WORDS TO LIVE BY
Minnie was devastated.
It was late evening as Minnie walked into the squad room; The lighting subdued as was the atmosphere. The usual chaotic clamor of activity replaced with a low buzz as the dazed officers carried out their duties.
They were all trying to make sense of the last few hours.
No one knew for sure what the truth was. The word on the street and office gossip consumed everyone.
She knew better than to believe the word on the street but this time she couldn't ignore it.
The first round of gossip was that a hit had been carried out with the targets being Starsky and Hutch.
The word was that Starsky had died, Hutch by his side and inconsolable.
Her heart was broken.
Her two favorite detectives, especially the curly-haired one, helpless.
A few hours later, the word was that Starsky had survived but was in surgery and wasn't expected to live.
Hutch was so broken that he refused to leave his partner's side.
No Way. Whatever it took, Hutch would get his revenge.
But the word on the street was that neither one would ever be competent to work again.
Enough already. Minnie had to have answers.
She went to Starsky's desk and sat in his chair. She took her glasses off and wiped her eyes as she mourned the partnership she admired, respected and loved.
She pushed herself up off the chair and faced Captain Dobey's door. She knew he would tell her the truth.
She walked with purpose and knocked. There was a muffled, low greeting to enter.
On the other side of the door, she found her captain slumped at his desk, head in his hands.
She squared her shoulders, making herself as tall as possible.
She walked to the desk and patted the man's shoulder. She left her hand there, letting him know she cared. His tired eyes met hers and it was then she realized that the captain also loved Starsky and Hutch.
Dobey raised his head and gave a half smile to his visitor.
"He's got a long road ahead of him Minnie."
"They'll be okay." She said that as much to convince herself as to her companion.
He gave a great sigh and dry-washed his face.
"You get that out there Minnie."
"I will sir."
"No, I mean it." He looked at a half eaten sandwich and frowned. His dark eyes focused as he pointed his finger at Minnie.
"I'm going there in a bit to see him. It's gonna be a celebration."
"That's good to hear sir." She tried to believe it but she was afraid."
"Minnie, the word on the street is this," He hesitated, cleared his throat and continued.
"Watch out, They'll be back stronger than ever.!"