One Month ago

"Is he doing any better?" Captain Dobey asked Hutch

"It doesn't seem so. No change at all Captain, but I guess that's a good sign." Hutch smiled meekly.

Captain Dobey looked at Hutch, resting his hand upon his shoulder he smiled at him. "He's strong Hutch. He'll be fine he just needs time. Time to come back to us."

Hutch nodded and sighed.

Starsky was dreaming. Hutch was there, by his bed watching him. He seemed distressed. Don't worry Hutch, I'm trying, I'm really trying.

The next morning Starsky woke, he didn't feel any better than he had the night before. He took a shower and drank a strong cup of coffee before making his way to the car to begin his search for Hutch all over again. Things were different. The first time round Hutch had had been found near Monks apartment, and yet he wasn't there when Starsky searched. Maybe they had held him somewhere different first. Starsky radioed Evans, who was still staking out Monk's place. "Evans it's Starsky, anything?"

"Nothing yet Starsky, you got anything?"

"Nope. Stay there I'm coming over. Zebra three out."

Starsky drove to Monks address. He was surprised to see a dark sedan parked in the drive way. He pulled up beside Evans patrol car, "When did that arrive?" he asked, nodding towards the sedan.

"A few minutes ago. I was about to radio it in."

Nodding Starsky told Evans to stay put. He was going round back.

Starsky purred the Torino into the alley behind the house. Getting out very quietly he approached the back yard. He peered in through one of the back windows and saw Hutch. He was tied to a chair and looked as though he had taken quite a beating. Starsky drew a deep breath. He had to get Hutch out and hoped he was in time.