Author: Daydreamer
Posted: 21 February 2003

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

"Anything else you can tell us, Ronnie?" Starsky asked the scantily clad young woman.

Ronnie shook her head. "Just what I said. It's different girls. They pick the ones with kids and threaten to hurt 'em. Don't make any of 'em do it long-term, that's why they been gettin' away with it so long." She smiled and moved her hand over her exposed abdomen. "A girl'll do anything for her kid."

"You trying to tell us something, hon?" Hutch asked, his his eyes watching her hand on her belly.

She laughed a little, uncomfortable, and pulled her hand away. "Yeah, well, this is my last night out," she said. I just need a little more, and then I'm outta here."

"Where you going, babe?" Hutch was already reaching for his wallet as he spoke.

"This new place -- other side of town. Sort of a shelter for girls who want to get off the street. Woman named Anna runs it."

"Heard about that," Starsky said. "Bethany went there, didn't she?"

Ronnie nodded. "Beth and Janet and Chantal. They all got jobs now -- real jobs. Anna helps with everything. Place to stay, schoolin' if that's what you want, a job. And," she stroked her belly again, "if you need medical care for anything, Anna can set that up too."

"How much do you need, Ronnie?" Hutch asked, but the girl shook her head.

" 's okay, Hutch," she said softly. "I'll be all right."

"No," Hutch said, pressing a bill into her hand. "Take this and get off the street. If you're getting out, then get out. Go on over to Anna's tonight." He cocked his head as the girl slowly folded the bill and tucked it in her bra. "Or at least go home tonight."

A single tear glistened on her ebony cheek as she nodded. "Thanks, Hutch."

"You got a ride, babe?" Starsky asked and she nodded again.

"Yeah. One of the other girls is helping me get my stuff together in the morning. She's got a car and she's gonna take me over."

Hutch reached out and touched the girl's arm. "You can do this, Ronnie. It's the right thing." He patted her tummy gently and added, "Let us know what flavor you get."

She giggled and said, "Yeah, yeah. I will. And thanks, you guys. You may be cops, but you've always been the good ones." With a sway of her hips, she turned and sauntered away.

They watched her till she turned the corner, then headed back to the Torino. "That was your emergency hundred, Hutch," Starsky said.

Hutch shrugged. "Looked like an emergency to me."

"You're too soft, blintz, you know that?" Starsky said, reaching over to ruffle Hutch's hair.

"Like you don't care," Hutch responded, smiling.

Starsky shrugged. "I'd like to meet this Anna," he said.

"Me, too," Hutch agreed. "But for now, we need to focus on finding someone who'll admit to ferrying drugs for McNeill."

"Threatening kids," Starsky grumbled as he turned the key and the engine roared to life. "Like drugs ain't bad enough? He's gotta threaten the girls' kids, too?"

Hutch reached out and gently ran the back of his hand down his partner's jaw line. "Now who's a softy?" he asked with a smile.

Starsky frowned, then shrugged. "Guy's a scum bag."

"One of these girls has to know how to contact him." Hutch reached out and balanced one hand on the dash as Starsky took a turn. "We need to find out who has kids."

"Sweet Alice?" Starsky asked.

"Sweet Alice," Hutch agreed.

"Alice?" Hutch called, as he banged on the door again. "It's me -- Hutch." He waited, then looked quizzically at his partner.

Starsky shrugged. "Wanna leave a note?"

Hutch shook his head. "It just feels wrong, Starsk. She's always home in the mornings. She, uh, sleeps in." He banged again. "Sweetness?"

"Maybe she had an appointment," Starsky offered and Hutch glared at him balefully. He held his hands up in surrender. "Not that kind of appointment," he hastened to add. "Just, you know, doctor or dentist or something."

A door opened across the hall. "She's not there," the old woman said shortly.

"Do you know where she is?" Hutch gave the old woman his most charming smile but her eyes narrowed anyway as she looked at him distrustfully.

"Why?" she asked.

Starsky pulled out his badge and said, "We need to talk to her."

"Why do you people always have to hassle her? She's a sweet girl. Never a problem, stays to herself but never too busy to help an old woman when it's needed. What she does doesn't hurt anyone. Why can't you just leave her alone?" The woman's voice had gotten progressively higher and shriller as she carried on her tirade, and it broke on the last word, just as she slammed her door shut.

Hutch rolled his eyes at his partner, then reached out and gently cuffed him on the head. "Nice one, Starsk," he said, "you just had to show the badge, didn't you?"

Starsky lifted his hands in surrender. "Hey!" he protested, "How was I supposed to know she'd think we were here to hassle Alice?"

Hutch grabbed the other man's arm and towed him forward to stand outside the old woman's door. He knocked softly. "Ma'am?" he called out, "can you come to the door again, please?" He waited a few seconds then knocked again.

They could hear feet shuffling, then the click of locks being undone, but when the door finally opened this time, it was secured by a chain and the wizened old face peered up at them through the crack. "What?" the woman demanded.

Hutch took a deep breath. "We're here to see Alice, yes, ma'am, but not because she's in trouble. I'm her friend." He waited a minute, then pulled out his own badge and held it up. "I'm Ken Hutchinson."

The door slammed shut, but opened again immediately as the chain was removed. "You're her Hutch?" the woman asked, eyeing him boldly up and down. She took his arm and almost yanked him into the crowded little apartment. "You're Alice's Aslan," she crowed delightedly.

"Excuse me?" Hutch asked in confusion.

"You're her Aslan -- the one who appears when she needs you."

"Aslan?" Hutch asked, with a quick look at Starsky who shrugged.

"You don't know Aslan?" the old woman asked incredulously. She gestured for them to take a seat on the couch, then tottered over to a bookcase and drew out a tattered, oversized paperback. "You're the one who was making her believe in a different world."

She opened the book and began to read out loud.

"It was a Lion. Huge, shaggy and bright, it stood facing the risen sun. Its mouth was wide open in song and it was pacing to and fro about the empty land. And as Aslan walked and sang, the valley grew green with grass. It spread out from the Lion like a pool. It ran up the sides of the little hills like a wave.

"In a few minutes it was creeping up the lower slopes of the distant mountains, making that young world every moment softer. A light wind could now be heard ruffling the grass which was sprinkled with daisies and buttercups. Along the river bank, willows were growing; on the other side, tangles of flowering currant, lilac, wild rose and rhododendron closed them in.

"All this time the Lion's song and his stately prowl, to and fro, backward and forward, continued. It was clear that all the things were coming 'out of the Lion's head.' When you listened to his song you heard the things he was making up; and when you looked around you, you saw them all."

She closed the book and looked at Hutch. "You made her believe she could live in another world. You created that for her."

Hutch shook his head. "Alice always had the choice. The ability to be different was within her."

"Maybe your faith gave her the strength she needed." The woman dropped her head, shaking it sadly. "We'll never know now."

"Why?" Hutch asked sharply.

"Because of the fight."

"What fight?" This time is was Starsky who spoke, jumping in to cut off Hutch's question.

"The man who was over there with her -- with Alice. They were fighting. She yelled at him that she was independent, he wasn't going to carry her. And then he yelled back 'we'll see about that.'" The old woman was pacing now, obviously worried. "I heard the door slam and I went and peeked out the window. I saw him pushing her into a car."

"Did you see the car? Do you know what kind it was? Did you get a license plate number?" Hutch fired the questions fast and furious.

The old woman shook her head sorrowfully. "It was blue, light blue. I'm sorry, I don't know anything about cars, and my eyes, well, they aren't what they used to be. I couldn't see the plate."

"Why didn't you call for help?" Starsky asked, rising. "Why didn't you report it?"

The old woman looked at him in disgust. "Like anyone's going to be concerned over what happens to a hooker," she said with anger, but then her voice softened as she looked at Hutch and added, "I didn't know Alice's Aslan was a cop. I would have called him."

"What do you want to do now?" Starsky asked as they walked back out to the car.

Hutch shrugged. "I'm thinking we should try and track her down, but I can't begin to think how," he sighed. "And as much as I may not like to admit it, this could be nothing more than a consensual scene she set up with one of her clients."

"Or she could be in trouble," Starsky said.

"Yeah," Hutch agreed morosely. "She could be in trouble."

The dark-haired man stopped and waited until his partner stopped as well. "What's your heart say, Hutch?" he asked softly.

"Something's changed; something's different," the blond responded without thinking. He sighed heavily and began walking again, Starsky following. "But I really don't know where to start to look for her."

Both men climbed into the Torino and Starsky turned the key, then paused before putting the gearshift into drive. "Let's go see if we can find out anything on McNeill from the girls at this new place Ronnie talked about. Then, we can come back tonight and check on Alice. And if she's still not home, we'll make the rounds, see if anyone's seen her." He reached out and touched his partner. "That work for you, Hutch?" he asked gently.

The blond lifted a hand and scrubbed his face, then let it cover Starsky's. The touch was comforting, intimate, and he was reminded of how well his partner knew him. "Works for me, Starsk," he said, squeezing the strong hand beneath his own. He released Starsky and leaned back, closing his eyes as the other man put the car in gear and pulled away. "I'm anxious to see this Anna who can entice girls like Chantal and Ronnie off the street."

The drive back to the precinct was made in a companionable silence and both men moved quickly into the building once there. At the first turn in the hallway, they stopped as Starsky said, "I'll go to Vice and get an address on Anna's place. You go talk to Dobey -- let him know what we've found about McNeill so far."

Hutch nodded and without another word, they separated.

He'd almost finished updating the Captain when Starsky slipped in to join them. He was holding a slip of paper in his hand, and at the question on the other men's faces, he said, "Address on Anna's. You'd have thought I was asking for top secret national security info. Apparently Anna is well-liked, well-respected and they don't want her hassled. Hooper told me, and I quote, 'Do not go over there and piss the lady off. She's on our side and we want to keep it that way,' end quote."

Hutch chuckled. "Let's make sure we don't piss the lady off, then. It's not every day 'Hard Ass Hooper' has something nice to say about anyone." He turned and looked at Dobey. "I think that's it, Cap," he said. "Nothing else to tell you. We'll head over to Anna's and see if we can meet the lady, get her to let us talk to some of the girls and see if any of them can add anything to what Ronnie told us."

Dobey nodded, then frowned to hid his smile as he said gruffly, "Just don't piss the lady off."

Both detectives laughed as they headed out of the Captain's office, the door closing behind them. They stopped at their desks and Hutch took a moment to sit down and make a quick call, while Starsky made a pit stop. When his partner returned, Hutch looked up and said, "Alice has one arrest, eight years ago. I want to pick up a copy of her mug shot so we have a picture. Just in case we need it."

It was almost thirty minutes and much frustration later that Hutch and Starsky were finally in the car, picture in hand, and headed for the shelter that Anna ran for prostitutes looking for a different life. "I can't believe what a hard time that nitwit down in Records gave us," Hutch grumbled, venting his aggravation. "You'd think she thought mug shots were the sacred family photos the way she carried on about forms and authorizations and signatures."

"She's new, Hutch," Starsky soothed as he wheeled around a corner. "Give her a break. Don't you remember when your badge was all shiny and you didn't want to bend a single rule?"

"Hmmmphf," Hutch snorted. "I was never that rule-bound."

"Oh, yeah," Starsky said with a roll of the eyes. "That was you -- Mr. Congeniality as a rookie." He slowed for a stoplight and glared at the teenagers in the next car. The kids turned to look at the Torino, not an unusual occurrence, but this time Starsky held up his badge and mimed turning down the radio, which they did.

Hutch laughed. "What was that all about?" he asked as the light turned and the car moved forward.

"Did you hear the words to that song, Hutch? Geez ... I'm just glad my mother wasn't here ..."

"You didn't like their choice in music so you intimidated them?"

"Hey," Starsky said with a shrug and a smile, "there is a noise ordinance. And besides," he looked over and smiled at his partner, "you're right. I didn't like their choice of music and I shouldn't have to listen to it. Ain't that part of the respect people are supposed to have for each other?"

"Yeah, it is," Hutch said, continually amazed by new facets of his partner's personality. "But anyway," he began, changing the subject abruptly, "how do you want to approach this woman Anna?" He paused a moment, checking through his memory. "I don't think I've ever heard anyone mention her last name -- not even the guys in Vice gave me a last name."

"Think they know?"

Hutch shrugged. "Somebody's got to know. She either owns or rents the property she's using. Gotta have a power bill, phone bill, that kind of thing. If it becomes an issue, we can find out."

Starsky nodded as he leaned forward and looked around his partner, reading the house numbers as he moved slowly up the street. "612, 616, 620 -- ah, here it is. 624." He let out a low whistle as he pulled to the curb. "Nice house."

"It's huge," Hutch agreed. "Guess she'd need something big if she's taking in strays."

"Gotta support this whole urban renewal thing, eh, Hutch?" Starsky commented as they climbed the steps to the large front porch. "All those baby boomers who grew up in environmentally-aware sixties and now want to settle down with families of their own in the seventies -- still trying to maintain their convictions in conservation. Even if it is only conservation of older homes."

Hutch snorted. "When did you become a philosopher?"

Starsky rang the bell. "Not phil-los-o-phizing. Just saying -- and wondering how the hell she got permits to take in hookers and their kids in this bastion of middle American family values."

"Anyone ever tell you you got a cynical streak, partner?" Hutch asked as the door opened.

A young woman, neatly dressed in a pair of slacks and simple blouse stood in the doorway. A small child clung to the back of her leg and peeked up at them. "Can I help you?" she asked with a smile -- a smile that grew as recognition lit her face. "Hutch! Starsky! Whatcha doin' here?"

The two men exchanged a puzzled glance. "Do we know you?" Starsky asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he struggled to place the girl.

"Bethany!" she chortled. "I look real different, don't I?"

"Beth?" Hutch's jaw dropped in amazement. "God Lord, girl, I'd have never known you."

"Yeah -- wearing real clothes makes a difference," Bethany said with a smile as she bent down and picked up the little boy, propping him on her hip.

"Your hair ..." Hutch murmured.

"Always was dark," Bethany offered, "I just used to dye it 'cause the men seemed to like blonde better." She dropped her head as if embarrassed. "Paid more."

There was an awkward silence, then Starsky reached out and took the toddler's hand. "Who's this big guy, Beth?" he asked, playing with the child's fingers.

"My son," the girl said proudly, "David." She hitched the boy up on her hip again and said in a gentle tone, "Davey, these guys are policemen. Can you say hello?"

" 'lo," the little boy said, smiling shyly. He seemed fascinated with Starsky large fingers and was busy comparing them to his own.

"Great name," Starsky said with a grin. "Kid's bound to turn out a winner."

At Bethany's curious look, Hutch jerked his thumb in his partner's direction. "David Michael Starsky," he said rolling his eyes, then joining in the girl's laughter.

"All right, you two," Starsky said, laughing as well. "You pick on us, and us two Davids just might have to show you how strong we are, right, Tiger?" he said, pulling his hand away slowly and ruffling the child's hair. He took a step back, then met the girl's eyes. "Beth, we need to see Anna."

The girl shook her head. "She's not here. She hasn't been coming over much -- not since she broke her foot. Jason insists she keep it up, and when she's here, she won't stay off it." Bethany smiled as she shook her head again. "We all tried to make her sit, but she was always jumping up, after one of the kids, or trying to help one of the girls with something, answering the phone or the door. She just wouldn't be still, and Jason finally insisted she stay at his place for a while."

"Jason?"

"Her boyfriend. I think they're going to get married." Bethany paused. "Well, he wants to get married anyway. Anna sorta keeps putting him off." She shrugged. "She keeps telling him she wouldn't do that to him -- whatever that means."

Starsky looked at Hutch, then asked, "Bethany? Can we ask you some questions? About Sean McNeill?"

The girl paled at the name and clutched her child tightly, making the little boy squirm. He kicked chubby little legs and whined, drawing his mother's attention. She put him down, then swatted his behind gently as she said, "Go play in the back room with Theresa, Davey," watching to see that the boy toddled off obediently. "We all help out with the kids," she said by way of explanation. "Some of us work, some are in school. That's me. I'm going to school and I just didn't have class today. That's why I'm home. When I'm in class, one of the other girls watches Davey for me."

"Sounds like a great program," Hutch said encouragingly. "Anna's really helping to make a difference, wouldn't you say?"

Bethany nodded enthusiastically. "I don't think I would have made it in a regular shelter. Too many people being too judgmental. Thinking I'm a bad mother and I don't love my kid -- just because of what I used to do."

"But you do love your kid, don't you, Beth?" Starsky pushed. "That's why you were willing to run drugs for McNeill, right? To take care of little Davey?"

"You here to arrest me?" the girl asked defensively. "Planning on taking us all in?

Hutch shook his head. "Not at all. We just want a name."

Bethany crossed her arms across her chest. "You already got the main name -- McNeill. Just go get him."

"We can't tie him to the drugs -- you know that, Beth," said Starsky. "Give us the little player -- the one who threatened you."

Bethany shook her head. "I can't. I start talking, it gets back to McNeill, he'll come after me. I got outta the business because of my boy -- I'm not gonna risk him now."

"He won't know it's you, Beth, I promise," Hutch swore. "We won't move on him until we're sure we can get them all -- nobody'll be left to threaten you."

The girl lifted a hand to her mouth and nibbled on a fingernail, indecision on her face.

"What's to keep him from coming back for you, Bethany?" Starsky added. "What's to keep him from making you do it again? Or worse -- what if he waits a few years, until Davey is five or six? What if he wants to use Davey to carry the drugs? You gonna let that happen?

The girl's eyes filled with tears. "I'm out," she said, the tears beginning to fall. "I'm trying to put it all behind me."

"Then put it behind you," Hutch said earnestly. "Make sure it's so far behind you, nothing can come back and haunt you -- or Davey."

The girl wiped her face, surprisingly young and fresh-looking with the complete lack of make-up, then nodded abruptly. "Slick Sam," she said quietly. "He's the one who contacted me."

"Anyone with him?"

She nodded again. "His running mates." She looked up an met Hutch's eyes. "You know who they are."

"Paul Merrit and Diego Rodriguez." He announced the names and waited for confirmation.

"Yeah," Bethany said slowly. "Pauly and Diego. I was working over by Louie's off 14th; they hang at the pool hall over there."

"Thanks, babe," Hutch said, patting her shoulder gently. "Tell Anna we came by, okay? We want to meet her. Oh, and what is her full name?"

The girl looked up and smiled. "Anna. Anna Kaye."

"Great," Hutch responded. "Tell Miss Kaye that we are looking forward to meeting her."

Bethany nodded again, but kept her head down as if to hide her face.

"Take care of little Davey," Starsky said, his hand coming up under her chin to nudge her head upwards. He smiled brightly at her and at the mention of her son, she smiled as well. Starsky dropped his hand and stepped back, moving down the steps to wait on the sidewalk for his partner.

Hutch reached out and touched the girl's shoulder as he said, "Take care of yourself, too, okay?"

The girl's head came up resolutely. "I'm trying. Anna's teaching me how. She's teaching all of us."

The rest of the day was spent in the office, running known associates of McNeill, Merrit, and Rodriguez, looking for connections. It took a while, but eventually a connection did emerge. Merrit's sister's husband had done time with McNeill's cousin. It was tenuous, but it was more than they'd had and by the end of the day they were decided that the sister was the best one to press for information. They'd pick her up tomorrow.

In the meantime, they were heading back to Alice's. Ostensibly, they were still trying to find out anything she might know that would help make the case against McNeill, but Starsky knew that at this point, they were going because Hutch was worried.

"Why don't you wait here," Hutch said as he climbed out of the Torino. "Even if she's home, I won't be long."

Starsky nodded, then leaned his head back, his fingers tapping on the steering wheel in rhythm with the radio.

"We get it almost every night
When that ol' moon gets-a big and bright
It's a supernatural delight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight"

Starsky's groin tightened as his mind was suddenly filled with images of Hutch. Tall and lean and naked, golden in the moonlight. Strong arms wrapped around him, those huge hands, rough and callused, clutching at the globes of his ass. Dancing in the dark on their deck.

Starsky grinned wolfishly. Supernatural delight indeed.

The music changed and Starsky shifted in the seat as he waited for Hutch to return.

"I feel the earth move under my feet
I feel the sky tumbling down, tumbling down
I feel my heart start to trembling
Whenever you're around"

Starsky let his hand drop to his lap, pressing against the bulge there. He groaned in frustration and turned to stare at the empty walkway to the apartment building, willing his partner to appear.

"Ready for a little earth moving, babe," he whispered to himself.

"With a little luck baby we could set it off
Send it rocketing skywards.
With a little luck we could shake it up
Oh yeah.
With a little luck we can help it out
We can make this whole damn thing work out ...
With a little push we could set it off
We can send it rocketing skywards
With a little love we could shake it up
Don't you feel the comet exploding
wo-wo-o."

His jeans were now impossibly tight and he was impossibly hard. He reached out and twisted the radio dial as far to the left as he could, sighing in relief as the music was silenced.

It was a conspiracy -- a damned conspiracy. Every single song was designed to turn him on and make him long for Hutch. He leaned back again and began to mentally review their old cases, anything to take his mind off the ache in his balls. But the cases just reminded him of Hutch and how well they worked together, and that just reminded him of how well they fit together, and that just reminded him ...

He groaned and looked up again. At last. Hutch was coming back. Starsky took a moment and looked carefully around them. It was almost dark, the street was deserted. He waited until the blonde was in the car, then leaned over and kissed him thoroughly.

Hutch stiffened at first, then relaxed under Starsky's touch, opening and responding to the dark-haired man. When they finally broke apart, he sighed. "Miss me?" he asked, his lips quirked in a half-smile.

Starsky flushed and bobbed his head in a quick nod. "Damn radio. Every song they played made me think of you."

Hutch placed his hand on his partner's leg, letting it wander upwards until he touched hardness, then pulled back. "Let's go home then, and do more than think."

Starsky nodded, unable to speak, as he started the car and pulled out. After several blocks, he found his voice and asked, "Was she home?""

Hutch shook his head. "No. The old lady across the hall still hadn't seen her, either."

"I was thinking ..." Starsky began.

Hutch's hand darted out again to playfully graze his partner's groin. "I know," he said with a smile. "You told me."

Starsky rolled his eyes. "Why do I always feel guilty for being such a randy dog?" He glanced at Hutch out of the corner of his eye as he gently removed the distracting hand from his lap. "You're ten times worse than I am."

Hutch snorted. "I'm not worse, babe," he said as he settled on his side of the car. "I'm -- enthusiastic."

"Anyway," Starsky went on, "I was thinking. Let's go home, get something to eat and then clean up. Then we can go hit some of the places Sweet Alice frequents."

"Sound like a plan," Hutch agreed. "I know we've pretty much got what we need to move on McNeill now, but I'll feel a lot better if I know she's okay."

Starsky nodded. "And if we don't find her tonight, how about we ride up to Jamison tomorrow -- maybe we can show that picture you got and see what name Alice used up there. Might help us find her." He pulled to a stop at a red light.

"Thanks, Starsky," Hutch said, his eyes closed.

Starsky leaned over, kissing Hutch lightly on the cheek. "You can thank me properly when we get home."

The trip to Jamison had revealed that Alice had registered under the name of Mary Keczan. She'd been a good student and had graduated last May with a degree in Psychology. The Psych professor they spoke to indicated she was planning to come back and pursue her master's. She'd done several papers on different women's issues, from sexual abuse to battered wives and prostitution.

"All things she has first-hand knowledge of," Hutch mused as they made the drive back to Bay City. "I just don't understand why she's still working the street. She's got a college degree now, for Christ's sake."

Starsky shrugged. "Maybe she's just afraid to make the change. What she does is familiar to her -- there's a certain comfort in the familiar, ya know?"

"She's so much better than that," Hutch said sadly. "I don't know what to do to help her."

Starsky reached out and touched his partner's arm. "Just what you've been doing, buddy. Be her friend. Be there for her. Help her when she'll let you."

Hutch nodded and covered Starsky's hand with his own for a moment before letting go to allow the other man both hands for a sharp right turn. He stared out the window in silence until they were back in Bay City's limits. Then he turned and faced his partner, grateful that the man understood him well enough to give him space when he needed it. "You ready to go pick up Merrit's sister?" he asked.

"I thought we'd go see Huggy first -- see what he can tell us about Slick Sam and his goons." Starsky glanced at Hutch, seeing the blond nodding. "I called him yesterday and told him what we were looking for."

"Connections through Slick Sam, Merrit, and Rodriguez to McNeill?"

"Yeah," Starsky said. "Who they run with, what they're into, that kind of thing."

Hutch nodded. "Sounds good. We can eat lunch while we're there."

They pulled up at The Pits and Starsky parked in the alley. They walked into the kitchen through the back door that was opened to vent the heat of the ovens and stoves. "Hug?" Starsky called, waiting as the slender man placed a pan in an oven and closed the door. "We're starving, man," he announced plaintively.

"For what?" Huggy asked as he walked over and steered the two cops to a small table off to the side by the freezer that the kitchen workers used for their meals. "Food or information?"

"Both," Starsky replied.

"Then sit," Huggy ordered, "and let The Bear provide you with food for the stomach and food for thought." He walked over to the counter workspace and began to pull out bread and condiments. Before long, he had two large sandwiches, which he placed on paper plates, garnished with pickles and chips, and served with a flourish as he joined the detectives at the table.

"What's on your minds, gents?" he asked.

"McNeill," Hutch mumbled around a mouthful of ham and cheese. " 's good," he added with a nod.

"Can't help you with The Man himself -- you already know what I know. His cousin -- Merrit's sister. That's the connection there."

"Tell us something we don't know, Hug," Starsky groused, munching on his sandwich.

"Not all the girls who were working part-time for McNeill were in Slick Sam's stable. They leaned on some of the independents, and Carmelita's ladies as well."

"Carmelita's got that big bruiser working for her," Hutch said as he sipped the juice that had appeared before him. He smiled when he realized Huggy had managed to produce root beer for his partner. It was nice when your friends knew your likes and dislikes. Even his sandwich had been perfect -- light mayo, no mustard.

"Roddy," Starsky supplied helpfully. "His name is Roddy."

"And why do you suppose he's called Roddy?" Huggy asked, smiling.

Starsky shrugged. "Short for Roderick?"

"Nope." Huggy smiled. "Try short for Rodriguez."

"Shit!" Starsky threw the last little bit of his sandwich onto the plate. "He's related to Diego. Slick Sam and Carmelita are working together. And by making it look like they're holding separate territory, they've doubled what they hold and can keep the other pimps out." He picked up a pickle and nibbled.

"So where do McNeill and the girls come in?" Hutch asked.

"Let's think this through," Starsky said. "Slick Sam and Carmelita control half the stabled girls in the city. Those girls would at least know some of the independents. And I bet the girls with kids all sorta know each other." He shrugged apologetically at the look he was given. "I mean, it's got to be a small group, right? How many hookers do you think have kids?"

"More than you want to imagine, my man," Huggy said sadly. "Way more."

"Okay," Hutch acceded. "But still, a lot of them would know each other, right?"

"Probably," Starsky agreed.

"So it becomes a Judas game. The first girl is strong-armed in, then she has to continue until she gives up another girl. Or something bad will happen to her kid." Hutch snorted in disgust, then picked up his and Starsky's plates and rose, taking three steps to a large garbage can and depositing them there. He moved back to the table and looked down at the seated men. "Some choice. No wonder the girls are running scared."

"As I see it, we have two options," Starsky said, his face hard. "We find out which girl's making the run and follow her, or ..."

"We get someone to give up the drop point."

"How's McNeill using these girls?" Huggy asked.

"Standard run to Mexico. Pick up the drugs. The girls bring 'em back inside. Border patrol just sees a nice couple who went over the border for the day."

"Don't they do random searches anymore?" Huggy was refilling Hutch's glass as he spoke.

"Yeah," said Starsky, "but only if someone meets the profile. And the profile doesn't include a man, a woman, and a child." His fist came down on the table with a loud bang.

"Too risky to follow the mule, isn't it?" Hutch said, shaking his head.

Starsky nodded. "Can't put the kids in that much danger. We're gonna have to focus on the sister and finding the drop point." The dark-haired man lowered his head as he realized what getting the information would entail.

Hutch reached out and dropped his hand on his partner's shoulder and said, "It's okay, Starsk. I'll do it."

"Do what?" Huggy asked in confusion.

Hutch squeezed Starsky's shoulder, then straightened, his hands falling by his side. "We're going to have to push this woman to get the information we need. Push her hard."

"How?"

Hutch turned his head and looked away, refusing to meet either man's eyes. "The same way McNeill got his mules. We threaten her kids." He sighed and ran his hand over his face. "We threaten to take her kids away."

"You okay?" Hutch asked later that night as he lay in the bed, one arm wrapped around his partner. Dark curls spilled over his bare chest and tickled his chin.

"Yeah," Starsky said with a sigh. "I just hate doing that to a woman. I mean, losing her kids has got to be every mother's worst nightmare."

"We got what we needed," Hutch said, as he dropped a kiss on Starsky's head.

"I know," Starsky said, shifting beneath the sheet to move even closer to Hutch. "You were great, babe. Very intense -- and it worked." He sighed again, and relaxed into Hutch's hold. "I just don't like having to be like that. Not when it comes to someone's kids ..."

"Softy," Hutch teased, his hand coming up to tangle in the dark curls, fingers unconsciously smoothing snarls and knots.

"Yeah, that's me -- Jelly Belly Boy." Starsky squirmed in embarrassment. "

Hey," Hutch said soothingly, using touch to still the other man. "I like that side of you, babe. It's all part and parcel of what makes me love you." He waited until Starsky lifted his head up, then kissed him gently. When they settled again, almost ready for sleep, he said, "So. We know the drop's tomorrow. How're we gonna play this?"

The smaller man propped himself on an elbow and looked down at Hutch. The room was dark; the moon cast slivers of light across the bed. The blond's hair almost glowed in the silvered illumination and Starsky couldn't keep himself from reaching out to touch the silky strands. He stroked the downy softness as he spoke, his gentle caresses an odd counterpoint to his words. "I think we need to be set up in the warehouse they're going to. Establish a perimeter well in advance, with everyone out of sight. You, me, maybe a coupla others need to be inside. McNeill comes in, Merrit and Rodriguez come in with the girl, they make the swap and we nab 'em."

"Hmmmm," Hutch signed contentedly, turning his head to nuzzle the hand that still stroked his hair. "Sounds like a plan, my friend."

"You still want to check on Alice again, don't you?" Starsky asked.

Hutch nodded. "I can't believe she'd just disappear like that without telling me. I want to get this McNeill thing wrapped up and then spend some serious time tracking her down."

"We can go by her place again in the morning," Starsky offered. "Drop's not till late afternoon."

"Yeah, let's do that." Hutch pulled his partner back down, then rolled on his side, feeling Starsky spoon up behind him. "We can start early and go there first, then go over to the shelter again." "The elusive Anna's place?" Starsky laughed, his breath warm against the nape of Hutch's neck.

Hutch laughed. "Yeah, the elusive Anna. I figure if we keep stopping by, we're bound to run into her at some point." He sobered as he added, "I'm a little anxious to talk to her and see if she can give us some more names of girls who've made the run for McNeill. The more we have, the tighter the case will be."

"Right," Starsky nodded in agreement, then ran his hand along the blond's arm, his touch light over the muscled flesh. "But now, babe -- sleep." He placed his lips below the edge of Hutch's hair and kissed softly. "Just sleep."

"I can't believe Alice would just leave like that," Hutch said for the third time as they pulled away from the shelter.

"I can't believe we still haven't managed to meet this Anna person," Starsky grumbled.

"You'd have thought she'd have at least called me, left me a note. Something."

"I mean, I'm beginning to wonder if she really exists." Starsky pulled to a halt at a stop sign and tapped the side mirror as he waited for the intersection to clear.

"It was just weird -- all her personal stuff was gone, but none of the furnishings. And it was all hers, too." Hutch's hand went out to brace himself on the dash as the Torino surged forward. "She has to still be around somewhere."

"All those girls," Starsky muttered. "Maybe they just pooled their resources and 'Anna' is a cover to keep people from thinking it's a whorehouse."

"What?" Hutch turned and looked at this partner.

"What?" Starsky repeated back, eyes wide and confused.

"What's a whorehouse? Alice's place?"

"What the hell are you talking about, Hutch?" Starsky asked. "Alice's place is deserted."

"I know that," Hutch replied. "So why are you talking about whorehouses?"

"Not Alice's. Anna's," Starsky clarified.

"Anna's place is a whorehouse?"

Starsky shook his head, then pulled into the parking area for the station. "I didn't say that. I just said some people might think that -- that's why the girls need Anna." He turned and looked at his partner. "Whaddaya mean Alice has to still be around? I think she split for parts unknown."

"I really don't think so," Hutch said as they walked up the hallway to the squad room. "The old lady said there was a fight, some guy was trying to force her back into a stable."

"How do you get that?"

"Didn't she say Alice said something about not giving up her independence?" Hutch nodded grimly. "Something happened and I'm going to find out what it was. Then," he pushed the doors to the squad open and entered, "I'm going to find Sweet Alice."

"And then we'll introduce her to Anna, if she really exists," Starsky grumbled.

" 's a good idea, partner," Hutch said, his face brightening. "I know the shelter's only supposed to be for girls with kids, but there's bound to be something Alice could do to earn her keep."

Starsky nodded. "With that degree in Psychology, maybe she could, like, counsel the others or something. I mean, she'd be able to speak from experience."

"That's assuming that she's ready to make the change," Hutch said, his countenance returning to glum. "I've been trying to get her to get out for years now." The blond dropped down into his chair and rested his head in his hands.

Starsky patted his partner's back. "You've made progress, Hutch," he said encouragingly. "She went back to school, got the degree. Changes don't always happen all at once."

"I know," Hutch said, head nodding. "And I know no one can force another person to do anything, but damn, Starsky! She's just had such a shitty life and she deserves so much better!" His fist slammed onto his desk, punctuating his words.

"And she's taking steps to get to a better place, Hutch." Starsky said, taking his partner's hand before he could strike the desk again. He held it a moment then placed it gently on the paper blotter. "It all starts with baby steps. First she had to believe something else was possible -- you gave her that. Then she had to want it -- and she did that with your help. Now she's got to go after what she wants, and can't nobody do that but her. If Alice is gonna succeed, she's gotta do it herself."

Hutch nodded again, then ran his hand through his hair. "How'd you get to be so wise, Watson?" he asked with a sad smile.

"Been watching you for years, Holmes," Starsky replied as he moved to his own desk and sat down. "We'll find her, Hutch," he promised. "We'll figure out what's going on."

"I know," Hutch agreed as he visibly shook himself and straightened. "In the meantime, let's go over the plan for this afternoon."

The warehouse was large and had been vacant for a long time. Dust hung heavy in the hot air, and an odor of mold and mildew clung to the walls and cement floor. Huge mullioned windows banked one wall, the panes either filthy with accumulated grease and dirt or missing completely. The openness made it impossible to conceal people anywhere.

But at the same time, it would make it impossible for an exchange to occur without risk of observation from passersby on the street or the homeless who frequented this part of town. There was only one place where the deal could go down -- a long and narrow office in the far left corner of the building. It snuggled in against two of the building's solid walls and was completed with two more plywood walls, knocked together at some point in the past but still well-constructed enough to have stood to this point in time. Inside, the floor was covered with a cheap harvest gold shag that was both filthy and damp. It made the room reek.

The entire back of the room was taken up by a walk-in vault. So obviously made of better materials and construction than anything else in the building, it begged the question of what exactly had this place been used for that required such top drawer security. But as that was neither easily answered nor pertinent to their case, it remained a mystery. The vault, however, would provide a place for Starsky and Hutch to hide and if they worked it right, they would be able to at least hear what went on in the office, and hopefully be able to observe as well.

By noon, Starsky and Hutch were being wired and techs were examining the vault to determine the best way to use their one available option. Experimentation with the combination lock on the vault door revealed that if the tumblers remained in one place, the door could be pushed shut and pulled open again with no problem. That would let the two detectives remain out of sight from inside, but still be able to push open the door and surprise anyone in the office.

Microphones were placed under the carpet and in the vault and two hidden cameras were concealed in the drop ceiling. The remainder of the hastily assembled task force would be distributed in and around the surrounding buildings and hiding in plain sight in the guise of street people and other pedestrians. Video and audio would be monitored from a phone company van parked two blocks away. One last check of all systems, and the plan was fully approved and signed off on. All the players were in position by one o'clock, a full three hours before the designated drop time. Starsky and Hutch settled into the vault, door shut but unlocked, and prepared to wait.

They passed the time playing cards and talking about everything and nothing. Starsky's uncle was going to have surgery. Hutch had gotten a letter from his mother. They needed to decide if they wanted to continue to rent the place they had, or if they were ready to take the plunge and buy something together. Starsky was still trying to convince Hutch to invest in a decent car; he didn't think he'd even get the other man to consider investing in a house, but Hutch had been remarkably open to the suggestion. They talked about Alice and Ronnie and Gillian and what made young women become prostitutes and what should be done to stop it before it began. They talked about kids in trouble and kids on the street and kids doing drugs and worked their way through at least fifty different solutions to the problems of the world. And they talked about how cops impacted those solutions, and what they were going to do as the years passed and being on the street grew harder and harder.

The heads up came right on time and both moved to their prearranged spots -- Starsky on the left wall and Hutch on the right. Placement accounted for each of their preferences of drawing their gun across their chest and for the fact that Starsky was a lefty while Hutch drew right. Moving it to one side, Hutch flicked off the lamp they'd used to illuminate the windowless steel room. Starsky reached out and pulled the heavy door closed, effectively dropping them into pitch blackness. With no conversation for distraction, the silence hung between them. Slowly they became aware of muffled sounds from the outside and then the audio piped in through their ear pieces.

It went down hard and fast. The drugs were produced, the money exchanged, and the detectives exploded from the vault. Total confusion reigned as the four men involved in the drug deal produced weapons and began firing.

A woman, a small blonde with short hair, stood frozen like a deer in headlights and Hutch leapt across the room, tackling her to the floor. He dragged her back toward the vault, then pushed her into it and was surprised when she clung to him so tightly he was dragged in as well. Before he realized what had happened, the door had been pushed shut and he listened in horror as he heard the click of tumblers being moved.

"Oh, shit," he said in disgust as he holstered his weapon. He turned to face the blonde. "You okay?"

She nodded, then dropped to sit on the floor. Hutch felt around in the dark until he found the small lamp, and turned it on.

From outside, the sounds of gunshots ceased and within two minutes, Starsky was there, calling him.

"I can't believe you got yourself locked in the vault, you big dummy," he teased.

Hutch rolled his eyes. "Just lay off and find somebody to get us out, will you?" he responded. "You get everything mopped up?"

"Yeah, everyone's accounted for. You got the girl?"

Hutch looked over at the woman, then looked again. "Alice?" he asked in wonder.

"Hey, Handsome," she drawled from her place on the floor.

"I've been looking for you," he said softly.

She gave a nervous laugh. "Guess you found me."

He nodded, then returned his attention to the door. "I got her, Starsk, and guess what? We found Alice."

There was silence, then Starsky said, "You're shitting me."

"I'll let you know what this is all about," Hutch promised. "Just get someone to get us out, all right?"

"You got it, buddy," Starsky replied. "Just hang tough."

Hutch turned back and looked down at Alice, then folded his long legs and joined her on the floor. "You cut your hair," he said in surprise. "From Farah Fawcett to Dorothy Hamill."

Alice laughed. "I'm surprised you know that."

"We were undercover as hairdressers once," Hutch responded. "Why'd you do it?" He reached out and gently touched the straight edge of the bob. "It was so pretty long."

Alice shrugged. "Time for a complete change. The hair was just part of it. Name, address, occupation. It all had to change."

"That why you used Mary Keczan at the college?"

"I used Mary Keczan at the college because that's my name," Alice said patiently.

Hutch shook his head and his voice hardened. "If you're making a complete change, why are you running drugs for McNeill?"

"Hutch," Alice said softly, "why do you assume the worst? I know how this looks, but come on. You know me. Have I ever been involved in drugs?"

Hutch shook his head slowly. "No. You made some bad choices, but that wasn't one of them."

"Right," Alice agreed. "Choices that I'm trying to change. Choices that you helped me see didn't have to be permanent."

"You've always had the option to change your mind, Alice. Change your mind, change your job, change your life."

"It sounds so simple when you say it," Alice said with a slow smile. "You don't understand how hard it was for me to believe it."

"You're right," Hutch said, nodding. "I don't understand." He looked Alice squarely in the eyes. "You're smart, you're capable, you're confident. You're strong and determined and you could do anything you want. Hell, Alice, you've got a college degree now and what do I find you doing?" He turned away in disgust. "You're outta the prostitution business but now you're working for a slime like McNeill."

"I know the girl who was supposed to make this run. The girl before her ended up dead. Theresa was terrified. It was enough to make her take her kid and run. But Sam would have just gone after someone else." Alice held her head up defiantly. "I have less to lose than someone with a child, so I said I'd do it."

"Jesus, Alice, are you nuts?" Hutch cried. "What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking that if I did it and got away with it, I happened to know a couple of cops who could advise me on how to provide evidence to make it stop for good."

"You should have come to me first," Hutch complained.

"Would you have agreed to let me do this?" she asked.

He shook his head slowly. "No," he said, "probably not."

"Well then, there you have it."

"How did the other girl die?" Hutch asked.

"Rodriguez made her swallow the stuff in balloons. Some of them burst."

Hutch's eyes widened in horror. "Did you? Alice? Are you ..."

She was shaking her head vehemently. "No, no," she soothed the worried man. "I'm trying to make better choices now," she said with a wry grin. "I refused to swallow -- carried it the old-fashioned way."

"Still dangerous," Hutch groused, his relief evident.

Alice shrugged.

"And agreeing to even do this is not an example of better decision-making, if you ask me."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "You know I love you, Handsome," she said slowly, "but I don't recall asking you about this decision."

Hutch studied the slender woman seated beside him. "You're doing all right, aren't you, Alice?" She nodded, smiling happily. "I've got my degree, got a job, met a man -- a good man, Hutch. Things are looking good."

"A man?" Hutch said teasingly.

She nodded eagerly. "Come see me this weekend. I want you to meet him."

Hutch nodded. "I'd like that. Where do you live now?"

She rattled off an address that sounded familiar and Hutch frowned when it finally came to him.

"Anna's? You're living at Anna's?"

She nodded, smiling.

"I thought that was only for girls with kids."

"It's for anyone who really needs help -- if they're willing to believe they can make a change and then willing to work to make it happen." Her smile widened as she reached out and took Hutch's hand. "You taught me that. Three basic steps. One -- someone to make the girls believe that another life is possible." She tightened her grip on his hand. "You did that for me, Hutch. After everything I'd seen, everything I'd experienced, I didn't believe there could be anything else, but you showed me different. You believed in me." She cleared her throat, then lifted a hand to wipe at eyes that threatened to spill tears. "Anna tries to be that person for these girls," she said, nodding.

"Two," she went on, "they have to want it. The girls still need someone encouraging them -- someone reminding them that they can make a different life." She leaned over and he dropped his arm around her, pulling her to his side. "You did that for me, Hutch. You told me being a prostitute was what I did, not what I was. It was the first time anyone had made that distinction. And you kept reminding me that you thought I was worthwhile, that I had value as a person, and not just a commodity."

"You do," he murmured, his own throat tight.

"Three. These girls then have to go out and make it happen. Anna tries to provide a support system for them, a safety net to help them if it gets rough, but making it work is up to them. Life has no safety net. It's like riding a bicycle -- you can start out with the training wheels, but if you're ever going to get anywhere, eventually you have to go solo."

"But Anna's there, right?" Hutch asked. "Like the parent that runs along behind the bike, just in case they're needed."

Alice nodded. "That's her plan -- get 'em believing, get 'em motivated, and get 'em out."

"Must be doing something right," he replied. "That huge house looked full every time Starsk and I went over."

"There's eight girls there now, and ten kids under the age of six." Alice leaned against Hutch, accepting his hug and returning it. "Anna's pretty happy about it all."

"I imagine she would be," he said. "Sounds like she's had quite an impact."

Alice nodded. "Anyway, come by this weekend and you can meet my beau."

Hutch could see the blush that colored her cheeks as she spoke and he laughed a little. "You must really care for him if it makes you blush just to talk about him," he teased.

She looked up at him seriously, "I do, Hutch, God, I do. He's -- well, you were first, you know, but Starsky got you ..." Her words trailed away as Hutch kissed the top of her head.

"Sweetness," he murmured.

"But Jason -- he's, well, wonderful. He really is. He knows all about me -- knows what I did and he doesn't care. He looks at me and he sees me." Her eyes were wide as she looked at Hutch. "You were the first man to really see me and I didn't think it could happen twice. But Jason does. He sees me and he loves me. It's," her hands fluttered helplessly in the air, "wonderful," she repeated.

There was a sound outside the vault and Hutch rose, pulling Alice up behind him. "Sounds like the cavalry has arrived," he said as they listened to Starsky calling.

"Hutch? You still there?"

Hutch moved to the door and hollered back, "Where else would we be?"

"All right, all right," Starsky complained. "Geez. Can the sarcasm, will ya?" There was a moment of silence, then he added, "The techie types will be here in a minute to get this door open. Just hang in there a little longer, okay?"

Hutch smiled at Alice. "Not a problem, partner," he called. "I've got good company."

"Hi," the tall man said, his hand extended. "You've got to be Hutch."

Hutch reached out and shook his hand, eyes open in surprise.

"Only six foot blond around," the man said with a smile. "She talks about you all the time."

Hutch looked up to meet the man's eyes. "Guess I'm lucky you're not the jealous type," he said, returning the man's smile.

"I'm the lucky one," the man said. "You're the one who gave my lady to me. I owe you a debt I can never repay." He turned and offered his hand to Starsky next. "And you must be Starsky," he added. "Welcome, both of you!"

They entered the house and followed the man back through to the large and airy kitchen. It seemed to be the hub of the house, with a huge table sitting in the center of the room about which all activities seemed to revolve.

Alice rose and walked over to Starsky, leaning in to kiss him on his cheek. "Starsky," she murmured.

"You're looking good, babe," he whispered back. "That is one big guy you've got there."

She smiled and gave a little giggle then went into Hutch's arms for a hug and kiss. "Handsome!" she exclaimed happily. "I am so happy to see you."

"Me too, Sweetness," he said, pleased by how normal she looked. He leaned close and whispered, "Being in love must agree with you -- you look great!"

She laughed delightedly and whispered, "You too," she said, smiling broadly as she looked over at Starsky and watched Hutch flush, "being in love is good for everyone."

"Ah, well, yes," Hutch stuttered, caught between awkward and uncomfortable and satisfied and complete.

"And Hutch?" Alice said sweetly, "I don't go by Alice anymore."

"Mary?" He tried it out, then nodded. "Mary," he said again. "I can get used to that."

She giggled, but said nothing and when Jason would have spoken, she waved him to silence.

"So ..." Hutch said quietly, "when do we get to meet the elusive Anna Kaye?"

Jason looked at Alice, puzzlement in his face but again she motioned him to be quiet. "I go by my real name, Hutch," Alice said. "My birth name."

"Mary Keczan?" he questioned.

She shook her head. "Mary Anna Keczan," she said firmly.

"Anna?" Hutch looked at Starsky who was grinning as if it had all been his idea, when he knew good and well the other man was just as surprised as he was. "But ..." he sputtered, "Ronnie told us her name -- your name was Anna Kaye."

"Anna K," Alice corrected, "as in the initial K."

"You're Anna," Hutch said, as it slowly sank in.

"I'm Anna," she agreed.

"And this is your place."

"I'm Anna," she repeated, "and this is my place."

End

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