As he watched Andrews lower himself into a chair, Hutch had to force himself to use every ounce of self-restraint he had. More than anything, he wanted to reach across his desk and slap the freckles off the younger man's face.
Instead, he asked a simple question. "You two came from the academy together, didn't you?"
"Yes sir," Graham answered. "Eight months ago."
"You get along all right? I mean, you work together okay?"
"I think so," Graham replied again as he looked at Andrews. "What about you?"
Hutch also turned his gaze to Andrews, who only nodded.
"I worked out of state for a number of years, and my partner and I were inseparable. Not just when we were working, but off duty as well. We took vacations together, double dated, there was even a girl or two we fought over. In a lot of ways, we were like brothers. Pardon me if I come across as sentimental, but he died recently, and I've been thinking a lot about him this morning."
"I'm sorry, sir," Graham stated. "Would...would you mind telling us about working with him? Maybe give us a few pointers?"
Hutch looked at Andrews before responding. He looks uncomfortable. You know, don't you, Andrews? You know the man I'm talking about is the man you shot Saturday night.
"When we'd be in the middle of a case, and a break finally came, we never had to ask how the other wanted to handle it. We were always on the same page, always in sync with each other. Never had to wonder what the other was thinking, because it was always what we were already thinking."
"How long did you know him?" Graham wanted to know.
Hutch smiled. "More than twenty-five years. Anyway, thanks for listening. Now, back to business. Those liquor store robberies- we know who did it."
xXxXx
Andrews wanted to bolt. How was it possible, when he'd left no evidence behind? The captain had to be bluffing.
He sat nervously and listened as Captain Hutchinson explained about a witness who claimed to have seen a pair of crossbones on the sweatshirt the perp was wearing, and that those crossbones had been connected to the Black Knights.
"The Black Knights?" Andrews piped up suddenly. "I don't mean to be disrespectful, Captain, but come on. The Knights would've clearly left their mark if they'd been involved."
xXxXx
"I thought so too. Until I found out about the 3-2-1 plan." Sorry, Kevin. "Three robberies, two vandalisms, one murder. It started out with the liquor stores, then moved on to the Lutheran church Wednesday night. I received word that the mayor's house was the next target, so I set up a stakeout. The guy would've been caught too, except for one thing. He shot the officer that was with me, and in his haste to leave the scene, he left his gun. Fingerprints were lifted and registration was traced; we have a match."
It was at that point Andrews jumped out of his seat to run, but Hutch was quicker. He grabbed hold of the younger man's collar and dragged him back into the chair.
"Sit down, Andrews. You're under arrest."
xXxXx
Graham's heart sank as he stared at the freckled young man that was his partner. He couldn't believe it.
"Andrews, I don't understand. How is it even possible? We were working the day of the third robbery. How could you have done it?"
He watched the other man shrug his shoulders. "It was lunchtime, and there was a long line at that fast food place where you wanted to stop. I had more than enough time to pull it off."
xXxXx
Hutch watched as Graham turned his gaze from Andrews to him. "Captain, why didn't I see it? He's my partner."
Hutch's heart broke. "The man he killed...was mine."
xXxXx
"You know, Hutch, I love you...love you more than life itself. I know I haven't told you every day, but..."
"Yes you have partner; you've told me every day of my life."
