Said and Done

By

Cynthia

Starsky stood over the bunk with the duffel bag laid open. He sighed as he stuffed the clothes inside. He walked back to the small dresser and scooped up the last of his clothing. Starsky walked back to the duffel bag and crammed the clothes inside forcing them in tight. He pulled the end of the duffel bag together and clipped it closed. Starsky picked up the manila folder sitting on the bunk next to the duffel bag. He grabbed the bag by the strap and slung it over his shoulder. As he walked out of the old wooden barracks, he knew he would never go back to the hell he had left.

~~~~~

Hutch rubbed his eyes and ran his hands over his face. He was tired as hell. It had been a rotten case and he was more than happy to see it end. It seemed like whenever he dealt with dirty cops it just put a bad taste in his mouth. Hutch closed the file sitting on his desk and stood up. He grabbed his briefcase and picked up the file.

He was relieved to get out of IA. Hutch was ready for some real police work. He had worked IA since…well, for almost five years now…okay, 4 years 9 months and 23 days. He had to admit he had kept track. It didn’t seem like he had much of a choice in the matter.

Hutch dropped the file off at Minnie’s desk and headed out to the parking lot. When he got to his car, he opened the door and flung his briefcase to the backseat. As Hutch drove out of the parking lot towards his house, he found himself looking forward to working in robbery and homicide. He would have a chance at making a real difference. He had been relieved that Dobey wasn’t going to force a partner on him. He really didn’t want one. Dobey knew that. Since he had made lieutenant he had a lot more options than he had before.

He arrived at his house and when he walked in the door, Hutch knew something was different. He could feel it. Hutch set his briefcase down next to the door and walked through the living room. “Kira?”

Hutch walked down the hallway not liking the silence coming from the house. He looked into the bedroom and his attention was grabbed by the folded paper sitting on the dresser. Hutch picked it up and slowly opened it. He breathed a heavy sigh as he read it and when he finished, he wadded it up in a tight ball. Hutch walked over to the bed and sat down on it.

She was gone. She couldn’t even wait till he got home. Hutch shook his head and reached for the phone on the end table. He dialed the number and after a moment, he heard the answer on the other end. “You couldn’t wait till I got home…we could’ve at least talked about it, Kira…there’s more than just you and me here…” Hutch could feel his temper beginning to slip. “Where’s Michael? He’s my son…You can’t just walk out and take him like this…Fine…What did you tell him...I’ll call him later…You already talked to a lawyer! Kira…This isn’t over by a longshot…I’ll have one in touch with you soon.”

Hutch slammed the phone down and put his head in his hands. He wanted to be pissed at her, but how could he. She had been on him about his long working hours. They had had problems for sometime now. Hutch had thought they could work it out, but it seemed like they were destined to join the statistics. He was angry and he was hurt. He loved Kira, but they were only hurting each other more it seemed. Michael had been the bright wonderful little boy to hold them together. Hutch knew how much Kira loved him. She wanted to do what was best for him and he had to admit she had been right. Their battles with each other were hurting him.

He pushed himself up off the bed and headed to the kitchen. Hutch grabbed the bottle from the top of the fridge. He almost reached for a glass, but changed his mind. Hutch opened up the bottle as he headed to the living room. He took a long drink enjoying the burning of the alcohol on the back of his throat. Hutch slumped down on the couch with the bottle propped on his leg. He hated drinking alone.

~~~~~

Starsky sat on the bed in the dingy hotel room with the contents of his duffel bag spilled out in front of him. He put the cigarette in his mouth and took a long drag from it. He let it hang from his mouth as he reached for the gun sitting on the bed. Starsky took the weapon apart and began cleaning it. He was methodical in his approach and he had only one objective on his mind.

He had waited for over a year for this opportunity and it would soon be upon him. Starsky set the cleaning rag down and took another long drag from his cigarette. He took it out of his mouth and stabbed it in the nearby ashtray which was almost completely filled with butts. Starsky grabbed the beer bottle sitting on the floor and finished it off.

He spent another half an hour cleaning the gun and loaded the clip with ammo. Starsky set it aside and picked up the other gun. He popped the clip out and after checking it, he slid it back inside. He slammed it with the heel of his hand and loaded a round into the chamber. Starsky grabbed his cigarettes and shook one out of the pack. He grabbed it with his lips and lit it.

Starsky took a drag and let it dangle from his lips. He stood up with the weapon in his. Starsky studied himself in front of the mirror with the gun in hand. He looked a bit older than he had just a few short years ago. His dark cold eyes stared back at him and he aimed the gun at his reflection. Starsky had his finger gripping the trigger tightly. “Bang, you’re dead,” Starsky whispered.

~~~~~

Hutch walked to the back of the bar where Huggy sat in the booth. He slid in across from him and motioned the waitress for a beer. He looked back at Huggy. “You said it was important.”

“I got word about a high dollar merc coming into town.”

“What’s so special about this one?”

“They say he deals on the ugly side of covert shit. He was fairly active outside of our borders and he dropped out of sight for almost a year.”

“Why?”

“Don’t know, my friend. Word has it that he actively pursued those that couldn’t be wasted for the spooks and suddenly he dropped out of action a year ago. I’ve been told he did his work outside of our borders. It was too hot for him to do any work in country.”

“If he was caught, he could talk.”

“It’s odd he would come to the city.”

“Not unless it was personal,” Hutch replied as the waitress set his beer down in front of him. Hutch took a long drink from the beer and set the glass down. “Do you have a name?”

“Phantom.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope, that’s the name he was given. No one knows what he looks like or even a first name. He goes in, pulls the job and leaves. The only evidence is the hollow point he leaves in his target’s head.”

“He doesn’t leave any room for mistakes.” Hutch took another drink of his beer digesting the piece of information. “Any indication of his target?”

Huggy shook his head. “This piece of 411 came down from a family with connections in the government. Once it became public it didn’t take long for it to filter to the street. Hutch, this guy is known and no one wants to cross paths with him. He’s deadly.”

Hutch finished off his beer and stood up. He pulled a bill out of his pocket and tossed it down on the table. “Thanks, Huggy.”

Hutch turned to leave and Huggy called his name. Hutch turned back to Huggy. “Hutch, this guy never misses. Be careful.”

Hutch gave Huggy a nod and left the bar. It was an unsettling conversation and Hutch knew Huggy wouldn’t bring this kind of information to his attention unless it was serious. The first thing Hutch was going to do when he got back to Metro was to call a few government contacts. If anyone knew anything about this phantom, it would be them.

~~~~~

Starsky adjusted his sunglass and slid a bit down in the seat of the car. He watched as his target headed down the sidewalk. The man stopped at the car and pulled his keys out of his pants. Starsky stared as he stepped around to the driver’s side of the car. He slid in behind the wheel and Starsky watched as he drove away.

He straightened up and put the car into drive. Starsky let a few cars pass him before he pulled the car out into the street. He was careful as he followed the car. Starsky followed him for almost ten minutes and he knew where he was going. Starsky turned off letting his target go to his destination. He didn’t need to follow him any more.

Starsky drove back to the hotel and parked the car in the alley. He got out of the car. He pulled his army jacket tighter as it slowly began raining. Starsky could feel the bulk of the gun underneath his jacket. He needed something more. He couldn’t do the job as it was. This guy was too hard to target and Starsky needed more to ensure he accomplished his objective. There was no way in hell Starsky was going to let him live any longer than he had to.

~~~~~

Hutch furrowed his eyebrows together as he sorted through the various reports on his desk. He had made his calls and after guarding the fax machine, he received what was known about the Phantom. No one else was to have anything unless this mercenary made a move.

Records indicated his existence sprung up just over four years ago. There was no telling how long he had been in operation prior to that. He was suspected in several high profile assassinations and he had worked an unknown amount of covert actions which were considered classified. He had worked in areas such as South America, the Middle East and China. Hutch could count on that much. Details were sketchy and Hutch knew he wouldn’t get much more information. The one thing for sure, given how these assassinations had taken place, this guy was experienced and no one had ever even came close to catching him.

Hutch had spoken with Huggy twice since their conversation at the bar. He hadn’t heard anything new. Huggy was pulling in favors to run this guy down and to find out who his target was. Little was known on why he was here and where he was. Given what Hutch knew so far, this man was lethal.

~~~~~

Starsky sat on the edge of the bed handling the new hardware he had gotten. He took a quick bite of the large burrito and set it back down on the paper plate next to him. He studied the timer closely and grabbed the detonator. This would work. He knew exactly where it would go.

He froze when he heard a slight creak out in the hallway. Starsky slowly stood from the bed and grabbed his gun. He walked to the door and stood waiting. Starsky eased the door open and peaked down the hallway. He quickly closed it upon seeing the men in suits making their way towards him. Starsky went to the bed and picked up the plastic explosive. He went back to the door and locked it. He smacked a portion of the explosive on the lock. He headed back to the window keeping his face towards the door.

The door knob moved and Starsky settled down to one knee. He heard the shot and the explosion from the bullet hitting the lock blew the door back. He fell back to his butt. When the smoke cleared he fired a shot hitting one man in the chest. Starsky threw himself through the window crashing through the glass.

He headed down the fire escape knowing it certainly hadn’t taken long for them to find him. Starsky heard the gun shots and felt them hitting nearby. He jumped from the fire escape and landed on the ground in the alley. Starsky turned his gun upwards and fired it several times at his pursuer. He dove into the car and quickly sped away.

~~~~~

Normally Hutch didn’t go to murder scenes anymore. He let the detectives handle them for the most part. When he arrived, he was a bit surprised as the amount of people who were already there. Hutch stopped at the front desk where the manager lay slumped over in his chair. He looked at one of the uniforms who stood not far. “What’s the story, Hernandez?”

“This guy never knew what hit him, Lt. He was facing away from the door when he got the bullet in the back of the head.”

Hutch sighed and headed up the stairs. He walked through the crowd of cops and the CSI team. Hutch looked down at the body covered by a sheet. He could see a bit of blood seeping through the top. He turned around and walked into the small hotel room where a few detectives were.

“What do you have, Simmons?”

“The guy who stayed here was registered under the name of David Smith, Lt. We’re not positive, but we think he popped the door with explosives and it was shot from the outside. Maybe by the body lying in the hallway. He went through the window.”

“Witnesses?”

“None,” Simmons admitted. “If they know anything they’re too damn scared to talk.”

Hutch sighed as he looked around at the messy room. He stared down at the floor seeing the remnants of a burrito left from the explosion. He looked over at the duffel bag sitting on the floor. Hutch walked over and kneeled down. He pulled it open. Hutch searched through the clothes not seeing anything that really stood out. Three pairs of well worn jeans, a red and a blue shirt, a couple pairs of socks and other toiletries were inside. Something shiny caught his attention and Hutch reached in. He pulled out a small chain which was holding a now defunct bullet. Hutch studied it closely and his look turned grim. It was a hollow point. It was the signature of the phantom.

~~~~~

Starsky had little trouble getting inside the house. He tossed down his jacket on the couch and headed straight for the kitchen. Starsky opened up the fridge and pulled a beer out. He took a long drink from it and looked around at the place. This would be the last place they would look for him. He knew that.

He looked down at his watch and headed to the bathroom. A hot shower was what he needed right now. It wouldn’t be long and he’d have to handle some business. Starsky was looking forward to taking care of a matter he should have taken care of a long time ago.

~~~~~

Hutch looked up from his desk as the door opened and two suits walked inside. He leaned back in his chair as one closed the door.

“I’m Special Agent Fairchild and this is Stapleton,” one said showing is badge.

Hutch looked from the older agent to the younger one with slicked back hair. “I was wondering when the feds would stick their nose in this.”

“Today was the closest anyone has ever come to the phantom,” Stapleton told him. “We’re taking over your investigation.”

“I see,” Hutch said looking down at the reports on his desk. “What makes you believe this was the phantom.”

“The dead body,” Fairchild answered. “We’ve already gotten word that a hollow point was dug out of his chest. Given that and the skills used in this incident was enough of a red flag.”

“I would imagine also because the dead body at the scene was declared dead several years ago,” Hutch replied with a steely gaze. “From what my sources tell me; this man was a part of some covert military action. I can’t even get a straight answer out of the CIA.”

“You won’t,” Stapleton answered. “They will not offer any assistance in this matter. We believe this phantom was one of theirs who busted a screw loose. They won’t take any responsibility for him.”

“Someone sure as hell has,” Hutch responded. “Someone tried to kill him from what I’ve gotten so far.”

“It’s probably his target,” Fairchild said with a shrug of his shoulders. “It didn’t take long for word to leak out about his presence in the city.”

“The fact of the matter is that this killer is in my city and he’s looking to assassinate someone. If you people can’t offer me anything more then, you have no jurisdiction to take over my investigation.”

“Lt. Hutchinson, this man is highly dangerous as I’m sure you well know.”

“I’m well aware of that, Agent Stapleton. This dead body is proof of that. I’m not about to let known mercenaries take over the streets over whatever war it is that they’re fighting. You can take that to your superiors.”

“You can’t force us out,” Fairchild insisted.

“I can and I have. I do have enough courtesy to keep your agency informed of what we find. Have a good day.” Hutch looked back down at his paperwork ignoring the agents.

They saw that they would get no further with Hutch and quietly left the office.

~~~~~

Starsky held the gun tightly in his left hand. He was hidden well by the darkness and the man entering the house didn’t even see him or even know he was here. When he saw his back, Starsky stepped forward with the gun aimed at the side of his neck. He pressed the barrel into his skin and the man froze.

“Just so you know you won’t get much,” Hutch said. “I’m a cop.”

The sound of his voice didn’t faze Starsky. He reached inside of Hutch’s jacket and pulled out his cannon. He set it down on a nearby table and pushed Hutch forward not giving him any openings. Starsky stopped him at the kitchen table and pulled the cuffs from where he knew Hutch kept them on his person. He set Hutch down in the chair and cuffed him to it.

Starsky stepped back and walked into the living room. The room was still darkened and Hutch could only see a shadow moving near the couch.

“Who are you? What do you want?”

Starsky stayed silent and grabbed the magnum he had pulled from Hutch. He opened up the chamber and nodded. Hutch still took excellent care of his weapon. Starsky ignored the movements coming from the chair and set the gun down. He picked up the bottle he had sitting on the floor and took a long drink from it.

“You’re the phantom, aren’t you?”

Starsky swung his gaze over at Hutch whose back was still to him. He sighed a bit and looked back down at the bottle in his hand. Starsky didn’t say anything as he took another drink from the bottle.

“Someone tried to kill you today. I was there.”

Starsky pulled a cigarette out and lit it. He took a long drag and leaned back against the couch.

“You came here for a reason…you normally do your work out of the country, but something brought you back here. What was it?”

Starsky had a bitter smile on his face. He took a long drink from the bottle and nursed the cigarette between his fingers.

“I can help you if you’ll give me a chance. You came here. If not for that reason, why?”

Starsky debated on telling him. He wondered what Hutch would do if he knew it was him that had put a gun to his head and handcuffed him to the chair. Things were different now. Everything was. Starsky hadn’t allowed himself to think of the past for a long time, but now he couldn’t help it.

He stood up and walked to the shelf. Starsky picked up the photograph and studied it in the small stream of light coming through the window. He shook his head. They could never go back.

Hutch heard the movement of something from the far side of the room. He knew this man had stood up and he had heard the soft footsteps on the carpet. Hutch wondered what it was that he was looking at. Hutch had no idea why this man had even come here. Suddenly it hit him.

“You knew where I keep my handcuffs,” Hutch said. “You know me. Did I arrest you?”

Starsky chuckled a bit before setting the photo pack on its shelf. He turned back and looked at Hutch still cuffed to the chair with his back to him.

Hutch had heard the deep chuckle coming from him. It seemed familiar to him, but he didn’t recognize it. He felt a chill on the back of his neck when he had heard it. Hutch tried to turn his head to see the man, but he stayed away from his line of sight.

Starsky took a long drag from his cigarette and walked back to the couch. He put it out in a nearby ashtray and sat down. Starsky grabbed the bottle and took a long drink. He would talk, but he wasn’t quite ready for Hutch to know who he was just yet.

“You’ve never arrested me,” Starsky replied keeping his voice low and disguised.

Hutch was surprised to hear him talking. The voice was low and raspy. It felt familiar, but it was unrecognizable to him.

“How do you know me?”

“Just trust that I do.”

“So do I call you David? That’s the name you were registered under at that hotel.”

“Sure.” Starsky pulled out another cigarette and lit it.

“Why did you come here?”

“A little presumptuous, aren’t you?”

“I think I’m owed that much.”

“You would.”

Hutch could hear the bitterness coming from the voice and the questions were running through his head. This person knew him and it sounded like he knew him rather well.

“You walk in my house and put a gun to my head. You’ve got me handcuffed to a chair. I think I’m owed the reason why.”

“Where’s your family?”

Hutch froze at the question and he took a careful breath. “Did you come here to kill me?”

“Answer my question.”

“No.”

Starsky took a long drag from his cigarette. He wasn’t surprised at Hutch’s refusal to answer his question. But he wasn’t going to let it go.

“The boy in the photograph is your son?”

“Yes,” Hutch replied feeling uneasy. He hated where this line of questioning was going.

“He looks like his mother.”

“You can kill me, but I won’t tell you where they are.”

Starsky pushed himself off the couch and walked over to the small desk in the corner of the living room. He opened a few drawers and found what he was looking for. He walked back to the couch with the address book in hand. “I’m sure your address book will lead me to them eventually.”

Hutch was feeling a panic inside his chest. “Whatever it is you want, take it. You can kill me if you want. They have nothing to do with this.”

“They have more to do with it than you realize.” Starsky stared at the open address book. He blew the smoke out of his mouth staring at the list of familiar names.

“What do you want?” Hutch was feeling his exasperation grow. He hated this. Not being in control and this man sitting in the darkened living room was beginning to push him to his limits. Knowing he could find Kira and Michael with just a few calls was enough for his desperation to show.

“I want what every man wants. But it was stolen from me.”

“If you want my help…”

“I want nothing from you least of all your help.” Starsky’s bitterness was apparent and he almost let his natural voice slip away from him.

“Why did you come here? Am I your target?”

“You should be.”

Hutch took a deep breath and let it go slowly. He had to find some way of getting some answers.

“Why haven’t you killed me yet?”

“Just know the thought isn’t far from my mind.”

The silence hung between them for a few minutes. Starsky put out the cigarette and looked over at Hutch sitting in the chair. “Tell me about Michael.”

“No.”

“He was born January 15th, 1980. I found his baby book.”

Hutch sat in the darkness pulling at the cuffs on his wrist. The son of a bitch had actually gone through his house.

“He likes cars, doesn’t he?” Starsky looked over at Hutch’s back and saw the stiffness in his shoulders. Starsky turned back to look at the address book. “I thought as much. I even found a few photo albums. He’s left handed from what I could see in the pictures.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“I just wonder if you have the guts to admit the truth to me.”

“What truth is that?”

“Is he your son?”

“He’s my son,” Hutch bit out.

Starsky stood up and headed down the hallway. He stopped midway and turned right into a bedroom. Sitting on high on a shelf was several police cars. He grabbed one and came back into the room. He walked towards the kitchen. He kept his distance from Hutch and set the car on the table. Starsky pushed the car forward and it rolled away from him and slowly stopped just short of the edge of the table.

Hutch turned his head at the sound and saw the toy police car roll to a stop not far from him. He clenched his fists knowing the bastard had actually been in Michael’s room.

“He likes cop cars,” the voice whispered.

Hutch stared at the toy car and when he tried to turn his head back, the figure moved away from him.

“You go near them and I will kill you,” Hutch swore.

“He’s not your son, is he?”

“He’s my son!”

Starsky stepped forward and grabbed Hutch by the hair with a hard yank. He leaned down close to his ear careful to keep his identity hidden. “It’s the eyes which tell the truth,” Starsky said with a low and husky whisper. “His eyes aren’t yours and they aren’t his mother’s.”

“Go to hell!”

Starsky released him and stepped back. “Before the night is over, you will tell me.”

“You won’t get anything out me, you son of a bitch!”

“We’ll see.” Starsky headed back to the couch and picked up his cigarettes. He lit one and studied Hutch’s back. He wondered how he could get him to admit it. Starsky couldn’t be sure Hutch would admit it to him if he made it known who he was. Too much had happened for him to trust him.

Starsky glanced down at his watch and sighed. He wondered how much time he had. It hadn’t taken them long to find him and he knew Hutch’s place wouldn’t be at the top of their lists, but they would come eventually.

Both men held their breath at the sound of the ringing telephone. After four rings the answering machine picked it up. “Ken, its Kira. You’re probably still working so I’ll make it quick. Michael expected your call tonight and he didn’t get it. I can handle your broken promises, Ken, but Michael shouldn’t have to. Don’t bother calling tonight. I’ve already put him to bed. The lawyer will be in touch with yours in the next few days.”

Starsky took a long drag after hearing the click. He looked back over at Hutch who was stiff in the chair. He walked towards the kitchen and looked at Hutch’s back. “So that’s the way of things. You’re a lousy husband and father from her point of view.”

“You don’t know a damn thing.”

“That message told me enough. She left you and took Michael with her. That’s why they aren’t here.”

Hutch was silent and he hated the thought this man had so much knowledge about his private life. He hadn’t even told Huggy.

Starsky turned back to the couch and picked up the address book. He flipped through a few pages and stopped at one. “She went to her mother’s.”

Hutch heard the pickup of the phone and his breath caught. He heard the buttons being pushed. “Yes,” Hutch answered hoping to keep this animal away from them. “She went to her mother’s with my son.”

Starsky set the telephone down and closed the address book. He took a drag from his cigarette before putting it out in the ashtray.

“Just stay away from them. This is between you and me.”

“Right now it is between you and me. I want the truth about the boy.”

“Who the hell are you?”

“Someone who knows you very well. Too well.”

“Why not let me in on it. Kinda hard to sit here without being able to put a face to your voice.”

“You’ve always hated not having control. At times it’s your best friend, but now it works against you.”

“If you think you know me so well, you’d understand why I won’t discuss my family with you.”

“You’re loosing your family. Do you suppose someone else could be a better husband and a better father than you have been?”

“I’m not going to debate my personal life with you. It’s none of your goddamn business.”

“It is my business. You’ll soon see that.”

Starsky kneeled down and grabbed the bottle. He took a drink of it before putting the lid back on. He had enough alcohol and he needed to keep his head. Starsky set the bottle down on the coffee table and slumped down on the couch. He grabbed his cigarettes and pulled one out. After lighting it and taking a long drag, he leaned his head back against the couch. “Have you ever had your entire life stolen? One minute life couldn’t get any better than it was and in the next, someone else is living the life you should have had.”

“What happened to you?”

“Of course you wouldn’t know. You’ve been living a good life and you sure as hell fucked that up.”

“As if you’ve done any better than I have,” Hutch said with a shake of his head. “You’re a mercenary. You’ve been doing the government’s dirty work and then you put your skills on the auction block. You have no right to judge me or how I’ve lived my life.”

“You don’t know a goddamn thing about me or my life. In the short amount of time I’ve been here, I’ve seen how you lived yours.”

“Is this why you came here? To look at my life and tell me how I’ve screwed it up?”

Starsky walked closer to Hutch and leaned down. “I came here to tear your world into shreds. It seems as you already took care of that, but I know I can make it worse which is what I intend to do at my pleasure.”

Hutch could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Who in the hell was he and why did he hate him so badly? The bastard was more than ready to destroy him and Hutch had no idea why.

Starsky milled around the house for another hour. He found two more guns in the back bedroom with ammo. He grabbed a backpack and put the weapons and ammunition inside. Starsky stopped at Hutch’s bedroom and searched through the drawers. After a few minutes he had gathered a few clothes and crammed them inside as well.

He walked back to the living room and set the backpack on the couch. He grabbed Hutch’s gun and put it inside the backpack as well. Since he had left most everything behind at the hotel, he needed more. He couldn’t go back for the cash he had hidden and he didn’t have much on him. At least not enough to complete the job.

Starsky settle himself down on the couch and tossed a small pillow at the end. He laid back and looked over at Hutch who was still cuffed to the chair. In the morning he would know. Starsky decided when the sun rose and the darkness refused to hide his face any longer, Hutch would know who was holding him prisoner in his own home. Starsky wanted to feel good about it, but instead he felt nausea. He had thought about it for so long. He had thought long and hard about this moment he was at. God knows he had plenty of time to do so.

Starsky suddenly opened his eyes and the room was bathed in a soft glow. He looked towards the kitchen and saw Hutch hunched over in the chair. It had only been a few hours since he had fallen asleep. Something had wakened him. Starsky pushed himself up from the couch and reached for the gun which he had close by.

He walked over to the window and sitting across the street was a dark van. Starsky’s face turned grim at the sight. He hadn’t expected them this soon. He walked over to the couch and grabbed the backpack. He slung it over his shoulder and kneeled down. Starsky checked the clip in his gun and slammed it into its casing.

Hutch jerked his head when he heard the sound of the gun clip. He turned his head still not able to see the man who had held him captive for so long now. He heard his movements and Hutch knew something was wrong.

“What is it?”

“Shh.”

Hutch couldn’t see what he was doing and he wondered what had him on edge. Someone was here. He prayed it wasn’t Kira and Michael. It could also be Dobey or Huggy. It could also be the people looking to kill the phantom, Hutch thought grimly.

~~~~~

Starsky saw them walking towards the house. He almost cursed and he started to head towards the kitchen when automatic gunfire erupted. Starsky dove down to the floor as bullets rained down around him. He looked over at Hutch who had tipped himself over in the chair. Hutch had hit the floor hard.

Starsky knew he could make it by leaving Hutch behind. But dragging him along would slow him down and they would kill them both. Starsky clenched the gun tighter in his hand as the bullets ripped through the house. Starsky got on his knees and pulled the keys to the cuffs out of his pocket. He crawled over to where Hutch was whose back was still to him. Starsky fumbled with the cuffs and unlocked one.

“You’re coming with me and if you do one goddamn thing to slow me down, I’ll shoot you myself.”

Starsky let the handcuffs dangle from one wrist. He wasn’t about to let Hutch go at this point. He pushed Hutch towards the garage door and both started towards it. Starsky looked back at the front door being shot open and he fired into it unsure if he hit someone. When he turned back he found himself staring into Hutch’s face for the first time in almost five years.

“Jesus,” Hutch whispered.

Starsky could see the pale face and the shocked eyes looking back at him. He shoved Hutch forward and they both fell into the door leading into the garage. Starsky didn’t give time for Hutch to act. He grabbed him and brought him to the car. Starsky shoved him inside and slammed the handcuff on the inside door handle securing Hutch once more.

Starsky ran around to the other side of the car and got in behind the wheel. He reached over and yanked the keys from Hutch’s pocket. He looked up at the door as he slipped the keys into the ignition. They were coming through it. Starsky started the car and put it in reverse. He slammed on the accelerator and the car crashed through the garage door. Starsky slammed it into the van parked across the street not letting the hard jolt slow him down. He put it in drive and sped away as the gunmen kept firing at the car breaking out the back window.

~~~~~

Captain Harold Dobey walked through Hutch’s house which was littered with broken glass and wood. He stood in the middle of the living room wondering what had happened and where Hutch was. His eye stopped at the near empty bottle of bourbon lying on the floor.

He walked to the kitchen and found the toy car still sitting on the table. Dobey turned at the one chair lying on its side. He looked up and motioned for one of the uniformed officers. “Malcolm, get prints on this place. Focus on the bottle, the chair and the toy car.”

“Yes, sir.”

Dobey shoved his hands in his pockets as the young officer walked away. He had a bad feeling about this. When he had been told about what had happened, he had swung by Hutch’s office. Dobey found the various reports that had been scattered across his desk about the Phantom.

He knew the seriousness of the situation given the visit Hutch had just had by the Feds. Dobey left Hutch’s home intent on speaking with Huggy. Maybe between the both of them they could find Hutch before it was too late. Dobey prayed it wasn’t too late already.

~~~~~

Starsky stopped the car and took a deep breath. He barely glanced at Hutch as he stepped out of the car. Hutch had tried talking to him, but Starsky just gave him a sharp shut up in return. Starsky walked around to the passenger side of the car and looked up and down the highway.

It appeared desolate with the single phone booth sitting outside the small isolated gas station. Starsky opened up the door and unlocked the cuff. He pulled Hutch out of the car and cuffed his hands behind his back. Starsky ignored the look on Hutch’s face and pulled him to the phone booth.

He dug several coins from his pocket and looked at Hutch. “I’m going to dial Kira’s mother. You’re going to tell her to take Michael and leave where no one can find them. Nothing more.”

“Starsk…”

“Shut up.” Starsky shoved the coins in and dialed the number. He wasn’t sure why the number was so clear to him, but it was. When it started ringing he put the phone next to Hutch’s ear and leaned in to hear. Starsky pulled his gun out where he knew Hutch would see it.

“Maggie, its Hutch…I know…I need to talk to Kira…thanks.” Hutch looked over at Starsky and the soft mischievous look he had known was now gone. Hutch felt uneasy. He didn’t recognize the cold hard look coming from Starsky. “Kira…just listen to me, please…I want you to take Michael and leave…don’t tell anyone where you are going…this is serious, Kira…I don’t want to know…I’ll get word to you when it’s safe…I know…I’m sorry, honey…give Michael a hug for me…”

Hutch was shocked to see Starsky pull the phone away and hang it up. He felt the hard grip on his arms as he was pulled back to the car. “I wasn’t finished.”

“She got the message.” Starsky stopped at the car door and pulled Hutch’s wallet out of his pants. He opened it and put Hutch inside. Starsky secured him making sure there was no chance of Hutch escaping.

Starsky opened the wallet and counted the cash Hutch had inside. He headed inside the store and picked up several supplies. Starsky wasn’t sure how long he would have to stay holed up. He walked back out to the car with the small crate of supplies. He walked to the trunk of the car and opened it up. He set the crate inside and leaned in for a moment.

He gave himself a moment to rest before slamming the lid to the trunk closed. Starsky got into the car and started it up. He ignored the look coming from Hutch and wiped the perspiration off of his forehead. Starsky put the car into drive and headed down the desolate highway.

~~~~~

Hutch was a bit surprised to find Starsky pulling up to the cabin at Pine Lake. It had been years since they had been here and he knew Dobey rarely used it anymore. In fact, there was an ongoing debate on whether to sell the place.

He looked over at Starsky who silently stepped out of the car. There was something wrong. Hutch knew it by the pale look on Starsky’s face. He watched as Starsky headed to the back door. After a few minutes he found the key and unlocked the door. Hutch could see the mistrust in Starsky’s eyes as he pulled the gun out before easing himself inside.

After almost ten minutes, Starsky finally emerged from the cabin and headed to the car. Starsky was a few feet away when he stopped in his tracks. He took a sluggish step forward and fell to the hard ground.

“Starsky! Starsky!” Hutch opened the car door and he had to stretch. He finally managed to grasp onto Starsky’s outstretched arm and slowly drags him close. Hutch pulled Starsky’s jacket aside and almost groaned at the ugly gunshot wound in his shoulder.

Hutch patted down Starsky’s jeans and found the keys. He fumbled them in his fingers and finally found the one to unlock the handcuffs.

~~~~~

Starsky’s eyes were slow to open and when he looked up he realized he was flat on his back in a bed. He slowly pulled himself up and grimaced at the pain in his shoulder. Starsky looked over at his shoulder and saw the bandage covering it. He was without a shirt and only wearing his underwear.

He swung his legs over to the side of the bed and spotted his jeans lying on a chair. Starsky steadied himself as he slowly stood up. He picked up his jeans and eased them on. Starsky got to the door and quietly opened it. The room looked to be vacant. He could smell cooked food coming from the kitchen.

Starsky stepped out of the bedroom and he saw that Hutch wasn’t anywhere to be seen. He quickly made his way to the kitchen and pulled a knife off of the counter. He heard the opening of the door and he was on Hutch in a flash.

Hutch was slammed to the wall and the knife was brought tightly against his neck. He could see the mistrust in Starsky’s eyes and he kept his cool. “I stayed when I could’ve left.”

“Who did you call?”

“I haven’t left. The phone here hasn’t worked for sometime.”

Starsky looked into Hutch’s eyes debating on whether or not to believe him. Hutch’s looked turned humorous when a growl escaped Starsky’s stomach. “You hungry?”

“Where’s my gun?” Starsky wasn’t going to let up until he was satisfied.

“I put it away. I’m sick of you leading me around by the nose with that thing.”

“Where or wasn’t what happened at your place enough for you?”

“I’m getting tired of this, Starsk. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.” Hutch pushed the knife away and he walked into the kitchen. He grabbed the food sitting on the counter and put it on the table. He looked back at Starsky who was still standing in the same place Hutch had left him. Hutch sat down at the table and filled his plate.

Starsky didn’t move and he kept a close eye as Hutch began eating. Starsky walked into the kitchen and opened up the fridge. He grabbed a beer and pulled the top off. Starsky tossed it aside and headed back to the living room. He found his jacket lying on the couch. After a few minutes of searching, he found his cigarettes and immediately lit one. Starsky ignored the look coming from Hutch and sat down. He took a long drag from the cigarette and equaled it with a drink of his beer.

“You haven’t eaten in a while,” Hutch observed. “I made plenty.”

“You can keep it.”

Hutch looked down at his plate debating on what move to make next. He knew Starsky would go searching for the weapons and he needed to get at the bottom of everything going on. The past between them was one thing, but the real reason behind Starsky’s return and the people trying to kill him remained a mystery.

“How long do you intend to hide out here?” Hutch asked.

“I’ll move when I’m ready.”

“Nice little nickname you’ve acquired for yourself, Starsky.”

“If you’re thinkin’ I’m gonna tell you the tale, you can forget it.”

“You may not be a cop anymore, but I still am. You’re fighting a war and civilians are getting caught up in it. You had me call Kira because you thought they’d come after her to get to you. I’d say it falls in my jurisdiction.”

“I’m not one of your perps, Hutch.”

“No, you’re not,” Hutch said softly. “If you’re going to get out of this in one piece you’ll need my help.”

“No, I won’t. I’ll do what I came here to do and I’ll leave.”

“But not before you get your little piece of me.”

Starsky gave Hutch a cold smile before taking a drag from his cigarette. “You were an added bonus. Just remember, I’ve learned a few tricks. Just because you’ve got the hardware don’t mean I’m not ready.”

“I learned a long time ago not to underestimate you, Starsk.”

“Don’t even think of reliving the good ole’ days.” Starsky pushed himself off the couch and took a few steps closer to the fireplace. He tossed the cigarette butt into the flames.

Starsky knelt down close to it feeling the heat burn into his skin. He grabbed the poker and pushed on the logs which were alit with flames. Starsky saw the embers stir from the action and the memories dug into his heart and mind. They pulled and tore at him as the last five years came rushing back at him. He wondered at times how it could go so wrong so fast. At one time he had hoped to come back to set things right, but now he knew it was past that. Nothing could ever be right again.

Hutch stared at Starsky. He could see the internal tug of war going on inside of the man he had once called his best friend. Who was winning? Who was he fighting? Hutch wondered if it was him. God knows there was plenty of blame to go around, but he laid the bulk of it at his own feet. Starsky had handcuffed him to a chair and put a gun to him. It was something Hutch had never expected.

Where had he been and what had happened to him to turn him into a man he no longer recognized? Hutch knew the man he had known so well once now was gone and he wasn’t sure if there was any hope for either of them. He had no idea how to approach Starsky or to even how to deal with him. Hutch was filled with more questions than answers.

The thrill at seeing Starsky was tempered with the previous night’s trial. Hutch could still feel the anger and the fear he had felt when the unknown man had pushed his buttons using Michael and Kira against him. Knowing now who it was, Hutch couldn’t even speculate on Starsky’s next move.

~~~~~

Dobey slammed the phone down angrily and sighed heavily. He still had next to nothing to go on. Hutch had now been missing for almost eight hours. There was no sign of his car. Kira and Michael had disappeared as well. Kira’s mother had said they had left after a quick phone call from Hutch. Whatever it was, it was enough for Hutch to get them out of town. He wondered if they had met up somewhere along the way. Dobey could only hope.

The knocking at the door brought Dobey’s head up. “In,” Dobey barked loudly.

The door opened and Malcolm walked inside with an odd look on his face.

“What is it, Malcolm?”

“Cap, I got the run back on prints we lifted this morning.”

“It took long enough!”

“Sir, we didn’t get them through normal channels. I wound up running them through the justice department.”

“You’ve got something to say. Say it!”

“Cap, I want you to know I ran these three times. There’s got to be some kind of mistake, but it comes back the same every time.”

“Goddamn it, Malcolm!”

The young officer stepped closer to the desk and handed Dobey the file. “Cap, those fingerprints belonged to David Starsky.”

Dobey felt like he had been kicked in the gut. The wind left him and he slowly opened the file. Staring back at him was the report and it told in crystal clarity what his young officer had just told him. He got a handle on his emotions and stood up. “Get an APB put out on David Starsky.”

Dobey grabbed his hat and started out of the office.

“Cap, Starsky’s…”

“Just do it!”

Dobey walked past the officer and headed out the door. The only person he could talk to would possibly be the only one that could find answers.

~~~~~

Hutch worked in the kitchen cleaning up after the meal. He set the last few dishes in the sink and before he turned around, he felt the barrel of a gun in his side. Hutch sighed and he felt Starsky move in behind him. “You never could hide anything very good. Put your hands on the counter.”

Hutch was hesitant to do what Starsky ordered and he was starting to feel pissed at the jab of the barrel in his side. Hutch placed his hands on the countertop and almost immediately a cuff was smacked on his right wrist.

Starsky pulled on the free cuff and pushed Hutch in front of him. He brought him to the bathroom and sat him down on the floor. After handcuffing him to a pipe near the toilet, Starsky stood back.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Hutch asked.

Starsky did an about face and headed to the bedroom. He pulled out the backpack Hutch had hidden and brought it to the living room. Starsky ignored the look Hutch was giving him as he opened it up. He took the guns and the ammunition out setting them on the table.

“You’re leaving.”

Starsky stopped what he was doing and looked over at Hutch. “I’ve got business to take care of and I don’t need you running around loose.”

“You mean you don’t want me to stop you.”

“I don’t want you in my way.”

“Who are you going to kill?”

“Someone who should’ve died a hell of a long time ago,” Starsky replied not looking up from the weapon in his hands.

“Why?”

Starsky stopped what he was doing and looked over at Hutch. His dark eyes never left Hutch’s and the lethal anger he had felt the day it had happened returned. “The bastard killed my wife and our daughter.”

Hutch’s breath caught in his throat. Starsky had said it with a mortal promise.

“Starsk, you can’t kill someone in cold blood. Even when Prudholm killed Terry, you didn’t…”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Hutch, but I’m not the same man I was back then.”

“You’ve made sure I knew it since last night.”

“I’m not a cop anymore and I haven’t lived by the same laws you uphold for a hell of a long time now. We’re not on the same side anymore and we sure as hell aren’t friends so any little speech you’re ready to throw at me, you can just stick it up your ass. I don’t give a goddamn anymore.”

“You came here to kill someone and someone is out to kill you, Starsky. Isn’t it possible this could be a set up to get you out in the open?”

Starsky paused in his movements and looked over at Hutch.

“Think about it. They came to my house to kill you. You had me tell Kira to take Michael and hide. The person you’re so intent on killing happens to be in the same city I live in. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what’s going on here.”

“As long as I send the son of a bitch to hell where he belongs, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

Starsky grabbed the backpack and slung it over his shoulder. He never gave Hutch a chance to respond as he took long strides to the door.

Hutch laid his head against the hard wall after hearing the slamming of the front door. Starsky was looking to kill someone for murdering his family. Hutch wondered if he would be next for the part he had played in their own little Greek tragedy. The one thing he did know was that Starsky would kill this man no matter whether he died in the process or not. Hutch closed his eyes and prayed someone would intervene somehow to prevent the oncoming explosion which would soon happen.

~~~~~

Huggy’s face almost turned white from Dobey’s announcement. He collapsed in the chair next to Dobey and leaned onto the table.

“This could be some kind of screw up.”

“I don’t think so, Hug. I am having the prints ran against Starsky’s personal file to be positive.”

“Cap, Starsky’s dead. He was buried next to his old man in New York four and a half years ago.”

“We thought so,” Dobey admitted. “We were told Starsky was killed in an automobile accident in Florida.”

“There was a body, Cap.”

“Given with what we’re dealing with here, I don’t think we can take it at face value. We never saw the body.”

“ID was made by dental records.”

“It wouldn’t be too difficult to pull a fast one. This phantom has government connections and somehow Starsky is involved.”

“If it’s him.”

Dobey looked at Huggy who took a long drink from his glass. “Hug, I’m having a hard time believing it myself, but it doesn’t explain how his prints got in that house. Hutch and Kira didn’t buy their house till just after they got married.”

“Call me cynical, Cap. I won’t believe it until I see him standing in front of me. Hutch didn’t have any doubts so why should I?”

“Hutchinson was damn cryptic over the phone. From what Kira’s mother said, he practically hung up on her.”

“Think he was planning on hooking up with them?”

“I don’t know, Huggy. The house was shot to hell and Hutch made a damn quick exit through the garage door. There were a few drops of blood on the kitchen floor. Hard to say whose it belonged to since we don’t know all the players involved.”

“If Starsky’s alive then he’d be with Hutch.”

“Maybe,” Dobey sighed. “A hell of a lot’s happened since then and Starsky doesn’t know the entire story.”

“Jesus,” Huggy whispered. “If he is alive, Hutch won’t exactly be his best friend.”

Huggy was putting it mildly Dobey knew. If Starsky was truly alive and if he ever learned the entire truth, it could put him over the edge in a collision course with Hutch. This wasn’t going to end pretty.

~~~~~

Starsky walked through the parking garage scoping out the surroundings as he went. It was beginning to turn dark and the cars were quickly disappearing. He looked at his watch and knew it wouldn’t be long now.

He had managed to find a small time weapon’s dealer to get the explosive he needed. Starsky knew his window of opportunity would be short. He found the Cadillac sitting at the far end of the parking lot. Starsky looked back towards the elevators seeing the way was now clear. He turned towards the car and when he got to it, Starsky dropped down to keep himself hidden. Starsky planted the device under the driver’s side of the door. He flipped the switch and pulled the transmitter out of his jacket. Starsky had planned on using the ignition to set it off, but he had to see the bastard die. He had to be sure.

Starsky stepped away from the car and headed towards the exit. He saw something flash out of the corner of his eye and turned his focus back towards the exit. A car leaving the garage passed him and Starsky ducked down keeping himself hidden from whoever was watching him. The car turned and when he looked back he saw a suit aiming an automatic at him. Starsky jumped back barely escaping the bullets meant for him.

He was breathing hard and he almost cursed aloud. Hutch had been right. It was a setup to get him out in the open. Starsky looked over at the four men coming after him and he ran behind several vehicles for protection from the gunfire. He yanked out the transmitter and looked back towards the exit. He swung his vision to a car attempting to move out of the way. The frightened passenger was scrambling from the moving car.

Starsky then made his move. He flipped the switch and when the car he had sabotaged exploded. Starsky made a run for the car and he jumped inside. He sped out of the garage as the fire raged behind him.

~~~~~

Hutch heard the sound of an unfamiliar car and he lifted his head. It had been almost four hours since Starsky had left and it wouldn’t have been a great surprise if he was back already. It wasn’t his car. His had a distinct sound to it.

He didn’t know what to expect when he heard the sound of an open door. Hutch leaned forward to get a better look at whomever it was that had come through the door. Sure enough it was Starsky.

Starsky stopped short of the bathroom and looked down at Hutch who sat on the bathroom floor with his hand still cuffed. Hutch brought his gaze up to Starsky and looked into his eyes. “They were waiting for you, weren’t they?”

Starsky was silent as he turned around and headed into the kitchen. He ripped open the bags he had brought in and pulled out a variety of household products. He sorted through the various objects and began organizing them on the kitchen table. He stole a glance over at Hutch who was quietly observing his movements.

He stopped what he was doing and walked back into the kitchen where a sack was still waiting. Starsky ripped it open and pulled out a prepackaged sandwich. He opened it up and grabbed a beer from the six pack he had brought. Starsky walked into the bathroom and sat them down in front of Hutch. He didn’t look at him twice as he turned and headed back to the kitchen. Starsky grabbed a beer and opened it up. He took a long drink walking back to the table. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Starsky took a long drag from the smoke as he stared at the items. He had to move very carefully. Starsky wondered how long it would take for them to find him.

“They’re coming here, aren’t they?”

Starsky turned his head back to Hutch who was leaning against the bathroom wall. He had the beer in his hand. He looked so casual sitting there. Starsky blew the smoke out of his mouth and turned his head back to the items.

“It appears you’re going to booby trap the place with pipe bombs among other things I would imagine. Looks like you’re bringing your war here.”

“It’s not my war.”

“We all make our choices, Starsky. Good or bad, we make them and we either live or die by them.”

Starsky looked back at Hutch once again. The words rolled over in his mind and he closely studied Hutch. Starsky finished off the cigarette and put it out. With his mind made up he walked to the bathroom pulling the keys from his pocket. He kneeled down and unlocked the cuff on Hutch’s wrist.

He stood up and tossed the keys to the car to Hutch who caught them with his hand. “I borrowed the car, but by your book I stole it. Take the car and leave.”

Hutch pushed himself up from the floor and stared at Starsky. He looked down at the keys in his hand and back up at Starsky. “No.”

“Did you hear what I said? I want you to leave right now.”

“I’m not leaving. You are going up against these people alone and I won’t let you.”

“You don’t have a choice in the matter. Go get Kira and Michael and go home.”

Hutch took the keys in his hand and tossed them back at Starsky who caught them with his left hand. “No.”

“You don’t get what’s going on here,” Starsky replied holding the keys tight in his hand.

“Tell me about it, Starsky. Since you’ve gotten here you’ve got to keep your secrets while you’ve ransacked through my life.”

“It has nothing to do with you.”

“Bullshit!” Hutch yelled. “They came to my home knowing that you would come there eventually! Kira and Michael are in hiding because of you! I have a right to know!”

“You don’t have a right to jack shit! I’m telling you to leave now.” Starsky pulled out his gun and aimed it at Hutch.

Hutch didn’t flinch from the gun aimed at him. He took a step closer to him until the barrel was dug into the middle of his chest. “I’ve gotten used to your gun pointed at me, Starsk. If you were going to kill me, you would’ve already done it.”

“Testing me, Hutch?”

“Working together has always worked for us before. We can do it again.”

“Just like old times.” Starsky’s smile was bitter and his eyes glittered with anger. “I’m not looking to put something back together that ended the day I was shot.”

“You could have left me behind, Starsk. You had every opportunity to leave me back at my house for those men to kill me. You won’t shoot me and you know it.”

“You’re probably right. You said we all make our choices and we sure as hell made them. Consequences be damned. I’m making mine. Leave.”

“I’m making my choice here and now. I’m not leaving and there is no way in hell you’re going to force me. I’m done taking orders from you.”

Starsky could see the intensity in Hutch’s eyes and he knew his mind was made up. Starsky slowly brought the gun down and slid it in its holster. “You want to stay? Fine, but you do exactly what I say. These people don’t play by the same rules that you’re accustomed to by your run of the mill criminals. They’re professionals.”

“You can start by telling me what the hell is going on and why these people are after you.”

Starsky turned away from Hutch and walked over to the table. He pulled a cigarette out and lit it before sitting down. He grabbed a couple of items and began working. Hutch walked over to the table and sat across from him.

“You don’t need to know,” Starsky mumbled with the cigarette dangling from his mouth.

“When this is over, I don’t want to get blindsided.”

“Worried about your job?”

“There’s going to be a hell of a lot of questions not only by the people I answer to but to those in the government.”

“You can tell them what you know which will be nothing. I won’t be here when it’s all said and done.”

“When it’s all said and done, you’ll wind up sitting in a jail cell, Starsk.”

“Think so?” Starsky took a drag from the cigarette and dropped an ash in the nearby ashtray. He looked up at Hutch. “There are certain individuals who won’t take kindly to me sitting in a cell. In fact I can almost guarantee I’ll walk without so much as a traffic ticket.”

“You’ve been gone too long, Starsk. This isn’t the 70’s anymore and the public has little tolerance for covert actions and government sanctioned assassinations. Word is already out about you.”

“I knew that when they hit the hotel room.”

“I had a visit by a couple of feds. I can only imagine their interest in you.”

“The Feds are known for being a little slow on the uptake.” Starsky didn’t look up from what he was doing as he reached for a metal pipe.

“So you’re planning on leaving again?” Hutch reached for an item and played with it between his fingers.

“When I say it’s all said and done.” Starsky looked back up at Hutch.

Hutch could see the promise in his eyes and there was something else there. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he could see Starsky had something in mind and it wasn’t the current situation they were faced with.

As the sun set behind the trees, the room darkened. Rather than turning on the lights, both men worked by candle light. Neither spoke other than to discuss what would happen when their ‘guests’ arrived.

It was after midnight when they finished and Hutch leaned back against the wall as he sat on the floor. He looked over at Starsky who was near the window with a cigarette in hand. “You said you were married.”

Starsky gave Hutch a side look and took a drag from his cigarette. “Yeah, I was.”

“What happened?”

“I’m not going to talk about my personal life any more than you were willing to talk about yours.”

“Not knowing who’s got a gun to your back will do that to you.”

“Maybe you should worry that it was me, Hutch. I can still see it in your eyes. You have no idea what I’m going to do.”

“That’s because I don’t know you anymore.”

“Maybe you never did because I never really knew you.”

Hutch didn’t need to see Starsky’s face to see the bitterness. It was in every word he spoke. Hell, it was in his eyes. “Starsk, about Kira…”

Starsky suddenly brought his head up which brought Hutch’s sentence to an abrupt stop. Starsky looked over at Hutch and motioned to him that it was time. Hutch moved quietly across the room with the gun in hand. They had prepared as well as they could at this point.

A sudden explosion went off not far from the cabin and the scream of a man echoed in the night. Hutch glanced over at Starsky who kept his gun ready. He could see by the body language Starsky was more than ready for the battle. It made him wonder exactly what he had done during his time away and Hutch wasn’t sure if he really wanted to know.

“Dave,” a voice called out. “I know you’re in there. It’s Elliot.”

Hutch watched as Starsky leaned his head back against the wall not moving and not betraying an emotion he might have been feeling.

“This reminds me of Honduras, Dave. Remember?”

Starsky cracked open the front door and he could see Elliot standing near the Yukon parked just off the road near the lake. “I remember you telling me it were just a cake walk when the soldiers came on that village,” Starsky hollered back.

“We got out of there alive, Dave.”

“But not before half the village was torched because of us, Elliot.”

“You know why I’m here.”

“I know.”

“Hand it over.”

“Not a chance.”

“So if we come in, there’s a hell of a good chance half of us would die in the process.”

“At least.”

“Well Dave, I had a feeling you’d pull a stunt like this. Remember Marrakech, Dave? We got so damn drunk after Morley died. Remember what you told me?”

Starsky held his breath remembering the horrific night his buddy had died and he vividly remembered the talk he and Elliot had during their binge.

“I almost couldn’t believe it when you told me so I had to make sure. It took a little while, but I had to know.”

“Goddamn it, Elliot!” Starsky yelled. “What did you do?”

There was a long pause and Starsky swung his head over at Hutch. The questions were in his eyes and Starsky knew what was going to happen next. It was Hutch he didn’t know about.

“Daddy!”

The crying sound of a little boy resonated in Hutch’s ears and tore into his heart. He didn’t think as he stood up and headed to the door. Starsky met him and pulled him to the floor.

“That’s what he wants,” Starsky whispered loudly.

“That’s my son,” Hutch told him viciously not giving a damn about anything but Michael.

“You go out there and you’re dead. Right now he’s playing chess.”

“With Michael’s life!”

“Get a grip! You know as well as I do what he’ll do.”

“If he has Michael, Kira…”

“One thing at a time.”

Starsky eased back to the door and looked through the small opening. He couldn’t see the boy, but his cry still echoed in his ears. “It’s not here, Elliot! You don’t think I’d be stupid enough to carry it around with me.”

“Dave, you know better than to counter me.”

“We trade for the boy, Elliot!”

“We’ll trade, Dave. But you come included. Get me?”

Starsky sighed and looked down at the gun in his hand. “I get you.”

“12 hours from now at your best friend’s place. Oh, that’s right, Dave. I forgot. Have you killed him, yet?”

Starsky looked over at Hutch whose fury on his face was unmistakable. They heard the clear sound of car doors slamming and it didn’t take long for the sound of the vehicle was heard driving away. Hutch barreled past Starsky and burst through the door.

When Starsky got to Hutch, he looked down the road at the disappearing headlights. “If we follow them, they won’t hesitate to use him.”

Hutch swung his fist at Starsky. It connected and Starsky fell back reeling from the impact. Hutch leaned down and yanked Starsky to his feet. “What the hell did you do? They took him because of you!”

“They would have taken him whether I was here or not to get at me.”

Hutch shoved Starsky away from him. He ran his hand over his face and looked down at the empty road feeling his heart torn in pieces. He looked over at Starsky who was headed back to the cabin. Hutch caught up with him and yanked his arm to turn him around. “You tell me what they want.” Hutch’s voice was low and the fury coming from him was barely containable.

“I have enough to sink his entire organization.”

“Tell me who that man is, Starsky.”

Starsky was ready to tell Hutch to go to hell, but when he looked into his eyes, he knew now Hutch had to know everything. “Elliot Cameron. We worked together for awhile.”

“I know there’s more.” Hutch clenched his fists ready to beat it out of Starsky.

“I’m a spook, Hutch. I became the kind of person you’ve always hated. They sent me and Rick Morley inside to shut him down.”

“He’s dead from the way he tells it.”

“From an op we ran eight months ago.”

“What’s this Cameron into?”

“Drugs, guns and some government toppling along the way. If you gotta know, Hutch, I got just as dirty as Cameron to get what I have on him.”

“Yeah, I gotta know. Somewhere along the way while you were rolling in the mud with these people, it’s what got your wife and child killed. Now they have Michael. When does it stop, Starsky? How many more people have to die?”

“Just one more,” Starsky said quietly with vengeance in his eyes.

Starsky turned away and walked into the cabin leaving Hutch standing outside contemplating this new turn of events.

~~~~~

It was early morning as Huggy and Dobey sat at the kitchen table with an old army buddy of Starsky’s. Huggy had remembered Starsky telling him a month before he left that he was planning on seeing him. It was a shot and hopefully they could discover something that would get them somehow on the right track.

Robert Schroeder was a plain looking man with thinning brown hair and hazel eyes. Nothing really stood out about the man but Huggy recalled how close Starsky had become with him during his time in Vietnam.

“Mr. Schroeder,” Dobey began.

“Bob, please.”

“We understand Dave Starsky came to see you several years ago.”

“Yeah, it was a surprise I’ve got to tell you. We talked to each other on the phone occasionally, but he just showed up here out of the blue.”

“It must’ve been some blast to see him,” Huggy stated.

“I never expected him to show up. We talked about old times and the next thing I know we’re talking about a few of the missions we had with some of the local spooks.”

“Local spooks?” Dobey asked.

“Yeah, they were spooks who lived among the locals. Most of them were in pretty deep and hard to get to. They fed their Intel to their contact who made sure we knew where to hit Charlie at.”

“Why would Starsky be interested in them?” Huggy inquired.

“You got me. He hated the bastards when we were in country. They never really gave a damn about the people they were dealing with. Just the games they played with their lives.”

“What else, Bob?”

“He was asking about names. I asked him why he was interested and he just said he thought a new line of work was in order. I told him he was crazy.”

“Jesus,” Huggy said softly.

“He said he probably was.”

“Where did you send him?”

“There was one that was a decent sort and he managed to come out of ‘Nam with his head on straight. His name was Ramsey Malone. He’s shuffling papers out at Langley. He’s got the connections if Dave decided to work for them.”

“We appreciate your time,” Dobey said standing up.

They finished up their conversation and as they were walking out, Huggy stuck his hands in his pockets. “I don’t get it. Why would Starsky be interested in working for the likes of the CIA?”

“I don’t know, Huggy. Starsky was well on his way to getting back out on the street after the shooting.”

Huggy stopped at the car and looked over at Dobey. “We knew when he left without a word that we thought he might have found out about Hutch and Kira before they had a chance to tell him. I can’t believe he’d go CIA just like that.”

“Hutch said he and Starsky had never had a chance to really talk about what had gone on between them after that fiasco. Then Starsky’s shot and damn near dies. It’s no surprise the subject never came up.”

“This Ramsey Malone may not even tell us what we want to know given what’s involved.”

“Starsky faked his death, Huggy. Makes you wonder what was going on for him to go to the lengths he has.”

“Yeah,” Huggy agreed leaning against the car. “You said that witness gave a pretty close description of him at that parking garage. He’s alive.”

“He’s alive and he’s back. What the hell is going on”, Dobey mumbled. Dobey shook his head and ran his hand over his head. He stopped and looked up at Huggy with knowing eyes. “The shootout at the hotel. I got Hutch’s reports on that. There was a duffel bag with jeans, shirts and miscellaneous.”

“So?”

“Same size as Starsky.”

“Cap, that’s a stretch.”

“Maybe, but I don’t thinks so. David Smith registered at that hotel could be David Starsky.”

“No,” Huggy said with a firm shake of his head. “Hutch said he thought that dude was the phantom. Starsky don’t do that covert shit.”

“It makes sense at this point. Whoever came after him found him at the hotel, at Hutch’s and at that garage. Some dangerous people are out to kill him.”

Huggy didn’t want to believe it. Hell, he couldn’t. But when it was laid out, it seemed to add up. As hard as it was to swallow, he knew it was a possibility. They weren’t any closer to finding Hutch than they were when they started this.

~~~~~

Hutch parked the car in the garage at Metro Division. He looked over at Starsky who sat quietly in the passenger seat smoking a cigarette. Before leaving the cabin, Hutch had told Starsky they were heading here to plan a strategy in getting Michael back and taking down Elliot Cameron.

They had fought bitterly over it, but Hutch made it clear that whether Starsky went in alone it would be done with the support of the authorities. Hutch had given Starsky a choice. Either help in the planning or go it alone. Hutch and the police department would be there whether he likes it or not. Starsky knew he had no choice in the matter.

Now as they sat in the car, Starsky blew the smoke out of his mouth barely able to believe he was back after all this time. He had never really believed he would ever come back to this place. He looked over at Hutch who was stepping out of the car. Starsky finished off the cigarette and tossed it aside. He got out of the car and looked over at Hutch.

As Starsky began the long walk to Dobey’s office, police officers who had known him, stopped dead in their tracks not believing what they were seeing. Starsky showed no emotion as he walked through the hallways. People stopped and parted as Starsky walked past them with Hutch behind him.

He paused at he doors of the squad room before finally pushing them open. Starsky took two steps inside and stopped. He took his time looking around the room and when he heard the sound of breaking glass he swung his head over towards the coffee machine.

Minnie stood with her eyes wide and her hands covering her mouth. Starsky could see her ghost white face and the shock in her eyes. He gave her a small nod before taking a step forward. Starsky got to Dobey’s door and he started to put his hand on the door knob. He stopped and brought his hand down. A thousand thoughts ran through his head and he looked over at Hutch who stepped up to open the door for him.

The door swung open and Dobey looked up from his desk. His mouth came open at the sight of Starsky standing in the door. He slowly stood up as Starsky walked inside with Hutch behind him. “My mind knew you were alive, but it never really hit me till just now.”

“Captain.”

Dobey walked around his desk and stood in front of Starsky. He put his hands on Starsky’s shoulders and looked at him in the eye. “It’s good to see you, Dave.”

Starsky gave him a small nod. Dobey looked over at Hutch who stood away with his arms crossed. “Kira called and told me you both were on your way.”

Dobey walked past Starsky over to the door and opened it. “Malcolm.”

The young officer appeared and his eyes found Starsky. He looked back over at Dobey. “Yes, sir.”

“Take Starsky to interrogation room three. Get him some coffee and keep him company.”

“Cap,” Starsky began.

“Go, Dave. We’ll be down there shortly.”

Starsky turned and followed the young officer out the door. As soon the door was closed Dobey sat back down behind his desk. “Okay, Hutch. I’m listening.”

“I’ve got a plan on getting Michael back and taking this bastard down.”

“How much time do we have?”

“Less than three hours. We need to have people in place in two hours.”

“I’ve got a group waiting in the conference room. They’ll be ready. What about Starsky?”

“I don’t know.” Hutch sighed and dropped down into a chair. “He’s not the same, Cap. Hell, neither of us is.”

“A lot has happened. How much does he know?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe most of it.”

“How’s Kira holding up?”

“They somehow managed to track her and Michael down. She tried to put up a fight. She’s with her mother.”

“Let’s head to the conference room and get this thing going. You can get Starsky.”

“Cap, if you don’t mind, I want Starsky to sit this one out.”

“Why?”

“Trust.” Hutch sighed and ran his hand over his face. “I don’t trust him right now any more than he trusts me.”

“I’ll expect the full story, Hutchinson, after the dust has settled.”

Hutch knew he’d have to explain everything that had happened in the last 24 hours and he tried to force it from his mind as he followed Dobey to the conference room. It was 45 minutes later he arrived at the interrogation room where Starsky sat waiting for him.

Hutch closed the door behind him and leaned against the wall. He crossed his arms and looked over at Starsky who sat back in the chair playing with the lighter in his hand.

Starsky’s eyes shifted to Hutch and back down to the lighter in his hand. “You’ve already laid it all out, haven’t you?”

“We leave in thirty minutes. You and I will go in and the trade will be made. I’ll take Michael out of there and then the team will move in.”

“You’ll get a hell of a lot of people killed and possibly myself included.”

“It’s already set, Starsky. You follow the script and everyone will walk out of there.”

Starsky shoved the lighter in his pocket and stood up. “You have no idea what kind of people you’re dealing with here. Elliot Cameron always has a plan b.”

“Cameron is expecting you to do what he knows you to do. He’s not counting on me.”

“You’re naïve, Hutch. That’s what’ll get a hell of a lot of people killed. Maybe even Michael.”

“You’re the one that brought these people to my home,” Hutch said pushing away from the wall. “Since you have shown up, you’ve put a gun to my head, kidnapped me and damn near got me killed along with my family. And now they have Michael. Don’t expect me to follow those same goddamn rules you’ve been living your life by for the last five years. That’s what got your wife and daughter killed!”

Starsky slammed Hutch against the wall and gave him a lethal look. The door swung open and Dobey’s eyes were angry at the sight he was seeing. “That’s enough! We’ve got work to do!”

Starsky was slow to release Hutch and when he did, he stepped back. Starsky was silent as he brushed past Dobey. Hutch looked over at the door where Dobey stood. “I’m sorry, Captain. A lot’s happened.”

“I know.” Dobey’s look was full of understanding and he hated the scene he had just witnessed. He could only hope when it was over some piece could be found somewhere.

~~~~~

Hutch drove the car down the quiet middle class neighborhood. The sun showed bright through the trees. It was as if it was any other normal day. A man sat on his porch reading his paper. One a few houses down was mowing his lawn. The mailman was on his route. A garbage truck was collecting trash a few houses down from Hutch’s.

He pulled the car into the drive and turned off the ignition. Hutch looked over at Starsky who still wasn’t pleased with the plan. “By the numbers, Starsk.”

“Yeah.” Starsky opened the car door and stepped out. Hutch followed him to the front door.

Starsky was slow to open the door and when he walked in he saw Elliot sitting on the couch with Michael next to him. The boy’s dark brown hair was pushed away from his face and when he looked up, the dark blue eyes Starsky was so familiar with stared back at him.

Hutch walked in to stand next to Starsky and Michael immediately stood up. Elliot kept his hand on Michael’s shoulder. Elliot motioned to one of his men who walked over to Starsky and Hutch. After a quick search, he nodded to Elliot letting him know they were unarmed. He smiled a bit at Starsky and then let the boy go. Michael ran over to Hutch who grabbed him tightly. “Daddy,” he cried.

Hutch lifted Michael in his arms and held him tightly.

“Father and son reunions are something, aren’t they, Dave?”

Starsky shifted his attention back to Elliot. He didn’t allow himself to show any emotion knowing Hutch was not about to let Michael go.

Hutch turned to leave when he was brought up short by one of Elliot’s men at the door. “Dave, I get what I want first.”

“I’m leaving with my son and there’s not a damn thing you can do to stop me,” Hutch warned.

“Dave?”

Starsky turned around and walked to the shelf in the corner of the living room. He reached for the bear sitting at the top. Starsky pulled it down and began ripping open the back. He reached inside and pulled out a small black disk. Starsky gently squeezed the bear before setting it down. He walked over to Elliot and handed him the disk.

Elliot nodded and Hutch quickly escaped with Michael. Elliot played with the disk in his hand and smiled. “Dave, I trusted you, my friend. I opened up my home to you and made you a part of my life.”

“Elliot, didn’t it occur to you that maybe I made copies of that disk? Plan b, that’s what you always told me.”

“Of course, Dave. That’s why by the time I finish with you, you’ll be begging to tell me if you actually did make copies. This won’t be pretty and I have to admit, I’m going to enjoy it.”

Starsky had seen Elliot at work before and it was always ugly. In fact, he had hated it and the first time he had witnessed Elliot’s sadistic streak he had actually lost his lunch.

Hutch had rushed out to the car where a blonde headed cop waited for him. After getting Michael into the car, Hutch retrieved his gun and slipped his jacket off. He handed it off to the cop who slipped it on. Hutch slipped behind some bushes while the officer drove away in his car.

He glanced around at the normal neighborhood and watched as the normalcy changed. The ones he had seen when he had driven down the street had quickly disappeared and Hutch knew they were surrounding the house ready to make their move.

Hutch crept around to the side of the house and jumped the fence. He found the window to his bedroom and quietly slid it open. He looked back at the two officers who had successfully played the part of garbage men. He slipped inside followed by one of the officers.

Hutch motioned the number of men inside to him. He looked down at his watch and he knew everyone was in place now. Hutch went to the door and peaked through it down the hallway. He could hear the quiet voices coming from the living room but no visual on the men in his home.

He looked across the hall and he saw the crack open just a bit. Two members from SWAT were in Michael’s room waiting for the signal to move.

Starsky never let his hard gaze waver from Elliot’s face. Suddenly the breaking of a window could be heard and a canister landed not far from him. He looked back up at Elliot who had jumped up from his chair. Elliot aimed his gun at Starsky and suddenly the room filled with tear gas. Starsky took the opportunity and dove at Elliot.

He tackled him down to the floor wrestling with him for control of the gun. Vision was down to nothing as the room quickly filled with yells. Starsky felt a hard hit to the side of the head and he saw stars. Elliot took advantage by throwing Starsky off of him. He stood up just as the smoke parted and he saw Hutch shoving one of his men against the wall.

Elliot aimed the gun at Hutch. Starsky’s eyes widened and he ran at Elliot just as the gun went off. Starsky saw the bullets hit Hutch square in the chest. He grabbed a gun laying on the floor and aimed it at Elliot. Starsky didn’t blink as he unloaded the bullets into Elliot who crumpled to the floor.

The smoke from the tear gas was quickly dispersing and Elliot Cameron’s men were giving up. Starsky scrambled over to Hutch who lay unconscious on the floor. He ripped at his shirt and breathed a sigh of relief at the bullet proof vest he was wearing.

Hutch moaned and his eyes flickered open. He saw Starsky leaning over him and Hutch wasn’t quite sure what to say to him. He looked over at Dobey who appeared behind Starsky.

“Dave,” Dobey said.

Starsky stood up and he could see the regret in Dobey’s eyes. “I’m sorry, son. But this is the way it has to be.”

Starsky gave him a nod knowing what was going to happen. He turned around as the uniformed officer came up behind him. Starsky held his arms out as he was patted down. He looked down at Hutch who was holding his ribs and pushing himself to a sitting position.

The cuffs were put on Starsky and he was lead outside. As he walked across the lawn, more police cars showed up. Starsky’s attention was grabbed by a beautiful woman who was pushing her way through the crowds. He almost stopped at the sight of Kira who froze when she saw him. He kept his eyes on her as he was pulled towards a police car. Kira’s eyes went past him and she broke through the police standing guard.

Starsky stood by the car as the door was opened for him. He saw Kira running and his eyes tracked her as she threw herself into Hutch’s arms. Starsky watched them as they tightly held each other. He was put inside the patrol car and he continued staring at Hutch and Kira. His focus then shifted to the small boy who was being led to them by one of the officers.

Starsky felt his chest tighten as Hutch picked him up and hugged him. He blinked away the tears which threatened to overwhelm him as the three of them gathered together holding each other. He witnessed Hutch giving the boy a kiss on the cheek. Kira smiled and touched Hutch’s face.

The patrol car began driving away and Starsky leaned back in the seat. It was only the first act. Starsky already knew what his next move would be.

~~~~~

Kira pushed the door open and walked into the exam room where Hutch was putting his shirt on. She gave him a weak smile as she stopped to stand next to him. Hutch buttoned his shirt on and looked over at her.

“Nothing’s broken, but I’m sore as hell.”

“It’s true, then? I saw him?”

“Yeah,” Hutch said with a grim look. “I wished I could’ve told you earlier.”

“I know.”

“Where’s Michael?”

“At Huggy’s. Meredith is going to pick him up on her way home.”

“Good. I have to go to the precinct. There’s a hell of a mess to deal with.”

“Its okay, Ken. I know.”

“Kira, about…”

“I’m sorry. You were right. I should’ve waited.”

“No, honey, I’m glad you and Michael weren’t there. You’ll understand when I tell you everything.”

“It’s just that with everything that’s happened, I thought…,” Kira wiped away a tear and looked up at Hutch. “Ken, all I know right now is that I thought I was going to die when I thought I was going to loose you and Michael. I didn’t realize how much I truly love you until I almost lost you today.”

Hutch pulled Kira close and held her tightly. He inhaled the scent of her perfume and buried his face in her hair. “I do love you, Kira. I hate how much we’ve hurt each other.”

Kira pulled back and looked into Hutch’s eyes. “I want to try again. I need you so much.”

Hutch smiled at Kira feeling relieved at hearing the words. “Do you want to try marriage counseling?”

“I want to take it one day at a time.”

Hutch smiled. He pushed the hair away from Kira’s face and touched her cheek. “Me, too.”

“What about Dave?”

“I don’t know yet. I’ll talk to him today.”

“I’ll be at home. Edith and Meredith are coming over to help me clean up.”

“I’ll call you as soon as I can.”

Kira stepped close and gave Hutch a tender kiss on the lips. He returned it with hope that somehow they could find a way to settle the past, live in the present and work towards a decent future for all of them.

~~~~~

Starsky sat on the top bunk of the private cell he had been placed in. His left leg hung over the side and it swung back and forth. He looked over at the door opening and Hutch walked inside with his hands in his pockets.

It had been several hours since he had been taken away and he knew very little information at this point. Dobey had talked to him, but Starsky didn’t have much to say to him in regards to Hutch, Kira or Michael. Starsky didn’t feel quite ready to let anyone get too close to him at this point.

“They tell me you’re going to be released in a couple of hours.”

Starsky pulled a cigarette out and lit it. He gave Hutch a side look and looked away. “We were both right. I got put in a cell and I’m walking.”

“You’re friend Ramsey Malone pulled some strings. The CIA’s official version of what happened let’s you off the hook completely. Hell, they’re even giving you a commendation.”

“Is that why you came here?”

“I want to know what you’re going to do when you get out of here.”

“I hate giving away the best part of a story.” Starsky took a drag off his cigarette and then jumped down from the bunk. He walked over to the bars and leaned against them resting an arm through them. “I’m thinkin’ of staying around for awhile. I might even be able to get a job in this town being that I’m a hero and all.”

“You seemed rather intent on leaving not too long ago.”

“I also said that I say when it’s all said and done.”

Hutch looked into Starsky’s eyes and he didn’t recognize the dark look in them. “What are you up to, Starsk?”

Starsky took a drag from his smoke and turned away from Hutch. He went to the bottom bunk and sat down. Hutch knew Starsky wouldn’t answer his question and he slowly turned around. He hated the wall between them and with each passing moment it was getting taller.

~~~~~

Over the next week Hutch had tried to see Starsky, but there was always some excuse. He knew Starsky was intentionally avoiding him and he was beginning to feel uneasy. He had heard Starsky was house hunting. Hutch wasn’t too surprised at Starsky being offered a position at the police academy. By all accounts, Starsky was welcomed back by all those he had walked away from five years ago.

Starsky on the other hand was biding his time. He had found a three bedroom house with a large yard in a good neighborhood. He liked it and he thought it would do just great. He had put away most of his earnings during his time with the CIA and they had little problem in letting him go. The job with the police academy had been a surprise and Starsky had jumped on it.

He would be training young cadets in areas such as hand to hand combat and weapons. Starsky had only began working a few days ago and he enjoyed it much better than he had thought he would. It was after a phone call from Ramsey that he decided to make his move. Upon discovering the man who had murdered his wife and daughter had been killed by Elliot, Starsky was on the verge of going on binge.

He had been cheated out of so much in his life and this was no different. Starsky was angry as hell this one thing was taken from him. He put the bottle away and walked over to the phone. He picked it up intent on taking back the one thing he knew he could.

~~~~~

Hutch was hunched over his desk with Dobey looking on. Even after two weeks, they were still mopping up the mess Starsky had dragged with him upon his arrival. The information Starsky had gathered turned out to be much more than anyone anticipated. They had shut down a drug and weapons ring in their very own city which Elliot had operating under their noses.

Dobey and Hutch looked up at the opening of the door and a tall man with a bald head walked through. He left the door open as he approached Hutch’s desk. “Kenneth Hutchinson?”

“Yes, can I help you?”

The man reached inside his jacket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “You have been served.”

Hutch sat blankly at his desk as the man tossed the paper down on his desk and walked out still leaving the door open. Hutch reached for the paper and picked it up. He opened it up and quickl