| I'll Come Back for You: Chapter 1 |
| It was supposed to be a routine bust. They had been chasing Martin "Digits" Gordon around the city for six months. Digits was far more intelligent than the usual number's runner that Starsky and Hutch usually encountered. Every time the two detectives tracked his location down, he moved it to another abandoned storefront on their beat. They would have gladly turned Digits and his operation over to Vice except for one small fact: Digits was in direct competition with Emile Parouche. Emile knew just how far he could push Starsky and Hutch, and was careful not to cross the line. He had also given the two men valuable information on several occasions. Digits, on the other hand, made it plain that number's running was only a beginning for him. He intended to have his hand in every money-making scheme that was available, whether the detectives liked it or not. He also didn't care if he stepped on any one else's toes or not. To preserve the shaky peace on their beat, they had made putting Digits behind bars their top priority. Emile was the one who gave them their first real break. He had called the evening before and given them the location of Digit's latest headquarters. They had immediately went to Captain Dobey with the information. Less than twelve hours later, they were in front of the old building, waiting for the uniformed officers assigned to back them up to get into position. As soon as the teams gave the go-ahead, Starsky and Hutch quietly entered the back door. Digits had a habit of working alone in the small office in the back of the store. Digits didn't trust his employees any more than he did the police. The two detectives quietly approached the office door. After they positioned themselves on opposite sides of the door, Hutch reached for the door knob. However, before he could test the door, Digits opened it and walked out. The first person Digits saw was the uniformed cop that was just entering the building. He threw the papers he was holding toward Starsky and started running, with the two detectives in hot pursuit. Digits yelled, "Cops!" and ran toward the other end of the building. Instantly, shots erupted from around the building. Starsky, Hutch, and the uniformed police officers immediately took cover. Taking time out from returning fire, Hutch called to Starsky. "Where the Hell did all these goons come from?" "Beats me! Looks like Digits decided to keep a few bodyguards around after all." Starsky ducked down behind a wooden crate and called to one of the uniforms. "Hey, Charlie, call in for more back up, will you?" "Already did that, Starsky. They're on the way." Starsky nodded to himself, then looked around again. "Hey, Hutch, where'd Digits go?" "I don't know. I can't see him from here." "Terrific," Starsky grunted. "Well, he sure ain't gettin' away. Cover me, Hutch!" When Hutch fired a volley of shots, Starsky ran in the same direction Digits had. As he ran, he noticed that it was harder and harder to find shelter to protect him from the shots that were being fired. He heard Hutch's Magnum firing over his head and zig-zagged his way toward the back door of the old building. Hutch quickly reloaded and resumed shooting as he watched Starsky run toward the door. He had counted three or four different weapons being fired from inside the building. He concentrated on those areas as he provided cover fire for his partner. Starsky was almost to the door when shots were fired from a new direction. Hutch watched in horror as Starsky plunged to the floor. "STAARRSKY!! Noooo!" He's dead. The thought rose unbidden in his mind. No. He's hurt. I have to get to him. Hutch fired frantically in the air, trying to flush the gunman out of his hiding place. He ran a few steps toward Starsky, then flattened himself against a support post. His eyes searched the dimly lit room for movement. He waited impatiently for the gunman to show himself. Come on! I can't wait here forever. I have to get to Starsky. I have to help him. He's dead. You can't help him now. No! He's hurt. That's all. He can't be dead. He refused to listen to the grim voice in his head. "Starsky! Can you hear me? Starsky! I'm coming!" It's too late. He's gone. There's nothing you can do. No!! I can help him if I can get to him. He's not dead! He can't be dead. With a final cry, Hutch ran toward his fallen partner. He fired at the shadows haphazardly. He heard a loud grunt as one of his bullets found a target at last. He left the wounded suspect to the other officers as he ran for Starsky. He collapsed on one knee beside him and cautiously reached out to touch him. Starsky's shirt was saturated with blood. Hutch took off his own jacket and gently put in under Starsky's head. Without looking up, he yelled, "Call an ambulance! Now!" For the first time, he was conscious of the men standing behind him. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "He's gone, Hutch. I'm sorry. It's too late." Hutch shook his head. "No! He can't be dead." He looked up at the sympathetic face. "He can't be dead. He didn't say good-bye." |
| Two pairs of blue eyes Windows of the soul Two souls separated by flesh Brought together by love One heart to share through all eternity |
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