This is a slow chapter, but I promise, things will be picking up soon!

Chapter 12

Dr. Anthony had ended up putting four liters of fluid in Starsky. They had tried to get him to take some coffee, but Starsky had begun retching before the mug reached his lips.

Dr. Anthony had taken Hutch aside and informed him that he wanted to give Starsky a medication that would help with the nausea and also help him to sleep.

"It's somewhat new, but it would help. There is a slight risk though of seizures."

"Seizures!"

"Yes. It is a rare complication. I've never seen it. I've taken a blood sample that I can run an analysis on for the drugs he was given. Do you want me to proceed with that?"

"Will it be in his name?"

"Yes. I can't get around that. However, I have some friends in the lab. There is a strong possibility that I can make sure the information is not recorded in the log. Chits are getting lost all the time. This being a Sunday will make it easier. But there are no guarantees. I won't be able to walk it through myself."

Hutch considered this for a moment. "Then no. Let's hold off."

"Understood. I'll hold onto the sample for a couple of days, in case you change your mind. If I give your friend this medication, you still will need to keep an eye on him. He might sleep four hours or fourteen. The important thing now is to keep the fluids coming. Water, juice, milk, coffee…I've gotten you though the worst of this I think. I've got patients back at the hospital that I need to see. If you don't think you can handle this, then please, let's bring him into the hospital."

Hutch paused, thinking. He was exhausted, but that in no way was going to keep him from helping his partner through this. If the doc gave Starsky something to help him sleep, he could put Starsky in his bed, move the couch across the doorway, and maybe grab some sleep too.

"I'll take care of him. How will you give Starsky the medication?"

"Through the IV. I'll take it out after that."

"Ok." Hutch again ran his hand through his hair, hoping he was making the right decision. He fought a sense of panic when he saw the doctor pushing a needle into the IV tubing. Even though the doc had told him this is what he was going to do, it still made him nervous.

Dr. Anthony took out the IV and cleaned up the used bottles. Grabbing up the box, he paused once more.

"You going to be ok?" Hutch nodded an affirmative. "You have someone who can help you?" Hutch paused, and the doctor added, "I will be able to check in with you again sometime tomorrow. If there are any problems contact my service. They know where to find me at all times. I still would like to keep a closer eye on him at the hospital, but I understand your concerns as well." Hutch nodded, and opened the door.

"Thanks, doc. For everything."

"I'm glad I could help." With that Dr. Anthony was gone and Hutch was on his own.

He closed the door, and with a great sigh, he headed over to the couch. Starsky was watching him. He had been uncharacteristically silent. Hutch put on his best smile.

"How ya doing?"

"Where are we?"

"My place. Do you remember anything that happened?"

"Things are fuzzy. What I do remember, I don't think I want to."

Hutch smiled again. "It's been a hell of a day…"

"You're telling me…" Starsky stared fixed on a point above Hutch's left shoulder. "So when did you add the pink elephant to your décor?"

Hutch glanced over to where Starsky was staring, seeing nothing that even remotely resembled a pink elephant.

"Um, buddy." He began.

"I know, it's not there…" Starsky shook a little and wrenched his eyes back to his friend. "Is this how you felt? God, it's awful! I can feel bugs crawling up my legs."

"Lets just say I know what you are talking about." Hutch replied. "Hey, do you think you could drink something."

"Ugh. I'll try, but none of your health food crap. I get sick just thinking about it."

"It's good for you, Starsk. Help ya live to see a hundred."

"Right now, I'm not sure I want to see tomorrow. Water would be just fine." Starsky was sweating again, but the tremors were not as severe, his eyes no longer sunken.

"Water it is." The immediate concern over Starsky's survival now taken care of, Hutch began thinking about what had brought this all about. Revenge. Pure and simple. Some people were so screwed up. Rob was the one who attacked him, doped him up and was on his way to kill him when Hutch managed to escape. And yet Rob felt like he was the one wronged. And Starsky was the one who paid the price. He had been right. By shooting up Starsky, he had found the perfect way to hurt Hutch And who was this Julie Bouldin? What was her role in all of this? Hutch fought his own anger and rage as he thought through all that had happened.

Hutch walked back over to his friend. "Water, straight up."

Starsky barely graced him with a glance. He took the water and sipped slowly, testing his stomach to see if it would hold. He managed about half the glass before he handed it back and closed his eyes.

"You think you could sleep?" Hutch asked.

"No." Starsky replied, rather rudely. Thinking about it, he revised his answer, "Yeah. I don't know. Why?"

Letting the attitude run off his back Hutch replied. "Let's get you in bed. The sleep will help."

"Whatever. I don't think anything will help. My skin is crawlin' and I feel like my blood is on fire." Starsky moved agitatedly on the couch.

"I know." Hutch replied.

"How the hell do you know! And why do you have to talk so loudly?" Starsky stood, swaying a little.

Mood swings, Hutch thought silently. I know 'em well. "Get in the bed Starsk. We'll talk later."

Muttering, Starsky did as he was directed. Surprisingly, he closed his eyes and looked to fall asleep immediately. Hutch was immensely relieved. Every minute Starsky slept was one step closer to seeing the drugs out of his system. Hutch stood in the room, listening to the rapid breathing and waiting. For what, he did not know. But when nothing happened, he finally went out to the living room and moved the couch. He dosed off and on, never fully sleeping while he stood watch over his partner.