Comments about this story can be sent to mcjovi@swbell.net

PART THREE

Swamp - Part Four

by

Mickette

    

   Finally they were there. Nick pulled up to the emergency exit and yelled for help. Two men came out rolling a gurney. They didn't have to ask who it was for as they watched the dark haired man lift a man out of the car then carry him pass the gurney and towards the hospital.

   "Excuse me sir, you need to lay your friend down here." There was no response. "Please sir, it will be much more conformable for him" the other said.

   Starsky paused then waited as they wheel the gurney up to him. Then he gently laid his friend down. He wanted to just collapse, find a hole and let the pain out... cry until there were no more tears to cry. The sight of his partner lying there... helpless, vulnerable. It was nearly too much to bear. But he would bear it, he had no choice. He had his back always and this was no different.

   He walked along side the gurney until they got to the emergency room, where he was asked... ordered politely to wait in the waiting room. He was walking that way as Dobey walked up to him.

   "You found him Starsky. I knew you would! Come on over here and sit down" Dobey insisted. He could tell he was talking to a zombie. Starsky wasn't listening to word he said, but that was ok. He just wanted to be there for him. He knew he could do little to comfort him.

   The two men sat down, neither one speaking a word.

   "Can I get y'all some coffee?" Nick offered

   "Yeah, thanks Nick.. make it two." Dobey replied

   "Two cups of coffee on the way" Nick said trying to sound upbeat, and at time when he didn't know if it was appropriate.

   "Starsky I know what you're thinking and you're wrong. None of this was your fault. You put to much on yourself. You're a man, not a guardian angel. You can't be with that man at all times, that's just impossible... Nick feels it's his fault, you think it's yours... why can't we just say it like it is? It's Ben Boudreaux's fault. A sick twisted man made life hell for everyone that crossed his path. Why can't it be his fault Starsky?"

   Starsky said starring at the ground.

   "You don't understand Cap'n...None of you understand how it is for Hutch and me."

   "No I don't suppose so Starsky, cuz you and Hutch are the only partners in the world that became best friends. If that's what you think Starsky, that would make you not only pompous, it would make you wrong."

    Starsky looked up for the first time and saw the pain in Dobey's eyes.

   "Don't you know how painful for me this is to watch Starsky? At least you found him alive. By the time I had found Elmo, it was too late. You have no idea how long it took me to come to terms with his murder. I should have been there for him. When he needed me, where was I?"

   "Come on cap, you did everything you could have done. Jackson knew that."

   Starsky looked at Dobey as what he said sunk in...

   "Thanks Cap, I needed that!"

   "We just need to keep our perspectives Starsky, we weren't the first to go through this, and it's my guess is we won't be the last."

   The two men had a rare emotional moment as they put their arms around each other and sat a few seconds locked in a much needed moment of support.

   "Coffee for every..." Nick abruptly turned out of embarrassed at having interrupted the two men. He walked away, trying to give the men their privacy.

   "Come back here Nick, where do you think you're going with that coffee?" Starsky asked.

   Nick turned back around. "Well, I just thought..."

   "Well, you can do your thinking after I get my coffee" Starsky said with a grin.

   Nick was relieved that the tension had eased if only by a little.

   The three men turned at hearing Starsky's name.

   "That's me Doc. How is he?"

   "Well you saw his condition when you brought him in, so you know he's in bad shape. What we're fighting right now is an infection, and not just an ordinary infection. We think he's suffering the onset of gangrene."

   "Gangrene? What... How.." Starsky wasn't sure what to ask first.

   "Come on, let's sit down and I'll explain."

   "Gangrene develops when the blood supply to an affected area is cut off, in this case from the infected wound. My guess, is a gator bite..."

   "Wait, you're trying to tell me that hutch was bitten by an alligator?"

   "That would be my guess. Pretty nasty bite. There is a lot of damaged done to the skin, muscle, bone... He lost a lot of blood. Also he's very dehydrated from the fever. And although all of that warrants concern, what we're most worried about his the infection. He's showing all the classic symptoms of having the early stages of Gangrene."

   "What's the bottom like doc, what does this gangrene mean?"

   "This can be a very devastating diagnosis, but you've caught this early on. We'll be aggressively treating this with anticoagulants and antibiotics, He's not allergic I'm hoping?"

   "No" Starsky said flatly still trying to take it all in.

   "Good, the next thing we do is make every effort to improve the circulation to his leg. Surgery is required to open and drain the infected areas and remove the dead tissue." The doctor could see that he had left the detective behind.

   "Well, I can fill you in as we go along, Detective. Just know we're doing everything that can possibly be done"

   "One last question, what's the worst case scenario"

   "Well the second worse scenario when you're talking gangrene, is amputation. BUT I can't stress enough, that we've caught this in the earliest stages, so although it's possible, I don't think it's likely. Sorry, but you asked"

   "Can I see him?"

   "Not yet, we're still trying to get his fever under control. He's got several different areas of concern. We need to wait until we have them under control. Where can I reach you?" the Doctor asked

   "You can reach me by turning the corner from the hall to the waiting room, I'm not going anywhere"

   "Listen detective, this could take some time... Oh wait, I remember you... you were here before... never mind, I'm wasting my breath." The doctor finally relented

   "Thanks doc, please let me know when I can see him, just to look at him"

   "Ok, as soon as we have him stable, I'll call you in"

   "Did you hear that Cap? How does Hutch's leg end up in the mouth of an alligator?"

   "You got me Starsky, that's one we'll have to wait and ask Hutchinson himself."

   "Goodness knows there a lots of them out there! There was a female nest close by the shack. And they can be mighty mean when there are eggs involved. But the nests aren't hidden. I don't know how he didn't see it." Said Nick.

   "He had to have been out of his mind... Oh Hutch, I'm sorry for what you went through. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you" Starsky cried as he put his hands to his face lowering himself to the floor, his back against the wall. "I'm suppose to have your back!"

   "Come on David" Dobey said has be knelt down next to his detective. "I thought we agreed, it wasn't your fault"

   Starsky lowered his hands to reveal his tear filled, bloodshot eyes.

   "Cap I know, with my head I know, I just can't convince my heart"

   Dobey took Starsky's arm and helped him to his feet.

   "I know Dave, I know. Come on, let's go sit down. It may be awhile before we hear anything"

   Starsky allowed himself to be led to the waiting room. The long vigil had begun.

~~~~~   

   Several hours later Dobey woke up from the couch. His back was aching which was an indication he had slept there for some time. He pulled himself up to his feet and stretched as he looked behind him to see if Starsky was still asleep.

   Nick was still sound asleep in the most unlikely position. he's gonna hurt when he wakes up Dobey thought to himself.

   There was no Starsky. Dobey tried not to be overly concerned there were several explanations as to why he wasn't in the waiting room. But given his frame of mind, he was very concerned. He left the room and checked with the nurse's station.

   "No sir, he has stopped by here several times wanting to know if he could see his friend. But I don't know where he could be."

   "He hasn't been allowed to see Hutchinson?"

   "No sir, the doctors have had their hands full with him, he's having a tough time of it, I'm afraid. I'm sure the Doctor will let you know when you can see him."

   "Thanks, oh and if you see Detective Starsky, be sure and mention that I'm looking for him, would you?"

   "Yes sir" the nurse replied.

   Dobey decided to check out the cafeteria, maybe he needed some coffee, he thought.

   "Hey, Captain Dobey. I was wondering where everyone went" Nick said as he was still rubbing his eyes, trying to wake up.

   "Just woke up myself, and Starsky was gone. Nurse station didn't know where he was. I'm going down to the cafeteria to check it out."

   "Anything to worry about?"

   "I'm afraid in his frame of mind, it could be something to worry about"

   "Well, I'll kinda look around myself. Any word on Hutch?"

   "They're still working on him. No word yet" Dobey replied.

   Nick knew these men were good friends. He could hear profound sadness in the captain's voice. Not your ordinary captain, detective relationship That much he was sure of.

   "Well let's go see if we can't find Starsky, we don't want him walking around when the doctors call on him to visit with hutch"

   "Right, meet you back here in a few"

   They both took off in different directions but with the same goal.

~~~~~   

   After looking everywhere he knew to look, a near panicked Dobey decided to head back down to the waiting room, perhaps Nick had had better luck. He walked down the corridor that led to the elevators. He pushed the down button and waited. It was then he heard it. He wasn't sure at first. He listened again, yes... it was Starsky's voice... He followed the voice as it led him down the hall to a new wing. Dobey wasn't at all surprised to see what ward Starsky ended up on. He smiled as he walked by the sign... Children's Ward.

   He walked on until he found Starsky sitting indian style on the floor of the kids play area. There had to have been at least 10-15 kids, all different shapes, sizes and ailments. But they all has one thing in common... they were all sitting with huge smiles on each of their faces as they watched the funny man put on a puppet show.

   Dobey turned and headed back to the elevators. He chastised himself for thinking the worse. It makes perfect sense for his detective to find solace with the kids, after all... Starsky was the biggest kid he's ever known.

~~~~~   

   Nick got up and walked over to the Captain as he walked off the elevator.

   "I hope you found something, because I haven't seen hide nor hair of him"

   "It's ok, I found him. He's fine, better than I gave him credit for"

   The two men went back to the waiting room to do more of just that. They tired passing the time by small talk, reading magazines, watching the tv... nothing helped take their minds off Hutch... Starsky either for that matter.

   Several more hours past and again Dobey found himself starting to worry. He was battling with the decision to go look or stay put, when the elevator opened and an exhausted looking Starsky stepped off and walked over to the two men.

   "Nothing?" was all he said.

   "Sorry Starsky, we haven't heard a word. They said they're still working on him. Come on, have a seat and relax"

   Dobey realized how stupid that comment was by the look on Starsky's face.

   "Well sit down anyway, you're body needs a break even if your mind can't take one"

   Starsky took the chair at the far corner of the room. His eyes were looking at the TV although he wasn't watching it. He looked at it until without meaning to or even wanting to, he was asleep.

   The hospital was dark and quiet now. Starsky, Dobey and Nick all were sleeping in spite of the uncomfortable chairs and couches they each had picked for the night.

   Nick's woke up several times from his arm hurting, but he wasn't going to complain about something as minor as a cut on his arm, not when Hutch was in the condition he was in. He would grin and bear it, and just be thankful he was alive.

   Dobey too woke once or twice with worry on his mind. He knew he wouldn't be able to stay much longer. They were looking for him back home. If only he hadn't taken his vacation earlier in the year although, it was good for the family... still he had no more time and his boss, although sympathetic, made it clear he better be back soon. His only hope was that they received good news, and he would feel ok about leaving Starsky.

   Starsky wasn't so lucky, he did sleep... and with sleep came dreams. The same dream ran over and over as if someone were hitting rewind, again and again...

   Hutch was strung up to a tree limb. He dangled from the rope above a pit, a pit of sand. Starsky knew... it was quicksand.

   He watched, powerless to help. It was if he were paralyzed. Unable to do anything but watch. He watched... he watched in horror as he saw Ben standing with knife in hand, grinning from ear to ear, slowing cutting away at the rope. All the while Hutch's eye's fixed on his friend, his eyes pleading him to do something. He couldn't, he was forced to just watch as Hutch struggled to get free.

   Each strand seemed to take a lifetime to cut through. Each strand felt like a part of Starsky heart being cut to pieces... until ultimately it had come down to the last cut. Ben looked at the two men with his evil grin and asked if anyone had any last words.... Hutch looked at Starsky, first pleadingly, then accusingly and simply said... Why?

   With that the rope was cut and Hutch began falling... falling in slow motion... all the while his eye's fixed on Starsky. Starsky forced to watch until there was no more to see. Starsky was at last able to move. He ran up with pistol drawn.. grabbing Ben and spinning him around to face him, only... it was not longer Ben standing there with the knife in his hand, It was himself. He had killed the best friend he ever had.....

   Again, the dream repeated....

~~~~~   

   ....The rope was cut and Hutch began falling... falling in slow motion...

   Detective?

   ... Starsky forced to watch until there was no more to see....

   Detective Starsky?"

   Starsky woke with a start.

   "Shhhh," the doctor said... "sorry to wake you, but I thought you should know"

   He motioned Starsky to follow him. He didn't want to wake the others.

   Starsky tried to put the dream out of his mind as he followed the doctor out of the waiting room and into an empty break room. Both men took a seat across from each other.

   "You look like you could use a nap" Starsky said. He realized he was just making nervous conversation. He wasn't sure he wanted to hear what was fixing to be told to him.

   "We get used to long days, but this was one of the longer ones, that's for sure" the Doctor replied.

   "Now concerning Mr..... sorry, Detective Hutchinson's condition..." he had seen many anxious faces in the course of his career, this wasn't one of them. This man had dread written all over him. He apparently was already thinking the worse.

   "It was no easy job, but he's finally stable. That might not seem very newsworthy to you, but if you knew what all has transpired through out the day, you'd realize just what good news this is"

   Starsky wasn't allowing any part of himself to relax. "stable" is a long way from "gonna be ok" He didn't say a word, just listened as the doctor continued to go over Hutch's condition.

   "The fever and infection had a terrible hold on his body. Most of the day was spent just bringing those under control. But not before they did their damage. His temperature when brought in was 104 and it climbed a few degrees after being brought in. We're not sure how long he had suffered with this fever, and the brain scan shows there is a possibility that he may have suffered some form of brain damage, but we won't know for sure until he comes to."

   "Is that the good news or the bad news" Starsky asked dryly.

   "The good news Detective is that after hours of nearly loosing him several times, he's still alive, albeit he's in bad shape... he's alive."

   "I'm sorry, I'm trying to down play what's happened. I just, I just don't know how to feel."

   "That's perfectly understandable. Do you feel up to hearing more?"

   "Shoot"

   "Another major concern was his infection. Thanks to aggressive antibiotic treatments, and with the success of the surgery, it too has been brought under control, and is successfully being treated, which again.. if you only knew how lucky he is to have beaten it..."

   "What about the gangrene... don't spare the details, doc... What's the prognosis as far as that's concerned?"

   "I hate to keep using this word... but again he was lucky... Since we were able to catch it in it's early stages, we were able to keep the damage minimal. We had feared amputation, but going into surgery we were able to overt that outcome. There was damage done however... on down the line we'll talk about skin graphs.

   Now, He is in no way, shape or form out of the woods. He's in an extremely weakened state from loss of blood, combined w/dehydration and the handful of injuries he acquired at the hands of Boudreaux. And I'm sure you remember that he wasn't' exact 'well' when he was taken from here in the first place.

   I'd like to sum everything up by saying he's still listed as critical, but considering how far he's come... we're looking at this optimistically." He could see how overwhelmed the detective was with all the news.

   "Would it make you feel better if I let you see him?"

   Starsky's eyes lit up. "Where is he?"

   "Normally I wouldn't allow visitors at this point you understand, so I'm going to have to insist 5-10 minutes tops, deal?"

   "Thanks doc, deal."

   The doctor escorted the detective down to the intensive care unit, pointed Hutch's room out, then left to give them privacy.   

~~~~~~~~~~

   They had been here so many times before, Starsky wasn't even alarmed by all the monitors, tubes and machines hooked up to his friend. He walked over and looked down on his partner's face. He looked so defeated, There was no energy coming from him.

    He took Hutch's hand in his... "Hutch? Hey Buddy it's me, Starsky." He fought to hold back the tears. "I can't stay long Hutch, doc says you need your rest, but I just wanted you to know that we're here. Dobey and Nick are outside too. We're here for you, and we're not leaving until you're ready to leave with us."

   A piece of his dream flashed in his mind...

   "Why"

   There was no holding back anymore... the tears flowed as Starsky begged his friend to forgive him.

   "I'm so sorry Hutch, if you wanna hate me hate me... but just get better"

   He felt a tap on his shoulder and knew his time was up.

   He stood upright and wiped his eyes with his shirtsleeve. He looked at Hutch one last time then turned and left the room.

   "Are you ok Detective?" the doctor asked.

   "No, don't know if I ever will be again" Starsky said

   "Sorry for the cliché, but it's always darkest before the dawn"

   "Until you can assure me there will be a dawn Doc, I don't wanna hear it"

   The doctor stopped and let the detective walk on. There was nothing more he could say. He had always found it difficult to offer encouragement when he himself wasn't at all sure the patient would pull through.

   Starsky had hoped he would feel better after getting to see Hutch. But it seemed to have the opposite effect on him. Just something he couldn't put in finger on. However whatever it was made Starsky feel worse than he had before. The dream was fresh in his mind. He had the feeling that there was something about the feeling he had, and the dream was somehow connected

   He felt drained... so tired. He doubted that sleep would come, wasn't sure if he wanted it to. If only he knew how to have sleep without dreams. He looked in and saw Nick and Dobey still sound asleep. He envied them.

   He tried to rest, but after about 30 minutes, he was ready to admit he had all the sleep he was going to have. He stopped by the nurse's station for coffee, then just ambled around the hospital, feeling somewhat lost, somewhat alone. What would he do without Hutch in his life? The thought had come up a few times in the past when Hutch was at death's door. But he had never come up with the answer. He had never had to.

   Starsky sat on a bench in the hallway... staring off, lost in his thoughts... vaguely aware of the music playing lightly from the nearby nurses station... A cry of anguish snapped him back to reality. He saw a Doctor talking to a woman in the waiting room, apparently it wasn't good news she was receiving. Would he be the next to hear those words? His attention turned to the music... country, man how he hated that stuff, how could hutch listen to that day in and day out? He always found it depressing. This song proved to be no different. Starsky began listening to the words to one of the saddest songs he'd ever heard...   

   Starsky found himself in tears as the song ended... It was obviously meant for the loss between a man and a woman... but he was able to apply it to himself. He felt the song had summed up what life would be like if Hutch didn't make it. He couldn't shake the profound sadness the song, and the dream had left him with.

   "Excuse me, Detective?"

   If he heard, he gave no indication.

   "Detective Starsky?" The nurse said again as she sat down next to the solemn looking man.

   "Listen, we have a empty room. How bout you let us give you something to help you sleep?"

   Starsky looked up, revealing his red, bloodshot eyes.

   "No thanks, I haven't cared much for my dreams lately, I'd rather not"

   "I understand Detective, but you can't stay awake for the rest of your life, can you? Now I know you've heard this all before, but it's so very true... we see it happen all the time.... you're going to sit out here like this until you have no choice, you body will demand that it rest... and what happens if that demand comes just as your friend wakes up and needs you?"

   "Believe me, he's better off counting on someone else"

   "You may feeling that way, but I'm sure when he comes to, he won't be.. He'll be looking for you. You need to make sure your ready and willing to be there for him. Please, it'll just be a little something, it won't knock you out for days... it's just enough to allow you to relax and fall asleep"

   Finally Starsky relented... it was worth it to his just get that song out of his head. Course at the same time, he figured with his luck he would dream about playing that song over and over again.

   "Ok, you win... show me the way"

   "You won't be sorry... come on"

   She handed him a pill and a cup of water.

   "This stuff is pretty fast acting, you'll wanna take it, then lie down right afterwards. We don't wanna have to scoop you off the floor later"

   "Will do, and thanks... thanks for your concern"

   "You're welcome, just sleep good."

   Starsky sat on the bed and stared at the pill. Did he really want to set him self up for more dreams? But the nurse was right, he couldn't go much longer without falling on his face. He swallowed the pill, laid down and waited for sleep to come. A few minutes later, he was sound asleep.

~~~~~   

   This time it was Hutch's turn to dream.

   He was running, running for his life. He was exhausted. He knew he couldn't last much longer, but if he stopped... if he stopped he would die, he knew that like he knew his own name. It was gaining on him, he thought he had lost it at one point.. but he felt it. He could tell it was close behind.

   He felt himself relax as a familiar face was up ahead. A face that would help him. He would be ok now. He ran towards the man... his heart sank as he realized the more he ran the further away the man was. He cried out to him... asked him to help... to do something before it was too late... before it got him.

   But the dark man just watched...

   "Why won't you help me?" hutch yelled out.

   "Please, it's almost here, and I can't make it by myself"

   But the man just watched...

   Hutch collapsed, he had no more strength to go on. A sickening sense of dread overtook his soul as he realized there would be no help from the man, the man he thought to be his friend... he would die this day, The man would watch and do nothing, and he would die.

   At last it found him. It's mouth salivating... its eyes zeroing in on its prey. It lowered itself on its haunches and readied himself for the attack.

   For the last time hutch turned his eyes to the man. The man that was his friend... he was standing, arms to the side.. watching...

   The growl of victory came from it as it leaped towards its victim... claws outstretched, teeth barred...

   His last word... "Why?"

~~~~~   

   Dobey hung up the phone and walked back to the waiting room.

   "They want me back Nick. I can't put them off any longer."

   "It's ok Captain Dobey, I'm sure the guys will understand"

   "It's not so much that... I just hate to leave Starsky, not knowing how Hutch is going to be"

   "Maybe the doctor will have a good report this morning"

   "Yeah, maybe.... I don't wanna wake Starsky up just yet, it's a miracle he was talked into getting some sleep in the first place. Come on, let's get something at the cafeteria for breakfast... maybe they'll be some word by then"

~~~~~   

   The two men sat and ate, passing the time away. Exchanging life stories.. Making small talk, but inevitably the conversation came back to the two detectives. Nick listened to stories about Starsky and Hutch, and their friendship. The Captain talked with great admiration and respect. Nick wished he could have witnessed the gruesome twosome, as Dobey referred to them... Wished he would still have that opportunity.

   Just as the two were pushing back their chairs to stand up, Starsky walked in. They both sat back down and waited for him to join them. He looked rested, but still had the lost puppy look about him. He made his way over and sat down.

   "Morning you two, guess I overslept"

   "How do you feel this morning?" Nick asked

   "Fine, still kinda feel tired, but I can tell the rest did me good"

   Nick stood up, want anything with your coffee?"

   "No thanks, coffee is fine" Starsky said as he handed Nick a 5.

   "Starsky, I need to talk to you... it's about work"

   "You're kidding, right cap?"

   "I wish I were, but I'm not talking about you. Talked to the boss this morning, I have to go back... I figured I'd leave later today. Are you going to be ok?"

   "Sure, I'll be fine Cap... I know you wanna stay, and that means a lot to me, but you can't jeopardize your job... your family depends on you... We'll be just fine, don't worry about it"

   "You're making this too easy on me Starsky"

   "Really Cap, I know you don't wanna go... we all do what we have to do"

   "Thanks Starsky... I'm hoping to get some good news before I leave..."

   Nick walked over and sat down a coffee and a cinnamon roll.

   "I know, I know... but you haven't eaten in awhile, besides I'm a big spender when it's someone else's money"

   They each enjoyed the lightheartedness of the moment. Nick sat down and the three talked, ate and drank their way around what was on everyone's mind.

~~~~~   

   As the three men headed back to the waiting room, the doctor intercepted them.

   "So there y'all are... I've got a little bit of news, lets have a seat in the waiting room, and I'll fill you in"

   "First let me say, detective, that it looks like the sleep did you some good... second, Your friend has been showing signs of coming to. That may not seem much to report, but believe me, it's a great sign. His vitals are strong, stronger than they've been since he got here. I said earlier that he's not out of the woods yet, and I'm afraid that still the case, but... he's right there at the edge of the woods looking out!"

   "What about the brain damage you talked about earlier?"

   "I'm afraid nothings changed in that respect. Until he wakes up and shows us what he can do.. there is still the possibly. His fever was so high, it's rare to have fever that high and not experience some form of brain damage."

   "Well I'm sorry doctor, but I'm not sure if you just delivered good news or bad" a dejected Starsky said.

   "I guess the way I look at it, detective is that the first order of business is his life. I'll take life and go from there. It's true that we don't know how much of your friend is left inside that brain, But if he's dead, it doesn't much matter."

    "Yeah well, you can look at it anyway you want, I'm not partners with a brain." Starsky said he stood up and walked away.

   "I'm sorry, he's just..."

   "No need to apologize, I'm not sure I'd feel any different if I were in his shoes. It's just that I'm not. I'm in the shoes of someone who realizes that it's nothing short of a miracle that Hutchinson is still breathing at all. Everything from here is on the upside as far as I'm concerned."

   "Can we see him yet?"

   "I want to have another look at him before I ok that. I assume I can still find you all here?"

   "Well, I have to leave later today to go back to LA, I was hoping to get a quick visit before I headed back. The other two will be here"

   "I'll see what I can do, if there are no set backs, I'll make sure you get in before you have to go"

   "Thanks doctor, I appreciate that"

~~~~~   

   Nick wandered down the hall looking for Starsky... and finding him sitting on a bench out in the courtyard.

   "Mind if join you?" Nick asked

   "Help yourself" was the reply.

   "You know Starsky, that wasn't necessarily bad news back there... granted we won't know his condition until he wakes up. But the good news is that he's closer to waking up. You have to give yourself a little hope."

   "Your young, you're allowed to think like that"

   "Young has nothing to do with it. Do you know that when Hutch and I were at Ben's. That's all he talked about how we would get out of there... that everything would be ok, and that we'd get away. I never once believed it. As a matter of fact, I felt sorry for him that he believed it. I had lived there most of my life... I had come to expect the same thing, day after day... I accepted that was my place in life. And when Hutch came along and told me that we'd get out of there... I just couldn't allow myself to believe it, and thought he was crazy for thinking it... but you know what? Here I am. Never... Never in a million years would I have believed it, but here we are. You see, it doesn't hurt to have hope. It worked for Hutch... I bet it would work for you"

   Starsky looked at the young man... just sat and looked at him...

   "How did you get to be so smart? You're right. He's alive and that's what we need to be thankful for. We'll worry about what comes next when it gets here."

   "Sounds good to me!"   

~~~~~~~~~~

   Hutch could sense he was close. He could hear what was going on around him, but still was unable to make himself give up the security of where he was. He was constantly reminded of his dream. Or was it a dream? He needed his best friend, and finally his friend came for him. That was no surprise. But why hadn't he helped him? Why was Starsky taunting him... why was he making no effort to help him? These were all questions that he couldn't answer... but he knew that if Starsky wasn't helping him, that perhaps he was beyond help. Perhaps it was time to quit fighting. Fighting had proved to be so hard. The hardest thing he had ever had to do. But he no longer had the desire nor the will to fight. Abandoned by his closest friend, perhaps it was time he abandoned the fight.

   The nurse looked up as she heard the alarm sound. It was Hutchinson's room. She alerted the team and headed for the room.

   Starsky could see what was happening. He knew it was Hutch's room. He ran to catch up with the nurse.

   "What is it?" Please... tell me what's happening" Starsky begged.

   "Sorry, I can't talk now, we don't know what happened, we have to get in there, please wait here"

   Starsky stopped.. frozen in his tracks. It was hutch, he was dying. Dying, and he wasn't there with him. He bowed his head...then seconds later let out a howl of pain and heartbreak...

   "HUTCH!!!!!!!!!!!!" He screamed has he dropped to his knees.

   Dobey and Nick ran to Starsky and tried to comfort him best they could. But there would be no comfort. Starsky stood up, pushed both mean aside and ran out to his car. He jumped in and sped away.

   "Should we go after him?" Nick asked.

   "Where? We don't know where he's headed. It wouldn't do any good if we did, he's just got to get this out"

   "Get what out? He doesn't even know what the situation is in there"

   "He knows all he wants to know. Come on, let's go back and wait for the doctor"

~~~~~   

   After 30 minutes the nurses and doctors finally began filing out of the room. There faces not giving away any clues.

   Finally the doctor walked over to them.

   "What happened to Det. Starsky?"

   "He lost it, he left" replied Dobey.

   "I know, there's nothing harder to deal with than the unknown..."

   "How is he", Nick asked as he cut off the doctor.

   "You know I have no easy answer. We were able to pull him through the crisis. We can't explain what happened. It was as if he just decided to say goodbye."

   "He's ok?" Dobey asked.

   "Well, lets just say he's no worse. We were able to bring him back and he's stable again. I don't know if we can bring him though another one though... I'm wondering if we don't need to get Starsky in there for a little pep talk. This latest attack nearly had the feel of emotion rather than physical. I can't quite put my finder on it... but I think I wanna try to get Det. Starsky in there before this can occur again."

   "Let me try to radio him, Doctor. I'll get back to you"

   "Fair enough... try to convey the urgency here"

   "That goes without saying..." Dobey said as he walked away to try to reach his detective.

   "Doctor, I spent a little time with him, do you think I could talk to him until his partner arrives?" Nick asked.

   "I don't know, I didn't intend for this to be a visiting hour"

   "Oh, no... I'll make it quick.. Just to let him know we're here for him"

   "Ok fine... I'll give you a few minutes, just be careful what you say"

~~~~~   

   Nick nervously walked into Hutch's room. The doctor's last comment worried him. He didn't want to make things any worse than they were!

   He walked over to the bed and held Hutch's hand.

   "Hey Hutch? Do you know who this is? It's me... Nick. You gave us quite a scare! Glad you decided to come back. Do you hear me Hutch? You have to want it Hutch... isn't that what you told me? You have to think positive and everything will be fine. You taught me that... and everything is fine.. Ben is dead. And thanks to you, I have a life now."

   Hutch could make out some of what was being said, but he also could make out that it wasn't Starsky talking to him. Where had his best friend, his lifeline, gone? Why wasn't he here...

   "Hutch you hang in there, Starsky is on his way in here... He's very worried about you! I'm very worried about him! He keeps saying he's nothing without you Hutch, and I'm not sure I don't believe that... or at least, I think HE believes that... He needs you Hutch.. just hang in there and get better, ok?" Nick said as he saw the Doctor motioning him to leave.

   "I have to leave now Hutch, they want you to rest... But you hang in there... Starsky is on his way... you hear me? Hang in there!"

   Nick left the room and tried to find the captain. He didn't know these two guys that well, but he too felt an urgency to getting Starsky in the room.

   "I can't reach him on the radio" Dobey said as he walked towards Nick.

   "What does that mean?"

   "I don't know what to make of it.. he was very upset, but I wouldn't have thought he would have turned off communications..."

~~~~~   

   Starsky tried to raise the hospital on the radio... Must be the bad weather... He was devastated by the turn of events, but still he had to know...

   "Starsky, can you hear me?"

   Starsky could hear Dobey's voice cutting in and out...

   "Hutch... get... hear me?"

   He's calling to tell me he's gone... Well, I don't need to hear that! Starsky thought to himself has he reached down and turned the radio off...

   Emotions then got in the way of driving. At least that was the only way to explain why he didn't see the car pull out in front of him. By the time he reacted and slammed on the brakes, it was too late.

~~~~~   

   "I don't know what to do, Edith" Dobey said over the phone. "They want me back like this afternoon... how can I leave now?"

   "I know you feel that way, I do too.. But we have to be practical"

   "Thanks Hon... that means a lot to me... love you too, bye"

   He laid the receiver down and took a deep breath... He couldn't believe he was going to do it.. he would defy the ranks and stay... At least until things were under control. He would call the office tomorrow.

   He got up and walked over to Nick.

   "You're staying" Nick said, trying to sound sure of himself.

   "And just what makes you say that?"

   "You're breathing a whole lot easier!"

   "It shows, does it? Yeah, I talked it over with the wife... She actually agreed with me.. my place is here.. we'll worry about the rest later"

   "The guys will be glad to hear that."

   "The guys nothing... I'M glad to hear that!"

   "Captain Dobey? Can you please come to the nurses station?"

   Nick looked over at Dobey... "that's you"

   Dobey got up and walked over to the closest nurse's station.

   "I'm Captain Dobey" he told the nurse has he lean over the desk.

   "Oh yes, hang on just a minute.. there is someone here to talk to you"

   Dobey waited on the phone... till finally someone answered...

   "Emergency room Nurses station..."

   "Uh, yes, this is Captain Dobey, I was told someone wanted to speak with me?"

   "Oh yes, captain... I wanted to let you know that I remember you and your detectives from when Detective Hutchinson was brought in... I thought you'd like to know that we have had a car accident victim just arrive... I recognized him... It's your Detective Starsky. He was just brought into the emergency trauma unit..."

   Dobey was at a lose for words... not believing what he was hearing.

   "Captain?"

   "Yes, I'm sorry... I don't think I heard you right... You have David Starsky down in the emergency center?"

   "Yes sir... I'm sorry... I don't know his condition... I just thought you'd like to know"

   "Thank you" Dobey said as he set the receiver down on the desk.

   "You ok sir?" the nurse asked him.

   "No" he said as he walked away.

    "It's Starsky" Dobey said to Nick.

   "It seems he's been involved in some kinda of car accident."

   "What?!" nick asked?

   " I know... but that's what she said... someone was just brought in, and she just happened to recognize him from when Hutch was brought in."

   "Let's go" Nick insisted

   "Right" a numb Dobey answered back..

   The two men made their way down to emergency.

   "I'm looking for a Starsky" Dobey told the nurse.

   "Oh yes, I was the one that called you sir... he's in with the doctors... just wait over there, and we'll be right with you"

   "I know that routine" Dobey said as he gestured to Nick that they were to sit and wait.

   After making small talk for 20 minutes, a doctor finally made his presence known.

   "Starsky?" The young doctor said

   "Here" Dobey replied...

   The doctor walked over and shook Dobey's hand..

   "Ok... here's what we got..."

   Dobey braced for the worse...

   "It's not as bad as it looked. He took a nasty blow to the head, we're keeping an eye on that. Otherwise... he's got some scratches and bruises. His ribs will be sore for awhile. He jammed his foot on impact, but it doesn't appear to be broken, they're going over those x-rays as we speak. All in all, I'd say he's a very lucky man."

   Dobey felt himself exhale...

   "Thanks doc, He was just in here looking after his partner... he was here no more than an hour ago... It's so hard to believe"

   "Life is crazy... love it while you have it. You wouldn't believe some of the stories I've heard since I've been here... and not all of them have happy endings"

   "I know what you mean, I run into all of that in my line of work as well... thanks doctor, when will we be able to see him?"

   "Shouldn't be long... just let us get him settled in the room, and we'll call you in"

   The two shook hands and Dobey went back to the waiting room to relay the message to Nick.

   "Thank goodness it wasn't worse than it was, This has just been an unbelievable ride. If someone were writing a story, they couldn't come up with something so far fetched."

   "So now I guess we wait here until he gets his room. I wanna make sure he's ok before we go back up to check on Hutch. We've got our work cut out for us"

   "You can stay and I'll go on up if it would make thing any easier" offered Nick.

   "You sure you wouldn't mind?"

   "of course not... just keep me advised"

   After Dobey's assurance, Nick got back on the elevator and headed back up to Hutch's floor.

   What if what the doctor had said were true... what if Hutch needed to hear Starsky's voice to know everything was ok. He just hoped the doctor is wrong about that.. otherwise they were all in trouble.

~~~~~   

   The night past slowly for everyone. There was no change in either mans condition. Dobey stopped in one last time to check on Starsky then went back upstairs to have lunch with Nick.

   The two men enjoyed the break and the company. But after a bit to eat an a little small talk they each headed back to their 'posts'. Both promising to update the other should anything newsworthy occur.

   It hadn't. After more soul searching and nail biting they met again for a midnight snack in the snack bar.

   "You're not looking too good, Captain Dobey" Nick said as he

   "I think it's time you call me Harold"

   "Oh no, I don't think I could do that... that sounds so formal, how bout Harry"

   Harry?! Dobey thought to himself... he hasn't been called that since grade school..

   "So Harry, how is Starsky?"

   Dobey hesitated... he wasn't going to like this Harry bit at all!

   "Still no change... and Hutch?"

   "No change for him either"

   The two men looked at each other as they found themselves in an awkward moment of not knowing what to say... Finally it was Dobey that broke the silence.

   "So Nick, what are your plans after this is all said and done?"

   "You know, I haven't even had a chance to think that far. Hutch had told me lots of neat things about LA... I thought it would be something if I actually made it there."

   "It's a big step up from what you're used to, but you would probably like it there... Lots of action all the time"

   They continued small talk until finally deciding it was time to head back. As they stood up, Dobey saw Starsky's doctor walking into the cafeteria. He was walking over to their table.

   "I'm I interrupting?" Dr. Carter asked.

   "No doctor, we were just finishing up here"

   "Well then in that case, I was wondering if I might have a word with you" he said has he proceeded to sit down.

   Both Nick and Dobey sat back down.

   "It's kinda of late for rounds isn't Dr. Carter?" Dobey asked

   "Time means nothing here. I wanted to, of course talk about Detective Starsky. It seems that he's still near comatose and we can't find reason for it. We've taken x-rays and examined him thoroughly and it just doesn't add up"

   "Well you did mention a blow to the head during the accident"

   "yes of course, and that's the obvious thing to look at, so we have. There is no evidence that would explain him still being in his state. Normally with injuries like his we would have looked for him to regain consciousness in about 12 hours.. give or take. It's now been well over 24 hours. Now I wouldn't say that that's reason to panic. But it is reason for concern. We would have expected him to have woken up and to have been very sore from his nasty little accident..."

   "What are you getting at Doc?" an impatient Nick asked.

   "I don't know actually... I just have a strange feeling about this... it's really to soon to tell, but it's almost as if there is no physical reason for his condition."

   "Well if not physical, what?" Dobey asked

   "Wait" Dobey continued. "Are you saying that he's not coming out of this because he doesn't want to?"

   "I can't say anything for sure at this point. But I've seen it before. The body's willing, but the mind isn't."

   There was several seconds of silence that seemed to last for hours.

   "He left very upset. He thought that Hutch was dying and he thought he was the cause" Dobey offered.

   "But you radioed him to come back, you told him Hutch was still alive at that point" countered Nick.

   "Yes, but there was bad interference the conversation was choppy at best. He never replied... Maybe he didn't hear it at all"

   Again silence.

   "So Dr. Carter, if what you say is true what can be done about it?" Dobey asked

   "Well, that's tricky. The human mind is a tricky thing. If he's 'laying low' thinking he's killed his partner... perhaps he needs to be told his partner isn't dead. The only problem with that is... in these cases we've had reported back to us that some patience could hear what was being said to them while others have no recollection at all. It's a roll of the dice."

   "When can I talk to him doc?" Dobey asked

   "There is no 'time' for something like this... just a matter of when you'd like to try"

   "We need Hutch" Nick said half under his breath.

   "What was that Nick?" Dobey asked

   "We need Hutch to talk to Starsky. If Starsky IS willing himself not to get better because of Hutch, who better to talk him back than Hutch?"

   "You're forgetting one thing Nick, Hutch is in no better shape"

   "Ok, well then I think we all have a job here" continued Nick.

   "You go work on Starsky, I'm going to talk to Hutch.. doc permitting and all" he said as he looked at Dr. Carter.

   "I'll talk w/his Doctor, we think alike when it comes to matters of mind over medicine"

   "Then that's that. Thanks for being upfront with us doctor" Dobey said

   "I'm just glad you were open to it. Most people just want modern medicine to 'fix it'.. Sometimes it's just a matter of getting back to basics"

   "So let's do it" Nick said as he stood up. The other men joined him. They all shook hands and set off one their mission.   

~~~~~~~~~~

   Dobey walked in and sat next to Starsky. He had seen this scene before. It was never easy to see, but it was something he could deal with now.

   "Starsky? Can you hear me? Listen the Doctor says that you might be holding back on us. That maybe you're just not trying very hard to get back. I don't know if that's true Starsky, but if it is, there's something you should know... Hutch isn't dead, Starsky. I tried to radio. He pulled through and is doing fine. Can you hear me Dave?"

   Starsky's mind was drifting. He heard a voice but didn't want to focus on it. He didn't care... He thought he heard something about Hutch? It didn't matter... Hutch was dead, and somehow even wherever his mind was, he knew... it was his fault... "my fault... my fault... Hutch is dead... my fault" the words echoed over and over again until finally he was able to turn it off.

   Dobey jumped as he heard the alarm sound.

   "Oh no, not again.. Not you too" he said as the nurses came running in.

~~~~~~~~~~~   

   "Hutch? HEY HUTCH! Can you hear me? This is Nick! You remember me don't you? You spent the last couple weeks with me, remember?"

   Nick didn't want to bring up anything to upset him, but was trying to use key words that might stick with him.

   "Listen Hutch... it's about Starsky... he's hurt Hutch... Starsky's hurt really bad. He needs you Hutch. He needs you to wake up and show him that you're alright! Are you listening to me Hutch?"

   The voice again, Hutch thought. Why was he hearing that voice when there was only one voice he wanted to hear...

   "It's Starsky Hutch, he needs you. He could die without you"

   The voice... something about Starsky?

   "Listen Hutch, this in very important.... Starsky has been in an accident. He's not doing too good Hutch.. he needs you to be ok... Can you understand that Hutch? Starsky could die without your help. Please Hutch, please wake up" Nick pleaded.

   The words were ringing true now... Hutch put the words together.... Starsky... hurt, needs you....

   It no longer mattered what his dreams told him. He understood now, Starsky was in trouble. He somehow had to try to help. It didn't matter that he had felt abandoned by his best friend... He was needed, Starsky needed him, and that was all that mattered...

   "I hope you can hear me Hutch. You might be the only thing that can bring Starsky back"

~~~~~   

   Both Dobey and Nick went to sleep that morning thinking they had failed... Neither man had shown any signs of recovery....

   It wasn't until 11am the next morning that the nurse came running over to Nick going on about good news...

   "What?" nick said out of a dead sleep... what is it?"

   "He's awake! Detective Hutchinson, he's conscious!"

    Nick fell off the couch with excitement

   "You're sure? He's awake?"

   "Of course I'm sure, come see" the nurse insisted.

   Nick jumped up and followed the nurse into the room.

   Hutch was still lying w/eyes closed... nothing looked any different.. Nick began wondering about the nurse...

   "Talk to him" she whispered.

   "Hutch?"

   No response.

   A cruel joke?

   The nurse shook her head as if to say... try again.

   "Hutch? Can you hear me?"

   Slowly... the miracle unveiled itself as the blonde detective opened his eyes.

   "HUTCH!!!!!" Nick screamed

   "YOU'RE BACK"

   Hutch tried to speak unsuccessfully.. Until finally he said it...

   "Starsky?"

   Nick was ecstatic. "I can't believe you're back!"

   "You're back!"

   Again Hutch spoke...

   "Starsky?"

   "Yeah, ok ok" nick replied... as he tried to calm himself down.

   "Can you understand what I'm telling you Hutch?"

   Hutch slowly nodded.

   "Starsky has had an accident Hutch. He's here in the hospital. The urgency Hutch is that when he had this accident he was under the impression that you had died... which by the way, don't worry, you didn't... anyway the doctor feels that his injuries aren't life threatening. So it's possible he's just not fighting to come back. He needs to hear you Hutch. He needs to hear that you're ok. Did you understand? Can you talk to him?"

   Hutch motioned for Nick to come closer

   Nick complied.

   "You sure I didn't die?"

   Nick smiled. "Do I look like a angel to you?"

   Hutch gave a weak grin... "Then get me to Starsky" Hutch whispered

   "Yahoo!!!!!" Nick let out. "Hang on Hutch, we're going to get Starsky"

   Nick ran out of the room and asked that the nurse page Dr. Carter

   He was told that the Doctor would be calling ASAP.

   "Doc?" nick said "it's Hutch, he's awake... how do we get the two together?"

   "Leave it to me" Dr Carter assured.

~~~~~   

   Nick was amazed at how quickly a team at assembled to take Hutch down to Starsky's room.

   Dobey was advised that they were on their way, although after getting no response from Starsky, he didn't hold out much hope.

   Finally after much work to assemble all the parties together, Hutch was wheeled into Starsky's room.

   "Ok Hutch... if you can hear me... Starsky is right here" Dobey said.

   Hutch was slow to open his eyes, then gradually turned his head to face his partner. There was so much that needed to be explained. A lot of blanks that needed to be filled, but for right now he knew what needed to be done.

   Hutch motioned for Dobey this time.

   Dobey walked over and gave Hutch's hand a squeeze.

   "Hey Hutchinson, you don't hear this very often from me, but it's good to see you!"

   "You'll take that back soon enough Cap."

   "Well not anytime soon anyway. You ready to give this thing a shot?"

   Hutch weakly nodded... "can we be alone?"

   "Ok, you're sure you're up do this?"

   "This is Starsky Cap, I have to be"

   Dobey walked over to the Doctor.

   "He says he's ready Doctor, but he can barely talk over a whisper. I don't see anyway Starsky could here him."

   The Doctor looked at the two men and knew the captain was right. Detective Hutchinson wasn't in any shape to be doing this in the first place, let alone exerting his energy by trying be heard. He stepped outside and walked over to the nurses station and came back with the nurses headset. He walked over to the blonde patient.

   "Here" he said has he careful put the headset on Hutch. "Now it'll be as easy as talking on the phone. It'll come out over the intercom next to his bed"

   Hutch nodded that he understood.

   Next Dr. Carter asked everyone to leave.

   Dobey squeezed his hand again then followed everyone out of the room.

   After the last of them had left, the Doctor went back over to hutch and handed him the call button.

   "Just in case. We're right outside"

   Hutch nodded.

   Finally they were alone.

   "Hey Starsk, the doctor tells me that you're being stubborn. But I told him, oh no... not MY Starsky. Not one stubborn bone in his body. Oh, unless you want to count all of them. What's this all about Starsk? You leave some unfinished paperwork at the office that you're trying to get out of?"

    Hutch could see as he turned his head, that Starsky wasn't showing any signs that he had heard him. He wouldn't be able to keep this up much longer. All he wanted to do was to close his eyes and sleep. He was so tired.

   Starsky had no interest in the muffled sound inside his head. Wasn't sure what it was or where it was coming from, but it didn't matter, he would continue to let his mind float down, like a feather gliding aimlessly on the unseen currents until finally coming to it's journeys end.

   And that was fine with him. When he focused, he remembered... the pain would comeback. The guilt would come back.... No, he would stay where he was....

   Hutch knew he wasn't going to be able to stay conscious much longer. He needed to think of something... some way to reach his friend before it was too late.

   "Starsky?!" Hutch raised his voice as much as possible. Listen to me Starsk... I know you came for me! I KNOW you tried Starsk. Are you listening?"

   Starsky could no longer deny the voice, it began to take on a familiar tone. No, not a sound or a tone... a voice. He was hearing a voice... He felt his mind reaching up...

   I know you came for me.

   Hutch? He was sure it was Hutch's voice, but it couldn't be. He was there when Hutch had died. It was his fault... the pain was returning..

   "I've come for you Starsky" hutch said in a voice barley audible. "You came for me, and now I've come for you, buddy. Please Starsky, please come back with me..."

   It WAS Hutch. Was he dreaming? Dare he make the trip back when it could all be a dream? "Come on Stark... thee and me, Remember?! We're not done HERE yet. We've got snitches to talk to, doors to bust down... I can't, I won't do it without you Starsk."

   Hutch was exhausted and defeated. Starsky hadn't shown any signs of coming too. He closed his eyes as a tear rolled down the side of his face...

   Starsky opened his eyes, trying to focus... trying to validate his hopes. He slowly turned his head and couldn't believe it as he saw Hutch very much alive lying beside him.

   "Hutch?" Starsky said in no more that a whisper.

   But it was enough for Hutch to hear. He opened his eyes, the tears flowed for different reasons now.

   Hutch strained to say something...

   "It's about time, I was just about to start verbally abusing the tomato"

   Starsky smiled his crooked smile.. "Watch it buddy, it's your only ride home"

   "Is that a threat?" joked Hutch.

   "I'm sorry" said Starsky, changing the subject. "I'm sorry I let this happen to you"

   "You didn't LET anything happen Starsky. You're my best friend, not my baby sister. By the way Starsk, did they tell you that an alligator bit me? Can you believe that? Not a dog bite, not a spider bite.. not even a snake bite... an ALLIGATOR bite!"

   "Yeah, I heard that. You just did it to have an interesting story to tell the girls back home." Starsky smiled. "And by the way, I'll be waiting to hear that one myself"

   The doctor, seeing that they were apparently just going to talk themselves to death decided he best interrupt the private session and send both men back to their rooms.

   "Alright you two, you guys are in no shape to be here cracking jokes. I'm going to take you back to your rooms so that you can get your rest."

   "Aww doc, you're no fun" Hutch whispered. Although he knew he was right. He couldn't stay awake much longer even if he wanted to.

   The team of nurses came back in and prepared the two men to be taken back. Starsky was the first to be wheeled out, but not until he looked back and gave Hutch a thumbs up, only to see Hutch doing the same thing.

   "It's good to have you back" said Dobey as they wheeled Starsky past him and Nick

   "Thanks Cap, I was an idiot, I'm sorry for causing so much trouble"

   "You have nothing to be sorry for Starsky. Well unless I lose my job, then I'll make you plenty sorry!"

   "Thanks Cap, thanks for being here for me. You too Nick"

   "Just glad you two are ok Starsky"

   "Sorry guys, we gotta get the patient back to his room, doctor's orders" the nurse said as she began pushing Starsky down the hall.

   Next it was Hutch's turn. Nick and Dobey walked over to Hutch as they were wheeling him out of the room.

   "I want the report on my desk by morning, Hutchinson" Dobey said with a straight face.

   "I got your report" Hutch said with a grin. Then with straight face... "Thanks Cap, thanks for being here. Not just for me, but for that other detective of yours."

   "Where else would I be? Except down at the drugstore buying hair color. I've turned gray just since I've been here with you guys"

   "Really?" hutch joked "must be something in the water cap"

   "Well hurry and get well, Starsky will need you again when he remembers that he wrecked his pride and joy."

   "He's just trying to have a better story to tell then me"

   "Hey Hutch" Nick said. "You were right all along Hutch, we did get away. Thanks."

   "Just gotta keep the faith" hutch said. "By the way, next time vacation rolls around, remind me of one thing... there's no place like home!"

   "I don't think you'll have to be reminded!" Nick said. Not missing the fact that Hutch was suggesting that he'd be in LA with them when vacation time rolled around. "goodnight Hutch"

   "Night kid"

~~~~~   

   Dobey and Nick watched as both men were taken away to their rooms.

   "Well now what?" Nick asked.

   "I say how bout you and me driving into the nearest town and get us some decent food for a change, my treat. We'll make it a celebration, whadya say?"

   "Do you think those two can manage to stay alive while were gone?" nick asked

   "Oh I think they'll manage" Dobey said as he put his arm around Nicks shoulder and walked out the front door.

 

THE END