CHAPTER 9

Starsky

I woke up to a dull, throbbing headache, uncertain as to what had happened. I found I was lying on a hard surface and was bound, blindfolded and gagged. I wriggled experimentally but it was no use, I wasn't going to be able to work the ropes loose. I stiffened as I heard footsteps approaching, and hands grabbing me and pulling me up.

"I'm sorry about that, Detective Starsky. You're not meant to get hurt, and if you don't cause any trouble, you won't be." I was confused, it didn't seem likely that the cultists would be telling me not to worry about being hurt, and my captor obviously knew me. What the hell was going on? But apart from being shifted so that I was in a more comfortable position, I was left alone to wonder. I lost all track of time and found myself thinking about Hutch and how frantic he would be. God, please let me see Hutch again. I don't want to die without seeing him, without telling him everything that is in my heart. He needs to know and I need him to know how much I love him, and how truly grateful I am to have been blessed with his friendship. Not many people had the sort of friendship we had, and I suddenly wanted him to know that I appreciated this.

"Well, well, how the mighty have fallen!" A loud voice interrupted my thoughts. I tried to wriggle away from the taunting voice but was kicked in the side.

"Keep still, Starsky!" I realized again, that this captor knew me.

"Don't want to hurt you yet, not until your ever faithful, but very arrogant, partner turns up, and I have no doubt he will. I know how he values you, Starsky. Never could see why, but I guess it doesn't matter any more."

I went cold. Somehow I'd fallen into a trap for Hutch, and I knew there was no force on earth strong enough to keep him from coming after me. I knew this without a doubt, for I knew I would feel the same if the situation were reversed. I think I would have preferred to take my chances with the cultists; the thought of Hutch getting hurt or worse because of me was not something I could deal with easily.

"In case you're wondering what's going on, I'm a friend of Ben Forest. You may, or may not know, that he died a few months ago and his last request was that I fix Detective Hutchinson for good. Careful observation showed the best way to get him was through you and when we found out about you coming to Las Vegas, I knew it was too good an opportunity to pass up."

Another voice piped up, as I listened in horror. Hutch was the intended target, and I was the bait to lure him into the trap.

"Why are you tellin' him this? We're not gonna kill him. You said it was Hutchinson only, and I don't mind killin' him because he was responsible for gettin' in Mr. Forest's way, but I don't wanna kill anyone else. Especially another cop!"

"SHUT UP! You'll do as you're told. Besides, I don't think this one will be much use without his partner. I suppose, Detective Starsky, you're wondering about how we knew you'd be here. It was quite simple really, and I don't see any harm in you knowing." I knew then that he did plan to kill me, but the fear of what he was going to do to Hutch far outweighed my own personal fear. If Hutch was killed, I'd be as good as dead anyway.

"Do you remember Lieutenant Ted Cameron? He certainly remembers you and he's been assisting Mr. Forest for several years now. He arranged for you to come to Las Vegas. It was a happy coincidence that you fit the profile of the murder victims. We might even kill you like that after Hutchinson is dead, so that it looks like you were a victim of the cultists. Who knows, it might be fun." I shivered, more at the words 'when Hutchinson is dead,' than at the threat of a horrible death for myself.

"Now you just lie back and relax, Starsky, and wait for your partner to arrive. We're gonna arrange for a welcoming party for him on his arrival in Vegas."

"Hey, just got a call from Cameron!" I heard the sound of running feet before the voice interrupted. "Oh, sorry..."

"Forget it, Dawson. He ain't going anywhere. What's up?"

"Hutchinson ain't comin' to Vegas! The cops decided they didn't want him here, after all." I relaxed only marginally. I doubted that anything would stop Hutch, especially when he discovered I was missing and heard about the murder in the boarding house.

"What? Of course he's comin'. Soon as he finds out his precious partner is missing and... Wait! I've got an idea that might just hurry him up. What's happening with the body at the Hackney?" The footsteps walked away and I was left in peace, worrying myself into a frenzy about what the plan could be to hurry Hutch up. I knew Hutch would come after me, it was a sure thing. I groaned into the gag. I was stiff and sore and terrified for my partner.