CHAPTER 3

Starsky paced the floors of the hospital waiting room. This was the third day of Joan's bouts with nausea and vomiting. They decided that something other than the normal effects of Kidney disease was wrong, and brought her to the emergency room. The doctors were with her for hours and there was no word on what was happening. He was just on the verge of strangling information out of one of the nurses when Doctor Barnes, her regular physician, came into the waiting room. Starsky called him first and was referred to Emergency because he would not be able to get to the hospital for a few hours.

Starsky calmed just a bit when he saw the doctor. They shook hands and the doctor could feel Starsky's hands were a bit clammy.

"Dave, I'm sorry I couldn't be here when she was brought in."

"How is she Doc?"

"Come sit down Dave."

"Doc?"

"Now, I'm going to tell you how she is, but you look awful. I want you to sit down and relax."

"Okay, okay. Just, tell me how she is."

"Dave, Joan has peritonitis--an infection."

"I knew it."

"This is what caused the fever and nausea. She was also complaining of stomach pain.

Now we're giving her anti-biotics and she should start to feel better in a few days."

Starsky rested his forehead in his hand and took a relieving breath. "How? We were really careful."

"Now don't go blaming yourselves. Sometimes these things just happen. In this case, there were some tears in the catheter. It was probably caused by too much stress put on the catheter while the bag was being changed."

"So it is our fault?"

"Dave, don't panic. We're going to have a nurse go over the procedure to change the bags again. Everyone who helps out with this, should have a refresher course."

"Okay Doc. Can I take her home?"

"Well, I'd like to keep her for a day or two, just for observation."

"Okay, Doc."

"Now, I'm not even going to ask you because, I can see the answer by looking at you.

You're not taking care of yourself. If you don't, you're going to wind up in a hospital bed right beside your wife. You won't be any good to her or your kids that way."

Starsky sighed, but he knew the doctor was right. He felt like crap. There were just too many things happening with Joan and with the investigation. He hardly found time to blink, let alone sleep. He heard the last of the doctors reprimand.

"…and that's only for starters. I want you to go home and get some rest."

"Doc, can I see Joan first? I promise to go home after."

"Okay. She's being moved up to room 617. You can see her for a little while. If you're still there in one hour, I'm going to have you physically removed, put in a straight jacket and moved into an isolation ward so you can get some rest.

Starsky smiled. "Okay, Okay Doc. I get the point." He headed for the elevators.

Doctor Barnes headed to his office to make a phone call.

XX

Starsky rested his head on Joan's chest and she stroked his dark curls. He thought, he should be the one comforting her, but she pulled him into her, as soon as he was by her side and wouldn't let him go. It was nice to feel safe, if only for a moment. He knew, he would have to leave the comfort of her strength soon.

"Joan, if you remember, you're the one who's sick here."

"And you're not sick with worry. Please. Give me a break."

Starsky looked into those big brown eyes. He could see so much love there.

"Honey, do me a favor?" She asked.

"No."

"What?"

He could see the anger in her eyes now. They both knew what was going on. She was going to ask him to go on without her if something happened. He was determined that nothing was going to happen. He decided to quiet the argument before it started.

"Nothing's gonna happen. I promise."

"So you're a doctor now, huh?" She smiled at him.

"We got a lot of people prayin for us. Mom, Hutch and Joyce; I think she's got direct contact."

She kissed him. "Okay, I give in."

"Good."

A knock turned their attention to the door. They were both surprised to see Hutch enter.

"Hey, what are you doin here?" Starsky asked.

"Nice to see you too." Hutch turned his attention to Joan. "Hi pretty lady."

"Hi yourself handsome."

Hutch walked over and gave her a kiss, then answered Starsky's question. "Doctor Barnes called. Threatened to send you to the Psych ward, if I didn't come and get you."

Starsky stood up at this point. "Is he serious?"

"I guess so. Come on."

Joan tapped him. "Hey, go on. Doctor's orders, ya know."

"Hmm. Why do I have the feeling, you're tryin to get rid of me?"

"Because I am. Now go. I need my rest too you know."

Joan pulled him into a kiss and they rubbed noses. Then Starsky gave her that crooked grin and headed for the door.

"Come on blondie. Put me to bed."

"I thought you'd never ask."

They both winked at Joan and left her to get some much needed rest.

XX

They talked for some length on the way home. Starsky was afraid, even though he couldn't let Joan and the kids see it. They'd also spoken of the debt that Starsky incurred while trying to keep life as normal as possible for the kids. He was not only taking care of Joan's, but his mother's expenses. The bills were mounting and he was just keeping the family afloat. Joan's infection really scared him. What if they tore another catheter and she was infected again? Also, Joyce and all of his friends including Hutch had limited time to spare, so he was thinking of hiring a full time nurse for Joan and that would take up even more of his salary. He was considering taking out another mortgage on the house.

When they arrived at Starsky's, Hutch directed him to get right to bed. Starsky sunk into slumber not ten seconds after hitting the pillow. Now, Hutch sat at the edge of the bed and watched Starsky's chest rise and fall. There was something comforting in just being there with him. He could feel Starsky's tension dwindle in his presence as well. Although he didn't voice it, he could sense that Starsky didn't want him to leave. He swung his legs over and laid next to his sleeping partner for a while, letting the steady breaths lull him into a blissful nod. Work could wait an hour or two.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Sergeant Biggs settled into his role as a dirty cop who was transferred from Metro division as punishment for insubordination and alleged police brutality. There were rumors of some other shady goings-on in his past, which couldn't be proved. His file was full of petty infractions--nothing they would fire him for, but enough so that if anyone searched deep enough, he looked questionable. The fifteenth precinct was close to the Mexican border and full of what most cops laughingly called fringe police. Most of the guys here attracted some blot on their record at one time or another.

He stretched his feet out on the desk and read a playboy magazine. He laughed to himself and thought, he could get used to this kind of duty. His contact with Huggy wasn't for another day, and so far, there was nothing to report. There was no news on Robinson. It would be at least a week or two before anyone would trust him enough to confide any information in him. He would keep his eyes and ears open, but for now, there were plenty of playboy magazines to keep his attention.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Hutch waited for Chief Kalowitz in the secretary's office. He dropped by Robbery-Homicide earlier to confirm that Starsky was in, but found that he'd stepped out. He knew that the Chief was concerned with Starsky's absence.

"You can go in now Captain Hutchinson," the secretary said.

"Thanks Molly."

The Chief was just disconnecting from a call when Hutch popped his head in.

"You wanted to see me Chief?"

"Yes. Come in. Have you found Starsky?"

"No sir, but I wouldn't worry about it. He probably went home for a quick minute."

"I've been looking for him for two hours."

"Well, with Joan sick--It's probably just taken a little longer than he thought. I'm sure he'll call in if he's going to be any later.

"Hutch is everything okay? I know he's concerned about Joan, but he just hasn't been acting himself lately.

"He's just got a lot on his plate right now. He'll be okay."

"Well let's hope so. This investigation needs you both at the top of your game."

"Oh believe me Chief, we're on it."

"Okay. Good enough."

"What's the status on Biggs?"

"One week and no sign of Robinson. He'd won the confidence of some of the men, but he hasn't been let in on anything big yet."

"Well, you keep me informed."

"Yes sir," Hutch stood.

"Hutch. You'll let me know when Starsky arrives?"

"Will do Chief."

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Joyce was just stepping out of Joan's room when Starsky came up the steps and startled her.

"Oh, don't do that to me Dave. How long have you been home?"

"Just a few minutes," Starsky answered. "How's Joan?"

"She's sleeping honey. Why don't you come downstairs and I'll fix you a sandwich?"

"No thanks. Just stopped by for a minute. I thought the nurse was supposed to be here."

"She just went out to fill a prescription. She called me over to see if I couldn't watch Joan for a minute."

"You off to work when she comes back?"

"Yep. Judge Beck is due back in this afternoon, so I have to be there."

"Thanks for comin over." He gave her a kiss. "If Joan wakes up while you're here, tell her I stopped in to check on her."

"Okay honey. Don't work too hard."

"Well, I'll see if crime will take a break for the rest of the day."

She swatted him on his backside. "Get out."

"See ya." He jogged down the stairs and was gone.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

The Chief burst into Hutch's office. "Where have you been Hutchinson?"

"I…

"Nevermind. Huggy Bear is on the phone. Sergeant Biggs has some information for us.

Where's Starsky?"

"He hasn't come back yet."

Hutch picked up the phone. The Chief stood over him with his hands folded, waiting for information.

"Yeah Hug."

"Hutch. I just got a call from Biggs. He couldn't talk for long, but he said, if you want your mole, you should be at the Mandalay Heights amusement park at twelve noon. There's going to be a meet at the Merry-Go-Round.

Hutch wrote the information as he spoke. "Amusement park. Noon. Merry-Go-Round. Got it Hug."

"Did he mention Robinson at all?"

"No, but he said to look for a familiar face."

"No name?"

"That's all he said."

"Okay Hug. Thanks." Hutch looked up at the Chief. "We got him."

"Let's go." The Chief started for the door.

"Wait. Let me call Starsky and tell him to meet us there" Hutch said.

"No time. We'll just have to fill him in when he returns. Come on."

Hutch scrambled to get his jacket and followed the Chief.

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

The amusement park at Mandalay Heights was rebuilt years ago and became a thriving enterprise again. It was crowded and they weren't sure how they were going to make an identification, but they arrived in record time. In a few minutes, they would have their man. Biggs only said, they would know the mole when they saw him. They sat on the only unoccupied bench available. Hutch took notice of the people closest to them. There was a bum lying on the bench to their right. To the left was a women with three noisy children, who were jumping on and off of the bench.

Chief Kalowitz didn't order any back up because unless there was a buy going down, there would be no evidence to bust the guy on. They would have his identity though and would be able to lay a trap for him and bust this ring wide open at the same time. He looked at his watch. "It's 12:05," he announced.

"Hmm. Some crooks have no sense of time," Hutch quipped.

Chief Kalowitz just frowned and examined his watch as if it were lying about the time.

Hutch wished Starsky was there. He would have added a smart remark to his own. He was just about to try again when the Chief's jaw dropped. Hutch followed his line of sight and followed suit. His eyes opened wide at the sight at the Merry-Go-Round.

Starsky stood looking at his watch. He seemed to be surveying the area as well to make sure he wasn't followed. Hutch and the Chief hid themselves behind the tree next to the bench. Their mouths remained wide open in shock.

Hutch spoke first. "Huggy must have reached him."

The Chief hesitated, but finally spoke. "Yes…yes he must have…" Before he could finish, two men walked up to Starsky and greeted him with hand shakes.

"Who, who are they?" The Chief asked.

"I don't recognize them," Hutch answered.

They heard a voice come from the bench to their right.

"The tall one is Justin Carter, with the twelfth precinct.. The Bald one is Manuel Ortega, with the fifteenth..

They both turned to see the bum, who still laid on the bench.

"Biggs?" Hutch asked.

"Yeah."

"Biggs, what's going on?" the Chief demanded.

He didn't answer at first. When he did, he sounded subdued, as if he were in some kind of shock. "I didn't want to believe it at first. I was in the supply room and overheard Carter and Ortega talking. They wanted to know where all of the cop spies were coming from. They said, they were going to get answers from Captain Starsky.

"I don't believe this," Hutch commented. "This is not real."

Biggs' voice turned angry, but he kept his voice as low as he could, so as not to give himself away. "He's been in on it from the beginning.

"No. No. Not Starsky." Hutch spoke, stunned.

"Juarez and Jackson must have found out, so he had them killed. Or maybe someone else had them killed, I don't know. But he's involved--he's involved."

Hutch thought he saw Biggs' shoulders shaking. He definitely heard his voice crack and

could imagine the tears.

"I still haven't seen Robinson," Biggs continued.

"This doesn't make sense," Hutch said. "If Starsky's involved, why don't they know about you? And what about Donaldson and Lopez? They're still operating."

"I don't know Captain, maybe because we haven't stumbled across anything yet. Why don't you go over there and ask him?"

Hutch started toward Starsky and the Chief pulled him back.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm gonna ask him. Chief there's got to be an explanation. Starsk is not a dirty cop. No way." He started to move again and the Chief shoved him into the tree.

"Take another step and your finished. Hear me? Fired."

"I quit." He moved again.

This time Chief Kalowitz pulled his gun. "You're not going anywhere."

Hutch matched the Chief's glare, and then looked away in confusion. "He…he…he's not…not Starsky…not…no…" Hutch closed his eyes against the pain. He shook his head then rubbed his eyes and opened them again. Starsky still stood by the Merry-Go-Round, talking to the two crooked cops.

"You're not thinking straight Hutch," the Chief stated. "Just calm down now. Just…calm down."

"I don't want to believe this either Hutch, but there he is. You tell me what he's doing here?" Biggs asked.

"He…It's got to be some sort of sting. He must be working for…for…" He looked hopefully at the Chief.

Disgust filled the Chiefs voice. "Not for me. And not for the Feds, they would have notified me."

"What makes you think that?" Hutch almost screamed, but caught himself. "You know as well as I, they've never cooperated with us on any case we've ever worked for them"

"Hutch. He is NOT working with the Feds. Believe me on this," the Chief said.

Hutch hugged his arms close to himself, trying to keep from falling apart.

All three men became silent. Hutch and the Chief ducked behind the tree so that they could no longer see Starsky or Biggs. To the Chief, it looked like Hutch was about to lose it. He shook him by the shoulders, but Hutch just stared. Then, without warning, Hutch was hunched beside the tree throwing up. The Chief was at his side in no time. He witnessed Starsky comfort Hutch in various situations, but knew there would be no comfort for him this time. His best friend in the entire world just betrayed his trust. He wouldn't have thought it possible. If he could have bet on anyone's integrity, it would have been Starsky's. One thing was for sure, Starsky wouldn't be the only detective lost to him today. He'd lose two men. He could see this in Hutch's eyes. He needed to act quickly.

"Hutchinson, get up."

Hutch stayed on the ground.

"I said get up man. You're no rookie on his first assignment. You're the captain of my narcotics team and you will act accordingly. Now get up."

Hutch responded this time. He stood--albeit a little unsteadily. He wiped a tear from his eye and fought for composure.

"Now get a hold of yourself," Chief Kalowitz ordered.

"Ye…yes sir."

Biggs didn't move in all that time. The chief and Hutch took their places beside the tree again.

Ortega took an envelope from his jacket and handed it to Starsky. Starsky shoved the envelope into his jacket. They shook hands and Ortega and Carter disappeared in separate directions. Starsky looked around before disappearing behind the Merry-Go-Round and out of sight.

Bigg's finally spoke again. "I've got to get back to the office or Ortega will miss me. I'll be in touch." He hesitated for just a moment. "I'm so sorry Hutch." He made like a wine-o and stood up trying to balance himself. He took a swig from a bottle and then hid it inside of his coat. When he walked passed the woman and her children, she pulled them out of his path. He walked away with a stagger, but his pace quickened as he passed the Merry-Go-Round.

Hutch's eyes were downcast now and the Chief could see unshed tears. "Let's go Hutch."

Hutch let himself be pulled in the direction of their car. The chief planted him in the passengers seat and without another word, they were on their way back to the precinct.

They needed to make plans.