Unsung Hero

Starsky was on the phone, getting an update from the coroner, when Dobey came in so he was only half listening. It took a few seconds for him to realise that his Captain was holding a list of names and shaking a collection box.

Dobey cleared his throat before he spoke: "Men, today's the last chance to add something into the collection for the Red Cross appeal that we're supporting this month. Most of you have already given, thank you. There's just a few of you not ticked off on my list."

He looked around the room, trying to catch various eyes. Hutch studiously avoided looking at him.

Drew and Robinson stirred guiltily and pulled some bills from their wallets and stuffed them into the slot in Dobey's collection box.

Starsky was still talking to the coroner but, at the same time, trying to catch Dobey's attention. He wriggled his fingers in Dobey 's direction but unfortunately, Dobey didn't seem to notice.

"Hutchinson? Your name's not checked off on my list."

"Sorry, Captain, I can't help this month," Hutch said quietly, as he continued typing.

Dobey frowned but, before he could say anything else, Starsky put the phone down, stepped between Dobey and his partner and reached into his own wallet.

He gave Dobey a fair wad of bills as he said, "That's our share, Cap."

"Oh thank you, Starsky. That's great. Thank you everyone. I will get the money sent off straightaway."

Dobey looked pleased as he headed back into his office. In his wake, there was a little muttering; most notably from the new guy in the squad, who said, not so quietly, "There's always one Scrooge in every squad."

Starsky glared at him. Hutch pretended he hadn't heard.

Gradually, the normal sounds of the squad room resumed. Starsky filled Hutch in on the Coroner's findings and they updated their notes and made a few phone calls to follow up on witness statements. About an hour later, Hutch pushed back from his desk and slipped his jacket on.

"I'm heading home. Want me to collect you tomorrow in case we need to stakeout the Phillips warehouse?"

"Sure. Thanks, partner. See ya tomorrow."

Hutch headed out through the doors.

Within seconds, James, the new guy, was griping, "Bet you get fed up covering your partner's contribution all the time."

Starsky stilled and several members of the squad looked up, alert to the change of atmosphere. Starsky pushed his chair back noisily and stood up. He turned towards James, a fierce look covering his usually cheerful face. He went to speak and then paused. Abruptly, he turned and knocked on Dobey's door then opened it without waiting for an answer.

"Cap, could you come in here for a minute?"

"Why?"

"Please."

Dobey looked at the solemn expression on Starsky's face and nodded. As he came into the squad room, he looked enquiringly at his unusually serious detective. Starsky looked around the squad room before he spoke.

"James here don't know Hutch so I'll forgive his assumption...this time...but you shouldn't ever judge a book by its cover. Hutch didn't give anything to the charity collection this month 'cause he can't. I think some of you know that he's in the Big Brother programme. Well, his kid, Kiko, has got the opportunity to go to a baseball camp next summer with the Bay City Boulders and his mom can't afford to send him. Hutch just paid the deposit and half the fee. He's broke."

James flushed with embarrassment, as he said, "Sorry, I didn't know."

"Next time, ask before you judge," Starsky admonished.

Dobey cleared his throat. "Can Kiko's mother find the rest of the fee?"

"Not sure, Cap. It's going to be a struggle."

Dobey looked thoughtful. "Might I suggest next month's charity drive is towards Kiko's camp instead of the scheduled one? What do you all think?"

They were a lot of nods and noises of affirmation around the squad room.

"Great, that's settled then. Starsky tell Hutchinson and inform him I'll need some details from him for accounting."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, I'll do that."

Starsky nodded to the rest of the squad, grabbed his jacket and headed out. He was going to Hutch's place to tell him the good news straightaway. He could've called, but he wanted to see Hutch's face when he heard the news.

Hutch would be embarrassed that everyone now knew about his generosity but also relieved that there wouldn't be any more snide comments. He'd also be pleased as punch that Kiko would definitely get to go to camp!