Friendship Can't Be Forgotten

by Lapfordlass

Alternate story to the episode Partners. Starsky and Hutch are tracking down a criminal when Hutch has an accident that leaves him with partial retrograde amnesia. How long will it take for him to remember who Starsky is? Can friendship be forgotten or is the essence always there? (I like Partners, don't get me wrong, but I love a proper amnesia story so this is my version of it.)

Friendship Can't Be Forgotten

(Partners Alternate Episode)

They'd been trying to track down Frederick Duncan, aka Frightening Freddie, for several weeks now; ever since, he'd threatened a clerk at the Mayor's office. The clerk, Martin Joyce, had been gambling and owed money to Enrique De Luca's family. It was not a good position to be in. Enrique expected prompt payment or one should be prepared to suffer the consequences. Joyce had been so terrified by Freddie (Enrique's henchman) that he'd got drunk, had a car crash on his way home and severely injured a woman, into whose car he'd ploughed.

When Joyce was interviewed by the police, the whole sorry story came out and Starsky and Hutch had been called in to investigate his allegations. Somehow Freddie had found out that detectives were looking for him in connection with the accident and the cause of it and had gone into hiding. Joyce's testimony against him for brandishing a weapon and menacing him probably wouldn't have worried Freddie in the slightest. The lawyers that De Luca had on retainer would have made short shrift of any such accusation. On top of that 'he said-he said' cases were always difficult to prove, but the wider community had got involved and several people had come forward all wanting to lay charges against Freddie. Huggy's theory was that the little people had had enough of being pushed around and the injury caused to an innocent bystander had been the final injustice that had leant momentum to their outrage.

Starsky and Hutch didn't care why; they were just glad it had happened and were determined to find Freddie and bring him to book. So when the call came through from Huggy giving them a location where the henchman was supposed to be in hiding, they didn't hesitate. The Torino raced through the streets, siren sounding and light flashing an ominous warning. A block away they killed both and drove the last yards in silence, wanting to take Freddie by surprise.

They turned into the alleyway and drove slowly towards the back of a rundown warehouse that had broken windows and multiple holes in the wooden frame. As Starsky pulled to a stop and cut the engine, Hutch observed, "What a dump!"

"Right location for a rat like Freddie."

"True." Hutch glanced at Starsky. "What's our plan? He could be hiding anywhere in there…if he's still here."

Starsky scanned the building's façade. He pointed to a door and then a rickety staircase.

"One of us goes in the door; one of us goes in up top. Hopefully, we can round him up between us."

Hutch nodded. They both climbed out of the car and drew their guns. Sotto voce, Hutch said, "Stairs or door?"

"Door. I took the last set of stairs."

Hutch rolled his eyes before he gave Starsky a look that said 'Be careful, partner.' Starsky gave him a tight nod and then they parted. Hutch took the wooden steps two at a time and then carefully eased the rotting door open, mentally cursing as it let out a loud creak. He paused, allowing his eyes to adjust to the gloom and listening to see if any sound of movement showed that their quarry had been alerted to their presence.

When there was no indication of movement, Hutch eased his way along a narrow landing before climbing a second set of short stairs that led to a walkway that spanned the entire length of the warehouse. Half way along, another walkway led at a right-angle away into the darkness. Hutch could just make out a set of stairs that led down. He couldn't see Starsky anywhere, but then he couldn't see much of the floor of the warehouse anyway.

Hutch crept along until he came to the branch in the walkways. He looked around, still listening. Ahead where the stairs led down there was a half floor, filled with lots of crates and rubbish that looked full of good places to hide. Hutch cautiously made his way down the small set of steps and along the floor, carefully stepping across planks with holes in them. Abruptly, he heard a noise behind him and then a roaring figure was rushing at him. Before he could react, he was grabbed around the body by strong, muscular arms and knocked off his feet. His gun went flying. As he scrambled to get up and locate his gun, he heard the scream of splintering wood and the floor underneath him gave way.

Starsky was creeping past a collection of large crates when he heard a loud roar above and ahead of him. There was the sound of running feet and a thud. Then a second later, the floor above gave way. In the dim lighting, he could just see clouds of dust, splintered wood and what looked like a figure falling. When the dust settled, Starsky made his way quickly to the site of the fallen boards. His eyes came to rest on the still form of his partner. He felt his heart momentarily miss a beat and his breath seemed to be stuck in his throat then he was crying out, "Hutch!" as he scrabbled across broken floorboards to reach his downed partner.

"Hutch! Talk to me!"

There was no response. Starsky checked his partner over; he was breathing but deeply unconscious. Hutch had gashes on the palms of both hands, with splinters sticking out of them. When Starsky ran gentle fingers over his partner's scalp to check for damage, he could feel a lump forming towards the rear. After, easing Hutch onto his side, Starsky hurried as quickly as he could out to his Torino to radio for an ambulance and back-up. Freddie was probably long gone, but Starsky wanted assistance to search the warehouse in case he was still there and also to find Hutch's gun, which he hoped was under the pile of rubble and not in the hands of Frightening Freddie.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Hutch became aware of soft noises around him and slowly opened his eyes. He took in his surroundings and realised from the gown he was wearing that he was in a hospital. "That Jimmy Milligan has really done it this time," he thought. He checked himself over and was relieved to find that he didn't appear to have any broken bones. His hands were bandaged across the palms; he must have landed on some broken glass or something. Still that wasn't too bad an injury. The only other problems seemed to be that his head was pounding and he felt a little nauseous or hungry. He actually wasn't quite sure which it was.

He realised that he must be in the hospital on concussion watch. He knew the drill from previous bumps on the head. He wondered how long he'd been knocked out for and what time of day it was. A nurse came in to check on his vitals and was pleased to find him awake.

"Oh, Mr Hutchinson. I'll just let Doctor Parker know that you've come round. Won't be long."

Hutch nodded and watched as she bustled out of the room. He couldn't place her accent at first. It sounded west coast but he wasn't sure. He shrugged. Idly, he thought that she was a long way from home. He looked around his room, taking in that he was in a two person room, not on the children's ward. He supposed he was too old for that now even though he hadn't reached majority.

To his left was a small cupboard with a jug of water and a glass set on it. He suddenly realised how thirsty he was and reached for it eagerly. Despite the apparent damage to them, his hands were steady as he poured the water and downed half a glass in one go. Just as he started sipping at the rest a man dressed in a white coat came into the room.

"Mr Hutchinson? I'm Doctor Parker. Good to see you awake. How are you feeling?"

"Fine, thank you, sir. Well, apart from my head. That's really aching. Guess I must have banged it pretty hard."

"Yes, you did. You've been unconscious for almost a day."

"Oh gosh. Bet my Mom was worried. Where are my parents, by the way?"

"I'll find out for you," Doctor Parker said, with only a slight hint of hesitation. "I need to ask you a few questions. Is that all right with you?"

"Yes, of course, sir. Fire away."

"What's your name?"

"Kenneth Hutchinson."

"And do you know where you are?"

"A hospital."

"Do you know why you're here?"

"Well, it's a bit fuzzy, but Jimmy Milligan was mucking about near me. Reckon he must have knocked me off the back of the bleachers and I banged my head. Least I didn't break anything. That's a relief!"

The Doctor wrote on his notepad and then looked at Hutch. "Just one final question, Mr Hutchinson. How old are you?"

"Well, I'll be seventeen next birthday. I know that makes me nearly an adult, but could you call me Kenny, please Doctor. Mr Hutchinson makes me think you're talking to my father."

The Doctor nodded silently. Looking thoughtful, he said, "That will be all for now, Kenny. A nurse will be by with some painkillers to help with that headache. I'm going to run a few tests on you in a little while just to make sure everything is as it should be. Why don't you try to rest, some lunch will be served shortly and then I'll talk to you later."

"Okay, thanks, Doctor Parker. I am pretty hungry…Will someone let my Mom know I'm awake?"

The Doctor nodded. "I'll go and see what I can do about that. You just rest for now."

Hutch leant back against the pillows as the doctor left the room. He was surprised to hear the sound of raised voices outside in the corridor. A man was getting very heated about something and Hutch could hear a softer voice trying to calm him. Eventually, the voices lessened in volume as the group moved away. Hutch closed his eyes, trying to rest although he was keenly aware of his stomach rumbling and hoped that food would be appearing soon.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

After a whole night of precious little sign of Hutch's waking up, Starsky was sick of waiting to be given access to his partner. He'd been allowed to spend the first few hours with him, but once it was clear that the injured detective wasn't waking up, Hutch was taken off for a scan and a variety of tests. Starsky was told in no uncertain terms to stay out of the way. Wracked with worry, Starsky couldn't bear to leave the hospital. Instead he took himself down to the canteen for a coffee and a breakfast sandwich.

After arriving to find an empty room and no sign of either of his men, Dobey finally tracked the dark haired half of the partnership sitting staring disconsolately into a half-drunk cup of coffee. He sat down heavily next to the younger man and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his damp brow.

"How's your partner? What's the latest?"

"He ain't waking up. I'm worried sick. They've taken him off for another scan. I'll head up shortly and see if he's back in his room…If they'll let me in."

Starsky sounded so down, Dobey reached out a large hand and patted his arm.

"Now, now, Dave. I'm sure he's going to be fine. His head is just as thick as yours."

The last comment produced half a smile from Starsky. He nodded and then squared his shoulders. Time to get down to business.

"Did uniform find Hutch's gun?"

Dobey frowned. "I'm afraid not. It's bad news. One more gun on the streets and if it's used…well, Hutchinson will be upset by that I know."

Starsky sighed. "Yeah, he'll blame himself even though it couldn't be helped."

Dobey stood up. "Well, I'd better get back. Ring me if there's any change. If I hear anything about Hutch's gun or the whereabouts of Freddie, I'll get word to you."

"Thanks, Cap."

Starsky headed back upstairs determined to see his partner this time. He was met in the corridor by a smiling nurse, who informed him that Hutch was finally awake and that the doctor was performing some cognitive function tests so Starsky would have to wait outside for 'just a few minutes longer'. Starsky sat on a chair, trying to control his urge to pace and his even greater desire to throw open the room door so he could see for himself that Hutch was conscious and okay. As the doctor came out, Starsky jumped up.

"How's he doing, Doc?"

The Doctor looked very serious. "I'm not sure yet, but Detective Hutchinson appears to have one of the more unusual symptoms associated with concussion."

"What? What symptom?"

"Retrograde amnesia."

"What are you trying to tell me? That he doesn't know who he is?"

"Not exactly. It's complicated."

"Complicated how. Does he know who he is or not?"

"Well, yes, he knows his name."

"Phew! For a minute there you had me worried. What's he forgotten then, Doc? How he got hurt?"

"What caused his injury, yes, but there's more."

"Well, I can help him remember that stuff, I'm sure. Can I go see him now?"

"No, I think I need to discuss a few things with you before you see your partner. Everything is going to need very careful handling so that Detective Hutchinson doesn't receive too severe a shock."

Starsky started to get irritated. "I don't know what you're talking about, Doc, but I need to see my partner and whatever you need to discuss with me can wait."

To his surprise the doctor blocked his path. "No, Detective. I can't allow that. Come with me, please and I will explain the situation and how we intend to handle it. But I think that discussion needs to be in a more private place. I don't want to run the risk of Detective Hutchinson overhearing me. Things have got to be tackled in stages."

Starsky stepped closer to the doctor. "Nobody's keeping me from my partner."

Doctor Parker held up his hands in a surrender gesture, but stated firmly but quietly, "If you want to help your partner, and you want to mitigate any danger to him and his recovery, then you need to come with me now and hear me out."

Starsky deflated and swallowed. "You're serious? There's something badly wrong with him?"

"Yes, I'm serious, but hopefully the problem is temporary," Doctor Parker said. "Follow me, please, so I can explain more."

After throwing a quick look of concern at Hutch's door, Starsky hurried after the doctor along the corridor. They went up in the elevator one floor and then walked to Doctor Parker's office.

"Take a seat, Detective." The doctor indicated the leather chairs in the room and Starsky sat down.

"What's going on, Doc?"

"First of all, do you know if Detective Hutchinson's parents are alive and contactable? He's asking for them."

"Hutch asked for his parents?"

"Yes."

Starsky's eyes widened. "Yeah, I can contact them if I need to."

Doctor Parker nodded. "Good. Well, Detective Hutchinson knows who he is and that he's in hospital for concussion. He just seems to have forgotten his most recent memories. It's rare, but it can happen. What is rarer, but also has been known to occur, is that he seems to have lost all of his memories back to when he last had a similar concussion."

Starsky scratched his chin. "Well, let me think….he's had a few bumps on the head doing our job…Got it! Last year in February he was in a car accident and had concussion as well as other injuries. Is that when he thinks it is? Last year?"

The doctor shook his head. "Not exactly. He seems to think he was pushed off the bleachers by someone named Jimmy Milligan and that's the last thing he remembers."

Starsky frowned. "Jimmy Milligan?" A look of shock slowly spread across his face. "Hutch mentioned that name once. I think he was kid he was at High School with."

"That would certainly fit what Detective Hutchinson told me."

Starsky swallowed. "You're telling me that my partner thinks he's a kid."

"Yes, I'm afraid so. He thinks he's going to be seventeen next month."

"Oh my…" Starsky was rendered speechless. "So he doesn't remember being a police detective." "Or me," Starsky added inside his head. "Does he know where he is?"

"He knows he's in hospital. I guess he thinks it's one in his home town."

"He thinks he's in Duluth?"

The doctor nodded. "I assume that's the case. I'm going to run more detailed cognitive function tests this afternoon and send him for another scan. We need to try to work out what damage has been done and whether it's temporary or more permanent in nature."

Starsky stared at him in horror. "Please tell me you're not saying he could be like this forever?"

The doctor was quick to try to reassure. "Most forms of amnesia are temporary. The memories start to come back gradually over a period of hours or days. Sometimes they are helped by the person being exposed to familiar people and places but…BUT because of the unusual fact that Detective Hutchinson's memories stop at the point when he was sixteen, we must be careful to introduce people and places to him slowly. I'd like you to stay away until he's had his test this afternoon. Then I will try to break the news to him gently that he has amnesia and exactly what's happened."

Starsky swallowed. He was torn between wanting to help his partner's recovery and needing to connect with him, to reassure himself that the man he knew was still there.

Doctor Parker looked sympathetically at the clearly upset man in front of him. "I can understand that this is hard for you, Detective Starsky. I know he's your partner and that's a special bond. I won't stop you from seeing him once I've broken the news, but really the best thing you can do for him is get hold of his parents. I wonder if they might speak to him on the phone initially. Seeing them as they look now might be a big shock for him until he's had time to get used to the idea."

Starsky nodded and stood up. "Okay, Doc. I'll get in touch with his parents and I'll ask them if they could ring later this afternoon… Thanks for all you're doing for my partner."

"Just doing my job, Detective. Try not to worry. I am sure that Detective Hutchinson will soon regain his memories. You just have to be patient. Would you be able to pass that message on to friends as well as family? I think it's best to limit his visitors, at least for the next twenty-four hours."

"Sure. I'll do that."

Starsky left the doctor's office, closing the door quietly behind him. He suddenly realised that he was shaking. He looked for the nearest men's room and went inside to splash some water over his face. As he looked in the mirror, worried eyes looked back at him. He closed them and mumbled, "Please God, let Hutch be all right. I don't want to lose my partner or my best friend."

Then he shook himself and went off to make the first of several phone calls.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Hutch was getting a little fed up. It wasn't just that he was bored and mystified that his parents hadn't appeared yet. It was that he was beginning to think that there was something the doctor and nurses weren't telling him. As they wheeled him back up the corridor, after having what they told him was his 'second scan for comparison', he noticed a dark haired man hovering near the chairs outside his room. His eyes caught the man's glance and his gaze locked with his for a moment. He felt as if the stranger knew him although Hutch didn't recognise him. He noted that the man looked as if he wanted to say something to him, but had bitten back the words. Intrigued, Hutch turned his head to keep the man in his sights as the chair was turned and reversed into his room. He saw the man shake his head sadly and reluctantly sit down. Hutch didn't know why, but he felt sorry for him.

Once Hutch was settled back in his bed, Doctor Parker appeared, carrying a clipboard.

"So Kenny, how are you feeling now? How's the head?"

"A lot better now, thanks."

"Good…I'm afraid that you do have some complications with your concussion and I'm going to try to explain them to you."

Hutch felt anxiety starting to build up inside. "S-Shouldn't my parents be here for this? W-Where are they?"

"I'll come to that in a moment-" Doctor Parker started to say, but Hutch interrupted.

"-W-Where are my parents? H-Has something happened to them?"

"No, they're fine, Kenny. Don't worry. They are going to ring to speak to you shortly."

Hutch frowned and moved restlessly on the bed. "W-Why are they ringing me? W-Why aren't they here?"

"Please listen and I'll try to explain."

Hutch eyed him uncertainly. "Okay."

"You had an accident and bumped your head badly. You have a severe concussion, but you are also suffering from retrograde amnesia." He gave Hutch a moment to let this sink in. "This means that you have forgotten some of your memories, but I believe that they will come back. For some reason, your brain has supressed your recent memories and taken you back to the time of an earlier injury. The incident that you recall from High School."

Hutch frowned. "What? What are trying to tell me? That I'm not in High School anymore?"

"No, you're not. You're an adult."

"W-What?! Are you crazy?...I must be still knocked out. This is just some sort of weird dream."

Doctor Parker shook his head. "If you take a good look at your hands, I think that you'll see that they look different."

Hutch raised his hands and tried to look at his fingers around the bandages, the skin did look a little different. There were a couple of scars he didn't remember having. He swallowed, feeling unexpectedly fearful although he couldn't think why.

"How old am I?"

"As I said, you're an adult. You're in a hospital in Bay City, California."

"W-What? What am I doing in California?"

"You live and work here. I know this is a lot to take in, but I think it's better to give you the important facts and let you gradually come to terms with them. As I said, I am pretty certain your memories will come back so just try not to panic and be patient. Soon this time in the hospital will seem like a dream and you will have your real memories back."

Hutch stared at his hands again. "W-What year is it?"

Doctor Parker hesitated and then said, "It's 1978. May."

Hutch stared at him in frozen horror for a moment. "You're lying! That's crazy!" Hutch's voice had gone from anxious to angry. "Prove it. Is there a mirror in the bathroom? I want to see what I look like." He started to get out of the bed.

"I think perhaps, you should wait until-" Doctor Parker tried to urge Hutch back into bed and stop him from going into the bathroom.

"I want to see what I look like!" Hutch shouted in his face.

The door opened and the dark haired man Hutch had noticed earlier came in. He was carrying a small hold-all, which he set down by the door.

"Hey, buddy, what's all the shouting about?" he asked in a soft voice that, to his surprise, Hutch found himself responding to.

In a calmer voice, he said, "I want to see w-what I look like and the doctor, here, is trying to s-stop me!"

Starsky looked at the doctor, then Hutch, and then back to the doctor.

"I think you have to let him, Doc," he said quietly.

Doctor Parker hesitated and then stepped aside. Looking at both of the other men warily, Hutch walked past them and into the bathroom. He stared at himself in the small mirror. His eyes widened in shock and he blanched.

"It's true," he whispered to himself.

As he felt his legs begin to tremble, he felt a strong arm slide under his shoulders.

"I got ya, pal. Come on, back to bed. I know you must feel like you are in an episode of the Twilight Zone, but it's all gonna be okay. I promise ya."

Hutch allowed the man to help him back to the bed, grateful for the gentle but strong support. Hutch leaned back and closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose to try to try to calm the emotions that were threatening to overwhelm him. He felt a hand on his arm, patting him gently.

"It's all going to be alright, pal," the soft voice assured him.

Hutch cautiously opened his eyes and looked at the dark blue eyes that were looking at him with a mixture of concern and reassurance.

"I'm sorry, but who are you?"

It was quickly masked, but Hutch saw the deep pain that appeared in the eyes before it was concealed by a friendly smile.

"I'm Starsky. Dave Starsky. We work together."

Hutch bit his lip and then said, "Nice to meet you, Dave. I'm Kenny, but I guess you already know that…This whole thing is so strange."

"Yeah, I bet."

The phone in the corner of the room began to ring.

"Want me to get it?" Starsky asked, as he checked the time on his watch. "It should be your parents."

Hutch swallowed then nodded.

Starsky picked up the receiver. "Hello?...Yes, hello Mrs Hutchinson, it's Dave. Yes, he's right here. I'll put him on."

Starsky pulled the phone closer to the bed and held out the receiver to Hutch. Hutch looked at him almost fearfully. Starsky held his gaze and tried to project reassurance and confidence.

Slowly, Hutch took the phone and held it to his ear. "Mom?"

Starsky and the doctor could hear the female voice on the other end of the line trying to speak reassuringly to Hutch. After a few questions and responses, Hutch started crying softly. The two men looked at each other and decided to give him some privacy.

Once outside the room, Starsky ran a hand over his face and said glumly, "This is horrible. It's weird too…He's a grown man, but thinking he's a teen..." Starsky couldn't even begin to fathom how that would feel. "I hope he gets back to normal quickly." He looked at the doctor with a hopeful expression.

Doctor Parker nodded. "I'm fully expecting that the next twenty-four hours will see some of his memories coming back. I'm happy for you to spend time with Detective Hutchinson, but I need you to be careful not to overload him. Answer his question simply and truthfully, but don't volunteer lots of information. His brain needs time to digest each new fact and hopefully find and reconnect to his old memories."

Starsky nodded. "Okay, doc, I'll do whatever you think is best. How long before he can go home? Would it be safe for him?"

"I want to keep a watch over him for another twenty-four hours. If his symptoms carry on steadily improving then I see no reason why he shouldn't be allowed home tomorrow afternoon. He should be able to cope. He's clearly able to take in new information and deal with it as long as it's taken at a reasonable pace."

"Okay. Thanks, Doc."

Doctor Parker excused himself and left Starsky waiting outside the room. The detective left it a few more minutes and then poked his head around the door. The receiver was back on the telephone block and sat on the bedside table. Hutch was staring at the ceiling.

"How ya doing, pal?" Starsky asked, coming fully into the room. He collected the bag he had set down earlier and placed it on the end of Hutch's bed. Then he dragged a chair over to sit next to the bed. Close, but not as close as usual.

It took a moment for Hutch to react, but then he turned sad, slightly frightened eyes towards Starsky. The dark-haired man waited for his partner to speak, but Hutch stayed silent.

"Guess it must have been pretty hard speaking to your Mom," Starsky ventured. "Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really, no."

It wasn't said with any anger or irritation, but more out of weariness.

"No problem," Starsky said. "Hey, our friend Huggy collected some things you might want." He indicated the bag. "Want to see?"

Hutch shrugged.

Starsky ploughed on despite Hutch's lack of interest. Reaching for the bag, he began to pull items out. "There's a pair of pyjama bottoms and a t-shirt if you want to get out of that horrible hospital gown." This statement brought out a flicker of a smile from Hutch. "There's fresh underwear and clothes for when it's time to get out of here. Oh, and he's put a couple of books in here in case you get bored."

Starsky held up a novel and a book on houseplants for Hutch to see. Hutch looked blankly at the novel, but reached for the garden book. He flicked through it with a frown on his face.

"You all right, pal? What are you thinking about?"

Hutch looked up at him, confused.

"My Grandma Ingrid just popped into mind…She died two years ago…I still miss her." The last was said with a little hitch in his voice. Then with a look of frustration, Hutch added, "Only it wasn't two years ago, was it? More like twenty years ago. This is so confusing and frustrating!"

"I'm sorry," Starsky said. "I know it's gotta be hard on you." Starsky thought how he could move things onto safer ground. "You know, Hutch, you told me once that you thought you inherited your love of plants from her."

"Did I?"

Starsky nodded.

"So you've seen me with plants. Where? Have I got plants at my house? In my garden?"

Starsky smiled. "Your apartment is full of them. Most of them have got names that you gave 'em."

Hutch looked first surprised and then bemused. "I'd say I must be a weird guy, but Grandma Ingrid named some of her plants and she used to talk to them." He glanced at Starsky. "Don't tell me!"

"Yeah, you talk to yours too. And if that makes you weird, it's a good kind of weird so don't knock it."

Hutch almost laughed. He lay the book down across his lap and yawned. "Thanks, Dave."

Starsky smiled. "You're welcome…You tired, Hutch? Want me to go and let you rest?"

"Yeah, I guess I am kinda tired," Hutch admitted. He looked across to Starsky with a hint of anxiety and asked, "But you'll come back?"

Starsky was happy that Hutch seemed to like his company even if he didn't properly remember him yet. "'Course, buddy. First thing in the morning. Okay?"

"Okay." Mollified, Hutch settled back against his pillows. "See you then, Dave."

Starsky nodded at Hutch and then headed out of the room. It was good that Hutch seemed to trust him, as if that deep connection between them was hovering in the background, colouring Hutch's perception of him. It wasn't so great that his friend didn't know not to call him Dave. Starsky was beginning to hate the sound of his own name because every time it was used, it reminded him that Hutch didn't truly remember him. Still, it was early days.

Trying to hold on to the hope that Hutch would be back to normal tomorrow, Starsky headed straight for The Pits so he could give Huggy an update before he rang Dobey, Hutch's mother (as he had promised her in their earlier conversation) and his own mother. His Mom would never forgive him if he didn't keep her informed of how her surrogate son was doing.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

By the time Starsky reached The Pits, he was feeling tired and tense and hoped that a beer and a friendly face might help him unwind before he tried to get some sleep. As soon as Huggy saw him, he waved him over to the end of the bar and poured him a glass of his favourite beer.

"There you are, my man. How's our compadre doing? Any memories surfacing in that blond head of his?"

Starsky shook his head. "Not yet. Maybe tomorrow."

Huggy looked at him kindly. "And how are you doing, Starsky? Gotta be jive for you, him not knowing who you are."

"Yeah, it's weird. This'll sound odd and probably sappy, but it's like his head don't remember nothing but his heart knows stuff. He seems to trust me. That's a good sign, right?"

Huggy nodded. "When something's bedded down deep, it don't go away, man. He knows who you are where it counts. His brain will catch up eventually."

"Ya reckon?"

"Are you doubting the homespun wisdom of the Bear?"

"Wouldn't dream of it, Huggy?"

"Good. Then do what you always do."

"Trust in 'us' working it out?"

Huggy nodded.

"Thanks, Hug," Starsky said and he meant it. Somehow, Huggy had made his heart feel lighter and more hopeful that everything would work out okay in the end. He took a swig of his drink and then leaned closer to Huggy. "Can you keep your ear on the street again?"

"For the whereabouts of that rat Freddie?"

"Yeah, that…and he may have Hutch's gun. It went missing after the incident."

Huggy gave him a thoughtful look and nodded. "I'll see what I can find out. Blondie won't want anything that happens with his gun on his conscience."

"Yeah, that's what I was thinking," Starsky said quietly.

"Leave it with the Bear. Someone somewhere will know about it. I'll tease it out of the streets."

"Thanks." Starsky finished his glass and stood up. "I'd better go. I want to get back to the hospital early tomorrow. See if Hutch has started remembering anything."

Huggy nodded. "Send him my felicitations."

Starsky couldn't help smiling. "Sure, Huggy. I'll do that."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

When Starsky got back to the hospital the next morning, Hutch greeted him pleasantly enough with a "Hi Dave!" but there was still no spark of recognition. Clearly, Hutch hadn't had a sudden return of all his memories overnight. Starsky could feel an anxious knot forming in his stomach at the possibility that Hutch might not get all of his memories back ever. He tried to hide his fears, covering them by reading Hutch the Funnies from the paper and talking to him about his favourite black and white movies. At least the conversation about those had a chance of flowing because Hutch had seen some of them when he was a kid and was happy enough to talk about them.

After a while, Hutch started to get tired again so Starsky read his paper quietly while his friend dozed. Half an hour on, he found an article on the Japanese explorer, Naomi Uemura, who had just completed his bid to be the first person to complete a solo expedition to the North Pole-just the sort of trivia that Starsky liked to share with his partner.

"Wow, Hutch, I mean - Can you imagine how cold it would feel at the North Pole?" Starsky asked. He looked at Hutch to find his friend was looking at him sleepily.

"Sorry, pal, didn't mean to wake you up."

Hutch yawned. "'S'alright. What were you saying?"

Hutch tried to sit up a little and suddenly found Starsky was beside him plumping his pillows and helping to get comfortable.

"There ya go."

As Starsky sat back down, Hutch spoke cautiously, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. Whatever you like."

"What day of the week is it?"

"Thursday. Why?"

Hutch frowned. "Shouldn't you be at work?"

"Nah, Do – our boss gave me today off so I can keep you company."

"Because we work together," Hutch stated. It wasn't said with any sense of recognition, but just came from the fact that Starsky had told him that already.

"Yeah, that's right."

"What work do we do?"

"We're cops. Police Detectives."

Hutch raised his eyebrows. "We are?"

"Yeah."

"And we work together at the same division, I'm guessing."

Starsky sighed. "Yeah, at the same division." He hesitated and then added, "We're partners."

"Partners?"

"Yeah."

Starsky looked in Hutch's eyes for any flicker of a memory, but there was nothing. He leant back heavily, wiped his hand across his face and sighed deeply.

Hutch looked regretful. "I'm sorry I can't remember. It must be very annoying for you having a partner who doesn't remember you."

"Yeah, well, I don't like you not knowing who I am, but I'm sure it's only temporary. And I ain't annoyed, Hutch, because it's gotta be much worse for you missing years of your memories."

Starsky leaned forward and patted Hutch's arm. Hutch nodded and gave him a small smile.

"Yeah, it's frustrating remembering some things as clear as day and the rest of the time…I mean – I look in the mirror and I don't know the guy looking out. He kind of looks like me but he should look younger. It's weird. It's kind of freaking me out, actually."

An orderly appeared in the doorway with a cart, from which he pulled out a tray carrying a plate of food and a drink. He brought it over to Hutch's bed and set it down on the mobile table then headed out to the serve the next patient in the adjacent room. Hutch lifted the silver lid (that was trying to keep the gloopy mass warm) and grimaced.

"How come I can't remember anything from the last twenty years, but my brain is telling me that hospital food is always lousy?"

Starsky snorted. "The brain is a mysterious organ."

Hutch laughed. "Sure is."

Seeing Hutch smile made Starsky's heart lift a little. A second later he was blindsided by a wave of despair that rolled through him. What if Hutch never got his memories of the last few years back? What would it mean for their friendship? He felt Hutch's eyes on him, questioning his silence, and got to his feet quickly to walk to the window and try to collect himself while he pretended to look outside.

"Hey," Hutch's voice spoke softly. "You all right? What's up, Dave?"

"Dave. No, that sounds so wrong it's beginning to physically hurt." Starsky swallowed down the lump that had appeared in his throat. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just looking at that meal was turning my stomach!" Starsky rearranged his face into a smile and turned back to face his partner. Hutch's confused expression caught him off-guard. It was his turn to ask, "Hey, Hutch, you all right?"

Hutch shook his head and grimaced. Then he leaned back against his pillows and closed his eyes. His face scrunched up in frustration.

"Why can't I remember anything since High School? It's ridiculous!"

Starsky returned to his post by Hutch's side. He hesitated for the briefest second and then placed his hand gently on Hutch's forearm. Hutch slowly opened his eyes and looked down at the unfamiliar hand resting against his skin. Starsky went to move his hand away.

"No, don't."

Uncertainly, Starsky replaced his hand and watched Hutch as he continued staring at it. Suddenly, his friend looked up.

"I think I remember something," Hutch said. "This kinda connection between us."

Starsky grinned at him. "That's good, pal, and that'll do for now." He patted Hutch's arm and then sat back. Speaking to convince both of them, he stated, "Don't sweat it. It'll all come back, buddy. Don't ya worry…Now, eat your meat loaf."

Hutch huffed a laugh and poked at the gelatinous lump with a fork.

"Oh, is that what that is? Good job you can tell 'cause I certainly can't."

Still laughing, Starsky went off to get some food for himself and came back just after Hutch was finished with his meal. He threw a candy bar at his friend.

"Here you go. Thought you might like something edible after that!"

"Thanks." Hutch tore off the wrapper and bit into the sweet treat. In between bites, he sighed.

Starsky thought for a few minutes and then said, "I can tell you're bored. D'ya want me to spring you from this joint? The doctor did say about you going home this afternoon and that being around familiar things might help. I'm sure you'd be better off at home." Starsky was surprised by the look of panic that came over Hutch's face. "Hutch, what is it? What's the matter?"

Hutch looked away and swallowed convulsively a few times. He drew his knees up under the bedcovers and hugged them towards himself. Starsky tried to work out what was going on with his partner. It was like he was frightened of something. Oh. Starsky realised what might be going on and mentally slapped his head.

"Sorry. Guess the thought of going out of the hospital must be pretty scary. In here, it's just another hospital. It's familiar. Out there…Well, it ain't Duluth…Sorry, I guess I forgot for a minute that you don't know where in the world you are."

Hutch turned to look at him with such a bewildered expression Starsky wanted to give him a hug of reassurance. Hutch still looked like his partner, but right now there was a confused and scared sixteen year old looking out of those familiar and yet somehow unfamiliar eyes. Trying to appear relaxed, Starsky sat back in his chair, saying, "There's no rush to get outta here. It'll keep till you're ready. I'm sure they'd let you stay another day if you don't feel up to going home."

Hutch chewed on his lip for a moment and then said quietly, "I guess I have to face it sometime."

"When you feel ready," Starsky reiterated.

Hutch started to relax and then his eyes went wide as a thought occurred to him. "Dave, you said our boss gave you the day off. So you'll be back at work tomorrow?"

"I guess I'll have to go in for a few hours. Why? What are you thinking?"

Hutch looked anxiously back at him. "How am I going to find my way around where I live? What if I need shopping? How will I get anywhere? You think I'll be able to find my way back if I go out?"

"Woah. Calm down, pal. First. I'm gonna get you settled at your place. You need anything I'll get it or get one of our friends to get it for ya. And I might have to go in to work tomorrow, but I'll come round to see ya as soon as I get off work. Okay? You and me usually stay over at each other's places if one of us is ill. This ain't any different. You want me to stay over with you, I will. Okay?"

"Okay…Thanks."

Hutch was relieved. He didn't know why he felt he could rely on Dave. He just knew it felt natural to do so. He decided to ask Dave some questions about where he'd grown up and how long they'd known each other. Maybe hearing those answers would help fill in some of the blanks.

Around two-thirty, Doctor Parker arrived and began to ask Hutch questions about what he remembered or now knew about himself. Hutch got very frustrated, but the doctor seemed happy enough.

"You're doing very well, Kenny."

"But I haven't got any of my recent memories back!" Hutch protested.

"No, but you are remembering and retaining information that you've been told over the last day and I have every confidence that your memories will start to re-emerge. In fact I think you will find your memories returning as you immerse yourself in your usual day-to-day life."

Hutch's face got a pinched look and he started twisting his lip, but the doctor didn't seem to pick up on his nervousness. He carried on speaking; "Therefore I'm inclined to send you home, Kenny, to continue to recuperate. You will need to arrange to have the dressings on your hands checked by your own doctor on Monday. I'll get the paperwork sorted out for your release as soon as I've finished my rounds here."

Doctor Parker turned to Starsky, saying, "I would be happier knowing someone was keeping an eye on Detective Hutchinson for any reoccurrence of symptoms of concussion over the next couple of days. He may experience some mood swings, irritability. No cause for alarm unless there's a marked change in his behaviour. Kenny needs plenty of rest, but should he get disoriented or be difficult to rouse during the day, bring him back in."

While the doctor had been talking, Starsky had heard Hutch's breathing quicken. He quietly reached across and placed a hand on Hutch's arm to reassure him.

Starsky nodded to the doctor. "I know the drill, Doc, and I'll be keeping an eye on him, don't ya worry."

Without even looking, Starsky could feel Hutch beginning to calm down. He was glad to know that, even under the current circumstances, Hutch seemed to accept that Starsky had his partner's back and would protect him to the best of his ability.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

It was getting on for four by the time all the paperwork was signed for Hutch to leave the hospital. Starsky could tell Hutch was nervous as they walked down the corridor that led to the main entrance. When Hutch hesitated before pushing through the doors, Starsky wasn't surprised. Outside, Hutch blinked at the sudden sunlight and shaded his eyes, looking around warily. Starsky saw him swallow.

"Car's this way," he said, gently steering Hutch in the right direction with just the smallest pressure of his hand on his friend's back. When they reached the Torino, Starsky unlocked the passenger door and held it open for his partner. "Do you recognise my car?" Starsky asked hopefully.

Hutch stared at the car for a long minute and then frowned. "Sorry, I don't…but I have a feeling about it. It's like my brain is fogging up every time I try to look in the direction of a memory…I feel like I know there's something there, but I can't see through to it yet…Does that make any sense?"

Starsky shrugged. "I guess. So what's my car making you feel?"

Hutch's frowned deepened. The more he tried to pinpoint his reaction, the more it seemed to slip away. "Not sure…Just I know it's important to you…I think."

Starsky nodded and smiled reassuringly. "See. You are remembering. Don't try to force it. It'll come."

Hutch looked more hopeful as he climbed into the car. Starsky took a deep breath as he walked around the back of the car and then climbed in on the driver's side. After starting the engine, Starsky said, "So shall I take you straight to your place or do you want a tour of Bay City first? See if anything jogs your memory?"

Hutch deliberated. "Home, please, Dave. I'm curious to see where I live."

Starsky nodded and pulled the car out from the parking space, heading across the city towards Venice Place.

"By the way, you don't need to apologise to me if you don't remember something. It ain't your fault so stop acting like it is."

Hutch nodded. "Okay. Thanks."

As they got closer to the streets near Hutch's home, Starsky asked, "Recognise anything, pal?"

Hutch looked around and then shook his head. "No. I keep expecting to see places I know in Duluth. All of this looks strange to me. But it doesn't feel as wrong as I thought it was going to. This whole amnesia thing is really odd, Dave."

Starsky nodded, unconsciously flexing his fingers on the steering wheel. He heard Hutch mumbling something.

"Did you say something, pal?"

"Yes…I-I've noticed you keep wincing when I call you, Dave."

"Do I?" Starsky tried to fake surprise.

"Yes, you do. It's your name, isn't it? Or have I been calling you the wrong thing for the last day and a half."

"It is my name," Starsky confirmed in a level tone.

Hutch's eyes narrowed as if he was trying to read between the lines of Starsky's answer. "But it's not what I call you? Usually, I mean."

Starsky hesitated. It was stupid, but he didn't want to tell Hutch what he called him. He wanted Hutch to figure it out for himself; it was like he believed if Hutch could work it out, his memories about their friendship would start coming back. But that wasn't happening so maybe he should just tell him.

"You call me Starsky most of the time. Got a couple of nicknames for me too, but Starsky will do for now. If you don't mind."

Hutch looked slightly upset. "You should have said something…Starsky."

Even though it was the right name, it still sounded strange on Hutch's lips. It was like the word Starsky had lost the colour that Hutch's voice usually lent to it.

"Well, I've been calling you, Hutch, and I know you think of yourself as Kenny. You didn't complain about that. Figured I had no right to complain either," Starsky said, trying to keep the mood light.

Hutch looked thoughtful. Unexpectedly, he said, "Call me Kenny."

Starsky sighed inwardly. With a brightness he didn't feel, he said, "Sure, Kenny, if that's what you want."

Hutch put his head on one side and then gave him a shy smile. "It sounds odd when you say Kenny. I think I prefer you calling me Hutch."

Starsky couldn't help grinning. "Good."

"So Starsky, what now?" This time when Hutch said his name it sounded a little more normal.

Starsky pulled the car over to a stop. "I guess we go into your apartment. We're here."

Hutch looked around with interest.

"Venice Place," he said, reading the sign. "Sounds nice."

Both men climbed out of the car.

"By the way that heap there is yours," Starsky said, indicating the dented beige Ford parked ahead.

"It is?" Hutch looked bewildered as he added, "It's odd to think that I know how to drive."

Starsky waited patiently as Hutch took in his surroundings. When he thought Hutch was ready, Starsky pushed the door open and motioned Hutch forwards, handing him his key.

"Straight up the stairs, door on the left."

Managing to look both nervous and interested, Hutch climbed up the stairs until he reached the top. Then he paused, staring at his door. Starsky heard him whisper the word, "Home," and then Hutch was inserting the key in the lock and turning the handle. Hutch stepped inside and looked around. He was drawn towards the piano and ran his fingers across the keys.

"I still play?" he asked Starsky.

Starsky nodded. "Yeah, you do. Very well, in fact."

Hutch smiled. "That's good to know."

As he walked around the apartment, Starsky watched him picking up objects, books and photographs; praying that something would trigger a return of Hutch's memories. When Hutch saw his guitar, he picked it up and played a few chords from finger memory before setting it carefully back in its place. Next, Hutch noticed the plants and started checking the pots to see which ones needed watering. Without a second thought, he walked straight to the kitchen and pulled a watering can from the correct cupboard. He filled the small can with water and then started topping up his plants.

Starsky thought he heard him mumbling their names as he watered, but he wasn't sure. It seemed some things were so ingrained, Hutch could do them automatically without even thinking about it. He seemed at home and relaxed here in his apartment, which filled Starsky with relief and hope. Starsky realised that these were tiny steps being taken, but if Hutch felt happy here, he was sure that at some level Hutch must recognise the place.

Starsky felt some of his tension start to melt away. "Everything was going to be okay. Might take some time, but he'll get there," he thought. He took his jacket off and hung it up on a peg near the door. Then he slipped his holster and gun off and hooked them over another peg. He turned around to find Hutch staring at him.

"What? What's the matter?"

Hutch gulped. "I didn't even think about it. Stupid, isn't it? I should have realised or asked or..."

"What's stupid, buddy? Clue me in here."

"It didn't even occur to me that you'd be wearing a gun. Of course, you told me we're police detectives, but I didn't think it through. I guess I've got one of those things too."

Starsky nodded. Hutch stared back and then sighed.

"I can't get my brain wrapped around it," Hutch said, sounding slightly distressed. He walked back towards the kitchen and put the watering can down. He turned to face Starsky, leaning back against the sink. "Why would I want a job where I have to carry a gun? I mean hunting I kind of get, growing up with grandparents who had a farm, but using guns on people…I always thought I'd have a job where I looked after people, maybe patched them up, not hurt them. How'd I end up choosing the police as a career?"

Starsky wondered where to start. "Hey, how about we sit down with a drink and talk about it? You want a beer or shall I make some of the tea you like?"

"You always make it wrong," Hutch said, surprising both of them.

Hutch blinked, like an owl finding itself awake in daylight, and added, "Sorry. That's just what popped into my head!"

Starsky's frown softened into a smile and he started to chuckle. "You're not wrong! I don't really like tea so I guess that means I don't know how to make it properly. Me, I like beer or coffee."

"Do I like beer?" Hutch asked, looking lost again. "Only I shouldn't really be drinking alcohol yet as I'm…on concussion watch." He had been going to say 'underage' but stopped himself just in time.

Starsky knew what he was thinking, but ignored it. "How about you check the ice-box and see if you got any milk or fruit juice? You like both of those."

"Okay. Good idea."

Hutch opened the ice-box and pulled out an unopened carton of milk, checking the date on the side before he opened it. Then he helped himself to a glass from a cupboard, finding it without any trouble, and handed Starsky a mug, just as he would do under normal circumstances. Hutch poured himself a glass of milk and replaced the carton in the ice-box, while Starsky made a coffee. The two of them headed over to the sofa and settled down. Starsky kicked off his blue and white tennis shoes and rested his feet on the coffee table.

Hutch gave him a quizzical look. "You're here a lot, I'm guessing."

Starsky snorted. "Yeah, you could say that."

"So…You're going to explain to me how I ended up as a police detective."

Starsky wrinkled his nose. "Well, I can't tell you how you came to the decision to apply for the academy. I mean you told me a few reasons, but only you know the ins and outs. That stuff's in your brain and, even though we can usually tell what the other one is thinking, neither of us reads minds quite yet. Anyway, I can tell you what things drew you to it and what you like about the job if that'll help."

"Okay."

"So you wanted to do something where you could help people. You enjoyed being in uniform because you said it was great coming across different people every day and trying to be the person who could help them with whatever situation they were facing. You treated everyone with compassion and dignity and made lots of friends along the way. Becoming a detective, well, that was a decision we made together. You like solving puzzles. You like making wrong things right when you can. We wanted to work together 'cause we got this way of working that makes us a good team." Starsky was surprised by how talking about their partnership was threatening to make him emotional. He cleared his throat gruffly, determined not to start a soapy scene. "We work with homicides mostly. Homicide is all about getting justice for people who can no longer get it for themselves. That's most of what our job is about. 'Course, there are the bits we don't like."

"Such as?"

"Such as dealing with the junkies we come across. Not being to help all the homeless that are on the streets on our patch, but we do what we can." Starsky shrugged. "Getting shot at, ending up in hospital, that's not great either."

"Sounds dangerous work."

"Can be, but we watch out for each other."

Hutch nodded slowly, trying to take in what Starsky was telling him. "And this time something happened and I ended up in hospital."

Starsky shifted uncomfortably and looked slightly guilty. He sighed. "I feel bad about it, pal. Maybe if I'd gone in the top and you'd gone in at ground level, you wouldn't have ended up in hospital."

"Sounds like it was just bad luck. Not your fault."

Starsky shrugged. "I guess."

Hutch considered the man sitting next to him. "And you say we decided together to become detectives. We're that close? Friends as well as partners?"

"Yeah. That's right."

Starsky held Hutch's gaze and thought he saw a glimmer of recognition, but then it was gone again. Abruptly, Hutch shook his head wearily and rubbed a hand over his face.

"When I try to remember my head hurts."

Starsky checked his watch. "It's a long time since your last dose of painkillers. Want me to get you a couple?"

"Yeah…please."

Hutch flopped his head against the back of the sofa and closed his eyes briefly. Starsky went and got the painkillers and a glass of water. He nudged Hutch's hand with the glass to get his attention.

"Here ya go, pal."

"Thanks."

Hutch downed the pills and sagged back against the sofa, closing his eyes again. After a few seconds, he sat back up and stuttered, "I-I nearly f-forgot I was supposed to ring Mom when I left the hospital so she and dad know how I'm doing."

"Okay." Starsky fetched the telephone and placed it on the table in front of Hutch. His friend suddenly looked anxious. "Need me to find their number for you? You've got an address book in a drawer somewhere."

"Depends. Are they still living in the house I grew up in?"

"As far as I know, pal, yes."

"Then I know the number." He went to pick up the phone and hesitated. "Oh, I don't remember the area code."

"No problem, I'll find it." Starsky went over to a small cupboard with a drawer set in it and found Hutch's address book. "There ya go."

"Thanks."

While Hutch spoke to his mother, Starsky went into Hutch's greenhouse and sat at the table, trying not to listen in too much to the conversation. When he heard Hutch sign off, he came back into the living room and found Hutch looking utterly exhausted. The emotional stress was beginning to show.

"Why don't you have a nap while I go get some supplies in for dinner and our breakfast tomorrow? Your ice-box looked pretty bare. You obviously haven't been shopping yet this week."

"Okay." Hutch opened one eye. "Y-You won't be gone long, will you?"

"Nah, forty minutes max then I'll be back. Anything you really want to me get? What food do you fancy?"

"Pancakes and syrup," Hutch said sleepily before closing his eye again. He wriggled around on the sofa until he was lying down on his side. Within seconds, he was dozing.

Starsky smiled fondly at his partner. He didn't say it out loud but he thought to himself, "So my partner liked pancakes and syrup when he was younger, did he? Maybe there are some good things about this amnesia thing."

He slipped his holster and jacket back on and let himself out of the apartment quietly.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

After a few minutes, Hutch stirred restlessly in his sleep. Eyes rapidly moving behind his eyelids, he mumbled to himself as he slept, dreaming about snatches of scenes and conversations that were floating about in his mind. One or two rose to the surface and came into focus, before settling back into their proper place.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

When Starsky came back to Venice Place, he found Molly and Kiko lurking outside. As his car pulled up, they rushed over to his side and both asked at the same time, "Starsky. How's Hutch doing?"

"He's doing better. Still not got all his memories back, but it won't be long I'm sure."

"Can we see him?"

Starsky thought for a second. "Why don't you give me five minutes so I can prepare him and then come on up. Okay?"

"Will he know who we are?" Kiko asked.

Starsky shrugged. "I don't know. We'll just have to see."

Molly looked anxious and Starsky thought he understood the source of her feelings.

"Pete, he's still Hutch. You don't have to worry that he's changed who he is deep down. Alright? He's still Hutch. He's still a good guy."

Both youngsters nodded, feeling reassured.

Carrying two brown paper bags, Starsky entered the building and made his way carefully up the stairs. He unlocked the door as quietly as he could and slowly opened it. He was surprised to see that the couch was empty. Then he heard the sound of running water from the bathroom. He called out to Hutch to warn him he was back and then went to start putting away the things he had bought. When Hutch came out of the bathroom, Starsky informed him to expect visitors.

"Pete and Kiko wanted to come in and say 'Hi' so I said yes. Thought it would okay just for a minute." Hutch looked at him blankly. "They're two kids who live down the street and friends of ours."

"Okay."

Starsky wondered whether to give Hutch any more information or leave him to work things out for himself. As he regarded his friend, he noticed he still looked pale.

"You all right? Head still hurting? You didn't nap for long."

"I got some sleep. I just woke up before you came back. I was dreaming."

"What about it?"

Hutch sat down at the kitchen table. "A conversation with my grandfather, I think. We were standing in the barn and I was telling him I wasn't enjoying my major; that I was thinking about doing something else. He said, 'You only get one life. Spend it well.'"

"Sounds like sensible advice. Is that a real memory?"

Hutch nodded. "Yes. I remember having that conversation. I can still smell the hay in the barn and see the specks of dust whirling around in the sunlight. I think a few memories have slipped back into place. I seem to remember wrestling at college and buying my first car."

Starsky grinned. "Hey, that's terrific! So how old do you feel?"

"Huh?"

"Well, I mean do you still feel like you're sixteen?"

Hutch shook his head. "I don't know. A bit older than that maybe, but I still don't feel as old as my face looks."

Before Starsky could respond, there was a knock at the door and then it opened slowly to reveal two anxious looking faces.

"Kiko. Pete. Come on in," Starsky said.

The two of them came shyly into the room and said, "Hi Hutch."

When Hutch looked at them uncertainly, Starsky introduced them both.

"Hello." Hutch frowned and looked at Kiko with a puzzled expression. "Vicky."

"No, this is Molly otherwise known as Pete," Starsky corrected him gently, assuming he was looking at Molly.

Hutch shook his head. "Vicky." He jumped off his chair and disappeared into the greenhouse. Starsky and the kids looked at each other mystified. A moment later, Hutch reappeared carrying a Venus Fly Trap. "Vicky."

"Hey, that's the present Kiko gave you two Christmases ago. Good memory!" Starsky said. "So I'm guessing you named the plant Vicky."

Hutch nodded and smiled at Kiko, with a hint of recognition, "Hi Kiko."

"Hi Hutch, glad you're getting your memories back."

"Why don't I break out some popcorn," Starsky suggested. "Want to help me, kids?"

Kiko came right over to help. Molly hovered by the door, looking a little tearful. Hutch's face fell and he walked over to her.

"Hey sweetheart. I'm going to remember everything about you soon. I can feel it. Just be patient with me, okay? I do know you're important to me."

Uncertainly, he offered her a hug. Molly wrapped her arms around him and held on tight. Hutch lightly rested his chin on her head. He could feel a lump in his own throat as he heard her sniff against his chest. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and offered it to her.

Surreptitiously, she wiped her eyes hoping that Kiko hadn't noticed. When she peeked out, Kiko seemed to be intent on helping Starsky with cooking the popcorn and hadn't seen her moment of weakness. She stepped away from Hutch and gave him a watery smile. He took her hand and led her over to the sofa.

"What happened to your hands?" Molly asked.

Hutch looked down at his bandages. "Got some splinters in them when I fell through some floorboards…or at least that's what Starsky told me. I don't really remember what happened."

"Is it scary not remembering?"

Hutch shook his head slightly. "Not scary exactly. Confusing. Weird. Frustrating. But they say I'll get my memories back so…That's enough about me. What's going on in your life?" Hutch asked. "I know I should know but you'll have to tell me until I remember."

"Everything's all right. Mrs Ramos is teaching me cooking and I like it."

From the kitchen, Kiko called, "Tell 'em about baseball, Pete."

Starsky slapped his head. "Pete, I'm so sorry. With everything that's going on with Hutch, I forgot to ask you how the try-out went. So?"

Molly grinned. "You're looking at the newest member of the Bay City Junior Baseball League. And I can stay in the Jets until I'm sixteen so there's still time for me to be spotted…even if I have to play for some rubbish girls' team." This was said with a large amount of disgust.

Hutch looked confused and turned to Starsky, who mouthed, "Fill you in later." To Molly, he said, "Great news! You get first pick of the popcorn."

Starsky poured the hot buttery kernels into a large bowl and let Kiko carry it over to the coffee table. For the next few moments, there was just the sound of contented munching. As he ate, Hutch looked at each of the faces next to him and tried to marry up vague memories with each of them. His brow furrowed into a frown.

"Hey!" Starsky interrupted his train of thought by throwing a piece of popcorn at his partner, hitting him on the nose. "Relax, pal. Seems to work better when you don't think too hard about it."

Hutch picked up the piece of popcorn that had fallen into his lap and raised an eyebrow at Starsky. "Is this how you usually get my attention? 'Cause I'd have thought I would remember that." He pretended to be affronted, which made Kiko and Molly giggle.

"Nah, I don't usually waste food," Starsky said and shovelled another handful of popcorn into his mouth.

"That's true," Kiko confirmed.

Hutch popped the offending popcorn into his mouth and tried not to chase the memories that were eluding him, but rather concentrate on the feelings that were flowing through him. He felt a wave of affection for his three unlikely companions and couldn't wait to ask Starsky later how he had met the kids. It felt like there were stories relating to both of them, separate yet interconnected somehow. He caught himself before frustration took hold. "Try to follow Starsky's advice," he told himself, "You can try searching for memories later. For now, just enjoy the popcorn and company."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

They'd eaten dinner and were relaxing, listening to the radio and reading, when Hutch asked some questions. "I take it I live here alone as you haven't said otherwise. Do I have a girlfriend? Do you? Or are you married even?"

Starsky was momentarily floored; not sure how much he should say on what was a complicated and painful topic for both of them, especially with Vanessa being murdered less than three months before and both of them having suffered personal losses in the last year.

"Nobody special for either of us at the moment," Starsky said. Hutch frowned and Starsky found himself adding. "I've been close, but not made it down the aisle yet."

Hutch looked at him curiously and then frowned. A second later, his face cleared and he shook his head, turning to look out across the apartment.

"I feel like there's a memory just out of reach, but it won't come into focus."

Starsky tried to hide a sigh of relief. He didn't want to open that particular can of worms tonight and was relieved that Hutch seemed content to let it go for now. Hutch turned back and fixed him with a look that Starsky couldn't quite interpret.

"What?"

"If there was something I needed to know…you'd tell me, right?" Hutch asked.

"Of course."

"Even the bad stuff?"

Starsky nodded and held Hutch's gaze. "I promise if you don't get all your memories back, I will try my best to fill in the blanks for you, even the bad stuff. You have my word."

Seemingly satisfied, Hutch nodded.

"Like I said, I'm going to stay and sleep on the couch tonight, Hutch. We can make pancakes for breakfast before I have to go in to work. I'll catch up on paperwork and hopefully, I can get away mid-afternoon and come see how you're doing. Alright?"

"Can't I come into work with you? Maybe seeing the people I work with, and our boss, will help me remember more."

Starsky looked uncertain. Part of him wanted nothing more than to have his partner by his side where he could keep a close eye on him, but part of him worried that it would be overwhelming for Hutch and he was pretty sure that Dobey would have something pointed to say about the suggestion.

"How about we see how you're feeling in the morning and if you've remembered anything else? Then we'll make a decision about whether it's okay for you to visit work."

"Okay."

The phone rang. Hutch stared at it blankly.

"Want me to answer it?"

Hutch nodded.

"Hutch's place. Starsky speaking…Oh, hello Cap…Yes, a lot better… Hutch is starting to remember a few things...The Captain's glad to hear that, Hutch," Starsky informed his bemused partner. "Sorry, what was that, Cap? What did you say?...Oh, no…You need me to come in?...Alright, we'll be in tomorrow morning…Yes, I said 'we'…No, I know that, but…Yes, I hear what you're saying, but…Cap! Captain Dobey…Please. After I tell him, I think he'll want to come in. Wouldn't you?...Thanks. See you in the morning."

Starsky replaced the phone and sat down next to his partner.

"Something's happened?"

"Yeah…You know we were talking about guns earlier?" Hutch nodded so Starsky continued: "Well, when Freddie tackled you and the floor collapsed, yours went missing. We'd hoped it would turn up in the rubble, but it wasn't found…Tonight, someone used it to shoot Martin Joyce. He's hurt bad, but he's hanging on. Dobey's got a guard on him at the hospital just in case someone, and my money's on Freddie, tries to finish the job."

Hutch looked at Starsky bleakly. "I don't know who anybody is that you just said, but…My gun being used to hurt someone stinks!"

"Yeah, it does."

"I want to help find it."

Starsky rubbed his hand over his face. "I knew you'd feel like that. You heard what I said to Dobey. He's agreed for you to come in, but he won't wear you investigating until you're back to a hundred percent fitness."

"You mean I've got to get all my marbles back in the pot." Hutch's face took on a stubborn look. "Well, then, I'd better turn in so I can hopefully dream some and get more of my memories back. It worked once, maybe it'll work again."

Starsky nodded. "Maybe."

Hutch stood up and started to head to the bedroom. He stopped and turned back. "Thanks for taking my side with our Captain when I don't even know what my side is."

Starsky shrugged. "You'd do the same for me."

"I think I'm beginning to get that idea," Hutch said and favoured Starsky with a smile. "Night."

"Night, pal. I would say sweet dreams, but right now I think any sort of dream will do."

Hutch nodded and then went into his bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Starsky walked into the kitchen and took Hutch's whiskey out of the back of the cupboard and poured himself a small shot, before carefully replacing the bottle in its resting place. He looked out into the darkness and then drank half the shot. What he hadn't told Hutch was that Joyce wasn't expected to make it. He'd leave that bombshell until the morning. No use burdening his partner with that fact now.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Hutch looked around his bedroom. He'd glanced in the room earlier and felt the tug of memories. Certainly, the room felt familiar to him even if he didn't recognise every item in it. For example, he seemed to know which drawers held which clothes. Was that just common sense or the rituals of a lifetime? Maybe he'd always organised his clothes in a particular way?

On the other hand, he had no idea why a white teddy bear was sat on his chest of drawers. It wasn't one he remembered from childhood and it seemed an odd thing for a grown man to have unless he'd been given it as a present. As if beyond his will, he was drawn to pick it up and found himself filled with a jumble of emotions: joy mingled with sorrow, despair walking hand in hand with comfort. He hugged the bear and then placed it on the bed next to his pillow. He didn't know why he wanted the bear close by. He just did.

Once he was settled in bed, he noticed the small drawer in the bedside table. Curious, he opened it to find a penknife that he remembered an uncle giving him as a birthday present when he was about ten. Below the knife, sat a collection of photographs. He leafed through them, recognising two sets of grandparents, his parents, a photo that appeared to be his and Starsky's graduation from the police academy, another of the two of them playing golf, and one of Starsky with a pretty woman. In the photo, both Starsky and the lady were laughing. The photo made Hutch smile.

The final photo was of a woman. She was beautiful and Hutch found he couldn't take his eyes from her face and particularly her smile. It made him feel warm all through. With a hint of sorrow, he wondered what had happened to her and why she wasn't in his life anymore. She must have been important: otherwise he wouldn't have kept her photograph.

Eventually, weariness got the better of him and he replaced the photos in the drawer and turned off the lamp. As he settled his head on the pillows, he hoped and prayed that his dreams would help him to unlock more memories so he could leave this curious limbo world that he currently inhabited; not a kid, but not fully feeling like a mature adult; a detective by title only, not by remembered experience; and trusting Dave Starsky without really knowing why. He wanted his life memories back – all of them.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Starsky came to at around three in the morning and wondered what had disturbed his sleep. He wasn't sure why, but he felt uneasy and decided to check on Hutch to see how he was sleeping. He turned on a small lamp and walked quietly over to the bedroom door. When he eased it open, he saw Hutch was sitting on the edge of the bed with his bandaged hands covering his face. Starsky walked over and sat down beside his friend, feeling a lump form in his throat as he realised Hutch was weeping.

"Hey, did you have a bad dream?"

After a moment, Hutch nodded. Starsky reached across and grabbed some tissues from the box on the bedside table. He held them out to an oblivious Hutch.

"Here use some tissues, pal. You don't want to get your bandages wet."

Slowly, Hutch lowered his hands and Starsky passed the tissues over.

"Th-thanks."

"Wanna tell me about your dream?"

Hutch gulped loudly and said, "I wish it was just a dream, but I-I d-don't think it w-was…" His voice trailed off and tears started falling down his face again as he dabbed futilely at them.

Starsky took a guess. "Gillian?"

"Y-Yeah…N-Not a dream then?"

Starsky shook his head. "Come here." He wrapped his arms around his weeping friend and held on tight until Hutch finally cried himself out. It was almost as painful as the first time around. "At least this time, I haven't been punched in the face first," he thought ruefully.

At last, Hutch pulled away and wiped his face dry with more tissues. He balled them up and threw them into the bin. "Sorry."

"Nothing to apologise for." Starsky pulled Hutch to his feet. "Come with me, pal. I'll make you a drink - tea, hot chocolate, whiskey, whatever will make you feel a bit better before you try to get back to sleep."

Stumbling with tiredness, Hutch followed Starsky to the kitchen and sat down at the table.

"What do you want?"

"Hot chocolate, I guess."

Starsky nodded and set about warming some milk for the both of them and preparing two mugs. When it was warm enough he poured it onto the chocolate powder and stirred vigorously. Then he set both mugs on the table and sat down next to his friend.

"How ya doing?"

Hutch shook his head.

"Remember anything else?"

Hutch frowned into his mug, before saying, "I think I dreamt about us working together and also about us meeting at the academy. It's all a bit jumbled up in my head, but I'm starting to get a clearer picture, I think."

"Good."

Hutch sipped his drink and then said quietly, "I'm grateful that you're here."

Starsky shrugged. "Hey, we always look after each other when one of us is ill. No big thing."

Hutch looked directly at his friend. "I think it is. I think it's special…Me and Thee?"

Starsky beamed. "Yeah, Me and Thee, pal. Like always."

Hutch nodded and the ghost of a smile appeared. Starsky reached across and patted his shoulder.

"Nearly good as new, buddy. Just need to find a few more marbles then you'll have a full deck," he teased.

Hutch snorted. "You're mixing your metaphors, Starsky…but I seem to remember that's something you do a lot."

Starsky just grinned wider.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

The next morning saw Starsky waking up to find Hutch dressed and making pancakes. Starsky rolled off the sofa and stretched out his back as he made his way towards the delicious smell.

"Morning, buddy. How are you feeling?"

Hutch lifted another pancake from the pan and then carried the pile he'd made over to the table.

"I'm feeling much better today. I've still got holes in my memory, but I feel more like me."

"That's great!" Starsky grabbed a couple of pancakes, lavished them with maple syrup and began eating.

Hutch followed suit, but more slowly. "Slow down there, buddy, or you'll have indigestion."

Starsky shrugged and shovelled another two pancakes onto his plate. Hutch shook his head as finished his own breakfast. Starsky jumped up.

"I'll grab a shower and then we'd better go in and see Dobey."

Hutch cleared up the breakfast things while Starsky got ready. Once they were outside, Starsky unlocked the Torino and leant across to undo the glovebox. He pulled out Hutch's holster and badge.

"Thought I'd better keep these safe for you."

Hutch slipped the badge into his jacket pocket and laid the holster across his lap. He looked at Starsky with worry showing plainly on his face.

"How are we going to find Freddie and get my gun back?"

As Starsky started the car engine, he said, "Dunno. But we'll think of something, partner."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

As they headed into the squad room, fellow officers asked Hutch how he was and he found he remembered more names than not. He and Starsky headed straight for Dobey's office, knocking and entering as soon as their Captain called, "Come in!"

The two detectives sat down on the leather chairs in front of the captain's desk.

"Ah, Detective Hutchinson, it's good to see you. How are you feeling today?"

Much better, thank you, sir. I've got a lot of my memories back and being here seems to be helping more fall into place."

"That's good. Stay as long as you feel is helpful, but remember you're signed off work until Monday…However, as you're here, you might as well go and see Baker in Internal Affairs as soon as you can. Get it out of the way."

Hutch raised an eyebrow, aware that seeing Internal Affairs was not something he enjoyed but not sure of more than that.

Beside him, Starsky grew indignant on his behalf. "Why's Hutch got to go see those morons?"

"Pipe down, Starsky. You know full well it's standard operating procedure when an officer's gun falls into the wrong hands. Nothing to worry about, son." Dobey returned his attention to Hutch. "Just dot the I's and cross the T's. An incident form and medical report has already been filed so you have nothing to worry about."

Hutch nodded. "I'll go and get it over with before I do anything else…Captain, I do feel okay physically. I want to work with Starsky to try and get my gun back before anyone else gets hurt."

"Out of the question! I'll allow desk duty if you really feel well enough, but you're not going back to full duty until Monday at the earliest." Before Hutch could protest, Dobey held up a warning hand. "What about your hands? Think you can hold a gun? And you only got out of the hospital yesterday after a very bad concussion! No. Out of the question and that's final!"

Hutch looked like he was about to argue so Starsky cut in: "Any news on Joyce?"

Dobey pulled his handkerchief out and wiped the perspiration from his brow. He folded the piece of cloth neatly and returned it to his pocket before saying, "I'm sorry to tell you that he died at five o'clock this morning."

Starsky looked at Hutch, concerned with how his friend would take the news. As expected, Hutch looked stricken.

"Not your fault, pal. You didn't pull the trigger." Starsky turned his attention to Dobey. "After Hutch has been to Internal Affairs, is it okay if he helps me track down leads on Duncan….from his desk, of course."

Dobey looked at both of them suspiciously then his expression softened. "Of course. Good idea. Just keep me informed of what you find out and, Starsky, if you get any trace of Duncan, let me know and I'll assign you a team to go bring him in for questioning. We've lost our star witness in the allegations of menacing, but hopefully we still have enough testimonies to make a case. Uniforms turned up one witness who remembers seeing a man matching Duncan's description entering the apartment building where he lived. Hopefully, you'll find him red-handed with Hutchinson's magnum then we'll have him."

"If he's stupid enough to have hung on to it," Hutch murmured grimly.

"Oh he's plenty stupid," Starsky asserted. "Don't worry, we'll find him and we'll find your gun, partner."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

By the time Hutch came back from his interview with Barker, Starsky had the names of two ex-cons that Duncan had been arrested with many years before. They had all served time for assault and had been released around the same time. Starsky was hopeful that Duncan might be hiding out with one of them. He informed Dobey that he wanted to check out both leads and Dobey told him to take Simmons and Babcock with him. Starsky looked apologetically at Hutch before he left the room and his partner tried not to look upset, but still managed to seem forlorn. A second later, Starsky reappeared at the door. Hutch looked at him enquiringly.

Looking pointedly at Dobey's open door, Starsky said loudly, "How's your head, Hutch? Do you want me to drop you home before we go round up Duncan?"

The head of dark hair jerked towards the door with a 'come here' gesture. Hutch quickly got up and put his jacket on.

"Yeah, that would be great. My head is beginning to hurt again. Think I need to go home and get some more rest, like the doctor said."

"Come on then, pal."

Starsky held the door open for his partner and the two of them hurried down the corridor and then down the stairs before Dobey could check on them. Hutch went to speak, but Starsky shook his head.

Once they were outside and in the Torino, Hutch asked, "Are you really taking me home?"

"I might forget that that was what I was supposed to be doing…As long as you promise to stay in the car and don't get in the way. Dobey is right about you not being one hundred percent yet…and you ain't got a gun."

"Thanks, Starsky. I'd like to be there to see you get Freddie. I'll keep out of the way, I promise. Wish I could back you up though."

"Babcock and Simmons will go in with me. I'll be safe enough."

Just then Babcock pulled his car alongside Starsky's and called over to the pair of them. "Are we dropping Hutch off first?"

Starsky shook his head. Simmons and Babcock exchanged uneasy looks.

"He's going to stay in the car. He's my responsibility. Don't worry I'll take the flak with Dobey."

The two other detectives shrugged.

"Fair enough. You want to lead, Starsky?"

Starsky nodded and turned the key in the ignition. He pulled away from the kerb and was quickly followed by the green Ford that Babcock favoured. They made their way to the first address that Starsky wanted to check. Hutch stayed outside, feeling frustrated. The longer the others were gone, the more he felt that he should be in the building with them. The urge to cover his partner's back was growing stronger as was a painful headache.

When the three detectives came back out, Hutch breathed a sigh of relief. Starsky climbed in the car beside him.

"Any luck?"

"No," Starsky said. "Lime didn't know anything. Hey, you sure you're alright? You look a little pale."

"Yeah, just a little headache starting," Hutch lied. "Just need to take some more painkillers as soon as we finish up."

Starsky stared at him for a moment and then turned his attention to starting the Torino and driving towards the next location. When they passed a food truck, Starsky suddenly stopped the car and leapt out. He came back a moment later with a bottle of water, which he chucked to Hutch.

"Take those pills now. You ain't had any for hours and it's better to stop the headache before it gets a real hold."

Hutch broke the seal on the bottle lid, popped two pills in his mouth and took a swig.

"Alright?"

"Yeah, all good."

They continued driving towards the next address; a seedy looking apartment building rented by one Mike Ferretti. While Starsky, Babcock and Simmons went inside, Hutch sat in the car, glad of the chance to close his eyes for a moment. His head had really begun pounding and he felt slightly nauseous. It took longer this time for the three detectives to come out. Hutch was just starting to worry when all three hove into view.

"What happened?" Hutch demanded as Starsky got into the car and he spotted the bruise forming on his chin.

"He resisted having a conversation with us, but he did eventually tell us that Freddie is hiding in another warehouse on Reilly Street. What is it with him and warehouses?"

"Once a rat always a rat?" Hutch offered.

Starsky grinned. "Exactly…How's your head?"

"Getting better."

"Hmm. Soon as we round this turkey up, I'm taking you home."

Hutch just nodded and looked out of the window as Starsky drove the few blocks to Reilly Street.

As he went to get out, Starsky paused and turned back. "Stay put."

"I will."

"I mean it. Stay put. If you see anything, blast the horn, I'll come running."

Hutch nodded. "Be careful."

"When am I ever not careful?" Starsky said with a mischievous smile.

"I don't fully remember, but I'm guessing quite a lot," Hutch countered.

Starsky snorted then hurried to catch up with Babcock and Simmons, who were waiting near the warehouse entrance. Hutch's head was starting to feel like a vice was gripping it, but he kept an anxious watch on the warehouse. From nowhere, he felt a sharp pain go through his head as if someone had stuck a needle straight through from top to bottom and for a moment he couldn't see anything. Then a kaleidoscope of images rushed through his mind, memories slotting into place like tiny spheres rolling into slots on a roulette wheel. When he opened eyes, that he hadn't been aware of closing, he realised he remembered everything that he had forgotten. He had his life back.

He heard the sudden sound of an exchange of gunfire. His heart lurched. He grabbed a flashlight and a flare from the glovebox and dashed out of the car, running as fast as he could towards the warehouse.

Despite knowing it was probably the stupidest thing he'd ever done, he entered the building and looked warily around the poorly lit warehouse. He crept forwards, listening as he went. He thought he heard voices shouting at each other and then there was another shot, followed by a thud. He surged forward in time to see his partner dangling from a gantry, while Babcock was removing the gun from the lifeless body of a man on the floor – Frederick Duncan. Simmons was on his way up one wooden staircase to go to Starsky's aid. Hutch saw a wooden ladder to his right. Dropping the flashlight and the flare, he climbed quickly straight up to arrive at one end of the gantry Starsky was clinging onto. He made it to his partner just before Simmons did.

He knelt down and offered his partner his hand. "Here grab my hand, buddy!"

"Hutch, what the hell are you doing here? I told you to stay in the car."

Hutch gave him a look. "We can discuss that later. Do you want my help or not, Starsk?"

To his surprise, Starsky beamed at him. "Say that again."

Hutch looked confused. "Which bit?"

"The last bit."

"Do you want my help or not?"

Starsky raised his eyebrows at him, urging him to add something.

"Oh." Hutch suddenly got it. "Starsk. Do you want my help, Starsk?"

Starsky's grin grew ridiculously broad as he allowed Hutch and Simmons to grab his hands and pull him back up to safety.

The three of them worked their way down to the bottom of the ladder. Simmons went to call for a coroner's wagon while Hutch picked up the flashlight and flare he'd dropped.

Starsky looked at him with a crooked smile. "What did you think you were going to do with those? Club him into submission?"

Hutch shrugged.

Babcock came over, holding an evidence bag with a gun inside it. He held it up and showed both of them the contents.

"Is this your magnum, Hutch?"

Hutch took the bag and carefully looked for the serial number. He sighed with relief and nodded.

Starsky patted his friend's back, acknowledging his relief, before he turned to Babcock and said, "Can you deal with the preliminaries while I drop Hutch home? I'll meet you back at the squad and help with the paperwork…And if anyone asks, Hutch was never here."

"Sure, Starsky. No problem."

As the two of them climbed into the car, Starsky asked, "Hey buddy, what made you suddenly remember what you call me?"

"Don't know. My head was pounding and then suddenly all the missing pieces slotted back into place. I remember the fall now that led to this and everything else."

Hutch pulled the visor down and regarded his reflection in the mirror. "Yep, that's me."

Starsky grinned happily as he drove Hutch towards Venice Place. Just before they arrived, he said, "I'll catch up with you later, Blintz. Oh and by the way, I'm coming round for breakfast tomorrow and next week."

"You are? Why?"

"'Cause you got maple syrup and the fixings for pancakes that need using up. And don't tell me you don't like having pancakes for breakfast 'cause I know the truth now. You liked pancakes when you were a kid; you just forgot when you started eating all that health junk."

Hutch rolled his eyes, but said, "You're very welcome to come for breakfast."

"I am," Starsky asked, slightly suspiciously.

"Yeah, the sooner you eat up the maple syrup, the sooner I can get back to my healthy lifestyle!"

"Good to have you back, Blondie," Starsky said, with a chuckle.

Hutch clasped his friend's shoulder and smiled. "It's good to be back, Starsk. Really good."