Disclaimer: This story was written purely for entertainment and is not for profit. It is not meant to trespass in any way on the holders to the rights of Starsky and Hutch.

Warning: "Episodes" might be considered a dark tale and contains some graphic scenes and foul language that may be offensive to some readers. This story also revolves around a paranormal/metaphysical genre; if this is not your cup of tea, then please refrain from sipping. I would hate to spoil someone's fun.

--oo Episodes oo-

By: Shawne 'til dawn

. . . CHAPTER 13 . . .

Starsky struggled to his feet, his bright blue eyes riveted to the door, while Mari quickly came to his side to shoulder some of his weight.

"Listen . . ." Starsky gasped, "I want you to climb out . . . this window . . . if it ain't Hutch that comes through that door . . . y'understand?" His dark blue, expressive eyes locked onto Mari's, and it spoke volumes to the young woman. She knew he would stay back and sacrifice his life for hers, so that she could get away. The thought of this detective dying at the hands of the devil that took her family caused Mari's heart to palpitate painfully.

"What about you?" Mari whispered, her almond shaped eyes were filled with fear, as she opened the latch and lifted the window up, "We'll go together . . . I-I can't leave you here like this . . ." With the opening of the window, they both could hear the distant sound of sirens which filled Mari's heart with sudden hope, but Starsky knew the squad cars were still a while away.

Starsky could feel his adrenalin pumping, as he kept his eyes glued to the door. Something told him that it wasn't Hutch out there and when the angry pounding suddenly erupted at the door, the brunet knew for sure. "Hurry," he gasped, clutching his side as he turned to the young woman beside him, "Run and become part of the shadows . . . that bastard'll break through this door any minute . . ."

Tears brimmed her dark, brown eyes, which shimmered as they touched upon the face of the brunet, "How can I leave you?" Mari whispered as she stared up at the dark haired detective.

Starsky grinned reassuringly and gently brushed a strand of her long, black hair behind her ear, urging her towards the window as he helped her over the ledge, "I'll only slow you down if I go with you . . . I need you to go and find Hutch . . ." he said softly, "I'll be fine . . . the cavalry's on its way . . . now hurry and go . . . "

The dark haired detective quickly closed and locked the window behind Mari, just as the door busted in. Starsky looked into the gray eyes of the killer, taken aback once again, by the clean cut look of the man who blocked the doorway with his huge frame, "Where is she?" the killer snapped, his slate-gray eyes darting around the empty room.

Starsky leaned wearily against the wall, feeling thankful that Mari had gotten out in time, breathing heavily to ease the sharp pain in his side and lower abdomen, "Sorry t'disappoint ya like this," the brunet said smugly, a slow smirk tweaking his lips, "But it looks like it's just me and the dust motes in here . . ."

"Get away from that window you stinkin' pig," the large man snarled, drawing a small gun from behind him where it was tucked into the waistband of his pants. The killer smiled evilly, his yellow stained teeth immediately morphing his clean cut visage into something vile and revolting.

Stormy blue eyes followed the point of the gun as it was lowered towards his midsection, a silencer screwed to the tip of the weapon. Starsky calmly raised his eyes to look the killer in the face, the perspiration running in rivulets down his neck, "It's too late you know . . . you can kill me, but you won't find Mari . . . and in a few minutes this place will be swarming with cops."

The large man looked warily to the window, his mind obviously processing what the dark haired detective had said, as he cocked his gun and flicked it towards the door. The sirens were louder now and it grated on his nerves, making him want to squeeze the trigger. "I said . . . move away from the window asshole!" the killer snapped, waving the gun once again in the direction he wanted the detective to move.

Breathing heavily, Starsky stood unsteadily, his hand pressed against his lower abdomen as he slowly made his way towards the killer, his mind racing as he thought of possible solutions to get him out of this mess. He knew that his assailant was jumpy with the sounds of the approaching sirens, and the brunet made sure that his movements were slow and easy.

"Put your hands behind your head . . .NOW!" the killer demanded.

The dark haired cop slowly complied, wincing as he raised his hands, feeling the pull of his stitches, "Listen to me . . ." Starsky said, using a calm, low voice, spreading his fingers, palms held up as he locked them together behind his head, keeping his movements deliberate and unhurried, knowing the killer wouldn't hesitate to shoot if he got spooked, "We can work something out . . ."

"Shut the fuck up!" the large man growled, as he suddenly grabbed the wounded cop and threw him to the ground, the sirens were agitating him, making him feel anxious and angry as he thought of his imminent capture. He could sense that Mari was somewhere near, but it didn't matter anymore . . . he would never be locked up like an animal . . . never! He'd die before he let the cops take him in.

"Uungh," Starsky grunted softly, barely having the time to catch his fall with his hands locked behind his head, almost blacking out from the impact as his body connected to the hard floor. He curled into the pain, squeezing his eyes shut, as he gritted his teeth against the overwhelming weariness and fiery heat that ripped through his broken and battered being.

"You listen to me chump," the killer whispered angrily, roughly turning the cop onto his back, as he crouched above the hurting brunet, bristling with rage, "I've got nothing to lose anymore if Mari's gone . . . I'm not letting them take me alive y'hear me? And you're going with me for the long ride to hell, pig . . ."

"I'm here . . ." a quiet voice said as Mari stepped into the doorway. Both men turned to look at the young woman, as she took a few hesitant steps into the room, stopping just before she reached them.

"Mari," Starsky gasped, his bright blue gaze locked onto the Asian girl who wavered in and out of focus, as the detective tried to get a handle of the crippling pain that wracked his body.

Mari risked a quick glance at the wounded detective, and then turned her attention to the large man who crouched over him with a gun. She stared openly at the killer who had never stopped pursuing her, who had made her life a living hell. She took a long hard look at the beast who had been tied to her for years now, who snatched everything that she loved and held most dear, away from her . . . and it amazed her that evil could look so clean . . . so decent and . . . and wholesome. The thought sickened her. She always "knew" he had the kind of face that anyone would trust, and yet, finally seeing it for the very first time herself, it shook her to the core.

"Mari," the large man whispered, breathing hard, his gray eyes growing soft with want, "Come here . . ."

"Let him go first," Mari said quietly, her voice trembling as she nodded towards the downed detective, watching warily as the large man slowly rose to his feet.

Mari swallowed down her fear as she took a small step back, "I'll go willingly with you. Y-you can use me to get out of here. The police won't shoot at you . . . not if you have a hostage. I'll go with you . . . if you leave him alone, but if you h-hurt David . . . I'll run . . . I'll run and hide where you will never find me . . . and you know that what I say is true

. . . don't you?" the petite woman queried softly.

At the killer's slight nod, Mari continued, her voice soft and almost hypnotic, "You've never been able to catch me all this time . . . and you'll never have me, if you don't let him go . . ." Mari took a few steps back as the man slowly advanced towards her.

Starsky knew that Mari was leading the killer away from him and he struggled to get to his feet. The Interstate Killer seemed oblivious to his sluggish movements; his sole attention was focused upon the young woman who continued to back up, leading him towards the opened door.

"I know how you think . . . I saw what you did . . . t-to my family . . . my sister," Mari's soft voice echoed in the small empty room.

"Naomi," the large man whispered brokenly, as he took a few steps towards the young woman, staring in fascination at her face. Over the years, Mari had grown to resemble her beautiful older sister and the large man ached with the need to touch his 'Naomi' once more.

Mari stared with morbid fascination, as she faced her nightmare, warily watching him slowly advancing towards her like the snake that he was, feeling her limbs quaking as she continued to back slowly towards the door. She wanted to look at David so badly, to seek comfort and courage in his bright blue gaze, but she dared not take her eyes away from the beast who continued to stalk her, following her slowly, whispering the name of her sister the whole time he crept towards her.

The need to look at David made Mari quickly glanced at Starsky, who by now was standing unsteadily, his dark blue eyes locked on her face. Without warning, everything seemed to happen at once to Mari . . . events mixing together in a blur, as the killer took that moment to rush her, grabbing her by the arm, cruelly twisting it, as he dragged her roughly towards him.

Mari cried out as she saw the huge man turn and level his gun at the wounded cop, and before she could cower and change her mind, she determinedly brought the large knife out from behind her with her free hand from where she had hidden it, tucked away into the back of her jeans.

Without thinking of the repercussions Mari abruptly plunged the blade into the shoulder of her assailant, using the same knife that had taken the life of her sister and the lives of countless others. Trembling with fear, adrenalin pumping, she quickly moved away when the large man dropped his gun; hearing him scream with rage and pain as he abruptly let go of her arm to grasp the handle of the blade. She saw the look of pain and surprise twist the features of the hated beast as he stared at his treasure . . . his memento . . . that now was ironically buried to the hilt, embedded into his own shoulder. From the corner of her eye, Mari saw Starsky move into action, diving for the gun, as the killer simultaneously did the same thing.

Mari watched in horror, as the two men scuffled for the gun. Worry and despair flared in her as the larger man kicked the wounded detective just under his ribs, and she saw the brunet fall to one knee, gasping as he clutched his side in agony. She watched as the gun slipped out of the killer's hand, sliding across the floor in her direction.

On instinct alone Mari ran to retrieve the gun, hearing Starsky cry out a warning as the killer pulled the blade out from his shoulder and threw it at her with deadly aim. Mari gasped, her eyes opening wide as she felt the sharp blade forcefully plunging into her body, vaguely registering the booming sound of a gunshot that came from the door behind her.

She locked her gaze onto the shocked face of the curly haired detective, whose dark blue eyes were filled with pain and widened with horror . . . those familiar eyes she had repeatedly seen in her dreams and visions. It was those same eyes that had haunted her these past few months that had also been the catalyst for her seeking him out. Beautiful blue eyes as deep as the ocean; that now watched in horror as she wavered unsteadily on her feet.

Mari could feel herself falling as the room began to spin. Gasping for air, she felt herself sinking slowly to the floor, only to be caught up in arms that held her tenderly, arms that sheltered her as she stared up at eyes that were bright with unshed tears, familiar blue eyes that were sad now, and filled with despair. Random, fuzzy thoughts ran through her mind as she stared up at the man who held her.

David.

Her breaths were coming short and fast, as the peripheral edges of her vision began to grow dim. The sharp intolerable pain was almost numb now, as her body grew heavy and lethargic, enticing her to surrender, to give up and finally seek rest. She could feel herself begin to slip over the edge, sinking into the murky depths where the pain couldn't touch her any longer. Yet, the intensity of those blue eyes held her anchored to the here and now, and Mari could feel his arms tighten around her, refusing to let her go.

"Don't you give up, y'hear me Mari? You hang in there! Help is on the way!" Starsky said; desperation and despair making his voice ring with a sharpness that she had never heard before, as he squeezed her roughly to his chest, staring intently into her sad, brown eyes that never left his, as if he could make her stay with him by sheer will alone. "You stay here with me, I'm right here holdin' ya, not goin' t'leave . . ." he said as he wrapped his hands around her small one that held on to the hilt of the knife deeply embedded in her abdomen. The dark haired detective was sickened by the amount of blood that bloomed and stained her thin brown tee shirt.

It hurt Starsky to see Mari so still, knowing that she was struggling just to breath, listening to the soft gasps, so afraid that each breath she drew in, might be her last. The curly haired detective shook his head. It just wasn't fair . . . her whole life had been messed up by this creep. To know that he had taken everything from her . . . her family, her freedom and now her life, made Starsky begin to question the existence of the benevolent God in which he believed. Some people had life so damn hard. "Just hang on Mari . . . just hang on . . ." he whispered gently, his voice breaking, as he watched the light slowly fading from her almond shaped eyes.

Mari could hear the fear in the brunet's voice and she reached out a trembling hand to cup the side of his face, a sad, but serene smile came to her quivering lips . . . all this time she had thought her "episodes" were about him, that she had foreseen his death. Never once did she think that those blue eyes, widened in horror and filled with pain, appeared in her visions because he was watching her die. Never once, did she think that those eyes would be the last thing that she would see before she left this earth. And yet, a strange sense of peace filled her heart as the brunet held her close to his chest. These two detectives, one light and one dark, men that she barely knew, had only shown her compassion and kindness. Who would have known, how much they would have come to mean to her.

Mari took a shuddering breath, as the dark haired detective gently brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and tuck it tenderly behind her ear, her throat constricted with emotion as she felt his pain and she tried to tell him that it was okay, but she was tired, and it just took too much energy to speak. She was so cold now . . . and so weary . . .

"Mari . . . Mari," Starsky whispered desperately, feeling her life slipping away from her, "Oh God, please . . ." the dark haired detective pleaded, unconsciously turning once again in his despair to the higher power he had just previously doubted.

Starsky watched as Mari slowly closed her eyes, her lashes fanning out across pale cheeks, only to see her head lolling gently into his chest. "No . . ." he whispered sadly, staring down at her peaceful face, "No . . ."

The brunet gently rocked her to him, as his cobalt blue eyes sadly lifted to meet the pale blue eyes of his blond partner, who stood rigidly at the door, his magnum still pointing at the large figure of the man who now lay dead.

. . . EPILOGUE . . .

The tall blond surreptitiously glanced over the bowed heads that were gathered together, his pale blue eyes traveled over familiar faces that were solemn and quiet as the prayers were being said. He could hear the cold November winds blowing outside, heralding the winter months to come, feeling thankful that he was indoors today and not out on the chilly streets.

Hutch's sky colored eyes briefly paused in its meanderings, as he noticed that Huggy and Dobey stood somberly next to each other, the proprietor's fuchsia colored jumpsuit stood out loudly next to the dull, drab colors that Dobey chose to wear for the function. Under different circumstances, Hutch might have chuckled out loud at the obvious and rather comical differences between the two black men who stood side by side, one being tall and lanky, the other squat and stout, but everyone was reverently quiet and still, and his humorous snickering would have been very inappropriate.

His gaze continued on until they alighted upon his partner's face; and though the blond tried hard not to, he couldn't help but crack a grin as he spied the brunet's bright blues comically peeping out from under his ridiculously long eyelashes.

The blond's smile widened, as he watched the impatient glower and exasperation that came across his partner's face, as Starsky peeked in the direction of the person reciting the prayers.

From where he stood, Hutch could have sworn he heard the angry rumblings of his friend's stomach and he chuckled softly when he saw the brunet cover his midsection with his hand. 'As if that would stop the noise,' Hutch thought, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he caught his partner's embarrassed look from across the table. The tall blond winked reassuringly at his humiliated partner, who rewarded him with a lopsided grin just as the prayers of gratitude were reaching an end.

Everyone breathed a silent sigh of relief and gave a resounding "Amen" as Edith Dobey's long-winded grace finally came to a close.

"Man sistah, that was some blessin' . . . I think you included everyone and their mother in your grace," Huggy said, white teeth flashing as he smiled widely at Captain Dobey's wife.

"Why thank you Huggy," Edith smiled, "I hope I didn't leave anyone out. With Harold losing his voice from his recent cold, I was hoping I would do a good job. Harold usually says the blessings over our Thanksgiving get-togethers you know." Edith said happily, as everyone began to pass around the plates and utensils.

"Is that why the big man is so quiet this evening?" Huggy said with a smile, "And here I thought I might've overcooked the bird. The way he was glaring at me, I thought he was going to arrest me for "fowl" play."

Overhearing Huggy's loud comment, Hutch chuckled and came over to put his arm around the tall, skinny black man, "Huggy, the turkey you roasted looks delicious . . ." Hutch's compliment was cut short by a burst of loud giggles coming from one of the back tables at "The Pits," which Huggy had graciously closed for the celebrating of this auspicious occasion. All eyes turned to see Starsky whispering something into Rosie's ear, sending her into a fit of joyful laughter once more.

Harold Dobey cleared his throat and rasped, "Well this year we have a lot to be thankful for . . ." The Captain's voice was strained and hoarse, but he nodded in the direction of his little daughter Rosie, who continued to giggle, as she held onto the hand of the young Asian woman who had been staying with the Dobeys' since she had come out of the hospital a little over a week ago.

"Rosie just adores Mari . . . those two are like peas in a pod." Edith said smiling, happy to see the joyful expression on her daughter's face.

"Three peas in a pod . . ." Hutch said grinning, "Don't forget the big kid with the curls," Everyone laughed as Captain Dobey picked up the carving knife and began slicing the turkey.

"Starsk and I think it's so great that you've opened your home and your hearts to Mari," Hutch said softly to Edith Dobey who smiled warmly in return.

"It was Harold's idea," Edith said, as she looked into the pale blue of eyes of the tall blond who stood beside her, "Mari is such a lovely girl and after what she's been through, I wouldn't have dreamed of her being anywhere else. It's a blessing that girl is still alive!"

"Yeah," Hutch agreed softly, remembering how close they came to losing her. The fact that Mari and Starsky were here, celebrating Thanksgiving with everyone, was nothing short of a miracle. Hutch stared at his laughing partner and the smiling young woman, his mind drifting back over the past few weeks.

They had almost lost her several times on the way to the hospital. Shock and blood loss complicated matters; the blade had ruptured her intestines, which caused bacteria to enter into her system leaving her weak and nearly comatose as she battled the raging infection and a high fever that spread throughout her body. Starsky too, had suffered through a period of fever and infection, but luckily for him, his fever broke the next day and he was allowed to come home shortly after, much to his pleasure.

While Starsky had been recuperating at home after his short stay in the hospital, Hutch had been bombarded with paperwork regarding the case. The Feds had come down to take the body of James B. Anderson, a.k.a. "The Interstate Killer", back to Washington State, and they needed the paperwork from Bay City to close the case. Ironically, they had only found out the name of the man responsible for the rape and murders of over seventeen women and the brutal slaughtering of Mari's family, after he was dead and gone.

The Oregon State Police had called Captain Dobey to report and confirm the pitiful findings of Melissa Rutgers, a red head, green-eyed woman who had been raped, stabbed, and then buried in a shallow grave in a wooded area near Corvallis. They identified the victim through dental records and like Mari predicted, they located her remains a few days after Dobey had called to inform them of the possible homicide.

"At first she was a little shy with us," Edith continued, drawing Hutch back from his reflections, "But now she's warmed up to us and I think that my Calvin has a crush on her." Mrs. Dobey chuckled, as she watched her son make his way over to the noisy table to join in on the fun.

"I think it's wonderful that she can stay with your family for awhile," Hutch said quietly, staring kindly at the young Asian women who smiled down at Rosie, the blond's voice was gentle and soft, "After all, she wasn't that much older than Cal when she lost her family."

"Yes," Edith said sadly, "I can't imagine what she went through . . . I talked to her last night after Rosie went to bed, and Mari said that she would probably stay in Bay City for a little while until she could get back on her feet. She told me Huggy offered her a job as a waitress for "The Pits." She said she just might take him up on that offer and earn a little money so that she can buy a ticket to go back to Washington."

"She's planning on going back?" Hutch asked surprised that she would even contemplate returning to a place where there were only bad memories. God knows he avoided going home as much as possible, because of those very same reasons. Hutch's childhood memories were not something he took out to peruse very often. In fact, the tall blond didn't even consider Minnesota his home anymore, although his family still lived there. Home to Hutch, was here in Bay City, with Starsky and everyone that was gathered around the table tonight. He had found his "family" and if he were honest with himself, a part of him was hoping that Mari would adopt them as her "family" too.

Edith smiled softly, "That girl is so wise for someone so young . . ."

Hutch frowned, puzzled by Edith's comment, "What do you mean?"

"She told me last night that she'd been thinking about staying here. Said that this was the closest place to home that she knew of." Edith said sadly, "Mari told me that she hadn't been hugged by anyone for so long, she'd forgotten what it felt like, until you and Starsky held her in your arms."

Hutch swallowed down a lump that formed in his throat, feeling terribly sad for the young woman after hearing Edith's soft words, empathizing with Mari. After all, if it hadn't been for Starsky, Hutch would probably have never known what a "real" family was like or what a warm touch could do to a person's heart. "That's what I mean . . . I mean . . . that's why I thought she'd stay here with all of us . . . we could be the family she lost . . ." the blond detective stammered.

Edith smiled and cupped the side of Hutch's face, "That's so sweet honey, but that little girl has the soul of Solomon. She told me last night that even though she'd love to stay here, she couldn't run forever. Mari said that there were things she needed to make peace with back home, things in her heart that she needed to heal. She said she needed to close some chapters of her life, before she could open some new ones. That girl has such a good head on her shoulders and a beautiful heart too. I told her last night that the good Lord was surely proud of her, and that He'd sent angels to watch over her this whole time that she'd been going through this horrible ordeal . . . and do you know what she told me Hutch?"

Hutch smiled down at his Captain's wife, touched by the warmth of her hand against his cheek. The tall blond shook his head slowly, "No . . . no I don't . . . what did Mari say?"

Edith smiled, lowering her hand as she looked over at the young girl who laughed at the antics of the curly haired detective, as he scratched under his arms and jumped up and down, doing his imitation of a baboon or a monkey of some sort, "She told me she 'saw' her angels . . . she said one of them had eyes the color of the sky and hair as golden as a wheat field; the other angel she said, was as dark as the other was light, had a head full of curly brown locks and ocean blue eyes that twinkled like the stars. Now why do I think I know these angels huh?" the dark woman laughed.

Hutch snorted softly, feeling himself blushing under the scrutiny of the Edith's knowing gaze. The blond detective raised his brows and shrugged, "Dunno . . . maybe she was hallucinating or something, especially if she saw an angel with dark curly hair . . . now the golden one sounds more like something God would send down."

"Riiiight!" Edith laughed, nudging the tall blond playfully in the arm. They both laughed together until they saw the "kids" coming over to the table. Edith leaned over and whispered to Hutch, "Mari opened her backpack and showed me something last night that her mother had given to her when she was young. I told her that I wanted her to share it with all of us tonight . . ."

"Alright everyone . . . it is time to grind!" Huggy announced proudly, gesturing a long slim hand at the cloth covered table ladened with delicious delectables.

"Oh man," Starsky said, his eyes twinkling with excitement as he licked his lips, "Mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, cranberries and gravy . . .man oh man . . . I can't wait to sink my teeth into that turkey Hug."

"Yeah? Well you better hold on before 'Harold' over there takes a bite outta you, turkey," Huggy whispered, "I think the Dobeys' ain't finished yet with the giving of thanks . . ."

"What?" Starsky said, dragging his eyes away from the food to look over at his Captain who stood at the head of the table with his large arm around the small shoulders of the young Asian woman.

"Starsky," Dobey rasped, "Keep your hands off that turkey before I knock the stuffing out of you . . . Mari here, has something she'd like to share before we eat . . ." The large police captain gently nudged the petite woman forward.

Starsky stared at Mari, his blue eyes wide with disbelief, "Wait a minute . . . Mari . . . you mean you're gonna say another prayer?"

Hutch gently elbowed his partner from behind, while Mari smiled then laughed at the outrageous look on the dark haired detective's face, "No … not a prayer, just a poem. Mrs. Dobey thought that I should share it this evening . . . " Mari said, grinning as she caught the look that Starsky gave Hutch.

"T'rrific," Starsky mumbled under his breath, as his stomach gave a loud growl of protest, "First a prayer, then a poem, then maybe Hutch can grab his guitar and sing a few hymns . . ." The brunet abruptly stopped his mutterings, jolting forward as Hutch elbowed him from behind once again to quiet him down. Everyone watched as Mari unfolded a worn and stained paper that she took from the back pocket of her jeans.

The young woman looked to the paper, and then looked up shyly at everyone who stood around the table. Though her soft voice quavered, it could be heard by all, "Um . . . this was given to me a long time ago from my mother. When I w-was a kid, I thought I knew it all and sometimes I forgot be grateful for things that I got. One night, after she and I had a fight, she gave me this poem that was written by an anonymous author and I . . . I've always carried it with me wherever I went . . . read it a lot when I was on the run. I'd like to share it with all of you. It's called, 'Be Thankful'."

Everyone quieted down, as the young woman started, her voice growing stronger as she read through the poem, "Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times . . . during those times, you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes for they will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference." Mari paused and looked up, then continued to recite the poem clearly from memory, "It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings."

The silence that ensued was almost deafening. Mari lowered the paper, tears brimming in her eyes. Captain Dobey put his arm around her shoulders again as Mari's soft voice floated out over the table, "Tonight means so much to me, to be here with all of you . . . to give thanks . . . and share in this celebration. Now I know what my mother wanted me to understand, for I have finally found my blessings through all of the troubles I've endured, and my heart is so full of gratitude and love."

"Aw Mari," Hutch said, opening his arms to her, only to enfold her small form in his embrace. Soon everyone got a chance to hug the diminutive woman and she laughed gaily as Starsky gave her a big bear hug and a warm kiss on her forehead when it came to his turn.

"Okay," Starsky said decisively, his arm still wrapped around Mari shoulders, "I think this celebration is getting a bit too soapy here. . . and anyway, that beautiful turkey is getting cold."

"I wanna make a toast," Rosie's young voice sang out above the din of people filling their plates. The little girl raised the cup of grape juice that she held, as Hutch lifted her in his arms to give her a bird's eye view of the gathering. Rosie waited until she had the attention of everyone there, watching as they filled their glasses, "Happy Thanksgiving!"

she said joyfully.

"Happy Thanksgiving Rosie," the happy feasters replied.

Rosie giggled at the loud response that she got, her eyes twinkling merrily she said again in a louder voice, "Happy Thanksgiving to you all!"

-finis-

Author's Note: And may I take this time dear reader to echo Rosie's toast. In Hawaiian we say, "Happy Thanksgiving" like this: "Hau'oli La Ho'omakika'i (pronounced: how-oh-lee la ho-o-mah- key-kah-ee) Wishing you and yours, a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. Love and aloha, Shawne