Chapter 2

Starsky watched helplessly as the medical professionals unloaded his partner and took him inside the hospital. He heard the words critical, severe blood loss, and head injury. He walked into the waiting room. All he could do was wait. Patience was not one of Starsky's best qualities. Particularly when it came to Hutch. He wanted to know something, anything. He sighed as he looked down at his jeans. They were stained with blood. Hutch's blood, he reminded himself. Please be all right, buddy. Don't you dare give up on me! Starsky look around, trying to distract himself from thinking the worst. He's in the best place he could possibly be right now with the doctors looking after him. He'll be fine. He made his way over to the phones and dialed the precinct. When Dobey finally picked up, Starsky immediately launched into the story.

"Cap', Chandler's safe. Hutch got to us in time, but he's hurt. I don't know how exactly or what happened to him, but it's bad. I'm at the ER waiting on 'em now."

"Starsky, slow down! Go back to the beginning." Dobey was concerned. It took a lot to rattle Starsky.

"Hutch arrived with your message about Gregory. Only somethin' bad happened to him on the way. He showed up a bloody mess with a busted arm."

"Did he take the motorcycle?"

"Yeah, it looks better than Hutch does."

"Sit tight, Starsky. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Thanks, Cap', appreciate it." Time to keep waiting.

Starsky flipped through a few magazines, drank five cups of coffee, and paced the floor. When Dobey arrived, he tried to explain what he knew. Dobey told him that Hutch had volunteered to deliver the information. He also said that Hutch hadn't taken a helmet, nor a jacket. Hutch, you impulsive dummy! Why'd ya' do a dumb thing like that? Coulda waited a few extra seconds to have ya' healthy! He wasn't really angry with Hutch. He just wished his partner weren't in the ER right now. He wished he knew for sure what had happened.

Finally, someone called Starsky's name. They ushered him into a small room where a doctor met him.

"How is he?" he questioned before the doctor even had a chance to sit down.

"We've managed to get him stable. However, he's lost quite a bit of blood. His right arm and left foot are broken. He has a concussion as well as three cracked and one broken rib. The rib would have punctured his lung had it been any closer. Multiple lacerations, abrasions, and contusions, heavily concentrated on his left side. He has some internal bleeding as well. The exposure to the elements didn't do him any favors. We need to monitor him for infection and keep him from becoming ill."

"Is he gonna be okay?"

"He's young and strong. We'll know more once he wakes up."

"When can I see him?" I need to know he's all right. Lay eyes on him.

"We'd like to get him settled in a room upstairs first. If he has any family, I suggest that you call them and bring them up to speed."

Starsky left the room and headed back to the phones. He didn't want to be the one to call Hutch's mother. He didn't want to have to tell her what condition her son was in. He started to dial the number for his partner's parents. Hutch had given it to him years ago in case of emergency. He stopped halfway through and hung up. Not now. Won't worry 'em until I have some good news. Maybe it's selfish, but I just can't. Gotta see him myself first.

After what seemed like eons, Starsky finally got word that Hutch was settled in his room. Starsky quietly tiptoed into Hutch's room. There was his best friend, lying in bed unconscious. He was almost as pale as the stark white bandage wrapped around his forehead. He had casts on his right arm and left foot. Starsky sighed as he pulled a chair up next to the left side of the bed. Most of Hutch's left side was bandaged, but the scraped areas that weren't bleeding had been left to the open air. Starsky hated to see him like this. His own body hurt just looking at Hutch's battered one. What all did you do to yourself, blondie? Hutch shifted in his sleep, trying to turn onto his left side. Pain read clearly on his face as he returned to lying on his back.

"Hutch?" Starsky ran his thumb over Hutch's cold fingers.

"Starsk?" It was barely a whisper.

"Yeah, buddy. It's me." Right here, partner.

"Chandler!?" Hutch tried to sit up. Starsky gently pushed him back down.

"Whoa there, tiger! Chandler's fine. You sure ain't though. You look like death warmed over."

"Thanks." Hutch winced, as if to confirm Starsky's statement.

"Don't worry, baby. You're still pretty to me," he teased. Just glad you're alive.

"Oh, shut up. Lemme sleep."

"You've been out for hours. Aren't you sick of sleeping?"

"You keep interruptin' my naps, Starsk."

"Excuse me for trying to keep you from passing out with a head injury." Starsky hoped some banter would help raise both of their spirits. Hutch looked at the ceiling for a minute in silence.

"I feel...bad," Hutch announced with a frown. Starsky had to stop from giggling. Hutch's unusually simple vocabulary was amusing somehow. "Where am I?"

"The hospital, blintz. Ya' got yourself pretty banged up."

"I feel like I got in an...an...a-accident." Starsky couldn't tell if the stuttering was because of the drugs Hutch was on, the concussion, or just his normal speech patterns when he was anxious.

"You were. On a motorcycle, remember?" Starsky asked. Hutch nodded weakly.

"Mama t-told me to stay off the crazy things. Should have...listened to her." Hutch closed his eyes as if the effort of speaking had thoroughly exhausted him.

"Dobey was here. He said to give ya' his best." Hutch nodded and shifted uncomfortably. "What is it, buddy?"

"Cold." Hutch stuck out his bottom lip in a pitiful pout. Starsky felt a pang of sympathy. Hutch looked so small. Helpless. Weak.

"No wonder! They took your clothes and didn't even give you a gown or nothin'! Just covered ya' up with a sheet and called it a day!" Starsky grabbed the blanket from the foot of the bed and carefully draped it over his shivering partner. "There! Better?"

"Jus' can't get q-qua-quality service in a hospital these days," Hutch grumbled as he tried to pull the blanket tighter around himself. Starsky assisted him.

"Good to know your cynical attitude survived. I'll leave ya' to your nap now. Night, Hutch." Starsky stood to leave. He hated to go, but Hutch needed to rest. Hutch's hand snaked out from the blanket and brushed Starsky's as he tried to grab it. Starsky reached out and took Hutch's hand in his. Still here, partner.

"Stay. Don't wanna' be...don't want...don't wanna be alone," Hutch finally managed to get out. Starsky could tell he was closer to falling asleep with every passing moment. He sat down and tucked Hutch back in.

"All right, Hutch. Just rest." Starsky watched as Hutch gave in to his desire for sleep. He looks so tired, poor thing. He stayed for a long time, watching him. He took comfort in the rise and fall of Hutch's chest. Thanks, buddy. Keep fightin', huh? Gonna need you with me. After a while, Starsky leaned back in his chair and dozed off, unable to stop his own exhaustion from taking over.

Hours later, Starsky woke to a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Huggy standing over him. It was around four in the morning.

"Starsky, my man! How you holdin' up?" Huggy looked concerned.

"Me? I'm okay. How'd you know?"

"I have connections. Got a cousin who works in Emergency. Got wind some detective decided to take a motorcycle trip in a thunderstorm last night. Figured it had to be our favorite dumb blond. How's he doin'?" He gestured to Hutch's sleeping form.

"Talked to him earlier. He's still pretty out of it, but he's alive, thank God." Huggy nodded in agreement.

"Look, Starsky, why don't ya' go home for a bit? I'll babysit the patient here."

"I appreciate it, but I don't want to leave him."

"I get that, but let me tell ya' somethin', my dude. Your stench ain't exactly cultivating wellness here!" Huggy raised his eyebrows and eyed Starsky's soiled clothing. It was still stained with Hutch's blood. Starsky opened his mouth to protest Huggy's insult but thought better of it.

"Okay, Huggy. But call me at home if anything changes." I need a shower. Sleep in an actual bed. Maybe a burrito...or four.

"Sure thing. Now get going before you make me sick!"

Starsky returned a few hours later and found his friends right where he had left them. Hutch was awake.

"Exactly! But don't tell Starsky!" Huggy commanded.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Huggy."

"Tell me what?" Starsky asked, entering the room.

"If we told you, it wouldn't be no secret," Huggy explained. Hutch nodded.

"Yeah, Starsk. Don't you know it's rude to eavesdrop?" Hutch seemed to be doing better with speaking compared to the last time Starsky had been there.

"Fine! Can't believe you guys would form an alliance against me!" Starsky grumbled.

"The Bear has a lot of alliances. Alliances provide information, which is one of the many things I specialize in. Now if you two will excuse me, I have to go take over for Diane before she demands overtime. Good to see you, Hutch. Glad you're still kicking."

"Thanks, Hug. And thanks for making Starsky go home." Huggy bowed and made his exit.

"I thought you wanted me to stay? Now you're thanking him for makin' me leave?" Starsky asked.

"Got sick of looking at my own blood after a while."

"You remember?"

"Kinda. I'm out of it here," Hutch admitted, pointing to his head.

"Probably from the painkillers they got ya' on." Hutch's expression changed immediately. As soon as the words had left his mouth, Starsky wanted to take them back. Why did I say that? Stupid move!

"Opioids?" Hutch asked, already having guessed the answer.

"Yeah," Starsky answered, staring at the floor.

"Lovely." Starsky couldn't miss the biting sarcasm in Hutch's voice. He also didn't miss Hutch's casted hand scratching at the IV in the crook of his left elbow.

"Hutch, look-"

"I told you, Starsky! Why would you let them give me that?!"

"What was I supposed to do, huh? Let you suffer?"

"Respect my wishes!"

"And watch you endure unnecessary pain? I'm sorry, but I had to make the call, Hutch. You weren't in any shape to do so. Besides," he scanned the doorway, making sure no one was around. "You actually need it this time." He looked the blond in the eye, hoping to convince him.

"I know. You're right. It's just hard sometimes..." Hutch's gaze stayed fixed on the crook of his elbow. Starsky placed a hand over the area, causing Hutch to look elsewhere.

"I get it, buddy. It's okay."

"I would've done the same if it were you, Starsk. Sorry for being a-"

"Hey, don't worry about it, blintz. I already forgot! They give ya' any breakfast yet?" Starsky asked, rummaging around in the large paper sack he had brought with him.

"No."

"Well lucky for you, I picked up an extra Danish on the way over. Want it?" Starsky held the pastry out and offered it to his partner. Hutch made a disgusted face and turned his head away.

"Do I ever?"

"No, but I keep hoping." They had shared the same conversation many times. Starsky hoped the familiarity would help distract his friend from whatever negative thoughts he was having.

"I'll tell you what I do want though. I've had to go ever since I woke up."

"Go where?" Starsky asked, not getting it at first. Hutch gave him a look. "Ooohhh! I get it! You gotta take a whiz!"

"As you so delicately put it, yes."

"Didn't they give you a catheter?"

"Somehow, I was mercifully overlooked in that department. Now, hand me those crutches and get out of here."

"Not a chance. How do we know it's safe for you to get up? I'll go get the nurse."

"No, Starsky! I don't need help, just hand me the crutches."

"And just how do you expect to use them with a broken arm?" Starsky raised an eyebrow.

"I'll figure it out. I only broke one."

"Ain't that enough? What if you fall?"

"I made it miles in worse shape than this with no crutches. I think I can make it ten feet to the bathroom."

"I don't know if that's such a good idea…"

"Starsky, I have to go and I'm going to go! If you get the nurse, I'll just go when you're gone." Hutch narrowed his eyes. "Unsupervised," he threatened.

"Fine! But you do it on my terms. First, you will wait until I find out if getting up will mess with your head injury. Second, you use the wheelchair, not the crutches. Got it?"

"That's ridiculous. I can make it just fine-"

"Shall I ask the staff to give you a bedpan? Or remind them of their little oversight on the catheter?"

"Don't you dare!"

"Then you agree to my terms?"

"Whatever. Sure. Just don't make me wait any longer than you absolutely have to."

"Would I do that to you?" Starsky asked, stalling on purpose. Hutch pointed to the door angrily.

Hutch leaned back against the pillows while he waited for Starsky to return. Ow...When did pillows become so painful to the touch? I can't imagine how bad this would be without the painkillers…

"I have good news and bad news, buddy," Starsky announced. "Good news, you get to pee. Bad news, you can't get out of bed until you're cleared by the doc, so bedpan it is." Starsky placed the item on Hutch's lap.

"Wonderful." He glared at it with disgust.

"Ah, cheer up! It's a beautiful day, you're alive, and you get to spend the day resting in bed! Not to mention that pretty nurse out there waiting on ya' hand and foot. I'd let her give me a bedpan any day! Yes, indee-"

"Starsky!" Hutch pointed to the door once again. Starsky took his time leaving the room. He wandered down the hall to the nurses' station. He spotted the pretty nurse he'd been telling Hutch about.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"The guy in 224 says thanks for the bedpan."

"He's welcome...I guess. How is he feeling?"

"Cranky."

"That's not good, what's wrong?" She looked truly concerned.

"Ah, don't worry about it. Cranky's his default."

"Good to know. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other patients to check on, but I'll come see your friend later."

Starsky returned to Hutch's room. Hutch had placed the bedpan on his tray. Starsky also noticed a wet spot on the bedsheet. However, he decided to spare his partner's pride by not mentioning Hutch's obvious failure to hit the target. He made a mental note to ask the nurse for clean sheets later.

"You gonna live now, Hutch?" he asked as he placed the bedpan in the bathroom.

"I don't know. Everything hurts."

"You messed yourself up pretty bad. You remember what happened?"

"I crashed."

"No, kidding. How'd it happen?"

"I was going too fast. No traction. Couldn't make the turn and skidded into the ditch. Not sure how I broke my foot, but my arm was from the hail. It was awful..." Hutch shuddered.

"Sounds like something from a movie. The hail breaking your arm and all. Wow!"

"It was. I remember pulling myself to my feet with a rosebush too. That's how I messed up my hands."

"You mean a plant hurt you?"

"It's not the rosebushes fault it was growing right next to where I happened to fall."

"You remember anything else?"

"Not really. Everything after the crash is a blur."

"Nothing?" Maybe it's best if he doesn't. Showing up half dead, bleeding out, the ride to get here, almost dying...

"Nope. Just waking up here."

"Well, ya' didn't miss anything too fun, partner."

"Good. Can I go back to sleep now?"

"Don't ya' want breakfast first?"

"Not hungry." Hutch's stomach growled, contradicting his statement.

"I'll ask the nurse to bring ya' something." Starsky started to leave then turned back to his friend's bed. "I also need to call your parents."

"Don't."

"To the food or calling your mom?" Starsky could tell that Hutch was fading fast. Must be the drugs.

"Both. Too tired to eat and she'll just worry."

"It's her job, Hutch. She deserves to know."

"Tell her it's just a scratch." Hutch struggled to get comfortable.

"I'll tell her the truth. Enjoy your fiftieth nap," Starsky replied.

After an hour of wandering around the hospital, Starsky decided to call Hutch's parents. He found a phone and dialed the number, glad he had something other than completely negative news to share with them. Hutch's mother picked up on the third ring.

"Hello? Hutchinson residence."

"Hi, it's David. Hut-uh...Ken's partner." He waited for the sharp intake of breath on the other end. He knew she was probably assuming something bad had happened. The only time he called her was when Hutch was hurt. She's no dummy. She can put two and two together.

"Is Ken, all right?" she asked.

"Well, not exactly. He got in a motorcycle accident yesterday evening. There was a really bad hailstorm and-"

"How bad?"

"He's stable. He's been admitted here at Memorial. He has a concussion, a couple of broken bones, and a few scrapes and bruises." Starsky purposely left out some of the nastier details of Hutch's injuries. No need to frighten the poor woman even more.

"Oh my…Is he awake? How's he taking it?"

"He's been in and out. He was awake for maybe an hour this morning, but he's asleep right now. He told me not to call you."

"Thank you for not listening to him. I appreciate you letting me know."

"You're welcome. He also said he doesn't want you to worry."

"Tell him I'll try my best."

"I will. Anything else?"

"Tell him we love him and to call when he feels up to it."

"Absolutely. Sorry I didn't call before now. It was crazy and I didn't want to before I knew something."

"I'm glad you can be there with him. Thank you so much for calling, David."

"You're welcome. I'll let you know if I find out anything else. Looks like he'll have to stay for a while. I'm sorry about this. He was trying to get vital information to me and another detective when it happened. He saved the other detective's life. He got to us despite his injuries," Starsky explained. He hoped knowing Hutch had accomplished something good would be a comfort to his family.

"Is he in a lot of pain?" Starsky could hear the worry in her voice. She tried to hide it the same way Hutch did. Starsky could tell they were related.

"He's on a lot of drugs now. They're trying to keep him comfortable so he can heal."

"I see." There was a moment of silence.

"Um, I should get back and check on him. One of us will call you guys tomorrow," Starsky told her. He had no clue what else he could say. Sorry I wasn't with your son when he got in the accident? By the way, he almost died on the way here? He's probably still in pain? None of those seemed appropriate.

After he hung up, he went back to Hutch's room. He found him sleeping fitfully. He would wake up for a few seconds, wince, groan, and fall back into a restless sleep.

"Hutch," Starsky carefully touched his shoulder, trying to wake him gently. Hutch let out a groan and opened his eyes. They were still bloodshot from exhaustion.

"What?" he mumbled sleepily.

"I called your ma."

"She worried?"

"She's trying not to. She said you should call when you feel up to it. She also said to tell you they love you." Hutch smiled slightly at the last statement.

"How much did you tell her?" Hutch tried his best to sit up.

"Enough."

"Thanks. Can you get the nurse?" Hutch winced and forced himself to take a deep breath.

"Sure buddy, what's wrong?"

"I think I reopened a wound in my sleep." Hutch pulled his hand out from under the blanket to reveal blood coating his fingertips.

Starsky had to stop himself from panicking as he walked to the nurse's station and explained what was going on. He watched as the nurse examined the area on Hutch's side that had opened up again. Hutch groaned in pain as she patched him back up. Looks like it's going to be a long road, Hutch. Sure hope you're up for it. I hope I am too...