Chapter Eight
As the last block of study started, there were a few disgusted glances and dissatisfied mutterings aimed at Evans, Starsky and Hutch as word spread that Skinner had been expelled and three other cadets were on report and being closely watched. It lasted for the first couple of weeks, but for every disapproving look, there were two approving ones, and gradually life returned back to normal. Evans regained his cheerful attitude and settled back into learning with enthusiasm.
Everyone found out that they had passed the second block of studies with good marks. Hutch gained top marks in First Aid, which was no surprise. Hutch placed fifth in Criminal Law and Starsky placed sixth, which they were both thrilled with. The biggest celebration came when Evans received a paper with the results of his AOJ retake – 87%, which placed him in the top ten.
The whole group took a night off from studying and went down to the bar. Inevitably, the conversation turned to what they were hoping to do in the future, as match day was going to be on Wednesday the following week.
"I want to work in Narcotics or Vice eventually so I'll be looking for a division with a strong department," Bee said.
Erica shuddered. "I can't think of anything worse."
"Well, what do you want to do then?" Bee demanded.
"I think I'd like to work in the Juvenile department. I was thinking about it already and I'm really enjoying Juvenile Procedures."
"You're crazy!" Bee said.
Erica stuck her tongue out at her and they both laughed.
"You're both nuts," Myerson said, "I just want to stay in uniform. Maybe work up to being a sergeant and then who knows. What about you, Hank?"
Hank took a slow sip of his beer. "I think I'm leaning towards forensics."
Nearly all of the group groaned.
"Really?" Evans said with a grimace.
"What's wrong with forensics?" Hank asked, frowning.
"Nothing, honey," Erica said, planting a kiss on his cheek. "It's just not everybody's idea of excitement."
"Well, it's interesting and that's exciting enough for me."
Hutch smiled. "I think you'll be good at it, Hank. You're very methodical."
Hank raised his glass and tipped it towards Hutch. "Thank you. Nice someone appreciates my skills."
"What about you, Dave? What do you want to do?" Evans asked.
Starsky grinned. "Hutch and me are planning on being detectives in robbery or homicide. Wherever they will have us. Just as long as we got the chance to be partners someday."
He and Hutch clinked their glasses together.
Hutch turned to Evans and asked, "What about you, Rick?"
Evans shrugged. "I'd like to be a detective. Don't really mind where. Just hope I get a fair shot at becoming one."
Two shadows fell across the table and everyone looked up. Two cadets were standing there; Starsky recognised them as Lucy Haynes and Mattie Wilson.
"Hi Lucy, Mattie, what can we do for you?"
Lucy nudged Mattie, who said, "We wondered if we could buy you a drink?"
"For all of you," Lucy added.
Starsky smiled. "Sounds good. Any particular reason?"
"Skinner and his cronies made our lives miserable. We can't tell you how grateful we are that you stood up to him and got him kicked out."
Starsky stood up. "Why don't we go get a pitcher to share, Mattie? Lucy, pull up some chairs and you can join us."
Starsky led Mattie off to the bar and the group re-arranged themselves so they could fit two more chairs in.
Erica said, "We were just talking about what kind of work we want to do. What about you, Lucy. What are your plans?"
"Don't know. Think I'll just get through my rookie year and see how I feel then."
Starsky and Mattie came back with two pitchers of beer.
"You won't believe it," Starsky said, "But we got another one here wants to go into forensics!"
Hank cheered. "Good for you, Mattie. They'll all be relying on us when they're detectives!"
Mattie grinned and said shyly, "Guess we're the most important crime solvers here."
"Quite right," Hank said, "Nothing gets solved without forensics."
Erica shook her head. "Come on you. How about a game of darts? Or are you too important?"
"Never too important for you, darling," Hank said with a grin and allowed himself to be led off to the darts board.
"What's everybody doing about finding a place to live after we graduate? Or have you all got places lined up?" Myerson asked.
Hutch said, "I've got to start looking for a place. I'd been staying with Starsky before we started training but I need to find somewhere of my own. What about you, Ted?"
"Well, I'm going to start looking next weekend but if I don't get somewhere straight away, my uncle said I could stay with him for a bit."
"Erica and I are going to see if we can find a place to share - at least for the first couple of years on the job. I think Hank's already got a place lined up – some friend of his parents rents out apartments," Bee said. "What about you guys?" she said, looking at Lucy, Mattie and Evans.
"I'm going to live with my sister until I find somewhere," Lucy said. "Mattie's already got a place."
Evans sighed. "I need to look but I gotta save up for the deposit so I'll have to move back with my Mom, and my brothers and sisters, for a few months, I think. It'll be a bit crowded but at least it's a roof over my head."
"Why don't you come and stay at my uncle's?" Myerson said. "He's got room and he loved having the company at Christmas. I'm sure he'd be more than happy."
"Really? You think he wouldn't mind?" Evans said.
"I'll ring him tomorrow and ask but I'm sure it will be fine. Then you can have time to save up and a bit of peace from your huge family."
"Thanks, Ted. That's really kind of you."
Myerson shrugged. "Happy to help."
They took it in turns to play darts and pool and then gradually started to drift off back to their different accommodation blocks until only Starsky and Hutch were left.
"I'm worried about Rick," they both said at exactly the same time.
They grinned at each other.
"Great minds," Hutch said.
Starsky nodded. "I'd like it if we could all get in the same division. We could keep an eye out for him then. Make sure he's not being bullied. What d'ya think?"
"Yeah, I want to help him, too. It makes it easier that he's got no definite plan. We should be able to get rookie places together. Let's try anyway."
"Good. Come on, buddy. I need my beauty sleep," Starsky said, as he stood up, yawning.
"I'll say," Hutch said dryly, for which he earned himself a cuff round the ear.
Then grinning, the two of them headed back to room 7 in block B.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
On the morning of match day, Starsky and Hutch were invited to go along to Chief Stewart's office for 9 am. They made sure their uniforms were tidy and then crossed the campus grounds to the administrative block. When they arrived, the secretary smiled at them and ushered them into the office. Chief Stewart was sat behind his desk; another man sat to one side. He had dark hair - although little wisps of white were showing in his sideburns and moustache - and, when he stood to shake their hands, they saw he was a huge figure; both in height and width. His chocolate brown eyes regarded the two of them with interest.
"Cadet Starsky, Hutchinson. This is my friend, Captain Harold Dobey. He's in charge of a division working out of the Parker Centre in the middle of the city."
"Pleased to meet you, sir," Hutch said.
As they all sat down, Dobey said, "Mike, here, tells me you are both looking to become detectives in robbery or homicide. You haven't decided for definite?"
"No, sir."
"Well, my division has openings in the rookie training programme and there would definitely be the opportunity to take the detectives' exam at the end of the year…if you can cope with the work load…The squad I have immediate care for is a mixed squad – they handle a bit of everything, mostly robberies or homicides but they can get called to something as mundane as shoplifting. That's not everyone's idea of a career, I know. We're not fancy; we just get the job done. I get asked to send officers to assist narcotics and some other departments from time to time so there is variety, if that's of interest."
Starsky and Hutch looked at each other then back at Dobey. Starsky answered: "It sounds real interesting, sir."
"Mike's been impressed with your attitude and how you've handled yourselves during the year…especially with the Evans problem…If you want to join my division, the places are yours."
Hutch looked at Starsky and he nodded. "Sir, how many spaces do you have for rookies? We wondered if Cadet Evans could be taken on, too."
Dobey looked at Stewart and they both smiled. Dobey nodded at the two cadets.
"I think that can be arranged."
"Thank you, sir."
Dobey stood up. "Well, let's go see my team now and get you signed up. I'll tell them to keep a space for Evans."
"Thank you, sir," Hutch said. He turned to Chief Stewart and offered him his hand. "And thank you, sir."
Stewart cleared his throat as he shook Hutch's hand. "My pleasure, Cadet. I like to see good men placed in a division I know they will thrive in. You'll learn a lot from Harold and I'm sure you'll do well there."
As they started to leave, Stewart called after Dobey, "Harold, give my love to Edith. Maria will be in touch about dinner sometime."
Dobey acknowledged this with a wave and headed out and across the campus to the gym, where stands from the various divisions were just setting up. He got the two cadets signed up and gave orders for a place to be saved for Cadet Evans.
As he went to leave, Dobey said, "I look forward to seeing you in March at the Parker Centre for your rookie training."
Starsky and Hutch nodded and thanked him. As they walked back across the campus to go tell Evans the good news, they smiled at each other.
"Nearly there, buddy," Starsky said.
"Yep, nearly there," Hutch said. "I feel like I ought to pinch myself. Is this really happening, Starsk?"
"Sure is, buddy. One step closer to being partners."
Hutch slapped him on the back and mirrored the grin he saw on his friend's face.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
A couple of weeks later, they were sat in a class on Criminal Investigations, when a security officer came to the door and asked for Cadet Hutchinson. Starsky watched as Hutch talked to the guard just outside the classroom door and then went off with him. He briefly wondered what was going on but knew it wasn't long until lunch so he'd be able to ask Hutch then. He returned his attention to the speaker.
Hutch followed the security guard to reception with very mixed feelings. What on earth was Vanessa doing showing up at the academy? He felt apprehensive and then he started to feel anger building up inside him. He was pleased to realise that he didn't feel afraid anymore and he certainly wasn't going to let her make him react out of panic. He took a calming breath and tried to button down his anger.
Vanessa shouldn't be here that was for sure – she had no right invading his world now that they were officially divorced – but the fact that she had the nerve to? Did that mean she was desperate because the arson attack hadn't worked? Or did it mean she hadn't been behind it after all? He was curious to see her and judge her behaviour for himself.
When he reached reception, he saw Vanessa pacing up and down. She spun around when she heard his footsteps and came walking over to him with a huge smile on her face.
"Ken, darling!"
It was clear from the slight weave and the slur of words that she was drunk. Hutch felt disgust add to his anger.
He spoke quietly, aware that the security guard was watching with thinly veiled interest, "What are you doing here, Vanessa? What do you want?"
She tried to hug him but he stepped away.
Vanessa pouted slightly and said, "Is that anyway to greet your wife?"
"Ex-wife."
Vanessa let out an irritated breath and frowned. "Well, we were married and we had lots of good times. I think I deserve a hug at least."
Hutch shook his head in disbelief. "Vanessa. What is going on? You shouldn't be here. Why are you here?"
"I need your help."
"That's rich, after what you've put me through. I am the last person you should go to for help. We're divorced. You need to get help elsewhere."
"Can't we still be friends? I'm sure you still care about me. You can't just turn off feelings, darling. I still love you."
Hutch sighed. "I can be civil but that's about it. You showing up here…the worse for wear…is not going to earn you any points. You need to leave. Now."
Vanessa's lower lip wobbled and her eyes filled with tears. "Please, Ken. I'm so worried. I'm behind on the payments for my car…They want to take it back….and I seem to have lots of bills all of a sudden. I don't know what to do. I'm beside myself. Please, darling. Please."
"Can't your parents help you?"
Vanessa shook her head. "I've made such a mess of everything. I don't want them to know. Daddy's not well. I don't want to worry him…Can you just help me? Help me work out what I need to do now, if you're not going to come back. I promise I won't trouble you again after this. Please, Ken, for old times' sake."
Trying not to fall for her sob story, Hutch spoke with annoyance, demanding to know: "Have you even looked for a job? Or have you just carried on spending and buried your head in the sand? I suppose your trust fund's all dried up so now you're desperate."
"That's uncalled for, darling…I am trying to get work."
"Are you? Really? Because that's what you need to do, Vanessa. And maybe think about moving somewhere smaller, as well."
Vanessa suddenly looked sleepy and swayed as she stood. "I-I know, darlin'. I-I need to get a job…But what?...It's a problem…'snot so easy…" She swayed again.
Hutch deliberated. He wanted Vanessa out of here; before lessons ended and there was bigger audience to what could become an unpleasant scene. Maybe it would just be easier to go with her and get her safely home, given her state, and then he could talk through whatever she wanted and hopefully never see her again.
"All right. I'll drive you home and talk through what you need to do but then that's it. I don't want to see you again."
"Of course," Vanessa said with exaggerated slowness and waved a hand vaguely in the air.
"Stay there. I'll be with you in a minute." Hutch went over to the security guard. "Did Mrs Hutchinson sign in?"
"Yes. Right here."
"Okay, I'm signing her out. I'm Cadet Hutchinson. Please let Chief Stewart know that she was here and that she was drunk. He will know what it's to do with. Could you also inform him that I'm driving her home and then I will come back to campus?"
The guard looked even more interested. Any protest he might have made at Hutch leaving campus was subdued by the mention of Chief Stewart. He said. "Of course, Cadet Hutchinson. I'll inform him straight away."
"Thanks."
The bell went for the end of class and Hutch grabbed Vanessa by the elbow and led her quickly out to the parking area where her car was waiting. He helped her get into the passenger seat and then climbed in on the driver's side.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
The bell went for the end of class and Starsky gathered up his books and headed off towards the cafeteria. He met up with Myerson and Erica and collected his lunch. They sat down at one of their preferred tables, chatting while they ate, and were soon joined by Bee, Evans and Hank. Starsky looked up and scanned the line of cadets waiting for food. There was no sign of Hutch. What had the security guard needed him for? And how long was it going to take?
"Wonder what's keeping Hutch?" he said out loud.
Through a mouthful of food, Myerson said, "I saw him leaving campus."
"What? Who with?"
"Some woman with a blue car – only he was getting into the driver's side."
Starsky's eyes widened and he turned pale. "Oh no."
The worried tone of his voice made the other's look at him anxiously.
"What's wrong?" Bee asked.
Starsky stood up. "It sounds like Hutch's ex-wife. Hank, can you go tell Chief Stewart that I've had to leave campus. I'm going to drive to Vanessa's place and see if Hutch is there. She's bad news and totally unpredictable."
"Of course," Hank said and headed straight off.
"What was he thinking?" Starsky muttered.
As he started walking away, Evans ran after him. "Dave, I'm coming with you."
Starsky deliberated and then nodded. "Okay, buddy. Thanks, it might be good to have an objective person along."
The two of them quickly walked to the parking lot and got into Starsky's Torino and took off in a cloud of smoke. He drove as quickly as he dared towards the smart end of the city. All the while, he was wondering what on earth Hutch had been thinking and just exactly what Vanessa was up to. He didn't think Hutch was under her spell anymore and was sure he could handle himself if she tried anything but he still wished his friend hadn't headed off into an unpredictable situation without him. And what if she'd made Hutch go somewhere other than the apartment? Then what?
He pulled up outside Vanessa's apartment block. There was no sign of Vanessa's car but it could be down in the parking garage. He and Evans rushed into the building and started to head towards the elevators. The security guard came out from behind his desk and tried to stop them.
"I'm a friend of Ken and Vanessa Hutchinson. They are expecting me. I take it, they are here?" Starsky said.
"Er, yes, sir, they arrived a few minutes ago. Shall I buzz them and let them know you are on the way up?"
"Sure. Tell 'em Dave Starsky."
Starsky pressed the call button and he and Evans hopped into the elevator before the guard could ask any further questions. Impatiently, Starsky pushed the button for the third floor and waited for the car to arrive at level three. As soon as the doors opened, Starsky was out and walking quickly to room 303. The door was slightly open and there was an ominous silence.