Careful What You Wish For

by RockerH

With Hutch on vacation, Starsky goes undercover as a Crossing Guard in a very dangerous neighborhood. It isn't as easy as it seems.

Author: RockerH

Fandom: Starsky and Hutch

Title: Careful What You Wish For

-Chapter 1-

"Starsky! You and your partner, in my office now!" Captain Dobey bellowed through his closed office door.

Bay City Police Detectives, David Starsky and Ken Hutchinson, glanced up from the mountain of paperwork they were diligently working their way through. "Terrific," Starsky muttered.

Ken kept on working , "You know, I think I saw the glass shudder this time. Maybe you ought to go see what he wants. I'll just keep working."

No thank you… you heard him, partner. He wants both of us. And from the way the walls shook, it sounds like he wants both of our heads on a platter. What did you do this time?" Starsky shuffled purposely through his stack of papers, hoping Hutch would willingly enter the lion's den alone.

"What did I do? It was your name he thundered first. What did YOU do? I tell you what I'm not gonna to do. I am not going in there alone. I have vacation time starting tomorrow and it does not sound like he wants to wish me bon voyage"

"Ok, ok. We will enter Grendel's lair together on three," Starsky jumped up and headed to Captain Dobey's office door. "One!...Two!... Thr...OUCH!" The door flew open and caught him full in the face. Recoiling in pain, Starsky sat back down at his desk to nurse a bleeding nose and massage his forehead that was sprouting a ping pong ball sized knot. He was still seeing stars, as Harold Dobey entered the squad room in a fury.

"What happened to him?" Dobey demanded of Hutch. "Starsky! What's the matter with you? Get over here. I know you heard me call for the both of you."

Hutch fought hard to maintain an innocent expression. "Uh, gosh Cap', I don't know. I was just telling Starsky here that I thought I heard you calling us. I was just saying that, wasn't I, partner? Let me get you some water, Starsk. You don't look so good." Hutch deftly skirted around Starsky's desk and filled a paper cup from the water cooler. "Here you go pal."

Starsky's cobalt blue eyes shot daggers at Hutch. "Thanks a lot." He snatched the cup from Hutch's hands and took a small sip.

Hutch wrested the cup back in one smooth move and finished the water off before Starsky could protest. "Now, Captain, what did you want to see us about?" Hutch flashed his best smile and never missed a beat.

Captain Dobey looked back in wonderment at his two best detectives. He was pretty sure he had just been had, but as always with these two, he wasn't quite sure how. "Ahem! Yeah… right… Do you two have any idea how far behind you are on submitting your daily reports?" Captain Dobey was building up to another explosion. "Three ever-lovin' weeks! I had to rummage through all that rubble on your desks yesterday for a report that should have been turned in three weeks ago! And you know what?"

The two detectives grinned at each other, then soberly answered the captain. "What?" They asked meekly. "Did you find the missing report?"

With a growl that started at his toes, Captain Dobey let forth a noise that neither David or Ken had ever heard from another human. "Oh I found it. I found it covered in the desiccated earthly remains of a two week old beef burrito...with onions!"

Choking back a laugh, Hutchinson commented to Starsky, "That's where that burrito went. And you accused me of stealing it. Shame on you."

"ENOUGH!" Captain Dobey had reached the end of his tolerance for junior high school hijynx. "You two, listen up good. Hutchinson, I expect you to get caught up before leaving here tonight. Vacation or no, you aren't leaving until it's done. Starsky, I have a little something else planned for you."

Confusion and concern crossed David's face. "Uhhh. Whatcha got in mind Cap'n? I'll be more than glad to help Hutch get through all that paperwork."

"Ahh that's great, Starsky," Captain Dobey beamed.

A very relieved David Starsky grinned his best 1000 watt smile. Hutch wasn't so optimistic and waited patiently for the Captain to finish lowering the boom on his guileless friend.

"And , in addition, Starsky...your presence has been requested to help cover a very important life or death situation while your partner is off duty next week."

"Umm. Sure. Can you fill me in on the specifics?" Starsky was always up for a challenge and since Hutch wasn't available, a temporary assignment sounded like just the ticket. "You want me in Vice? Drugs? Special Ops? It'll be nice to see a different side of the street for a change."

Hutch settled back in his chair. From the look on Dobey's face, Ken could tell he was in for a show.

"This department that has specifically requested your talents...You know it's funny that you mentioned 'street.' Because you will be working undercover next week in the Department of Transportation."

Hutch sat up straight and watched eagerly as Dobey expertly set the hook for his partner. Poor Starsky swallowed it along with the line and sinker.

"DOT? What's happening there? Extortion? Bribery?" Starsky was practically dancing in eager anticipation.

Captain Dobey couldn't hold back his laughter any longer. "The flu! They are short on Crossing Guards for half a dozen schools… to quote the Village People, " they want you, they want you, they want you as a new recruit'…You will serve one week undercover as a School Crossing Guard."

BAM! Hutch tipped out of his chair backwards and crashed to the floor. It was hard to determine who was more surprised, Hutch for hitting the floor or Starsky for his precipitous transfer. Both reactions sent Dobey into gales of guffaws.

Gasping for air between laughs, Hutch hauled himself up off the floor. "Oh, Starsk…"

Starsky was gasping too, but with a completely different intent. He rounded on Hutch with a glare that could melt steel. Then he turned back around to the captain, "Cap'n, sir, you are joking, right?"

"No, Detective Starsky, I am not. You were specifically requested and I had to oblige. It seems certain influential people overheard you disparage the skills and importance of being a Crossing Guard or something to that effect. P.R thought this could be the perfect time for some interdepartmental cooperation. Captain Jameson is waiting in D.O.T. to fill you in."

"Can't I just apologize? No harm, no foul, right Cap'?" David's grin slid off his face as the reality of the situation began to register.

Dobey was sensing a very long night ahead of him, if he allowed this to continue. "Starsky, it is out of my hands...If you have a problem, take it up with Public Relations."

"But…" a still incredulous Starsky tried to argue his point, and was instantly shut down.

" But, my backside, Detective! You have your orders and I expect you to bring all the professionalism to this assignment as you do to your normal case load. Do I make myself clear?" Without waiting for a reply, Captain Dobey turned and exited the bullpen.

Starsky continued to stare open mouthed at the closed office door, until the entire room of eavesdropping detectives erupted into a chorus of rude laughter. Hutch may as well have been the conductor. He was laughing so hard, his face was red and tears were streaming down his cheeks.

Collecting himself, Starsky moved right up into Hutch's face. "Find this funny, do you?"

"Yeah, I kind of do," Hutch giggled. "Dobey's sources are right. I heard you egg-on that Crossing Guard at McNally's Bar the other night. You can't say I didn't warn you to lay off."

"I was just joking with him! Sheesh. I wish I had one of his bad days!" Starsky couldn't believe this kerfuffle could have been the result of a little locker room type teasing.

"Like my mother always said, 'It's all fun and games until somebody gets nailed by the powers that be'. Better move along, they probably want to fit you for a new uniform and a Stop Sign!" Hutch returned to his pile of paperwork, not even trying to swallow his laughter.

-Chapter 2-

"Terrific," Starsky grumped. "I'll be back in a few minutes, I'm off to find the Wizard of Crossing Guards. I don't barkin' believe it." Wiping his bloody nose on his sleeve, Starsky moodily shoved his desk chair back and stomped down to the basement home of the Bay City Department of Transportation, Crossing Guard division. After a few wrong turns and dead ends, he found the office. "Geez," he muttered. "I thought our office space was in bad shape. This is the Land That Time Forgot! No wonder they are so touchy...Hello? Anybody here?"

A female voice answered from within the depths of the institutional green cavern of desks, file cabinets and shelving. "I'll be right there. Make yourself comfortable."

Starsky looked around the cluttered reception area in the vain hope of finding a chair not covered in file folders and expired police manuals. He decided to stand. "No rush," he sighed.

After a few minutes the voice returned. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. We are a little short handed and...well, I am the only one down here today...and I just dropped this box full of files"

"Can I help?" Starsky offered. "If you keep talking, I can probably track you. There is a lot of stuff in here!"

The woman's voice piped up again, "You can say that again, and most of it doesn't even belong here. This space tends to be where old outdated Police Department jetsam comes to settle. Thanks for the offer, but I laid down bread crumbs on my way in. Should be able to find my way out again if the mice haven't eaten it all."

Starsky laughed. He couldn't wait to meet the woman that owned this spunky attitude. Maybe this assignment had some potential after all.

Before much longer, a young, Black woman emerged from the stacks, covered in dust and struggling under the weight of a heavy storage box. "Here, let me get that for you," Starsky volunteered. "Where would you like it?" He looked around the area for an empty desk or chair to deposit the mildewy and split box.

"Right over… Oh, I don't even know. Just put it on the floor for now. The files are all out of order anyway. "Mama said there'd be days like this…"

"Shirelles! That song runs through my head about ten times a week." Starsky added with a smile. He had a flashback to earlier that day when he had quoted those exact same lyrics to Hutch. "So what did you do to get cast down in the dungeon?"

"Damned if I know! I signed on to be a Crossing Guard because I needed hours to fit with my school schedule. I always remembered my Traffic Guard from when I was in elementary school and it seemed like a good idea at the time." Looking around, she sighed, "This isn't exactly what I had in mind."

"Uhhuh. I see what you mean. But hey, nothing a little incendiary device couldn't take care of."

The beleaguered Crossing Guard grinned. "I like your way of thinking... Are you lost or something? It's not often we get the general public down here unless they missed the turn for the Morgue. You aren't looking for that are you? Or maybe you want to report an assault? That's quite the bump on your head, oh, and your nose! ...Are you ok?"

"No… I mean yes. No, I'm not looking for the Morgue or to report an assault and yes I am ok. My name is Dave Starsky. Captain Dobey told me to report down here."

"Oh! Sorry. My name is Marissa Williams...no wait! Sergeant Starsky!? You're not that guy! Oh, this is too good. I've heard your name thrown around here all week. You didn't really call Captain Jameson a human trafficker did you? Then followed it up by saying he was part of the Go-Stop-O?"

Starsky blushed from his head to his toes. It all had sounded a lot funnier at the bar after a couple beers. "Well, it had been a rough day and how was I supposed to know the guy was a Captain? I'll just finish by saying it was the beer talking that night."

"Oh I believe you. Beer says the dumbest things." Marissa was laughing so hard she had tears streaming down her face. "You have to understand one thing about Captain Jameson and then I am sure you two will hit it off famously."

Eagerly, Starsky responded, "Terrific! What's that?"

"The man has no sense of humor. I mean none... not the slightest bit...nothing...zero. But aside from that, he is a perfectly lovely man who loves his job more than life itself." Hearing footsteps echoing in the hallway, Marissa looked beyond Starsky's crestfallen face. "And here he is now. If you excuse me, I am going to just disappear back in the stacks. This introduction should be all yours."

"Uh...sure, see ya." He spun around just in time to come nose to nose with a very harried Captain Jameson. "Afternoon, sir. Detective Sergeant…"

The Captain cut him off mid- sentence. "Save the crap, Starky. I know damn well who you are, and why you are here. This little student exchange wasn't my idea either."

An abashed Starsky replied, "No sir. It's Starsky, with an... 's'."

"Here's the deal. Whether you boys upstairs believe it or not, we serve an important role in the community. It may not be all action hero busts and the stuff that makes the headlines, but we save lives everyday too. And we are injured and die in the line of duty as well. So you can see why I might take a dim view of your comments at the bar the other day."

I-I-I 'm sorry. I had no idea, I mean, I never thought…" Starsky stammered.

"Exactly," Captain Jameson continued. "Most people see us as the annoying people with the big red stop sign that stands between them and where they want to be."

Again David was chastened. "I'm sorry...really. I-I-I."

"Look Starky…"

"It's Starsky." David added, getting a little perturbed.

"Right. I know your reputation. I know you are good at what you do. I am too. Maybe this next week can open your eyes to the fact that you people upstairs aren't the only ones keeping our city safe."

"Yes sir. Thank you."

Jameson picked a manual up and tossed it to Starsky. "On Monday morning you will be covering at Highland Elementary on Dumbarry Street at 36th . You know where that is, I assume. Their regular guard is out for another couple weeks, at least."

"Flu?" David asked.

"Something like that. It's a rough neighborhood at a very busy intersection. The perfect storm."

"We know that area pretty well. "

"We?"

"Yeah, my partner and I."

"Then you also know about the brewing gang war. " Jameson said confidentially.

" Of course. It's been building for a while, and made worse by that kid's murder a couple months back. Hutch and I have had our eye on it."

"OK, well starting Monday at 7AM sharp, you can see how it is affecting the neighborhood kids up close."

"Of course, Captain." Starsky affirmed respectfully.

"Review the manual between now and then. Getting the kids from A to B safely is your duty. It's not all Go-Stop-o."

Starsky grimaced, "No sir, I was way out of line."

"All Right. Do your job this week, and nothing more will be said. You are dismissed, Sergeant Starsky."

"Yes sir."

-Chapter 3-

Monday morning dawned with a steady drizzle and dark overcast skies. Starsky packed a thermos of coffee, grabbed his nylon windbreaker and headed out for his new assignment. It certainly didn't do his attitude any good to think of Hutch currently basking on a sunny beach in southern California. "Why would anyone get up at this hour?" he groused to no one. It was 6:30 AM as he pulled out of his driveway. The rain had intensified and the glare from the headlights of oncoming cars made seeing extremely difficult. "I wish they would have given me a uniform... complete with disco lights! No one will be able to see me in this weather!"

Arriving at his assigned intersection, Starsky rummaged through his car to find something that might make him more visible. "Aha! These flares should do the trick. Not ideal, but an attention getter." Lighting the flares he placed them in the middle turning lane. "All right kids! Your new crossing guard is ready and waiting!" It didn't take long before the first group of kids, and what looked like their bodyguards, arrived at the crosswalk. Although it was pouring down rain, no one was dressed for the weather. The kids were soggier than he was, but that didn't deter their curiosity.

"Hey! Why we get a new crossing guard every day? What happened to the last one? We liked her!" This from a tall boy that sized Starsky up like yesterday's fish.

"Yeah, I know. I will be here all week, but your regular guard should be back soon," Starsky apologized. Tentatively holding up the Stop sign Starsky ventured out into the street. One car stopped, but the other lane proceeded through the cross walk like Starsky wasn't there. "Hey!" he yelled futilely and slapped at the back end of the car. Then, mimicking Hutch, he pointed to the next car, daring them to cross the line. "OK kids, come on across." The remaining line of children eyed him sharply as they crossed the street.

Before much longer a mother and her little daughter, sharing an umbrella, appeared at the crosswalk. Starsky was wringing wet by this time and the water off his hair was sending rivulets into his eyes. "Uh.. morning, honey! Great weather for ducks, right?"

The little girl looked at Starsky quizzically., "My name is Rosey, not Honey. Who are you?" Rosey's mother laughed at her daughter's 'never met a stranger' attitude.

Once across the street David turned to Rosey, " Rosey? I know another little girl about your age named Rosey. My name is Dave. I'll be making sure you get to school safe and sound this week. Is that OK?" He noticed a sad expression flash across Rosie's mother's face.

"You don't look like a crossing guard, mister. They wear bright yellow raincoats when it's raining, so the cars can see them and they don't get wet. Bye. We have 'show and tell' today."

"Bye Rosey. Bye Rosey's mom," Starsky waved. "I'll take good care of her," he called to Mom.

The last five minutes of his morning shift saw a flurry of activity. Kids approached the crosswalk from all directions under the watchful eyes of accompanying adults. As he sent the last group scurrying up the stairs and into school, Starsky was pleased that the morning had passed without too much having gone wrong, although the tension in the air was palpable. Looking around, the signs of the gang's presence were everywhere. With one last cautious look around, Starsky slid into the driver's seat of his car and headed back to the precinct building..

-Chapter 4-

Three o'clock came around more quickly than David anticipated. He left the precinct and returned to his location just in time for the kids to be turned loose. The corner looked almost more sinister in the bright afternoon light. Businesses that should be alive at this hour were empty. Cautious owners looked warily out of their doors. A contingent of worried looking adults stood on one side of the street while the children, accompanied by school staff, waited for dismissal at the school entrance . Starsky acknowledged the group of parents and guardians. "Hi! My name is Dave Starsky. I'll be here all week, so if you have any questions or ... anything, I'll be glad to listen and help if I can." The group looked at him blankly.

"Mister, do you know what is happening here?" a middle aged Hispanic man questioned incredulously. "What could you possibly do to help us? All we can hope for is to get our children home and inside safely, before World War Three starts. We are smack dab in the middle of a war zone! Hah! And you say you can help us. You better just hope you make it to the end of the week."

Starsky appreciated the man's honesty. "Yes sir. I am very familiar with the situation. My partner and I spend a lot of time patrolling these streets."

A thirty-something woman , standing towards the back of the group, spoke up, " Mr. Starsky, if you know the area, then you know why our manners are less than gracious. We are scared for our children. We are scared for ourselves. I guess you know what happened to the regular Crossing Guard who worked this crosswalk."

Starsky hedged a little bit, "Well, no, not exactly. I am part of an... inter departmental exchange...sort of." Although his time-out in Public Safety started as a bit of a joke, he could now see that these people needed serious help.

The man spoke up again, "She was nearly killed when a car ran her over, intentionally. I saw it. She made the mistake of trying to get between the kids and a group of hoods from the gang that is trying to move in. It looks like you pulled the short straw, Senor Starsky. I am sure the Lobos already have you clocked."

This crossing guard news came as a surprise to Starsky, but it didn't change anything. "While I am here, I will get your children safely to you. I am a part- time crossing guard and a full time BCPD detective. You have my word I will do whatever I can to help.. Here come the kids!"

Moving into position, Starsky waved a few cars through before stopping others to let the kids across. There seemed to be a lot more children heading home than there were coming in this morning. He noticed a boy, about twelve years old, stop and check his car out. "Whatcha think?" Starsky asked in a friendly tone.

Another adolescent boy answered, "That's Gerry. He doesn't talk."

"Doesn't talk? By choice or by birth?" Starsky questioned.

"Que?"

"I mean, does he just not want to talk? Cause, if that's the case, that's ok, Gerry." David called to the boy still looking over his car.

"Maybe? He used to talk. We used to be best friends. But he saw his older brother get killed about two months ago and since then,,,," the boy trailed off.

"Oh. That's what started all this wasn't it?" Starsky gestured to the air around him. He didn't know what else to say. The boy nodded and moved across the street. Looking up, Starsky spotted his little friend from this morning, "Hi Rosey! What did you learn today?"

"Hi, Mister Crossing Guard. I learned that red crayons don't taste like red candy. My favorite food is burritos, what's yours?" Rosy skipped across the street into the waiting arms of her mother.

The juxtaposition of these two conversations caused Starsky to shake his head in wonderment, but he answered, "Burritos? That's my favorite food too. See you tomorrow honey."

"My name is Rosey!" she yelled as her mother whisked her up the dingy stairwell of the closest apartment building. Starksy, lost in thought, was unaware that he had been holding traffic up for quite a few minutes.. The cars filled the block and several angry drivers were honking their car horns impatiently. "Sorry!" he yelled at the first car, as we waved them through. He then noticed that Gerry was still looking at his car, running his hand absentmindedly down the white stripe. The boy jumped when he sensed Starsky was standing near him. "OH, hey, I am so sorry!" Starsky said softly. "I thought you saw me."

The boy's dark eyes were wide with fear. He was trembling all over as he realized the other children had dispersed and he was left alone. He began to back up and nearly tripped over the curb. Starsky grabbed onto his sleeve to keep him from falling into the street. "Hey, it's ok. Be cool. I won't hurt you." Starsky said soothingly. "One of your friends said your name is Gerry. That right?"

Gerry nodded, fear still written all over his young face.

"Ok, then, Gerry. My name is Dave Starsky. You like my car?"

The boy nodded again.

"Me too! You know what my friend calls it? He calls it a striped tomato...can you believe dat? The guy has no taste for the finer things of life." He noticed a faint smile flicker across Gerry's face, so he continued. "You wouldn't believe the P.O.S. he drives. I am embarrassed to even be seen near it, much less in it. It's bad for the rep, ya know? You headed home?"

The boy again looked up and down the street nervously. There wasn't a soul to be seen.

"Tell you what. I am finished here. Maybe I could walk with you a bit, just so I can learn the flavor of the neighborhood, ya know. You'd be doing me a big favor."

Gerry looked suspiciously at Starsky. He knew what was happening and was more than ok to play along. "You're a real cop aren't you, not just a 'rent a cop'."

Starsky nodded and showed him his badge.

With a sharp lifting of his chin, Gerry signalled Starsky to accompany him.

The two guys walked along the same deserted sidewalk, each seeing something different. Gerry saw his home. A neighborhood where good people, his friends, were afraid to come out of their apartments because of the terror that now stalked the streets. Gerry knew all about gangs, his brother had been in the Piranhas for years. The Piranhas were local to their neighborhood, and they took care of their own. He always looked forward to the time when he could be initiated. His brother was a big man among the Piranhas and being his little brother brought a certain amount of respect. But that was before.

Starsky saw an empty street. A neighborhood devoid of any of the things that kept a community vibrant and alive. Buildings boarded up. Empty storefronts. Suspicious eyes staring warily from behind drawn curtains. It hadn't been that long ago this street was crowded with children playing and the hum of everyday life reverberated throughout. But that was before.

Now, this street was now prime gang real estate and open to anybody strong enough to to take it or tough enough to hold it. Gang activity had always made its presence felt here and the Piranhas were able to keep their hold, without much trouble. Now, a new challenger was beginning to make its move and they didn't care who got in the way.

"Hey Gerry," Starsky nodded towards a gathering of about eight adolescents on the other side of the street. "You know we are being watched by that group of kids, over there, right?"

"I see them," Gerry said barely above a whisper.. "I know them. They're wannabe Piranhas. That was my brother's gang before…"

"I know your brother was murdered recently. My partner and I were called to the scene not too long after it happened. I am sorry Gerry, no one deserves to die like that."

"Yeah. I was there. I don't remember seeing your car. I'd 've remembered a car like that."

Starsky chuckled, "I guess we were in Hutch's car that night. His is a little less flashy, I guess. Has your family heard anything more about who did it? "

"We all know who did it! It was that jive turkey the El Lobos call Jefe."

"That's what we figured. There was bad blood between your brother and Jefe?"

"Not always, but something happened that blew everything up… a girl," Gerry explained with disgust. "Eduardo, my brother, started dating a chic that Jefe thought was his girlfriend. She spilled some stuff the Lobos were planning: a take over of Piranha turf and drug deals and stuff…. Then she dumped Eddie and went back to Jefe. Everyone thinks she set him up." Gerry realized what he had told Starsky and clammed up tight.

"No, don't worry! . We kind of figured a lot of that out already. Is the girl still with the Lobos?"

Gerry shrugged, then looking around, pointed to an apartment building across the street. "That's me." He broke away from Starsky and ducked inside.

Seeing that Gerry was safely inside, Starsky turned around and headed back to the elementary school. "It never gets easier, " he mused. "I thought I had it tough as a kid…". His reverie was cut short as he caught sight of the same group of kids, tagging his car with gang graffiti. "Hey! Get away from there! Oh crap!" He moaned. "That's going to cost me a fortune to get repainted!" He slammed his fist on the car roof in frustration. "Damn!" he vented to no one in particular.

—Chapter 5-

His shift being over for the day, David headed home. As frustrated as he was about his car being vandalized, his concern was for Gerry. The reality of coping with a brother's murder at such a young age put Starsky in mind of his own father's death. He and Gerry had a lot in common, but Starsky's mom had the means to get him out of an increasingly bad situation. He doubted Gerry had that option. David fervently hoped Gerry might be open to a little friendly guidance to keep him from falling off the edge. "You can't save the world, Starsky." he tried to reason with himself. But his conscience kicked in with the reply, "Tomorrow is another day."

With Hutch away for the week, Starsky had little to occupy his evenings. A beer or two, pizza and a ball game on tv was the climactic ending to a day that began so many hours ago.

-Chapter 6-

The clock radio blared the latest disco hit as Starsky rolled over to swat at it. "Nooo. Nobody needs to get up this early." The hardwood floor felt cold to his feet as they made contact. It was just the nudge he needed to get going. With a t-shirt and jeans ready to hand, he was showered , shaved and ready to greet the world by 6:30 AM. "Hutch ain't ever gonna believe this. The world does exist before noon! Who knew?"

The drive to school was mercifully uneventful. Downing some coffee and a couple Danish while driving, primed him for his morning assignment. "The Breakfast of Champions!" he proclaimed proudly to the empty interior of the Torino..

There was a small cluster of children and parents waiting inside a dark doorway when he arrived. "Morning everybody!" Starsky added cheerfully. His smile was met with worried glances .

"What happened to your car, man?" One of the older students asked with a touch too much sincerity.

"Local artists exhibiting their skills. You wouldn't know anything about that, would ya?"

The student, a boy of about thirteen, rolled his eyes and looked around at his friends for reassurance. "Uh, no." he said sullenly. His friends poked each other and snickered.

Starsky matched their eye roll as he replied in a disbelieving monotone, "Dat's what I figured."

The parent of a fourth grade girl volunteered, "You better get that taken care of," he said, pointing to the Torino. "That kind of stuff could get you hurt if the wrong people see it."

"Thanks. I'll get to it as soon as I can. I have to wait for my partner to return next week. I need a car."

Starsky spotted Gerry coming around the corner as he ushered a group of second graders across the street, "Buh-Bye guys, learn something new today, so you can tell me this after noon!" he called after them.

Pretending he had never seen Starsky before, Gerry pulled the hood of his sweatshirt up and tried to hide inside.

"Hey Gerry!" Starsky greeted the boy.

Gerry looked up for a split second, just long enough for Starsky to see the boy had been crying. "What are you looking at?" Gerry snapped..

"Nuthin'," Starsky answered. "You ok?"

"Bug off!" the boy growled.

Starsky heard a hurt in Gerry's gruff voice that was only masquerading as anger. "Here if you need me..." Dave tried to soothe the teen's distress. "You and me, we ain't all that different..."

Gerry hugged his books closer to his chest and ran the last few feet into the school building. "You don't know nothin' about me, " he spat.

In little more than a whisper, Starsky answered back, "More than you'll know…"

"Hi, Guard!" The bright and hopeful voice of Rosey blasted through his black mood like a laser beam of pure sunshine. "Today is picture day!"

The contrast in conversation again took him off guard. "Hi Rosey! Hi Rosey's mom! Sorry, Rosey, what did you say?"

"I said today is picture day. My mama let me wear this necklace she got when she was a little girl. See!" She pulled at the gold colored chain around her neck. "It's a horsey! I wanna be a horse when I grow up."

"You do!? That sounds fun. And look how pretty you are today. Did you pick out that dress to wear?"

"Yes I did, but Mama helped a little. She told me I had to wear a church dress."

"Well, you made the right choice, honey… I mean Rosey. You better scoot along now, you don't want to be late for Picture Day."

When Rosey was safely in school, Rosey's mother spoke, "I see you have been introduced to the Piranhas. Lo siento, I'm sorry," she was pointing to the defaced car. "It wasn't always like this." Her demeanor was the complete opposite of Rosey's.

"I know, Mrs…."

"Gonsalves."

"Mrs. Gonsalves. I have spent enough time in this neighborhood to know what it used to be like. I know the Piranhas have been around a long time. I know their turf is being challenged and they are feeling pressure to show the Lobos that they are willing to fight to keep their neighborhood. I also know that neither they or the Lobos care who get in their way."

"For a School Crossing Guard, you know a lot," Mrs. Gonsalves said with a faint smile.

"Mild mannered crossing guard by day, hard nosed BCPD detective by night." Starsky grinned.

"The police department sent you here undercover to watch our children?" Mrs. Gonsalves asked. Her face reflected her confusion.

"Well, sort of, " Starsky hesitated. "But what matters now is I will do everything I can to help keep the lid on this situation. And I won't let anything happen to Miss Rosey, or any of the other kids on my watch. Speaking of which, do you know one of the big kids that crosses here, by the name of Gerry?"

"Pobre chico," she said quietly. "Si, his brother's murder is what started this whole terrible thing."

"Yeah. Do you know his family at all?"

"Un poco, a little. I talk to Mrs. Hector at their store on the next block. It is the family store, but Mr. Hector had a heart attack last fall and has not been able to help much. Gerry's mother is doing the best she can to keep it going, and it has come at the cost of not being able to keep a close eye on Gerry. They were having a rough time of it before, then...

"Then the death of their son. Some people can't catch a break." Starsky added in empathy. "Gerry seems like a good kid, I hope he can steer clear of gang life. Sorry, I have kept you long enough, Mrs. Gonsalves. Thanks for talking to me."

"Detective Starsky, these are bad times around here. We wake up scared for our families and go to bed the same way. "

"I understand, and, believe me, we are working to keep this thing from turning into an all out street war. Thanks again for talking with me. See you this afternoon." Starsky said solemnly. Two late students caught his eye as he headed back to the Torino. "Hey, you guys are late! Better hustle!" He held the Stop Sign aloft and waited for the traffic to stop before ushering the kids across. Just as the kids had safely made it to the other side of the street, a dark green, jacked up Camaro came blasting around the corner completely ignoring the corner Stop Sign and Dave's hand-held one. Only Starsky's nimble reflexes stood between him and the bumper of the speeding car and only his sense of professionalism kept him from launching the Stop Sign into the back window of the Camaro. "I got your license number, you turkey!" he shouted at the speeding car. "456BRN! This ain't the last you heard from me!" Breathing hard, and furious he returned to the sanctuary of his car.

-Chapter 7-

After calming his nerves, Starsky headed back to the precinct station to finish up some paperwork. Things had been pretty quiet without Hutch, and he actually had the time to finish filling out and filing the bottomless pile of reports that had taken over their shared desks. This now included a new damage report for the Torino, which Captain Dobey signed off on with a barely concealed grin.

David snatched the form back from his Captain, "Glad I can keep you entertained. You know what this means, don't you? It means I'll have to drive my car around, graffiti and all, until Hutch gets back! Then, we'll have to use his car until Merle can get mine repainted! It could be weeks! But as long as you are amused…" Starsky turned on his heel and exited Dobey's office, catching the door with his foot and slamming it closed behind him. "Terrific!" he growled.

Seeking a way to cool off, Starsky stomped down to the basement office of the D.O.T.: Crossing Guard Division. Maybe a quick visit with Marissa could put a shine on a worrisome day. Having talked with her yesterday as well, he found he really enjoyed her company. They shared a very similar sense of humor and being around her just made him feel happier. David had it in mind to ask her out as soon as he determined which nights she attended classes. Having become a little disillusioned with the Department of Transportation, she had been taking night classes to finish her degree in Therapeutic Recreation.

She didn't disappoint. "I am so sorry about your car getting tagged," Marissa comisserated, after hearing Starsky out. "That car of yours always stood out in the parking lot, that's for sure."

"It still does, but for all the wrong reasons. If Hutch were here, you'd hear him laughing all the way from the top floor. He hates my car. No taste bum!"

"Where is this famous partner of yours? He sounds like someone I need to know."

"Oh you'll meet him, don't worry about that. He is on vacation this week." Starsky promised.

"Lucky guy. From what I've heard you two are quite the dynamic duo." Marissa laughed.

Starsky's face turned red. "Nothing like that. We've just been partners for almost seven years, ya know. You learn a lot about someone in that amount of time."

"Aww, now I've embarrassed you. I didn't mean to. It's just that you two have quite the reputation in the precinct. I would love to have someone in my life that has my back like you two."

"He's a good guy. But enough about Hutch. Did I tell you about nearly getting dusted this morning? This green Camaro came flying around the corner and just about took me out. Lucky there weren't any kids crossing. I really had no idea this kind of stuff went on."

"Yeah, it does, all the time." Marissa answered. "Wait, did you say a green Camaro?"

"Yeah, it was a dark green jacked up Camaro with super-dark tinted windows," Starsky replied nonchalantly. "I got their license. That won't be the last they hear of me."

"David, that sounds like the same car that hit the guard you are replacing! The car that hit Lynne Michaels!"

Starsky's interest was definitely piqued. "Are you sure? Because between that and him almost hitting me, I think we have enough to get a warrant. At least enough to keep things interesting. Is Officer Michaels still in the hospital?"

"Ummm, no, I believe she was released a couple days ago. I can get you her address, but talk to Captain Jameson before you go. As you might have guessed, this one is personal for him."

-Chapter 8-

Armed with this new lead, Starsky returned to the elementary school determined to find the parent that had spoken to him about witnessing the hit and run of the Crossing Guard. It didn't take long to spot him in the crowd of anxious parents waiting for school to let out.. "Excuse me, sir? Aren't you the gentleman who spoke to me earlier about seeing Officer Michaels get hit?"

The man looked Starsky square in the eye, "Si, Detective Starsky. My name is Luis Vincente."

"Luis, thanks," Starsky reached out to shake his hand. "What can you tell me about that morning?" Starsky encouraged.

"Well… Officer Michaels was crossing back after taking some kids across. I remember hearing a horrible squealing of tires and looking around to see what was happening. It was so loud! There was a car, an old, blue ElDorado, coming down Dumbarry. It was movin'! But it wasn't the one making all the noise. That came from a green Camaro that just blew through the intersection at 36th , burning rubber the whole way. It looked like the two cars were playing chicken but Officer Michaels was still in the road. The Camaro clipped the officer and she went flying. Both cars kept on going…" Mr. Vincente swallowed hard. "It was one of the worst things I've ever seen. They just kept going, like... like the officer was just a piece of trash tossed to the side of the road."

Starsky winced and reached out to pat Luis on the arm. "Yeah," he said sadly. "Had you ever seen either of these cars before, Mr. Vincente?"

"Si. The blue one belonged to the Hector kid that was killed. I don't know who was driving it that day though, it was after the murder. The Camaro belongs to somebody in the Lobos."

"Oh yeah? That's interesting." Starsky nodded. "Thanks Mr. Vincente."

"Have you any word on Officer Michaels? Is she gonna be ok?"

"I really can't say for sure. But if I talk to her, I'll let her know you asked about her."

The dismissal bell rang and children began spilling out of the doors. Little ones first, and following close on their heels were the bigger kids. " Controlled mayhem," Starsky thought. It was an impressive sight. Impressive that no one got trampled!

Delivering the youngest children to their awaiting parents first, Starsky was surprised that Rosey was not among them. Her mother tried to give off an air of calm, but he noticed her eyes trained intently on the school door. "She probably is just letting the thundering herd get out of the way, Mrs. Gonsalves." Dave commented with a wink. "I wouldn't worry. She is too smart to get caught up in that stampede."

A few minutes later, Starsky was proven right. Rosey came skipping down the steps waving to Starsky. "Hi Mr. Crossing Guard! Wanna know what I learned today?"

"Sure do, Rosey, but let's get you across the street first. Your mama has been waiting for you. Did you smile pretty for your picture?"

Rosey waited patiently as Starsky spotted Gerry making his way to the crossing. "C'mon Gerry! Let's get you two across."

Gerry shuffled along, taking his time. "I don't need any help crossing the stupid street. I ain't a baby like her," he snarled, referring to Rosey.

"Just come o…" Everyone heard the dreaded sound at the same time. A squeal of tires, distant, but quickly getting closer. "Rosey! Come here! Gerry, stay back behind my car! Get down." Starsky grabbed Rosey's hand, but the child froze in horror as she saw the two cars headed straight at her.

The drivers were heedless of the terrorized child standing in the street. Each car, the Camaro and the ElDorado, had a driver, an armed passenger and a mission to take out the other car, however they could.

"Everybody get down!" Starsky commande. In desperation, he swept Rosey up in his arms and lunged for the other side of the road. Mrs. Gonsalves could do nothing but look on helplessly. At the last second she threw herself behind some garbage cans left roadside.

The sharp staccato of automatic weapon fire echoed down the street. Then, as quickly as they appeared, the cars were gone.

Gerry cautiously crawled out from behind Starsky's car, which now, along with Piranha graffiti was peppered with a handful of stray bullet holes. He was crying now, and he didn't care who saw him. Looking across the street he saw Mrs. Gonsalves crawl out from behind some boxes and a garbage can. Then he spotted Starsky. "Noooo!" he cried out and ran across the street. He and Mrs. Gonsalves reached the fallen detective at the same time.

" ! You saved my Rosey! Those animals would have killed her!" Mrs. Gonsalves tried to extricate Rosey from beneath the dead weight of Starsky's torso. Rosey's arms were locked around his neck and her face was buried in his shoulder. She was sobbing uncontrollably. "Rosey! Rosey are you hurt? Mama's here, sweetie. You can let go now. The bad men have gone. Please let go. Let me see my sweet little girl." It was then she noticed the pool of blood staining the pavement. " Can you hear me? Detective Starsky? Dios mio, no estes muerto. Please don't let him be dead!" She gathered Rosey in her arms and rocked to soothe the hysterical child.

Gerry was in shock. First his brother, now Starsky! "Mr. Starsky! Please don't be dead. I am sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry.." he rambled. Gerry pulled his sweatshirt off and placed it under Starsky's head. It was then he noticed a rivulet of blood coming from a gash in Starsky's temple.

By this time, a crowd had started to gather. Mrs. Gonsalves looked up, " Somebody call the police! This man, this wonderful policeman saved my Rosey. Ambulancia!"

Amid all the pandemonium, Starsky began to regain consciousness. His head throbbed and his thigh burned like someone was holding a match to it. As the cobwebs began to clear, he remembered what had happened. "Rosey! Gerry!" he called out feebly as he struggled to sit up.

"Shhh," Mrs. Gonsalves said. "It's ok. Rosey is fine and so is Gerry. It is you that is injured. Just try to lie still. An ambulance is on its way."

Gerry couldn't get control of his emotions or his words. "Detective St-t-t-tarsky? We could have d-d-d-died. You-You-You saved that g-g-g-girl. You saved m-m-m-me! Are you-o-o-ok? Oh please be ok," he finally managed to get out.

In an effort to calm Gerry down, Starsky managed a weak smile and a wink. "I bet I look terrific, don't I? What happened, can somebody tell me what happened?"

"Mr. Starsky... you were... shot. Don't you remember?" Gerry responded. "You have a cut across the side of your head too. It's bleeding a lot, but not as much as your leg. Shit, man, that wound is pulsing!"

"Gerry!" Mrs. Gonsalves scolded. "If you can't be helpful, come here and take Rosey!"

Starsky had to laugh, "It's ok, Mrs. Gonsalves. Gerry, give me your belt. If I wrap it around my leg, I can slow the bleeding down, until the ambulance gets here."

Gerry's attention was riveted on Starsky. "Here, I can do that. Just tell me what to do.".

"Terrific, kid. Just keep it pulled tight. that should help. . OOOh, yeah, that's tight." Starsky grimaced. "I feel kind of dizzy and damn my head! I'm seeing so many stars it looks like a planetarium. Maybe I'll just close my eyes for a minute."

Rosey's mom spoke up, "Try to stay awake. The ambulance will be here soon."

"I will, Mrs. Gonsalves. This ain't my first rodeo and thanks for your concern." As Starsky rested and waited for the ambulance to arrive, he felt someone take his hand. Tiny fingers trying to wrap around his adult ones. "Mr. Crossing Guard? Are you going to die?" The quiet and sincere voice of a scared child.

Despite his pain and weariness, Starsky could not let this question go unanswered. "No Rosey. I am going to be right as rain pretty soon. Thanks to all this good care I am getting here."

" You got hurt because you were taking care of me!" Rosey sniffled.

"No, don't ever think that. I got hurt because I was doing my job, sweetie. Keeping kids like you safe is the best part of what I do... I just couldn't let anything happen to one of my newest pals. Don't you fret, I'm going to be just fine." A wave of nausea hit him and left him gasping.

Rosey sat quietly as Starsky regained his composure. Soon the wail of an ambulance was heard, followed by the whine of several police cars. Before long the crime scene was overrun by police questioning witnesses and clearing the area of gawkers. One eventually made his way over to question Starsky as he was being placed on the stretcher. "Starsky!? What the hell?" The policeman was clearly surprised to find the shooting victim was one of their own.

"Hey Owens," Starsky acknowledged. "It's a long story… Let me talk to you later."

"Sure Starsky. I'll radio Dobey and let him know."

"Thanks. By the way, these are good people here. Treat them right, they've been through a lot."

"Sure, Starsky. I'll check in at the hospital later." Detective Owens patted Starsky on the shoulder and went back to question some of the remaining witnesses.

As Starsky was being checked over, Gerry spoke up softly, "Mr. Starsky. I-I'm sorry I was acting like such a jerk. It wasn't because of anything you did…"

"Don't worry, Gerry. I do understand. Once I am up and around, I'd like to talk to you again."

"Uhhm. OK, sure." Gerry agreed with a faint hesitation.

"Don't worry, no lectures or anything, I promise."

The medics signalled that it was time to get going. "Ok. Ok. Just one more thing," Starsky cajoled. "Rosey! You keep learning new things everyday, promise? I'm gonna come back to check in on ya, so no slacking off."

Rosey ran up and gave David a kiss on the cheek. "Mama always kisses me when I get a boo-boo. It helps."

"Detective Starsky…" the ambulance medic intoned.

Starsky smiled wearily and settled back. Gerry and Rosey were waving as the doors were closed and the siren , once again, began to wail.

-Chapter 9-

The next thing Starky knew he was waking up in a warm , comfortable hospital bed.

He had no idea what time it was or even what day it was, and he was OK with that.

He reached up to gingerly finger the bandage around his head, "Terrific." he muttered as the memories began to surface. "Oh, my head! Ouch! And my leg!"

At this moment, a nurse entered Dave's room, "Oh good, Mr. Starsky. You are awake."

"Umm yeah? What day is this?"

"It's Friday. You were brought in on Wednesday."

"What happened to Thursday?" he questioned innocently.

"Oh, it came and went, as usual," the nurse said with a bright smile. "You kind of slept through it, that's all. You had a bit of an infection develop at the site of the bullet wound. Nothing too serious, but the antibiotics kind of knocked ya out. How do you feel today?"

"Like I have been run over by a freight train."

"Yeah, that's to be expected. But if it makes you feel any better, we all think you are a real hero."

Starsky was confused. "Hero? What are you talking about?"

"There is someone outside that might be able to clear things up for you, if you are feeling up to some company."

He wasn't, but not wanting to keep his visitor waiting any longer, Starsky agreed. "Sure, send 'em in."

The nurse disappeared into the corridor then returned in a few seconds, "Go on in, but only for a few minutes," Starsky heard the officious nurse direct.

A familiar voice was heard to respond, "I get it! A few minutes...right."

Starsky beamed.

"Well partner….what have you got to say for yourself?" Hutch entered the room and threw a folded newspaper down on the bed. The headlines read "BCPD Detective Saves Children from Certain Death." "Going for hero, while my back is turned, eh?"

"What can I say? Just another day in the life of a mild mannered crossing guard," Starsky fought to disguise the grin that was creeping in. "Someday, I'll have to tell you about it. Right now, though, I need a nap."

Hutch's demeanor softened immediately, "Sure thing buddy. I'm gonna stay here, though, just in case you need anything, ya know?"

"How did you know to find me here? I told Dobey not to bother you on vacation, I'm fine."

"Starsk, sometimes I worry about your priorities… now shut up and go to sleep. I ain't goin' anywhere."

THE END