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Real friends
Chapter 1
“Cap’n, they said his statement was enough!” Starsky jumped in before Hutch had a chance to say anything.
“It’s not my call.” Dobey responded abruptly.
“My friend arrives tomorrow. You agreed I could start late.” Hutch rubbed his face with frustration, knowing it wasn’t Dobey’s fault.
“Four days maximum. Would you rather Jacobs get off?” Dobey knew that would be the last thing they’d want and Hutch’s presence in court would ensure an appropriate sentence.
“And Starsky?” Hutch, who had accepted the inevitable, turned his thoughts to his partner.
“He’ll be on desk duty.” Dobey hesitated to wait for the backlash.
“I miss one arrest due to that lousy broken arm months ago and I’m still paying for it.”
“You can get all the reports up-to-date and then help Minnie with the new system.” Dobey hoped helping Minnie would soften the blow as well as keep Starsky out of his hair and out of trouble.
“The pair of you, finish what you’re doing and get yourselves out of here!” He knew neither of them was happy and Hutch needed to get away to pack.
Hutch unsuccessfully tried to contact his friend, Alexander Copper, so Starsky stepped in to help and agreed to pick him up at the airport instead. Starsky hadn’t met Alexander before but he was happy to help, especially as Dobey said he could come in late after helping Hutch’s friend settle.
Chapter 2
“Hi, Alexander Copper? Hu…Ken sent me.” Starsky easily spotted Alexander in the morning crowd coming out of the luggage collection area.
There was a hesitation. “Ken?”
“Yeah, sorry he got called away for work but will be back by Friday.”
“Okay…and you are?”
“Sorry, I’m Starsky. He said you wouldn’t mind. We were gonna meet tonight anyway.”
“Oh...yes he mentioned you.”
“I’m sure he did!” Starsky could tell Alexander felt uncomfortable. “I’ll drop you off at your hotel and tonight we’ll catch up properly.”
“There’s no need. I can make my own way.”
“No, you won’t! I want to hear all the juicy stories about Hutch, Ken, as a kid.”
“I…don’t think there’s any to tell.”
“Oh, you killjoy. He warned you, didn’t he?!” Starsky gestured for Alexander to walk as they talked.
“Sorry, he did. I don’t want to put you out, I’m happy to get a cab.”
“Hey, don’t be silly. I’m here and your ride awaits.” Starsky announced reaching his car.
“This really isn’t necessary.”
“I know but I’m happy to help and I gave Hutch my word.”
As Starsky opened the car door, Alexander immediately noticed the police radio. It was quite a surprise, the car definitely didn’t look like a police car.
At the hotel, Starsky waited while Alexander was booked in. Starsky stood looking around the grand hotel foyer feeling rather sorry for the staff in their uniforms.
Chapter 3
After another fit of cursing and screwing up another report, Starsky looked up and realised he was alone in the office. He’d been so engrossed in the reports he hadn’t noticed everyone else had left the room. He was staring at the typewriter putting off starting the report again, when his thoughts were broken by the phone.
“Hey, partner, how’s it going?”
“It’s not!” Starsky grouched.
“Like that, is it?!” Hutch knew Starsky often struggled with the reports and felt for him.
“Yeah, when you coming home, Hutch?”
“Not been given my witness time slot yet! Did you collect Alex okay?”
“Sure. Spotted him easily, him being so tall.”
“Starsk, got to go; we’re being called back in.”
After the brief conversation with Hutch and a coffee, he actually managed to finish all the reports. Feeling rather pleased with himself, he placed them in a victorious fan shape across Dobey’s desk and practically danced back to his desk.
When Starsky telephoned to confirm the evening arrangements with Alexander, he wasn’t surprised or disappointed he cancelled saying he was too tired.
“Yeah I just hung up from him, I got his details for you,” Alexander told the person on the phone.
“Good. You’ll get the information you need this evening. Make sure you know it inside and out.”
“Will do, he knows it’s a cash sale now. He’s pushed the meeting back a few hours but good to go.”
“Okay, delay’s not great but manageable. That sale goes ahead, and half of the cash is yours. Call it a bonus…you know what to do about the cop?”
“Yeah, I know.” Alexander heard the line go dead.
Chapter 4
The next morning Starsky arrived, with two coffees and doughnuts, at the new computer team office. He didn’t know why Dobey had suggested he helped down there, he hated the typewriter let alone this new-fangled dangle computer. But then again he was looking forward to spending time with Minnie.
It was late morning when Starsky actually began to see the benefits of the computer. It would be much easier to pull up records on the new system if he could remember how to use it.
A call for Hutch was put through to him and he was more than surprised when it was Hutch’s father. He’d left a message on Hutch’s machine the previous evening but hadn’t received a response and needed to speak to him urgently. Hutch never spoke of his family but after speaking to his father, Starsky wasn’t surprised. The man’s abrupt and arrogant tone was nothing like his partner and friend.
The next time he answered the phone it was Hutch. “Hey, buddy, being called later today so will be back later this evening.”
“Great, although my new brunet partner may be disappointed.” Starsky gave Minnie a wink who smiled back shaking her head jokingly.
“Oh, I doubt that!” Hutch teased.
“And I thought my blond blintz missed me...that reminds me, Alexander’s no natural blond.”
“He is! Anyway how would you know?”
Starsky could hear his partner smile down the phone with the innuendo.
“Oh Hutch, your father called, said he needs to speak to you urgently.”
“He called the precinct? It’s always urgent with him.” Hutch seemed distracted for a split second. “Anyway, hope you’re behaving yourself.”
“Hey, when don’t I?”
“Starsk, you think I have time to answer that! I’ll call you when I get home.”
“Call The Pits, I’m taking Alexander for a drink and a bite to eat.”
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate the gourmet food.” Hutch imagined his friend’s reaction to meeting Huggy. “Got to go, behave yourself.”
Heading home Starsky decided to drop in and tell Alexander that Hutch was returning that evening.
They usually got on with each other’s friends, but not this time. Perhaps Alexander had been tired yesterday though. Starsky was pleasantly surprised when Alexander invited him in for a quick drink.
“He’s out like a light and will be for hours.” Alexander smirked putting the heavy lamp back down.
“So, the partner’s back tonight. This one’s our added insurance. Once it’s over, it’s over for him too.”
Hutch threw his holdall on the floor as he slumped down on his couch looking at the phone and thinking about calling his father. Speaking to his father was difficult enough at the best of times, let alone when he was tired. He picked the phone up and called The Pits but Starsky hadn’t gone there after all. He guessed Starsky realised Alex wouldn’t appreciate The Pits’ fineries as they did and had taken him elsewhere.
Chapter 5
Alexander was reading when he heard a slight moan; he got up and looked at Starsky. He had lost a lot of blood from the gash on his head and had slipped back into unconsciousness. He quickly tied his legs and arms up, in case he came round although it seemed very unlikely. He was about to gag him when the phone rang advising him there was a taxi waiting for him.
Alexander turned and looked at Starsky before picking up a large, heavy leather case. As he locked the door he hung the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door and almost laughed.
He grinned at the man waiting in the taxi for him and gave the driver the address where to take them.
Mr. Harper hadn’t questioned Alexander bringing a business acquaintance with him, after all the cash sale was of a significant amount. They entered the impressive private library and Alexander laid the case on the table, preparing to open it. He could see the anticipation on Mr. Harper and his associate’s faces as they put white cotton gloves on.
Mr. Harper gently touched the discoloured, aged embossed leather book before lifting it up to smell it. He took a slow deep breath and released it slowly as if the book’s odour was heavenly.
Two hours later the deal was completed. Mr. Harper had taken great pleasure in talking about his own rare collection to his guests. Alexander had an excellent reputation in the book world and it had been a pleasure to do business with him. He invited Alexander over the next morning for tea and to discuss their shared interest further.
When the two men left, they were rather pleased that everything had gone to plan, no actually better than planned. They had got into the house, checked out the level of staff, made himself an extremely good bonus, and had been invited back to the house the next day. All they had to do was prepare for tomorrow and walk right back in there.
Back in the hotel suite, Starsky was drifting in and out of consciousness. Alex had hidden his relief, the previous night, when Starsky said he’d forgotten to give Hutch his hotel details to call him. He was more than happy to have another night of luxury and room service in the hotel suite at someone else’s expense.
Chapter 6
In the morning Hutch was still unable to contact Starsky and left expecting to meet his partner at the station.
Although pleased to have Hutch back, Dobey was less than pleased that Starsky was late. They went into Dobey’s office to discuss the court hearing when a call came through.
“Yes, this is Captain Dobey.” Hutch stood to leave but Dobey gestured for him to stay. “Yes, he is with me now. One moment.” Dobey held the phone out. “Hutch, it’s your father.”
“Father?!” Dobey heard the cutting tone and got up to leave but Hutch waved him to stay.
“I got both messages, I was out of town. What’s so important you had to call me at work?” Dobey felt uncomfortable hearing Hutch’s tones and started rummaging through a file on his desk.
“Can’t be…when?” Dobey heard Hutch’s tone change to being alarmed by what he had been told and wished Starsky had been there for his partner. But what he heard next caused even more concern. “Oh God no. Starsky?” The look on Hutch’s face had turned to fear as he hung up and open the office door to see that his partner’s desk was still empty.
Hutch immediately explained his father told him his friend Alex’s body had been found early yesterday. But the police had confirmed he’d been dead for four days. His old friend was dead, so whom had Starsky picked up and where was Starsky? Unconsciously he suddenly recalled things Starsky had or hadn’t said. He had purposely told Starsky to call Alex ‘Alexander’ to wind up his friend. He knew his friend hated being called Alexander and would ask Starsky to call him Alex. But Starsky still called him Alexander. He’d commented on Alex being tall but he was average height. Then the joke about Alex not being a natural blond. Whomever Starsky had picked up was behind Alex’s murder and the realisation hit him that he didn’t even know what hotel Starsky had taken the imposter to.
Chapter 7
Hutch entered Starsky’s apartment not knowing what he’d find, hoping his partner had just overslept and not heard the several phone calls attempting to contact him. But it was empty and looked like he hadn’t slept there overnight. He went to the pad near the phone eager to find at least the hotel telephone number but nothing. That sickening feeling churned, knowing he didn’t have a single clue how to find Starsky or what this was all about. He called Alex’s family knowing they would be devastated in losing their son but also hoping that they may know at least the hotel Alex had planned to stay at.
It had been a difficult call but Alex’s father explained Alex was in town to sell two highly collectable books to a private buyer. Alex had talked about taking his interest in rare and antique books and turning it into a business but that was the only information his father had known about the trip. Hutch had been close with Alex and his family but felt detached from their grief, purely focusing on finding Starsky.
He called The Pits and left a message for Huggy. He sat in the car holding his head, thinking what to do when Dobey came through on the radio telling him to get over to an address urgently. Dobey explained the homeowner’s security had shot three people and they had named the dead man Alexander Copper.
He arrived at the address, which was a huge mansion, and was quickly informed of what had happened by the officers in charge. The homeowner walked alongside his injured security man as he was wheeled to the ambulance. The three men had pulled out guns as they entered the house, the man they knew as Alexander Copper was dead and the other two men were critically injured as was the security man.
The homeowner, Mr. Harper, explained to Hutch he was expecting Alexander but when he came to the door the three men forced their way in, pulling guns on him and his staff. Luckily one of his security men had been in a nearby room and raised the alarm before shouting at them to drop their weapons. With the unexpected distraction, Mr. Harper explained he had run for cover, and then it all happened so quickly. The men shouted as they fired, his man had taken a hit but only after hitting two of them and had still managed to hit the last man. The man they knew as Alexander had been killed instantly and the other two men were critically injured. It was clear that Mr. Harper was still recovering from the ordeal and very concerned for his friend who had saved his life. Hutch couldn’t condone the man for taking kill shots with three against one but none of the assailants were in a condition to talk.
He knew if Starsky was being held captive the job going bad, was bad for his partner. Neither of the two injured assailants were expected to survive. Hutch could only hold onto his feeling his partner was alive out there, but where and for how long? They had found nothing on the assailants or in the car they arrived in to indicate where they were staying. Dobey was already fearing for the worst and knew Hutch was already blaming himself.
Chapter 8
Hutch was in with Dobey trying to identify the imposter and the two assailants. Dobey had updated the Duluth Police who were investigating Alex’s murder and they had hoped they may have some information to share.
They received a report that Starsky’s car had been found dumped in a deserted area but the officer who reported it had found a cigarette butt on the front seat. They all knew it meant Starsky had not been the last person to drive it, he would never allow that in his precious car.
It seemed their only hope was to identify the assailants by searching through the mug shot books and identify any previous connections as leads.
Dobey answered his phone and put it on the loudspeaker as it was Huggy.
“Starsky did told me ’bout the hotel, not the name. Said it ‘ad ah’ impressive large marble entrance. Staff stood on guard like military, in racing green and gold uniforms.”
Dobey practically jumped up from behind his desk. “I know that hotel, Commissioners award service was held there a couple of years ago.” Within minutes they were heading to the hotel with Hutch driving like a bat out of hell.
Chapter 9
Hutch screeched to a halt at the hotel and ran up to the reception. The manager stepped forward, concerned with the attention Hutch was attracting. Police or not, he instantly refused to give the room number, offering to call up to Mr. Copper who had requested not to be disturbed by anyone. But whether it was the look on Hutch’s face, the sight of his gun as he opened his jacket, or Dobey stepping forward to take control, he suddenly caved in and reached behind him for the key. Dobey instantly took the key knowing Hutch would not wait for backup to arrive. They were both well aware this was their only lead to find Starsky and the manager advised them no hotel staff had been in the room for the last two days, on Mr. Copper’s request. That increased their concern about what was being hidden in the room. If Starsky was being held in there, what condition would he be in?
They had no response from a knock at the door. Announcing they were police, they quickly entered the hotel suite with their guns drawn. The silence was heavy, the main area was clear and Dobey cautiously headed to clear the bathroom as Hutch entered the bedroom.
Immediately Hutch saw the lifeless body of his partner hog-tied in the corner of the room. The carpet was soaked with dry blood and sick around Starsky’s head. He shouted to Dobey as he cut the ropes gently releasing Starsky and allowing his body to unravel in his arms. Checking, he found a weak pulse but Starsky remained unconscious as Hutch checked his friend’s airway. Dobey watched as Hutch desperately pleaded and coaxed his unconscious friend to wake. It had been nearly 48 hours since he had been missing and they had no idea how long he‘d been unconscious. But the fact he wasn’t gagged indicated it had been quite some time.
The paramedics wasted no time checking Starsky’s status and his eyes on their arrival. They quickly had him ready to transport, with Hutch by his side gently speaking to him the whole time. In the ambulance, he could see eye movement under Starsky’s eyelids, they fluttered and then briefly opened. Starsky’s head rolled to face Hutch’s voice as his eyes continued to flutter trying to open. When Hutch released his hand making room for the paramedic, he heard his partner’s weak whimper but that slightest noise was music to his ears.
“Easy buddy, I’m here.”
“Hussh?”
“Shh…don’t talk.” His partner’s eyes kept fluttering open and gradually remained open a little longer each time.
“Wot ‘append?” Hutch could barely hear his confused partner but smiled knowing even in his state, he couldn’t stop him from talking.
“Hey buddy, take it easy try not to move” Hutch was leaning down with one hand resting on his partner’s shoulder knowing any movement would cause pain.
“Mee‘ed.”
“I know buddy, yah gonna be okay, just take it easy.” Hutch remained by his side up to when they took him through for X rays. He stood there as the doors closed thinking how ridiculous it was to try tell his partner not to talk or move. He must have been standing there for a while when a nurse ushered him into the empty waiting room.
Chapter 10
Dobey had joined Hutch in the waiting room. Hutch had told him Starsky had come to and spoken, which was a huge relief, but they both knew head injuries could be unpredictable. Too many times he’d been in waiting rooms, particularly with this pair. The problem was they were victims of their own success. They got the higher profile, more dangerous cases and had more than a few people out for them. But this time Hutch was away because he followed orders and even putting Starsky on desk duty hadn’t kept him safe.
When the waiting room door opened, a familiar doctor entered the room. “David’s groggy but you can see him now.”
“He’s gonna be okay?” Hutch asked tentatively.
“Your partner is extremely lucky you found him when you did. He has a hairline fracture but it will heal. His wounds have been closed, he’s on antibiotics for infection and will have to remain on a drip until I’m happy with his levels. There’s no other injuries but he needs to rest.”
“I won’t disturb him.” Dobey and the doctor knew Hutch just wanted to sit in with his partner, even if he was asleep.
“I’ll take you to his room.” Immediately they knew it wasn’t too severe or he’d be in ICU. The doctor guided them to the room and Dobey spoke to the doctor while Hutch settled in to watch over Starsky.
Several hours later Hutch noticed Starsky’s eyes slightly flicker until they drowsily opened.
“Hhhhuuu?”
“Hey buddy.”
“Huchhh?” Starsky turned his head to his partner and flinched with the movement but seemed to full wake him.
“Shh, easy there.”
“Wot ‘appened…tell me, wot ‘appened?”
“Just rest, you’ve taken a nasty blow to the head…lucky you have a thick skull!”
“Trif…ic, staying?”
“Yeah, I’m staying, no place else to go.”
“Seen Al…ex?”
“No, just rest up.” Hutch realised Starsky didn’t know or remember the person he knew as Alex was behind what had happened to him.
The next time Starsky woke, he amazed everyone by wanting to leave and complaining about being hungry. Hutch realised it had probably been near on two days since his partner had eaten. In different circumstances, they would joke about it being a personal record.
Eventually the Nurse came in with some soup and toast but Starsky complained they’d disguised cardboard as toast. He then went to work on Hutch using every tactic to get him to call Huggy to bring some food in. As much as this annoyed Hutch, it also gave him great relief that his partner was actually feeling fine. As Starsky started to give up hope, the man of the moment arrived.
Starsky’s whole face lit up. “Huggy, have I ever told you how much I love your aroma?”
“Would that be my aroma or this?!” Huggy swung a paper food bag in front of Starsky.
“You’re a lifesaver! They just gave me dishwater and cardboard, as if I could eat that!” But before he got his hands on the food the doctor entered the room and immediately spotted the bag of food.
“I know you are feeling a lot better but you have to be careful with what you eat.”
“Once I get some real food down me, I’ll be outta here, don’ya worry.”
“Detective Starsky, you are staying in overnight for observation.” Starsky almost laughed at the doctor’s stern look, thinking he needed Hutch to give him a lesson or two on stern looks. This caused him to actually miss what the doctor was saying. “And what is it you’re planning to eat?”
“Nothing but the best for my friends, I mean what do I look like?!” The doctor had asked himself that when he had first seen the flamboyant visitor in a gold silk shirt and mauve velour suit. “I provide an important emergency service. Yah dig? Huggy Bear knows how to care…especially for this fine pair.”
The doctor turned to face Hutch. “He needs to be careful of his stomach, he’s still recovering.”
“I’ll make sure he’s careful, don’t worry.” Hutch reassured the doctor as he left the room.
“Hutch, have I ever told you, you can be a right killjoy! Anyway, some doc he is! It’s my head that’s throbbing, not my stomach…that’s a rumbling!” Starsky unwrapped the paper to find a burrito and his face didn’t hide the joy it gave him. “Now this. This is what I call food!”
“I aim to please, my food’s the bees’ knees, light on the spices to suit your needs.” Huggy definitely did know how to care for his friends. “My curly friend, y’all need to stay outta trouble when half the dynamic duo, is outta town.”
“Wouldn’t have happened if I’d been here.” Hutch said solemnly.
Starsky immediately recognised Hutch’s tone and knew he was blaming himself. “You don’t know that! Not that I remember what happened.”
“Hope ya’ didn’t mess with that Minnie. Now she’s a gal’…when you guys bringing her back to The Pits? I mean she needs a cultured man.” Huggy stated, flicking his collar up and rolling his shoulders forward.
“Did you say cultured or colourful?” Hutch mocked.
“Minnie’s my special lady. No one messes with her, or they have me to deal with.” Starsky said before tucking back into his burrito.
Chapter 11
“You said we’d talk at home...we’re home. I need to know what happened and what’s eating you up.”
“Starsk, you need to rest.”
“Been resting the last 24 hours in the hospital. Talk to me, Hutch.” He used the tone reserved for emergencies which never failed with his partner.
Hutch explained everything he knew: how Alex had been murdered in Minnesota and the imposter had carried out the pre-arranged sale of the books to gain Mr. Harper’s confidence. Unfortunately, none of the three assailants survived and they didn’t know if they were just hired help.
“So, let’s get this right. You’re guilt-tripping yourself because of what happened to me?” Starsky asked calmly.
“Alex was my friend.”
“Yes, I’m sorry for your loss. But it wasn’t Alex I met. So how’d it make it your fault?”
“Exactly, if I’d been there to pick him up.”
“Hutch, you were called to give evidence. If you hadn’t gone, Jacobs could’ve walked. Yeah, you’d known it wasn’t Alex but who knows what he’d have done to you!”
“But…”
“No! I’m okay. Jacobs gone down and…” Starsky suddenly stopped. “Are you telling me, all this is over crummy old books?”
“Not any old books, priceless books. Alex was a bibliopole.”
“A what?” Starsky snapped back.
“Bibliopole, a person who buys and sells rare books.”
“Hutch, you’re making this up. Doesn’t Minnesota have libraries?”
“The sort of books…” Hutch knew the look on his partner’s face. It was a dangerous one, the Starsky’s logic look. It meant the conversation could go on for hours if he didn’t nip it in the bud. “Starsk, you must be hungry, what do you fancy?” Hutch sat down smiling knowing the tactic had never failed him yet.
Starsky paused, thinking for a while as Hutch got them drinks. “I fancy pizza, then chocolate ice cream and blueberry pie. Yeah, fruit and veg just as the doctor ordered, a balanced diet.”
“What vegetables do you normally have on your pizza?”
“Tomatoes of course.”
“But tomatoes aren’t…” Hutch rolled his eyes, this looked like it could be a long day. “Starsky, you want to check what film you fancy watching later?”
Starsky knew how to play Hutch at his own game. His Starsky logic told him it was for his own good. It was taking his mind off his ill-placed guilt and grieving for the real Alex, which could wait. It also had the added benefit of giving him free rein in choosing what to eat and what to watch.
Starsky knew it would be a long day keeping his eye on his partner who needed to rest and recover more than he did.