Not On Our Beat
Starsky was excited. He had a new almanac because he heard today was National Farmer's Day. He was ready to share what he was learning.
"Hey Hutch, did you know today is National Farmer's Day?
Hutch was driving today and thought he was going to be sorry he was. Starsky with any kind of trivia could be a dangerous thing.
He sighed, "No Starsk, I didn't know that. I imagine you are going to change that."
"Aw Hutch, farmers make some of your favorite things. Rabbit food. Did you know farming started in Egypt?"
Before Hutch could answer he saw Starsky suddenly become very alert. He started to look around when his partner spoke up.
"Hutch, isn't that Kiko's friend? I think his name is Ruben."
Hutch looked where Starsky was pointing. He saw a boy of about twelve being chased by a group of boys that looked to be about fifteen or sixteen.
"Yes, that's Ruben. Looks like he's in trouble. Let's check it out."
Hutch pulled over just ahead of Ruben and his pursuers. Starsky got out just as Ruben got to them. He reached out and grabbed Ruben around the waist and swung him into the car behind him. At this moment Hutch came around the front of the car to stand beside his partner. The boys chasing Ruben almost ran into them.
Starsky grabbed the one closest to him with one hand, and pulled his badge out with the other.
"Would one of you like to explain what is going on here?"
The boys looked at each other, the one in Starsky's grasp spoke first.
"Look cop, this isn't any of your business. That kid is just a scrawny little nerd who needs to pay for his passage."
The partners could not believe what they were hearing. Hutch took charge.
"Pay passage? Passage for what? Are you six truly taking advantage of younger kids to get money? That's called extortion"
Starsky shook his head, "That is a big word for these boys Hutch. I have a smaller word. Bully. You boys think you can gang up on someone smaller than you. That is called bullying, and I cannot abide a bully."
He turned to his partner, "I think we need to make a visit to the school principal, don't you?"
Hutch agreed. He got the names of all the boys involved.
"You boys head back to school right now. If you aren't there in twenty minutes, we will come to your house and arrest you. Understood?"
He got a chorus of yes and yes sirs so he turned around to get back in the car. Starsky also got back in with Ruben in the seat between them.
Starsky put his arm across the boy's shoulder. "Are you OK Ruben?"
Ruben was trying very hard not to cry. "You guys are Kiko's friends aren't you?"
Hutch nodded, "Yes, I am his big brother. How long has this been going on?"
Ruben sniffled, "Ever since the start of school. They are making all the younger kids give them their lunch money every day. I didn't have any money today, so they said they were gonna beat me up. I was trying get home."
Starsky rubbed the boy's shoulder, "We are going to see what we can do about it."
At the school the partners headed for the office with Ruben in tow. They were surprised to see the other boys already there. Hutch stepped forward to shake the principal's hand.
"I am Detective Hutchinson and this is my partner, Detective Starsky. We happened upon a problem we wanted to make sure was brought to your attention."
Shaking Hutch's hand, he I introduced himself. "I am Principal Dandridge. I was aware these young men were getting in to mischief. I was not aware it was a law enforcement issue."
Starsky stepped forward, "Sir, when we see a kid being chased by a group of bigger kids, it becomes our problem. When we find out it is about attempted extortion, it becomes a law enforcement problem. Bullying is not mischief. It is unacceptable and should be dealt with before it becomes criminal. Are you going to do something about this?"
The principal was looking uncomfortable.
"Officer…."
Hutch interrupted, "Detective."
"Oh yes, ehem, Detective, this is just a case of boys will be boys. I encourage the young people to work it out on their own."
The older boys were looking pretty smug, there was even a chuckle or two. Starsky was angry.
"Mr. Dandridge, why don't you explain to my partner and I exactly how this twelve year old is supposed to work it out when this mob of older boys demand money. If they don't get the money, they threaten physical harm!"
He looked at his partner, "Hutch, I am done here. Let's arrest this bunch and we can get the DA to investigate the school."
Hutch knew better than to get in Starsky's way when he was this angry, and, he was actually just as angry.
"That sounds right, let's go boys."
The principal was very nervous now. "Wait, I didn't realize how bad it was. I will take care of it. I was not aware that this involved theft and threats."
The partners exchanged a look and Hutch gave a small nod, Starsky spoke.
"You need to create a safe place here. Any bullying at all must be stopped. If it will help, my partner and I will come in and talk to the kids about it. Ruben here is his little brother's friend. We will be watching."
With that, they left. Back in the car, Hutch asked the question.
"Do you think he will call?"
Starsky looked determined, "If he doesn't, I will. I can't stand bullies and will do whatever I can to stop it.
"Now, back to the farmers."