CHAPTER 10
No sooner did the doctor leave than the over head speaker system started a cacophony of pages for doctors: the names grouped together in quick succession, the disembodied voice sounding breathless and tense.
Hutch watched as activity outside their cubicle picked up, nurses rushing to their stations, gurneys pushed by quick moving orderlies along with more names and codes being sent over the speaker system.
He sat up just as Peggy rushed in with a clip board in her hands.
"Detective, your surgery is being delayed. There has been a serious multi vehicle accident with many injuries, requiring the use of all operating rooms."
She tapped her pencil on the paper in front of her, looking over at Hutch to be sure he understood.
Waiting only to see his head nodding that he had heard her, she turned around, already giving orders to the nurses who had grouped around the main emergency room station.
Realizing that he had gained extra time to be with Starsky, Hutch got out of bed and returned to sit next to his friend.
Reaching for Starsky's hand, Hutch wanted him to know that he wasn't alone.
"Things aren't so bad buddy. I just need you to wake up now and tell me that yourself." He squeezed the warm hand, but unlike before, there was no answering pressure in his own.
After a few minutes, Hutch leaned forward, releasing Starsky's hand but reaching to touch his shoulder. He would have preferred to run his hand down Starsky's neck, but with the bandages that covered his head, he didn't want to disturb the covering.
Hutch blinked against the pain in his shoulder, but he still wasn't ready to accept any sort of pain medication until he knew that Starsky would be alright.
He blinked again because he wasn't sure that what he saw had actually happened. He watched closer, as Starsky's mouth opened slightly, his tongue searching lips for moisture.
Hutch searched until he found the pitcher of water. He dipped his fingers into liquid and ran his thumb across Starsky's dry lips. Immediately, his tongue snaked out, lapping up the moisture. Hutch repeated the act which was followed by more noises deep in Starsky's chest.
"It's okay now. C'mon Starsk, I'm right here. Open your eyes." Hutch continued to encourage him as Starsky struggled to open his eyes. Several times the lids fluttered, only to clamp shut quickly, almost as if the light was too bright.
Hutch stood up and turned off the fluorescent brightness above Starsky's head. He also pushed the call button but didn't expect an answer anytime soon what with the emergency room still buzzing with activity.
Starsky again worked to open his eyes. He licked his mouth a few times and then his eyes opened and remained that way. His blue orbs darted to each side of him, taking in his surroundings. Then, he turned his head slightly, which resulted in a gasp of pain. He closed his eyes again and instead reached out; searching for the one thing he knew that would steady him. He was rewarded with the feel of the calloused, large hand of his friend. He squeezed slightly and tried to bring their two hands to his chest in a weak hug. He felt the answering pressure and knew that he was now safe.
"Welcome back, partner." Hutch's hand remained on Starsky's chest, feeling the comforting rise and fall of his breathing.
"Hurts…, dizzy." It took a lot of effort to get those few words formed and spoken. Starsky blinked rapidly, trying to focus on his surroundings.
"Don't try to talk. Just breathe deeply." Hutch scanned the hall outside of the room, looking for Peggy or anyone who he could report Starsky's condition to. He was reluctant to push the call button again, but just as he'd decided that this patient was important too, Peggy appeared, harried but focused now on the reason for the call from this specific room.
"Well, you've decided to join us. How do you feel?" She checked his vital signs, the monitor and head wound and was satisfied that all was in order.
"Head… hurts…" Starsky repeated. This time he tried to touch his head, but Hutch gently guided his hand back to join with his own.
"Do you know where you are?" She bent closely so Starsky could focus on her.
"Hospital." Starsky tried to look around, but any movement of his head created pain and increased his nausea. He swallowed, desperately wanting water. His eyes darted toward Hutch again.
Hutch held up the water pitcher toward Peggy, silently asking if he could have a drink.
She nodded but indicated that he should only offer a few sips.
Hutch guided the cup toward Starsky's mouth. The dark-haired man lapped up the cool liquid, swiping his tongue over his lips once more to take advantage of each drop.
"Better, thanks." The water seemed to have revived him. His eyes looked clearer and his face began to take on his natural olive tone.
Peggy told Hutch that his surgery would be in about an hour. The casualties from the car accident were being well taken care of; some of them had been transferred to Memorial Hospital in Bay City.
"Our usual hang out." Starsky's attempt at humor reassured Hutch that his friend was okay while it gave Peggy an indication that her patient was able to follow and participate in normal conversation. She noted that in his chart before she left.
Starsky was quiet for a few minutes, giving Hutch the impression that he'd fallen asleep. His own body sagged with fatigue. The stress of his own injury plus that of his partner's was catching up to him. The bed seemed like a good place to be at the moment. He got up gingerly to do just that when Starsky spoke, this time with more energy in his voice.
"You okay Hutch? I remember…" He hesitated briefly, fighting off the details that threatened to escape him.
"I heard gun shots. I couldn't help you. Thought you'd been…"
Hutch moved toward the bed, sitting beside Starsky. The softness of the mattress beckoned him to go to his own bed, but not before he reassured Starsky.
"I'm okay. I got knifed in the shoulder. Waiting to go to surgery, but I'll be fine." Hutch shook his head. It never failed to amaze him that no matter how ill or serious a wound his partner had, he always managed to think of Hutch's well being and safety. But he supposed it went both ways, as he pressed his hand against his own wound.
He sighed heavily, and then dragged himself over to fall gratefully into his own bed.
