Chapter Five

The day had finally come: Starsky was being released from the hospital at last and he was chomping at the bit. He'd signed the release papers and was waiting for Hutch in the little waiting room near the outpatients' department. The glass doors slid back and a woman came into view. She had chestnut brown hair and was wearing black leathers over a sapphire blue shirt and carrying a dark blue motorcycle helmet on one arm. When she saw Starsky, she smiled. He smiled back.

"You don't recognise me in my civvies, do you?"

She placed her helmet on a small coffee table and sat down next to Starsky. He looked at her with dawning recognition.

"Mac?"

"Yes, it's me…I just wanted to say it's been a pleasure getting to know you and your partner. I wish you all the best for the future."

Starsky took her hand in his and said, "You've been so kind."

Mac blushed slightly and shook her head. "Just doing my job."

It was Starsky's turn to shake his head. "Nah, I know better. You've kept me headed in the right direction. When I wanted to give up, you pulled me back on the tracks…and thanks for your help with Hutch."

Mac blushed again and said softly, "You're welcome…Can I offer a last piece of advice?"

"Please do."

"Just take your time to settle back into your life. Some things will have changed. That's inevitable. Change can be a good thing too. Just be open to new possibilities."

"Funny, Tom said the same thing. I promise I'll try."

There was a whoosh as the glass doors opened again and Hutch came rushing in. "I'm sorry I'm so late, buddy, I…oh, sorry for interrupting," Hutch apologised, seeing Starsky was talking to someone. Then he noticed Starsky was holding the woman's hand and thought, "He's still got it, obviously!"

"It's not company, it's just Mac," Starsky said with a grin, causing Mac to laugh.

Surprised, Hutch looked at the woman properly and blinked but quickly recovered. "Don't mind him Laura. He thinks he's being funny and charming but not everybody appreciates his peculiar sense of humour."

Mac extricated her hand from Starsky's then stood up and picked up her helmet and walked towards the doors. She paused and said, "I'll hope to bump into you when you come in for your last few physio sessions, Dave. You can fill me in on how everything's going."

"That would be good and thanks again."

Mac smiled at both of the men. "Bye then Dave, Bye Ken. It was very nice getting to know you."

"You too."

Mac gave a cheery wave and headed out of the doors. Hutch's eyes lingered for a moment on the empty space where she had been standing then he shook himself and turned to his friend.

"You ready to go Starsk."

"More than ready!"

"Come on then, let's get you home." He picked up Starsky's bag and walked with him out of the building and on towards the nearest car park. Starsky came to an abrupt halt when he saw what was waiting for him. His red Torino and Huggy.

"Hey! You and Huggy brought my car!"

Hutch had a huge grin on his face. "Merle's been looking after it for you and it seemed right to come and collect you in it…You feel up to going for a little drive?"

They had reached the car and Huggy came forward to greet them, handing the keys over to Starsky with a flourish. "Starsky, my brother, it's good to see you out."

"It's good to be out Hug," Starsky said patting Huggy's shoulder.

Hutch put Starsky's case in the trunk and pulled out a camera. "Starsk, buddy, let's get a photo to mark this auspicious day. Stand by the striped tomato and I'll take a picture of you."

Starsky was so happy, he let the insult slide and did as he was asked, posing for Hutch to take the photograph. His smile couldn't have been any bigger. Then Huggy reached over and took the camera from Hutch.

"It's a mighty fine day for another reason my friends. Starsky and Hutch back where they should be, side by side. Let a brother take a photo of that!"

Both the blond and the brunet grinned and stood side by side leaning gently against the Torino, arms crossed but huge grins on their faces.

"Okay, enough already. Time to go," Starsky said, as he walked round and opened the driver's door. "Where are we headed first?"

"Hug and I thought you might appreciate some fresh air and space after being cooped up for so long. We've got food in the trunk and we thought we could go to the beach," Hutch suggested. "Sound good?"

"Sounds like heaven," Starsky said.

The three men settled themselves in the car and Starsky turned the key to start the engine. "That is a beautiful sound," he stated as he slowly and carefully pulled the car out of its space and drove towards the exit.

From a corner of the car park, Mac watched with a small sad smile on her face. "I'll miss those guys," she thought. They had really got under her skin. She felt like Dave had begun to be a good friend but, as was often the way with her job, he would probably forget about her. Maybe he would even associate her with being ill and wouldn't want to continue the acquaintance. As far as Mac was concerned that was a pity on more than one level: making friends wasn't easy when she had to keep up a façade at work in order to have her colleagues treat her with the respect she wanted; and it had been nice to find a friendship developing with Dave: she had also started to realise that she had looked forward to seeing Ken every day, even for the brief few minutes that she was checking in on Starsky at the same time as he was there. Who was going to light up her day with his smile now?

She climbed onto her golden Honda CB750 and did up her helmet. It was definitely time to go for a long ride to try to put the two of them out of her mind.

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

Starsky had been home for a week and he was thrilled to be there. He'd still got to go back to the hospital for a couple of follow up physiotherapy sessions but apart from that he was free! Hutch had stayed over the first couple of nights and looked in on him during the day to make sure he was all right. He'd also taken him on his first shopping trip to get food supplies: Starsky had been surprised how tiring he'd found it.

Three days in and Starsky felt ready to be on his own: it felt great to have the luxury of his own company when he wanted to be alone; it felt good to choose when he was going to go to bed or when he wanted to eat; and it was sheer bliss to be able to choose to go out if he wanted to or stay in and watch black and white movies on the television if that was what he wanted to do.

However, a week of what felt like a holiday was enough and he was more than ready to get back to being a cop. He only hoped the Bay City Police Medical Department would agree. In a few moments, he would be collecting Hutch, taking him into work, reporting into Dobey and then going to see the quack for a medical. Then he would hopefully be joining Hutch in the squad room. Even if he was only allowed to do paperwork for a while, it would be great to be back.

He checked his appearance again in the mirror: not too bad. He'd bought a new 'old' pair of blue jeans, which weren't hanging off him too badly. He was still a little thin but was getting back to what he considered his 'fighting weight'. He'd selected a stripy red and white t-shirt and was wearing a new deep red windcheater Hutch had brought him as a 'back to work' present. Round his neck was his favourite Chinese necklace. Now sporting a fourth lucky coin that Huggy had bought him as a good luck back-to-work gift. It was one of the most thoughtful things he'd been given and he fingered the coins with a smile. He slipped his new blue tennis shoes on.

He was ready.

He picked his car keys up and headed out of the door to go get Hutch. When he pulled the Gran Torino up outside Venice Place, he beeped the horn and sat drumming his fingers on the steering wheel while he waited for Hutch to appear.

He didn't mind waiting. It was a nice weather and he was just grateful to be here at this point in his life.

A few minutes later, Hutch appeared. He looked good: blond hair shining in the sunshine, sunglasses perched on his nose, his long legs encased in beige slacks, a green, white and brown checked shirt and his old beige leather jacket covering his chest. He was carrying something. As he climbed in beside him, Starsky saw it was a paper bag. Hutch handed it to him.

"What's this?" Starsky asked, eyeing the bag suspiciously.

"It's your breakfast. I'm not stopping for donuts, your first day back. You're supposed to be trying to eat healthy for your heart."

Starsky grimaced. "You're a real buzz-kill Hutch."

"Hey, look in the bag first before you moan."

Starsky opened it cautiously and took a sniff. "I can smell bacon," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"It's a compromise," Hutch said. "You cut back on the sugar; I'll let you eat bacon. I made you a bacon and pancake stack sandwich. My own invention."

"You made this for me?"

"Yes. Eat it before it gets cold."

Starsky pulled the creation out of the bag and took a huge bite. Through the half-chomped mouthful, he exclaimed, "This is great buddy. I think you're my new best friend."

Hutch rolled his eyes. "I hate to break it to you buddy but I'm the only best friend you've got."

Starsky grinned and took another huge bite of Hutch's patented Bacon and Pancake Stack Sandwich. It was going to be a regular order from now on. Hutch might end up wishing he hadn't invented it.

Starsky shoved the bag on his lap and turned the key to start the engine. As they drove towards Metro Division, Hutch placed his hand on Starsky's shoulder and squeezed, saying all the words that he couldn't say in a touch: about how truly amazing it was that Starsky was going to be back as his partner, how glad he was to have his friend back by his side. Starsky understood and gave him a nod in acknowledgement.

A few minutes later, Starsky managed to find a space outside the front steps of the Metro building and parked the car. The two partners climbed out and looked up at the building. Hutch looked at his partner. "You ready for this?"

"Yeah."

They climbed up the stairs together and entered the station.

What Starsky might not have been prepared for was the ripple of applause that spread around the building as he made his way up the stairs to report in to Captain Dobey before his medical.

Mildred and Joe, two of the Communications Officers, responsible for dispatching units where they were needed, left their post for a few seconds – long enough for Mildred to hug Starsky and for Joe to say he was glad Starsky was back. Minnie appeared from nowhere and put her hands on her hips.

"Well, what do we have here? Is it the sorely missed Detective Starsky?"

She grinned and kissed him on the cheek, causing Starsky to go bright red.

As he entered the squad room, all the older detectives came over and clapped him on the shoulder, even the ones who had never got on with Starsky. They could still appreciate everything he had been through and his determination to be back.

Some rookies he didn't know smiled at him and said, "Welcome back."

They knew Hutch and were glad for him that he'd got his partner back. From what their senior partners had told them, Starsky and Hutch had something really special. So far they'd only seen half of the much heralded best detective team at the Metro and were looking forward to seeing the pair in action.

The door to the Captain's office was flung open and Dobey's booming voice rang out: "Starsky, Hutchinson, get in here!"

Starsky grinned at Hutch, who was just pouring himself a cup of coffee. Their Captain was having none of the fuss and Starsky was actually relieved to get things back to normal. He hated being the centre of this sort of attention.

"On our way Cap," Starsky said as he grabbed Hutch's coffee out of his hand and walked into his Captain's office. Hutch sighed, secretly smiling to himself, and poured himself another cup before he went to join his partner.

"Close the door," Dobey said. "Sit down."

As Starsky threw himself onto his preferred chair and Hutch settled on the arm, next to him, Harold Dobey thought to himself that he had never seen a more welcome sight. He wiped his face with his hankie to give himself time to get his feelings under control. When he was sure, he could speak, he said gruffly, "Good to have you back Starsky."

"Thanks Cap, it's good to be back."

With a slight softening of his tone, Dobey said, "Edith would like you both to come to dinner one night this week to celebrate your return. Any night that suits you. Rosie and Cal are anxious to see you, too."

He didn't add that he wanted to celebrate with them too but the pair knew his thoughts. They'd seen the way he'd suffered as he watched over Starsky with Hutch and Huggy at the hospital. He'd been a rock those first few weeks and neither of them was going to forget that.

"Thanks Cap, that's nice of Edith. How about tomorrow?"

"I'll let Edith know. Now, Hutchinson get back to work on those cold cases I asked you to look at and, Starsky, you go and get your medical over with so you can get back to work."

Both men jumped up and headed for the door. Starsky paused and looked at his Captain. Dobey returned the look and nodded at him. They didn't need to say anything more.

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

It was the end of his first day back. Starsky stretched and yawned. He was tired but it was a good feeling. Hutch noticed the yawn as Hutch always noticed everything to do with Starsky.

"You ready to call it a day partner?"

"Yep. I think that's enough for today."

"You still up to going to Huggy's?"

"Of course! Been looking forward to it all day. I can actually have a beer tonight."

Hutch stood up and put his pale brown leather jacket on. "Come on then. Let's get out of here."

Starsky put his red jacket on and followed Hutch out of the squad room. As they jogged down the stairs, Starsky couldn't help grinning. It was so good to be back, doing what he loved. Even paperwork.

As they drove to The Pits, Hutch enquired, "So how are you feeling?"

"Terrific!" The grin he flashed Hutch said it all.

They drove the rest of the way in a companionable silence, pulling up in their old spot behind the bar to park. Starsky pushed through the back door to Huggy's bar. He'd been here once since he'd been out of the hospital but today felt special. Their friend spotted them and waved them over to their old favourite booth.

"Starsky, you're looking fine, mighty fine. How was the first day back in your role as protector of the little people?"

"Great Huggy, just great."

Huggy fixed his eyes on Hutch and said, "And I have been waiting to see that. A happy Hutch."

As Hutch blushed, Huggy asked, "What can I get you fine brothers? First round's on me."

"Thanks Hug. We'll take two beers," Starsky replied.

"And to eat."

Starsky was about to order a Starsky Special but he reeled himself back in. "What you got in a spicy chicken line?"

"Spicy chicken, green salad and fries?"

"I'll have that," Starsky said, not looking at Hutch.

Huggy could have commented on the salad being a first but Hutch had warned him that Starsky had got to be a bit more careful about what he ate for the foreseeable future so instead, he said, "Great choice, monsieur. And pour vous?"

"Got any non-spicy chicken Hug?"

"Of course, we call it the Hutch hen!" with that the owner of The Pits was on his way to put in their orders and get their drinks.

Starsky looked round the bar and nudged Hutch. "It's great to be back buddy."

"It's great to have you back buddy."

Huggy appeared with three beers and the three friends toasted each other's health then Huggy took himself off to serve other customers. Starsky and Hutch chatted about their plans for the weekend until their food arrived. Starsky made a face as he tried his salad. Hutch grabbed some salad dressing from the table in the next booth, which was empty but had yet to be cleared.

"Try some of that," he said. "It makes it less boring. Just a bit though, don't drown it."

Starsky drizzled the salad dressing over his pile of green leaves and tried another mouthful of 'rabbit food'.

"Better?" Hutch asked.

Starsky muttered: "A bit."

When they'd finished eating, they ordered another beer. Feeling contented from his full stomach, the beer and the friend by his side, Starsky felt in the mood to converse. "Hutch? You ever thought about taking up a new hobby?"

"Don't know if I have the time Starsk. Why?"

Starsky looked at his beer glass thoughtfully. "Just been thinking it's good to learn new things sometimes…It's supposed to help keep you young, isn't it? Learning new things."

"I guess."

"If I tried something new, would you try too?"

Hutch looked at his friend, trying to gauge his friend's mood and read his mind. "Is there something you want to do?"

Starsky looked up at him. "I'm trying to broaden my interests a bit…so my whole life isn't about being a cop…You've got your music and your plants but I've not got many interests outside of work. Well, not stuff that's going to help me...what's the word?"

"Relax?"

"Nah, that's not it."

"De-stress?"

"Nah. Not the word I was thinking of."

"Discombobulate?"

Starsky frowned at him. "Is that even a word? Or are ya making words up now, Hutch?"

"It is a real word Starsk," Hutch said with amusement.

"Well, it's not the word I wanted…What was I trying to say anyway?"

"Only you know buddy."

"I was talking about trying something new…Will, you do it too?"

"If it's important to you, I'll do it, buddy."

"Great, that's settled then. Time for another beer."

He went to get up and go to the bar but Huggy appeared from nowhere carrying two more beers.

"Thought you might be thirsty, friends."

"Thanks Hug. This'll be the last one though. Got to get my beauty sleep before work tomorrow or the doc will get cranky."

"Is that Dr Hutch or a real Dr?" Huggy asked.

"Both," Starsky retorted. "They're watching my eating and drinking like hawks!"

Hutch bristled slightly. "Sorry if my caring annoys you!"

Starsky patted his leg soothingly. "Never. I'm just teasing buddy."

Hutch smiled at him. "I know you are…Now drink up. It's time to get you home…Dr Hutch's orders!"