It was late in the afternoon. Starsky and Hutch were exiting the commissary located on the lower floor of the police precinct and were making their way back to the squad room.
"Listen to this one Hutch!" Starsky exclaimed as he read from the book he held in his hand 1001 Totally Weird Little Known But True Facts Of The World.
"Starsky…if you read me one more word from that stupid book of yours….So help me god…I'm gonna have Gilberts run it through the shredder!" Hutch threatened.
"No no no…just listen…did you know that the longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds?" Starsky informed his totally uninterested friend.
"Starsky…I…!" Hutch started to argue when a tiny voice called out from behind the two men.
"Ken! The little voice squealed.
Both men stopped and turned. The blond's face immediately lit up when he saw the little girl running towards them followed by a tall attractive blonde woman.
Hutch bent down and scooped the child up in his arms as she covered his face in delicate kisses.
"Hi ya' Pumpkin!" Hutch exclaimed as he returned the young girls affection by placing a series of kisses on each cheek as she hugged his neck.
Hutch then turned his attention to the blonde woman who now stood by his side. "Hello Gorgeous." He said softly as he leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips.
The woman then nodded to the dark haired man standing to Hutch's right. "Hi Dave." She greeted.
"Olivia." Starsky said, returning the salutation with a smile.
"Hey Kido!" Starsky exclaimed as he turned his attention to the child in Hutch's arms, tickling her as she wiggled and giggled whole heartedly.
"I hope you don't mind Ken…Madison just wouldn't let up until I brought her by to see you guys!" the woman said as she straightened the shoulder strap on the child's pink jumpsuit.
"Well I'm glad you did!" Hutch replied as took his turn at tickling the five year old's belly.
"How was school today Sweetheart?" Hutch asked the little girl as she nuzzled her head under his chin and rested it on the blond's shoulder.
The child quickly raised her head.
"It was Bobby Thompson's birthday today and his Mommy brought in cupcakes to share with the class!" she said enthusiastically.
"Oh yeah…what kind?" Starsky asked.
"Chocolate!" the girl squealed.
"Wow…you are so lucky!" Starsky exclaimed as he tugged playfully on the young girl's ponytail, causing her to giggle again.
"Oh Ken…the travel agency called earlier today to confirm our flight and reservations…everything is all set!" the child's mother informed the blond.
"Ah Honey that's terrific!" Hutch replied with a smile.
"Dave…we really wish you'd change your mind and come with us!" the woman said as she pleaded with the dark haired man.
"Now I told you guys a hundred times…I am not gonna intrude in on your two lovebird's honeymoon!" Starsky exclaimed.
"But we…!" she started to argue back.
"No buts!" Starsky interrupted as he held up a finger in the air until she relented.
After frowning and nodding to Starsky she turned back to the blond. "If you have a second Ken…there are a couple of things I'd like to go over with you before I call the agency back if you don't mind?" she asked.
"Sure Babe…let's go grab a seat back inside." Hutch replied as he motioned the woman towards the commissary.
"Come here ya' little Pip-Squeak!" Starsky exclaimed as he reached for the little girl. "Let's let the grown-ups have their little talk while you and I go play at Captain Dobey's desk!" Starsky said as he took the child from Hutch's arms then tucked her under his left arm and toted her off as she laughed uncontrollably.
Hutch and Olivia smiled as they watched the two of them head down the long hallway.
"Don't you go getting her into any kind of trouble Starsky!" Hutch warned jokingly as his partner and the little girl disappeared around the corner.
…..
"You guys all set?" Starsky asked his partner as they walked towards the Torino that sat parked in the police garage parking lot.
"Yep….two weeks from today Olivia, Maddie and I will be enjoying the sun and the surf in the beautiful Caribbean Islands!" Hutch exclaimed happily as his friend smiled back at him.
"Ya' know Hutch….I think it's pretty cool that you two are taking Madison along with ya' on your honeymoon instead of leaving her with Olivia's sister!" Starsky said as they climbed into the Torino.
"She's my heart Starsk…I love that little half pint!" Hutch proclaimed, laying his head back against the seat's head rest, smiling as he thought fondly of the little girl and her mother.
"I…I…I have to keep pinching myself every morning when I get up Starsk…just to make sure I'm not dreaming…that's how happy I am!" Hutch exclaimed joyfully.
Starsky grinned at his partner. It had been a long time since he could recall the blond being so happy. Not since Gillian's death had his partner truly allowed another woman into his heart and he could not have been any happier for him.
It was just over a year ago when a horrible twist of fate brought the two blonde's together.
Olivia's husband, a police officer working Vice Squad, was killed, along with his partner, in a violent shootout during a drug bust that went horribly wrong.
Hutch, who was close to the slain officer, valiantly offered a crying shoulder and a listening ear as he consoled and comforted the young widow and her young daughter through the difficult time period.
He had an enormous admiration for the woman's strong will, an admiration that quickly turned into something much more.
At first, due to the cruel circumstances that brought the two of them together, they were reluctant to express their true feelings for one another out of respect for the fallen officer and the man's little girl.
They soon came to realize that no matter how much they fought against their feelings, fate had a hand in what was happening and they quickly fell madly and deeply in love.
Hutch instantly felt a protective and fatherly love for the small child, drawing her fully into his heart.
The young girl felt a special connection with the blond also, forming a solid bond with the man, accepting him with arms wide opened.
"You're a lucky man Hutch…Olivia is one special lady…and Madison…she's a great kid!" Starsky exclaimed.
"Yeah!" Hutch chuckled as they drove off.
"So…you all ready to have a blast tonight?" Starsky asked his friend as they continued to drive.
"Oh yeah…it's all the girls have been talking about ever since you and Kris decided to throw us the party…I just wish you weren't going to all the trouble and expense of it all Starsk...we would have been just as happy getting together with a small group of friends and family." Hutch told the dark haired man.
"Hey…it's the least I could do since you wouldn't let me throw you a bachelor's party and besides it's not every day that my best friend gets married ya' know!" Starsky said as he slapped Hutch's thigh.
"Yeah…I know….thanks Buddy." Hutch said sincerely as he squeezed Starsky's knee.
Starsky simply nodded with a smile as police dispatch came across the car radio sending them off to their last call of the day.
…
Hutch pulled up in front of Olivia's apartment that evening with plenty of time to spare.
He parked the car and climbed out then went bouncing up the short flight of stairs stopping to adjust his shirt collar when he reached the top step.
Hutch, dressed in black slacks and a black sports jacket knocked on the solid wood door and waited as he whistled a merry tune.
He smiled when he heard the little girl's voice inside say. "I'll get it Mommy!"
Before opening the door Madison called out "Who is it?"
"It's Ken Sweetheart!" Hutch answered back.
The child undid the lock and opened the door, delighted to see the blond waiting on the other side.
"Hi Ken!" the little girl squealed.
"Look at you…my goodness!" Hutch exclaimed as he reached down and picked the little girl up and into his arms giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
Madison was dressed in a soft yellow pastel dress with ribbons in the shape of roses across the front and Hutch thought she looked adorable.
"You are without a doubt the prettiest little girl I have ever laid eyes on!" Hutch added.
The young girl smiled at the sudden attention and she hugged the blond's neck.
"Wait till you see Mommy…she's beautiful!" Madison exclaimed.
"Well where is this beautiful Mommy of yours?" Hutch asked the girl just as her mother came out of the bedroom.
Hutch's jaw dropped when he saw the attractive blond woman coming towards them.
Not taking his eyes off the blonde he lowered the child back down to the floor as he let out the customary wolf whistle.
"Wow….I…I…Wow!" Hutch stammered, completely flabbergasted with the way Olivia looked in her new dress.
"I told you she looked beautiful didn't I?" Madison said as she tugged on Hutch's jacket sleeve.
"Yeah…you sure did sweetheart and she sure is!" Hutch added, still in awe of his lady love.
"Hello Ken." Olivia said as she walked over to Hutch and gave him a kiss.
"Mmmm…helloooo." Hutch replied after the kiss.
"You look amazing Livie." Hutch whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"Oh you know me…I aim to please my man." Olivia said playfully.
"Well let me tell you Darlin' your man is very pleased!" Hutch exclaimed as he wetted his lips.
"Sha'll we go?" Olivia suggested as she reached for her wrap that was draped across the sofa.
Hutch took the wrap from her and draped it around her shoulders, kissing the back of her neck.
Hutch held out his hand for Madison to take and he led her out the door and down the steps to the car as Olivia followed close behind.
…
"Oh my Ken….look at everyone!" Olivia exclaimed when they walked into Huggy's.
"Mommy are all these people here to see us?" Madison asked as she looked around the room at everyone.
"Yes Baby they are…isn't it wonderful!" Olivia said to the child.
"My man…my man!" Huggy exclaimed as he greeted Hutch.
"Hey Hug!" Hutch replied as he shook his friend's hand.
"And will you look at these two visions of loveliness!" Huggy added as he hugged Olivia then tweaked the young girl's nose.
"Hi Huggy!" the little girl said.
"Hi Darlin'!" Huggy replied with a huge smile.
All the guests greeted the happy couple and child as they walked about the room shaking hands and giving hugs and kisses as they went along.
Starsky watched his partner from across the room and grinned from ear to ear.
Standing by Starsky's side was the woman he'd been dating steadily for the past eight months, a dark haired beauty who complimented Starsky very well.
Hutch spotted the two of them and made his way over while Olivia and Madison mingled with the other guests.
The blond walked up to them and stopped and shook his head at his best friend.
"C'mere you!" Hutch exclaimed as he pulled Starsky into him, embracing him tightly, rocking him back and forth in his arms.
They stood there holding each other for several seconds.
"Thanks Buddy." Hutch whispered into Starsky's ear as he buried his face in Starsky's dark curls.
"This is incredible…you went to an awfully lot of work…this is too much!" Hutch exclaimed as he waved his hand out in front of him.
"What this?" "This is nothing!" Starsky replied modestly.
"Hey…I helped a little too…don't I get a hug?" the dark haired woman asked.
Hutch, realizing he pretty much ignored the woman when he came over, smiled and gave the woman a hug and kiss. "Thank you Kris…everything looks beautiful!" Hutch said graciously.
"You two really went overboard!" a female voice said from behind Hutch.
"Oh my god Olivia…you amazing…doesn't she Dave?" Kris exclaimed as she coveted Olivia's dress.
"Wow…she sure does!" Starsky replied, admiring her beauty.
"I could say the same about you!" Olivia said to the brunette returning the compliment.
"I'll second that one!" Hutch chimed in winking at the dark haired woman.
Hey where's Maddie?" Hutch asked as he noticed the little girl was not close by.
"Oh my father kidnapped her as soon as he saw her!" Olivia said jokingly as they observed the little girl across the room giggling as she sat in her grandfather's lap.
"Come on Liv…let's go mingle!" Kris said as she took Olivia's hand and pulled her towards the other guests.
Starsky commented as the guys watched their ladies walk away. "Hutchinson…you are one lucky man!"
"Mmmm…you did pretty good yourself there Partner!" Hutch replied as they admired both women.
"Yeah…I sure did!" Starsky agreed, smiling at the dark haired woman who just happened to be looking his way.
…..
As the party progressed on into the night everyone continued to enjoy themselves as they danced and drank and ate.
Hutch was engrossed in a riveting conversation with Olivia's uncle when the sound of glass clanging caught his and everyone else's attention.
"Okay everybody…If I could please have everybody's attention!" Starsky called out.
He waited for the room to quiet down before continuing.
I would like to make a toast….to Hutch and his lovely bride to be Olivia!" Starsky proclaimed as he raised his glass of champagne and nodded to the couple.
Hutch smiled back at his partner as Starsky walked over to him and placed his hand on the blond's shoulder.
""First of all I'd like to thank everyone for coming out tonight to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of these two incredible human beings. As most of you all know…Hutch and I have a history. He's not only my partner…he my best friend. I can't begin to tell you all how happy I was when he asked me to be his best man…because now it only proves for once and for all…that I really am in fact…the best man!" Starsky joked as he slapped Hutch on the back while a round of laughter filled the room, including Hutch's.
"Hutch and I have known each other since the academy…ohhh the stories I could tell you about this guy back then Olivia!" Starsky teased as a slightly worried look came to Hutch's face. "But you might change your mind about marrying Blondie so we won't go there!"
Hutch looked over at Olivia and shook his head as she leaned over and placed her cheek on his shoulder.
"When Hutch and I first met we pretty much clicked right away, even though we were total opposites in every way possible, I felt an eerie connection with this him…sorta an unspoken chemistry between us…and naturally with me being the smarter one…I had to help him with all his exams…ya' know trying to help him any way I could to get him through to graduation!" Starsky went on as Hutch rolled his eyes.
"Well he eventually managed to squeak by with so-so grades…we graduated and joined the force directly after…Hutch and I were to be partnered up with other partners for the next year or so…Hutch one…me several!" Starsky snickered as well as Hutch.
"I just never seemed to click with my other partners…wasn't sure why…until one day Hutch and I got the news from Captain Dobey that they were teaming the two of us up…and we went out on our first assignment…and that old chemistry we once knew just clicked again right away…and I knew then and there the real reason it never seemed right with all my other partners was…none of them were Hutch." Starsky said with tear-filled eyes as he squeezed Hutch's shoulder.
Hutch clasped Starsky's hand that rested on his shoulder and held it tight as Starsky continued.
"Now years later Hutch and I have became pretty tight…we both have helped each other through some really tough times…times when we both felt like backing it in…he's is without a doubt the best friend a man could ever ask for…he's not only my partner…he's my confidant…my brother…my soul mate." Starsky said lovingly as Hutch continued to hold his hand.
"So when he told me he was going to marry Olivia I immediately thought…what the hell is wrong with her?" Starsky joked as Hutch poked him in the side while Olivia laughed hysterically.
"No seriously folks…" Starsky said as he squeezed Hutch's shoulder again before moving over to Olivia's side.
"Olivia….god…doesn't she just look gorgeous tonight?" Starsky asked as the crowd applauded and whistled, including Hutch.
"Olivia…although it was under extreme misfortune…the events that brought the two of you together…I believe…and so do many others that it was also fate…for never have I seen two people more in love then the two of you…..and never would I trust anyone more than you with Hutch's heart!" Starsky added causing Olivia to tear up.
Hutch reached over and took Olivia's hand in his and brought it to his lips.
Starsky bent down and kissed the top of Olivia's head as she touched his cheek whispering a quiet thank you.
Starsky stood upright and walked over to the little girl sitting between her mother and grandfather.
"We are not only celebrating the union of two kindred souls…we are also celebrating the union of a very special family….C'mere short stuff!" Starsky said adoringly as he reached down and gathered Madison into his arms.
"Say hello to everybody Maddie!" Starsky said as he held the microphone in front of the little girl's face.
Madison reached over and grabbed the microphone from Starsky unexpectedly and said. "Helloooo!" as it echoed loudly throughout the room.
The room instantly filled with the sound of laughter.
Starsky tried to take the microphone from the child but she pulled away.
"I wanna sing a song..….The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout….down came….!" The little girl sang as her mother stood up and shook her head no, that they would sing later and she took the mike from the little girl and handed it back to Starsky as the crowd continued to roar.
Starsky sat the little girl back down in her chair and carried on. "Well I guess it's true what they say….never work with animals or children…they always try to upstage ya'!"
Hutch was laughing so hard there were tears in his eyes.
Starsky made his way back over to Hutch's side.
"Hutch…Olivia…Madison" Starsky said as he looked at the three of them. "The truest meaning of a marriage is being needed by another person…but with this union…the three of you have come together to share your lives and realize your dreams. This is only the beginning…for you will have many joyous years to come. Starsky said as he started to choke up.
"Let me be the first to toast to your peace and happiness in your new life together and may God bless your union…I love you all very much!" Starsky said as he raised his glass to the guests of honor.
The other guests all raised their own glasses and cheered the happy couple as Hutch got to his feet and pulled Starsky against him in a bone crushing bear hug as a resounding "Awww!" filled the room.
When the men pulled away there were tears in their eyes.
"That was beautiful Starsk….just beautiful!" Hutch said as he placed a kiss on Starsky's cheek. "I love you too Buddy."
…
Hutch stood in the doorway with Madison in his arms and Olivia by his side as they shook hands, thanking the guest for coming as they made their exits while Starsky stood on the other side of the doorway doing the same.
Captain Dobey and his family and Olivia's parents were some of the last guests to leave.
When Dobey, his wife and children came to the door to say goodnight he shook Hutch's hand firmly.
"Hutchinson…Olivia…it was a wonderful evening…we wish you all the best….see you Monday morning." Dobey said to the blond.
"Thanks Cap…thanks for coming tonight." Hutch said to his superior.
"We wouldn't have missed it for the world Ken!" Edith Dobey exclaimed as Hutch placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you Edith…Harold." Olivia said as she hugged them both.
"Starsky…excellent job this evening!" Dobey said as he shook Starsky's hand.
Edith agreed whole heartedly as she gave him a hug and wished him goodnight.
The last people to leave were Olivia's parents.
Olivia's father stopped and shook Hutch's hand.
"I just want to tell you Ken how proud I am in getting you for a son in-law…you helped my little girl through some really tough times when we lost Ned and the family appreciates that." Olivia's father said, referring to Olivia's late husband.
"Elsie and I truly believe that she found an honest…decent...loving man when she found you…there's no one I would trust more with my daughters and granddaughters happiness." Olivia's father stated sincerely.
"Thank you Earl…I think you know how important Olivia and Madison are to me…they mean the world to me and I give you my solemn promise to love and care for them as long as I live." Hutch proclaimed as Olivia's father shook his hand firmly then hugged the little girl he held in his arms.
"I know you will Son." Olivia's father added.
"Thanks Daddy." Olivia said as she kissed her father goodnight.
Her father then kissed Madison on the cheek and exited shaking Starsky's hand and telling him what a great job he did with the party and his speech.
"Goodnight Mom…I'll call you tomorrow." Olivia said as she kissed and hugged her mother.
"Goodnight Dear…everything was just so lovely." Olivia's mother replied.
"Ken…thank you…for everything!" Olivia's mother said to Hutch as he kissed her cheek softly.
"And thank you Elsie…for giving me this beautiful woman to love." Hutch said as he wrapped his arm around Olivia's waist.
"Goodnight my Angel!" Elsie said as she kissed the tip of Madison's nose.
"Night Grammy!" Madison replied happily.
"Goodnight David…everything was just perfect!" Olivia's mother stated as she received a hug and kiss from Starsky before leaving.
"Thank you Mrs. Maxwell…have a good night." Starsky said as she walked out with her husband.
When the last of the night's guest finally left Hutch turned to Huggy and sighed.
"Well…that was some evening…let me help you clean this place up before we…." Hutch said as he started to hand the child in his arms off to her mother.
"Uh uh…This is your guy's night!" Huggy protested.
"The three of you go home and enjoy the rest of the evening…besides…I ain't touching none of this mess till tomorrow anyways." Huggy said as he looked around the room.
"Well thanks Hug." Hutch said as he patted Huggy on the back.
"What do you call that….C'mere and give me some sugar…all three of you!" Huggy exclaimed as he pulled them in for a hug.
"You're the best Hug…thank you!" Olivia said as she gave him a peck on the cheek.
"I know…but don't let that get out on the street…It'll ruin my reputation!" Huggy replied jokingly.
"Are we ready then?" Olivia asked the blond. "We gotta get Madison to bed" she added when she noticed the little girl yawning sleepily.
"Goodnight Hug!" both Hutch and Olivia said simultaneously as they started to exit The Pits.
"Night Huggy!" Madison called out.
"Goodnight Sweetheart!" Huggy replied as he waved to the child before she disappeared out the door.
"Thanks again for all your help Hug…couldn't have done it without ya'" Starsky exclaimed as he slapped Huggy on the back. "See ya'"
"Yes…Goodnight Huggy." Kris added as Starsky took her arm and led her out the door.
"Take care…drive safe." Huggy replied, getting ready to call it a night as well.
Everyone made their way to their respective vehicles and Hutch opened the back car door and placed Madison in the car seat, buckling her up securely.
"So I guess we'll see you guys at the beach tomorrow!" Olivia said as Hutch closed the back car door.
"Yessss!…I'm so looking forward to a nice relaxing day for a change!" Kris exclaimed.
"Well we'll bring lunch…you guys just bring your appetites!" Olivia replied.
"Sounds good to me!" Starsky exclaimed happily.
"Thanks again you two…you guys are terrific!" Olivia said as she hugged Kris then Starsky.
Hutch helped Olivia in to the front seat then closed the door.
Without saying a word, Hutch gave Kris a hug then pulled Starsky in for one as well.
"See you two tomorrow." Hutch said as he made his way around to the driver's side of the car.
Starsky waved to the little girl in the back seat and she waved back as they pulled away.
…..
Hutch sat in the living room trying to unwind while Olivia helped Madison get ready for bed.
"Maddie wants you to tuck her in Ken!" Olivia called to the blond from the child's bedroom doorway.
Hutch smiled as he got up and walked over to the doorway.
This was his favorite part of the evening whenever he was able to spend the nights with the two of them, they were times filled with stories, love and laughter.
Hutch walked into the little girl's room and sat down on her bed.
He could tell by the look on the child's sleepy little face that shouldn't be awake much longer.
"Let's see…what story can I tell this evening!" the blond pondered.
"Can you sing to me Ken…pretty please?" the little girl pleaded.
Olivia smiled at the child's request for she absolutely loved it whenever the blond sang. His voice was like honey, so smooth and soft, it made her heart melt.
"Sure Sweet Pea." Hutch replied with a smile as he tucked the bedcovers up under Madison's chin then began to sing softly.
"Goodnight my Angel time to close your eyes and save these questions for another day. I think you know what you've been asking me…I think you know what I've been trying to say. I promised I would never leave you…and you should always know…wherever you may go…no matter where you are…I never will be far away. Goodnight my Angel now it's time to sleep…and still so many things I want to say. Remember all the songs you sang for me…when we went sailing on an emerald bay…and like a boat out on the ocean…I'm rocking you to sleep. The water's dark and deep…inside this ancient heart you'll always be a part of me. Goodnight my Angel now it's time to dream…and dream how wonderful your life will be. Someday your child may cry and if you sing this lullaby…then in your heart there will always be a part of meeeeee." Hutch sang softly and by the time he was finished he noticed the child was asleep.
He leaned over and kissed the little girl's forehead softly. "Goodnight Pumpkin…I love you." Hutch whispered.
"I love you more." Madison mumbled in her sleep.
Hutch smiled lovingly at the sleeping child for the love he felt for her was so overwhelming it brought tears to his eyes.
When he turned and looked at the child's mother she had tears in her eyes as well. "That was really beautiful Ken." Olivia whispered.
Hutch would have been content to sit all night long and watch the child sleep but Olivia had other plans for the blond.
She walked over and placed both her hands on his broad shoulder and whispered softly in his ear. "C'mon my love…Mama needs some attention too."
Hutch stood up and pulled her close. "Gee…I don't know if I'm up for two shows tonight." He said teasing her as he nibbled her ear.
"Oh don't you worry about that…you'll be up for it…I'll make sure of that." She said playfully as she took his hand and led him out the door and down the hall to her own bedroom.
…..
The next morning Olivia awoke and stretched her arm across the bed only to find it empty.
She sat up and squinted at the alarm clock by the bed and saw that it read 6:30.
She chuckled to herself "You could have broken training for one day Hutchinson!"
Olivia, anticipating that Hutch would be back from his morning jog at any moment decided to surprise him with a big breakfast.
Still in her lazy morning mode she stretched and sat up in bed.
As she went to stand an unexpected wave of dizziness and nausea overcame her and she stumbled quickly to the bathroom, throwing up the lid to the toilet and vomiting into the bowl.
After emptying the contents of her stomach she reached for a towel and wiped the sweat from her face then wiped her mouth.
"What's wrong Mommy?" a sleepy little voice called out from outside the bathroom door. "Are you sick?"
"Oh Honey…Mommy just must have eaten something at the party last night that my tummy didn't like." Olivia said reassuring the little girl.
As she got to her feet another wave of dizziness overcame her and she fought to remain upright for fear of frightening the child.
Just then the sound of the front door being opened then closed could be heard in the living room.
"What in the world are you doing up already Pumpkin?" Hutch asked when he saw Madison standing by the bathroom door.
"Mommy's sick?" the little girl whimpered.
A concerned look instantly came across Hutch's face as he peered into the bathroom and saw Olivia leaning against the sink, looking extremely pale.
"What's wrong Babe?" Hutch asked softly as he brushed the hair from her eyes.
"It's nothing…it's like I told Maddie…it's probably from something I ate last night that's not agreeing with me." Olivia told the concerned blond.
"Are you sure?" Hutch asked as he felt her forehead, pleased when it didn't feel too warm.
"Yes I'm sure…now out…the both of you!" she ordered playfully, gently shoving Hutch out the door, allowing him just enough time to swoop down and pick up the little girl in his arms.
"I'll be out to fix breakfast just as soon as I shower and brush my teeth!" Olivia said as she closed the door.
"Don't worry Hun…Maddie and I have it covered!" Hutch answered back from outside the closed door.
Olivia turned and looked at herself in the mirror, the color still hadn't returned to her face.
"What in devil is wrong with me?" she whispered to her reflection.
It was the fourth straight morning in a row she had felt sick when she awoke.
"Oh my God…I…I couldn't be!" she exclaimed softly to herself as she lowered the lid on the toilet seat and sat down shaking nervously.
…..
As the morning progressed into the afternoon Olivia felt well enough to go ahead with their plans to meet Starsky and Kris at Venice Beach.
As they pulled up to the pier the valves of Hutch's beat-up old Ford were tapping loudly.
"I hate to say this Ken because I know how much you love this old heap but I think it's time to start looking for a more reliable automobile." Olivia said as they pulled up alongside Starsky's Torino.
"What?" Hutch looked at her in shock. "This car is good for another seventy thousand miles at least!" he proclaimed, defending his beloved car.
"Well would you at least just think about it?" Olivia said with a smile as she pleaded with him.
"Okay…I'll think about it." Hutch replied, smiling back at her as he opened the car door.
The second he opened to driver's side door the horn started blaring, prompting Madison to hold her hands to her ears to stifle the noise.
When Hutch slammed the door closed the horn stopped.
Olivia just looked at him and shook her head as he shrugged his shoulders and smirked.
As they began unpacking the coolers, beach towels and sunscreen Starsky came running up to the car. "It's about time you guys got here…I'm starving!" he exclaimed as he helped Hutch carry the heavy coolers to the beach below.
Later that day as Olivia came out of the water and made her way to the towel she had laid out on the sand, flopping down, drying her legs and arms with another towel from her bag.
Starsky followed her out shortly afterwards and sat down beside her in the sand watching Hutch, Madison and Kris splashing in the water several feet in front of them.
They watched as Hutch tossed the child in the air, catching her just as her tiny feet touched the water, while all the time giggling hysterically.
"Ya' know Liv…I've never seen him so happy before…he really loves Maddie." Starsky said with a smile as he watched his friend's and the child's antics.
When Olivia did not reply Starsky turned to her, surprised when he saw tears in her eyes.
"What'sa matter Liv?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
"I'm scared Dave…I'm really scared." she replied, almost in a whisper.
"Scared?" Scared of what?" he asked. "Things are going great with you guys!" Starsky added.
"Yes I know….that's just it…they're maybe going too great." She answered, nearly choking on her words.
"I don't understand!" Starsky said.
"I…I…I don't know what it is…but I…I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach…that this is all too good to be true…that something awful is going to happen." Olivia stammered.
"You're afraid something is gonna happen to Hutch?" he asked nervously as he looked out into the water at his best friend.
"No…I mean yes…I mean I don't know…it's just this strange feeling that I….!" she stopped when she saw how upset the dark haired man was becoming.
She forced a smile as she suddenly felt the need to make him feel more at ease.
"I suppose I'm just being silly…pre-wedding jitters and all that!" she tried to laugh, hoping it didn't sound too fake.
"Yeah…I'm sure that's what it is." Starsky said, forcing a smile too as he felt a knot in the pit of his stomach as well.
…..
The remainder of the weekend flew by rather quickly and when Monday morning came around Olivia felt that same familiar feeling of queasiness when she rose up out of bed.
Olivia called her family doctor upon rising and he agreed to see her that morning after she dropped Madison off at pre-school.
Meanwhile Starsky and Hutch were already two hours into their shift cruising down Ventura when the dispatcher's voice came across the police radio. "Zebra Three…Come in Zebra Three."
"Ya' Charlie…this is Zebra Three!" Hutch answered into the mike.
"We have a report of an armed robbery at Hartley's Jewelry Store on Adam's and Third…shots have been fired!" the dispatcher informed them.
"Ten-four Central…we are responding!" Hutch replied before hanging up the mike.
"Well Buddy…looks like it's gonna be one of those days!" Hutch said to the man alongside him.
Hutch looked over when his partner did not respond.
"You're awful quiet this morning Starsk…what's wrong?" the blond asked his friend.
"Huh?" Starsky replied when he realized Hutch was speaking to him.
"I said you're awful quiet…what gives?" Hutch reiterated.
"Nothin'" Starsky said reluctantly as he shifted the Torino into gear and sped off.
When they arrived on the scene and climbed out of the Torino Hutch asked. "How do you wanna play this Partner?"
Starsky, still upset over his discussion with Olivia two days prior was feeling very protective of the blond.
"Why don't I sneak around back…you wait five minutes and come through the front!" Starsky said as he laid out his plan of attack.
"You got it…be careful Starsk!" Hutch said as his friend ran off towards the back alley behind the jewelry store.
Hutch looked at his watch, only three minutes had passed by when he heard the sound of gunfire coming from inside the jewelry store and he sprang into action.
Hutch ran to the front of the building, peered inside the storefront window, then throwing open the entrance door, he quickly stormed inside.
By the time he made it into the store Starsky already had the perpetrator down on the floor in handcuffs.
Hutch, breathing a sigh of relief, shot his partner an angry look.
Starsky, avoiding the blond's livid stare, handed off the hold-up man to one of the patrolmen waiting just outside the doorway.
As Starsky started to head out the front door Hutch grabbed his arm and spun him around.
"You wanna tell me what the hell that was all about?" the blond hissed. "That was no five minutes!"
Starsky looked at his watch and tapped the glass. "Huh…guess my watch must be fast." Starsky said with a smirk.
"Yeah either that or you suddenly have a death wish!" Hutch replied angrily.
"Don't ever pull that shit again Starsk!" he warned as he shook his finger in Starsky's face before stomping out of the store, leaving a still uneasy partner behind.
…..
"Well Olivia I have the results of your test." The doctor exclaimed as the blonde sat in his office, ringing her hands together nervously.
"You my dear are three months pregnant!" her doctor informed her.
"But how can that be Doctor Mattern….my fiancé and I…we…I've been on the pill." Olivia stuttered.
"Well Olivia…sometimes these things just happen no matter how careful a couple are." The doctor replied.
Olivia sat there trying to take the doctor's words all in.
"Are you not happy with the news?" he asked her.
Olivia pondered the doctor's question as she thought of Hutch, how was he going to react to the unexpected news and how was she going to tell him.
"I…I…of course I am Doctor Mattern…it's just…Ken and I weren't planning on having any children right away…we wanted to….." she paused as the doctor got up from his chair and went around and sat on the corner of his desk patting her hand reassuringly.
"Would you like to know the sex of the baby?" he asked.
Olivia thought briefly then nodded yes.
"You and your fiancé are having a boy!" he said with a smile.
Olivia smiled ever so slightly.
"I'm sure that right at this moment this news is a bit overwhelming…if you'd like me to call your fiancé and have him come in…I'd be glad to talk to him." The doctor said, trying to ease her worried mind.
"No Doctor…that's not necessary…this is something I need to do on my own but thank you." Olivia exclaimed.
"Very well then…I'll have my nurse schedule your next follow-up appointment if you have no further questions at this time." He informed her.
"Th..Thank you Doctor." Olivia said as she shook the doctor's hand.
"Take care." The doctor said as he opened the door to his office and led her out to the nurse's area to confirm her next appointment.
As Olivia drove back home from her appointment her thoughts quickly went to those of the baby and Hutch.
"Oh God Ken!" she cried softly. "We're going to have a baby boy."
She suddenly had visions of Madison playing with her little brother, visions of Hutch rocking their son to sleep singing him a lullaby.
Suddenly her tears of worry turned into tears of complete and utter joy.
"We are going to have a baby boy!" she exclaimed happily as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
While driving through town Olivia passed a row of shops lined up along the street and suddenly spied a children's clothing store.
She pulled over immediately and went inside.
…
"C'mon Hutch…you're not still pissed off about earlier are you?" Starsky asked the blond as he sat opposite Hutch while he typed out the day's report.
Hutch ignored him completely as he continued to type.
"Okay…okay…you were right and I was wrong…I'm sorry…now will ya' at least talk to me?" Starsky whined.
Hutch stopped hitting the keys on his typewriter and looked up at partner.
"You're an idiot…ya' know that Starsky!" Hutch exclaimed. "I have half a mind to…!" he started to say when the phone at his desk rang out.
"Detective Hutchinson!" the blond answered into the receiver.
"Grace…what a pleasant surprise!" Hutch replied. "You're kidding me…of course we're still interested!"
Starsky looked on curiously as the blond checked the time on his watch.
"Four o'clock…yeah I think we can make it…yes I still have the address…..okay Grace…thank you….we'll see you soon…bye-bye." Hutch concluded then hung up the phone.
"What was that all about?" Starsky asked.
Hutch, forgetting all about being upset with his partner replied. "That was Grace from Benton Reality!" "Remember that house up on Carmen's Canyon that I told you about?"
"Yeah…what about it?" Starsky inquired.
"Well…Grace just informed me that the owner's just put it on the market and she wants Olivia and I to go look at it!" Hutch exclaimed, suddenly very exciting.
"The only thing is we gotta act fast…she has someone else looking at it too!" Hutch added.
"So as part of your punishment for your stupidity this afternoon…you are going to drive me up there to check it out!" Hutch ordered as he pointed a finger at his partner as he picked up the phone and dialed, waiting for the party on the other end to pick up.
"Hey Sweetie…you'll never guess who just called here at the precinct….Grace from Benton Reality….yeah I know….she wants us to go out and look at the place….okay…you go ahead and pick Madison up….Starsky and I will head up and meet you there…okay Hun….see ya' in a little while…love ya' too." Hutch replied before hanging up the phone.
"Now all ya' gotta do is convince Dobey to let ya' head out early!" Starsky said.
"Head out early for what?" a low growl came from their superior's office.
"Uhhh Cap…I was wondering if Starsky and I could leave a little earlier today to go look at a house Olivia and I are considering buying?" the blond asked hesitantly.
Dobey looked at Starsky then Hutch.
"Yeah….go ahead….get out of here!" Dobey exclaimed as he waved them out.
"Thanks Cap…you have no idea how much I appreciate this!" Hutch exclaimed as he got up, handing Dobey the report he just typed up and grabbing his jacket off the back of his chair.
Starsky trailed close behind as they left the squad room and headed down the hall.
In the meantime, Olivia hung up the phone after finishing her conversation with Hutch.
She placed the small package containing a tiny pair of baby blue, crocheted booties secretly in Hutch's desk drawer, saving the surprise for later that evening as she grabbed her keys and headed out the door to pick up her daughter.
…..
"What till you see this place Starsk…according to the pictures Grace showed us it's absolutely beautiful!" Hutch raved about his dream home.
"That's great Buddy!" Starsky smiled, happy to see his friend so exciting.
Starsky continued to drive up the winding canyon road as Hutch went on and on about the home.
"It's just right up here around this bend Starsk!" Hutch said as he pointed ahead of them.
Starsky slowed down as they went around the next corner and pulled off into the driveway of the house in question.
Hutch looked over at Starsky and smiled.
"Wow!" Starsky said in awe has they climbed out of the car.
"Didn't I tell ya'…isn't it just beautiful!" Hutch exclaimed.
"It sure is Hutch!" Starsky replied, feeling slightly resentful.
Just then the sound of a horn honking drew their attention back to the road as Olivia pulled up with her young daughter in the back seat.
Olivia stopped the car and got out as Hutch walked over and gave her a kiss while Starsky opened the back car door and unbuckled Madison from her car seat.
Starsky reached for the little girl and pulled her up out of the car.
As Starsky carried the child in his arms Hutch walked over and gave her a kiss as well.
"Oh Ken…it looks even better than the pictures Grace showed us!" Olivia exclaimed as they walked over to the front door of the home.
The realtor came to the door before they even had a chance to ring the doorbell.
"Well hello everyone!" the realtor exclaimed as she welcomed them into the house.
Hutch introduced Starsky to the woman and then they proceeded to go throughout the house room by room.
The home consisted of four bedrooms, a living room, dining room, den, a massive kitchen and pantry as well as a totally finished basement that came complete with its own pool table and wet bar, which Hutch and Starsky especially liked.
There was also a two car garage attached to the outside of the house, a small workshop out back and a child's playhouse that Madison fell in love with instantly.
Olivia tried to control her enthusiasm as the realtor showed them the rooms for she didn't want to appear too eager but she knew in her heart the house was meant to be theirs and she would have paid any amount to own it.
Hutch delighted in her expression each time they walked into a different room as each room seemed better than the one before.
He too felt an instant connection with the house and knew he'd gladly pay whatever price the owner's wanted to make the house their home.
"Soooo…what do you think?" the realtor asked them as they stood out front admiring the stone façade of the home.
"We'll take it!" Hutch answered immediately as Olivia gasped.
"I thought you might say that." The realtor replied.
"I'll let the owner's know you've agreed to meet their asking price and go forward with the closing procedures." Grace said as she scribbled some notes down in a folder she held in her hand.
"I just need a bit of information from you before we proceed any further." The realtor added.
Hutch did not notice that Olivia had quietly slipped back into the house while he was speaking to Grace.
"C'mere you little Munchkin!" Starsky exclaimed as he picked Madison up and carried her over to the playhouse, ducking his head as he carried her inside.
"So Sweetheart…how are you gonna like living here in your new home?" Starsky asked the little girl.
"I love it!" she exclaimed. "I wanna live in here!" she added happily as she began to play house in her make believe kitchen.
"Would you like to have a tea party with me Uncle Dave?" the little asked as she pretended to make tea.
"I would love to have a cup of tea with you Darlin!" Starsky replied with a smile as she handed him an imaginary cup.
Starsky held the cup, pretending to drink the tea, with his pinky finger extended.
"Mmm…this has to be the best tea I've ever tasted in my whole entire life!" he exclaimed, much to her delight. "You wouldn't happen to have any cookies to go along with this delicious tea now would you?" he asked playfully.
"Of course!" she added as she handed him a pretend cookie as well.
"Mmmm…that is sooo yummy…thank you Sweetie!" Starsky said as he munched down.
As Starsky watched the child play, his thoughts drifted back again to the day on the beach with Olivia and he wondered if maybe Olivia was showing any signs of her uneasiness at home with the little girl so he asked her. "Honey…how's your Mommy been lately…does she seem really happy?" he asked coyly.
"Mommy's been sick!" she replied instantly to Starsky's surprise.
"Sick?" Starsky asked, genuinely concerned.
The little girl nodded as she continued to play.
Starsky suddenly decided not to push the conversation any further.
Hiding his troubled expression he continued on with the tea party, enjoying the private play time with the child.
Meanwhile as Hutch waited for the realtor to retrieve some paperwork from her car he glanced around and noticed Olivia was nowhere in sight.
Starsky came out of the playhouse, leaving the girl to play by herself and he walked over to Hutch's side slapping him on the back. "Congratulation's Buddy!" he exclaimed.
"It's not a done deal yet Starsky." Hutch replied hesitantly.
"I wouldn't worry too much partner." Starsky added as he looked around for Olivia as well.
Hutch said. "I think she went back inside…she's probably already in there plotting out where to place the furniture!" Hutch laughed, tapping Starsky playfully on the arm as they went back inside in search of the woman.
"Let me guess Livie…you're already…!" Hutch called out, stopping in mid-sentence when they saw Olivia leaning against the kitchen counter shaking and sobbing quietly.
Hutch shot Starsky a look of utter surprise as Starsky shrugged his shoulders, nodding his head back and forth unknowingly.
Hutch turned his attention back to Olivia as Starsky whispered. "I'll go check on Olivia." he squeezed Hutch forearm before exiting the kitchen.
Hutch slowly made his way over to his distraught fiancé.
"Livie what's wrong?" he asked softly as he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
She was too upset to speak.
Hutch suddenly realized that he never included her in the decision when he told the realtor they wanted to buy the house.
"I…I…I'm sorry if I was too hasty in agreeing to taking this house…I…I…I should have talked to you first Honey…I'm sorry…it's just that I…!" Hutched paused, not sure what to say next.
Except for the sobbing, Olivia was silent.
"I just thought by the look on your face earlier that you were loving the house as much as I was." Hutch added nervously.
Olivia still did not speak.
"Are you having second thoughts about things…maybe even about us?" Hutch asked her apprehensively.
Olivia began to sob even harder when he questioned her.
Hutch took her actions and silence as a confirmation to his question as he dropped his hand from her shoulder.
With tears in his eyes he turned away from her, shoulders slumped he said somberly. "I'll tell Grace that we changed our mind.
As a broken hearted Hutch started to walk away Olivia called out to him. "Don't you dare give up our home!" stopping him in his tracks.
She was in his arms in a heartbeat.
"I love you so much Ken!…I love our family!…I love this house!...and I want us to raise a family here!" she cried as he kissed her tears away.
"You do want more children don't you Ken?" she asked with her heart in her throat as she waited for his reply.
"Only about a dozen!" Hutch exclaimed joyfully, causing her to chuckle.
She thought about telling him about the baby at that moment then decided to wait until that evening to reveal the surprise.
"Well…we'll have to talk about that!" she replied, laughing at his sudden burst of gleeful enthusiasm.
"Why were you crying just now Sweetheart?" Hutch asked her as the conversation took a more serious turn.
"I guess…with everything happening…with the wedding and the house and…!" she stopped short.
"And what?" Hutch asked as he held her in his arms, brushing her tear stained cheeks with his fingers.
"Were you thinking about Ned?" the blond asked her tenderly.
"I'm sorry Ken!" She replied as she buried her face against his chest.
"This is supposed to be our time but…with it being so close to the anniversary of his death…I couldn't help myself!" she began to sob again.
Hutch pulled her away and cupped his hand under her chin, drawing her eyes to his. "Don't you ever feel sorry for thinking of Ned…I want you and Maddie to feel open about talking about him anytime you like!" Hutch told her.
Olivia wiped her hands across her eyes as she sniffled and nodded.
"I love you and Maddie more than anything…I just want the two of you to be as happy as you can possibly be." Hutch whispered as he kissed her tenderly.
"We love you too Ken…and we are!" she replied as she returned his kiss.
"So we're okay?" Hutch asked her.
"We are more than okay…we're perfect!" she told him reassuringly as they walked arm and arm out of the house and into the front yard.
"Oh there you are Olivia!" the realtor called out to the blonde. "I forgot to mention…." Grace's voice trailed off as she pulled Olivia off to the side.
Hutch looked around for his missing partner and Madison.
As he walked towards the playhouse he could hear the child's tiny voice inside.
"Okay…now you it's your turn to be the princess and I'll be the queen!" the little girl said as she pretended to pour her imaginary teapot.
"Oh thank you Mother!" Starsky exclaimed in a high pitched voice, beating his eyelashes as he accepted the invisible cup.
Hutch tried to control his laughter as he watched his best friend.
He cleared his throat and called out. "Hate to interrupt your teatime Princess but her Royal Highness's coach is waiting!"
Starsky nearly jumped out of his skin as he tried to cover up his unmanly actions.
"Ken…would you like to join us?" Madison asked as she held out a cup of tea for him as well.
"Oh Honey…I'd love to but we gotta get going Sweetie!" he replied as he held out his hand for the little girl to take.
"Ohhh okay!" she sighed as she clasped his hand and walked out of the playhouse as Hutch whacked his head on the top of the low doorway.
"Ah hah!...that's what ya' get for being a wise guy! Starsky muttered as he followed his friend out.
Madison saw her mother talking to the realtor and she ran to her.
As Hutch started to walk towards the two women Starsky grabbed his arm and pulled him back gently.
"Everything okay with you two?" Starsky asked as he stared intently into Hutch's eyes.
"Everything is fantastic Starsk!" Hutch said as he patted his friend's chest.
"That's good…'cause I'd hate like hell to have to give up that pool table!" Starsky replied jokingly, causing Hutch to snort through his nose from laughter.
"You gonna drive Liv and Maddie home in Liv's car?" Starsky asked.
"Yeah….hey…thanks for coming along Pal!" Hutch replied as they made their way over to the two women and Madison.
"Alright then…I'll be contacting you within the next couple of days to get the ball rolling…with any luck you'll be in your new home by the end of the month!" Grace informed them.
"Thank you Grace!" Hutch said as he shook her hand.
"Yes…thank you for everything Grace!" Olivia added as she shook her hand as well.
"Pleasure meeting you David!" the realtor said as she shook Starsky hand. "Bye Maddie!" she said as she waved goodbye to the little girl before getting into her car and driving away.
"Well…I guess I'll be going!" Starsky exclaimed.
"Can I have a kiss?" Starsky asked the young girl as he bent down and placed a finger on his cheek.
The little girl willingly leaned over and gave him a tiny peck on the side of his face.
Starsky then gave Olivia a quick peck on the cheek then waved to his partner as he started to climb into the Torino. "See ya' in the morning Hutch!"
"See ya' Princess!" Hutch replied back as he smiled at the confused expression on Olivia's face and the tiny laughter from the little girl.
…
"Oh what a day huh?" Hutch said to Olivia as they started their drive home down from the canyon.
"Yes…it certainly was!" she replied, smiling to herself as she thought of her little secret she would be revealing later that night.
"So Maddie…do you like the new house?" Hutch asked the child who was humming to herself in the backseat.
"Yeahhh…I liked playing in the littler house with Uncle Dave!" she exclaimed gleefully.
"Yeah…I think Uncle Dave did too!" Hutch chuckled as he thought of his friend.
They drove on in silence then Madison started humming her happy tune again.
Hutch kept looking back at her in the rearview mirror, smiling as he did so.
Then Madison, from out of the blue asked. "Do I have to wait until you and Mommy are married to call you Daddy?"
Olivia looked over at Hutch the same exact time he looked over at her.
W…W…Well Honey…that's up to your mother…I…I…!" Hutch stammered nervously.
Olivia placed her hand on Hutch's thigh.
"Well Sweetie…maybe we should ask Ken if he wants you to call him that!" Olivia said as she turned back in her seat towards the little girl, her hand still resting on the blond's thigh.
"Do you want to call me your Daddy?" Hutch asked as he looked back in the mirror again while trying to keep his eye on the winding road.
"I do wanna call you my Daddy!" the girl exclaimed happily.
"Well then Sweet Pea…you go right ahead…I really want that too!" Hutch replied as he choked on his words.
"Yay! The child cried out in delight while Hutch took Olivia hand in his and kissed her fingertips.
"Daddy…Daddy…Daddy!" the little girl sang out merrily as she made up her own little song. "I love my Mommy and Daddy!" she continued to sing as the tears began to well up in Hutch's and Olivia's eyes.
"Daddy?" Madison called out in her tiny little voice.
"Yeah Baby Girl?" Hutch replied enjoying the sound of his new title.
"I love you Daddy!" she exclaimed, liking the way the word rolled off her tongue.
"I love you more Pumpkin!" Hutch replied as he peered back at her again.
Just then a car full of rambunctious and drunken teenagers came flying around the turn swerving directly into Hutch's lane.
"Ken look out!" Olivia screamed as the car came speeding towards them.
Hutch, trying to avoid hitting the car head on swerved to the right hitting an embankment that sent their car flying through the air, smashing into several trees before careening down the drop off alongside the road, stopping only when coming in contact with a large tree.
The car load of teenagers had managed to narrowly miss Olivia's car but at its rate of speed, was unable to slow down.
The car went up on two wheels, traveling a hundred feet or more before flipping and rolling onto it's roof, skidding another fifty feet before finally coming to a complete stop.
…..
Starsky was whistling a happy tune as he unlocked the front door to his apartment, juggling a pizza in his arms as he opened the door.
Kris, who worked at Memorial Hospital, was working late that night so he was dining solo.
He placed his keys and the pizza on the coffee table then removed his jacket and placed it over the back of a chair.
He went to the refrigerator and grabbed a root beer then returned to the living room, turning on his television set before setting down to enjoy his evening meal.
He was just about to take his first bite when the phone rang.
"Ahhh…come on…you gotta be kidding me!" Starsky exclaimed in annoyance as he dropped the piece of pizza back in the box.
The phone rang two more times as Starsky went to answer it.
"I'm coming…I'm coming!" he called out slightly irritated.
"Hello! He said loudly into the receiver.
"Starsky!" the voice said on the other line.
"Cap'n…I was just about to…!" Starsky started to say before Dobey interrupted him.
"Starsky…It's Hutch and the girls…there's been an accident!" Dobey muttered into the phone.
Starsky thought his heart would leap right out of his chest when he heard his superior's words.
"Where?" Starsky demanding to know as his heart pounded furiously.
"Up on Carmen's Canyon…I'm on my way up there now…I'll meet you…" Dobey stopped in mid-sentence when he heard a clicking sound on the other end.
Starsky was already out the door and into the Torino before Dobey could hang up the mike on his police radio.
"Get out of the way!" Starsky shouted and waved his hand at the cars in from of him when they refused to pull over. Finally the way in front of him was clear and he sped off, siren blaring.
The sun was just starting to set when halfway up the canyon's winding road he saw road flares and flashing lights.
"Oh God…please let them be alright!" Starsky cried out to himself.
He slowed the Torino down, gasping when he saw the overturned car the teenager's had been driving.
"Jesus Christ!" he exclaimed when he saw the row of bodies lying alongside the road covered in white sheets.
Shaking uncontrollably, he pulled the Torino over along the roadway and slowly climbed out, not taking his eyes off the bloody sheets and the bodies hidden from view.
Starsky thought for sure his knees would give out from underneath him as he made his way over to the victims.
Starsky heard Dobey's voice off to the side just as he reached down and pull one of the sheets away. "Starsky no!" but it was too late as his eyes fell upon the once beautiful face of his best friend's fiancé.
"Oh God no!" he cried as he fell to his knees, nearly hyperventilating.
He then noticed the sheet next to Olivia's body, concealing a considerably smaller form.
"Nooo…ohhh God noooo…not Maddie…not the baby!" Starsky wept, his entire body shaking with every sob as he tried to gasp for breath.
Dobey rushed to his side, placing a hand on his shoulder to steady him as his dark haired detective began sobbing uncontrollably.
When he realized who hand was on his shoulder he quickly staggered to his feet.
"Where is he Cap'n…where's Hutch?" Starsky cried, the tears streaming down his face.
He took one look at Dobey's face and could tell by his bloodshot eyes that he had been weeping as well.
"Noooo…don't you dare tell me he's dead!" Starsky cried out as he started to stumble backwards.
"Listen to me Dave!" Dobey said as he reached out to him.
Starsky keyed in on his captain's use of his given name, the name he used only in bad situations pertaining to Hutch.
Starsky closed his eyes tightly, shaking his head, willing himself to wake up from the terrible nightmare he was in.
"Starsky…just listen to me!" Dobey exclaimed as he shook the curly headed man gently, trying to bring him to his senses.
"Hutch is still alive…do you hear me!" Dobey said with authority as he continued to shake the dazed and confused detective. "There cutting him out of the car as we speak!"
Starsky looked at his superior with tremendous doubt showing on his face.
"Hutchhhh…he…he's alive?" Starsky repeated Dobey's words.
"Yes!" Dobey reiterated.
"Where is he?" Starsky shouted as he looked at the devastation all around him.
"Their car went down over the side…it was too badly smashed in on the driver's side…they have to extricate Hutchinson!" Dobey informed him as he kept a firm hold on his detective.
Starsky looked off to the side and saw several paramedics and members of the rescue team.
He tore himself from Dobey's grasp and ran over to the side of the road, peering down into the ravine.
He looked on in disbelief when he saw what was left of Olivia's car.
The rescue team had just managed to cut the blond free from the wreckage and were lowering him onto a back board. "Careful men!" he heard one paramedic say as they placed Hutch's battered and bruised body on the board, strapping him in.
Starsky took off down the side, dust flying and by his partner's side within seconds.
"Hutch!" he said as if the unconscious man could hear him.
He took one look at Hutch's face and thought his stomach would heave right then and there.
"Ohhh Sweet Jesus!" Starsky exclaimed seeing his best friend's condition.
"Easy fellows…easy!" Starsky said as the paramedics started to carry Hutch up the side while Starsky assisted.
Once they were up on the top of the road the rescue team headed quickly to the waiting ambulance.
After loading Hutch's stretcher into the back of the ambulance Starsky started to climb inside as well.
"Hold it…hold it!" the ambulance driver said.
"I'm a cop…he's my partner!" Starsky declared.
"I'm sorry Sir but we're gonna need all the room back there to work on your friend…you'll have to follow along behind us!" the paramedic informed him.
"But…I…!" Starsky started to argue, not wanting to be separated from his injured friend.
"Starsky…let them do their job!" Dobey ordered as he pulled the dark haired man out of the way. "We'll follow them in my car…I'll have Jacobs drive your car back to the station!"
"Cap'n…I don't…!" Starsky continued to argue.
"Let them take care of Hutch…now that's an order Son!" Dobey reiterated as they slammed the doors shut on the back of the ambulance and sped off, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.