CHAPTER 34

As they waited for the doctor to arrive, Hutch continued to sit by his friend. Starsky didn't speak again but kept his gaze locked with his partner's. It was as if he needed confirmation that he wasn't still having fever induced dreams. Several times, he clutched at Hutch's hand as spasms of pain radiated through his body. He didn't yet know the full extent of his injuries.

Once Dr. Cloverleaf arrived, Hutch moved away from the bed as the doctor examined his patient. He made several notes in the chart, changed settings on several of the I.V.'s and nodded his approval at blood pressure readings and pulse.

Finally the wounded man was left alone. He was given a sedative with medication to reduce pain. The effects worked quickly, much to the visitor's relief. Hutch stood at the door, taking one last look at his friend before they joined Dr. Cloverleaf out in the hall to hear the prognosis.

"He's still not out of the woods yet. But his fever's been down for twenty four hours which is a good sign. His vitals are all stronger and his color is better. There's still a long road to recovery but I'm sure with your help detective, David will recuperate nicely. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go over the changes for his care with the nurse." He turned and went straight to the nurse's station without another word.

"He doesn't have the best bedside manner but he sure knows his stuff." Dobey scratched the side of his head as they watched the professional relay his orders.

"Cap, I can't believe he's finally better. Thanks for all you've done." Hutch moved toward the lounge to sit on a chair. The room had become all too familiar but he was grateful for all that the nurse's had made available to him. He knew it was not normal practice to provide this room so willingly, but he appreciated the care.

The captain grumbled something under his breath then, changed the subject.

"You know you can't disappoint Rosie so you better wash up. We better not keep the women waiting." Dobey smiled and laughed to himself. The idea of Rosie expecting Hutch was priceless. It's what the detective needed.

"I don't know.. maybe…another time?" Hutch didn't want to leave now that Starsky was able to communicate.

"Huh, fat chance refusing my daughter. It's an order anyway." Dobey feigned a serious look but Hutch knew there was no way he could deny the little girl anything. Both he and Starsky had a special place in their hearts for her.

Dobey watched as his detective left to clean up. Hutch's back was a little less stooped and there was a bit more energy in his long legs. A night away would be good for Hutch.

Tomorrow would be the start of another hard road. Recovery would require strength and grit from both men in order to reclaim Starsky's life.

Hutch was ready to shoulder the responsibility. Not only would he be with Starsky during his recovery but somehow, he would find Diaz. Whether the gang member made it to jail or not, Hutch didn't think that far. He also vowed to help Ronnie transition to a happy young man. He owed Starsky that much.

He had a lot to answer for. He had doubted his friend when Starsky had reached out to Ronnie. He had not believed in the young man but in the past few weeks, he'd seen the boy struggle to prove his worth.

Hutch believed he would be able to help both Starsky and Ronnie. In order to do that, he would have to track down the gang member responsible for the chain of events that led them all to doubt and mistrust one another.

The answers for all three would not come easy.