Nightmares, Friendship, and Peace
by
As he sat in the airport waiting for his friends, Thomas Magnum smiled while he twisted the silver and black ring on his finger. The ring symbolized many things to the handsome man. Some of those things were incredibly painful. But, today that ring symbolized friendship and destiny.
“Has it really been 11 years?” Magnum asked out loud.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“First thing, Blintz, lose the khakis. If we’re going down there, you need to fit in.”
“We’ll have to run past the Goodwill. I just don’t have anything to wear.” Hutch laughed as he batted his eyelashes and turned up his nose.
“Ha ha, Mr. Fashionplate. You know damn well what I mean.”
“You’re right, Starsk. I do know what you mean. This ‘party’ is right up your alley. Hell, you can wear what you have on today!” Hutch stared his partner down. He was not looking forward to this assignment. “What the hell are you playing with in your pocket? It looks obscene.”
“Screw you!” Starsky had had enough. He turned and walked away. Since he didn’t have eyes in the back of his head, Starsky didn’t see Hutch flip him the bird.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Starsky was counting on the fact that Hutch would be smart enough to drive on when he saw his car parked outside The Pits.
“Damn it, Hug. I don’t know what has gotten into him. Ever since we were briefed on this case yesterday, he has been such an asshole. Maybe his past is catching up with him. The closet elitist is coming out.”
“My man, Hutch can deal with anyone and any situation. You know that.”
“Yeah, Hug. I also know he likes to go home to his neat little world every night. Well, he’s not gonna get to do that until this guy is caught. He’d better sleep tight tonight.”
Huggy looked up but couldn’t warn Starsky in time.
“Yeah, buddy. Sleep tight because starting tomorrow the bed bugs bite. One hand on a beer and one in your pocket. What the hell is so fascinating under those jeans of yours? Certainly nothing I’ve seen – and I’ve seen it all.”
“Screw you!”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Alright men, you got it all. Three men killed. Three missing. All disappeared in the vicinity of Ming Park within the last 2 weeks. You’ll check in 3 times a day. If you miss 2 check-ins in a row, we’ll come looking for you. And, Hutch, scuff up those sneakers.”
“But, Capt’n – they’re new!”
“That’s the point, Hutchinson. You can’t go into the street looking every bit the part but wearing new sneakers. You’re smarter than that.”
“I don’t think so,” Starsky mumbled.
“Did you say something, Handy Andy?” Hutch thrust both hands into his pockets and gave Starsky what could only be described as a smart-ass smile.
Starsky began to say something when Hutch stopped him. “Let me guess, Mr. Original…’screw you’?”
Dobey had heard enough. Both men jumped when he slammed his desk drawer closed. “That’s enough. What the hell is going on between you two? You’re off the case. You’re not walking into danger hating each other. I have to know that you’ll be looking out for each other. What I’ve seen the past few days makes me think you’ll set each other up – not protect each other!”
“No, Cap. Keep Hutch here but I’m going. This case is mine.”
Hutch was surprised at the urgency in Starsky’s voice. It made him take notice. He removed his hands from his pockets and clasped them together as he looked at the floor. “Sorry, Capt’n. Sorry, Starsk. Let’s go.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Hey, Dave! Haven’t seen you in a couple weeks. How are ya, man? Who’s your friend?”
Starsky reached out his hand. “Bruce! Been tied up lately. This here’s Ken. Met him shortly after I got back. Good guy.” Starsky shot Hutch a look that told Hutch he wasn’t so sure about that last comment.
Bruce offered his hand to Ken. “Well, if Dave says you’re okay, you’re okay. Welcome. Most of us are good guys down here. Keep your eye’s open though – there’s trouble right now.”
“Hey ya, Bruce. What’s going on, buddy? I heard about Billy and Roy. Didn’t know the other guy.” Starsky was obviously bothered by the recent events.
“Joe. Joe was a good one too. Scary, Dave. I was beginning to wonder if you were among the missing. Breathed a bit easier when I saw you walking up.”
“Yeah. Well, we’re gonna hang out for awhile. Think we’ll make camp near the bridge.”
“There’s a couple new guys over there. They say one is really bothered. You know, I might move over there tomorrow if you’re gonna stay for awhile.”
“Great, Bruce. See you tomorrow then.”
With that, Starsky and Hutch bade farewell and continued walking through the park. They strode in silence until Hutch grabbed Starsky by the arm.
“What the hell is this, Starsk? These people know you. You know them. Explain that to me.”
“They’re my friends. I’ve known several of them for years.”
“Bullshit! I know you. I know your friends. I don’t know these people.”
Starsky stared at Hutch. “Well, maybe you don’t know me as well as you think, partner. These people know more about me in some ways than you do.”
“Right, partner. They don’t even know you’re a cop. Do they, Dave?”
“Go call Dobey.”
“Take you freakin’ hand out of your freakin’ pocket!”
“Screw you!”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Hutch returned, he found Starsky sitting amongst a group of men. He hung back out of sight and watched what was going on. Some of the men had tears in their eyes. They all seemed oblivious to anything other than their conversation. He wished he was close enough to hear.
“Where’d they find him?”
“In the quarter. Next to the dumpster behind Ling Pao’s.”
“Damn. Jerry and Russ still missing?”
“Yeah. Panic is starting to set in. Every time someone’s killed, another one disappears.”
“There gonna be a service?”
“Something tomorrow afternoon. By the cross.”
“You okay, Dave? You ain’t said nothing.”
“Yeah.” After a pause, Starsky changed his mind. “No. No – I’m not okay.” Starsky stood up and started pacing. Hutch took this as his cue to join the group and see what had his friend so upset. As he neared the group, he could finally hear the conversation.
“I’m sick of this, damn it! “ Starsky continued. “I thought the killing ended when I got on the airplane home. I thought the shooting stopped.”
Starsky stopped abruptly when he saw Hutch approaching.
“I know, Dave. We all know. If our minds didn’t get screwed up there, I guess they’re gonna get screwed up here.”
Hutch sat down without speaking. He looked at his partner with questioning eyes.
“George is dead. Obviously tortured. Found him a couple hours ago.”
The other new guy – the bothered one – got up and walked away from the group. As he walked away, everyone heard him say, “They sent us away to a lifetime of nightmares.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Starsk, what is this about?”
Starsky just turned and looked at Hutch. He turned to walk away. Hutch spun him around. The fire in his eyes hurt Starsky.
“God damn it, Starsky! You are going to explain this to me if I have to beat you into it!”
Starsky flinched and Hutch knew he’d made a terrible mistake. He softened his tone. “C’mon, buddy, I’m scared. You aren’t you. Just tell me what this is about. Please.”
Starsky stared at Hutch. Tears began welling up in his eyes. “Like Thomas said, this is about a lifetime of nightmares.” With that, Starsky turned and walked away.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hutch decided to call Dobey. It was an hour early but he wanted to talk.
“Capt’n, I just can’t get through to Starsky. He is a different man all of a sudden. It’s as if my best friend never existed. And, he knows these people. Explain that.”
“I can’t. Is it bad? Do I need to pull you two?”
“I don’t know Capt’n. I don’t think Starsk would leave if you ordered him to. He is hell-bent to find out who’s kidnapping and killing these people. Did you know he knows 3 of the 4 who have been killed?”
“WHAT? Hell no, I didn’t know that! If I did, neither of you would be there right now. Get him and pull out. We’ll send in someone else in a couple days.”
“No way, Capt’n. Already told you Starsk wouldn’t hear of it. Besides, he’s speaking at George’s memorial tomorrow. No way would he leave before that.”
Hutch thought he heard Dobey drop the phone. Finally, Dobey spoke. “You watch him, Hutch. You pull him if necessary. Don’t let him cross the line.”
“I think he already has. And, if you pull him now, he won’t come back whole.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Starsky walked for a few minutes before deciding to sit by the lake. He hadn’t been there long when he felt someone approach behind him. He didn’t turn initially but suddenly his past stopped and the mind of a cop kicked in. He was just about to turn when he heard a voice he recognized.
“Can I sit with you, Dave?”
“Yeah, Thomas, please do.”
Thomas observed Starsky before speaking. “How come you just play with that ring, Dave? You keep it in your pocket but you don’t wear it.”
Starsky glanced sideways and noticed that his new friend, Thomas Magnum, was wearing his silver and black ring. “I don’t know. Guess I don’t want my civilian friends to ask me about it.”
“You ever talk to them about Nam?”
“No. I’ve mentioned it a time or two but as a rule, they don’t ask and I don’t offer.”
“And, you’re afraid if you wear the ring, they will ask, huh?”
Starsky grinned. “I dare say you know me better than they do, my new friend. I always have the ring with me though. Always will. Hutch – he’s my best friend you know – wouldn’t understand. He didn’t exactly support the war.”
A time passed before Starsky asked, “Where?”
“Lo Singh Pho. You?”
“Sau Tauk Li. Saw too many friends die.”
“Ever see ‘em tortured?” Magnum asked.
“No. Thank God. You?”
“Yeah.”
“Shit! POW?”
“Yeah.”
“Sorry.”
“Me, too.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hutch was relieved and angry at the same time when he saw Starsky walking back to camp. He’d been gone for hours.
Hutch met him before he reached the tent. “You and I are going to talk. NOW!” As he lead Starsky up the hill towards his car he added, “Get your damn hand out of your pocket.”
For the first time, Starsky didn’t respond. Now Hutch was really scared.
They got in Hutch’s car and headed toward a burger stand a few blocks away. Hutch looked over at his friend and saw him crying.
“Starsk, talk to me, buddy. Please.” Hutch pulled over.
Starsky continued to cry. “Look, Starsk. I talked to Dobey. Told him something has you really screwed up. Dobey said I should pull us if I thought necessary. I think it’s a good idea. Let’s go home.”
“Screw you!”
They sat in silence for several minutes. Finally, Hutch spoke. “I’m going to call Dobey. It’s over.”
Starsky flew into a rage. “Go home. Go back to your lily-white, phony, pretentious world. Give Dobey my badge and gun while you’re at it. I’m staying here and I’m going to stop the killing. Stop the nightmare.”
“Tell me about the nightmare, Starsk. I don’t understand what’s going on, buddy. Help me here. You’re scaring me.”
The tears began to well up again but Starsky did speak. “Nam. All the killing. We made it home. Now, they’re killing us again. Hell, maybe they have a right to. God knows that all of us down here have killed at least a dozen of them.” Starsky drifted off to another time and place.
“Nam? Is this about Nam? Starsk, you mentioned Nam once I think. Didn’t seem to want to talk about it as I remember. All these guys?”
“Yeah.”
“How long you been coming here?”
“Since I moved here.”
“Is this too hard? Do we need to pull out?”
“NO! No, Hutch. We’re going to crack this. The guys already have some thoughts.”
“Care to share them?”
“Well, obviously, someone wants revenge. Question
is, is it one of us? You know, a vet gone crazy. Or, one of them? A Vietnamese
carrying out revenge for his family’s killers? A group of us are getting together
after George’s memorial tomorrow. Gonna put our heads together.”
“Am I invited?”
“As long as you sit and don’t say a word. Don’t take this the wrong way, buddy, but you are out of your element here.”
“Yeah. You guys aren’t pretentious enough for me.”
“Ouch! That hurt, Hutch.”
Hutch didn’t say anything. He was hurt too. They’d save that discussion until later.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Yeah, Capt’n…Yep – you got it…I’m not sure…He’s not himself…Yeah – I’m going with him…Yeah – I’ll check in after the service and discussion…No, I think we should stay on this.”
“Be careful, Hutch. Starsky needs you now more than ever.”
“Bye, Capt’n.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The service was quite long. Hutch was amazed to see so many grown men brought to tears. Maybe he didn’t understand these men’s pasts. But, he did understand the feeling of connectivity between the men. He understood shared pain and the closeness that resulted. He understood the fear of losing a best friend. He only understood those feelings because of the man currently standing by the cross.
“So, George, we will always remember you. You will always be a hero to us. You have your peace now. Someday, we will all share that joy of the release from pain, the release from the memories, the end of the nightmares.” With that, Starsky bowed his head, offered a quick, silent prayer, and walked away.
The men all hung around the area for awhile. Hutch observed the scene with interest. But, he never noticed the quiet man standing alone. No one noticed him.
**Fools,** he thought. **You still haven’t put it together that every time you have one of these services, one of the speakers is the next to disappear.**
A small group of men had gathered at the cross. They confirmed their agreement to meet an hour later back at the bridge encampment. There were going to get to the bottom of this.
Hutch grabbed Starsky by the arm. “We need to talk, buddy.”
“Not now, Ken.”
“Ken? What the hell is the problem – Dave?”
“Not now, Hutch. Not now, please. Look, I need a few minutes. Just leave me alone, okay? Please? I’ll be back for the meeting. We’ll talk after that, okay?” Starsky’s eyes had a tired, pleading look to them.
“Sure.”
“Thanks. You ARE my pal, Hutch.”
Hutch gave Starsky a smile, a nod, and a pat on the shoulder. As he turned away from his friend, he noticed Thomas watching them from a distance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Starsky felt the hand on his shoulder.
“Hutch, I asked you to leave me alone, man.” Starsky didn’t have the energy to move his head from his hands.
The pressure on his shoulder increased. He felt himself losing consciousness as he looked up to see the Asian man. Starsky started to speak but blacked out before he could say anything.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The meeting was almost half over and Starsky’s absence was starting to worry Hutch. He was finding it very difficult to concentrate on anything that was being said. He was pacing back and forth when he stopped at the sound of approaching footsteps. The disappointment was easily read on Hutch’s face when he realized it was only Thomas.
The conversation continued. “Dave has some ideas.” Hutch’s ears perked up but he kept pacing. “He thinks it’s revenge.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not convinced it’s not one of our brothers. There are some new guys around who are a bit…off.”
Hutch’s eyes darted towards Thomas. The description fit Magnum in Hutch’s opinion.
“Where is Dave?” Colton asked.
“Can’t believe he’s not here.”
“He’s so very passionate about this.”
“Yeah – he’s been really bothered. He’s hurting. That’s for sure.”
“Where is he, Ken?”
“Ken?”
“Huh? What?” Hutch was miles away again.
“Where’s Dave?”
“Don’t know. He said he’d be here. Where the hell is he?”
Thomas released a sigh that everyone noticed. The fear and anxiety detailed in that one breath was felt by the whole group.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“What the hell do you want?” Starsky was starting to panic. He knew he was in a cage but the black cloth kept him from seeing his whereabouts.
“Hey, who’s yelling?”
“Who’s asking?”
“Russ.”
“Russ? It’s Dave.”
“Hey, Dave.”
“Jerry? That you?”
“Yeah, man. Welcome to Lao Choi.”
“Lao Choi? POW camp?”
“Yep – at least that’s where this crazy asshole thinks we are.”
“QUIET!! I told you to be quiet! I come back to find you talking more than before I left. Well, punishment doesn’t seem to matter to you. Let’s see how your new friend likes it.”
Starsky shielded his eyes from the bright light. His eyes wouldn’t adjust to the shift from total blackness to bright light. It was only stars he could see anyway when the whip struck his arms and back.
“Aaaa!”
“What’s that? I said I wanted quiet!”
The burning of the whip seared his skin again and again. Finally, his silence was assured as he passed out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“I don’t know where he is, damnit!”
“C’mon, Hutch. You have to have some idea.”
“I don’t Capt’n. We argued. He said he’d meet me at the meeting. He never showed up. Haven’t seen him or heard from him in 4 hours.”
“What about his friends?”
“I’M HIS FRIEND! Damnit, Dobey.”
“Hutch! Stop it!! Maybe I should have kept you here.”
“Scr…”
“Don’t go there! I know you’re upset so I’ll pretend like I don’t know what you were going to say.”
A long silence passed between the men before Dobey spoke again. “Find out what you can tonight. I want you in my office at 9:00 a.m.” Dobey hung up the phone. His anger mixed with his concern.
Hutch didn’t sleep. He wandered the camp all night long talking to whoever was awake. Everyone had their own theory of the kidnappings and killings. None of them eased the pain in Hutch’s head or heart.
Shortly after eating breakfast, Hutch saw the man he’d been looking for. He lead him away from earshot of the other men. As he pulled his badge from his holster pocket, he grabbed Thomas Magnum by the elbow. “You’re coming with me. We’re going to the station.”
“You’re nuts, man. What are the charges?”
“No charges – yet. Just questions. Now, I suggest you walk along like nothing’s wrong.”
The men headed towards Hutch’s car. They rode to the station in silence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Yeah. Well, I think you did it, Mr. Magnum. Now, tell us where you have Starsky.” Hutch slammed his fist on Dobey’s desk.
“Yeah right, Sherlock. You got it all figured out…WRONG!”
Hutch lunged towards Thomas Magnum.
“HUTCHINSON! Sit your ass down – NOW!” Dobey had had enough of the blonde detective.
Hutch threw Dobey a hateful look but did finally sit down. If looks could kill, Hutch would have been the only living soul in Dobey’s office.
“Now, Mr. Magnum, please tell us what you know.” Dobey saw Magnum’s uncomfortable glance towards Hutch. Dobey quickly added, “I’m sure you’ll forgive Detective Hutchinson. We are all upset by Starsky’s disappearance.”
“I am too, Captain. Dave is – was – is a good friend.”
“BULLSHIT! Friend? You don’t know Starsky. You’re not his freakin’ friend.”
Thomas bit his lip. He tried to remain cool. When he thought he had his composure, he spoke very slowly. Very deliberately. “Look Mr. Hutchinson…”
“Detective Hutchinson.”
“Have it your way, Sherlock.”
“Fuck you!”
“HUTCH! Continue, Thomas, please.”
“Detective Hutchinson, you haven’t been much of a friend to Dave lately, have you? If you had, you might have some idea of what is going on here.”
Hutch glared at Magnum. Magnum knew he’d rip Hutch’s throat out if he continued to focus on Hutch so he turned towards Dobey and continued.
“Look at the men who are dead or missing, Captain. What do they have in common?”
“Nam.”
“You’re a big help here, Magnum. Just give it up for Christ’s sake.”
“HUTCH!”
“You’re right, Captain Dobey.” Magnum continued while ignoring Hutch. “But, they have all also spoken in public at the cross. Starsky disappeared right after talking about George. Two of the others disappeared after publicly honoring their comrades. The first 2 disappeared after the rally – both of them spoke at it.”
Hutch was now interested in what Magnum had to say. He was about to ask him a question when Dobey’s phone rang.
“I see…Where?…Same circumstances?…Same injuries?…Keep me posted.” Dobey was obviously shaken.
“Oh, God. Starsk?” Hutch was sick.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The 3 men had talked whenever possible. Their captor was out more than he was in. When he was in, he beat the 3 men until they collapsed. He screamed – sometimes in English, sometimes in Vietnamese – about the atrocities he witnessed. The pain he had suffered.
When he returned this time, he was more enraged than ever before. He alternately beat the 3 men but this time, he stopped before they collapsed. When all 3 men were dazed and bleeding, he approached each of their cages. He held a gun to each man’s head. The terror in their eyes delighted the sick man.
He had finally decided which one would die today. He approached the cage, looked straight into the terrified eyes staring at him, and fired twice.
Starsky closed his eyes and fell to the bottom of his cage. After a long silence, he opened his eyes to see which of his friends was dead.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“No, Russ.” Dobey’s voice reflected both relief and fear.
Hutch’s head dropped towards his lap.
Thomas Magnum got up and headed toward the door.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” The hatred in Hutch’s voice surprised even Dobey.
Magnum paused and turned to face the angry detective. “I’m going to prepare a eulogy and – with any luck – disappear.” It was Magnum’s turn to stare down Hutch. Finally after making his point, Magnum turned toward the door again.
“Wait. Please. Let’s talk.” Hutch was suddenly apologetic.
Magnum turned and looked first at Hutch then at Dobey. He returned to where he had been seated.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Dave? You okay?”
“No.”
“Man, this is worse than Nam. At least there I expected to die.”
“A POW in our own town. Years after the war. Damn!”
“What are we gonna do?”
“I’m gonna beg to be the next one, Jerry. My mind has been a POW since the day I set foot on their soil. It’s time for peace.”
“No, Dave. We are going to make it out of here. We have both moved on. We have made lives for ourselves. Taken our lives back. We’re NOT going to give up!”
“Has there been one day – just one day – when you haven’t thought about it?”
“No, Dave. But there hasn’t been one day that I haven’t thanked God for being a survivor either. WE ARE survivors, Dave. Don’t give up.”
Jerry turned to see Starsky crying. He realized his friend was dealing with things that he had pushed aside for years. He just hoped he could get Dave to want to live before their captor returned.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Look, guys, whether you want to believe it or not, you’re not prepared to handle this. This Asian guy, he…”
“What? What Asian guy?” Dobey asked.
“You’re kidding, right? Hutch, you had to see him. He was standing next to you at the service. You saw him, right?”
Hutch sat motionless.
“Hutch?” Dobey queried.
“No, Capt’n. No, Thomas. Damn it, no. No, I didn’t see him.” Hutch was distraught.
“What the hell were you doing then?” The disgust in Magnum’s voice was evident.
“Hutch? Are you on this or off this? What the hell were you looking at during the service if you weren’t observing the crowd?”
Hutch stared at the floor and mumbled something.
“What?” Dobey and Magnum asked in unison.
“His pocket. I was looking at his pocket, okay?”
“Whose pocket?” Dobey was confused. Magnum was irate!
“You dumb son-of-a-bitch!” Magnum was ready to kill ‘Sherlock’.
“Hutch?”
“Damn it, Dobey. Starsky has been so fucking fascinated with himself lately, he can’t take his hand out of his pocket. Constant movement. It’s embarrassing. I was watching him up there making an ass out of himself.”
“ ‘You are my pal, Hutch’ I heard him say it. Some pal – some friend! You hurt him so bad with your comments about his hand in his pocket. He actually cried about it when we talked.”
“Screw you!”
“Yep – he said that’s what he told you.”
Now it was Hutch holding back the instinct to kill.
“Okay, Ken. Want to know what Dave found so fascinating in his pocket? It was one of these!” Magnum held up his hand and pointed to his ring.
“A ring? Why the hell was it in his pocket and not on his hand?”
“Because of you. Because you protested the war. So, he hid his symbol of survival, of brotherhood from you. But, he always has it in his pocket. ALWAYS!”
“Oh my God!”
“Thomas – you were saying something about an Asian man.” Dobey wanted to get back to talking about how to find Starsky.
With one final look at Hutch, Magnum turned to Dobey. “Yes, sir. I’ve seen him around Ming Park a few times. My gut tells me he’s involved.”
“Your gut?” Hutch rolled his eyes.
“Listen, buddy. My gut got me out of Nam – out of a POW camp – ALIVE. And, my gut is going to get Dave out of his current imprisonment. Just stay the hell out of my way and don’t screw this up.”
“Oh, for God’s sake. You think you and your gut are going to save Starsky?”
“Well, I’ve already done a helluva lot more for him lately than you have.”
The words knocked the wind out of Hutch. He slumped in his chair like he’d been kicked in the stomach.
Dobey had had enough of both men. “Listen you two, this behavior is going to stop now. I mean it. Hutch, either you get your act together now or I’m removing you from this case. You are doing Starsky no good. I’ve never seen you like this. And, Thomas, you don’t know anything about Hutch’s relationship with Starsky. They are closer than bothers. I’ll not have you making any more snide comments.”
“No disrespect, Captain Dobey, but I do know about Starsky and Hutch’s relationship. Starsky said he’s never known another person in his life that he respects, treasures, or loves more than Hutch. He said Hutch is his best friend. He’d die for him.”
Magnum turned towards Hutch. “And, no disrespect to you, Detective Hutchinson, but you’re out of your element here. Unless you have experienced Nam, I honestly don’t believe you can understand this case. If you are half as close to Starsky as he feels he is to you, you must be dying inside.”
Hutch and Dobey were both silent for a few moments. Finally, Hutch spoke. “What’s your plan, Thomas?”
Thomas looked toward Dobey. When Dobey nodded his head, Thomas laid out his plan.
“Well, like I said, whoever is doing this has always taken a person who spoke to the group. I’m going to convince the guys to let me be the only speaker tomorrow. Ken, I need you to watch the crowd. Focus on the Asian man in the black shirt. He always wears black. I’m gonna go sit where I know Starsky went after the service. With any luck, I’ll be kidnapped.”
“I don’t know, Thomas. I can’t ask you to put yourself in danger. We’ll get a cop…”
“No, Captain. This guy knows a vet. And, I know all about POW camps – firsthand. Someone will be killed within days if the pattern holds. I’m your best shot at seeing Starsky alive again.”
“Let me go, Capt’n. If I’m not out in a couple days, let Thomas be next.”
“You feel that lucky, Ken? You willing to gamble Starsky’s life on that lucky feeling? If you’re in, chances are 2 in 3 that one of your cops will be killed next, Captain Dobey. Allow me to proceed and it’s only 1 in 3. And, I know what to do. Done it before.”
“Can you wear a wire, Thomas?” Dobey felt he had no choice but to see if this would work.
“Nah – can’t do it. Trust me.”
“No, Thomas, trust us. You need to wear a wire.”
“Can’t. Sorry.”
“Not good enough, friend. Why not?” Hutch persisted.
“He – or they – will find it. You don’t want to know the details.”
“I sure as hell do, Thomas. How can I send you in without a wire?” Dobey was getting aggravated.
“You sure?”
“Yeah – tell us.”
“If this is a typical POW situation, my shirt will immediately be taken away. My hands will be tied above me and hooked to the top of the cage.”
“Cage?” Hutch was pacing now.
“That position makes the whipping more painful.”
“Whipping?” It was Dobey’s turn to start pacing.
“What about a transmitter?” Hutch didn’t want to hear anymore. Flashbacks of Starsky hanging from his wrists played through his mind. “Simon,” Hutch said without thinking.
Dobey shuddered. Magnum didn’t understand but also didn’t ask. The pain in Hutch’s eyes told him all he needed to know.
“If the transmitter is small enough, it could be taped to my upper inner thigh. That is probably the only area that won’t be beaten, burned, or water-logged.”
Hutch vomited into Dobey’s wastebasket.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Starsky vomited yet again. He wasn’t sure if it was from the visions of Russ dying, the infection that was already setting in to his wounds, or the fact that he hadn’t been given anything to eat or drink in the 31 hours since Russ was killed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Okay, there you go, Thomas. Be careful. And, thanks. I’ll never be able to repay you for this.” Dobey extended his hand but ended up pulling Thomas Magnum into a bear hug.
With that, Hutch and Magnum headed back to the park. Magnum made a convincing argument. It was agreed that he’d be the sole speaker at Russ’ memorial.
After what seemed like an endless night, Hutch said a silent prayer as Thomas began speaking. As he scanned the crowd, he noticed a shadow next to him. He suppressed a gasp when a quick glance showed him an Asian man in black. Hutch caught Magnum’s eye and gave a nod.
Thomas Magnum ended his eulogy and was greeted by several men. After exchanging kind words and handshakes, he acknowledged Hutch a few feet away. He silently pointed to his ring, pumped his fist, and mouthed ‘trust me’.
Hutch returned silent words. ‘I do, my friend, with my best friend’s life.’
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The black material was draped over the cages holding Starsky and Jerry. They heard another man being imprisoned. They heard the whip but the new man never so much as whimpered.
Magnum thought he had steeled himself against the cracking whip years ago. But, every lash brought about horrific memories. First of the mortars exploding, then of guns firing, men screaming, and friends dying. He was so lost in his memories that he didn’t even notice the whipping stop or the black material being draped over his cage.
Once the drape over Magnum’s cage was in place, Starsky’s and Jerry’s were removed. Magnum regained his focus when he heard the sound of ribs breaking and a man scream. He was sure it was Starsky’s voice he heard.
Once the Asian man left, Jerry spoke. “Hey, buddy, you okay?”
There was no reply. Magnum was wary of speaking until he knew what was going on.
“Hey, buddy – new guy. He’s gone now. You okay?”
“Yeah. Jerry?”
“Yeah. How’d you know? Who are you?”
“Thomas. Thomas Magnum.”
“Thomas? The quiet guy? Man, some thought you were involved in this.”
Magnum winced. The pain inflicted by that one statement coming from a fellow vet hurt worse than any lash of a whip. He bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.
“Is Dave here?”
“Yeah. You know him?”
“He’s a friend. How is he?”
“Not so good. He’s out. He’s hurting pretty bad. Hallucinating too, I think. Every once in awhile, he calls for someone named ‘Simon’ and asks him to stop.”
**Simon? ** Magnum recognized the name. He quickly realized that Hutch had said the name back in Dobey’s office. **Hutch? Where is Hutch? I knew it would be up to me. Damn useless transmitter.** Magnum’s thoughts were running in a hundred directions. **Concentrate.**
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“I don’t know, Hutch. They lost the transmission right here.”
“There must be a dozen buildings in this area.”
“Yep – and we’ll search each and every one. Let’s just hope the transmitter kicks in again. Let’s hope that the guy didn’t find it. If he did, Magnum…and Starsky…are dead.”
The small group of police officers spread out. A few remained hidden, looking – waiting – for the Asian man to show up. The search task would have been easier with a larger group. But, the numbers had to be limited in order to remain out of sight.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Magnum put his plan into affect. “Jerry, you have to signal me when he returns.”
It wasn’t long before Jerry signaled Magnum.
“Yeah, Jer. This is NOTHING like the real thing. Man, that was bad. We actually had to beat each other. It doesn’t get any worse than that, Jer.”
The drape ripped off Thomas’ cage. At the sight of the Asian man’s smile, Magnum felt every hatred and every fear he ever had well up inside him.
“Mr. Magnum, you are the first POW I have had here. You bring up a good idea. I hadn’t thought about that. I’ve been so enjoying inflicting the injuries myself. It’s getting boring though – way too easy with the scum I’ve killed so far.”
“Fuck you!”
“Yes. We’ll start with you. I guess you can only beat Jerry right now. After all, Dave has been out for so long now that I’m not sure you could hurt him any more than he already is.”
Magnum turned to look at his fellow captives. Jerry had a terrified look on his face. He was bloodied and haggard looking. Starsky was unconscious. All of his weight pulling on his hands. He was blood and vomit soaked. Magnum’s heart hurt.
The Asian man removed Magnum from his cage and lead him to Jerry’s. A crack of the whip to Magnum’s back was intended to show him who was in charge. Another crack of the whip and Magnum was handed a small whip and told he would do what he was told. The Asian man laughed as he told Magnum that he was the master of this camp – he was in charge. **Wrong, asshole. I have you just where I want you,** Magnum thought.
“Whip Jerry.”
“Fuck you.”
Another lash to Thomas. Thomas could tell that the Asian man inched closer.
“Whip him!”
“It’s okay, Thomas. Do what he says.”
Despite Jerry’s pleas, Magnum smiled at Jerry and spoke to the Asian man. “Fuck you.”
Crack. Magnum didn’t flinch. Jerry shuddered. Magnum smiled and the Asian man inched closer.
“I SAID WHIP HIM!!”
“I SAID FUCK YOU!!”
He saw the motion and timed his response perfectly. He turned, grabbed the whip, pulled the Asian man toward him, and wrapped the whip around the Asian man’s neck in one swift motion. Magnum had almost choked the life out of his captor when Dobey and Hutch entered the building.
“No!” Dobey was yelling for Magnum to stop.
“NO!” Hutch was screaming, pleading really, at the sight of Starsky.
Hutch’s voice brought Starsky around.
“Simon – no, please.”
“No, Starsk. It’s not Simon, buddy. It’s Hutch. You’re okay, buddy, you’re okay.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Within minutes, the warehouse was filled with cops and emergency personnel.
“Thomas, let him go!” Dobey was tired of arguing with the man. He was just glad that Magnum had relaxed the loop of the whip around the Asian man’s neck.
Finally at the touch of Jerry’s hand on his shoulder, Magnum pushed the Asian man to the ground. “He’s all yours, Captain.”
Magnum then turned his attention towards Dave. Hutch was holding his friend by the waist as the medics worked to free his hands.
“No, you’re making it worse. Let me help.” Magnum bolted over to his friends. “Ken, lift Dave just a bit. Guys, bend his elbows so his hands cross a bit. You have to do this just the opposite of what you’d think.”
The Asian man, now standing in handcuffs, observed the man. “I sure made a mistake when I took a POW. You know it all, don’t you asshole?”
Thomas, Hutch, Jerry, and Dobey all looked at the man. In unison they all yelled, “Fuck you!”
The Asian man laughed as he was lead away.
The paramedics were tending to Starsky. Jerry was also being examined and readied for transport. Hutch waved in another paramedic team to care for Magnum. He could see that the pain was starting to set in. Magnum’s eyes spoke volumes. Hutch couldn’t tell if the pain he saw was more attributable to the pain of the torn flesh or the re-opened wounds on his heart and soul.
“Thanks, Thomas. I know that doesn’t amount to much of a repayment for giving me my friend back.” Hutch offered his hand to Magnum.
Magnum took his new friend’s hand. “You’re welcome, Hutch. Just stay with Dave and help him make it.”
A silent pause let the men know that they had finally reached a point of commonality – a point of peace.
Hutch nodded and turned to see Starsky off to the hospital. He quickly reached into Starsky’s pocket and retrieved the ring. He glanced back to see the paramedics tending to Magnum. **Thanks, Magnum.** He then glanced toward the sky. **Thank You, God!**
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It had been a long 4 weeks. Magnum was glad when Starsky was able to return home. Starsky had insisted that Magnum stay at his place. As much as he hated to admit it, Thomas was thankful for the opportunity to stay by himself for awhile while Starsky recuperated in the hospital. He needed the time to work through the emotions he had overcome once before several years ago. And, he surprised himself by welcoming the chance to get to know Hutch better.
Hutch spent the mornings at the department. He was grateful to be put on part-time desk duty while Starsky recovered. His afternoons were divided between spending time with Starsky at the hospital and getting to know Thomas Magnum. After several visits, Hutch realized that he and Thomas had quite a bit in common. And, Magnum realized that Hutch was indeed the man that Starsky had described.
On the day that Starsky was to be released from the hospital, Hutch took the morning off from work. He arrived at the hospital and entered Starsky’s room.
“Hey, buddy. Come to see me home?”
Hutch smiled. He had been waiting for this moment. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. He offered it to Starsky.
Starsky was surprised. Tears welled up in his eyes. He looked up at Hutch and smiled. “Well?”
“Well what?”
“Aren’t you going to propose?”
Both men laughed. Hutch reached over and hugged Starsky. After a moment, Hutch sat down. “Look Starsk. I know I was an asshole. I’m so very sorry.”
“Hutch, you don’t have to apologize. I’m the one who is sorry. I should have told you about…”
“Wait. Don’t, Starsk. You don’t need to apologize or explain.”
“Hutch, you ARE my pal. I mean it.”
“Does that mean you accept?”
Starsky threw his pillow at his best friend. It was good to have his best friend back. Hutch felt the same way.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Two more months passed. Starsky shared his home with Thomas. The friendship between the 3 men grew. Finally, all of the men decided to return to Ming Park. They stopped at the cross and a crowd gathered. It was almost a celebration. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged amongst the group. A peace had returned to the park, to the vets, and to the new friends.
As they were leaving the park, Thomas spoke. “Thank you, you guys. Thanks for sharing your friendship with me for awhile.”
“You sound like a man who is leaving,” Starsky commented.
“Yep. A couple of my friends from Nam have been trying to get me to move to Hawaii for quite awhile. Told them I would when I could – when I found what I was looking for. I found it here. Now that I have it, I can move on.”
“What did you find, Thomas?” Hutch felt he knew the answer but he wanted to be sure.
“I found friendship, trust, closure. I found a balance between the nightmares and the friendship. I found some peace.”
“Too bad.” Starsky was shaking his head.
“Huh?” Hutch and Magnum were both confused.
“Too bad. Your going to Hawaii is a loss to the department. You’d have made one helluva cop, Thomas!”
“Hmmm. They need cops in Hawaii, don’t they?” Thomas winked.
“Shoot. With the money that flows over there, I’d be a P.I. More money. More babes.” It was Hutch who winked this time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Thomas’ smile grew wider as the flight was announced and the door opened.
“Thomas! Hey, buddy! Man I love this place. I’ve been here 5 minutes and I’ve been leied by a beautiful woman in a skirt and bikini top, I’m holding a drink in a pineapple, and I’m standing in front of a good friend. Any chance your little P.I. business could use 2 retired cops?”
“C’mon, guys. Let’s play a little before we talk business.” Magnum was already planning where to suggest putting the new guesthouses on the Robin Masters estate.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The End