Was it a Dog or Something More

"You know they will both be killed this time if we don't do something," one said to the other.

"I know, but there are rules."

"Rules can be bent, just a little. That's how they became partners, remember?"

"I remember."

"Watch, it's starting." The two looked down and saw Starsky tossing a sandwich to Hutch who was sitting in a window holding a pair of binoculars.

"We have to do something quick. We can't let them be killed. It's not their time they've got so much more to do."

"I know." He thought a minute then said, "I got it. A dog."

"A dog?"

"Sure. Ken will see it and duck."

"And Dave will too. I love it. I don't think that will break any rules. We're allowed to be seen as animals."

"I'd like to be the one to save them this time if that's okay with you."

"Sure, it's your turn. After all, I was the one who helped Ken kick that car door open and escape from Frost."

"These two are keeping us busy for sure."

"Yeah, but I like this assignment."

"Me too."

Hutch looked out of the window and caught a glimpse of a Dalmatian. He had no clue whose dog it was, or how it got there. It was gone before Starsky could see him.

"I'm telling you, Starsk, there was a dog," Hutch was irritated that Starsky had missed seeing the strange dog for the third or fourth time.

"I believe you," Starsky said, but he wasn't too sure about his partner's eye sight. He wondered why Hutch kept seeing a dog and he couldn't. He had better things to worry about than some dog. They had to find that missing heroine. They were not only in trouble with Dobey but Stryker was too. The story Captain Dobey told them about finding his partner, Elmo Jackson, on a meat hook really bothered Starsky. He'd had nightmares about finding Hutch on a meat hook. In his dream, Hutch was still alive asking Starsky why he couldn't get to him sooner. Hutch died in Starsky's arms. Starsky woke up in a cold sweat. That scene played over and over in his mind.

They had just left the apartment when Hutch told him, yet again, to look at the dog. Just to appease Hutch he looked. Hutch was bending down calling the dog when the shots rang out. Hutch took cover behind the car and Starsky followed him. "I love that dog, Starsk."

"Me too, Hutch."

"He saw me," he said as he turned the corner.

"Dave did too. They'll be safe now. Our work is done until next time."

"Can I see them just one more time before we go back?"

"I think that's allowed. But just once more, and as the dog."

"Agreed."

The case solved, Starsky and Hutch were at Huggy's when Hutch looked up and saw the dog standing inside the restaurant. "My dog."

Hutch heard Huggy mumble something about not having friends in the department of health but he went over the dog and petted him with Starsky right behind him.

Later that night, the two were sitting on the cloud watching over the detectives. "You know, Mr. Hutchinson, I'm glad we became friends here in heaven."

"Me too, Mr. Starsky. My Grandson and your son make excellent partners."

"It was a rough go at first. I wasn't sure Ken would join the force and move to Bay City."

"I'm glad HE let us break the rules and influence him."

"They have some tough times ahead, I'm glad they'll always be together."

"I think I'll be a snake the next time I visit them."

"That'll be fun to watch."