After his argument with Hutch Starsky returned home fuming.
He grabbed a pack of frozen peas from the freezer and winced as he placed it across his swollen knuckles.
He looked at the clock on the wall and cursed.
He had made plans to meet Isabella for lunch and he was already running late.
As the cold bag of peas started to numb his hand he walked over to the sofa and sat down to rest for a few minutes.
His thoughts quickly drifted back to the fight at Hutch's.
The idea that he almost struck his best friend over a woman, again, suddenly made him feel very guilty.
"What the hell is it with us Partner?" Starsky said out loud as he shook his head.
He leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes.
He kept visualizing Hutch's face at the moment he threw the punch near his head.
The hurtful look on his friend's face would not be something he was easily going to forget.
He thought about calling the blond to apologize but then he recalled Hutch's words when he referred to Isabella being out of his league and his blood began to boil all over again.
He opened his eyes and glanced at the clock on the wall again and sighed.
Isabella was expecting him at Huggy's in less than half an hour.
He was determined to enjoy his lunch with Isabella regardless of the day's earlier events so he pushed all thoughts of his blond partner aside, got up, threw the peas back in the freezer and headed out the door.
When Starsky entered Huggy's he saw Isabella seated at the bar sipping on a glass of iced tea.
He walked up behind her and said in a husky voice "Hey pretty lady…come here often?"
She turned and smiled at the dark haired man.
"You do realize you are fifteen minutes late don't you!" she said playfully as she tugged on his shirt collar pulling him in for a kiss.
"I'm sorry honey but something came up!" Starsky replied apologetically as he kissed the tip of her nose.
He looked around the bar and said "Wanna grab a table?"
"Yes…I'm starving!" she exclaimed as she stood up and took his hand.
"Ahhhh!" Starsky hissed as she squeezed his injured hand.
"What is it David?" she asked with concern as she looked down at his hand.
"It's nothing…..I caught it in the car door!" he lied.
"Oh my….that must have been painful!" she replied.
"You have no idea darlin'!" Starsky added.
Just then he noticed Huggy coming out from the back and he signaled to him.
They made their way to a nearby table and sat down.
"What it is brother!" Huggy exclaimed as he walked over to the couple.
"Hi ya' Hug!" Starsky said to his friend.
"Well well Starsky…looks like your stepping up in the world!" Huggy replied as his eyes raked over Starsky's lady.
Starsky and Isabella both smiled at the black man.
"Hug this is Isabella….Isabella…this is my good friend Huggy Bear!" Starsky said as he introduced them.
"MmmHmmm…your name fits you well my beauty!" Huggy said as he kissed her hand.
Isabella blushed.
"Huggy Bear….you must be the owner of this wonderful establishment!" she stated.
"She's smart too Hug!" Starsky exclaimed as he tap his temple.
"Oh stop!" she laughed as she slapped his knee.
"So…what can I get you two fine lookin' folks?" Huggy asked as he prepared to write down their order.
"David tells me you make the best burgers in town!" Isabella said with a smile.
"The man obviously has good taste!" Huggy replied, referring to both Isabella and the burger.
"Then I'll have a burger…medium rare…no onions and a side salad!" Isabella stated then looked at Starsky.
"Make that two Hug….and a beer!" Starsky added.
"You got it…coming right up!" Huggy said as he smiled and walked back towards the kitchen.
"Well what do you think?" Starsky asked as he looked around the place.
"Well…it certainly has an atmosphere about it!" Isabella replied as she looked around the bar room.
"I take it you and Ken come here often!" she added.
Starsky tensed up when she said his partner's name.
"Yeah!" was his only reply.
She noticed a change in his attitude immediately.
"David….about last night….you do not need to feel threatened in any way about my past relationship with Ken…that was a long time ago…it's over and done with!" she said reassuringly as she squeezed his uninjured hand.
"Yeah…that's what he said too!" Starsky replied as Huggy walked back to their table with their drinks and salads.
He placed them on the table and Starsky and Isabella thanked him as he walked back to the bar.
"So….you spoke to Ken then…about him and me?" she asked inquisitively.
He nodded as he took a sip of his beer.
"What else did he have to say…about us?" she asked, her interest peaked.
"Not much…only that you both were too young…you wanted different things in life…stuff like that!" he replied wishing she would change the subject.
"So did he…." She started to ask.
"Izzy…I don't wanna talk about Hutch and you…right now I wanna enjoy our lunch together, just you and me...okay!" Starsky said slightly agitated.
"I'm sorry David…of course!" she said with a smile as Huggy brought the remainder of their meal.
Hutch was working on his third beer by the time he got up enough nerve to call his friend.
He dialed Starsky's number and let it ring repeatedly but no one answered.
He knew he had to make amends with his partner so he finished his final beer, grabbed his jacket and car keys and took off out the door.
Meanwhile Starsky and Isabella had finished there meal and headed for Starsky's apartment.
As they climbed the steps to his apartment she placed her hand in the back pocket of his jeans.
They paused at the door and he kissed her hungrily.
He quickly unlocked the door and she pulled him inside.
In a fit of passion she feverously ripped his shirt open and the buttons flew everywhere.
She then undid his belt buckle as he pulled her in for another long hot kiss.
He placed his hands on her thighs and picked her up.
As he did so she wrapped her long legs around his waist and he carried her into the bedroom.
As Hutch made his way to Starsky's place he played over again and again in his head the fight between the two of them.
He realized he had to accept the fact that Starsky maybe was truly in love with Isabella.
He only wanted what was best for his friend and if Isabella was the one woman who could make his best friend happy then he had to respect Starsky's decision, after all, what he had with Isabella ended long ago, at least that's what he kept telling himself.
After their arduous lovemaking Starsky and Isabella laid on Starsky's bed entwined and out of breath.
As she ran her fingers through the hairs on his chest he suddenly said "Boy…I sure could go for some chocolate ice cream!"
Isabella cracked up.
"David..you can't be serious…after the huge meal you just had at Huggy's!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah but there's always room for ice cream he said as he kissed her forehead and climbed out of bed.
She watched as he slid his jeans up over his naked hips.
"You are serious!" she said as she chuckled.
"I'll only be gone a few minutes….it's just a couple blocks away…I'll walk down and be back in a jiffy!" he said as he pulled on a tee shirt and stepped into his sneakers.
"Try not to miss me too much while I'm gone!" he said as he bent down and kissed her on the cheek.
"Do you mind if I take a shower while you're gone?" she asked as she ruffled his curly hair.
"Be my guest!" he replied as he hurried out the door.
After he left she laid there for several seconds then with a heavy sigh she got up and headed to the bathroom.
Hutch pulled up in front of Starsky's place a few minutes later happy to see his partner's Torino there.
He sat in his own car contemplating what he was going to say to his friend.
Then with a heavy heart he climbed out from behind the wheel and made his way up the steps
Isabella had just stepped out of the shower and was drying her hair when she heard a knock on the door.
She wrapped a towel around herself, not even bothering to finish drying the rest of her body.
"Oh David…let me guess…you forgot your wallet and your keys!" she said to herself as she walked out in the living room and to the door.
"David…I swear you are so…." She started to say as she opened the door, expecting to see Starsky.
She stopped in mid-sentence, shocked to see Hutch instead standing on the other side.
Hutch was equally shocked.
"Ken!" she said with surprise.
"B-Bella!" he acknowledged as he caught sight of her half naked figure wrapped around the wet towel, not leaving anything for the imagination.
He tried to divert his eyes but was unable to.
"Ahhh..is S-S-Starsky here?" he asked stammering.
"You just missed him…he stepped out for a moment but he'll be back shortly!" she said with a smile.
Hutch watched her, mesmerized as droplets of water ran down the nape of her neck and onto her half exposed breast.
He soon realized she knew he was staring and he quickly looked away.
"Well Kenneth…I do believe you're blushing!" she said playfully.
"I-I-I'm sorry…I'll wait for Starsky outside!" he said with embarrassment as he started to walk away.
"Oh don't be silly Ken…please come in!" she exclaimed as she took hold of his arm and pulled him inside.
She allowed her hand to linger on his arm for a few seconds longer before pulling away.
Both stood in silence staring at one another before Isabella finally spoke up.
"Oh…would you like a beer!" she asked as she pointed to the kitchen.
"No…no thanks!" Hutch replied nervously.
"Well then please…sit down!" she said as she walked towards the sofa and chair.
She was just about to sit down when she noticed Hutch still eyeing her.
"Ooops…I should probably go put something on!" she said as she headed for the bedroom.
He watched her walk away, his eyes traveling down her long slender legs to her bare feet as they left wet footprints on the hardwood floor.
She closed the bedroom door behind her and he let out a sigh of relief.
"For Christ's Sake Hutchinson….pull yourself together! He whispered to himself as he took a seat on the sofa.
She came back out a few minutes later wearing a pair of skin tight blue jeans and one of Starsky's old shirts.
As Hutch spied the familiar shirt he suddenly became very envious.
"There is that better?" she asked with a smile.
Hutch simply smiled as well.
"Are you sure I can't get you anything?" she asked politely as she purposely squeezed past Hutch sitting on the sofa.
"No really I'm fine thanks!" he replied as he tapped his fingers on the arm of the sofa.
She sat down beside him and he could smell the sweet smell of her recently shampooed hair.
Out of the blue Hutch spoke.
"Bella…what are your intentions with Starsky?" he asked as he looked her directly in the eye.
"My intentions?" she asked somewhat surprised at his sudden forwardness.
"I don't wanna see Starsky get hurt!" Hutch replied.
"And what makes you think I'm going to hurt him?" she asked defensively.
"He's had some pretty big heartaches when it comes to woman…I'd just hate to see him go down that road again!" Hutch stated as he thought of his partner.
Isabella stared at the blond.
"Can I tell you something Ken?" she asked sounding a bit unsure.
Hutch just nodded.
"I really think I've fallen in love with him!" she replied as she waited for his reaction.
She noticed his hand as he clenched the side of the sofa, turning his knuckles white.
"I just wish I knew how he felt about me!" she exclaimed.
"He's crazy about you Bella!" he blurted out, surprised with himself for divulging that information.
"Really!" she squealed with delight.
"Of course he is….I mean look at you…why wouldn't he be!" he added.
"Ken…I really do believe I can make him happy!" she proclaimed.
Hutch just smiled.
"Do you think you and I can call a truce…for David's sake?" she asked as she placed a hand on his elbow, sounding sincere.
Hutch pondered her words.
He then smiled and placed his hand atop hers.
"A truce it is!" he said happily.
"Thank you…for everything…for being a significant part of my past and a huge part of mine and David's future!" she said misty eyed.
"I only ever wanted you to be happy Bella above all else…you gotta believe that!" Hutch said tenderly as he cupped her chin.
Just then they heard a key jingling in the lock and the door opened.
Starsky stepped inside.
He was surprised to see the blond seated at the sofa with Isabella.
Hutch quickly stood up and turned towards his partner.
Their eyes locked briefly.
"What are you doing here?" Starsky asked adamantly.
Isabella was shocked by the tone of his Starsky's voice as she looked questionably at the blond.
Starsky walked into the kitchen carrying his sack of groceries.
Hutch followed him and Isabella's eyes followed them both.
"Can we talk…please!" Hutch pleaded with his friend.
Starsky was overwhelmed by the sincerity in his partner's voice.
Starsky looked over at Isabella.
Sensing that they wanted to be alone she got up from the sofa and slid on her sandals.
I have a few errands to run…I'll be back later!" she replied as she picked up her purse.
She gave Starsky a quick kiss on the lips, said goodbye to Hutch and was out the door.
"Wanna beer?" Starsky asked as he reached inside the fridge and pulled two out.
"No…I think I've had my quota for the afternoon thanks!" Hutch replied with a smile.
Starsky smirked as he put one of the bottles back.
He walked back into the living room and sat down not saying a word.
He motioned for Hutch to take a seat beside him.
Hutch quickly obeyed.
Starsky waited for Hutch to begin.
"How's the hand?" Hutch asked with concern as he eyed the badly scraped and bruised knuckles as it rested on the sofa.
"I'll live!" Starsky replied as he held up the injured hand and shook it.
He placed it back down on the sofa and Hutch gently picked it back up and held it in his.
After a brief period of silence the blond spoke.
"I'm sorry Buddy!" Hutch said with remorse.
"That was a really rotten thing for me to say about Bella…Isabella being out of your league…It's not true!" the blond continued.
"You have a lot to offer a woman…hell if I was a woman I'd be fallen all over you!" Hutch said with a laugh.
"Gee…is this a proposal Hutchinson!" Starsky joked as Hutch continued to hold his hand.
"Cause if it is I think you should know I don't put out on the first date….and I'm gonna need to see a ring!" Starsky added as he smiled at the blond.
They both began to laugh hysterically.
"So does this mean I'm forgiven?" Hutch asked his friend.
"Nothin' to forgive Babe!" Starsky said softly as he placed his other hand over Hutch's.
"Hey…we never did get the chance to go dancin' last night…whatta' ya' say we go tonight?" Starsky asked with excitement in his voice.
Hutch chuckled "Sure Buddy whatever you want!"
The evening was progressing nicely and everyone was having a great time laughing and talking over drinks.
The DJ started to play a slow song and Isabella looked over at Hutch.
"Ken…you and I haven't had the chance to dance together yet tonight!" Isabella said smiling at Hutch.
Hutch just smiled and fingered his glass of beer.
"Eve dear…you don't mind if I borrow Ken for a few minutes do you?" Isabella asked as she stood up and tugged on Hutch's arm.
Eve had her armed wrapped around Hutch's other arm and just for a brief second refused to let go.
Hutch stood up and walked out on the floor with Isabella as Starsky smiled hesitantly.
"I guess not!" Eve replied with a look of distain.
As the couple started dancing a smile came across Isabella's face.
"This sure brings back a lot of happy memories doesn't it Ken?" she asked the blond.
Hutch simply smiled.
"You use to take me dancing all the time when we were together" she said softly as she placed her head on his shoulder.
Hutch remained silent.
Isabella looked over at their table and noticed Eve glaring at her.
"How long have you and Eve been together?" she asked as she looked into his eyes.
"A little over two months!" He replied as he looked over at the blond then at his partner.
"She seems really nice Ken" she said sweetly.
"She's pretty special!" Hutch said as he looked back over at Eve and smiled.
Eve returned a forced smile.
"A bit possessive though don't you think!" Isabella added as she nuzzled her head further under the blond's chin.
Hutch could smell the perfume on the nape of her neck.
It was the same perfume she always wore when they were together and it brought back memories that were buried long ago.
"Be nice Bella!" he playfully warned.
"I'm sorry Ken…old habits are hard to break…and old memories sometimes refuse to die" Isabella said softly as she lifted her head and gazed into his eyes.
Hutch knew exactly what she was talking about as he held her in his arms closing his eyes.
Hutch and Isabella were both unaware that the music had stopped a few moments earlier as they continued to sway gently back and forth.
Starsky was watching them with concern then flashed an awkward smile at Eve.
Hutch opened his eyes when the DJ announced the next song.
Embarrassed he quickly released his hold on Isabella's waist and led her back to the table.
Starsky stood up with a smirk on his face directed towards his partner.
"I guess we got caught up in the song!" Hutch said blushing.
"It is a beautiful song isn't it?" Starsky replied smugly as he pulled out Isabella's chair.
Just then Eve stood up.
"If you will excuse me…I need to powder my nose!" she stated as she headed for the ladies room in a huff.
"That's a good idea!" Isabella said as she too headed for the ladies restrooms.
Eve was at the mirror reapplying her lipstick, her temper flaring when Isabella walked in.
Isabella walked over to the mirror and stood by Eve as she opened her clutch.
"You two were awful chummy out there!" Eve spouted.
"Don't be a bitch Eve…it was only a dance!" Isabella spouted back.
Eve's mouth dropped open slightly with the other woman's comment.
"Alright…let's get something straight here…that is my man out there not yours!" Eve exclaimed as she pointed at the door.
"You had your chance and you blew it…so back off!" Eve warned as she got in Isabella's face.
"Oh my….little kitty is showing her claws!" Isabella hissed.
"And here I thought you were such a meek little thing!" Isabella added snidely.
Eve's temper continued to flare.
"That's right Queenie….and when these claws come out you'd better watch out!" Eve spewed, glaring at Isabella.
"Well thats good sweetie….Ken always did love it when I was a tiger in bed!" Isabella retorted.
Eve was speechless.
"Oh the things we did when we made love Evie dear would have made you run and hide under the covers!" Isabella purred as she thought of all the countless times with the blond.
"He would always love it when I…." Isabella started to say coyly.
"Shut up you little whore!" Eve shouted as she gathered her makeup together.
"I don't even know what Ken ever seen in you…you're nothing but a lousy tramp!" Eve added as she proceeded to walk away.
"Oh…speaking of whores and tramps ..that reminds me…did Ken ever tell you about the time he dated a hooker?" Isabella asked the blond.
Eve stopped dead in her tracks.
"Ken would never date a hooker….you don't know what you're talking about!" Eve seethed as she turned back towards her arch rival.
"Oh yes…it's true…and it wasn't very long ago at that…and being a policeman and all…crazy isn't it?" Isabella added feeling very daring.
"You're a liar!" Eve fumed.
"You don't believe me…ask him yourself!" Isabella got in her face.
"Too bad though…she wound up dead…and it was Ken's fault too!" Isabella stated as she too gathered up her makeup and walked out the door.
Eve just stood there in shock, too shaken to move.
She waited several minutes before she was able to compose herself enough to walk out of the restroom.
Eve walked back to the table visible upset.
Hutch stood up and pulled out her chair for her.
"If you don't mind Ken I'd like to go home!" Eve exclaimed as she diverted her eyes away from Isabella.
Hutch looked at Starsky then Isabella.
"Sure honey!" Hutch replied as he pushed the chair back in and wrapped her jacket around her shoulders.
Hutch still had his hands on her shoulders as he led her away from the table.
"Goodnight" Hutch said quietly to Starsky and Isabella as they headed for the door.
Eve said nothing as they walked away.
Starsky looked at Isabella and she simply shrugged her shoulders.
Hutch had his arm around Eve's waist as they walked outside and to Hutch's car.
He opened the car door for her and she climbed inside.
She sat in silence as Hutch climbed in behind the wheel.
"What's wrong Eve?" Hutch asked the woman.
She said nothing.
"Oh come on Evie…if it was about the dance I…" Hutch began.
"You still have feelings for her don't you?" Eve blurted out the question.
"What?" Hutch asked, surprised by her forwardness.
"Ken I think we need to take a break from one another for a while until you can figure out what you want!" Eve exclaimed.
Hutch was speechless.
"Eve…I don't understand!" Hutch said clearly upset.
"I'm going to Italy in a few days on a buying trip for the gallery…I'll be gone for three weeks…maybe that will give you enough time to reevaluate our relationship!" she added curtly.
"Reevaluate are relationship….Eve you're making a big deal out of nothing here….come on…you know how I feel about you!" Hutch replied as he tried to take her hand.
She pulled it away.
"I thought I knew…now I'm not so sure about anything anymore!" she started to sob.
"I think there's a lot I don't know about you Ken!" she added coldly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked somewhat agitated.
"Just what I said!" Eve spouted
"Eve I think you're being very unreasonable…I…" Hutch started to say before she opened her door and started to get back out of the car.
"I'll walk home!" she declared angrily.
"Evie you are not walking home…it's dark and it's late!" Hutch exclaimed as he watched her climb out of the car and slam the door.
"Eve…get back in the car!" he ordered.
Eve kept on walking.
"For Christ's sake Eve!" Hutch shouted as he got out of the car to follow after her.
Starsky and Isabella where just coming out of the club when they heard Hutch shouting.
They watched as Eve stormed away with the blond chasing after her.
"Eve get in the god damn car!" Hutch bellowed as he continued to follow her.
"Hey hey hey!" Starsky exclaimed as he stepped in.
"Let her go Hutch!" he said as he took hold of his friends arm to stop him.
As Hutch watched Eve go he pounded the hood of his car with the side of his fist.
"What happened?" Starsky asked the blond.
Hutch shook his head "I don't know!" he yelled.
"What do you mean you don't know?" Starsky asked as he watched the woman walk out of sight.
I don't know!" Hutch repeated as he threw up his hands in defeat.
"Well what set her off?" Starsky asked, trying to get to the bottom of things.
Hutch just continued to shake his head.
"That's strange….she seemed fine in the ladies room!" Isabella lied, trying to hide a smirk.
Hutch leaned against his car, he was at a loss for words.
"If you like Ken I can call her when I get home!" Isabella offered, putting on the innocent act.
"Thanks Isabella but I don't think it would do any good" Hutch replied somberly as he started to walk back to the other side of the car.
Starsky stopped him.
"Are you gonna' be okay?" he asked the blond as he placed his hand on Hutch's forearm.
"Yeah I guess…see you in the morning!" Hutch said to his partner.
"Goodnight Ken!" Isabella called out.
Hutch waved then climbed into his car and drove off.
Starsky looked at his lady then shook his head as he led her to his car.
In the darkness Starsky was unaware of the devilish smile on her lips.
The next morning Starsky drove to Hutch's to pick him up before heading off to work.
"Any word from Eve since last night?" Starsky asked the blond.
"Nope!" was all Hutch said as he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door with Starsky.
"Don't worry Buddy…she'll come around!" Starsky said trying to sound upbeat.
"I'm not so sure Starsk!" Hutch replied disenchanted.
They drove to the precinct in silence.
The next few days came and went and still no word from Eve.
Hutch was pretty well convinced it was over between the two of them and it saddened him.
Starsky's and Isabella's relationship on the other hand continued to blossom.
Several days had gone by and with his friend's recent breakup Starsky was feeling a bit guilty when he told Hutch that he needed to make a stop somewhere while on their lunch break.
He pulled into a parking spot in front of the local jewelry store feeling a bit nervous.
"Oh come on Starsk….don't tell me Lempski's is having a sale on watches again!" the blond said jokingly.
Starsky just merely smiled.
Starsky put the car in park and they climbed out.
As they entered the jewelry store the shop owner greeted the men with a smile.
"Ahhhh Mr. Starsky…I have your purchase in the back…just give me one moment please!" the jeweler stated as he disappeared into the back.
Hutch peered into the showcases as his partner paced back and forth in the small shop.
The shop owner returned a few minutes later carrying a small black box.
When Hutch spied the box and his heart skipped a beat.
"Here we are Sir!" Mr. Lempski called out as he opened the box for Starsky's inspection.
Starsky eyed the contents of the box with a smile while Hutch stood there frozen.
"It's beautiful Mr. Lempski….just beautiful!" Starsky declared.
"Thank you Mr. Starsky!" the shop keeper replied proudly.
"What's that?" Hutch chuckled nervously.
Starsky gave Hutch a closer look as he held the box in front of the blond.
"Well…what does it look like Partner….it's an engagement ring…what do you think!" Starsky asked with excitement.
"Ahhhh…it's….beautiful Starsky but ahhhh…aren't you moving awful fast Buddy?" Hutch questioned is friend.
Starsky frowned slightly as he handed the jeweler back the ring.
The shop keeper placed it in a black velvet bag with the paperwork and handed it back to the dark haired man.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you Sir!" the store owner stated with a smile.
Starsky smiled back as he took the bag and walked out.
Hutch stood there for several seconds looking at the shop keeper before following his partner out.
Starsky was already in the car when Hutch came out of the shop.
He slowly walked over to the car stupefied.
He opened the passenger side door and got in.
As the blond sat there in silence Starsky spoke up.
"Hey…I know this is kinda' sudden but Hutch…I love her…I hope you can understand that Buddy!" Starsky said as he placed his hand on Hutch's arm.
Hutch was quiet.
Starsky sighed.
"I was kinda' hoping you'd be a little happier for me Partner…guess that would have been too much to ask for!" Starsky said with irritation in his voice as he turned the key in the ignition.
Hutch reached over and turned the ignition back off.
"You're right Buddy…I'm sorry…I am happy for you!" Hutch replied sincerely.
"Really?" Starsky questioned the blond.
"Really!" Hutch said with a smile.
Hutch held out his hand.
"Congratulations Partner!" Hutch exclaimed as he clasps his friends hand tightly.
"Thanks Hutch….none of this would mean much if I knew you were not okay with it!" Starsky said solemnly.
"I want you to be happy Babe and if you think Isabella is the one then I wish you both the best…I mean that with all my heart" Hutch said softly, meaning every word.
Starsky got a huge grin on his face, started up the car and drove off.
Just then their police radio went off.
"Zebra Three…Zebra Three…we have a ten sixty four at Willshire and Berkley at Crowley's Pharmacy…shots have been fired!" the dispatcher reported over the air.
Hutch quickly picked up the mike.
"This is Zebra Three…we are responding!" Hutch replied as he looked over at his partner.
"What's going on over there…that's the third robbery in less than two weeks?" Hutch exclaimed putting the lighted siren on the roof of the car as they sped off.
They killed the siren before turning onto the street and they arrived on the scene in less than three minutes.
They quickly climbed out of the Torino and cautiously made their way to the front of the Pharmacy window.
As they carefully peered into the window they could see the armed gunman holding a small handgun pacing nervously back and forth.
Off two the right were two mid-aged women crying hysterically.
"Well Partner…how do you wanna' play this one?" Starsky asked his friend nervously.
Hutch replied by faking a cough.
"I think I'm coming down with a cold!" Hutch said, suggesting he needed medicine from the pharmacy.
"Why you…why not me?" Starsky asked suddenly concerned for his partner's safety.
"Because I got sick first!" Hutch exclaimed with a smile.
"Okay…give me two minutes to get around back!" Starsky stated.
"You be careful!" Starsky said somberly as he briefly touched Hutch's forearm.
"Aren't I always?" the blond asked his friend.
Starsky could only smirk before taking off the back.
"You too Buddy!" Hutch whispered to himself as he watched his friend head to the back entrance.
He tucked his Magnum in the back of his pants hidden from view, waited two minute and slowly walked inside.
The blond pretended to not know what was going on as he walked up to the counter.
He was surprised to see the store Pharmacist lying behind the counter, blood oozing from his chest.
Hutch quickly spun around drawing his handgun from the waist of his pants.
The hold-up man immediately pulled one of the female shoppers in front of him as a shield.
The woman screamed uncontrollably.
"Drop it or the lady's good as dead!" the gunman shouted as he held his pistol to the woman's head.
Hutch hesitated.
"Easy Buddy….there's no need for anyone else to get hurt!" Hutch spoke softly, seeing Starsky out of the corner of his eye as he entered through the back entrance.
"I said drop it!" the gunman demanded holding on to the woman.
Hutch slowly started to lower his gun down onto the floor.
Starsky had the robber in his sights but was unable to fire for fear of hurting the woman.
"Kick it over here!" the gunman ordered.
Hutch obeyed as the sirens from their backup assistance blared outside.
Just then the other woman who was sobbing uncontrollably noticed Starsky in the back.
Not thinking she let out a gasp and ran towards him.
The gunman noticed and spun around in Starsky's direction.
At the same time Hutch lunged for the woman who was being held and pulled her away but not before the thief fired a shot in Starsky's direction.
Hutch then shoved the gunman into a stack of canned goods and wrestled him to the ground.
With one powerful punch to the face from Hutch's fist the gunman was out cold.
Hutch quickly ran to the front of the store, swung open the door and yelled "I need some help in here!"
The two officers that came to assist rushed in, cuffing the thief and dragging him out.
Two more officers arrived.
One assisted the two women making sure they were okay the other officer checked on the pharmacist who laid behind the counter but sadly he was already dead.
Hutch quickly looked back at his fallen partner.
He laid still on the floor.
"Oh my God!" Hutch cried out and was by his friend's side in a heartbeat.
Starsky was laying face down as Hutch gently turned him over.
The blond's face went completely white as he noticed the wound on Starsky's temple.
"Oh God please no!" Hutch whispered under his breath.
One of the officers came to Hutch's aide.
"Get an ambulance Mac!" Hutch ordered.
The officers sped off.
"Starsk….can you hear me Buddy? Hutch said softly to his partner.
Hutch took a handkerchief from his back pocket and gently dabbed the side of Starsky's head.
Once some of the blood was wiped away he could tell the bullet had only grazed the side of his partner's temple.
"Oh thank God!" Hutch cried out in relief.
He picked up Starsky's head and held it in his lap.
"Starsk…come on Buddy wake up for me will ya'?" Hutch pleaded with his friend.
Just then Starsky let out a low moan as he begun to stir.
"That's it Babe….come on Partner!" Hutch coaxed the dark haired man.
"HHHutchhhhh!" Starsky slurred his partner's name.
"Right here Buddy!" Hutch exclaimed as he held his partner's head.
"What happened?" Starsky winced with pain.
"That thick skull of yours tried to stop a bullet Pal!" Hutch said softly as he continued to wipe the blood from his friend's injury.
Ohhhh….it hurts Hutch!" Starsky moaned.
"It's just a tiny scratch!" Hutch said jokingly thankful that it wasn't any worst.
"You're gonna be fine Babe!" Hutch said softly as he cradled Starsky's head in his lap massaging his friend's neck.
"I don't feel fine!" Starsky groaned.
Hutch held up two fingers from his right hand in front of Starsky's face.
"How many fingers do I have up?" he asked his partner.
"On which hand?" Starsky mumbled.
"See…what did I tell ya' you're fine!" Hutch joked trying to make light of the situation.
"I wanna' go home Hutch!" Starsky whined.
"The only place you're going Pal is to the hospital!" Hutch stated as he ran his fingers through his partner's curly hair.
"No Hutch…can't…tonight's…night…propose…Izzy!" Starsky slurred, his speech impaired.
"Hey Buddy….you've waited thirty two years for her Pal…one more night isn't gonna' make a difference.
The ambulance siren wailed outside.
"You're lucky Partner…another half an inch and I'd be going to your funeral instead of your wedding!" Hutch exclaimed as he pressed the handkerchief against his friend's temple.
Starsky fumbled with his jacket pocket trying to retrieve something from inside it.
"What are you doing Starsk?" Hutch asked his dark haired friend as he took his hand.
"The ring…Hutch…keep it…for me….pleaseeee!" Starsky said to the blond.
Hutch pulled out the little black box and put it in his jacket then patted the pocket.
"It's safe and sound Starsk…don't worry!" Hutch assured his friend.
"Thanks Buddy!" Starsky replied trying to smile through the pain.
The ambulance crew wheeled a stretcher over to the two men.
"What do we have here?" the one attendee asked the blond.
"A bullet grazed the side of his head…his visions a little blurry….I can't seem to shut him up though so I guess that's a good sign!" Hutch said jokingly.
As one paramedic checked Starsky's blood pressure the other wrapped gauze around his head then flashed a light in his eyes.
They too were convinced the wound was not life threatening as they placed him on the stretcher.
As they wheeled Starsky out to the ambulance he held out his hand to the blond.
Hutch grabbed it and held it firmly.
"Hutchhh…call Izzy for me…let her know I can't make it tonight!" Starsky said as they hauled him up into the ambulance.
"You got it Starsk don't worry!" Hutch replied with a smile as he let go of Starsky's hand when they closed the ambulance doors.
Hutch watched the ambulance drive away and with a sigh of relief he climbed into the Torino and trailed behind.
As Hutch waited for the doctors to tend to Starsky he made the call to Isabella's office.
"Good Afternoon Benson Benson and Wentworth Attorneys at law!" the woman on the other lined addressed the caller.
"Bella this is Ken!" Hutch replied as he recognized her voice.
Isabella sat up straight in her chair and smiled.
"Ken…to what do I owe this pleasure!" she said fondly.
"Bella…it's Starsky…there's been a little incident!" he informed the woman.
"What kind of incident Ken?" she asked.
"It's nothing serious…he's gonna' be fine…the doctors are checking him out right now!" Hutch said trying to reassure her.
"Oh my God Ken are you sure he's alright?" she exclaimed.
"Yes…it's just a little crease…he was damn lucky!" Hutch exclaimed as he went into detail.
"What hospital Ken?" she asked as she got up from her chair.
"Memorial!" He replied.
"I'm on my way…I'll see you in a few minutes!" she said as she hung up the phone and ran out the door.
Hutch hung up the receiver and walked back to the waiting room and sat down.
Soon Captain Dobey walked in.
"How's he doing?" Dobey asked with concern.
"I don't think it's anything serious Captain…the bullet grazed his temple…he's probably gonna' have one hell of a headache though!" Hutch stated.
Dobey sighed with relief.
Just then Starsky's doctor walked into the waiting area.
"Officer Hutchinson?" he asked the blond.
"Yes doctor…how's my partner?" Hutch asked still a little hesitant.
"Your friend is going to be just fine…he'll have a little discomfort for a few days but nothing major!" the doctor stated.
Hutch let out a huge sigh.
"We want to keep him overnight for observation just to be sure but I don't foresee any problems!" the doctor reassured the blond.
"Thank you doctor!" Hutch replied as he shook the doctor's hand.
"May I see him?" the blond asked.
"Of course!" the doctor said.
"Nurse….would you please show Officer Hutchinson to his friend's room!" the doctor ordered the woman.
"Certainly doctor!" the nurse said with a smile as she motioned for Hutch to follow her down the hall.
Starsky was awake and resting comfortably when the blond walked into his room.
"How ya' doing Buddy?" Hutch asked his friend as he touched his shoulder.
"Well the rooms not spinning near as fast as it was so I guess that's a plus!" Starsky replied with a smirk.
"Yeah…the doctor says you're gonna' be fine…a little sore maybe but none the worse for wear!" Hutch said gratefully.
"Oh and the good news…" Hutch started to say.
"What?" Starsky asked.
"They took some x rays of that thick skull of yours…believe it or not they found a brain!" Hutch added jokingly.
"Ha Ha!" Starsky retorted.
Hutch pulled up a chair and sat down.
"Did you call Izzy?" Starsky asked the blond.
"She's on her way Starsk!" Hutch stated as he patted his fiend's arm.
Just then as if on cue Isabella walked into the room.
Hutch stood up when he saw her.
"David!" she exclaimed as she walked over to the side of his bed.
She bent down and kissed him on the cheek as Hutch diverted his eyes.
"How are you darling?" she asked affectionately.
"I'm fine Baby!" Starsky replied with a smile.
"I was so worried…when Ken called I was ready to jump out of my skin!" Isabella declared as she smiled at the blond.
Hutch simply smiled back as he offered her his chair.
"Thank you!" she said as she sat down.
"Starsk…I'm gonna go grab a cup of coffee while you two talk…see you in a bit!" the blond stated, smiling at them both before walking out.
Once Hutch had his coffee he went back to the waiting room and sat for a good forty five minutes giving Starsky and Isabella some time alone.
After the allotted time he walked back to Starsky's room to say goodnight.
Isabella was still seated by Starsky's side holding his hand when the blond walked in.
He walked over to the couple and smiled.
"Hey Hutch!" Starsky exclaimed.
"Hey Buddy…just wanted to say goodnight before I headed back to the precinct!" Hutch said as he squeezed Starsky's foot that was covered with the hospital blanket.
"No no..not yet Hutch….I need that thing that I asked you to hold on for me?" Starsky stated coyly.
Hutch hesitated.
"Oh…sure Starsk!" the blond said as he reached in his pocket and pulled out the little black box keeping it covered so Isabella wouldn't see it.
He handed it to Starsky.
Not certain what his partner's next move was he started to excuse himself from the room.
"No Hutch I'd like you to stay if you will!" Starsky declared.
Hutch agreed to stay as he looked on.
Starsky still had his hands over the box as he began to speak to the woman.
"Izzy…this may not be the most appropriate time nor is it the most romantic but after what happened today it kind of put my life with you in perspective!" Starsky choked.
Hutch held his breath.
He turned to look at Isabella face as it beamed in expectation.
Starsky uncovered the box and opened it.
Isabella's face lit up with delight.
"Izzy the day I ran into you at the bank and I mean that literally!" Starsky began.
Both Isabella and Hutch chuckled.
"It wasn't an accident…it was fate!" Starsky added.
"You mean the world to me Izzyand I can't imagine living the rest of my life without you!" Starsky continued as Isabella gazed lovingly into his eyes.
Hutch had tears in his eyes as he listened to his partner's words.
"I love you with all my heart and soul…so Isabella Russo…will you marry me?" Starsky concluded as he held the box out in front of her.
Isabella smiled and with excitement in her voice she jumped up out of her chair and kissed Starsky soundly on the lips.
"Yes David Michael Starsky I will marry you!" she proclaimed as he slipped the ring on her finger.
Starsky looked over at his partner.
Hutch gave him a wink of his eye and a thumb's up.
"Oh Ken isn't it beautiful?" Isabella gushed as she admired the ring.
"Yes it's very lovely Bella!" Hutch replied as he placed his arm around her shoulder.
They kissed each other on the cheek then Hutch leaned over and gave Starsky a hug.
"Congratulations Starsk!" Hutch said with genuine sincerity.
"Thanks Buddy!" Starsky replied all misty eyed.
"Now if you two will excuse me I've gotta' get back to the station and fill out some reports…I'll let you two enjoy some alone time!" the blond said with a smile as he squeezed Starsky's arm and kissed Isabella on the forehead.
"Goodnight Hutch!" Isabella and Starsky both said simultaneously as Hutch walked out the door.
Hutch finished up at the precinct at a descent hour and headed for home.
On the drive home his thoughts drifted back to Starsky and his proposal to Isabella.
He was surprised how okay he was about their recent engagement.
He truly wished the best for them.
Once he was home he took a shower and grabbed a beer out of the fridge.
The blond turned on the television and plopped down on the couch.
As he sat there sipping his beer a thought occurred to him.
He got up and walked into the bedroom and opened the closet door.
He reached up on the top shelf and removed a small shoe box.
As he sat down on the bed he opened the box and began to rummage through it.
Inside were numerous pictures of him and Isabella.
He chuckled to himself as he leafed through the photographs, remembering when and where each one was taken.
Then he spied the tiny red box under all the photographs and pulled it out.
He opened the box and took out the ring from inside.
"Bella…All my love…Ken" He said softly to himself as he read the inscription on the inside of the ring.
As he held the ring his thoughts drifted back to the day he almost proposed to Isabella himself.
He had just picked up the ring and was over the moon with joy.
He wanted to let Isabella's father know of his plans to ask his daughter for her hand in marriage before he proposed to her.
He knew it wasn't going to be an easy task because for reasons unknown to Hutch the man hated him.
Her father was against them being together from day one but then again, he wasn't asking for his blessing he just wanted him to be aware of his intentions.
When he got to the Russo estate he knocked on the stately wooden doors and the butler let him in.
"One moment sir while I summon Mr. Russo!" the butler said as he left Hutch standing in the massive entranceway.
After several long minutes Isabella's father appeared at the top of the stairs.
He eyed the blond and casually walked down the huge winding staircase to the bottom landing below.
"Good evening Sir!" Hutch said nervously.
"What is it Kenneth!" the man replied with annoyance.
"Mr. Russo..Sir…I-I-I was wondering if I-I-I could have a minute of your time please!" Hutch asked the man politely, hating how the man always reduced him to a stuttering fool.
Isabella's father looked at his watch.
"Is it important?" the man asked with irritation in his voice.
"Uhhhh…yes Sir…it is…..Sir!" Hutch stammered.
"Well then get on with it…don't just stand there like a blubbering idiot Kenneth!" the man shouted.
"My time is very valuable!" he added as he looked at his watch again.
As the sweat started to form on Hutch's forehead he proceeded.
"Sir….I-I-I know you don't really think very much of me….however…I'm very much in love with your daughter Sir and even though I don't really expect your blessing Sir…..I-I-I just wanted you to know I-I-I'm asking Isabella for her hand in marriage tonight…Sir!" Hutch managed to get out without too much stuttering.
"That is out of the question!" Isabella's father Shouted.
Hutch was not surprised by the man's words.
"Sir…please try to understand that I love your daughter more than anything…I…." Hutch started to say before being interrupted.
"Well isn't that so very touching!" Mr. Russo replied with anger.
"So tell me Mr. Hutchinson…just how do you plan on taking care of my daughter in the manner in which she is so accustom to living?" the man questioned the blond as he got directly in his face.
"Money can't buy happiness Sir!" Hutch retorted, slowly gathering up his nerve to stand up against the man's bullying.
"Oh please Kenneth…spare me the old clichés and don't you dare insult my intelligence!" the man shouted back.
"You are fully aware Sir that I am currently working on my master's degree for…." Hutch began before being interrupted again.
"Just who do you think you are trying to fool Kenneth….you and I both know you will never finish your degree and where will that leave you and my daughter then?" Isabella's father bellowed.
"I am perfectly capable of supporting your daughter Sir!" Hutch spouted back.
"Oh that's priceless…real priceless Hutchinson!" the man roared with laughter.
Hutch could only glare at the man.
"Let me reiterate it again you damn fool…you will not be marrying my daughter…not now..not ever…do you understand?" Isabella's father hissed in the blond's face.
Hutch refusing to back down leaned in, almost touching the tip of the other man's nose and replied angrily "I will be marrying your daughter Sir if she will have me and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it you pompous asshole!"
The other man's jaw dropped.
Through clenched teeth he seethed "Get out of my house and don't you dare even think about stepping one foot in here again….do I make myself clear?" the man spat out.
"Not until I talk to your daughter!" Hutch exclaimed as he pushed the older man aside.
"Jenkins…call security…tell them we have an intruder!" Isabella's father ordered the butler.
Hutch didn't waiver as he continued through the entranceway and up the steps.
"Just one more thing Hutchinson…and you might want to think this one clearly!" the man added making one last attempt to stop the blond.
Hutch continued up the steps.
"If you decide to go through with this charade I will disown my daughter!" he said with pure hatred in his voice.
Those lasts words made Hutch stop in his tracks.
"She will get nothing from me…I'll even take away her name!" he said adamantly.
"Then we will see just how strong her love for you is…when you are both penniless and living on the streets!" he hissed.
"How do you think it will feel when she begins to hate and recent you for taking her away from the comfortably posh lifestyle that only her father can give her!" he said with a vengeance.
Hutch suddenly felt defeated.
He knew in his heart the words Isabella's father said were true.
He couldn't stand the thought of Isabella hating him for taking her away from the life she was so used to.
The idea of losing her love because of that would have been too much for him to bear.
"That's right Kenneth..now you're thinking more clearly!" the man smiled as he watched the blond retreat from the stairs.
"It's really for the best Kenneth…you and I both know that don't we?" the man smirked, knowing he had won the battle.
Hutch walked right up to him their noses almost touching again and spewed out his final words.
"How could someone so loving and gentle possibly have come from the fruit of your loins?" the blond hissed.
"Oh you would have found out Kenneth that my daughter is more like me then you know!" he exclaimed as he watched Hutch walk out the door, shoulders sagging.
Hutch sat there on the bed, his thoughts drifting back to the present and he sighed heavily.
He always felt bad the way he left it with Isabella, never saying goodbye but he knew she would have rebelled against her father and run off with him with hurt and resentment not far behind.
"I guess I need to get rid of this stuff now!" he said to himself as he reluctantly placed the ring back in the box and closed the lid along with all the memories it contained.
At the same time Hutch was strolling down memory lane Isabella had arranged a meeting with a certain unscrupulous individual in a deserted back alley out of sight from questioning eyes.
She hadn't waited long before a man dressed in grubby clothing appeared in the darkened alley.
He cautiously made his way to Isabella's car peering inside.
"Do you have it?" Isabella whispered as she looked up and down the alley making sure they were alone.
"Yeah lady I got it…you got the money?" he questioned her as he too looked around.
Isabella took an envelope out of her purse and handed it to the seedy character.
He counted the money and with a smile handed her a brown paper bag.
"Pleasure doing business with you lady!" he exclaimed as he walked away.
She quickly opened up the paper sack and removed the bottle from inside.
A mischievous smile came across her face as she held the bottle up to the light.
"Everything is just falling in to place perfectly!" she whispered devilishly as she put the bottle back in the bag and drove off.
Hutch was still sitting on the bed when he heard a knock at his front door.
He looked at his watch and shook his head.
He placed the box he was holding on the bed and went to answer the door.
He was shocked to find Isabella at the door when he opened it.
"Bella!" he exclaimed as he saw the woman standing outside the door holding two bottles of champagne.
"I know its late Ken and since David couldn't join me for a celebratory toast I thought maybe you would!" she said as she held up both bottles, one in each hand.
"Mmmmm…my kind of woman…a bottle in each hand!" he said jokingly.
"Sure honey…come on in!" he added as he motioned for her to come inside.
Isabella looked around his apartment.
"Cozy little apartment you have here Kenneth!" she said with a smile.
"Thanks…there's a greenhouse in the back!" he informed her as he retrieved two glasses from the kitchen cabinet.
"Very nice!" she exclaimed looking in that direction.
"Shall we sit down?" he asked her as he pointed to the living room sofa.
He followed her to the sofa carrying the two glasses and a bottle opener.
They sat down beside one another and Isabella handed him one of the bottles to open.
"Do you mind?" she asked the blond.
Hutch smiled as he took the bottle and uncorked it.
He then proceeded to pour them to glasses of the bubbly drink.
He handed her one of the glasses and then raised his in the air.
"To you and Starsky…..I wish you all the happiness in the world!" he proclaimed as he clinked his glass against hers.
"Thank you Kenneth!" she replied with a smile as she took a sip.
"It's too bad Starsky couldn't be here with us!" Hutch said solemnly.
"Yes it is!" she replied with a sigh.
"How's he feeling by the way?" Hutch asked with concern.
"Ohhh he's got a bad headache but he's just fine!" she exclaimed as she rested her head on the back of the sofa.
"Are you okay?" the blond asked Isabella as he brushed her chin lightly.
"It was a shock when you called me this afternoon!" she stated looking up at the ceiling.
"I worry about him so much….I worry about both of you!" she said as she looked over at Hutch.
Hutch finished his glass of champagne and poured another.
Isabella downed her drink as well.
She leaned forward and sat her glass on the table.
Hutch leaned back and put his arm across the back of the couch.
When Isabella leaned back again her head rested on his arm.
He thought about moving it but he didn't want to disturb her.
She looked at Hutch again.
"Do you ever think about us much Ken?" she asked the blond.
Hutch was a little surprised by her direct questioning.
"Sure…every now and then!" he replied nervously as he took a sip.
She sighed heavily.
"Why Ken…why did you just up and leave me like that?" she asked him with tears in her eyes.
"Bella let's not dwell on the past…l thought we were celebrating your future with Starsky!" he stated as he changed the subject.
Isabella shivered as she rubbed her arms.
"Ken you wouldn't happen to have a sweater I can borrow I'm a little chilled?" she asked the blond.
"Oh sure honey…be right back!" he said as he put down his empty glass and went into the bedroom.
Isabella quickly retrieved the bottle from her purse, opened it and poured some of the liquid into Hutch's glass.
She was pouring more champagne into it when he returned to the room.
"Here you go!" he said with a smile as he handed her the sweater.
"Ohhh thank you…you're a lifesaver!" she proclaimed as she pulled it over her head.
She loved the way the scent of the blond clung to it.
"Soooo…Starsky should be coming home tomorrow according to the doctor!" Hutch stated.
"Yes he is!" she said making small talk.
"Will he be staying with you?" the blond asked.
"I'm sure he will feel more comfortable at his place!" she replied as she leaned forward and picked up their glasses.
Hutch thanked her.
As he took a sip she held her breath.
She was grateful that he didn't notice any taste difference.
After half an hour or so and another bottle of champagne later Hutch placed his glass down on the table.
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
Isabella pretended to spill some of the champagne on her jeans.
"Clumsy me!" she said as she brushed the spilled liquid from her lap.
"I'll get a towel!" he said as he got up swaying on his feet in the process.
As he walked into the kitchen Isabella quickly poured more of the drug into his glass.
He returned with the towel and handed it to her.
She dabbed the towel across her jeans then tossed it aside picking up their glasses again.
She handed him his glass and proceeded to make a toast of her own.
"This one is to you Ken….I hope you get everything in life you deserve!" she said coyly.
Her words were lost on Hutch in his doped up state.
Hutch finished his glass.
"That's it!" he slurred as he attempted to sit the glass down on the table.
He misjudged the distance and the glass fell to the floor.
"I'm afraid I may have overdone it Bella!" he chuckled as he sunk back into the sofa.
Isabella smiled as she reached down and picked up the glass placing it on the table.
Seeing that the blond was close to passing out, she quickly took action.
"Come on Kenneth dear…let's get you into bed before you crash right here!" she said as she stood up tugging on his arm.
With Isabella baring most of his weight she proceeded to lead him into the bedroom, stumbling a few times along the way.
She plopped him down on the bed shoving the box of photographs off onto the floor.
Hutch was now out cold.
Isabella pulled back the covers and then pulled off his shoes and socks.
She pulled off his tee shirt then proceeded to unbuckle the belt around his jeans.
She then unbuttoned his jeans and slowly slid the zipper down.
She tugged on his jeans until they came off as well.
As she removed his boxers she let out a huge sigh.
"Ohhh Kenneth..this sure brings back some sweet memories!" she said as she lightly drug her fingernails across his groin area.
After he was completely nude she climbed off the bed and began to remove her own clothing tossing it haphazardly across the room.
Her gaze suddenly fell upon the box of photographs she had scattered on the floor.
She reached down and picked up one of the photos shocked to see her own face staring back at her.
She continued to pick up photo after photo of herself and the blond.
She looked over at Hutch in wonder.
Isabella then noticed the tiny red box that had fallen under the nightstand.
She picked it up, gasping as she opened it.
She slowly pulled the ring out looking back at the blond with amazement.
Tears came to her eyes as she read the inscription on the inside of the ring.
"Bella All my love Ken!" she cried out softly.
"Why you bastard…why?" she sobbed as she slid to the floor clutching the ring in her hand.
She continued to sob for some time before eventually pulling herself together and up off the floor.
She hesitantly placed the ring back in its box then picked up all the pictures that had scattered.
She placed everything into the cardboard box and placed it off to the side.
She finished undressing then climbed into bed beside the blond.
Isabella gently placed her tear stained cheek on Hutch smooth naked chest and cried herself to sleep.
As the morning sunlight crept through the bedroom window Hutch slowly opened his right eye.
When the bright light glared in his face he cringed, closing his eye quickly.
"Ohhhhhh!" he moaned as he started to stir, placing his hand on his head.
He laid there for several seconds before he felt the warm arm draped across his chest.
He slowly opened both eyes and gazed down.
The blond slowly turned to his bed companion and his heart skipped a beat.
"Jesus Christ!" he exclaimed as he laid there frozen.
His heart began to pound furiously in his chest when he realized what he had done.
He quietly reached down and removed the bare arm that laid across his chest then he slowly got up out of the bed.
His head began to spin as he tried to stand.
After several attempts to stand, he finally made it up.
Hutch started to pace back and forth across the room as he looked over to the bed gazing down at Isabella's naked figure lying there.
As he rubbed his hands across his face he stood there perplexed.
He proceeded to pull on his jeans before waking the sleeping woman.
"Bella!" he said nervously as he gently shook her.
"Bella….please wake up!" the blond said louder still shaking her.
Isabella moaned softly then opened her eyes.
She sat up abruptly looking around the room then at the bare chested blond and her own nakedness.
She hastily pulled the sheets up around her pretending to be shocked at what they had presumably done.
"Ken….what…what have we done!" she cried out as she jumped off the bed.
"Bella….I'm sorry….I'm so sorry!" Hutch said mournfully not remembering anything from the night before.
"Oh Ken how could we?" she faked a sob as she quickly gathered up her clothing she had purposely thrown across the room.
Hutch continued to hold his head, the pounding was unbearable.
With her clothing in her hands Isabella ran into the bathroom slamming the door loudly.
Behind the closed door she smiled mischievously, so proud that her devious plan was working.
Hutch looked at his watch then quickly finished dressing.
He promised Starsky he would be at the hospital at nine to pick him up when he was discharged.
How could he possibly face him now.
Isabella came out of the bathroom her eyes all red and swollen.
She avoided looking at the blond as he walked out of the bedroom.
She gathered her purse and hurried towards the door.
As she opened it Hutch quickly walked over and slammed it shut, pulling her back inside.
"Bella wait!" he cried out.
"I can't do this right now Ken….I just can't!" she said as she broke down sobbing.
Hutch quickly took her in his arms and held her.
"Shhhh….don't cry sweetheart…please don't cry!" he said soothingly in her ear.
"What are we going to do Ken?" she asked the blond as her tears stained his shirt.
"We have to tell him Bella!" Hutch exclaimed as he held her tight.
"No….he can never know what happened!" she cried out as she pulled from his grasp.
"I can't keep something like this from him Bella!" the blond said adamantly.
"He'll leave me Ken….you can't do that to me…you owe me that much!" she sobbed.
Hutch was torn.
He knew if he told Starsky that he had slept with Isabella it would not only end their engagement but it would also terminate their own friendship as well and that was something the blond could not possibly bear.
