Feedback: Always shamefully solicited, but please remember, none of us are professionals so when critiquing, be lenient.

Disclaimer: I own no one, and nothing. The OC's are ours and the idea is loosely based on a movie called 'The hitcher', no infringement on the copyright is intended. The names have been changed to protect the innocent, namely, me!

Author's Note: This story is being written with the help of a couple of very important people to me. Thank you Eli for your contributions and encouragement, also written with the constant help of Brook, (she is, and always will be my sounding board.)

Red

Chapter Ten

Kevin sat there, nursing his second beer that had followed two shots of bourbon. His nerves were settling as he felt a little more comfortable with his surroundings. He leaned towards the blond woman next to him as he decided to see if he could convince her to leave with him. His sexual desires had gone unfulfilled thanks to that annoyance of a brunet that he had left behind in the cold damp cave to die.

"So what's a hot little number like you doing here alone?" He asked as he raised his frosty glass to his lips, taking a generous swig, and then placing it back down on the counter with a clink.

"Tryin' to get some time alone." She retorted sharply as Kevin inhaled quickly to her hurtful words.

"Well, if you asked me, I don't think someone like you should ever be left alone." He responded.

"Who asked you?" She kept her gaze straight ahead, never looking over at the object of her irritation.

Kevin's knuckle whitened as he tightened his grip around his glass, she was going to be sorry for those unkind things she said to him. He really wished that people would be careful; it wasn't his fault they asked to be killed. He took in a deep breath, trying to still his urges, both sexual and animalistic, the urge to kill, the feeling he got that he just wanted to slice her throat and let her bleed to death right there on the counter, listening to the gargling gasps of her final breaths as her life literally flowed from her body across the counter top as several people looked on, impressed with the power that Kevin held in his hand, the ability to play God and determine one's fate…in an instant. It was a gift the he didn't take lightly; he was blessed to be given the power of deciding one's mortality, and he did it without feeling guilty or remorse, the ability of righting someone else's wrongs, and doing it swiftly. He could feel his excitement grow as the anticipation of another payback approached.

"You gotta name?" Kevin tried in vain to continue this conversation.

"Yeah, I do, as I'm sure you do too, doesn't mean I wanna share it with you." She snapped sharply as she rose from the bar stool and walked across the bar.

Kevin turned in his seat, placing his back against the counter as he rested both elbows on it. His mind wandered back to that terrible night nearly a decade ago, the night he lost his parents…

The family was driving through the curvy mountainous roads, the radio was playing loudly as his mother sang along. He sat in the back seat, sprawled out and relaxed, he loved the sound of his mother's voice, she was a beautiful singer, both he and his father thought so. It was dark and Kevin occasionally caught the flash on the headlights from oncoming traffic cause shadows to dance across the car's interior. They drove for what seemed like hours. Propping himself up in the back seat, Kevin could she the reflection of his father's eyes in the rearview mirror, as the headlights coming from behind illuminated them, the pale blue orbs almost glowing. Even from the back seat he could see the fear in his father's glance as he watched the approaching car move closer and closer, his eyes shifting from the road in front of him to the mirror.

"What in the hell is this guy doing?" He tried to say quietly to his mother in the front seat, but Kevin made out every word.

"John, slow down, let him pass." His mother pled with her husband.

Kevin made out the fear in her unsteady voice as he turned to watch the high beam headlights close in from behind. Even as a child of 11, he knew something was wrong, the car behind them was menacing, the engine rumbling low, yet powerfully. He couldn't make out the faces in the car because of the bright reflection of their headlights caused him to squint in a painful vision.

His father eased the care over to the side of the road carefully, the dangerous mountain roads had cliff like drop offs on either side. The car from behind gunned the monstrous engine as it changed lanes, moving into oncoming traffic line as it attempted to pass them. As it pulled up beside the family car, Kevin saw the bright, shiny candy apple red paint job, and the polished chrome of the muscle car. The man in the passenger seat was roaring with laughter as the windows of the two cars met. He looked over and locked eyes with the terrified boy as he flipped him off, metaphorically slapping the boy across the face. The face forever etched in Kevin's mind, the curly haired brunet man who sat in the passenger's seat, laughed as he threw his head back against the seat of the car, slapping the driver on the shoulder and pointing forward. The car accelerated as Kevin felt his dad slowing down to allow them room to pass.

"John, they're scaring me, pull over." Kevin's mom pled.

"I can't there's no room."

Kevin could here the fear in his father's trembling voice, something he had never heard before. The car they were in swerved from side to side, jerking violently as Kevin watched the other vehicle try to push them off the road. When Kevin's father slowed down, so did they, if he sped up the other car matched the movements. Last thing Kevin remembered was his mother's blood curdling scream and his father shout out the most vile curse words he had ever heard as the car seemed to fly from the paved road…

Kevin was snapped back to reality as he received a tap on the shoulder, he turned quickly to see the bartender again giving him an irritated look.

"I said, do you wanna 'nother beer?" He apparently upset with having to repeat himself.

"Sure, sure." He said as he placed his empty glass on the bar counter.

Kevin went back to watching the woman who had just shunned him as she danced with other men in the place, his anger brewing, increasing with every second that passed.

XXXX

Starsky must have fallen asleep, but for how long he wasn't sure…he blinked his eyes, they stung from the sweat that was pouring off his forehead into his eyes. He was grateful for the time he had, the relief from pain, no matter how brief it was. He tried once again as the burn shot through his shoulders, he moved slowly, stretching himself and pulling against his restraints, trying to work the spasms and aches out of his body as much as possible. He took in a deep breath as he realized that his lungs were of more concern to him then his other injuries, he heard the wheeze and rattle that indicated the fluid building up, making it more and more difficult to inhale. His body convulsed into a fit of coughing as he felt the mucous rise from his lungs and he spat it clear of his own personal space.

He heard noises in the dark as he attempted to sit up slightly, his eyes darting around his temporary housing. He watched in the dark as small furry rodents scurried along the walls of the cave. He thought about how nice it was not to be alone, even company of the rodent variety was company. He smiled as his eyes had adjusted to the light enough where he could see two rats, working together to search the small cave for any food droppings, finding some by the fire ring. The worked as a team, in silent communication, each knowing what the other was doing, they reminded him of he and Hutch as they stayed put, sharing the tiny morsels they had found. He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down, his throat dry as he tried desperately to create enough saliva to moisten his tongue and rid himself of the sandpaper that had invaded his oral cavity.

He worried…worried about Hutch and how he was going to take his death. He wanted so much for Hutch to know that it was okay, that he needed to go on and not grieve his loss. He thought about Helen, he knew that she would assume responsibility for this tragic turn of events. He hated the thought about her thinking that his demise was in direct correlation with her actions. He loved her with all his heart, but he knew that what she had said just two, or was it three, nights ago was true. They could never be together, not in this lifetime, but who knows maybe the next. His mind was racing about everyone he cared for, and then he stop, his heart jumping as he thought about his mother. What would this do to her, would Nicky be around to help her through this? Who would call her and give her the news? Dobey? Hutch?

Thinking like this was not a good sign, he was giving up, residing to the fact that this could and probably would be the end of him. He had to stop thinking like this, he had to continue to fight with everything he had in him. He took as deep of breath as he was capable of and started anew. He pulled again against his wrists, gritting his teeth together to try and fight against the pain as well. Maybe if he just pulled a little harder, his restraints would give free. He relaxed momentarily and then with a loud grunt he pulled hard, as hard as he was currently capable of.

Nothing…

He bent forward again, panting and gasping for air, maybe that wasn't such a good idea after all, he thought as he felt the blood trickling from his wrists…

XXXX

Hutch pulled his car up quietly behind the building across the street; several other cars were hidden by the large brick warehouse. The police had set up a small command center there where they would direct all of their officers from. Currently they had several officers surrounding the exits, and two plain clothes detectives on the inside, providing surveillance of sorts.

Hutch and Helen both approached the senior officer on scene as he gave them a quick recap, nothing had really changed, suspect was still inside, the red Thunderbird sat ominously out in front of the establishment, almost taunting them to come and get him, a dare if you will.

They knew that he appeared to be alone, so Starsky was not with him, both of them felt a touch of despair as they worried about the chances they had at finding him alive were dwindling, they also knew that their best chance was to get Kevin to talk.

Captain Robert Owen explained the plan. They were about to enter the establishment and take Kevin out, by force if necessary.

"With all due respect Sir, do you really think that is the best way to handle this situation?" Hutch asked.

"You gotta better idea?" Owen questioned the detective.

"I do." Helen blurted out, earning her a quizzical look from Hutch.

"You do?" The blond furrowed his brow at her, having a bad feeling that gripped his throat.

"I think our best bet is to get him to talk, have him tell us where Dave is or what he's done to him." She explained.

"And just how do you plan on accomplishing that?" Captain Owen asked her, intrigued where this was heading.

"Bait." She stated as a matter of fact as Hutch looked at her and instantly shook his head, knowing what she was thinking without her even saying it.

"No way!" He snapped as he moved to her side. "It's too dangerous."

"Ken, you got a better idea?" She asked, her eyes searching for his, "Look, if we just take him into custody, he's never gonna tell us where Dave is an' you know that…" She paused briefly before continuing, "…if he is still alive, then time is of the essence and I think we need to get him to lead us back to him…I think I can get him to do that better then you could…besides, if he went after Kristie, I think I could get him to go after me, maybe even taking me back to wherever in the hell he's got Dave…"

Hutch knew she was right, the best shot they had was to get him to take them to his partner. Alive or dead, Hutch needed to find him.

"Helen, I don't think you should do this…" Hutch locked eyes with her.

"It's my fault he's there in the first place; it's the least I can do…" She spat as she moved towards the Captain in charge. "Have you gotta wire? I could wear one and you guys will be right behind me the whole way." She persuaded him.

"Yeah, we got one, but you really sure you want to do this? Our department can't be held responsible…" He began before Hutch interrupted him.

"Don't worry, you won't be, you can call Cap'n Dobey with BCPD Metro division, I'm sure he'll give the green light…" He explained as Owen headed for his car, "Helen, can I talk to you for a sec?"

Hutch took her by the elbow and led her away, making sure that they had at least a little privacy. "You don't have to do this, ya' know?"

"That's where you're wrong," She stated as she reached up and touched Hutch's cheek. "This is exactly what I have to do; he'd do the same for either one of us, now wouldn't he?" She patted his face then dropped her hand and followed the Captain to get hooked up with the wire.

Hutch sighed heavily as he looked up at the sky, "Auh Starsk, where the hell are you?" He didn't like where this was headed, and yet he felt helpless to stop it, this was the best shot they had.

The tall blond detective decided that if Helen was going to risk her life to find Starsky, then he wanted to be in charge of her safety. He knew that Starsky wouldn't have it any other way.

XXXX

Inside the crowded bar, the noise level rose as Kevin sat there watching the woman on the dance floor, she danced flirtatiously as she did the bump with two other men, on either side of her. Kevin could feel his anger rising from deep within himself as he felt his face flush.

He concentrated on her, his full attention given to the woman. The music and noise echoed in the background. Several people passed in front of him, but he only paid attention to her.

The officers that had been inside, moved outside and told both Hutch and Helen where the suspect was located inside, Hutch was able to enter the bar, and locate the suspect sitting at the bar, without him so much as glancing in his direction. The tall blond detective was able to get himself in prime position to watch Helen approach the suspect, he sat and waited.

A waitress approached him and took his drink order, one beer, in the bottle. Helen entered the bar before she returned with his refreshment as Hutch suddenly had a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. Some of the crime scene photos that he had seen and Kristie's testimony proved that this man was definitely sick and needed help. He thought about Helen being with this man, alone…if Starsky was still alive, he was going to kill him for allowing Helen to do something so dangerous. He said a silent prayer as he watched her saddle up to the bar, sitting in the chair next to Kevin.

At first she sat with her back to him, pretending not to notice as she ordered a pina colada. Kevin looked over at her briefly, immediately taking notice. He forgot about the one on the dance floor and decided to set his sights on something new, Helen. He turned around as the bartender brought her the drink as he raised his hand in the air, indicating that he was offering to pay for it.

Helen smiled at him and thanked him as she lifted her glass and seductively took the straw between her lips.

"That's mighty nice of you." She said as she batted her long dark lashes at him.

"My pleasure." He hissed as he lifted his glass to toast her.

Even though he wasn't very attractive, Helen didn't find him homely either, she wondered how he wound up so angry and violent. Hutch watched the interaction as it caused his skin to crawl, even from across the room. He had to control himself to keep from bolting out of his chair and rushing at this barbarian and ripping his head off.

"What's your name, sugar?" He asked as Helen cringed slightly.

Helen hated being called 'sugar' or 'sweetie', it was almost an insult to her independence. It took her a long time to teach Starsky that even though he may have meant it affectionately, she preferred to be called Helen, she did however allow him the luxury of calling her 'honey', but that was as far as her tolerance would allow him to go. She found the typical pet names patronizing and demeaning.

"Helen, Helen Davidson. You?" She took a subtle deep breath as she waited for an answer.

"Kevin…"

Her heart skipped a beat as she heard his name, knowing it was him anyways, but hearing him speak it was something she wasn't prepared for.

"What's a pretty little thing like you doin' here all alone?" He questioned as he leaned in towards her, causing Hutch to sit on the edge of his chair.

He had no idea how he was going to be able to let her go with him, by herself, without back up. He swallowed hard as he tried to push his hatred and fear deep back inside of him as he watched the scene unfold.

"Big fight with my boyfriend, or should I say ex-boyfriend, so I walked out!" She answered him as she smiled coyly. "He's gotta learn he can't be treatin' me like shit an' expect me to sit home waitin' for him…you know what I mean?"

"I sure do!" He licked his lips as he watched her take another long drink off her pina colada. He watched her throat as he could swear he saw the smooth cold fluid making its way down her neck, into her chest and then into her stomach. He caught himself staring at her body, longing and yearning to touch her, and feel her, right there in the bar. He snapped himself out of it as he continued their conversation. "So you up for a little fun tonight?"

"Depends on what your idea of fun is…" She teased as she giggled.

Helen was in her element, Hutch noticed how well she played 'the part'. She seemed to be more comfortable undercover, then she was in her own skin. She was damn good at her job and Hutch saw that. It scared him; she was too good for her own safety. Kevin was falling for it, hook line and sinker. He was all over her, touching her legs and thighs as they talked and joked around. Hutch stood up, thinking about calling this off, something just didn't feel right. Captain Robert Owen approached the detective, seeing his apprehension; he joined him at the table pretending to be just a friend he was meeting up with.

"Sit down detective; remember this is what we want to happen?" He reminded the tall blond as Hutch sighed heavily and sat back down, pretending to be joined by a long lost friend.

"This is what you want to happen, not me." Hutch protested.

"Look, you wanna find your partner right?" Owen asked him as Hutch shot him a glaring gaze. "This is your best bet and hers too!"

Kevin was enjoying Helen's company, it was refreshing to feel like someone actually wanted to be with him, he wasn't forcing her to. They made small talk as he told Helen that he was 24 and just graduated from college with a degree in business. He was in town on his way through, heading to a seminar on corporate enhancing. He was an entrepreneur, wanting to start his own multi million dollar company. Helen was impressed by how old he sounded and how mature he came across. He could tell that she wanted him and he definitely didn't want to disappoint her.

Hutch watched as Kevin leaned forward, whispered something in her ear and she nodded in agreement. He reached into his pocket and drew out several bills, throwing them on the counter as he extended his hand to her. They both stood and for the briefest of moments, Hutch thought they were headed for the dance floor. His heart sank as they both changed direction and headed for the exit.

The tall blond jumped from his seat, wanting to stop this from going any further.

To Be Continued…