking for us."
"Let's get down there," Starsky jumped up grinning from ear to ear. "don't forget to call us if you hear anything Huggy."
"I won't, " Huggy called after them, "tell Hutch I'm pulling for him."
As the two detectives got to the hospital they ran into Hutch's doctor who told them that Hutch was doing much better and might be able to move into a room in a few days if nothing went wrong. With this good news they were eager to see their partner.
"Why don't you see him alone right now," Starsky suggested, "I'll be up later."
"Thanks, I would like to spend a little time with him," Susan smiled, she pushed the button for the elevator, "and don't worry I'm not going to say anything that might upset him."
"I know you won't," Starsky said giving her a big hug, "I don't really understand but I'm trying."
"Thank-you, that really means a lot to me," she smiled hugging him back, "I just hope that Hutch will understand when the time comes."
When Susan got to ICU Hutch was sitting up talking to a nurse. He looked up seeing her through the window, he motioned her to come in. Susan slowly pushed open the door and went in, she wasn't real sure what to say to him. The last thing she wanted to do was to lie but she sure couldn't tell him the truth, not yet anyway.
"Hi," he grinned at her.
"Hi yourself, you must be feeling much better," she said leaning over to give him a kiss, "Starsk and I talked to the doctor just a few minutes ago."
"I guess he told you I may be getting my own room with out the side show," Hutch joked, "where is Starsky by the way?"
"He wanted to give us some time alone."
"That was nice of him," Hutch said grabbing her hand, "sit down I won't break."
Sitting down carefully on the edge of the bed Susan smiled at him, "do you remember anything that happened that night?"
"Not really, I remember the shooting starting and there was this little girl sitting next to me that I tried to protect but after that nothing."
"Well just so you know the little girl is fine," Susan said, it was much easier talking business that about them, "Starsk told me all about it. I should have been there you know. I was pretty mad when Starsky told me you didn't want me to know about the stake out."
"I didn't want you to be the one laying here."
"But that's not your . . . " she stopped, "hey, let's not get into this right now, Ok?"
Hutch nodded, "is there any leads in the case? Who did Dobey assign the case to?"
Susan looked out the window, "Wel--l."
"You and Starsky took the case," Hutch stared at her, "I don't want you working on this case, do you hear me?"
"Calm down or they'll make me leave," Susan said, "I'm a trained cop and I can take care of myself. Every cop has a loved one, someone that doesn't want them to get killed."
"I don't care about everyone I care about you," Hutch said angrily, "I'm a trained cop, I've been on the force one hell of a time longer than you and look what happened to me."
"Hutch listen. . . " Susan began.
"No you listen," he struggled to sit up, "I want you . . ."
"DAMN! I knew you wouldn't keep your mouth shut, if you would have been honest months ago this might no be happening now," Starsky shouted as he entered the room.
A nurse came hurrying in, "you all will have to leave if you don't keep it down, Mr. Hutchinson doesn't need to be upset."
"You're too late," Starsky said giving Susan a dirty look, "we'll keep it down."
After the nurse left Hutch ask, "Starsky what are you talking about?"
"He doesn't know what he's talking about," Susan glared.
"What ARE you talking about?" Starsky ask giving her a strange look.
"Hutch know that we are on the theater case and he wants me off," Susan said between clenched teeth.
"Oh," Starsky looked down at the floor.
"What are you talking about Starsk?" Hutch ask his partner.
"Uh. . . uh the case," Starsky lied, "I told Susan not to tell you, I knew you would be upset."
"What don't I believe you," Hutch said then turning to Susan, "just what is going on, I don't think It's what we were talking about."
"Well. . . . ." Susan began but Dr. Rainier came in and ask the two detectives to leave to that he could check on Hutch.
"We'll talk about this later," Hutch called after them.
"See you later," they said together escaping out the door.
Once they were down the hall Susan almost shouted at Starsky, "you were so worried that I was going to tell him that you almost did, you ass. Why didn't you trust me? Now what am I going to tell him I won't keep lying to him. If he asks I'm going to tell him."
"I feel like a jerk, I didn't mean to mess up everything," Starsky apologized, "maybe before you talk to Hutch again you should see his doctor and let him know what you are going to tell Hutch. See if he's strong enough to take that kind of shock."
"You're right, when he's done with Hutch I'll go talk with him." Susan agreed, she put a hand on Starsky's shoulder, "I know you just care abut Hutch and only want the best for him."
"I just hope he can take this, I wish you would change your mind."
Just as Susan started to say something a nurse came up to them, "Detective Starsky there is a call for you at the front desk," she smiled at him.
"Thanks," he smiled back, as she walked away he turned to Susan, "she's kind of cute don't ya think?"
Susan rolled her eyes, "I think that you need to get your call."
They found the front desk, a high school girl was manning the phone. She smiled at them as they approached the desk, "may I help you?"
"I'm Starsky," he smiled at her, "you have a call for me?"
Susan whispered in his ear, "too young."
He elbowed his partner away as he took the phone the girl was handing him, "line three."
"Starsky here," he said into the hone, "yeah right away Cap."
"What is it?" Susan said tugging on his arm.
"There was another theater hit just minutes ago." Starsky explained a they ran for the car, "ten are dead. I think we are going to have to close all the theaters down."
"And just who will stand for that? We have to get these guys, now!".
When they arrived at the theater it was a mess. Police, fire trucks and ambulances filled the street. Crying people sat on the curb as police tried to get information from them. One lady started screaming as a litter was brought out with a small boy on it. There had been a matinee and the theater was filled with mostly kids.
"Why would any theater have a kids matinee with this gang running around," Starsky scowled, "for that matter what parent would let their kid come?"
Susan shook her head in disbelief. An officer that was already on the scene came up to them, "Can you believe this?" he said.
"It looks real bad," Starsky said to the officer, getting a nod he then ask, "did they get much money, John?"
"Nope, that's the crazy part of this hit they just shot up the place and left," the officer said, "they didn't touch the money, this is the worse one yet."
Starsky nodded and turned to Susan, "I'm going in why don't you stay out here and question some of these people."
"No way, I'm going in, stop treating me like a rookie," Susan glared at her partner, she seem always to be fighting for her place in the force even with her own partners. She knew that they were just trying to protect her but Susan wanted to do her job just like everyone else.
Susan headed into the theater, Starsky shrugged following her in. The smell was the first thing to hit them, the blood, burnt pop corn, and urine made a sickening mix. There were several bodies of young children still laying around. The live ones were the first ones out, so many had been wounded that the officers out side had lost count.
The room slowly started spinning, Susan grabbed onto Starsky's arm to steady herself. He turned to look at her, "you Ok?"
She shook her head, her face was very pale and she felt like passing out, "I think I had better go out side."
"Want me to come?"
"I'll be all right," Susan said trying to smile, "I'll meet you at the car."
After finishing up Starsky went to find his partner. Susan was sitting in the front seat of the Tornio, Starsky slid in behind the steering wheel, "you Ok?"
"I'm not sure, I still feel pretty bad," she leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
"It was pretty bad in there," he said putting his arm around her.
"I don't think that's it, maybe I'm just over tired from being at the hospital all the time and trying to work," Susan tried to smile at her partner, "I think I'll go home and rest, can you take me?"
"Sure just let me finish up here, will you be all right?"
She nodded leaning back in the seat again. As she sat there thinking a wave of nausea hit her. Finally she laid down in the back seat hoping that she wasn't coming down with something. By the time Starsky got back to the car she was sound asleep, smiling he covered her up with his jacket and took her to his apartment.
Just as they pulled up Susan woke sat up and looked around, "where are we?"
"I brought you to my place, you can lay down in my bed while I make some phone calls." Starsky said over the front seat, I didn't feel like being alone."
For the first time she didn't argue with him, Susan didn't really want to be alone either. After she was in bed Starsky called out for a pizza, he was deep in thought when the door bell rang jarring him from his thoughts.
It was a young man with the pizza he had ordered, "hey Jerry," Starsky said taking the pizza and handing the kid some money, "how's it going?"
"Ok Dave, busy night," he smiled taking the money offered him, "take it easy."
Susan had heard the door bell and got up to see who it was, she came into the room just as Starsky put the pizza on the table, "want some?" he ask.
The moment the smell hit her she ran to the bathroom, seconds later Starsky appeared in the door way, "are you all right?"
"I think I must have the flu, I feel awful," she said weakly, "could you help me back to bed?"
"I think we need to call a doctor," Starsky said.
Susan didn't answer as she crawled back into bed, Starsky softly closed the door and went into the living room. He called the hospital to check on Hutch then called Huggy Bear to see if he had heard anything. Hutch was doing much better and Huggy still didn't have any information. Starsky ate his pizza without much enjoyment as he thought about his two partners, he was determined to get Susan to the doctor in the morning.
It was late when Starsky quietly got an extra pillow and blanket out of his bed room, Susan was sleeping soundly. He gently kissed her on the cheek and left the room to make his bed on the couch.
​

                                                                           CHAPTER THREE

The next morning Starsky got Susan to the doctor with out to much of a fight. He waited in the car while she went in. He propped his feet up on the windowsill while he munched on a donut and sipped coffee.
"I'M WHAT?" Susan gasped.
"You're pregnant," Dr. Fields said smiling, "I bet that will cheer Ken?"
"What?"
"Ken, I bet he'll be glad?" the doctor said giving her a strange look.
"Oh yeah," she said absently.
"Are you all right?" Dr. Fields frowned, "can I get you something?"
"No, no, I'm fine," she sighed as she got up.
"I want to see you in a couple of weeks. You see Nancy before you leave to get an appointment," Dr. Fields said as she walked out, "two weeks."
Susan left with out making the appointment, Starsky was still eating when she slid into the front seat. He looked over at her waiting for her to say something, when she didn't he said, "Well?"
"Well what?"
"For god sakes you just came out of the doctors office are you going to live?"
"Yeah."
"Fine don't tell me," he said totally flustered, "do you need to go to a drug store?"
"For what?" Susan said, she was still in shock.
"Didn't he give you a prescription?"
"No."
"Damnit tell me what is going on. Are you Ok or not?"
Susan turned in her seat looking at him so seriously it scared him, "I'm going to tell you but if you dare breath a word of this to Hutch I swear I'll disappear and you'll never find me."
"I promise I won't say anything, now what is it?" Starsky ask fearing the worse.
"Starsky, I'm pregnant," she said evenly.
"I knew it your dying. . . . .YOU'RE WHAT?"
"Your heard me," Susan said, "now what am I suppose to do?"
"Marry Hutch and live happily ever after," Starsky said with a big grin on his face.
"Hey, don't you forget you promised not to tell," Susan shook her finger at him.
"But this is wonderful news, it changes everything."
Susan shook her head, "I'm still leaving. I have more of a reason now. I don't want
a child raise like this."
Like what, there is nothing wrong with being a cop," Starsky fumed.
"I know that, it's just that. . . .oh forget it," she sighed tried of trying to explain.
"He has a right to know that he's going to be a father," Starsky glared at her, "You can't do that to him you have no right to keep it from him."
"I don't want to talk about this any more."
"But. . . . "
"Not another word, at least not right now Ok?"
"Ok, for now but I'm not going to stop trying to talk you into staying, you know."
Smiling, "you wouldn't be Starsky if you gave up that easy."


Hutch was getting better by the day and was finally given his won room. He had noticed that here was a strain between his partners. No matter what he ask them there was always a cleaver answer. Hutch decided that day when Susan came in they were going to have a serious talk. He had to know what was up, it was more than just the case or him in the hospital.
A nurse came in carrying his pain pills, "hi Detective Hutchinson, how are we feeling to day?"
"Ok, I really want out of here," he smiled at her as she handed him his pills, "has Detective Carlston come in yet?"
"Nope, not yet but she should be in any time," she smiled back at him, "now take your pills like a good boy. I'll tell her the minute I see her."
Swallowing the pills, he said, "tell her I want to see her alone."
"Sure thing," the nurse said as she went out the door.
The office was dark except a light on the doctor's desk, he said back in his chair when he saw Susan Carlston in the door way. He motioned for her to sit down in one of the chairs in front of this desk. She sat in the same chair she had been in when Starsky had been with her last time.
"Is something wrong?" Dr. Rainier ask, leaning forward trying to get a better look at the young woman's face.
"Yes," she whispered, "I need to ask you something."
"About Mr. Hutchinson," he said more as a statement than a question.
Nodding her eyes filled with tears, "how strong is he?"
"Hey he's doing fine I . . . . ." he stopped as she held up her hand.
"I need to tell him some bad news and I need to know if he is strong enough to take it," Susan explained.
The doctor steepled his fingers together peering at her through the dim light, "I take it this has something to do with the trouble you are having with your other partner."
"Yes," she sighed deeply, "I'm leaving Hutch, I was on my way to tell him the day he was shot."
"I see," the doctor rubbed his face with his hands, "well he's doing very well physically, if he keeps improving at the rate he is now, Mr. Hutchinson should be out in a couple of weeks."
"Should I wait until then to tell him?" Susan ask.
"If it's something you really need to do he'll be Ok if you tell him now." the doctor assured her.
She leaned back in the chair closing her eyes, "I guess I had better go do it then."
Dr. Rainier got up, he came around his desk and perched on the edge in front of Susan, "are you OK Detective Carlston?"
"You know everyone has been asking me that lately," she opened her eyes, "yes I'm alright, but this is going to be so hard, he has been through so much."
"Yes it will be hard, but sometimes you have to hurt people you love to do what's right for yourself," he smiled at her.
Standing up Susan hugged the surprised doctor, "thanks." Dr. Rainier watcher her as she left his office. Shaking his head he returned to his work.
Once out in the hall Carlston stood with her back to the wall trying to get the courage to do what was long over due. A nurse walked up to her, Susan instantly recognized her as one of Hutch's nurses.
"Is Hutch alright?" Susan ask with concern in her voice.
"He's fine," she smiled, "just looking for you."
Susan breathed a sigh of relief, "I was on my way there now."
Hutch was watching TV when Susan pushed open the door to his room. He didn't hear her come in. His partner stood watching him for a few minutes, "you wanted to see me?"
Hutch jumped at the sound of her voice. He turned off the TV, "I didn't hear you come in," he patted the bed next to him.
"I hear you might be getting out of here soon."
"Been talking to Rainier, uh?" he smiled taking her hand, "when I get out of here let's jut you and me take a little vacation."
Susan gave him a tight smile, "yeah."
"What is going on?" he frowned at her, "you and Starsk have been acting funny for weeks."
"Ken we really need to talk," Susan said softly.
"Oh boy, this must be serious you never call me Ken unless something is up," Hutch joked.
"This is serious, I should have talked you about this along time ago," she choked out, "I was on my way to the station to tell you the day you were shot," she knew she was dragging it out, trying to put it into words was hard.
"Tell me what?" Hutch demanded.
"I'm leaving you," she finally laid it out.
Hutch frown as if he didn't understand the words she had said. Slowly he repeated her words, "you are leaving me?"
Susan nodded miserably, "I'm sorry."
Hutch just sat staring at her, "I thought everything between us was fine. Is it because I haven't ask you to marry me? I'll do that tomorrow if that's what you want."
"It's not that, I know that you love me, I love you, but I just can't continue being a cop here," he frowned at her words, "I'm not making sense am I?"
"I'm not sure, you love me but you are leaving." he cocked his head at her.
"I don't want to watch you die."
"But I'm fine, I'll be out of here in a couple of weeks."
"This time, but what about next time or the time after that," she said her voice getting higher, "I can't be a good cop any more. I find myself thinking about you every time we get a call."
"Then I'll go with you anywhere you want, we'll start over."
"Hutch I can't ask you to do that. Can you honestly tell me you could be happy with out your work? You would end up hating me. it's better this way find yourself some lady that doesn't know what goes on out there in the streets, that can sit by the phone and wait for that call that will surely come some day. I can't do it."
"Why in God's name didn't you say something before now?" Hutch ask.
"I knew you would talk me into staying," she said as tears ran down her face. "and I just can't."
"I'm not even going to get the chance to talk you into staying, am I?"
She shook her head, "Ken Hutchinson I'll always love you. Please just let this be and get on with your life."
Hutch closed his eyes, "how am I suppose to do that?"
Susan leaned over and kissed him, "I love you," she tried to smile, "tell Starsky I said good-bye. I have to go my cab is waiting down stairs."
Susan walked quickly to the door with tears streaming down her face, without looking back she opened the door and left her life behind her.
A few hours later Starsky arrived at the hospital, he pushed Hutch's door open, the room was totally dark. At first Starsky thought the room was empty then as his eyes got accustom to the darkness he could see his partner laying in bed.
"Hutch are you alright?"
"She's gone Starsk, she left me."
"I know."
"What do you mean you know," Hutch said sitting up snapping on the light beside his bed. Both men squinted in the sudden light.
"She told me the day you got shot. I saw her bags sitting by the door when I went to get her."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You weren't in any condition to hear then. I thought that she would wait until you were out of the hospital before she told you."
"What am I going to do? I love her but she's right I don't think I would be happy with out my work but I could have tried."
"Hutch it would have hung between you two for the rest of your lives and you know it."
"So you are taking her side uh buddy?"
"Hutch I've been trying to talk her out of this since I found out. Just forget her."
"And tell me how I'm suppose to that?"
"Well for one thing concentrate on getting out of here so we can get those guys who put you here. Then go on from there."
"Yeah, you're right," Hutch put on a brave face, "have you got any more on these guys?"
Starsky started explaining the information that he had gathered. There still wasn't much to go on but the two detectives were determined to finally nail the gang.
Susan boarded the plane, as she got to the top of the stairs she turned to take one last look a t L.A. This town had been her whole life for the last five years, "Good-bye Hutch, good-bye Starsk, have a good life," she whispered through her tears.
The one thing she had failed to tell Hutch or anyone for that matter was where she was going. Earlier that day she had contacted the police chief of Greentown Iowa telling him that she wouldn't be taking the job after all. She decided she would go to the east maybe go to college and learn to do something else besides being a cop. She wanted a good life for Hutch's baby.
She settled down in her seat looking at a book she had picked up in the airport gift shop. She flipped thought the book reading the names of cities. One caught her eye and she began reading with interest.
A stewardess came by and smiled at her, "Miss Carlston we should be landing in Cincinnati in a few hours is there anything I can get for you?"
"No thank-you, I'm fine." Susan smiled.
​

                                                                                   CHAPTER FOUR

Shots rang out, the street in front of the theater was over flowing with police. The Theater Gang as they had been dubbed had been trapped inside. The set up had worked perfectly. Starsky and Hutch crouched by a police car, Hutch was talking on the car radio to Dobey and Starsky was watching the door of the theater. The plan had worked to the letter, now all they had to do was to get these guys out of the building.
A special movie premiere had been sit up to entice the gang out of hiding, it had been almost a month since they had hit anywhere. The theater was filled with police officers posing as moviegoers. When the gang appeared they had been surrounded but some how had managed to escape into a back room where they were now hold up.
"Yeah, Starsky and I are going in now," Hutch said into the radio. Handing the radio to an officer standing next to him Hutch stood up, "you ready Starsky?"
"Ready when you are buddy."
They made their way to the front door and followed a uniformed officer to the room where the gang was. About that time the door flew open, out came the gang members guns raised ready to mow down anything in their path. Hutch pointed his gun at the leader and froze, Starsky pushed him aside firing catching the man in the shoulder. The hall was filled with officers that raised their weapons to match the gang. When their leader fell, the rest dropped their guns raising their hands.
Police vans were brought in and the gang was loaded in, Starsky talked to the driver of the van then went to find his partner. Hutch was leaning on a near by police car looking pale and shaken.
Starsky came up to him, "I knew it was to soon for you to be out here."
"That's not it," Hutch explained, "I was just plain scared, I couldn't fire my gun, I couldn't move. If it hadn't been for you I would be in a body bag right now."
"Maybe you need some time off. Take a vacation, get some rest, a tan." Starsky suggested, keeping his voice light but he was very worried about his partner.
"Well maybe I could use some time off," Hutch nodded, "maybe I could find out where. . . . ."
Starsky cut him off, "Hutch, I thought you were going to forget about her."
"Have you forgotten her?" Hutch ask simply.
"No."
"Then how do you think I feel?" Hutch ask. "do you have any idea where she is?"
"Well she took a job in Iowa," Starsky said, he held his breath knowing what was coming.
"What?" Hutch yelled at this friend, "you have known all this time where she was and you didn't tell me?"
"Hutch, listen," Starsky grabbed his partners arm as he started to walk away, Hutch jerked away from him, "just what am I suppose to do? I'm caught in the middle, she asks me not to tell you where she went and you expect me to tell you."
Hutch sat down on the hood of the car next to Starsky, "I guess it's hard to be a friend, uh?"
Starsky nodded, "Talk to Dobey, he can tell you more than I can, he's the one that found her the job."
"Job?" Hutch ask slowly, "what kind of job?"
"A police captain, in a very small town," Starsky said watching Hutch's face.
"Oh," Hutch shook his head, "you know I really don't understand her. I thought she wanted out of police work."
Starsky shrugged, slapped Hutch on the back as he slid of the hood of the car, "let's get down to the station. As Starsky got into the car he wondered what Hutch would do when he found out the other secret he kept for Susan. He wondered how she was doing alone and pregnant, he debated telling Hutch right there about her but decided against it.
Hutch gave Starsky a small smile, "Thanks Starsk." He got in the car as he slammed the door he ask, "Do you think I'll ever find her?"
"I'm sure she'll get in touch with you eventually," Starsky said, hoping that he was right."
Hutch went straight to Dobey's office, Dobey was in the middle of his lunch when the detective opened his office door. "Don't you ever knock, Hutchinson, you are getting as bad as Starsky," Dobey said around a corned beef sandwich. Laying down his lunch Dobey wiped his mouth, "everybody did a good job at the theater today."
"Thanks Cap," Hutch sat down in a chair in front of the captains desk. "Starsky is getting started on the paper work but that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. I need to ask you something."
Dobey picked up his sandwich again and grunted, "well, what is it?"
"Starsky said you know where Susan went," Hutch said evenly.
Dobey sighed laying his lunch down again but this time he pushed it away, "I was wondering how long it would take you to come to me."
"Cap where is she," Hutch pleaded.
The black captain frowned, "Greentown, Iowa but it won't do you any good. I was wondering myself how she was doing so I made a call just this morning to a friend, Dan Masters. He was the police captain she was suppose to be replacing but she didn't take the job. Apparently she called the day she left here and told him she wouldn't be taking the job after all."
"Where the hell is she?" Hutch stared at the floor defeated.
"I really don't know, you could check the computer, if she's a cop anywhere in the country it will show up there." Dobey said gently, watching Hutch's face, he felt sorry for his detective and he missed Carlston too.
Looking up he met his captain's gaze, Hutch sighed, "Thanks Cap. I think I'm going to take some time off."
Dobey nodded understandingly, "Starsky was afraid you came back too soon. Take as much time as you need but don't take too long, we need you."
"Thanks Cap," Hutch said getting up, as he reached for the door knob he turned around, "I won't be gone too long."
Starsky looked up from the typewriter he was picking away on. He could tell by the look on his partners face the news was not good.
Hutch flopped into the chair across the desk from Starsky, "she didn't take the job. Dobey has no idea where she is."
"I wonder why she didn't take it?" Starsky ask, but he knew exactly why she didn't.
Starsky pulled the paper he had been typing on out of the machine, "let's go see what old ole Libby can come up with."
The two detectives found Libby Standford talking on the phone when they arrived at the front desk. She held up one hand to tell them to hang on.
"Hey listen they just walked up. . . . . . " Libby paused, "are you sure?" Libby shrugged hanging up the phone.
"Problems?" Starsky ask smiling at her.
"That was Susan," Libby exclaimed, "I tried to get her to talk to one of you but she hung up."
"What!" Hutch sounded like someone had punched him in the stomach.
"She's been calling every couple of weeks to see how you guys are doing," Libby told the two stunned detectives.
"Why didn't you tell us before this?" Starsky ask.
"Susan didn't want me to," the police woman said, "I was afraid is she found out that I said anything she would stop calling."
"Yeah, I guess this is better than nothing," Hutch agreed, "do you have any idea where she is?"
Libby shook her head, "I've tried to ask but she always changes the subject."
"Next time she calls let me know right away," Hutch told her.
"I hope she's doing Ok," Libby smiled, "with the baby coming I'm sure she's keeping busy."
Hutch stood with his mouth hanging open, Starsky rolled his eyes toward the ceiling and Libby slapped her hand over his mouth, "Hutch didn't know," she said to Starsky.
Starsky shook his head and looked at Hutch who still looked stunned, "Hutch, you Ok?"
"She's pregnant? That's why she left she didn't want me to find out. Who the hell is he? How could. . . . . "
Starsky put his hand over Hutch's mouth, "for Christ sakes you dope it's your kid!"
Jerking Starsky's hand away, "mine, then why didn't she tell me?"
"She found out right before she left and made me swear not to tell you," Starsky braced himself thinking that this time Hutch would deck him for sure, "I really thought that she would have called you by now."
Hutch's face was bright red, he slammed his fist down on the counter and stormed out the door.
"I'm really sorry Starsky I didn't mean to tell him, I thought he knew," Libby said close to tears.
"Don't worry about it Lib. He needed to know, that just wasn't the best way to find out," Starsky patted her on the arm, "I had better go after him."
Hutch was standing on the steps of the station when Starsky caught up with him. He turned as Starsky came up behind him, "Is there anything else I should know old buddy?"
Hutch said between clenched teeth, "if there is spill it now unless you don't care about our friendship."
"Hutch." Starsky was really at a loss for something to say, "I'm sorry."
"Stuck between two friends again?" Hutch gave him a half smile as his anger vanished, "I'm sorry too, I'm glad she had somebody to talk to even if it wasn't me."
"It's really hard being friends with the two you, you know," Starsky smiled back at his best friend, "You know everything I know now."
Hutch nodded sadly at Starsky, "I almost wish you were keeping her location from me."
"Sorry, I wish I was too."
"Let's get some dinner at Huggy's," Hutch suggested, Starsky followed his partner down the steps.


Susan was putting her books in her back pack when a young man with reddish hair approached her. Eddie Campbell, he was always right there, he had never talked to her but if she dropped so much as a pen he was there to pick it up for her.
Starting college was a lot easier than Susan thought it would be. The best thing was it kept her busy, she didn't have time to think too much about anything but school. She had found a small dumpy apartment the only thing she could afford with the savings she had brought with her. Susan had found a part time job at a book store not far from the college. Hopefully by the time the baby was born she could afford a better apartment. No one on campus knew that she was pregnant, it didn't show yet. Susan kept mostly to her self, once in a while she would go out with a couple of girls from one of her classes but that wasn't often as she wanted to save as much money as she could.
"Can I help you with that?" Eddie ask.
Susan looked up startled, then she smiled, "thanks but I can manage, Eddie right?" He nodded, she put the pack over her shoulder, "if you'll excuse me I've got a lot of studying to do."
"Hey, would you like to study together? We have some of the same classes," he grinned at her.
"That's really sweet of you to offer but I don't think so," she said starting to walk off.
Eddie ran to catch up with her, "you married?"
She paused for a moment, "Yeah, in fact I'll be having a baby in about seven months." That should get rid of him, Susan thought as she kept walking.
His face fell, "Oh, that's great about the baby I mean," Eddie held the door open for her, "I didn't mean to come on to you."
"That's all right, you didn't know," she smiled and started down the sidewalk.
"What does he do?" Eddie ask still following her.
"Who?" Susan stopped sighing.
"Your husband."
"He's uh . . . he's a cop," she stammered.
"Oh, well I guess I'll see you tomorrow in class," Eddie smiled. As he walked off he wondered why he just didn't quite believe her.
Susan hurried to her small apartment, she opened the door then turned around looking up and down the street to see if Eddie had followed her. Sighing she went in, the apartment was dim, there was only one window which didn't let in much light. Susan stood looking out the window, then she slowly closed the blinds. Throwing her books on the kitchen table, she curled herself up in the only chair in the living room. She wondered what Starsky and Hutch were up to, if Hutch was getting on with things, if. . . . . . she closed her eyes tightly to hold back the tears. Some days she almost wanted to give up and go back to L.A. but it was too late now, she couldn't ask him to take her back after she had walked out. She fell asleep thinking about everything she had given up and wondering if it had been worth it.
A knock on the door startled Susan out of a dream, Hutch was playing with a baby in the grass at a park. The room was pitch black and she realized she had been a sleep for hours. Susan stumbled to the door, "who is it?"
"Susan, it's Eddie, are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," she said through the door, "what are you doing here?"
"I was worried about you, I saw you come in hours ago, when it got dark and the lights never came on I thought something might be wrong," he explained.
"How did you know I was here and hadn't gone out?" Susan questioned still through the door.
"Well, I've been sitting across the street in my car," he admitted, "I don't know, I just didn't . . ."
"Believe my story?" Susan finished his sentence for him. Slowly she opened the door allowing him to come in. "I'm fine, really I just fell asleep, if you hadn't woke me I would have spent the night in that chair."
Eddie looked around the room at the meager furnishings as Susan snapped on the over head light, "Are you sure you're alright, I could call somebody for you."
"There's nobody to call," Susan said sitting on the arm of the chair she had been sleeping in.
"What about you husband?"
"That was a lie," she said sheepishly, "I'm not married."
"The baby?"
"That was the truth."
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about," he said sitting down at the kitchen table, "this is the nineties."
Laughing, "I'm not, I was just trying to get rid of you."
"Oh," he said getting up.
"I didn't mean it like that, well I did . . .I just didn't want to get involved with anyone. I really need a friend though, I don't know many people her I came from Los Angeles."
"What did you do there?" Eddied said leaning on his hand watching her intently.
"Believe it or not I was a cop," Susan smiled at the look on his face.
"YOUR KIDDING!"
"'Fraud not, that's the truth," she smiled again, "it's a really long story.'
"Well if you want to tell me I'm a good listener," Eddie encouraged her.
"Well why don't we start by making dinner," Susan
said coming into the kitchen, "I'm starved."
Over dinner Susan told Eddie her life story and made him promise not to let anyone know where she was. Eddie just couldn't figure this pretty woman out but who was he to judge, he was lonely himself. Having her as a friend was better than nothing. He hadn't told her much about himself, she needed so much to talk that he didn't want to burden her with his sad story. He had run away from his life too.
It had only been two years since Eddie's you bride had been killed in a car wreck. He had felt completely dead inside until the day he had seen Susan across the room in the first class of the day. She had looked so much like his dead wife that it had taken his breath away. Eddie had instantly fallen in love with Susan. He had been afraid to talk to her for fear she wasn't real. Now he was in her life and no matter what she said he was going to make her fall in love with him some how.
​

                                                                         CHAPTER FIVE

Hutch took six months leave form the police force, Starsky talked him into counseling for the shooting but that only lasted a couple of weeks. Hutch spent most of his time trying to track down Susan. Once they found that she wasn't on any police force in the country, Hutch was at a loss for what to do. He didn't want to launch an official search for her. He tried calling a few places she had talked about wanting to go with no luck. Starsky was doing some looking on his own, he even took the chance that she hadn't even left L.A. at all but that didn't pan out either.
Susan hadn't made any phone calls in moths, Libby figured that maybe she had found somebody else and was getting on with her life. Hutch called Libby daily to see if she had heard from Susan, she could plainly hear the disappointment in his voice when she told him no.
Starsky had tried everything to snap his partner out of it. He talked Hutch into a blind date one time which was a complete disaster. Nothing Starsky did worked, but he was determined not to give up even thought Hutch begged him to stop.
"Hutch," Starsky called opening the door to Hutch's apartment. Starsky had also tried to get Hutch to move out of the apartment he had shared with Susan but to no avail, "you here Hutch?"
"Yeah," Hutch said coming out of the bedroom drying his hair, "I was in the shower."
"Well today is the big day, your leave is up," Starsky said cheerfully.
"Starsk."
"It's going to be great to have you back. You wouldn't believe some of the people that Cap paired me up with."
"Starsky," Hutch gave his friend a miserable look, "I'm not coming back. I called Dobey this morning to let him know."
Starsky looked at him stunned, "what are you going to do? You going spend every dime you have looking all over for somebody that left you?" Starsky knew what he was saying would hurt Hutch but at that moment he didn't care.
Hutch winced at Starsky's harsh words, "no I'm not going looking for her, I've done that for six months. if she wants me she knows where to look."
"But why are you quitting the force?"
"I just can't be a good cop any more, that shooting did something to me. Or maybe some of what Susan said, maybe the fact that I will be a dad soon. I want to be around to hopefully see my did someday. I believe that Susan will come back so I can at least see our child."
"I think you've all gone crazy," Starsky shouted, walking out slamming the door behind him.
Hutch started after his partner but decided just to let him go, there wasn't anything else to say. With his decision to let Susan go, Hutch had to decide what to do with the rest of his life. He had thought long and hard whether he wanted to continue being a cop, he just couldn't do it any more. he really understood now why Susan left.
Hutch had made a call to a friend of his from college that had been after him for some time to teach a class in criminology. The professor thought it would be interesting to have a real police officer teaching the class.
This would be the perfect way to get away from things for a while. Starsky meant well but he was driving Hutch crazy, he needed a change. Maybe he would come back if the teaching didn't work out, he just knew he had to go.


Starsky stormed into the station still mad, first Susan now Hutch, how could they do this to him then he stopped in the middle of the hall. The tow people he loved most in the world had decided to do something different with their lives and he as acting like a spoiled brat, what an ass. Starsky went to the front desk to borrow a phone to call Hutch and apologize. Libby was filling out a report when he ask for the phone.
"When is Hutch coming back?" Libby ask handing Starsky the phone.
"He's not, Hutch told me this morning that he is quitting, I didn't take it real well. I want to give him a call I need to apologize."
"Seems like everybody is running out on you. I guess you heard Captain Dobey is retiring at the end of the month."
Starsky put down the phone, "are you kidding?"
"Nope, the paper work came down this morning," Libby said waving the paper at Starsky. The phone rang, she picked it up, "Police, front desk . . . yes this is her What, oh that's wonderful I'll be sure to pass on the good news, thanks for calling. Hey could you tell me where you are so I could send her something . . .hello, hello?"
"What was all that about?" Starsky ask.
"That was a friend of Susan's she had the baby, it's a girl," Libby said smiling, "I tried to get him to tell me where she was but Susan must have coached him good. The guy just hung up on me."
"That's great," Starsky said with out much excitement, "I'll pass the information on to Hutch."
"Let me do it," Libby suggested, "you just don't seem in much of a mood to tell him anything. This is wonderful news. I think you are the one who need a vacation."


Hutch had just gotten off the phone with his friend Jordan Elliot, who was delighted to have me come teach for him, when there was a knock at the door, "Come in Starsk."
"It's not Starsky, can I come in anyway?"
Hutch looked up as Libby opened the door, "Libby, hi! Has something happened to Starsky?"
"No, he's fine I guess, pretty upset thought," she smiled bursting with the news she had to tell him.
"What is it, you look like you are going to pop."
"Susan had the baby," she blurted out, "it's a girl."
Hutch sat staring at her opened mouthed, "I'm a dad?"
"You sure are, mother and daughter are doing well," Libby said giving Hutch a huge hug.
"Where is she?" Hutch ask hopefully.
Libby shook her head, "I tried to get the guy that called to tell me but he just hung up."
"Guy?" his face fell.
"He said he was a friend," Libby said seeing the look on Hutch's face, "Hutch let her go, she doesn't want to be found or I'm sure that he would have told me where she was."
"Do me a favor next time she calls if she calls please tell her I really want to talk to her."
"Susan doesn't know I told you that I hear from her," Libby said, "she just might never call again."
"That's just the chance I'll take," Hutch sighed, "you don't really think that she expected you to keep the baby quiet do you?"
"I guess not."
"Starsky know?"
She nodded yes, "you and Starsky really need to talk, he's hurting too. And with Dobey retiring he feels like he's losing everybody."
"Dobey id retiring?"
"Didn't he tell anyone? I got the paper work this morning, he's staying until the end of the month," Libby said.
Hutch shook his head, "I've got to find Starsk, I can't leave with things like this."
"Where are you going?" Libby said trying to hold back the tears. The felt so sorry for all to them.
"Cincinnati, I have a friend that's a professor at a college there, he wants me to teach a class on criminology."
"You're going to be a teacher?" Libby smiled.
"Well I'm going to try," he returned her smile, "he wanted a real cop's view on things."
"Will you be staying there?"
"I donut know I'll just see how things go but we'll keep in touch."
Libby got up to leave, she hugged Hutch again, "take care of yourself."
"I will," Hutch opened the door for her, "he Libby, take care of Starsky for me," his voice choked, "I'll be back someday, count on it."
Hutch had just finished packing when there was a knock on the door. He hoped it was Starsky, he hadn't been able to find him all day. Fastening the latch on his last suit case he picked them up sitting them by the couch before answering the door.
Starsky stood there holding a pizza in one hand and a six pack of beer in the other. He saw Hutch's suit cases by the couch and felt like he had been there before, "got time for this," he said handing the box to his soon to be ex-partner.
"I've always got time for you Starsk," Hutch said softly, sitting the box on the table, "I know this is a awful thing to ask you but could you put my stuff in storage and turn in my key? The new semester stars in a couple of days and I have to get out here."
"Sure," Starsky said somberly, suddenly he threw his arms around his friend, "I'm really going to miss you."
"You can come out to visit, we'll have a blast," Hutch said trying to sound cheerful.
Starsky nodded, "let's eat before it's cold."


                                                                          CHAPTER SIX

The day was warm, almost too warm for the fall but the sky was blue and the grass was still green so it felt like summer. Susan was happy to be going back to college, starting her second year was like a dream. She wasn't sure she would finish her first year let alone starting her second.
Jesse was three months old, Susan had waited that long before she would allow Eddie to call L.A. and let them know for fear Hutch might track her down through birth records. It had been months since she had talked to Libby, it was easier just to stop calling and hearing about her old life. Susan wanted to get on with her new life now that Jesse had arrived but it wasn't working as much as she pretended to Eddie and herself. Eddie was the only guy she saw and they were still just friends.
Susan often wondered what Hutch and Starsky were doing and she caught the phone in her hand many times but she always hung up. Most of her time was taken up with Jesse, she was such a sweet baby, Susan knew that it wasn't fair to keep Jesse from her father but she didn't feel strong enough to see him yet. Susan guessed that Hutch had given up looking or he would have found her by now. She couldn't help being a little disappointed.
Eddie came running across the lawn toward Susan waving and calling out to her. "Slow down," she laughed, "you're more excited than I am."
"It's not that," he puffed as he stopped in front of her.
"Then what is it?"
"Are you still in that criminology class?"
"Yeah, and I'm going to be late," she said starting to run, "it's right over there, we can talk later."
Eddie grabbed her hand, "I have something to tell you, something you should know."
"Look Eddie, you have tried to talk me out of this class form the start and I guess it's silly to take it since it doesn't have anything to do with my major but I want to take it."
Susan took off to her class, Eddie followed her trying to take to her but Susan wouldn't listen. She got to the class and as she put her hand on the door knob, Eddie put his hand over hers, "listen to me. . . ."
Susan pulled open the door saying over her shoulder, "once a cop always a cop." Eddie stared at the closing door, he had tried to tell her, she was going to find out on her own now.
Susan smiled at several of her fellow class mates as she found a seat. She began arranging her books so that she could take notes if her was a hard ass all business professor. he was standing with his back to the class writing on the black board, he seem fairly young from the back, well dressed, nice hand writing. Susan smiled to herself, boy was she getting back to normal. The professor began talking moving down the board to write his name.
"My name is Kenneth Hutchinson, this is Criminology 201, anyone in the wrong class?" he ask turning around.
Susan's mouth fell open as she gasp, boy was she in the wrong class. Hutch went on talking not seeing her. The only seat that had been open was in the back and he hadn't seen her yet. Susan wanted to fall through the floor, this wasn't how she wanted to be reunited with him. She looked around expecting to find Starsky sitting in a corner laughing but he wasn't. She couldn't hardly believe this was just an accident. Now she knew what Eddie had been trying to tell her, he had some how found out that Hutch was the teacher. Maybe if she just stayed quite he wouldn't notice her. Hutch picked up his roll book, so much for not being noticed. He began reading off the names on his class list, it didn't take him long to get to the C's.
"Susan Carls. . . . . " he stopped in mid senesce and stared out into the class, his face mirrored the look on Susan's. The class looked at him waiting for him to go on. Finally recovering he said, "Susan Carlston?"
Susan slowly raised her hand, everyone was picking up that something was going on. A girl leaned over to her and whispered, "do you know him?"
Whispering back, "sort of."
Hutch went on with the class but the tension was so high that everyone felt it. The hour seemed endless but finally the bell rang, the class jumped to their feet dashing out as Hutch mumbled an apologia as they went. When the last student was out Hutch closed and locked the door then turned to face Susan.
"It's been along time," he said sitting on the edge of this desk. Susan was still in the back row not sure of what to say, "don't you have anything to say to me?"
Susan nodded as the tears ran down her face, "you have a beautiful daughter." Slowly she got up and walked to the front of the room until she was standing so close to Hutch she thought she could hear his heart beat. Suddenly he stood up pulling her into his arms crushing he to him. Their mouths found each other in a kiss that said everything that had peen pent up in them for the last year and a half. "Hutch I love you," she sobbed, "I never stopped, you were always on my mind."
"I love you, I looked everywhere for you until I didn't have the heart to go on. This is the last place I would have thought to look."
Neither of them saw the face in the window, Eddie felt like dying as he watched them. How after all this time could they just fall into each others arms like nothing had happen-
ed. Now he knew why he and Susan were never more than friends. She was still in love with the cop no matter how many times she said she wasn't. He felt like his wife died all over again. Why hadn't he stopped Susan from going in that class room. But he knew that they would have found each other anyway. Feeling like a peeping tom Eddie slowly walked back to his dorm and began to pack.
During the day Susan checked Hutch's class room between every class expecting it to all have been a dream. They had lunch together and when classes were done for the day she met him outside his class room and he walked her home. It was only three blocks from the college, it was a clean pretty building, much better than the one she had moved into when she first arrived. Her apartment was on the second floor on the back with a porch that looked out on to a small flower garden that Mrs. Gray the manger and now baby sitter took care of. In the beginning Mrs. Gray said she would only watch Jesse until Susan could find someone else but the older woman fell in love with the little girl and wouldn't let anyone else take care of her.
Susan opened the door and called out, "I'm home."
Hutch took a step back thinking that she was calling to a boy friend. When a small silver headed lady came out wiping her hands on her apron he gave a sigh of relief.
"Susan, you are home early, I thought you were going to the library after classes," Mrs. Gray said, "Jesse is sleeping, it was such a nice day I took her to the park."
"Mrs. Gray this is Ken Hutchinson, Jesse's father." Susan said introducing them, "Hutch this is Mrs. Gray she takes care of Jesse for me."
Hutch nodded and shook hands with the older woman, "Nice to meet you."
"Oh so this is the one that you are so crazy about." Mrs. Gray beamed at them.
Susan smiled blushing, it almost felt like a first date, "You want to see Jesse?"
Hutch smiled in answer and followed Susan down the hall and into the nursery that was beautifully decorated. The crib was in the corner, Susan pulled back the blanket to reveal the sleeping face of Jesse. She cooed in her sleep, Hutch bent over and softly touched her face.
"Your daddy's here Jesse," Susan whispered softly.
"She's so big," Hutch exclaimed surprised by her size.
"Big?"
"Well she can't be more that a week or two old," Hutch said looking at Susan.
"Oh, well she's three months old," Susan said sheepishly.
"What? Libby told me you had her just before I left," Hutch was confused.
"I know," Susan admitted, "I wouldn't let Eddie call right away I was afraid you would track me down through her birth records."
"You are too smart for you own good," Hutch hugged her, "I really should be very mad at you, you know."
"Are you?" she ask smiling up at him.
He shook his head, "How could I be mad when you have given me such a beautiful daughter."
Jesse stirred opening he eyes, Hutch leaned over again and looked at her, "She's got blue eyes."
"Just like her daddy," Susan smiled, "Go ahead pick her up."
Mrs. Gray appeared in the doorway, "I'm sorry to bother you Susan but there is someone on the phone that won't take no for answer."
"Go on," Huch said "I can watch her."
Susan went to the livingroom and picked up the phone, "Yeah," she said into the phone.
"Susan, this is Dan, Eddie's friend?" a male voice said, "Do you know where he is?"
"No I haven't seen his since right before first class this morning," she told him.
"He was in his first class but he disappeared after that and when I went to the dorm all of this things were gone," Dan said in a worried voice.
"He didn't say anything?" Susan ask.
"Well he seemed pretty upset when he got to class," Dan said, "But I didn't get a chance to talk to him and he ran out as soon as class was over."
"Maybe he was upset over a friend of mine showing up today."
"Was it a male friend?"
"Yeah why?"
"Susan don't you know that Eddie is in love with you?" Dan ask.
"Oh come on Dan we are just good friends," Susan said, but she had always had a feeling that Eddie thought of her as more than just a friend.
"Maybe that's what you felt but Eddie's in love with you, has been ever since you two met. Listen are you going to help me find him or not? There is no telling what he might do. I'm sure he told you about his wife. I don't think that he can take another heart break."
"I'll help you find him but what do you expect me to do, marry him? I can't do that I don't love him that way. I never lead him on. I don't know how much he told you about me and I'm not going to tell you, it's none of your business," Susan was almost shouting into the phone, Hutch came into the room carrying Jesse.
"Is everything alright?" Hutch ask.
Covering the phone with her hand Susan said, "No everything is not Ok," then into the phone, "Give me your number and I'll call you back. I think I may know where he is if he's still in town."
After getting Dan's phone number Susan ask Mrs. Gray to stay on for a little while and quickly explained to Hutch what was going on. Then she headed for the park across the street from her old apartment. As Susan got close she cold see someone sitting on a bench under a tree. It was Eddie, his car was parked across the street in front of the apartment building.
He looked up as she approached, "Hi," he said softly.
"Everyone is worried about you, where have you been?" she chided him.
"I've been right here, I had some thinking to do. What are you doing here?" he ask.
"Looking for you."
"Why, you have what you want. I saw you and your cop this morning. I guess everything is just fine now, uh?" he said frowning.
"What does hutch and I have to do with you and me? Eddie you and I are friends, I never made it out to be any more than that and you know it. I love you as a friend and nothing more. You helped me thorough some very hard times, I'm grateful for that. Even if Hutch hadn't turned up you and I would have never been more than friends."
"You have been talking to Dan, haven't you?" he accused her.
"He call me looking for you," Susan said raising he eye brows at him, "How did you know I talked to him?"
"Because he's the only one I told that I loved. . . . " he stopped and liked at her sadly, "Susan, I love you and Jesse, I was hoping someday we could be a family."
"Eddie you are a dear friend," she said gently, "But that was never going to happen."
"I guess I always knew that," he said sorrowfully, hanging his head. "I just hoped that someday you would forget your cop and . . . "
"I guess I was kidding myself too," Susan said, "I was trying to forget somebody that I was to connected to. I'm sorry I dragged you into all this, it wasn't fair."
Eddie shrugged, "It was fun while it lasted and you have helped me get over Jill. I've made a decision, I'm leaving town."
"Please don't leave because of me," Susan pleaded.
Shaking his head, "I need to go home and get my life back together," he admitted, "it's kind of hard to start over when you haven't settled things."
Susan smiled, she completely understood how he felt, "Please keep in touch, you are Jesse's Godfather you know."
"Am I still?"
"Well of course you are, she's the only little girl with two godfathers that I know of . I don't want her to lose you. There has to be one sane one and I know Starsky's sure not."
Eddie reach out and hugged her, "Well I don't know how sane I am but I don't mind sharing the honors. I hope some day I can meet your cops, they sound like great guys. Hutch is a lucky guy and I do mean that."
"Eddie you have a good life and promise to stay in touch please," Susan kissed him on the cheek.
Releasing her, Eddie nodded then headed for his car. he got in and rolled down the window, "Tell Dan I said good-bye, kind of explain things alright?"
"Sure," Susan waved as he drove off, "Drive safe," she called after him.
As Susan opened the door to her apartment, Mrs. Gray was putting the finishing touches on the kitchen table. There were candles and fresh flowers from her prize flower garden. Susan took off her jacket and tossed it on the back of the couch. Hutch was sitting in the floor playing with Jesse, they were so cute together. Susan just stood watching them for a moment. She hoped that Eddie would find his way and be as lucky as she felt at this very second.
"Susan . . . Susan?" Mrs. Gray shook her shoulder.
"You Ok? Did you find Eddie?" Mrs. Gray ask frowning.
Hutch joined the two women holding Jesse in his arms. Susan smiled at them, "Yeah I found him. I think that Eddie is going to be just fine."
"Well that's good," Mrs. Gray said turning to go back into the kitchen, "Dinner is ready, you just leave those dishes, I'll get them in the morning."
"Please stay, you have cooked such a lovely meal," Susan said as the woman put on her coat.
"I wouldn't dream of it, you three need some time alone," she said giving Hutch a wink. "I'll see you in the morning."
Susan made a quick phone call to Dan to let him know what had happened then the three of them sat down to dinner. Later that night after putting Jesse to bed Hutch and Susan did what they knew they had been avoiding all night, talk. Hutch wasn't sure he wanted to hear what she had to say, he didn't want to lose her all over again. He built a fire in the fire place and waited for Susan who was taking a shower. He poured some wine in a couple of glasses just as she came into the room. She had on a white silk nightie, the one he had given her not long before she had left.
"Remember this?" she ask spinning around.
"Yeah," Hutch said grabbing her, he pulled her down in front of the fire with him and kissed her, "I love you."
"I love you too. I'm sorry about everything that has happened, especially keeping Jesse from you. You should have been there."
"Are we going to keep it together this time," he ask softly.
"Even if you are a cop."
"That's good this teaching thing is only for a while. Just one semester I think, after what happened today I might not have a job," Hutch laughed.
"I don't care what you do. I wish I had realized that before I left. I guess sometimes you need distance from things to know what you really want."
"I didn't give up the force because of you. I just couldn't do it anymore, I froze at a time it could have cost me my life or maybe somebody else's. Starsky saved my butt. All I could think of was that I wanted to see my child someday."
"I'm really sorry," she sadly looked at him.
"Listen that is all behind us now, lets concentrate on being a family," Hutch kissed her, "Marry me."
"Now?" she teased.
"Right now," Hutch teased back, "I don't want to lose you again."
"Don't worry I'm not going anywhere," she laughed.
"I'm not letting you out of my sight," Hutch grabbed her wrist.
She slapped his hand away and began tickling him. They wrestled around on the floor for a few minutes before Hutch finally pinned her to the floor. "Are you going to marry me or not?" Susan was laughing so hard that she could only nod her head yes.
Hutch grinned at her holding her close, "I guess we should call Starsk, he was upset when I left. He felt like everyone deserted him. You, me and Cap retired."
"What?" Susan said sitting up looking at hutch, "Cap retired, he wasn't old enough to retire."
"I guess he just got tired, Cap didn't talk about it. He slipped out before anyone could even give him a party."
"That's odd I hope he's not sick and didn't want anyone to know."
I ask him, Dobey insisted that he just wanted to do some fishing and spend some time with Edith," Hutch assured her.
Susan got up stretched and walked to Jesse's room. She quietly pushed open the door and walked softly to the crib, Jesse was sound to sleep with her thumb in her mouth. Susan pushed a damp curl from the baby's forehead. Jesse stirred in her sleep but didn't wake. Susan stared out the window over Jesse's bed thinking about the days events. She had found hutch, lost Eddie and agreed to get married in less than twenty-four hours, what a crazy day. Her thought then went to Captain Dobey hoping that everything was fine with him. Suddenly she realized how much she missed her life in L.A., the danger the excitement, Starsky . . .
She felt a hand on her shoulder, "Everything Ok?" Hutch whispered not wanting to wake the baby.
"Everything is fine, I was just thinking how luck I am," she said turning putting her arms around his neck.
"Not having second thought are you?" he frowned.
"Not on you're life Ken Hutchinson, if you think I'm going to throw everything away a second time you are crazy."
Hutch kissed he, "Where do you want to get married?"
"At home," she smiled.
"Your apartment is small but we keep the guest list to really close friends we should make it."
"No you don't understand Hutch, I mean home, L.A. home."
"You want to go back to California to stay?" he gasped holding her at arms length so he could look at her.
"Well I didn't say that, just to get married, we can talk about staying later. You do have your teaching position here."
"Yeah," he sighed.
"You miss it too?"
"Too? You miss being a cop?"
"For Gods sakes you don't have to sound so surprised. I was a good cop for five years, it's hard to just chuck it all, turn you life up side down and feel no regrets." Susan told him.
He nodded knowing just what she meant, "Hey what time is it" Let's make that call to Starsky."
Susan looked at Jesse's clock that was sitting on her dresser. It lit up with little bears dancing around the numbers, "It's two-thirty here so it's about eleven-thirty out there."
"Starsky should be home if he's not on a stake out."
They both went into the livingroom, Susan picked up the phone, "Let me," she smiled.
"Go ahead, the number is . . ." Hutch began.
"I know what the number is," Susan laughed, dialing the phone. "I picked up this phone to call you or Starsky a million times but always hung up."
The phone rang ten times, Susan started to hang up, "Give it a few more rings just in case he's busy," Hutch said winking at her.
But after ten more rings she hung up, "Maybe he's still at the station."
"Call there, I'm sure you still remember that number too," Hutch teased her.
Susan smacked him, "Smart ass," she dialed the number, after a couple of rings someone picked up.
"Police department," a voice said, "How may I direct your call?"
"I need to speak to Detective Starsky, this is Susan Carlston."
"Uh . . . uh," the voice stammered, "One moment."
"What's going on?" Hutch ask.
Susan shrugged, "I was put on hold," she said, "What kind o people have they got working down there, he sounded like a total dope."
"Susan?" a familiar voice said, "This is Libby."
"Libby how are you?" Susan smiled into the phone, "What is going on, where is Starsky?"
"Susan I don't know how to tell you this but Starsky has been missing for almost two weeks. We have no leads, no nothing it's like he disappeared off the face of the earth. And Hutch left, I haven't called him." Libby sounded very upset.
The smile faded off of Susan's face, "Was he working on something?"
"Same old stuff, nothing major." the police woman said.
"What's wrong?:" Hutch ask seeing the tears in Susan's eyes. She handed him the phone unable to talk and headed toward Jesse's room, "Hello?" he said into the phone.
"Hutch, is that you?" Libby exclaimed in surprise, "You are with Susan?"
"Yeah, we kind of ran into each other," Hutch smiled briefly, "Now what is going on with Starsky?"
Libby repeated what she hold told Susan. She told Hutch everything that she knew which wasn't much, "I'm really worried," Libby said in a tight voice.
"Why didn't you call me and let me know he was missing," Hutch growled.
"Look you don't work for our police force any more, it's police business," Libby snapped.
"But he's my friend."
"You should have thought of that before you left," Libby yelled.
"Hey I've got my own life to live. I didn't quit Starsky I quit the force," Hutch yelled back, "What is with you anyway?"
Libby took a deep breath, "Hutch I'm sorry, it's just I'm so worried and we just have no leads, it's depressing."
"I'm getting the feeling that there is more to this than worrying about a friend."
"Well we have been kind of dating and I uh. . . uh"
"I understand," Hutch said gently, "What can we do to help?"
"Hutch," Susan called softly behind him. Hutch turned to look at her. Susan was standing there with a suitcase in one and a bundled up Jesse in the other arm.
"Libby we are coming, all I need to do is get pack. We'll be on the next flight we can get out."
"Call me when you get in, I'll pick you up," Libby said in a relieved voice.
"Hey do me a favor call Captain Dobey, tell him what's going on I think he should know," Hutch told her, "Maybe the four of us can put our heads together and come up with something."
"hutch I've been trying to reach Dobey but he's on vacation some where," Libby explained.
"Great, just great! We'll see what we can do once we get there, see you soon." Hutch hung up the phone.
"You better get packed so we can get to the airport," Susan said picking up the phone, "I'll call Mrs. Gray and let her know what is going on."
"Tell you what, you do that," Huch said, "I'll run to my apartment and pack then pick you guys up out front."
"Ok," she said kissing him, "I just hope we can get a flight tonight." He winked at her and patter Jesse on the arm and was gone.


                                                                      CHAPTER SEVEN

Susan stared out the window as the plane landed, it had been so long since she had seen the lights of L.A. Jesse was sound asleep in her arms not minding the first plane of her life. Hutch looked like he was asleep but Susan knew him too well. She could almost see the wheels turning in his head. She had been doing the same thing, going through every case she could remember. But there were thousands of them. Everything from little nothing cases to threats of bodily harm against them, those were the ones she was trying to recall.
The stewardess came by to tell everyone the plane had landed and was taxing up to the terminal. Hutch sat up unbuckling his seat belt. "Come up with anything?" Susan smiled at him.
He jumped slightly, "No, I guess old habits die hard, uh? How's our girl doing?"
"Sleeping, she's so easy going but she cried when we left Mrs. Gray. It was like she knew we wouldn't be seeing her for a while."
About that time Jesse woke, sat up, and looked around her. Spying Hutch she stretched out her chubby arms to him. Hutch took her in his arms and held her up so that she could see out the window, "That is where your mommy and I use to live," he whispered to her.
As soon as the plane landed Susan went to call Libby. About forty minutes later Libby arrived and picked them up in front of the terminal.
"It is so good to see you guys again and who is this?" Libby ask peering in the bundle Hutch held, "Oh she's beautiful."
"This is Jesse," Hutch said then ask, "Has anything come up since we talked."
Libby shook her head sadly, "Nothing, I've still been trying to reach Dobey but no luck there."
"What about Huggy?" Susan ask giving her friend a big hug, "He usually knows what's going down."
"Huggy!" Libby slapped her hand to her forehead, "I completely forgot about him. How could I have been so dumb."
Let's make a detour over there and see if he know anything," Susan suggested.
The Pits hadn't changed one bit, it was nothing but a hole in the wall but they had had some good times there. Huggy always had a cold beer waiting for them and something witty to say. Susan smiled thinking about him, he was such a wild character she couldn't wait to see him again.
The bar was almost full as they walked in. Huggy was running from one end of the bar to the other serving drinks. He had just put a couple of glasses under the beer taps and turned them on when he looked up noticing them standing in the doorway. His mouth fell open, the two glasses began to run over.
"Huggy!" Laura yelled at him, "You're running the mugs over."
"Here you do this," he said turning the taps off, "I've got company."
"Huggy!" Laura called after him.
As the tall black man approached grinning, Susan could see that his taste in clothing hadn't changed one bit. He had on a bright orange pants with a green shirt and she knew that there was an orange sport coat lurking behind the bar some where.
"Hey Huggy what's up?" Hutch ask as Huggy engulfed him in a hug.
"Not much but it looks like there has been a lot up with you two. And who do we have here?" he peeked at the baby.
"This is Jesse, Jesse this is Huggy Bear," Susan introduced them as Huggy gave her a hug and shook Jesse's tiny hand.
"How do you do little miss?" Huggy said to Jesse, she smiled at him. Huggy looked at Hutch, "You know you can't get the police when you want them," Huggy huffed, "I called and called, even tried going down there in person and they just weren't interest."
"What have you got?" Hutch ask.
"Let's go up to my apartment, the baby doesn't need to be down here in all this smoke." Susan smiled at him gratefully.
Once in the apartment Susan unwrapped Jesse and sat down in a well worn but still comfortable arm chair. Huggy's apartment wasn't very big, a small kitchen with a table pushed up under the only window in the apartment. The living room was a little larger with a few chairs, a couch and a worn coffee table. There were tow doors off the livingroom which lead to the bathroom and a single bedroom. It was all that Huggy needed, he spent most of his time down in the bar and just need a place to sleep.
After declining a drink Hutch ask, "What have you heard?"
"Well I know that Starsky is missing and that Mel Roffman is behind it."
"What!" Susan gasped, "Roffman is dead, has been for five years."
"I'm only telling you what's on the streets," Huggy explained, "Roffman has Starsky. I've tried to find out more but nobody seems to know more than that."
"I think we need to get down to the station," Hutch said getting up, "Thanks for your help Hug."
"Any time, I'll keep my ears open," Huggy said, then he smiled at his friends, "It's really good to have you guys back. Everybody missed you."
The three officers along with the baby got into Libby's car. She started the engine then turned sideways and looked at Hutch, "You are forgetting one small thing," Libby frowned.
"What's that?" Hutch questioned.
"You don't work at the station any more," Libby told the ex-detective.
"You don't really think that will stop me do you?" Hutch said in a determined voice.
"You can't get past the first floor with out clearance now," Libby explained, "The security is very tight."
"Then get us clearance," Susan said.
"I can't," Libby said, "That is not if I want to keep my job."
"Ok, then how do we get in?" Hutch wanted to know.
"Hutch you are a private citizen and the captain we have now is a real hard ass. I talked to him about you guys. He wants you to stay clear of the investigation."
"What is his problem?" Susan ask, "Apparently he doesn't now who we are."
"He know exactly who you are," Libby cleared her throat.
"Then he's one up on us," Hutch growled, "Would you care to enlighten us?"
"Dixon."
"Pat Dixon?" Hutch moaned.
"You got it," Libby said.
"Who is that?" Susan said leaning over the back seat. She was sitting back there with Jesse. She looked from Hutch to Libby and back again.
"He was around when Starsk and I were first on the force together. Dixon was a detective and didn't like us at all."
"So I guess we are going to have to find Dobey," Susan sighed flopping back in the seat.
"I hate to be a party pooper but I've got to get home. I'm due at work in about an hour. I'm working nights for awhile." Libby said as she pulled away from the curb, "Where do you want me to drop you?"
"At Starsky's place, I gave up my apartment," Hutch told her.
Libby dropped the two ex-detectives off at Starsky's. His red tomato as everyone called it but Starsky was parked in front. Hutch patted the hood of the car then fished around in his pocket for his key ring. Starsky had given him a key years ago. He slipped the key in the lock and eased the door open, "I need my gun."
"Feel naked," Susan smiled.
"Just a little," Hutch confessed peering into the apartment. Everything looked normal except a square box on the floor.
They both stood in the living room looking around. Their gaze came to rest on the white square box laying in the floor. Hutch bent over and flipped open the lid. What had once been a good looking pizza was now growing things.
"There wasn't much of a struggle," Susan said making a face at the pizza, "They must have been waiting for him. Starsk would never leave a pizza laying around like this."
Hutch nodded in agreement as he picked up the ;box and sat it on the kitchen table.
They decided that they would stay at the apartment, just being there made them feel closer to their missing partner. Susan began setting up the portable crib in the living room. Hutch took Jesse to inspect the kitchen, he opened the refrigerator door and was greeted by the odor of spoiled food. Hutch slammed the door, just as Susan came in carrying a diaper bag. She set it on the counter and began to unload baby food.
"Well at least Jesse has something to eat," Huch picked up a jar of strained peas, "How does this stuff taste?"
"You don't want to know," Susan laughed, "How about if we order a new pizza?'
"Sounds good, you call I'm going to the store. It's just up the street," he said handing Jesse over to her mother. "She'll need some milk and we can't live on pizza."
"Don't tell that to Starsk," Susan shook her head. Starsky was know to live on cold pizza and rootbeer for days. "I'll call of the pizza then feed Jesse and get her settled in."
Susan made the call then began the task of feeding the baby. She noticed a photo of herself, Starsky and Hutch sitting on the end table. Smiling she picked up the frame, "See Jesse," she said "That's me, you daddy and your Uncle Starsky."
The front door opened and Hutch came in carrying a sack of groceries, "What are my girls doing?" Susan held up the photo she had been looking at, "Hey no mustaches."
"Be nice," Susan laughed as she lay the baby in the crib.
"Starsk was really mad, we hardly talked the week before I left but we made our peace."
"Here let me take that," Susan took the sack of food. She dumped out the spoiled food from the refrigerator replacing it with the milk and eggs Hutch had brought. She had just finished putting the rest of the things away when there was a knock at the door.
Hutch opened the door, a boy about seventeen stood there holding a pizza box. The boy's eyes widen with surprise, "Uh, uh . . . " stammered the kid, "Your pizza?"
"Is there a problem?: Hutch ask.
"I'm sorry, I was expecting Dave," he apologized, "Is he back yet?"
"Come in here," Hutch grabbed his arm pulling the boy into the room. Taking the pizza he pointed to the couch, "Sit down."
"Hey look if this is a hold up I only carry twenty in change." the boy said nervously looking from Hutch to Susan.
Susan laughed, "Relax we are ex-cops," she grabbed the photo and held it out to the boy.
Taking it he began to smile, "Hey I know who you two are, his partners. He talks about you all the time."
"He must order a lot of pizza," Huch said under his breath.
"What?" the boy ask.
"Nothing," Hutch said picking up the phone, "Can you handle this Susan I want to call Libby."
"Sure, no problem," Susan said to Hutch then turned to the delivery boy, "I'm Susan and that's . . . " she began.
"Hutch," interrupted Jerry, "I told ya he talked about you two all the time."
"Jerry, I need to ask you some questions. Starsky has been missing two weeks."
"You are kidding me?"
"I wish I were. When was the last time you delivered a pizza to him," Susan ask.
"it was two weeks ago," Jerry said, "He called from the station and ask me to deliver it at six-thirty here."
"Was he here?" ask Susan.
"We pulled up at the same time. Dave paid me and I left. That's the last time I heard from him," explained the boy, "I was wondering why he hadn't call in a while."
"Do you remember what night it was?"
"Sure, Thursday night two weeks ago."
"That's the night he disappeared. Did you notice anything unusual?"
"No, he seemed fine. I left before he went in
"Well thanks a lot Jerry," Susan said handing him the money for the pizza. "If you think of anything else come by here."
"Sure thing," Jerry said hopping up, "Hope Dave is Ok."
"I'm sure we'll find him soon," Susan said showing him to the door, "Thanks again."
"Well?" Hutch said hanging up the phone.
"Looks like our pizza boy Jerry was the last to see Starsk," Susan said, "He met him as he was getting home from work."
So he didn't come in the apartment?"
"No, I guess it's a good thing he didn't. We might have found a dead pizza boy instead of a dead pizza."
Hutch flopped down on the couch, he looked around the room at all of this friend's things and wondered if they would ever see him alive again. Hutch couldn't help feeling that if he had just stayed but then he would have never found Susan again. He leaned back and closed his eyes.
Susan sat down next to him, "What's wrong?"
"Dobey is missing too!" he said without opening his eyes. Maybe if he just sat there for a while it would all be a bad dream.
"What?"
"Edith Dobey was in the station about an hour ago to file a missing person's report," Hutch sounded defeated, "We don't know where Starsky is and now Dobey."
"Why don't we get over to Cap's house and talk to Edith?" Susan suggested, "It will take forever if we try to go thorough the station."
"What about Jesse?" Hutch smiled down at his sleeping daughter.
"I'll call Libby back and see if she know anyone who she trusts to look after Jesse," Susan said picking up the phone.
Hutch rubbed the baby's hand gently, "What have we gotten you into."
Libby arrived at Starsky's thirty minutes later with an over night bag in her hand. She hadn't know anyone she would trust that much so he got a friend to cover for her at work.
After giving instructions to Libby the two ex-detectives made their way to Captain Dobey's house. It still looked the same, white picket fence, perfect yard and a beautiful flower garden all done by Edith. Dobey had always seemed to be at work, he loved his job as much as his family. Edith understood and was always behind her husband.
Now Edith Dobey was sitting at her dining table in her bright sunny yellow kitchen twisting a coffee cup on it's saucer. "Edith," Susan laid her hand on the older woman's hand.
Mrs. Dobey shifted her gaze from the window to Susan's face, "I want to see that baby of yours. I just can't believe the two of you. . ."
"Edith," Hutch interrupted softly, "We need to talk about Cap."
Edith wiped a tear away with the back of her hand, "I don't know what to do."
"That's what we are here for," Hutch said, "Why don't you tell us what happen."
"Harold went on his annual fishing trip, two weeks up at Pine Lake. Hutch, you and Starsky have gone with him," Hutch nodded. She went on, "I didn't hear from him during those two weeks but the phones go out often and I didn't think anything about it. I just got back from my sisters and Harold wasn't back, I tried to call but there was no answer so I drove up there. He hadn't even opened the cabin up, it was locked up tight. The covers were still on the furniture, no one had been there in months."
Susan and Hutch were staring at each other, "Are you thinking the same thing I am?" Susan ask.
Hutch nodded, "Maybe the two are related.
"Uh . . . . what are you two talking about," Edith ask looking puzzled.
"You don't know," Hutch exclaimed, "Why would you, Starsky is missing too. Just about the time Cap went on his vacation."
"Oh my god!" Edith said, she went back to twisting her cup, "Something has happened to him. I thought maybe he just left me."
"Oh come on," Susan scoffed, "You know he loves you more than life."
"I know but that was better than thinking something had happened to him," She put her hands over her face, "Thinking some nut finally got him. I was always so worried when he was working now look what's happened."
"We are going to find him," Hutch assured her.
Regaining her composure, Edith gave them a weak smile, "You tow had better be careful, someone might be after you too."
After telling Edith that they would keep in close touch the two ex-cops sat in Starsky's car in front of Dobey's house. Two kids came skating down the side walk, yelling at each other. A bird flew down and lit in a tree, a butterfly flitted by the open car window, life went on.
Susan watch the butterfly until it was out of sight, finally she said, "Now what? None of this sounds good and Edith might be right, we could be next. I'm sure the news of us being back has spread like wild fire."
Hutch nodded in agreement, he started the car, "I think that we need to talk to Dixon."
"I want Jesse safe," Susan said.
Again Hutch nodded, "We will work on that just as soon as we talk to Dixon."
Susan and Hutch finally got permission to see Pat Dixon, Hutch told the officer at the front desk that they weren't leaving until they talked to him. Dixon relented after the fifth call to his office. They arrived at their old office in a flurry of back slaps and hugs from fellow officers. By the time they got to Dixon's office the whole building knew they were back.
Hutch knocked on Dixon's door, just as he was about to knock again a loud voice yelled, "IN!"
Hutch opened the door, the two ex-officers stepped in. Pat Dixon sat behind a large desk. This was Dobey's old office and to see someone else behind his desk was not comforting, the scowl on Dixon's face didn't help either. He was a tall man mostly balding with small beady eyes.
"I knew it would only be a matter of time before you two showed up." he growled at them.
"You sure gave us a hard enough time about seeing you." Susan said curtly.
"I really don't know what you are doing here," he said.
"Our partner and Captain are missing," Hutch said stepping up to face Dixon.
"Ex-partner, ex-captain," Dixon slapped the desk with the palm of his hand, "Do you two think that you can just walk in here and take over? Well forget it, you are not cops any more so why don't you get the hell. . . "
"Hey," Susan yelled, "What is wrong with you? There are two men out there that need help, one of this IS still a cop. We don't want to take over, just help." Hutch and Dixon just stared at Susan, "So what we aren't cops any more but we were and damn good ones. We haven't been off the streets that long. Most of our contacts are still out there. Now, we can stand here and argue or we can work together and hopefully find them if it's not to late already," Susan took a deep breath and was quiet.
Dixon who had been standing sat down hard in his chair, "Boy she's a little ball of fire."
Hutch grinned at her and proudly said, "Yeah I know."
"Ok, Ok," Dixon conceded, "Let's talk."
Susan and Hutch took seats, "We talked to Edith Dobey this morning Dobey has been missing for two weeks also."
"I just got the paper work on my desk an hour ago," Dixon shifted some papers around on his desk until he found the report.
"A friend of ours said that he has heard Mel Roffman has Starsky and we figure probably Dobey," Susan said, "But hasn't Roffman been dead for some time?"
"Uh . . . yeah," Dixon stammered.
"What's going on, this isn't anytime to play games," Hutch yelled jumping to his feet, Susan grabbed Hutch's arm forcing him back into the chair.
"I have heard the rumor too," Dixon nodded, "I have a request for information in to the S.F.P.D."
"Haven't you been checking this stuff out before now?" Hutch fumed.
"Just who do you think you are talking to?" Dixon yelled, "I'm no rookie! One of my top officers is missing. I have had men working over time one this."
"Put us back on," Susan said.
"No!" Dixon shook his head.
"We will do this whether or not we are on the force," Hutch seethed, "It would be easier if we are but don't think for one second that would stop us."
Throwing up his hands, "Alright," he shouted, then under is breath, "Dobey said you guys were a pain in the ass."
"What?" Susan ask with a half smile.
"I said Dobey told me you guys were a pain in the ass," he repeated.
Hutch winked his partner, "That's us."
"I'll call down, get you guys issued badges and guns," Dixon sighed, "Don't screw up or I'll have you both under the jail. Oh and I expect you two to report in daily, got it?"
"We got it," they both said together but didn't have any intention of doing it.
Hutch declined the gun issued to him, saying he already had one at Starsky's. He had given his gun to Starsky when he had left for safe keeping. Hutch had had a feeling he would be back some day.
Once back at Starsky's Susan checked on Jesse and Hutch hunted down his gun. He found it in the hall closet still in the shoulder holster, next to it hung Starsky's.
"Damn," Hutch sighed.
"What"? Susan wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his back.
He reached in the closet, turning he held out Starsky's gun, "He never goes any where with out this."
"I know," Susan said softly, "We'll find him, Cap too."
"Alive?" Hutch looked at her, "it's been two weeks. That's a long time to be with someone like Roffman."


                                                                             CHAPTER EIGHT

Starsky sighed as he stared out the bar covered window. He had been there a couple of days, where ever there was. The detective had been blind folded and tied up during the long car ride. When he and his captures arrived at where ever they were going he was walked up a long flight of stairs, untied and shoved into a room. Yanking the blind fold down all he saw was a closing door.
The room he was in was huge and very expensively decorated. There was a king size bed at one end, a small couch, TV and chair at the other end. Two doors went off the room besides the door he was pushed through. Starsky investigated both, one was a closet filled with extra blankets. The other, a bath room full of towels and everything you could need.
There were two floor to ceiling curtained windows, Starsky jerked the curtain of one window open. There were bars on the outside of the window. Pulling the other one open he found the same thing.
Something clicked on and began running in the corner by the bathroom. Starsky spun around groping for his gun that wasn't there. Smiling slightly he went over to a small refrigerator and opened it, there were sodas and beer chilling in side.
Starsky sat down on the edge of the bed wondering how he was going to get out of this mess when he heard someone at the door.
"Stand away from the door," Said a voice. Starsky jumped it was the first time anyone had said a word to him since he was taken from his apartment. They had been waiting inside, knocked him out and he had awoke in a speeding car. None of his questions were answered. Other than being knock out he had been treated with care.
The door opened slowly, two men entered, one carrying a gun, the other a tray covered with a towel, "Just sit there," said the man as he sat the tray on a small table by the window, "Drinks are in the fridge, help yourself."
As he started to leave Starsky got to his feet, the man standing in the doorway cocked his gun, "Have a seat Mr. Starsky."
"But. . . but," Starsky stammered, "Hey I want some answers."
"All in good time," said the man that brought the food, "Just relax, enjoy the food and don't try to escape, because you can't."
"Can you at least tell me where I am?" Starsky demanded.
"No!" the gun man slammed the door.
Starsky walked to the table and lifted the cloth covering the tray. A steak, baked potato and sautéed mushrooms sat teaming on the plate. A salad with an assortment of dressings sat next to it.
The food smelled like heaven, it had been hours since he had last ate. he thought mournfully of the pizza that he had been carrying when he had been hit. Sitting down at the table he poked at the steak, he decided that they went to a lot of trouble just to poison him now. He grabbed himself a soda and began his meal.
Starsky still standing at the window was shaken from his thoughts when the door opened, he glanced at his watch. It wasn't dinner time, they were very prompt with meals, eight a.m., twelve noon and six o'clock, it wasn't even five yet.
"Stay back," said a gruff voice.
A black man was shoved into the room blind folded with his hands tied behind his back. The door slammed quickly, the plump black man stumbled falling to his knees.
"Cap!" Starsky cried rushing to help his ex-captain to his feet, "Are you alright?"
Dobey still dressed in his fishing clothes said in a startled voice, "Starsky is that you?"
"Yeah," Starsky pulled the blind fold off and untied his hands.
"Where the hell are we," Dobey demanded, squinting at the sudden light.
"I have no idea. I have been racking my brain for two days. Those guys don't look familiar."
"You have been here two days?" Dobey looked surprised, he could believe anybody could hold a hot head like Starsky for that long without there being some kind of trouble.
"Yeah, they grabbed me when I got home night before last. They knocked me out, they were waiting in my apartment." Starsky explained.
Dobey rubbed the back of his head, "They were waiting inside the cabin up at Pine Lake. When I got there someone hit me over the head. We drove for hours before we got here."
"Me too, either they drove around the block forever or we aren't in L.A. any more."
"Well now what?: Dobey ask looking around the room, "Doesn't look like you have been slumming it."
Starsky threw up his hand, "There are bars on the windows, guards out side the door but I've been treated very well." Starsky had found out that there were guards on the door when finding it un locked. He opened the door only to be met by tow guns stuck in his face, "There is no way out."
"Somebody should be looking for you by now," Dobey said dropping down on the bed.
Starsky shook his head, "Not until tomorrow, I had the last two days off."
"Great!" Dobey stretched out on the bed and put his hands behind his head, "Edith won't be expecting me for two weeks."
"Won't she wonder why you haven't called or why she can't get you?"
"Not necessarily, Sometimes the phone goes out so she won't get too worried when she doesn't hear from me. I think that she said something abut going to her sisters for a few days."
"Think the two of us could over power these guys?" Starsky ask.
About that time the door flew open, two men came in carrying trays. Two others that Starsky had never seen stepped in behind them holding guns. The first two men set the trays down. Starsky made a move toward them, "I wouldn't do that Mr. Starsky," said the taller of the two men, "Just eat your dinner."
Starsky stopped, "Just how long are you going to hold us here?"
"Listen, both of you will get answers soon but please just corporate, my buddies and I really don't want to hurt you. Our boss would be very upset," the man turned to leave.
"Who is your boss?" Dobey ask staying seated.
"All in good time Mr. Dobey," the man closed the door.
"Well I guess we sit tight for now," Starsky sat down at the table, "Come on Cop, the food is great."
Dobey got up, "We have got to get out of here."
"I have tried everything the only way we'll get out of here right now is in a body bag," Starsky motioned Dobey to join him, "We just have to bide our time, we will get our chance."
Starsky and Dobey had been locked up two weeks when there was a knock at the door. Both men jumped to their feet, no one had ever bothered to knock before coming in. They had looked for every chance to escape but the window would open but the bars were welded onto the out side. There were too many guards to even think about over powering them. Starsky and Dobey were as polite to the guards as the guards were to them. The two officers learned the names of two of the guards from listening to them talk. One, Bo seem to be in charge of the other three, then there was Sammy who wasn't all that bright but he was a huge man. The other two never talked much so they didn't know what their names were, they usually had night duty and the officers rarely saw them. Starsky and Dobey hoped that the men would drop their guard giving them a change to escape but it never happened.
"Come in," Starsky said tentatively.
The door was opened by Bo, an older man stood in the doorway. His gray hair was neatly combed, he was on the short side and was very well dressed in a dark blue pin striped suit.
"I hope you haven't been too uncomfortable," the older man said, "I have an excellent chef, I hope you agree."
"Why are we here?" Starsky demanded, there was something vaguely familiar about this man but Starsky couldn't put his finger on it.
The man smiled, "Still have spunk even after two weeks, I like that."
"Cut the crap," Dobey growled, "Get to the point."
The gray head nodded and he held up his hands, "OK, OK, let me introduce myself first. Mel Roffman, I'm sure you know the name."
Both Starsky and Dobey's mouths dropped open at the same time, "I can tell that you do know me," Roffman said, "Let's sit down."
"You're . . . you're dead," Starsky stammered.
"Well as you can see I'm very much alive," Roffman said smiling.
"But the Blands . . " Starsky began.
"Yes they broke in here and shot me leaving me for dead but they weren't as good as their father, Thomas. I've been under ground recuperating until just a couple of months ago. I've had my house redone, no one is getting in or out."
"But why do you want us?" Dobey ask, "As far as I remember we have never had any contact with you."
Roffman smiled, "You are right and it's not you that I'm after."
Starsky slumped in his seat even more confused than ever, "Just who DO you want?"
"Susan Carlston," he said softly.
"Susan has been off the force for over a year now," Dobey informed him.
"I know that," Roffman said shaking his head, "And how long to you think it will take her to get here to rescue you?"
"We don't even know where Susan is and on one has heard from her in several months," Starsky said in an alarmed voice.
"She's right in L.A., the lady cop had to come back for her friends," Roffman smiled, "Hutchinson too."
"What?" Starsky exclaimed with a startled look on his face.
"They hopped a plane the moment they heard you were missing Mr. Starsky. Those are some good friends you have got there. They came in two days ago."
"They are together?" Starsky ask amazed.
"Same plane, carrying a baby," Roffman told them, "I've had my men watching the air port. Your friends were me by an officer Libby Stanford. The whole department is looking for you two. Dobey your wife put in a missing person report the morning Hutchinson and Carlston arrived."
"That have no leads I take?" Dobey ask, "you seem to know everything else."
"As far as I know they have heard from their buddy Huggy Bear that I'm alive," Roffman grinned, "Of course the rumor was planted by my men. It will only be a matter of time before they come here."
"Why?" Starsky ask simply, wishing he could wipe that sickening grin off Roffman's face, "I thought you were fond of Susan."
"A cop?" Roffman scoffed, "Please, you act the way you want to get what you want. She almost drove me out of business, almost put me in jail. Carlston single handily did to me what no other cop has ever been able to do."
"But you helped her find me once." Starsky said.
"Oh yes I remember that, just bidding my time like I said," Roffman said.
"What are you going to do with us?" Dobey ask.
"Nothing," answered Roffman, "My beef isn't with you, you two are just bait."
"You think we are going to let you get away with this?" Starsky slammed his fist down on the table. Bo who had been standing by the door moved closer to Roffman.
"Right now you have no choice, after I kill her I don't care what happens to me. You see I am dying I have nothing to lose." Roffman explained starting for the door.
Starsky lunged for him, Bo grabbed the officer around the neck and held him just slightly off the ground. The door opened Sammy stepped in with his gun drawn.
"Don't be stupid, you are being treated well. If you want it to continue behave yourselves. The basement is not nearly as nice," Roffman said, he sharply patted Starsky's cheek.
Starsky jerked his head away, "I wouldn't count on anything."
"You can count on this, your partners are coming for you. Carlston thinks that she and I are friends," Roffman spit out, "She will walk right up to my front door. Oh and if the two of you are getting bored with each other you should have some company soon."
"Don't you dare touch her baby," Starsky warned, his blue eyes flashed and he tried to twist out of Bo's grasp.
"I'm not into kids," Roffman said as he walked out the door. Bo turned loose of Starsky shoving him on to the bed then followed his boss out. Starsky jumped up, ran to the door and kicked it as hard as he could. He turned around pressing his back up against the door sliding down until he was sitting on the floor.
"He's going after Hutch next," Dobey said shaking his head, "I hope they are on guard."
Starsky nodded in agreement with his ex-captain, "Don't worry Cap, they are both good cops," Starsky said looking up at Dobey, "They haven't been away that long."
"We just can't sit here and do nothing," Dobey began pacing the room, "We have to be ready when Hutchinson and Carlston show up.

                                                                       CHAPTER NINE

Susan sat holding Jesse on her lap, Hutch was on the phone talking to Dixon at headquarters. It was like Starsky and Dobey had disappeared off the face of the earth. There were no new leads, every fence, bookie and two-bit snitch came up with the same name, Mel Roffman.
Hutch hung up the phone, "Dixon hasn't heard anything."
"Oh that's a surprise," Susan said sarcastically, "I get this feeling that he doesn't care if they are ever found."
"You know I get that feeling too," Hutch agreed, he sat down next to Susan taking Jesse. Jesse snuggled into his arms and closed her eyes, "When is Libby going to be back?"
Libby had gone to headquarters to nose around to see if she could find out if Dixon had something and was holding out on them.
"She should be back soon, she left about an hour ago." Susan gave him a worried look, "Hutch, I want to call Mrs. Gray and have her come and get Jesse. I don't want her to be the next one to turn up missing."
Hutch nodded in agreement, "I would feel better if she were away from here too. We really can't expect Libby to look after her forever, she'll do us more good at the station."
"I want to keep Jesse with us until Mrs. Gray can get here." Susan said taking one of Jesse's small hand.
"We had better lay low then, we should be able to get her out of here in the next twenty-fore hours," Hutch said, "Then I think we better make a trip to San Francisco."
Susan called Mrs. Gray and the older woman agreed to come and take Jesse back with her where the little girl would be safe. Mrs. Gray was due in that morning, Susan was busy packing her daughters things. Hutch was holding Jesse talking to her in a low voice, Susan wondered what he was saying to her.
"It really is for the best," Susan said placing her hand on Hutch's shoulder.
Hutch had been concentrating on his daughter so hard that he jumped slightly. Smiling up at his partner, "I know, but it's so hard I'm just getting to know her."
"There will be time for that when we find Cap and Starsk," Susan leaned over the back of the couch and hugged them both, "She has to be safe, I would never forgive myself if something happened to her."
"When is the plane?" Hutch ask trying to smile.
"In about an hour," Susan said taking the baby, "I better get her changed and dressed."
Hutch started to get up and follow them into the bedroom when the phone rang. Sighing he flopped back down on the couch and grabbed the phone, "Hello?"
"Hutchinson?" said a low voice.
"Yeah, who is this," Hutch questioned.
"Listen," said the voice, "If you want information about your partner and Dobey be at the docks in thirty minutes."
The phone went dead, Hutch just sat holding the receiver. Susan returned holding Jesse in one arm and a small suitcase and diaper bag in the other hand, "We better be getting to the airport, Mrs. Gray will be there soon. There isn't much time in between flights." She stopped in front of Hutch, by the look on his face she knew something was wrong, "What is it?"
"I've got to get going," Hutch said hanging up the phone, "You'll have to get a cab."
"Who was on the phone?" Susan demanded, Hutch could feel her eyes on him but he wouldn't look at her.
Hutch trapped on his gun and threw a light jacket over it. He kissed Jesse then Susan, "See you in a little while."
Putting Jesse down Susan stepped in between Hutch and the door, "Ken Hutchinson, you are not going any where until you tell me what is going on."
"Susan, it's nothing," he lied.
"Listen," Susan snapped, pressing her back to the door. "You either be straight with me or I'll get on that plane with Jesse and go back home. And I guarantee you I won't be waiting for you to get back."
Hutch just stared at her "This was one of the reasons I left, I an a cop too! We are partners and partners don't go running off without an explanation and you know it."
Hutch sighed, "Alright, alright already, but I was just trying to protect you."
"Damn, here we go again," Susan fumed, "Hutch I can about Starsk and Cap too. You and I seem to be the only ones that gave a damn."
"Susan, I'm sorry but . . . "
"I know you feel the need to protect me that's only natural. But Hutch I know what I'm doing, I'm not some rookie. I've gotten your tail out of trouble a few times remember?"
Hutch threw his hands in the air, he knew he had been beat and if he wanted to get to the docks he was going to have to tell her, "Someone called said they had information about Starsky and Dobey, they want me to meet them at the docks."
"When?" Susan said giving him a worried look.
"Right now," Hutch grabbed Susan in a hug spun her away from the door then kissed her, "I'll pick you up at the airport after you drop Jesse off."
"HUTCH!" Susan ran after him, "Hutch, you don't have any back up." He pulled away from the curb and was gone.
Sighing Susan went back into the apartment to call a cab hoping that she wouldn't be late to meet Mrs. Gray.


Starsky and Dobey were sitting down to their evening meal when Roffman opened the door and stepped in.
"Now what?" Starsky ask around a bite of chicken, "You ready to let us out of here?"
Roffman laughed, "You are a funny man Mr. Starsky, I think you missed your calling in life."
Starsky swallowed and wiped his mouth, "Get to the point, Roffman."
"I jut wanted to let you know you will be having company very soon," Roffman grinned at them, "It will be just like old times."
"What are you talking about," Dobey bellowed, he had just about taken all he could from this grinning fool.
"Hutchinson will be joining you tonight," Roffman said smugly.
"What?" Starsky leaped to his feet advancing on the old man.
"Sit down," ordered Roffman, "He won't be hurt, neither of you were."
There was a knock at the door then it opened, Sammy stepped in wearing a grim expression. He approached Roffman almost hesitantly and whispered something in the old man's ear. "What the hell happened?" Roffman almost screamed.
The guard whispered again to his boss. Roffman began to pace back and forth muttering to himself. He waved Sammy out of the room and contained to pace.
"Something wrong?" Starsky sneered, glaring at the man that had been holding him captive.
Roffman shot him a dirty look and walked out of the room slamming the door behind him. Starsky and Dobey looked at each other and began smiling.
"I have a feeling something went wrong and they didn't get Hutchinson," Dobey said still smiling.
Starsky nodded in agreement, " I told you they wouldn't be easy to get. I'm sure they have some clue as to what is going on and they are watching each others backs." He sat down to finish his meal that had gone cold, but Starsky didn't care. Something had finally gone against Roffman, maybe this was the beginning of the end.
When Susan got to the airport with Jesse Mrs. Gray was waiting. Susan briefly explained what was going on and told her friend to keep a close watch on her daughter.
"Be on your guard," Susan told the older woman, "Don't trust anyone you don't know. I have a feeling that Hutch and I are being closely watched."
"You don't worry, little Jesse will be safe with me." Mrs. Gray assured her, "I think maybe we'll go to my daughters, she had a couple of kids."
Susan smiled gratefully, "I don't know what I would do with out you, thank-you. If anybody even looks suspicious you call the police, promise me."
The older woman pressed a piece of paper into her hand, "My daughters address and phone number. We will stay there until I hear from you or your fellow."
"Please be very careful until you get on the plane," Susan begged.
"I promise," Mrs. Gray smiled at her, "I love Jesse like she was one of my own."
Susan hugged her friend and kissed Jesse good-bye, "I've got to get going. Hutch is picking me up out front." She waved at them as she headed for the front of the terminal.
Out side the airport Susan looked for Starsky's car, it was hard to miss but the car was on where in sight. A bad feeling suddenly came over her, one thing Hutch was, was never late unless something was wrong. She hailed a cab, climbing in the back she told the driver to take her to the docks. The man gave her a funny look, she jerked her badge out of her purse and stuck it under his nose. His eye brows shot up in surprise then he floored the cab and the sped out into traffic.
Hutch pulled up at one end of the dock, he looked around. Not seeing anyone he slowly got out of the car, closing the door softly. It was quiet except for an occasional scream of a gull. A couple of ships were docked, crates and boxes were stacked around but there were no people in sight.
Hutch pulled his gun as he walked along the dock checking behind each crate. He heard a noise behind him, turning he saw only a couple of gulls that had landing looking of bits of food left by the dock workers. By the time he realized someone was standing in front of him it was too late.
A tall man had appeared in a near by doorway when the detective had been watching the gulls. Hutch whirled around just as the man raised a club. Hutch lunged at the man catching him off guard making them both fall to the ground. As the detective was wrestling around with his assailant another man appeared from the same doorway with the butt of his gun raised.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," said a voice behind him.


As soon as the cab dropped Susan off at the docks, she spotted Starsky bright red car. Hutch was no where in sight but she knew he was close by. She went to check out the car first, everything seemed in place. Susan started to call headquarters but at the last moment decided not to. She followed the same path as her partner. Just as Susan rounded a huge crate she heard a scuffle, peeking around the side of the box she saw Hutch wrestling with a man on the ground. When the second thug appeared, Susan stepped out from behind the crate with her gun trained on the standing man.
"I said, I wouldn't do that," Susan repeated her warning to the man ready to hit hutch. She cocked her gun so she was read to fire but the man dropped his gun, holding up his hands.
Hutch had managed to pin the much larger man to the ground but the man suddenly gave the detective a push catching him off guard. Hutch went flying, the man got up shoved his partner through the door and they were gone.
The two detectives sprung after them, they entered the dark warehouse. They strained to see through the darkness, slowly their eyes became accustom to the dim light. There was a loud bang from the back of the building. By the time Susan and Hutch made their way to the back a door was standing open and sunlight was pouring in.
"Cove me," Hutch said breathing hard.
Susan nodded, her partner swung through the door but he only thing that greeted him was dust and a brown car disappearing around the corner. Susan stepped out behind Hutch, "Damn, you know who they were?"
Hutch shook his head, "I wish we could have gotten them." It suddenly dawned on him that she was there, "Hey, where did you come from?"
She smiled at him, "See I told you I'm good to have around, saved your butt."
He gave her a pained smile, "Thanks," he said as he watched the dust settle.
"What about that trip to San Francisco?" Susan said as they made their was back to the car.
"First I think we need to check in with Dixon, let him know what just happened," Hutch started the car, "Jesse get off Ok?"
"Yeah, Mrs. Gray is going to stay with her daughter until she hears from one of us."
"That's not a bad idea," Hutch looked at his partner, "I'm getting this feeling we were lured back to L.A. using Starsk and Dobey as bait. Someone, maybe Roffman is trying to separate us. Don't you think it's a little funny someone calls just as we are walking out the door to take Jesse to the airport? Says come right now, it's like somebody knew that both of us couldn't show up."
"My God," Susan gasp, "Jesse."
Hutch shook his head, "I don't think they are after her, they wanted me. If they would have succeeded I think about right now I would be having a reunion with Stark and Cap."
"I would still feel better if I could talk to Mrs. Gray," Susan said still worried.
"The plane won't be down for a while, let's see Dixon." Hutch said rubbing his elbow. He had fallen on it during the scuffle.
"Alright," Susan sighed, "Stop at Huggy's on the way maybe he's heard something."
Hutch nodded in agreement, "Huggy first."
When the two detectives walked into The Pits, Laura was at the bar putting away clean glasses. There wasn't much of a crowd, being between lunch and happy hour. Laura turned to see who had just come in and promptly dropped the lass she was holding.
"Hey out there," yelled a voice from the back, "That's coming out of your salary."
"Huggy you better get out here," Laura yelled back.
Susan and Hutch looked at each other then turned and looked behind them to see who Laura was staring at like she had seen a ghost.
"Laura what is . . " Hutch began.
Just then Huggy Bear came out of the back room, his mouth dropped open, "Hutch!"
"What?" Hutch exclaimed, stunned at his friends reactions to him.
"You're Ok," Huggy came around the bar giving him a slap on the back.
Still stunned Hutch glanced at Susan, then back to Huggy, "I'm fine, why?"
"It's all over the streets that Roffman grabbed you," Huggy explained, "I'm glad to see that you are still with us."
"Well somebody tried at the docks just a little while ago but my friend here got there just in time," Hutch smiled at Susan.
"We need to get to Dixon then to Frisco," Susan said, "Hey Huggy if you hear anything else you call headquarters and ask for Libby."
"Sure thing," Huggy said, "You two stick together."
"Like glue," Susan said over her shoulder as they left.


Starsky checked the window for the millionth time. He shoved up the glass and shook the bars. Slamming the window he paced around the room like a caged animal. Dobey sat in a chair watching him, Starsky went to the door and leaned against it listening.
"Need something Mr. Starsky?" said a gruff voice on the other side.
Dobey's eye brows shot up, "Now how . . . ? Starsky hadn't made a noise.
Starsky walked over to Dobey pulled up a chair next to him and sat down, "I think there must be cameras and bugs in here." Starsky whispered.
Dobey barely nodded, "Hey let's play cards."
Starsky frowned at him, "Cards?"
"Yeah, I think I saw a deck in that table by the bed," Dobey said getting up, "I'll find some paper, we can play rummy."
Starsky got up looking at his ex-captain like he had finally cracked up. Dobey found a pad of paper and a pen. Sitting back down he began writing slowly. Starsky joined him at the table. Taking the cards out of the box he shuffled them while watching Dobey write.
When Dobey was done he pushed the pad toward the detective, "You keep score."
Starsky looked at the pad, silent he read what the black man had written, "We need to find some kind of weapon. Roffman's plan had Hutch in it and he is still on the streets. I'm sure they are coming for us soon, got to be ready."
Starsky looked at Dobey after he finished the note, then began to write under what Dobey had written. The captain picked up his cards he had dealt while Starsky had been reading and fanned them out. Starsky finished writing and pushed the pad back to Dobey."
Dobey picked it up and read to him self, "What kind of weapon could we get our hands on? They count the silver every night and that is the closest thing to a weapon we could get our hands on."
Dobey looked at Starsky and shrugged then ripped off two sheets of paper. He balled up on shoving it up his sleeve, the other he tossed into the trash can next to the door. He then headed toward the bathroom, "Be back in a minute."
Dobey quickly flushed the wad of paper down the toilet, after a few minutes returned to the room. Starsky gave him a smile, "Not bad," he said under his breath."
Dobey returned the smile, "I didn't always sit behind a desk," he whispered.
Starsky stretched and picked up his cards, in a normal tone of voice he said, "Got to warn you Cap, this is my game."
Dobey chuckled, "We'll see, we'll see."


As Hutch and Susan started to enter Dixon's office Susan touched Hutch's arm, "Deep your cool."
"Me?" he smiled at her, "As I remember you were the one that read him the riot act last time."
"Hutchinson, is that you?" yelled a voice on the other side of the door.
"All most sounds like Cap," Susan said opening the door.
The two detectives took seats in front of their new captain, he was engrossed in a file he had spread over his desk. Every now and then he would frown as he read. Finally he tossed the paper he had been reading on his desk and pushed himself away from his desk. Dixon looked up at his two newest detectives and shook his head. Then he scooped all the papers together and shoved them back into the manila folder and handed it to Hutch.
"What's this?" Hutch ask flipping the file open.
"It's on Mel Roffman," Dixon explained, "He is very much still alive. He has been under ground recovering from the attach on him by the Blanda brothers."
Hutch quickly scanned the report and handed it to Susan who also read it quickly, "We are going to San Francisco."
"The hell you are!" Dixon exploded.
"Captain Dixon, Roffman is after me," Susan said calmly, "He doesn't' know hutch, Starsky or Dobey, Roffman has to be after me. I worked under cover when I first joined the force. I was new and there was no way anybody would know who I was. I almost busted him but things fell apart and he slipped through the legal cracks."
Hutch looked at her stunned, "I thought you were there undercover protecting him."
"That was what was officially said, there were leaks in the S.F.P.D. so I guess you could say I was undercover twice. The only ones who knew what I was really doing there was Lee Marburg and his captain," she explained, "Roffman thought I was one of his girls. He was really a nice guy if you could over look the murder, drugs and extortion."
Both Dixon and Hutch rolled their eyes, "Sounds like a real sweet heart," Hutch said sarcastically.
"I spent a lot of time with the man, he was very kind to all of his girls," Susan wondered to herself why she was defending this man.
"Yeah, he's so nice that he's kidnapping everyone you know," Dixon made a face at her, "You think he's planning a surprise party for you?"
"Very funny," she snapped.
"Did he find out that you were a cop?" Dixon ask.
"Yes, at the trial."
"And . . ?" Dixon felt like he had to pull the information out of her. He knew they didn't really trust him but he wanted as much information as he could get.
"No hard feeling," Susan said, "In fact Roffman hugged me when it was all over."
"Oh come on, you almost put one of the most powerful men in the country away and no hard feelings?; Dixon was amazed, "Come into the real world."
Susan jumped to her feet ready to do battle with this jerk of a captain. Hutch grabbed her hand, Susan looked down at her partner, he shook his head and she sat down.
"He helped us find Starsk a few years ago," Susan turned to Hutch, "Remember?" Desperation creeping into her voice.
"Yes I remember," Hutch slipped his hand into hers, he didn't care how unprofessional it looked to Dixon. The pressure was beginning to take it's toll on her.
Two tears slid down her cheeks and dripped on the manila folder she was still holding, "I don't want Starsk and Dobey hurt because of me."
Dixon looked embarrassed, getting up he mumbled something about getting coffee. Hutch looked up at the captain and mouthed thanks to him, Dixon nodded and left the two detectives alone.
"Susan," Hutch knelt next to her, "Look at me."
Slowly Susan raised he head meeting Hutch's blue eyes with her brown ones, "I can't believe this is happening. I leave the force and bad things still happen to the people I love."
"It's not your fault," Hutch said shaking he softly, "Do you year me, it's not your fault."
"Roffman wants me, so maybe that's what I should give him," Susan said wiping away her tears.
Hutch looked stricken, "You just can't walk in there. Do you really think Roffman will just let Starsky and Cap walk?"
"Probably not," she sighed.
"You have Jesse to think about," Hutch shouted then more softly, "And me."
By the time Pat Dixon returned carrying his coffee, the two detectives were sitting in their respective chairs. He sat down sipping his coffee, "So you want to go to Frisco?"
They both nodded, "That is the only way," Susan said, "I have a friend on the force there or I did if he's still there."
"I don't like this but I thought about it, you can of officially," Dixon told them, "Because I know you'll go anyway."
"You are right about that," Hutch grinned as he got up to leave, "We'll keep in touch."
"You better!" Dixon said.
After the two detectives left Dixon put his feet up on his desk. One thing he had found out about hose two, all you had to say was no and it made them more determined. Dixon would be glad when this whole thing was over and done with.
Out at their desks Susan was talking to Mrs. Gray and Hutch was on the phone to the airport. Everyone in the squad room was glad to have Hutch and Susan back, they had been missed, especially by Starsky who had moped around for months. He had been through several partners on one seem to measure up. the captain had finally laid down the law and told Starsky to pick a partner or he would. he finally settled down with an older detective named Ted Carver.
Hutch had talked to Ted briefly when they had first arrived but he hadn't been any help. A few days before Starsky disappeared Ted had hurt his back chasing a junkie over a fence and had been on medical leave ever since. Ted called in every few days for any news on his partner. Ted wasn't even sure if he would return to the force, he was ten years from retirement but with his bad back it was getting harder for him to do his job.
Susan hung up from her conversation with Mrs. Gray, she looked over at Hutch who was scribbling down flight information. Picking up the phone again she called Lee. The phone rang several times then a voice answered, "San Francisco Police Department."
Susan said, "I would like to speak to Detective Lee Marburg, this is Detective Carlston L.A.P.D."
"Just on moment," the voice said.
A few minutes later Lee picked up the phone, "Susan?"
"Hi Lee," Susan smiled at his surprise.
"I thought you quit the force," Lee said.
"Well I did, it's a really long story and I don't have time to go into now," Susan said, "We've got trouble."
"What's wrong?" Lee ask with concern.
Susan explained what was going on as quickly as she could. Lee ask a few questions but mostly listened. Susan ended by asking, "Lee can you help us?"
"You know I will any way I can," Lee said grimly, "There is a lot of action out at his place."
"You guys been watching him?" Susan ask.
"Always, he resurface a couple of months ago, he's turned that mansion of his into a fortress," Lee said, "We were really surprised, everyone thought he was dead."
Susan sighed, "Not anymore surprised than me."
"How soon can you get here?" Lee ask.
"Just a minute," Susan turned to Hutch who had just hung up the phone, "What time is the flight?"
"Eight tomorrow morning," Hutch almost held his breath, he knew she wasn't going to like waiting that long.
Susan scowled at Hutch, "Eight tomorrow morning," she said into the phone.
"Wee you guys then," Lee said hanging up.
"Eight tomorrow?" Susan ask hanging up the receiver, "That's the best you could do? We could drive faster."
"Calm down, we need to wrap up a few things here first," Hutch told her, "I think we could use a good nights rest, something tells me we are going to need it."
As soon as the cab dropped Susan off at the docks, she spotted Starsky bright red car. Hutch was no where in sight but she knew he was close by. She went to check out the car first, everything seemed in place. Susan started to call headquarters but at the last moment decided not to. She followed the same path as her partner. Just as Susan rounded a huge crate she heard a scuffle, peeking around the side of the box she saw Hutch wrestling with a man on the ground. When the second thug appeared, Susan stepped out from behind the crate with her gun trained on the standing man.
"I said, I wouldn't do that," Susan repeated her warning to the man ready to hit hutch. She cocked her gun so she was read to fire but the man dropped his gun, holding up his hands.
Hutch had managed to pin the much larger man to the ground but the man suddenly gave the detective a push catching him off guard. Hutch went flying, the man got up shoved his partner through the door and they were gone.
The two detectives sprung after them, they entered the dark warehouse. They strained to see through the darkness, slowly their eyes became accustom to the dim light. There was a loud bang from the back of the building. By the time Susan and Hutch made their way to the back a door was standing open and sunlight was pouring in.
"Cove me," Hutch said breathing hard.
Susan nodded, her partner swung through the door but he only thing that greeted him was dust and a brown car disappearing around the corner. Susan stepped out behind Hutch, "Damn, you know who they were?"
Hutch shook his head, "I wish we could have gotten them." It suddenly dawned on him that she was there, "Hey, where did you come from?"
She smiled at him, "See I told you I'm good to have around, saved your butt."
He gave her a pained smile, "Thanks," he said as he watched the dust settle.
"What about that trip to San Francisco?" Susan said as they made their was back to the car.
"First I think we need to check in with Dixon, let him know what just happened," Hutch started the car, "Jesse get off Ok?"
"Yeah, Mrs. Gray is going to stay with her daughter until she hears from one of us."
"That's not a bad idea," Hutch looked at his partner, "I'm getting this feeling we were lured back to L.A. using Starsk and Dobey as bait. Someone, maybe Roffman is trying to separate us. Don't you think it's a little funny someone calls just as we are walking out the door to take Jesse to the airport? Says come right now, it's like somebody knew that both of us couldn't show up."
"My God," Susan gasp, "Jesse."
Hutch shook his head, "I don't think they are after her, they wanted me. If they would have succeeded I think about right now I would be having a reunion with Stark and Cap."
"I would still feel better if I could talk to Mrs. Gray," Susan said still worried.
"The plane won't be down for a while, let's see Dixon." Hutch said rubbing his elbow. He had fallen on it during the scuffle.
"Alright," Susan sighed, "Stop at Huggy's on the way maybe he's heard something."
Hutch nodded in agreement, "Huggy first."
When the two detectives walked into The Pits, Laura was at the bar putting away clean glasses. There wasn't much of a crowd, being between lunch and happy hour. Laura turned to see who had just come in and promptly dropped the lass she was holding.
"Hey out there," yelled a voice from the back, "That's coming out of your salary."
"Huggy you better get out here," Laura yelled back.
Susan and Hutch looked at each other then turned and looked behind them to see who Laura was staring at like she had seen a ghost.
"Laura what is . . " Hutch began.
Just then Huggy Bear came out of the back room, his mouth dropped open, "Hutch!"
"What?" Hutch exclaimed, stunned at his friends reactions to him.
"You're Ok," Huggy came around the bar giving him a slap on the back.
Still stunned Hutch glanced at Susan, then back to Huggy, "I'm fine, why?"
"It's all over the streets that Roffman grabbed you," Huggy explained, "I'm glad to see that you are still with us."
"Well somebody tried at the docks just a little while ago but my friend here got there just in time," Hutch smiled at Susan.
"We need to get to Dixon then to Frisco," Susan said, "Hey Huggy if you hear anything else you call headquarters and ask for Libby."
"Sure thing," Huggy said, "You two stick together."
"Like glue," Susan said over her shoulder as they left.


Starsky checked the window for the millionth time. He shoved up the glass and shook the bars. Slamming the window he paced around the room like a caged animal. Dobey sat in a chair watching him, Starsky went to the door and leaned against it listening.
"Need something Mr. Starsky?" said a gruff voice on the other side.
Dobey's eye brows shot up, "Now how . . . ? Starsky hadn't made a noise.
Starsky walked over to Dobey pulled up a chair next to him and sat down, "I think there must be cameras and bugs in here." Starsky whispered.
Dobey barely nodded, "Hey let's play cards."
Starsky frowned at him, "Cards?"
"Yeah, I think I saw a deck in that table by the bed," Dobey said getting up, "I'll find some paper, we can play rummy."
Starsky got up looking at his ex-captain like he had finally cracked up. Dobey found a pad of paper and a pen. Sitting back down he began writing slowly. Starsky joined him at the table. Taking the cards out of the box he shuffled them while watching Dobey write.
When Dobey was done he pushed the pad toward the detective, "You keep score."
Starsky looked at the pad, silent he read what the black man had written, "We need to find some kind of weapon. Roffman's plan had Hutch in it and he is still on the streets. I'm sure they are coming for us soon, got to be ready."
Starsky looked at Dobey after he finished the note, then began to write under what Dobey had written. The captain picked up his cards he had dealt while Starsky had been reading and fanned them out. Starsky finished writing and pushed the pad back to Dobey."
Dobey picked it up and read to him self, "What kind of weapon could we get our hands on? They count the silver every night and that is the closest thing to a weapon we could get our hands on."
Dobey looked at Starsky and shrugged then ripped off two sheets of paper. He balled up on shoving it up his sleeve, the other he tossed into the trash can next to the door. He then headed toward the bathroom, "Be back in a minute."
Dobey quickly flushed the wad of paper down the toilet, after a few minutes returned to the room. Starsky gave him a smile, "Not bad," he said under his breath."
Dobey returned the smile, "I didn't always sit behind a desk," he whispered.
Starsky stretched and picked up his cards, in a normal tone of voice he said, "Got to warn you Cap, this is my game."
Dobey chuckled, "We'll see, we'll see."


As Hutch and Susan started to enter Dixon's office Susan touched Hutch's arm, "Deep your cool."
"Me?" he smiled at her, "As I remember you were the one that read him the riot act last time."
"Hutchinson, is that you?" yelled a voice on the other side of the door.
"All most sounds like Cap," Susan said opening the door.
The two detectives took seats in front of their new captain, he was engrossed in a file he had spread over his desk. Every now and then he would frown as he read. Finally he tossed the paper he had been reading on his desk and pushed himself away from his desk. Dixon looked up at his two newest detectives and shook his head. Then he scooped all the papers together and shoved them back into the manila folder and handed it to Hutch.
"What's this?" Hutch ask flipping the file open.
"It's on Mel Roffman," Dixon explained, "He is very much still alive. He has been under ground recovering from the attach on him by the Blanda brothers."
Hutch quickly scanned the report and handed it to Susan who also read it quickly, "We are going to San Francisco."
"The hell you are!" Dixon exploded.
"Captain Dixon, Roffman is after me," Susan said calmly, "He doesn't' know hutch, Starsky or Dobey, Roffman has to be after me. I worked under cover when I first joined the force. I was new and there was no way anybody would know who I was. I almost busted him but things fell apart and he slipped through the legal cracks."
Hutch looked at her stunned, "I thought you were there undercover protecting him."
"That was what was officially said, there were leaks in the S.F.P.D. so I guess you could say I was undercover twice. The only ones who knew what I was really doing there was Lee Marburg and his captain," she explained, "Roffman thought I was one of his girls. He was really a nice guy if you could over look the murder, drugs and extortion."
Both Dixon and Hutch rolled their eyes, "Sounds like a real sweet heart," Hutch said sarcastically.
"I spent a lot of time with the man, he was very kind to all of his girls," Susan wondered to herself why she was defending this man.
"Yeah, he's so nice that he's kidnapping everyone you know," Dixon made a face at her, "You think he's planning a surprise party for you?"
"Very funny," she snapped.
"Did he find out that you were a cop?" Dixon ask.
"Yes, at the trial."
"And . . ?" Dixon felt like he had to pull the information out of her. He knew they didn't really trust him but he wanted as much information as he could get.
"No hard feeling," Susan said, "In fact Roffman hugged me when it was all over."
"Oh come on, you almost put one of the most powerful men in the country away and no hard feelings?; Dixon was amazed, "Come into the real world."
Susan jumped to her feet ready to do battle with this jerk of a captain. Hutch grabbed her hand, Susan looked down at her partner, he shook his head and she sat down.
"He helped us find Starsk a few years ago," Susan turned to Hutch, "Remember?" Desperation creeping into her voice.
"Yes I remember," Hutch slipped his hand into hers, he didn't care how unprofessional it looked to Dixon. The pressure was beginning to take it's toll on her.
Two tears slid down her cheeks and dripped on the manila folder she was still holding, "I don't want Starsk and Dobey hurt because of me."
Dixon looked embarrassed, getting up he mumbled something about getting coffee. Hutch looked up at the captain and mouthed thanks to him, Dixon nodded and left the two detectives alone.
"Susan," Hutch knelt next to her, "Look at me."
Slowly Susan raised he head meeting Hutch's blue eyes with her brown ones, "I can't believe this is happening. I leave the force and bad things still happen to the people I love."
"It's not your fault," Hutch said shaking he softly, "Do you year me, it's not your fault."
"Roffman wants me, so maybe that's what I should give him," Susan said wiping away her tears.
Hutch looked stricken, "You just can't walk in there. Do you really think Roffman will just let Starsky and Cap walk?"
"Probably not," she sighed.
"You have Jesse to think about," Hutch shouted then more softly, "And me."
By the time Pat Dixon returned carrying his coffee, the two detectives were sitting in their respective chairs. He sat down sipping his coffee, "So you want to go to Frisco?"
They both nodded, "That is the only way," Susan said, "I have a friend on the force there or I did if he's still there."
"I don't like this but I thought about it, you can of officially," Dixon told them, "Because I know you'll go anyway."
"You are right about that," Hutch grinned as he got up to leave, "We'll keep in touch."
"You better!" Dixon said.
After the two detectives left Dixon put his feet up on his desk. One thing he had found out about hose two, all you had to say was no and it made them more determined. Dixon would be glad when this whole thing was over and done with.
Out at their desks Susan was talking to Mrs. Gray and Hutch was on the phone to the airport. Everyone in the squad room was glad to have Hutch and Susan back, they had been missed, especially by Starsky who had moped around for months. He had been through several partners on one seem to measure up. the captain had finally laid down the law and told Starsky to pick a partner or he would. he finally settled down with an older detective named Ted Carver.
Hutch had talked to Ted briefly when they had first arrived but he hadn't been any help. A few days before Starsky disappeared Ted had hurt his back chasing a junkie over a fence and had been on medical leave ever since. Ted called in every few days for any news on his partner. Ted wasn't even sure if he would return to the force, he was ten years from retirement but with his bad back it was getting harder for him to do his job.
Susan hung up from her conversation with Mrs. Gray, she looked over at Hutch who was scribbling down flight information. Picking up the phone again she called Lee. The phone rang several times then a voice answered, "San Francisco Police Department."
Susan said, "I would like to speak to Detective Lee Marburg, this is Detective Carlston L.A.P.D."
"Just on moment," the voice said.
A few minutes later Lee picked up the phone, "Susan?"
"Hi Lee," Susan smiled at his surprise.
"I thought you quit the force," Lee said.
"Well I did, it's a really long story and I don't have time to go into now," Susan said, "We've got trouble."
"What's wrong?" Lee asked with concern.
Susan explained what was going on as quickly as she could. Lee ask a few questions but mostly listened. Susan ended by asking, "Lee can you help us?"
"You know I will any way I can," Lee said grimly, "There is a lot of action out at his place."
"You guys been watching him?" Susan asked.
"Always, he resurface a couple of months ago, he's turned that mansion of his into a fortress," Lee said, "We were really surprised, everyone thought he was dead."
Susan sighed, "Not anymore surprised than me."
"How soon can you get here?" Lee asked.
"Just a minute," Susan turned to Hutch who had just hung up the phone, "What time is the flight?"
"Eight tomorrow morning," Hutch almost held his breath, he knew she wasn't going to like, waiting that long.
Susan scowled at Hutch, "Eight tomorrow morning," she said into the phone.
"Wee you guys then," Lee said hanging up.
"Eight tomorrow?" Susan asked hanging up the receiver, "That's the best you could do? We could drive faster."
"Calm down, we need to wrap up a few things here first," Hutch told her, "I think we could use a good nights rest, something tells me we are going to need it."

                                                                     CHAPTER TEN

Starsky and Dobey watched the three detectives run across the road but once they were up against the fence they could no longer see them.
"I'm sure it's Hutch," Starsky whispered to Dobey just in case someone was still listening.
"I think it's time that we make our move too," Dobey said.
"Which is?"
The black ex-captain went to the door and began banging on it. Starsky wasn't sure what Dobey had in mind but he joined him in beating on the door.
"What is it?" a voice yelled.
"We want to see Roffman," Dobey demand.
"He's busy."
"I don't give a damn, get him now!" Dobey had one of those voices that you didn't argue with although Starsky and Hutch tried but always lost.
Starsky leaned his ear against the door, "I think he's gone."
The two men looked at one another and began to pound on the door. After a couple of minutes they stopped to listen, still nothing. Starsky put his hand on the doorknob, it was locked. He was surprised this was the first time the guards had locked the door. Dobey crossed the room to the couch and sat down slipping his hand between the cushions. The captain pulled out the steak knife and pushed it up his sleeve.
The doorknob turned, Starsky stepped away from the door just as it flew open. Mel Roffman stood in the doorway, he looked like a crazy man. His hair was standing on end, his tie hung loosely around his neck and his shirt was untucked under his suit coat. The guards were no where in sight.
"What the hell do you want?" Roffman stormed
Dobey stepped forward grabbing the older man into the room, Starsky slammed the door behind him. Roffman stumbled falling heavily against Dobey. Dobey pressed the knife to the old man's throat.
A look of surprise crossed the mob boss's face, "What's the meaning of this?"
"Are you kidding," Starsky said amazed, Dobey tighten his grip on Roffman as he struggled to free himself, "We want the hell out of here."
"Starsky you take him," Dobey grunted, the captain gladly gave his hostage over to Starsky. "I'll get the door."
Dobey opened the door as Starsky pushed Roffman toward it keeping the knife to his throat. Suddenly a guard appeared in the hall. He was huge, at least four or five inches taller than Starsky and easily out weighted him by a hundred pounds.
Sighing Starsky looked this giant up and down, "What did you do Roffman raid the circus?" Starsky said in Roffman's ear. Then to the guard, "Get out of the way."
The guard cocked his gun and stared back at Starsky with out speaking.
"Listen I'm not kidding unless you want your boss to die."
"You are a cop you won't do that," the guard said taking a step forward.
"At this point I really don't have a lot to lose, now do I," Starsky pressed the knife tighter to Roffman's neck making the man grunt.
"Duke back off," Roffman ordered, "Call the others."
"But Mr. Roffman," Duke sputtered, "you sent everyone but me and James to L.A."
Roffman slumped against Starsky almost knocking him over, the detective grinned, "We'll we he doesn't have a high IQ"
"Want me to get the dogs? Sammy locked them up before he left," Duke hoped he was being helpful.
"Will you shut up, you fool," Roffman screamed.
Dobey stepped up to Duke, "Give me the gun."
Duke looked at his boss, Roffman nodded, slowly Duke handed Dobey his gun. The ex-captain pushed the guard in the room that had been their home for the last two weeks, locking the door behind him.
"Now which way out?" Starsky ask, looking up and down the hall.
There were eight doors including the one Duke was locked behind. There was a stair way at each end of the hall. Dobey shrugged pointing to the right. It was apparent that Roffman wasn't as stupid as his guards, he wouldn't say a word. Starsky shoved him forward following Dobey down the stairs. When Dobey reached the last step he stopped peering into the room, it was the kitchen and empty except for a small man dressed in a white shirt and pants. There was also a white hat perched on his head, the man was stirring something in a large pot on the stove.
Dobey stepped up behind the cook sticking the gun in his back. The small man jumped spinning around with the spoon in his had. Seeing the gun he dropped the spoon and threw up his hands in the air. Starsky stepped into the kitchen pushing Roffman ahead of him.
"Mr. Roffman?" The startled cook exclaimed.
"It's alright Jimmy," Roffman told him.
"Cap see if you can find some rope," Starsky said pushing Roffman down in a chair at the kitchen table.
"There's some rope in the pantry," Jimmy said pointing to the door next to the refrigerator.
Roffman rolled his eyes, "I really picked some winners," he said under his breath.
Dobey returned with the rope, pushed another chair up against Roffman's and shoved the cook down in it. Tossing the rope to Starsky, Dobey held the gun on their two captives. Just as Starsky was finishing tying them together there was a noise at the back floor. Relief flooded Roffman's face thinking that the guard from the gate had come to check in.
Hutch, Susan and Lee made their way around to the back of the mansion with no trouble. They kept a weary eye out for the dogs. Lee had said there were at least four dogs but so far they hadn't even heard so much as a bark. Getting from the gate to the back of the house was easy to do with out being seen There were lots of bushes and trees to hide behind.
The detectives decided that going in the back would be their best bet. Susan and Hutch were on one side of the kitchen door, Lee on the other. There was a small window in the door. Lee was about to look in when they heard voices from inside. Hutch leaned against the door trying to hear well. The bush Susan was leaning on suddenly gave way with a brittle crack. The three cops held their breath waiting to see if anyone heard them.
Suddenly the kitchen door swung open and Hutch was lying at the feet of this best friend.
When Starsk jerked open the door the last thing he expected was for Hutch to come falling in, "Hutch?"
"Starsky?" Hutch jumped to his feet engulfing his friend in a big bear hug.
Susan and Lee stepped into the kitchen, "Starsk! Cap!" Susan cried. Starsky included her in their hug. Finally free Susan ran to her ex-captain hugging him, "You alright?"
"I'm fine," he gave her one of his rare smiles, "It sure took you guys long enough."
"Is there anyone else here," Lee ask looking kind of embarrassed.
Turning loose of Hutch, Starsky said, "As far as we know there are only two guards here. We locked one up in the bedroom up stairs. There is one on the gate."
"Not any more," Hutch smiled, he walked over and patted his former captain on the back. "Good to see you Cap."
"I'm going to call headquarters and get some help out here," Lee said. "Anyone know where I can find a phone?"
The cook spoke up, "There is one in the living room just through those double doors."
"Will you shut up for God sakes," Roffman cracked his head against Jimmy's, "You're fired."
"Do I have to sit with him?" Jimmy asked.
"Looks like you two didn't need our help after all," Hutch said looking at the tied up men.
The rest of the force arrived thirty minutes later taking the prisoners away. Starsky and Hutch with Susan in between them, sat in the back seat of Lee's car. Lee and Dobey were in the front seat. Susan held hands with her two partners, "I'm not letting either one of you go," she smiled at Hutch then Starsky.
"We need to get back to L.A. and find those jokers in the van," Hutch said. "I bet they are there looking for Susan and I right now."
"Cap, you better call Edith, she is so worried about you," Susan said putting her hand on his shoulder.
He graced her with another one of his smiles, "I guess there goes my fishing trips. She'll never let me go up there again!"
Once back at headquarters, lee introduced his captain to the missing men. Hutch got on the phone making plane reservations for later that day. Someone had brought in a big platter of sandwiches and coffee. The news spread through the whole department and people kept dropping by the office.
Dobey had asked for a phone. Albright gave Dobey his desk, moving over to sit next to Susan who was sipping a cup of coffee.
Dobey dialed his home phone number, "Hello?" said a female voice after four or five rings.
"Edith!"
"Harold?" she began to cry, "Are you alright?"
"I'm must fine sweetheart," he assured his wife.
"Where are you," Edith choked out.
"I'm in San Francisco, It's a long story," he told her. "We'll be home this afternoon."
"Is Starsky with you?"
"Yes, Hutch and Susan too," Dobey said taking a bite out of a ham sandwich. "Everybody is fine. I've got to get off, the captain here wants to ask us some questions. I'll see you soon."
Starsky and Dobey told everyone their stories of how they were taken and what they did once they were together. Starsky was wondering just how Hutch and Susan had found each other. But decided that it could wait until later.
After they were finished with all the paper work Lee took the detectives and Dobey to the airport. He patted Starsky on the shoulder, "See if you can stay out of trouble Starsky."
Starsky smiled at him shaking his hand, "I'll try."
Susan threw her arms around Lee's neck, "Thank-you Lee," she said. "I have my family back now."
Lee kissed her on the cheek, "So I guess you are staying in L.A?" She had told him her story earlier.
"I think so," she whispered into his ear. "Let me change that, I know so."
Hutch shook hands with Lee thanking him too. Then grabbing Susan's hand they boarded the plane followed by Starsky and Dobey.
Once back in L.A. Dobey went home to his wife and the three detectives went to headquarters. Libby was sitting at the front desk when the trio walked in. Her Mouth dropped open, she jumped up coming around the desk. She threw herself into Starsky's arms planting a big kiss on his lips.
Susan laughed, "Don't kill him now, it took us long enough to find him>"
Libby released him turning red, "Sorry."
Starsky put his arm around her shoulders, "Don't be sorry, I'm glad somebody missed."
Hutch poked him in the ribs, "Hey we came half way across the country after you."
"Dixon's funeral is tomorrow," Libby told them.
Starsky looked startled, "What? Dixon is dead?"
"You guys didn't tell him," Libby asked.
They both shook their heads. Neither had thought of it in all the excitement, "We didn't tell Dobey either," Susan said. How could they have forgotten something like that?
"What happened to him?" Starsky ask.
"Dixon was feeding Roffman information on every move Hutch and Susan were making. He probably helped Roffman nab you and Dobey too. Who knows what else he was into? I guess it will come out in time or we may never know, Libby said shrugging. "Looks like when he figured out he was going to get caught, Dixon blew his brains out in his office."
Starsky made a face, "I knew he was odd but I never thought he was a dirty cop."
"We need to put out an A.P.B on a white van," Susan told Libby, "it will most likely have San Francisco plates."
"It didn't happen to have five huge guys in it?" Libby asked laughing. "The two arresting officers had one heck of a time with those five big guys."
"That's them, they are Roffman's goons," Hutch said. Taking the paper work Libby handed him, "They were arrested for speeding?"
She nodded still laughing, "That arrest is the talk of the station. It was Don and Randy, you know how small those two are anyway. Believe me those guys didn't want to be brought in."
The three detectives went down to holding to see Roffman's men. Sammy's jaw dropped and his eyes bugged out when he saw them. Starsky walked up to the bars, "Well, well we meet again Sammy."
"Where is Mr. Roffman?" Sammy demanded.
Same place you are bud, same place you are," Hutch said shaking his head.


                                                                          CHAPTER ELEVEN

Starsky, Hutch and Susan arrived at The Pits, it was almost midnight, and the place was really jumping. Huggy Bear was mixing drinks, Laura his waitress was rushing from table to table swatting at the guys grabbing her butt.
They saw an empty booth in the back, they made their way through the throng of people and slid into the booth.
Laura ran over threw a couple of menus on the table saying something about being right back. She got about half way across the room when she stopped, spun around and stared. Susan put a finger to her lips, Laura came running back. She slid in next to Starsky, throwing her arms around him she gave him a big kiss.
Starsky grinned at her, "I should get kidnapped more often."
"Twice is more than plenty," Hutch laughed at him.
"Hey Laura," Susan said leaning across the table. "Have Huggy bring us our order."
Laura nodded getting up, "The usual."
Huggy was pouring two beers when Laura came up with a tray loaded with food, she held it out to him.
He looked up with a scowl, "Can't you see I'm busy?"
"Back booth in the corner," Laura pushed the tray in his hands, "I'll do this."
Huggy glared at her, if she wasn't such a looker. The tall black man sighed giving Laura one last dirty look. The smoke was getting thicker as the place filled up. The jukebox was blasting and Huggy was one waitress short. He made his way toward the back of the room, he was stopped more than once. Some wanting refills, some just wanting to talk.
Finally Huggy Bear made it to his destination, he balanced the try on the edge of the table. Still fuming at what Laura had done to him, Huggy didn't even notice who the occupants were. Grumbling to himself Huggy sat the food and drinks on the table.
"Bad day Hug?" Hutch grinned.
"Yeah," Huggy mumbled, suddenly the voice registered. And for the first time Huggy looked at his three customers. "Hutch, Susan, Starsky!"
Three detectives started laughing, Starsky slid over, "Take a load off Hug."
Grinning, he slid in next to Starsky, "Great to see you man."
"You're not going to kiss me are you?" Starsky ask leaning away from him.
Huggy gave him a puzzled look, "You want me to?"
After finishing their meal the detectives went back to Starsky's apartment, Susan got on the phone asking Mrs. Gray to bring Jesse back.
Starsky sat on the couch his feet propped up on he coffee table and looked around the room. "Glad to be home buddy?" Hutch asked as he sat down next to him. Starsky nodded somberly. "Then what's wrong?"
"I guess you guys will be going back soon," Starsky sighed.
Susan joined her partners on the couch, "I take it you didn't tell him?" Susan and Hutch had talked earlier about staying and decided that was what they really wanted to do.
"Tell me what?"
"We are going to stay," Hutch told him. "We talked it over and decided that Jesse needs her crazy God father."
"God father?" Starsky beamed. "Really?"
"You bet, I couldn't thank of any body I would rather have," Susan smiled at him.
"You guys going to get your jobs back?" Starsky ask.
"Well we all ready do, I guess," Susan explained, "You see Dixon reinstated us if that still counts."
About that time the phone rang, Starsky picked it up and spoke briefly to the party on the other end. Hanging up he smiled at his two friends, "The commissioner wants to see you both at headquarters tomorrow afternoon."
"Why?" Hutch asked.
"Didn't say."
"We have to pick up Jesse in the morning. Mrs. Gray is bringing her back."
In the morning the detectives went out to get in Starsky's car. Hutch opened the driver's side getting in. Starsky caught the door as he started to shut it, "Could I drive my car?" Hutch had been doing all the driving since they had gotten back.
"Sorry," Hutch slid over as Susan got in the passenger's side, leaving him stuck in the middle.
They arrived at the airport thirty minutes before the plane touched down. Starsky ran into a small shop and came out carrying a small brown teddy bear.
Finding the right gate the trio sat down to wait. About five minutes later the door opened and the passengers began filing our. Susan jumped to her feet when she was Mrs. Gray carrying Jesse. Susan swept her daughter out of the older woman's arms hugging her tightly. Jesse gave a squeal of delight.
Hutch walked up behind Susan, Jesse held out her little arms to him. Hutch took his daughter eagerly, he turned to Starsky so he could see Jesse. Starsky smiled at the little girl holding out the bear for her. Jesse grabbed it giving him one of her award winning smiles.
Susan slipped her arm around Starsky, "Well what do you think?"
"I think I'm in love," Starsky said holding out his arms to the baby. Without any hesitation Jesse went right to him. She placed a slobbery kiss on his chin.
Mrs. Gray stood back smiling at the happy reunion. Finally she stepped up, "I need to get my luggage."
Susan turned to her in surprise, "Luggage? Are you going to stay?"
You and Ken will need someone to look after Jesse while you work . . . " she trailed off.
"That's a wonderful idea," Susan exclaimed. "We would love to have you."
Mrs. Gray gave her a relieved smiled, "I know I was being presumptuous."
"Don't be silly, I should have ask you," Susan hugged her friend.
After introducing Mrs. Gray and Starsky to each other they got the luggage and piled into Starsky's car. Then headed to headquarters to meet the commissioner.
The commissioner's office was nicely decorated, photos of different officers hung on the walls. He sat in a huge leather chair behind an enormous desk. He was dressed in a gray suit, his white shock of hair didn't make him look old just distinguished. His green eyes flashed at the three officers standing before him. William Eldridge was an impressive man.
"I realized that Pat Dixon reinstated you two," Eldridge began. "But I want to make it official. Welcome back t the force Detective Ken Hutchinson, Detective Susan Carlston."
"Thank-you sir," Hutch shook the commissioner's hand.
Susan stepped forward also shaking his hand, "Thank-you sir, we are very glad to be back."
"Your old desks are waiting for you up stairs, so get t work," Eldridge smiled at them.
"Yes sir," they both said together. Starsky stood in the background grinning from ear to ear.
They left Eldridge's office and took the elevator to the fifth floor. Susan took Jesse from Mrs. Gray as she pushed open the door to the office. Several officers looked up from their desks and smiled. No one said anything, the room was silent, and everyone just grinned at them.
Susan leaned close to Hutch whispering, "What is going on?
Hutch shrugged going to his old desk. He pulled out a chair for Mrs. Gray, "Who know around this place."
"Hutchinson, Carlston, Starsky is that you?" a familiar voice shouted from the captain's office. "Get in here!"
The three detectives stared at each other. Starsky said, "Cap? It couldn't be, could it?"
Hutch opened the door to the office, Dobey sat behind his desk. He had half a smile on his face, "You are late," he teased.
Susan stepped in still carrying Jesse, 'What are you doing here?"
Dobey's face broke out in a huge grin, "Edith and I decided that I was safer here than up at the lake."
Susan walked around the desk and planted a kiss on her captain's cheek. Susan sat Jesse in his lap.
"Your daughter?" he asked tickling her. "Guess you guys need a few days?"
Hutch hung his arm over Starsky's shoulders, "We do need to find a place to live, it's kind of crowded at Starsky's place."
"Kind of hard to have a date in with this bunch," Starsky punched Hutch.
"Just how many dates have you had, we just got back Starsk," Susan glared at him.
"Well who could with all of you, there is baby food in the fridge, diapers in the bathroom . . "
"Ok, Ok, I get the picture," Dobey growled interrupting Starsky before he could go on. "Get out of here but I want to see all of you Monday morning, on time."
Right Cap," Starsky opened the door.
"We'll be here, Cap," Hutch pushed his partner through the door.
"See you later Cap," Susan said taking Jesse from his lap. She closed the door behind her.
Dobey watched the door close, the smile returned to his face. Propping his feet up on his desk he sighed contentedly, "Well everything's back to normal."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The End