A Loss
Starsky glanced over his shoulder he could hardly believe it was the end. He had her before he joined the police academy. He took a deep breath and sighed. Hutch placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It'll be okay, Starsk," Hutch said in a soft tone. He always knew when his partner was hurting and part of him hurt too.
"I know. I'm gonna miss her. Drive me to Huggy's, okay? I need a beer."
Hutch nodded and they got into the car. Starsky didn't look back any more. It was over. He would never see her again. "I'll always have good memories of her, ya know?"
"Yeah, I know. I'll never forget the first time I saw her."
Starsky managed a grin. "You didn't like her at first."
"We'll let's just say she wasn't what I was expecting."
They went to Huggy Bear's and had a few beers. He promised to pick Starsky up for work early the next day and take him to his favorite place for breakfast, even though the thought of Greasy Joe's turned Hutch's stomach. Hutch stayed with Starsky until he fell asleep then he quietly shut the door on his way out.
As promised, early the next morning Hutch picked Starsky up and they went to Greasy Joe's for breakfast. It wasn't as bad as Hutch thought it was going to be. "Are you feeling a little better today, Buddy?" Hutch asked as Starsky finished the last of his bacon and eggs.
"Starsk, do you think we could stop by a couple of places while were out today?"
"I guess."
Hutch hated to see his best friend so down in the dumps but he made plans that he was sure would cheer him up. "Good, cause I know a place I think you're gonna love, wanna go?"
Starsky shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe."
"Let's get going or we will hear it from Dobey." Hutch paid the bill while Starsky slowly walked outside.
It was the third place Hutch drove to when Starsky saw it. Hutch knew immediately it was the one. "Hutch, that's it! It's perfect."
'No please, not that one' Hutch thought to himself. Not that one.
It was too late, Starsky jumped out before Hutch could even park. He ran up to it and opened the door, got inside and put his hands on the steering wheel. The salesman came out and before Hutch could protest, the deal was done.
"I loved my old one but this, this Candy Apple Red Torino is just, well it's just perfect for us."
As much as Hutch hated Starsky's new car, he was glad to see his friend happy again. He watched as Starsky drove around in circles and brought it to a screeching halt. He slapped Hutch on the shoulder and said, "Tomorrow, I'm driving."