In Too Deep

Cynatnite

Snuggled deep in his arms was his best friend, his partner and now his lover. Hutch was so in awe of the man his breath would almost stop at the sight of him. This early morning was no different. An angel, a devil and a prince all rolled into one was the center of his world.

A Friday night of celebration turned into a weekend of blissful happiness. Starsky was back to a job he loved and at times hated. Hutch expected his partner to walk away from a career which had brought so much pain, but his determination to be what he was before knew no bounds. Against the odds, against the predictions of two physicians, Starsky had recovered from his near-fatal shooting.

Here he lay, almost six months later, recovered, healthy, fit and alive. Hutch smiled in relief. It mattered not if Starsky remained a cop. Even if he had gone to New York to run his mother’s bakery, Hutch would have followed without a second thought.

So thankful for what he held in his arms, Hutch leaned in and gave Starsky a gentle whisper of a kiss. The eyes opened and were filled with contentment.

“At least wait ‘til I brush my teeth.”

“You taste good no matter what time of day it is.” To prove his point, Hutch tasted Starsky’s lips and slipped his tongue inside. The strong essence was in Starsky’s mouth and Hutch took his time exploring. It still seemed so new after sharing their first kiss two days ago.

When Hutch finished, Starsky’s contentment was known with a soft sigh. “We need a honeymoon.”

“Didn’t we have two days worth?” Hutch wanted to laugh, but grinned instead.

“Not enough. Five—six days at least…maybe even two weeks.” Starsky brushed Hutch’s hair back with his fingers. “A trip up the coast or even to Mexico would be at the top of my list.”

“Sounds good, partner.” As Hutch ran his hand over Starsky’s chest he knew he would never get enough of him. Starsky was life and Hutch loved him. “But if we don’t get a move on, Dobey will have us busted down to rookies on our first day back.”

It was Starsky’s first day back. Hutch had continued working, but the way he said ‘our’ formed warm butterflies in his stomach. “Calling in sick is good idea.”

Hutch pushed up from the bed and took Starsky’s hand. He pulled him to his feet. “Your shower is big enough for two. What do you say?”

Needing no other encouragement, Starsky led the way and in less than a minute both men were under the hot water lathering each other’s bodies. It was a new form of exploration and discovery. Afterwards, they dried each other off and dressed.

~*~

Hutch walked into the squadroom with unwavering satisfaction. It would never dissipate. His partner was at his side, a new relationship between them had only expanded the love he felt and the future was as bright as the top of a snow-capped mountain.

He studied Starsky for the rest of the day. Even with their banter more playful than usual, Hutch was keenly aware of the fragility of life. How close they came to losing it all was foremost in his mind. One day at a time, he told himself.

At the end of an eventless day, both men headed to Huggy’s. Once inside, they ate and made secret bets while playing pool. Starsky wore a smug look on his face as he sauntered back to the table. “Just you wait, Hutch. You’ll be paying up in spades tonight.”

I hope so. “You scratched on the eight.”

Starsky picked up his jacket and slung it over his shoulder. “You bumped the table. If I didn’t know better I’d say someone threw the game.”

The warmth surged to his cheeks and Hutch shook his head. “In your dreams, Sleeping Beauty.”

Even if Hutch wouldn’t admit it, Starsky knew better. He knew Hutch knew. The beautiful blond was a sly one and Starsky loved being in Hutch’s bed. He winked at him. “In half an hour we’ll see about that.”

Starsky took a quick walk out of the bar hoping he wasn’t too obvious. Hutch could read him too well. He got into his car and after closing the door, he closed his eyes. The memory of the morning kiss came back. The familiar Hutch scent, his gentle touch and the love in his eyes became as real as when it had happened. A moment like that could happen only once in a life time and Starsky would relish it for the rest of his days. What would it be like to have a thousand, Starsky wondered.

~*~

When Starsky arrived at his apartment, he hurried to pack a small bag. He hustled back to the car and began the drive to Hutch’s. He was reaching to turn off the police radio when a call came over.

“Attention all units…report of a woman screaming on the corner of Bancroft and Hendricks.”

Just a few blocks away. Starsky picked up the mic. “This is Zebra Three. I’ll take it.”

“Starsky, you’re off duty.”

“I’m close. Just get me some back-up.” He started to set the microphone down and thought better of it. “Mildred, Hutch is expecting me at his place. Let him know I’ll be a little late.”

“10-4 Zebra Three.”

Starsky turned the corner and saw no activity. It was almost midnight and when he came upon the location of the report, he slowed. The street had only one light and looked lonely in the night. Starsky wasn’t about to get out of his car when he was alone. It was too dangerous.

He saw a patrol car coming in his direction and flashed his light. They pulled next to each other. “Anything?”

The young patrolman shook his head. “No, Sarge.”

With another look around, Starsky eyed the alley. “Let’s go check the alley. It’s probably just a prank call.”

The cars were parked and Starsky grabbed his flashlight. They started down the alley. It was desolate and dark. It was enough to rattle most cops and even more so the inexperienced officer. Starsky glanced over and saw the cop put a nervous hand over his revolver.

They covered the entire alley, but found nothing. On their way back, Starsky decided to turn on the flashlight. He moved it along the walls and when they were halfway, he stopped. Starsky went to the bloody pile on the ground. It was a disgusting mix of unrecognizable gore.

The stench was overpowering and the cop stepped back. “What is it?”

Starsky ignored the rotten smell and kneeled down. “I’m not sure. It may be human…maybe not.” He heard the gagging in the patrolman’s voice and looked up. The pale face was enough. “Go call it in. The criminalists can handle this one.”

The officer was glad to get away and Starsky smiled a little. He turned his attention back to pile of innards. He moved the flashlight around the area looking for more evidence. He saw a small drop of blood and then another. Starsky stood and began following the trail.

It stopped near the backdoor of one of the buildings. He glanced over his shoulder at the police officer throwing up near his cruiser. Starsky sighed and turned. He was about ready to call out when he heard the door. Just as he turned back, he was grabbed and yanked inside.

~*~

As soon as Hutch got the call he raced to the scene of the crime. It was filled with police cars and after parking he made his way down the alley. Captain Dobey was already there. “What happened?”

“Anonymous report of a woman screaming. Starsky answered since he was in the vicinity.” There was little Dobey could do to reassure Hutch.

Hutch rubbed his chin, then his eyes. “What’d they find?”

Dobey directed Hutch over to the unrecognizable bloody mess. “This. The best we can figure is Starsky followed a blood trail.” He pointed to the door. “It looks like that’s where he was taken.”

Hutch’s eyes followed the trail of drops and he moved to the door. “What’s inside?”

“I’ve got a team inside right now.” When Hutch started to pull his gun, Dobey grabbed his arm. “Let them do their job, Hutch.”

“Captain!” Hutch yelled. Then he saw the look in Dobey’s eyes. The firmness in them told Hutch there was no budging. He also knew he was right. Hutch took an unsteady breath and nodded.

Less than a minute had passed when several cops emerged from the building. One walked over carrying a plastic bag. He held it out and Hutch took it. “Starsky’s coat.” He squeezed it and his fear remained along with hope. “Anything else?”

The experienced cop shook his head. “Came back clean. Maybe the lab boys will find something.”

Hutch was reluctant to give up Starsky’s jacket, but he did. “There’s a hell of a lot of ground to cover. I’ll start pulling our old cases.” He started for his car and stopped at the sight of a young officer leaning against a black and white. “Hey!”

The cop looked up and straightened as Hutch came his way. “Sergeant Hutchinson, if there’s…”

“You were with him, right?” Hutch questioned. Everything from his well-combed brown hair to the crisp uniform spoke to his lack of experience. When the young cop nodded, he continued. “What’s your name?”

“Ronnie Baker, sir.”

“Ronnie Baker, didn’t they teach you in the academy never to leave a fellow cop alone at a scene?”

The accusation was harsh and Baker’s eyes dropped down. “Sergeant Hutchinson, I’m sorry, but…”

“Sorry, doesn’t cut it! A cop’s life is on the line and you don’t walk off!”

Dobey pulled Hutch back. “Enough, Hutchinson! He’s already been reprimanded.”

“He ordered me to call in what he found,” Baker insisted. “I’m sorry, but I did what your partner wanted.”

The fear and the guilt were in every word and in the stance of Ronnie Baker. Hutch could see it. The inexperienced police officer was new enough to not to question the orders of a superior. He ran his hand through his hair before stalking off.

If anything could have kept Hutch out of the middle of this, Dobey would have done it. The ironic tragedy wasn’t lost on him. Starsky had just started back to work and now this. How he and most especially, Hutch, were going to deal he didn’t know. They needed a break and these minute clues had yielded little.

~*~

The bitterness in Starsky’s mouth was almost stinging. His throat was sore and as he opened his eyes he knew he had been taken down with chloroform. A loud bump got his attention and he glanced around. He was tied and gagged in the back of a van. The last time he was like this was when Marcus’ goons grabbed him. The cult had fallen apart years ago.

The faces of enemies past filtered through Starsky’s brain, but none seemed reasonable to explain his predicament. Hutch would go through the ones he couldn’t remember.

When the van lurched to a stop, Starsky froze. His eyes went to the doors in the back. He scooted around and positioned himself. With feet raised, Starsky was prepared to fight like hell before he got taken any further.

A rag appeared in front of him and before Starsky could react it was pressed against his nose. He tried to scream, but was muffled by the gag. The fight soon left him and he descended into blackness.

~*~

After the bindings were cut from his hands, Starsky’s body was pushed into the confines of a small box and landed with a thump. Shaped as a rectangle, there was just enough room for him to lie on his back. Several glow sticks were thrown in along with a small tape recorder. His berretta was picked up and the magazine pulled out. All but two bullets were removed and then the weapon was placed on Starsky’s abdomen.

The cover was placed over and looking down through the Plexiglas Starsky remained unconscious. Dirt was tossed on top until his face was covered.

~*~

“Three hours,” Hutch muttered under his breath. Several stacks of records covered his desk and had found their way onto Starsky’s. He rubbed his eyes and when Dobey’s office door opened, he stood.

Hoping for some sort of break, Hutch looked into Dobey’s eyes and found nothing. He grabbed his cup and headed to the coffee pot.

Dobey walked over and picked up a Styrofoam cup. “The lab results came on the gore. It was dog entrails.”

“Jesus.” Hutch filled Dobey’s cup, before adding coffee to his own. “What about his jacket?”

“Fibers of cloth. There is a small trace of ether.”

Hutch stared down into the black liquid. “They drugged him.”

“Good news is no trace of Starsky’s blood.”

How it was good news, Hutch didn’t know. All it meant was that Starsky didn’t bleed. He couldn’t count the ways it was possible to kill someone without blood loss.

“Huggy’s coming up empty on his end.”

“We’re not giving up, Hutch,” Dobey promised.

Hutch ignored the sound of the doors and went back to his desk. He looked up when he heard Dobey giving orders. Simons and Babcock stood ready and willing.

“Dobey called you?” Hutch set the coffee down.

“Huggy did,” Simons answered. “Got any leads to run down?”

If Starsky knew how well he commanded loyalty and respect, Hutch thought. He pointed to a stack on his partner’s desk. “It’s slow going, but it should give you a good start.”

Babcock reached for them and handed half to his partner. Not another word was said as they went to their desks.

~*~

Did I open my eyes? That was Starsky’s first thought when he regained consciousness. It was almost black and he could barely see anything. He raised his head and cursed at hitting his head. He brought his hand up to rub the sore spot, but was met with an immovable wall above him.

He pushed on it and when nothing happened he stopped to catch his breath. Starsky found his gun resting on his stomach. He managed to bring it up in the small space. When he set it aside he found the tape recorder next to him. On the other side were the sticks.

Starsky found the play button on the tape player and pushed. He closed his eyes wondering if this would give him some idea of what the hell was going on.

“Hey, cop.” The voice was low, menacing and without feeling. “You do what cops do. You help people. You chase down the bad guy and play judge. Guess what, cop? You misjudged. You’re going to die.”

A dread began to build up in the pit of Starsky’s stomach. His hand shook as he fumbled for a stick on the other side. He knew what it was and pressed it between his fingers until he heard the crunch. Starsky shook it until it glowed and what he saw brought renewed terror.

Surrounding him on all sides and looking above him was dirt and rocks. How deep he was, he didn’t know. All he knew was that he was buried in the earth and the realization of it broke loose from inside. With a cry he banged his hands against the wall of his coffin. “Hutch!”

~*~

Even with only a few short hours passing time moved at a snail’s pace. Hutch had made little headway on the pile of records. Each one needed pinpoint scrutiny and no matter how small the doubt, he followed up on it with phone calls. In some cases, he’d been outright rebuffed. Hutch set aside one more file with tired resignation.

“Sergeant Hutchinson.”

Hutch looked up to see Ronnie Baker in jeans and a t-shirt. “Yes.”

Baker stuck a hand in his pocket. “I want to help.”

“You’re supposed to be off duty.”

“I know, but I couldn’t sit home while…” The words stopped and Baker took a deep breath. “What happened was my fault, Sarge. Just tell me what to do.”

Guilt-filled eyes beseeched his and Hutch nodded. “Square it with Dobey and you can get to work on these records.”

“Thanks.”

Hutch was about to grab a small stack when he heard a commotion outside the doors of the squadroom. He hurried to the hallway and saw Babcock struggling with a kid no older than twenty.

“What’s going on?” Dobey bellowed.

“He’s a courier, Captain,” Babcock explained. He kept the kid pushed against the wall. “He delivers a manila envelope at the front desk with nothing written on it but ‘station commander’. He won’t give up who sent it.”

“I can’t!” The kid argued. “It’s my job if I give up names and addresses whenever anyone asks.”

Hutch stepped forward. “Where is it?”

Simons held it out and Hutch took it. He checked out the front and back. “I’ll take it to the lab.”

Dobey nodded and looked to Babcock. “You and your partner take the kid to this courier service. Get an address and check it out.” Dobey and Baker followed Hutch down the stairs to the basement.

When they arrived, Lucy Belkins was at her desk watching a candle burn. She held up her hand which stopped them in their tracks. In the other was a stop watch. The flame flickered and put itself out leaving a stream of smoke rising into the air. Lucy stopped the clock on the watch and scribbled down the time.

Hutch used to make jokes about her twenty year old glasses. She was only twenty-four, but the pink rimmed glasses with fake diamond studs around the eye pieces made her look at least five years older. She was still the smartest person he knew. He held up the envelope. “I need fingerprints.”

Lucy got to her feet, adjusted her lab coat and took it. She went to her lab with Hutch, Dobey and Baker following. After slipping the surgical gloves on, she carefully opened it and with care pulled out a single sheet of paper. “Non-descript type.”

Hutch looked over her shoulder and scanned the instructions. “What is it?”

“Directions and signal frequency for video hook-up.” Lucy motioned to a lab tech and handed off the paper. She headed out the door and didn’t even look back. The three men were still behind her.

“Video hook-up for what?” Baker asked.

“Maybe more instructions,” Hutch told him. No one responded. It could very well be worse.

Lucy pushed open the heavy door and went to the large counter to look at a variety of electronic equipment. It took a few minutes to find the signal and she clicked her tongue in frustration. “They’re using radio and TV antennas to run the feed.”

She reached over and turned on the small TV. At first it was hard to see. Hutch saw something move and he got closer. “What the hell is this?”

The sudden light on the screen made it too bright, but after Lucy made some adjustments it became clearer of what they were looking at. The room stilled with no one making a sound. The sight was too painful for words to be expressed.

Hutch found a chair and he slumped down. He leaned forward and touched the screen. Lying in a glass encased coffin was Starsky. It was obvious what had happened. The words stuck in his throat.

“My God,” Dobey breathed. “He’s been buried alive.”

“Starsk,” Hutch whispered. The untold fear in his gut spread as he watched Starsky move around and the limited motions told him how tight of a space his partner was in. There was barely enough to move an arm. He could see the perspiration on Starsky’s face.

It took everything Hutch had to hold it together. He needed to talk to him…let him know that he was with him. Starsky had to know. He prayed he did with the light on.

As they watched their friend in the coffin, Lucy moved to the desk. She grabbed a pencil and scribbled numbers. It only took a moment to come up with a number. “Given the size and space, if he evens his breathing and keeps his head, with a generator he may have twenty four hours…give or take.”

“They want something,” Hutch said. His eyes never left Starsky. “They wouldn’t go to all this trouble for nothing.”

“But what?” Baker asked. Starsky and Hutch had made plenty of enemies over the years. He knew the history. It didn’t make sense to him. “How’d they know he was going to be there?”

“Damn good question,” Dobey stated. “Starsky was off duty.”

Hutch rose from the chair and tore his eyes away from the screen. He looked at Dobey. “They didn’t know. They needed a cop. They didn’t care which one they got.” He turned to Lucy. “Can you trace the signal to Starsky’s location?”

“It’ll take some time, Hutch. These things aren’t easy to isolate.”

Baker swung around. “It’s gone!”

Everyone turned at the sound of Baker’s voice to see the TV signal gone. “Was it live?” Dobey asked.

“I believe so.” Lucy turned the knob and adjusted another. “Give me a few minutes.”

The waiting was agonizing and Hutch paced the length of the room. He turned to the TV and willed the picture to return. It took another five minutes and when it returned everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

“This is one slick set-up.” The tone of Lucy’s voice was one of almost admiration. “It’s on some sort of timer and when it’s done, the signal jumps to another antenna.”

Hutch moved to the TV and planted his hands on the table in front of it. His eyes were fixed on Starsky. His head was turned away from the bright light. “How long until you can trace the signal?”

“At this rate, it’s so hard to say.” Lucy took off her glasses. “If it stayed with one antenna we could nail it down to a radius of a few miles, but this complicates it even more. Given how many this town has it could take at least a day…maybe two.”

The news was hard to digest. “Lucy, what sort of equipment would someone need to pull it off?”

“What we’ve got here. Anyone with access to a library, Radio Shack and half a brain could put it together. Making it this difficult was ingenious on their part.”

With his eyes still on Starsky, Hutch moved to his seat. “I’ll do most of my work here.” He glanced at Baker. “Start canvassing electronic stories. Get a list of the equipment and see if anyone’s made large purposes.”

“Sarge,” Baker said.

“It’s a long shot, but all we’ve got.” Hutch wanted to touch the screen again.

After Baker left, Dobey moved closer to Hutch. “We’ll find him, Hutch. We won’t stop until we do.”

Lucy sat on a nearby stool and picked up the telephone. “I need a map of the city marking all TV and radio antennas…thanks.”

When she hung up the phone Dobey had already left. Hutch’s back was to her and she felt like an invader to a private moment. “I’ll stay here as much as I can, Hutch. When I’m not, someone else will be here who knows how to find the signal.”

“The light needs to be kept on,” Hutch said in a low voice. “He needs to know he’s not alone.”

~*~

Closing his eyes didn’t seem to block out enough light. It was so bright…almost blinding. Starsky was growing tired and when the bulb went out he found relief enough to start to fall asleep. Just when he was growing comfortable, the light would flash on keeping him awake. He cursed a few times.

It took some effort, but he got his hand up near his face and with an awkward slant of his head, Starsky saw the time on his watch. Six hours had passed since he was supposed to be at Hutch’s.

As long as Hutch stays busy with the search he’ll be okay, Starsky thought. Otherwise, his partner would little by little go crazy. Hutch would tear apart the planet looking for him. Starsky had every reason to hope.

It dawned on him he had yet to check his weapon. Starsky picked it up and popped the magazine out. Two bullets were all that remained. He shut his eyes. If someone had lost all hope they could take their life rather than die of prolonged suffering.

Not me, he swore. He wasn’t giving in to anyone…most especially to death. He fought it once before and he would do it again.

~*~

When Baker walked into the room, Hutch still sat transfixed in front of the television. It was a tragic scene. There was little anyone could do at this point. He carried the sack and Styrofoam cup in and set them in front of Hutch.

Hutch rubbed his eyes. “What’s this?”

“I figured you wouldn’t budge so I brought you a sandwich and some coffee.”

“I’ll take the coffee.” Hutch reached for the cup and looked at Baker. “Thanks.”

“How is he?”

Hutch looked at Starsky who had closed his eyes. “He’s trying to sleep. He hates having a light on when he’s tired.”

“He’s holding his own it looks like,” Baker observed.

“Right before he was….” Hutch took an uneasy drink of coffee. “We went to Huggy’s and he had a full meal. I just wished he had drunk some water rather than beer.”

Baker knew how crazy the comment sounded, but didn’t voice it. “Sarge, I did find a small electronics store where a large purpose for this kind of equipment was made a week ago.”

“And?”

“The salesman remembered it was a cash sale. It was one of his largest commissions. He didn’t remember much about what the buyer looked like. He’s upstairs working with a sketch artist, but his memory is vague.”

It wasn’t very hopeful and Hutch’s eyes went to Starsky. “Keep looking. There may be others.”

“I will, Sarge,” Baker promised.

“Hutch.”

“What?”

“Call me Hutch.”

Were it not for the circumstances, Baker would have smiled. The guilt remained and he knew it always would. He admired both Starsky and Hutch. They were veteran cops who had made a real difference and he could only hope to even come close in his chosen career.

Both men grew alarmed when the light went off. They stood and Baker’s eyes went to the tech who was searching for the signal. Agonizing minute after minute went by and the picture returned. Less than a second passed and the light came on.

Hutch winced at the growing frustration on Starsky’s face. He watched him turn his head once again.

~*~

The air had stopped. It didn’t take Starsky long to realize that when the light came on, the fan stopped blowing. Not only did the light hurt his eyes, but it stole much needed air.

He felt around near his side and his hand found his gun. Starsky brought it up to his chest. It was so hard to breathe and move. He knew he would die just from the small amount of effort to take in a lung full of air.

~*~

Hutch stiffened when he saw Starsky move the weapon to his chest. He didn’t even realize he was standing until he stole a look at Baker.

“What’s he doing?”

The alarm in Baker’s voice tore into Hutch. He was wondering the same thing and his heart pounded in his chest when Starsky pulled the hammer back.

“No, Starsk,” Hutch whispered. He shook his head. “It’s too soon.” The barrel lay just under Starsky’s chin and Hutch gripped the table. “Goddamn it, I said no!”

Everyone was startled when Starsky aimed the gun towards the camera and fired. The light was gone, but the darkened figure of Starsky was still visible. Hutch breathed a heavy sigh of relief and collapsed in his seat. “Damn it, Starsk. Quit scaring the hell out of me.”

~*~

It was a small victory in Starsky’s mind. He set the gun aside and turned his head to breathe in the much needed air. He laughed. “Son of a bitch.” He hated the light.

What he didn’t see was the small trail of dirt falling to the bottom of the Plexiglas coffin.

~*~

Lucy came into the room and after being told what happened just moments ago, she went to the TV and studied Starsky. “I’ll be damned.”

“What?” Hutch asked.

“See how his head is turned?” At Hutch’s nod, she continued. “He does that a lot when the light’s off. I bet that’s where he gets his air. It was designed to shut off with the light on.”

“Can’t generators handle both light and oxygen?” Baker asked.

“Sure can.”

Hutch rubbed his eyes then leaned forward. “We’re dealing with a twisted bastard. He wants Starsky to suffer along with the rest of us who are watching.”

Lucy wanted to comfort Hutch, but wasn’t quite sure how. She pushed her glasses up farther on her nose. “No prints on the instructions, Hutch. It was clean. The best I can do is have the type ran down. We might be able to identify the typewriter that was used.”

No words would come and Hutch could only touch the cold glass of the TV. His heart tore at Starsky struggling to hang on and suffering in the coffin. How could he fight this? He needed to do something more than just sitting and watching Starsky die.

Dobey stood in the doorway. “Babcock and Simons came up empty on the address. A dry cleaning clerk lives there and didn’t know a thing. He’s got an alibi.”

Hutch lowered his head and took a deep breath. With each passing bit of information, Starsky’s outlook grew dimmer. He barely heard the ringing of the phone and Dobey speaking into it.

“Another envelope’s been delivered.”

They all shot out of the room and hurried down the hallway where they were met with a police officer escorting a young girl. Hutch took the envelope from her and handed it to Lucy. He still hoped for at least a print.

She led the way to the lab and after putting on gloves, Lucy was careful as she slid the paper out. Hutch peered over her shoulder and read. “Damn,” he said. He looked at Dobey and Baker. “One million dollars or the cop dies,” Hutch read.

“Anything else?” Dobey asked as he walked over.

Lucy shook her head. “Detailed instructions will follow in six hours.”

“So they can drop the delivery information on us with no notice. No time to plan.” Dobey ran his hand over his face.

~*~

Half an hour later, Hutch was pacing in front of Dobey’s desk. The latest news was devastating, but not shocking. Hutch was ready to fight it.

“If there was more I could do, Hutch, you know I would.”

“It’s not good enough, Captain.” Hutch’s tone was forceful. He stopped and looked down at Dobey. “This is Starsky’s life we’re talking about.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” Dobey got to his feet. “I shouldn’t have to tell you anything you don’t already know! This department is not about to give in to terrorist demands!”

“And you’re willing to give up Starsky’s life to make your point, aren’t you?”

“Damn it, Hutch! I love Starsky, too, but we can’t do it and you know it!”

“What I know is that my partner is dying and you’re tying my hands!”

“And we pay it. Then what?” Dobey demanded. “Every cop becomes a target for every asshole that wants to make a few bucks!”

“Don’t talk to me about the big picture!” Hutch yelled back. “Starsky’s too damn good of a cop to let go of!”

The intensity in Hutch’s eyes was enough for Dobey to relax. The tension written on his face was enough of an indicator of the strenuous hold Hutch had onto his sanity. Dobey wished Hutch would go home and take a break, but to even suggest it was out of line. He sat back down. “This thing could still break, Hutch. We’re checking every possible lead.”

Hutch leaned forward and planted his hands on Dobey’s desk. “This is the best lead we’ve got, Captain. I can at least try bluffing him.”

“You’d be walking into suicide. Once this bastard sees there is no money, he’d take you out.”

“You’re not giving me any options.”

Dobey’s face was somber and he looked Hutch in the eye. “I’ll give you all I can.”

Not satisfied with the answers he’d been given Hutch stormed out of the office and slammed the door shut behind him. He stood near Starsky’s desk and contemplated how far he should go. He didn’t care.

Hutch marched out of the squadroom past Baker into the hallway. He got to his car and drove home. Once there he picked up the telephone and carried it into the kitchen. He picked up the receiver and the bottle of scotch on the counter caught his eye. He considered getting a drink to calm his already stretched nerves, but changed his mind. Liquor was the last thing he needed.

As he dialed the number Hutch moved to the couch and sat. It was answered after two rings. “Alice, its Ken Hutchinson. Is he busy?…Thanks.”

Exhaustion was upon him and Hutch rubbed his eyes. He made a mental note to pick up coffee on his way back to the station.

“Ken? This is a surprise.”

“Yeah, Dad. I needed to talk to you.”

“Sounds serious, son. What is it?”

Hutch swallowed the lump in his throat. “It’s Starsky. He was kidnapped.” The words were harder to get out than he expected.

“My, God. When?”

“Late last night.”

“How’s Rachel?”

He rested his head on his hand as he remembered the difficult call. “Nicky’s with her.”

“I’ll be sure to call her.”

“Dad, I need your help.”

“I’ll do what I can, son.”

Hutch licked his dry lips. “They want a million dollars.”

There was a hesitation from the other end of the line. “That’s a hell of a lot of money.”

“Starsky’s buried alive, Dad, and if they aren’t paid, he’ll die.”

“Even with it paid…” Hutch closed his eyes and was thankful his father didn’t finish the horrible thought.

“The brass refuses to consider it and bluffing the kidnapper is out of the question.”

“It’s too dangerous, Ken. I shouldn’t have to tell you it sets bad precedence by giving in to demands to people like this.”

“This isn’t the state department, Dad!” Hutch ran his hand across his face. “I didn’t mean to yell.”

“It’s okay, son.” The voice was soothing and Hutch’s comfort small.

“Dad.” Hutch hesitated. He was about to play dirty and hoped his father would understand the desperation. “If Katy, Mom or me…if it was us…you’d pay.” Hutch wiped a small tear away. “Wouldn’t you?”

“Ken.”

“If one of us was buried alive like Starsky is…in a makeshift coffin…you’d give them whatever the hell they wanted.”

The sobering statement hung between them for almost an eternity it seemed. Hutch prayed. Rarely did he ever, but in as many years as he could remember, he did.

“Yes, I would, Ken. If it meant you, your sister or your mother’s life, I would pay whatever is necessary.”

“Dad, I’m in that coffin right now.” Hutch lowered his head and closed his eyes. “It’s the only way I can describe it. It’s where I am and I need you’re help.”

Another pause, yet much briefer than before. “It’ll take a few hours. I’ll call your bank and work out the details.”

“Small bills.”

“I know what to do.”

Hutch could almost breathe. He would when Starsky was out of the woods. “Thank you, Dad.”

“Just bring him home safe.”

After hanging up the phone, Hutch covered his eyes. He almost cried at that point, but sucked it inside. He had to keep his head. Hutch dialed another number. “Huggy…it’s Hutch…I need you to do something.”

~*~

It seemed like all Hutch did was wait. The nerve-wracking insanity kept him on edge. He went to the lab and found Lucy working on a map of the antennas the signal was using.

“I’m only half finished.” Lucy took off the funny glasses and rubbed her eyes. “I wish I had more for you, Hutch.”

“It looks like it covers a large area.”

“It probably will. If the signal were to use the same antennas as before it would narrow the search considerably.”

“Keep it up, Lucy.” Hutch gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. He left and went to electronics. Seeing Starsky on the screen was almost reassuring. He was alive and as long as he was, Hutch had hope. Starsky had hope, too.

“I got it.”

Hutch turned to see Baker walking in with a large leather bag. He took it from him. “Any trouble?”

Baker shook his head. “Huggy Bear said the bank manager almost called security until your father gave his approval.”

“Thanks. Lucy has made some headway. Get some patrols out to scavenge what she has. It’s a long shot, but maybe they’ll find something.”

When Hutch left, Baker crossed the hall and into the room. Lucy was hunched over the map. He was almost hesitant to disturb her.

“Did Hutch send you in here?”

Baker was surprised she knew it was him. He stepped forward. “He wanted me to get what you have so far out to some patrols.”

She straightened and smiled a little. “Sounds like he’s delegating you to do some delegating.”

In most circumstances Baker would have been thrilled, but not this time. “Probably more like a reminder.”

“You were with Starsky?” When he nodded, Lucy reached for the notebook on the table. She flipped it open and started writing. “An unfortunate side effect of the profession.”

“What are you talking about?”

Lucy tore off a sheet of paper and handed it to him. “My dad was a cop for twenty-seven years. When I became one he told me that what we do will almost always cost someone their life whether they’re a perp or an innocent.”

Baker started for the door unsure of how to take Lucy’s words.

~*~

When Hutch set the leather satchel on his desk, Dobey knew what it was. He knew where it came from as well. “You can’t be associated with this, Hutchinson. It can’t look like the department’s paying off kidnappers.”

“I didn’t bring it. Consider it an anonymous donor.”

Dobey stood and opened up the bag. He stared down at the obscene amount of money. “You’ll wear a wire and the bag will be fitted with a tracking device.”

“Captain,” Hutch began.

“I don’t give a damn how smart this person is, you’re going beyond the prevue of the department and you’ll be covered.” Dobey snapped the bag shut. “The brass will accept either this or my resignation.”

Hutch nodded. His captain had gone as far as he could. The second set of instructions arrived and with less than an hour Baker and Hutch left. Baker sat behind the wheel of the car and pulled in behind an old pickup.

“Good luck.”

Baker’s eyes were downcast and Hutch clenched the satchel. “You’ve done a good job, Baker.”

Hutch stepped out of the car and got in the truck. It had been years since he’d been behind the wheel of a standard. He put the vehicle in gear and started down the street.

As he drove, Hutch remembered their first meeting. Huggy had known both of them and made the introductions. The connection was instantaneous and it didn’t take long for them to walk the same path of life together. Since then each other’s life belonged to the other.

He had no idea if paying off a kidnapper was the right move or not. People would forever be debating the issue. Who does it serve to pay for someone’s life? Hutch had heard the stories. Kidnappers were notoriously brutal and rather than risk a witness they killed their victim.

The old abandoned airport came into sight and the kidnapper’s choice was obvious. It was out of the way and in the middle of nowhere. There were few places to hide. He parked near the door and took a deep breath before getting out.

Hutch gripped the bag and it seemed to feel heavier than before. He went through the door and into a musty room filled with dust floating on the air. It stung his eyes. Hutch continued moving forward past a dirt-covered van.

“Stop.”

He tried to focus his vision on the figure standing at the far end of the decrepit hanger. There was just enough light to tell it was an older man in his fifties. He looks three or four inches shorter than me, Hutch thought. He took a picture with his mind and locked it to memory.

“Where is he?”

The laugh was low. “Eager, aren’t you?”

“I’ve got the money.” The man was overweight. That much Hutch could tell. Even with a jacket on, it did little to hide the thick waist.

“Slide it over.”

Hutch was almost hesitant to do it. “I want my partner.”

“I wondered if he had one since he wasn’t wearing a uniform.” The man motioned for the bag. “Bag first.”

He set it down and pushed on it with his foot. It slid almost to the kidnapper who took a step forward to meet it. Hutch watched with unease as the man opened up the bag. A thick wad of bills was picked up.

“I really didn’t think cops would pay even to save one of their own.” He dropped the money into the bag and straightened. “I guess you could say I misjudged.”

The humorous look on the kidnapper’s face puzzled Hutch. “You’ve got your money. Tell me where he is.”

“I got what I wanted.”

Panic was starting to set in and Hutch started to take a step. “Tell me where he is. You can walk away.”

The kidnapper’s low laugh unnerved Hutch to a degree that he was ready to jump. “A cop never lets anyone walk away. One wouldn’t walk in here unless he was wired and the bag was tagged.” His hands went to the collar of his jacket. “You could shoot me, but you know if I’m dead so is the cop.”

“The tracking device is fitted in the buckle.” Hutch’s desperation was growing.

“Better step back.”

Hutch was confused. He didn’t know whether to do as he was told. His eyes widened as the jacket was pulled apart. Strapped to the kidnapper’s chest was explosives. He raised his hand. “No!”

The wire was pulled and the explosion threw Hutch back. He fell to the floor and the wind was knocked from him. It took a few seconds for him to get his breath and when he did he looked at the blood spattered gore all over the room. Body parts were littered all over the place.

He pushed up and ran his hands over his eyes. His hand came away covered with blood. A cry escaped him. “Jesus Christ!” Remnants of Starsky’s kidnapper stuck to his clothes.

How long it took for a team of cops to arrive, Hutch didn’t know. He sat on the floor for several minutes in shock. A touch to his shoulder got his attention and he looked up. Dobey stood over him. “Come on, Hutch.”

With some help, Hutch got to his feet. He looked around at the cops moving around the large room. Lucy was speaking to one of her lab techs. He turned to Dobey. “He never intended to tell us where Starsky is. It wasn’t even about the fucking money!”

“Easy, Hutch.” Dobey put a hand on Hutch’s waist to steady him.

“I’m fine.” Hutch took a deep breath and let it out. “We need to find out who he was. It’s what he said.”

“Hutch, you need to get checked out,” Dobey pressed. “Let the doctor look you over.”

“He said ‘A cop never lets anyone walk away’.”

“You tried to bargain with him.”

Hutch shook his head. “Captain, it meant something. I’m sure of it. It’s a vendetta against a cop or cops who didn’t let him or someone he knows walk away. Maybe even someone who was innocent.”

“It’s still not much to go in.” Dobey was getting tired. Night was now coming on and they had nothing other than the pieces of a body.

“I found something!”

Hutch and Dobey turned to see Baker kneeling down in the corner of a room. They walked over and looked down. Sitting in the dirt was the thumb of a right hand.

Lucy pushed in between them and knelt. “Someone bag this right now.” She stood up to let a tech in and surveyed the hanger. “We might find more. Maybe there’s enough to get a set of prints.”

“Lucy, you might want to come over and look at this.” Lucy walked over to the van where the back doors were opened. She was handed a white plastic bag with a rag in the back. Lucy opened it and took a small whiff. “Ether.”

She glanced at Hutch who was moving forward. Lucy grabbed the florescent light from a nearby lab tech and flipped it on. She took her time in covering the van and slowed at the carpet. A visible impression was illuminated from the blue light.

Careful not to touch anything, Hutch walked closer to the back until he was but a few inches from it. “He was here.”

~*~

Starsky’s leg itched. It was just on the inside of his calf and he ached to scratch it. His gut hurt so bad from the lack of food and his mouth dry. He checked his watch again. He almost laughed. Hutch was always teasing him about having accessories to watches he’d never use. More times than not the glow-in-the-dark numbers were beneficial on long stakeouts.

He had to go to the bathroom. Starsky had managed to hold it in for several hours now, but he was starting to hurt. It caused him to question the sanity of holding it in for so long. It could accelerate the potential for a urinary tract infection. Getting sick right now was not an option. Starsky needed to stay healthy at least long enough for Hutch to find him.

There was no question at how distasteful the idea of urinating in this coffin was. There would be an odor and Starsky didn’t want to lie in his own piss. The idea disgusted him.

Damn, I just want to scratch my leg, Starsky wished.

~*~

The fatigue on Hutch’s face hurt and Lucy wished she didn’t have to ask, but the choice wasn’t there any longer. She crossed the large hanger. “Hutch, I’ll need your clothes.”

Startled by the request, Hutch looked down. He was a bloody mess. “Yeah, I forgot.”

She squeezed his arm. “When you can. Okay?”

Hutch could only nod. A crash from across the room got their attention. Baker had knocked over several cans with vicious anger. “Damn it!”

The young cop put a hand over his eyes. “It should’ve been me! God, why couldn’t it have been me?”

“Enough!” Hutch yelled.

Baker raised his head and looked at Hutch’s furious face.

“You lock the guilt away right now and that’s an order!”