CHAPTER 19

Hutch stood at the window staring out at the crowded parking lot without really seeing it. His thoughts were focused on the man lying in the bed behind him. It had been almost three days since he had rescued Starsky and the brunet still had not regained consciousness. After almost four hours in emergency surgery, the doctor had finally told the anxious blond pacing the waiting room that Starsky was still alive and being moved to recovery.

Starsky's injuries were extensive but, given time, the doctor was confident that he should recover. He had three broken fingers on his left hand, his left forearm was broken in two places, his kidneys were badly bruised, three ribs were broken and one had punctured a lung causing it to collapse. He also had a concussion, numerous bruises and lacerations. For the last three days, Hutch had watched helplessly while Starsky whimpered and tossed his head from side to side, caught up in the grip of a nightmare that he couldn't break free from. Hutch's soothing touch and few words of comfort seemed to ease the brunet temporarily allowing him to get some much needed rest.

Hutch turned away from the window and sank down in the chair beside the bed. He reached out and wrapped his fingers around Starsky's uninjured hand, gently caressing the back of his hand with his thumb. Touch had always been soothing for both of them, especially if one of them was hurt. It was just another way that they communicated and showed their concern and love for each other.

"Hey, buddy…" Hutch said in a quiet, soothing voice that he reserved solely for Starsky at times like this. "It's time for you wake up now…I need to see those blue eyes of yours, partner." Starsky turned his head towards the sound of Hutch's voice but his eyes remained closed. "Its okay, pal…" Hutch whispered gently. "Take your time…I'll be here waiting when you wake up." Hutch settled back in his chair preparing for another long night of his silent vigil at his best friend's side.

Visiting hours were almost over when Captain Dobey walked into the room.

"How is he?" he asked Hutch as he settled his bulk into the second chair in the room.

"About the same," Hutch told him with a heavy sigh. "Anything new on the case?"

Dobey nodded. "We found plenty of evidence in the farmhouse to implicate Cody Brent of the murders including the missing genitals of his victims. Apparently, the first victim was an old lover who had jilted him and sent him over the edge so he started targeting victims who resembled his ex-lover. Cindy Lee was supplying him with information whenever a new escort came on the scene that fit the criteria."

"Like Starsky," Hutch muttered

"Exactly. With both of them dead that closes the case."

"That's not going to be much comfort for the families of the victims." Hutch growled.

"I know," Dobey grunted "But that's the way it works out sometimes…you know that. At least he won't be able to kill anyone else. Starsky's lucky he wasn't the latest victim."

"I should have found him sooner," Hutch said quietly in a guilt ridden voice. "Before that monster had a chance to do some of the things he did to him…" Both men fell silent. Dobey knew that Hutch was referring to the violent rape that Starsky had been subjected to. There had been some minor tearing and internal damage that the doctors were able to fix but the mental toll on Starsky's psyche remained to be seen.

Rape was also a violent, degrading act that left as much emotional and psychological damage to its victims as the physical injuries. And it was an even worse scenario when the victim was a man. Rape was not normally associated with a male victim although it happened more frequently than most people realized. The mental trauma for a male victim could be devastating.

"Don't even go there, Hutchinson," Dobey growled. Hutch's capacity for self guilt, especially when it came to Starsky, was well known to his friends and colleagues. Nobody could do guilt like Ken Hutchinson. Dobey knew that his warning would likely fall on deaf ears. The only person that could relieve Hutch's misguided sense of guilt was his partner. Dobey shoved himself to his feet with a grunt. "Call me if there's any chance," he said on his way out the door. Hutch nodded absently and immediately turned his attention back to his fallen partner.

Hutch had dozed off when a faint sound awakened him with a start. His eyes darted to his partner's face. Hutch was delighted to see that Starsky's eyes were open and he was looking at his best friend intently.

"Hey, buddy…you're awake," Hutch said in a relieved voice with a huge smile.

"Hey," Starsky whispered in a hoarse, raspy voice. His eyes swept around the room slowly. "Hospital?" he questioned even though the answer was obvious. "How long?"

"You've been here for almost four days." Hutch told him, expertly interpretating Starsky's questions. "You had me scared for awhile, pal. I thought I was going to lose you this time."

"Naw," Starsky mumbled with a faint smile tugging at his mouth. "I don't go down that easy…"

"Thank God for that." Hutch said. His expression turned grim,. "I'm so sorry I didn't find you sooner…"

"Hey, don't do that to yourself," Starsky said "You found me…that's all that matters." His eyes drifted shut as sleep tugged at his senses relentlessly.

"Yeah, I found you," Hutch whispered with a sad little smile. "Sleep for now, buddy…I ain't going no place." Once he was certain that Starsky was sleeping comfortably, Hutch left the room to let the nurses know that the brunet had regained consciousness briefly. After making his report to the staff, he reclaimed his place at Starsky's side.