His Home Is His Castle

Part 3

 

Starsky pulled the last page of his report out of his typewriter and signed his name with a flourish. "All done! At least that's one case we managed to close successfully."

Hutch frowned at his partner. "Yeah, but don't expect to score any brownie points with Dobey. He wasn't too happy when we told him that Roger Mallory dropped out of sight. We spent three weeks on that stake-out and weren't any closer to nabbing him then when we started. Now he's probably in some cantina down in Mexico, laughing his ass off at us."

"Hey, that wasn’t our fault. Palmer and Goddard were supposed to be watching him. They were the ones that let him get away."

"I know, but we still wasted three weeks on that scum and we don't have a thing to show for it. He's cost this city thousand's of dollars with his latest scam. To hear the Commissioner talk, you'd think it was coming right out of his pocket. He's on Dobey's back to put that creep behind bars and you know what that means."

"Yeah, it means Dobey's on our backs. But look on the bright side. We might not have Mallory, but he isn't in town running his little scam anymore, either. Sooner or later, he'll run out of money and won't be able to buy any more tequila. He'll come back looking for more suckers to con and then we'll get him."

Hutch grinned at him. "I'll let you tell that to the Commissioner when he comes around next time. I'm sure that will make him feel much better."

Starsky stuck his tongue out at the blond then jumped as the phone rang. Hutch laughed at his partner then answered the call.

"Hutchinson."

"Hey, Hutch, this is Bill Preston. I know you were asking about the guy that lives on 7^th street, so I thought you might like to know that we got another call from his neighbor tonight."

Hutch motioned for Starsky to pick up his phone. "What happened?"

"Same old thing, the neighbors heard someone yelling but when we checked it out, the guy said everything was fine."

"Did you talk to Mrs. Brewer?"

"Yeah, she said the same thing. She stood there right next to her husband and swore she was okay."

Hutch swore under his breath. "What did she look like? Did she have any marks on her?"

"Well, yeah, but she said she slipped in some grease and fell. Look, Hutch. We know this creep is beating up on his wife. He's not fooling us with these lame stories, but unless she files a complaint, there's nothing we can do. Hell, she won't even admit that anything's wrong. She sure isn't going to press charges against him."

"I'm not coming down on you, Bill. I know your hands were tied. Would you let us know if you get any more calls?"

"Sure. I hope you get her out of there soon. Tempers and booze don't mix, and he's got plenty of both."

"Yeah, he does. Thanks for calling, Bill." Hutch turned to his partner. "Well, you heard what he said."

Starsky cursed under his breath. "Damn it, we have to do something before it's too late."

"I agree, but what can we do if she keeps lying for him? We can't twist her arm, Starsky. She has to take the first step herself. Like you said, she's not a child. She's an adult."

Starsky's blue eyes flashed with anger. "So you're saying now that she likes being knocked around? If she didn't like it, she wouldn't stay?"

"Damn it, you know me better than that! But if we rush in there like a couple of bulls in a china shop, it's still not going to do any good unless she's willing to press charges against the creep. And when we leave, he's liable to take it out on her."

Starsky threw up his hand. "OK, I get your point! I'm not saying we should go flying over there and kidnap her. But we can talk to her again and that's what I'm going to do. Now, if you don't wanna go, just say so. But I'm going."

Hutch sighed. "No, I'll go with you. Come on; I'll log us out and we'll go to Huggy's. Maybe Anita can help pound some sense into Linda's head before Jimmy breaks it."

The two detectives logged off and drove to The Pits. The bar was moderately full so they took a seat at the bar.

Starsky leaned forward and kept his voice low as he watched Linda from the corner of his eye. "How's she doin' tonight? We got word that the cops were called again because they had another fight."

Huggy tossed the towel he was holding on the bar. "Damn it, I knew something happened! She was scared to death when she ran out of here this afternoon and when she got back; I could tell she'd been crying."

Hutch held up a hand. "Wait a minute. What happened this afternoon? The way Preston talked; it was later when they took the call."

"I had plumbing troubles this morning and had to wait for the plumber so we were late opening up. That made the lunch rush last longer than usual and when Linda noticed the time, she almost had a cow. She ran out of here saying that she had to get home and fix dinner before Jimmy got there. That poor kid was scared out of her gourd when she flew out the door."

"Apparently she had good reason, because the neighbors heard her yelling. We were hoping we could talk to her and see if we could convince her to get out before he kills her."

Huggy made a face. "Good luck on that one, bro. I've talked till I'm blue in the face and she keeps going back to him. But it's your dime. If you want to try one more time, I'll back you up."

The two men watched Linda closely while she waited on the room full of customers. An inexperienced observer might have missed the occasional wince and the stiff way Linda bent over to set drinks on the various tables, but Starsky and Hutch saw the evidence of her encounter with Jimmy as clearly as if it were a beacon. She avoided them whenever she could, but the few times she crossed their paths, they could see the "caught in the headlight" look in her eyes. As Starsky whispered to Hutch while they waited for the bar to close, Linda was doing an excellent impression of a dog that had been kicked too many times.

Finally, Huggy locked the door behind the last customer and the two women started gathering dirty dishes. When Linda winced again as she picked up a heavy tub of glasses, Starsky walked over and took it from her.

"How bad did he hurt you this time, Linda?"

The blonde kept her head turned away from him. "I don't know what you mean."

Starsky sat the tub down on the bar and faced her. "We got a call from the officer that came to your house tonight. He didn't fall for your story about slipping in some grease. How long do you think it will be before Jimmy puts you in the hospital, or in the morgue?"

She didn't try to hide the tears glistening in her eyes. "For the last time, please stay out of this! You can't help me! Can't you see that?"

Anita walked up behind them. "What happened, Honey?"

"I knew I wouldn't have dinner done by the time Jimmy got home, and I didn't. But I was doing OK until he started complaining about a shirt he wanted to wear.  We were arguing about it and the chicken started to burn. He got mad then I got mad and he started hitting me. I shouldn't have yelled at him, but I was tired and I was rushing around the kitchen trying to get everything cooked. It was my fault."

Anita stepped closer. "How can you stand there and take up for that man? You aren't to blame for what Jimmy does. I don't care how much chicken you burn, he doesn't have the right to hit you! You're his wife, not a piece of property. Jimmy's an animal!"

"He's not an animal! He's my husband. I used to love him. We were so happy when we first got married. I know what he's doing is wrong, but you're asking me to give up my whole life! How can I just walk out on him?"

Hutch moved closer. "Linda, Jimmy's sick. He needs help. With his drinking, and his temper, he's headed for prison. And you're headed for a hospital, or worse. You're not helping Jimmy, or yourself, by staying in this situation. Get out now, so we can help you both."

Linda looked at all of them as she blinked back tears. "But where would I go? What would I do? I can't make it on my own."

Anita stepped forward. "Don't you realize that you've been on your own for years? You said yourself that Jimmy hasn't worked a steady job since he got fired from that warehouse. Trust me; I know what I'm talking about. It won't be easy. In fact, it will probably be the hardest thing you've ever done. But you won't have to live in fear any more, and that will make everything you have to do worth it."

Finally, the blonde woman sighed. "OK, what do you want me to do?"

Starsky took her hands in his. "First, we go down to the station and you file charges against Jimmy. As soon as he's safely put away, you can go back to your house and get your things. Then you'll go before the judge and get a restraining order against Jimmy. After that, Children and Family Services will help you get what you need to start a new life. Anita was right. It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight, but you'll be safe." With a gentle hand, the brunet hooked a finger under Linda's chin and looked in her eyes. "I want you to be very sure you're ready to do this. Once you start, there's no going back. If you get half-way and then drop the charges against Jimmy, there won't be anything we can do. We have a whole lot of citizens in this city to protect. As much as we hate to admit it, if the officers that patrol your street think you're just crying wolf, they won't be so quick to knock on your door the next time they get a call."

She nodded slightly. "I know. I haven't been very cooperative in the past, but I don't think I can face going home to another fight. If our neighbors hadn't called the police tonight, I think Jimmy would have really hurt me." She straightened her shoulders and tried to smile. "OK, I'll do it."

Starsky smiled at her. "That's my girl. Now, we'll go downtown and let you file charges then we'll pick Jimmy up. I want you to stay in the apartment upstairs for now. It's the safest place for you, and you won't have to worry about walking back and forth to work. Then we'll call Mary Anderson and let her know what's going on.  She'll be with you when you go before the judge and get that restraining order. I can't promise they'll keep him in jail after the arraignment, though. It depends on the amount of bail the judge sets and if Jimmy can make it. Ideally, he'll stay locked up until his trial, but there's no guarantee."

Linda looked from one detective to the other. "Can I keep working here?"

Starsky shrugged slightly. "That depends on how things go, Linda. If Jimmy makes bail, it won't be safe for you here. If he stays in jail until his trial, then you can keep working. Let's just take it one day at a time, OK?"

Linda hugged herself. "This is all so overwhelming! After tonight, I won't have a home anymore, and may not have a job. I feel so alone!"

Anita put her arm around her friend. "You're not alone, Honey. We're all here for you."

As soon as the charges were filed and Linda was safe in the apartment at The Pits, Starsky and Hutch drove over to the house on 7^th Street. Bill Preston and his partner, Eldon Wade, followed in their patrol car. The house was dark when they pulled up in the narrow driveway. Starsky had to knock on the door repeatedly before they heard a slurred voice from the other side.

"Who the Hell is it?"

"It's the police, Mr. Brewer. We'd like to talk to you."

They heard the sound of a chain being unlatched then one bleary eye glared out at them.

"What now? Don't tell me that nosy broad next door called you again? Damn it, can't a man get a little shut-eye around here?"

Hutch moved into Jimmy's line of sight. "We have some questions to ask you, Mr. Brewer. May we come in?"

"Oh, all right, but make it quick. I have to go to work in the morning."

Once they were inside, Hutch gave a piece of paper to Jimmy. "James Brewer, you are under arrest for assault and battery, drunk and disorderly, and giving a false statement to police officers. You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Anything you do say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before questioning if you wish. If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney. Do you understand your rights as I have explained them, Mr. Brewer?"

"Wait a damn minute! I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't assault anybody and if I want to have a few beers in my own home, that's none of your business!"

Starsky moved closer to his partner. "You assaulted your wife, Mr. Brewer, as you have on previous occasions. Mrs. Brewer filed formal charges against you tonight. You're right, it is your business if you want to drink in your home, and arguing with your wife isn't against the law. But abusing her is. When Officer Preston came to your home tonight, you deliberately lied to him, and forced your wife to do the same. Get dressed, Mr. Brewer. You're coming with us."

Jimmy glared at the detectives. "Like Hell I am! This is my house! You pigs got no right rousting me like this. If I have to knock my wife around a little to keep her in line, that's what I'm gonna do. That bitch next door can keep her stinking nose out of it!"

Starsky growled and moved a step closer. "You're wrong, Brewer. Spouse abuse is a crime, and your neighbor had every right to call us. Now we can do this the easy way, or the hard way, it's your choice. I said, get dressed!"

Jimmy sneered at the brunet. "Awww, isn't that sweet? Linda's got herself a regular champeen."

Starsky snarled back. "And she's got a coward for a husband. Real men don't beat up on their wives. Why don't you try picking on someone your own size for once?"

Jimmy roared and the two men collided in the middle of the room. As Jimmy struck out at him, Starsky ducked under his flailing arm and, with a fluid movement, he punched Jimmy in the stomach. The larger man bent over slightly but straightened immediately and lashed out again. Starsky side-stepped the blow easily then swept Jimmy's legs out from under him. The floor shook as Jimmy went down on his back. Before Jimmy could get up, Bill Preston and Eldon Wade moved to stand between the drunken man and Starsky.

Hutch grabbed his partner's arm. "That's enough, Starsky! You aren't helping Linda by doing this."

The two men stood locked together, two pairs of blue eyes boring into each other. Starsky cursed under his breath then relented and stepped back. Under Hutch's watchful eye, he moved around the uniformed officers and bent over Jimmy. The brunet slapped a cuff on Jimmy's thick wrist then grabbed his other arm and cuffed his hands together. As he pulled up on Jimmy's arms, he didn't try to hide his contempt.

"She's your wife, not a punching bag! Linda's a beautiful, intelligent woman. You aren't fit to wipe her feet." He turned to the uniformed officers. "Get him out of here."

As Bill and Eldon propelled Jimmy Brewer to the patrol car, the drunken man kept up a stream of curses.

"I'll get you someday, pig! Just let me go and we'll see who is a real man! It's Linda's fault, anyway! She's always yammering at me, talking back and throwing that shitty little job up in my face. A man's entitled to some peace and quiet when he gets home. I work hard all day long, and does she give a damn about that? No, all she can do is brag about the puny tips she makes, like she's the one supporting us. I'm the head of this family. You hear me? I'm in charge here!"

The two detectives watched as the patrol car drove away then Hutch turned to his partner.

"Well, that was smart. I should have left you back at The Pits with Linda."

Starsky threw a scathing look at the blond. "Put me in a room with Brewer for ten minutes and I'll show you how smart I am." Then he grinned ferociously. "Besides, he threw the first punch."

As Starsky stalked away, Hutch stared incredulously at his partner. Finally, he threw his hands up and followed his friend. The two detectives were silent as they drove to the station. By the time they arrived, Jimmy Brewer was already booked and in a cell, sleeping it off. They walked to their desks in the nearly-deserted squad room and finished their reports. For a while, the only sound in the room was the clicking of the typewriter. Finally, Starsky looked up at his partner.

"OK, I screwed up! Is that what you want to hear? All I could see were the bruises on Linda's face and I let that drunken son-of-a-bitch get to me."

Hutch took the report out of the typewriter and signed it before looking up. "Don't you think it gets to me, too? Jimmy's a coward who hides behind alcohol and his fists to hide his insecurity. No woman deserves to be treated the way he treats Linda. But you can't solve this with your fists, either, Starsk. I don't want to see this case thrown out of court because of a police brutality charge. It's a good thing there aren't any marks on Jimmy, and I don't think Preston and Wade will say anything, but what if the judge turns Jimmy loose? Who do you think will pay for what happened tonight? It won't be you, or me. It'll be Linda."

Starsky sighed and ran his fingers through his curls. "I know, I know. I didn't do her any favors by going ape shit. I'm sorry, okay? I won't let it happen again."

Hutch nodded briefly. "OK, apology accepted." He stood up and laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Look, Starsk; I'm glad you care so much, but I don't want to see you jeopardize your career. There are a whole lot of other people out there that need us, and we can't help them if you lose your badge. Linda's going to get through this, and so are we. You just gotta use your brains instead of your fists, okay?"

Starsky grinned slightly. "I thought you were supposed to be the brains of this duo."

Hutch swatted playfully at his friend. "Starsky, shut up." Then he put an arm around Starsky's shoulders. "Come on, buddy; let's go home."

Physically and emotionally drained, they stopped at The Pits and gave Linda the news about her husband's arrest then drove home for some much-needed sleep

For Linda, that night in The Pits was the first night in years that she hadn't gone to sleep afraid. Although it was strange not having Jimmy lay next to her, it was as if a large weight had been lifted from her chest. Her new feeling of independence felt like euphoria until she went back to the small house to pack. Standing in the front room with all of her possessions in a few cardboard boxes, she looked forlornly at Anita.

"My whole life is packed in these boxes. I wish I could take them with me."

Anita put her arm around Linda. "Maybe you can later, Honey. Jimmy hasn't had his trial yet. If he's sentenced to prison, maybe you can find your own little apartment somewhere. Then you'll have all of your stuff back."

"You're dreaming, Anita, and so am I. Jimmy doesn't give up easily. Unless they sentence him to life, I can't stay in this town. He won't stop until he finds me then I'll be right back where I was." She tried to put a brave smile on her face. "Tell me again why I'm doing this?"

"You're doing this so that bruise on your cheek will be the last one Jimmy ever gives you. I know it's scary, Linda, but don't let him win now. There's a whole world out there, and a world without Jimmy is a whole lot better than one with him."

"I know. At least I can stay in the apartment and work at The Pits for a little while longer. I'll need every penny I can earn if I'm going to take off."

"I wouldn't worry too much about money. Things kinda have a way of working out when you're up against the wall."

Linda smiled at her friend's optimism. "I hope so." She looked at the boxes again. "Twelve little boxes aren't much to show for a whole life, are they? Thanks for renting that storage room for me, Anita, and putting it in your name. If Jimmy knew it was my stuff, he'd probably set fire to the place just for spite. I promise I'll pay you back someday."

"I don't want you worrying about that. I'll keep it safe and sound for you, and when you get set up, it'll still be here. Now, let's get this stuff loaded. I promised Huggy we'd be back before the lunch rush."

The two women drove to the U-Store-And-Lock-It self-storage company and put the boxes in the small storage space then went back to The Pits. After the lunch rush was over, Mary Anderson and Officer Preston accompanied Linda to the courthouse for her appearance before Judge Shriver. Thirty minutes later, they dropped her back at The Pits, a restraining order against Jimmy clutched in her hand. As they walked Linda into the bar, Mary gave her an update on Jimmy's case.

"The judge set Jimmy's bail at $10,000. We asked for more, but that's as high as he would go with the charges. But look on the bright side; Jimmy has to come up with a thousand dollars cash before he can get out of jail. He doesn't have that kind of money, does he?"

Linda shook her head ruefully. "I don't think so, but Jimmy handled all of our finances. He never let me see the checkbook. I'd tell him what bills were due and he'd write out a check for them. But I do remember getting a few 'insufficient funds' notices in the mail, so I doubt he had too much in the account. Huggy always pays me in cash, so I've never had a reason to go to the bank."

"Well, I talked to the jailer and explained what was going on, so he promised he would let me know if Jimmy made bail. Try not to worry too much, Linda. Knowing how much Jimmy drank, I'd be surprised if he had any kind of savings. We've only got two weeks until the trial. Just be careful and pay attention to what's going on around you." Mary smiled and patted the blonde's arm. "It will be over before you know it then you can start a new life for yourself."

Linda sighed. "Two weeks can seem like an eternity, Mary. But I'm used to living my life in snatches of peace. I'll be okay."

Over the next few days, Linda stayed close to the bar, leaving only for appointments with the district attorney, or for therapy sessions with the county psychologist. At first, Linda had balked when the therapy was recommended by the judge, but capitulated when he looked at her kindly and explained.

"Mrs. Brewer, you've been an abused spouse for many years, and you're going to be on your own soon. Your whole life is going to change, and even though it will be for the better, that kind of transition won't be easy. Our psychologist can help you over some of the rough spots and help you regain your self-esteem. Believe me, this isn't any kind of punishment. I think these sessions will be good for you."

Reluctantly, Linda agreed. But after only one session, she had to admit that she was feeling better, and less isolated. Every once in a while, she would stop what she was doing and look toward the county jail. Why can't you stay in jail forever, Jimmy?  I've wished for so long that someone would lock you up. If only they could throw away the key! You've kept me a prisoner for years. It's your turn now.

Starsky and Hutch also kept in touch, coming by after work to check on her and keep her informed about the progress of Jimmy's case. The change in Linda was already noticeable in the way she stood, the way she looked them directly in the eyes when she was talking to them and the lilt in her voice. Even in the brief time she had been separated from Jimmy, Linda was starting to emerge from her shell. Starsky loved the sound of her laughter and found himself going to great lengths to amuse her. One night, after the bar was closed and the doors locked, he told the story about the encounter Hutch had with an infatuated bumble bee on a stake-out. Huggy had heard it before, but the two women were enthralled.

Starsky's blue eyes twinkled as he looked at his partner. "And it's a good thing that funeral home was solid. They probably heard him yell for blocks when he sat down on that bee."

Anita laughed as the blond detective turned a bright red. "That's our Hutch, all right. Even the bees can't resist him."

Hutch glared balefully at his friend. "Maybe I should tell them about the time you made an arrest wearing nothing but your underwear and a towel."

Anita hooted. "Now that's something I would have liked to see!"

Starsky pointed his finger at Hutch. "Hey, it was his fault! He put all of my clothes in the washer. I couldn't go in wearing nothing but my birthday suit, could I?"

Hutch held his hands up. "I was in a Laundromat, Starsky. I had to make it look convincing, or those punks would have started shooting. What else was I supposed to do?"

Huggy shook his head tolerantly as Anita and Linda giggled together. "You two have more tall tales than my Aunt Martha. If you ever get tired of wearing a badge, you could always write a book together. Meanwhile, as much as I hate to be a party pooper, it's getting late and tomorrow is another day. So if you ladies and gentlemen will excuse me, I'm going home. 'Night all."

Anita glanced at the clock and nodded. "Wait for me, Huggy. The boys are sleeping over at a friend's house, and I'm looking forward to getting some real shut-eye. See you later, guys. And I'll see you tomorrow, Linda."

Hutch followed them to the door then turned to his partner. "Coming, Starsk?"

"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute. I'll walk Linda upstairs and make sure the back door's locked before we go."

Hutch gave him a look. "Don't be too long. We have to work tomorrow, too."

Linda watched her friends go out the door then smiled at Starsky. "You don't have to walk me upstairs, David. I feel really safe here, safer than I have in a long time."

Starsky grinned. "I know, but a gentleman always sees the lady to her door. And it doesn't hurt to be careful."

As they walked upstairs to the small apartment, Linda smiled back at him. "I really had fun tonight. I can't remember when I've laughed so much. You and Hutch have a wonderful friendship."

They stopped at the door. "I'm glad I could make you smile. Makin' that pretty face frown ought to be a felony."

He moved closer to her, but she stopped him with her hand. "David, please don't. My life is in shambles. I can't think about getting involved with anyone right now."

He nodded sadly and took her hand. "I know. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pushed. You're a beautiful person, Linda. You deserve to be happy."

She squeezed his hands. "I am happy, David. For the first time in years, I actually look forward to tomorrow. I owe you more than I can ever repay."

He touched her cheek gently. "Your laughter is the only payment I need. Good night, pretty lady."

Starsky sighed as he walked down the stairs. Why does my luck always seem to be so bad? In another time, and another place, I could have fallen for you, Linda Brewer.

Hutch was waiting for him by the Torino. "Is everything okay, Starsk?"

"Yep, fine as wine. The bar's locked up tighter than a drum."

As they drove toward Venice Place, Hutch studied his friend's profile. "Are you sure you're okay, buddy?"

Starsky kept his eyes on the road. "Of course I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know. You look a little down."

"Nope, I'm doing great."

Hutch sighed and looked out his window. "Better watch out."

Starsky glanced sharply at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Linda's got a long way to go before this thing is over. She's dealing with some heavy stuff right now. What she needs most is a friend, not another complication."

"So I'm a complication now, because I walked her up a few stairs?"

"No, because you're getting involved with her. I can see the signs. Look, Starsk. I just don't want to see you get hurt. You saw how Jimmy acted. Even if he is sent to prison, Linda will probably have to leave town. You can't spend the rest of your life trying to protect her and work at the same time."

Starsky snapped at him. "I know that, Hutch." Then he pounded the steering wheel with a fist. "I know that. I just wish things were different. She's one Hell of a lady, and she deserves to have someone that really loves her."

Hutch reached over and squeezed his shoulder. "I know she does, buddy. And she'd be one lucky lady to have you. But it's not going to work."

"Yeah, she told me the same thing. I guess it's lousy timing, huh? But it won't stop me from being her friend."

"As long as you know that's all it can be, Starsk. And she's damned lucky to have a friend like you."

 

 

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