Chapter 3
Hutch sat at his desk reviewing mug photos; his eyes fell on one picture. "Damian." He stood up and walked toward his captain's office, the door was already partly open, so he pushed it the rest of the way open with his foot. He tossed the photo on the desk. Captain Dobey studied the photograph. He glanced at his detective.
Hutch pointed to the photo. "Captain, this is Damian. Starsky arrested him for petty theft."
He held the photo toward Hutch; in a disheartened voice, he said. "Starsky wrote down the wrong name, and Damien walked."
Hutch pointed a finger at his captain. "You know the doctor released him too soon."
Don't you think I know that, Hutchinson? I'm doing everything I can to clear him."
The detective rubbed the back of his neck. "Why the hell would Damian want my partner?" He bent down, putting his hands on the desk. "It's like a puzzle, where are the missing pieces."
"Hutchinson, We don't have any proof it was Damian."
Hutch, in frustration, racked his hand through his hair. "You want proof? Forensics is checking for fingerprints right now. You'll get all the proof you need. That's my gut feeling."
He knew when one of his boys had that gut instinct; they were right.
The big captain stood up and put his hand on his detectives shoulder. "We need to get our boy back. What can I do?"
Hutch handed him a card with the number to the Pitts on it. "Keep in touch with Huggy. He's the only one I can trust right now."
He took the card and put it in his pocket. Then he looked up; his detective had already left.
He grabbed the phone. This is Captain Dobey. I need information on a Damian Nicole. I need it today. His family, friends, and coworkers."
The voice on the phone said, "Captain, this is too short of a notice."
Minnie peeked in the already open door. "I can have this for you today, Captain."
He, didn't say a word into the phone; he put it back on the base. Then he addressed Minnie. "Thank you. Starsky's life depends on it."
"I heard from Dr. Monroe that he never released Starsky for duty. One of the new nurses mistakenly released him. Also, Starsky didn't write the wrong name down on his report. Officer Henderson's wife came to eat lunch with him. Their son drew on a piece of paper and changed the name on Starsky's report. He didn't know he was doing anything wrong."
She handed the report to her captain. "Forensics analyzed the handwriting, which belonged to the child. She shrugged her shoulders and left. The door closed behind her.
Captain Dobey shook his head in concern. He reached for the phone to call Deputy Police Chief Reasoner.
Starsky was cleared of any wrongdoing.
~ ~ ~
Think before you
accuse
Those harsh words
hang
in the air
~~ ~
The blonde detective leaned against the wall in the hallway. "He became distressed and muttered. "All the officers in this city and Starsky cannot be found." He became aware of the officers staring, so he waved his hand in anger. "Mind your own business."
He opened the door to the men's room and bent over the sink, splashing water on his face. Then he grabbed a paper towel to dry his face. The detective looked up; his mouth dropped. On the mirror, in blood, was written, "WHERE'S YOUR PARTNER?"
Hutch quickly opened the door, stood in the hallway, scanning all directions. He heard a voice and turned, his captain was coming down the hall. "What is it, Hutchinson? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I hope not. That might be Starsky's blood on the mirror." He gestured toward the bathroom.
Captain Dobey glanced into the bathroom. The sight he saw was unbelievable: the smeared blood had formed letters on the mirror. He came out with a look of horror. "We need the forensic team now!"
One of the officers ran swiftly to get help.
The team came rapidly and began taking samples of the blood, checking for fingerprints.