Chapter 2

By the time Hutch reached he hospital he was already beginning to feel the ill effects of the toxin, he felt dizzy and nauseous as the adrenaline continued to course through his veins, and the sweat was pouring profusely from his brow.

He charged into the emergency room like a boulder shot from a cannon, throwing the large whitewashed doors aside with such velocity that they ricocheted violently off the supporting walls, making several people; both patients and medical personal alike, turn to look at him as he rushed by.

By the time he'd raced up several flights of stairs and reached the floor and ward to which he knew Starsky had been moved to, he was already struggling to catch his breath as he drew the cold air into his lungs with long, rattling gasps, and grimaced as each cool wave wracked his chest and abdomen with the worst bout of cramps he'd ever experienced. Cheryl had explained to them both earlier on that the toxin was a powerful compound which would eventually inhibit the bodies ability to carry out many of its usual functions; to sweat, to swallow, to speak, to breathe… eventually Hutch knew that his body would shut down, he'd slip into a coma, and he'd die.

Even so he handed the syringe and its contents over to the doctors, rubbing at the tiny puncture wound on the back of his hand now inflamed with pink and purple bruising. He massaged his ribs as another succession of cramps seized him. He was finding it increasingly difficult to swallow, and was by now soaked and dripping with sweat as he was no longer able to regulate his own body temperature. Captain Dobey glanced at him, frowning with concern, however the doctor's simply took the hypodermic from his slightly shaking fingers, accepting it with some degree of urgency and racing off in the direction of their laboratories in order to dissect the exact chemical compound of the toxic substance before it was too late. Hutch began to wonder why it was that it had taken several hours before Starsky had started to present with any outward sign of symptoms, and yet he'd started to feel the ill effects after only a few minutes. However he accepted that the adrenaline still coursing through his veins would undoubtedly carry the poison through his system faster. After they'd gone he took a seat in the waiting room beside Captain Dobey.

"I've done everything I can for Starsky now Captain." Hutch sighed as he rubbed his tired eyes wearily and held his head in his hands. His breathing was becoming easier and much more controlled now that he was able to sit and concentrate on the rhythm of breathing one breath at a time, although he still felt that he had the weight of the world resting up against his chest. "It's down to the doctors now."

"You did everything you could." Captain Dobey nodded. "You have nothing to reproach yourself for."

"But that's the point." Hutch growled. "I do! It still isn't enough, it still doesn't guarantee Starsky's life."

"But Hutch," Dobey soothed the normally level headed police officer, "nothing can guarantee that."

"I'd do anything for Starsky Captain." Hutch suddenly exclaimed as he leapt from his seat, his panic and anxiety coupled with the increasing pain of the cramps, giving him fresh venom. "You know that. I'd give my life for him."

"Hutch are you alright?" Captain Dobey asked, noticing the rise and fall of the young blonde's ribcage become more rapid as Hutch became more agitated and started to gasp for breath.

The detective reached up to undo the top button of his collar, mopping the sweat from his brow as the room suddenly began to spin. He shook his head.

"Captain I think I've done a really stupid thing." He wheezed.

"Why?" The Captain frowned, looking Hutch up and down as he observed the perspiration on his upper lip and brow, sweat dripping from him, running down his back and soaking his cloths.

"I've been poisoned." Hutch slurred before he finally passed out, and slumped forward as Captain Dobey leapt up to catch him as he fell.

"Well don't just stand there." The Captain barked at a confused looking orderly standing, watching nearby. "Fetch the doctor!"