| All of Their Tomorrows |
| Part 4 |
| Incredibly, the administrator gave permission for Hutch and Micki to be in the same hospital room. Five days after they were attacked by Simonetti, a bizarre parade marched down the hall of the hospital's third floor. Two hospital beds, carrying Micki and Hutch, rolled toward their destination, followed by Starsky and Tracy. The furniture had been rearranged to accommodate the extra bed in the usually private room. Finally, they were together again. The four detectives celebrated with a drink: coffee for Starsky, a soda for Tracy, and ice water for the two patients. Micki sipped hers and frowned. "Come on, guys. I know wine is out of the question, but water? Can't we have some coffee, at least?" Tracy nodded sagely. "You can have coffee, but no sugar, and no cream. You're still on a liquid diet. Still want it?" "No. I'd rather drink battery acid. Some party this is." Starsky kissed her cheek. "Hey, your being alive is celebration enough. The real party can come later." Micki smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But, I'm bored." All three detectives groaned. Tracy rolled her eyes. "Oh, God. Micki, you just got out of the ICU. If you're bored already, you must be feeling better. We've got to get you out of here before you get me into trouble." "Now, how on Earth am I going to get you into trouble?" "I promised Dr. Shaper and the administrator that if you and Ken were together, you'd behave yourself. The administrator almost had a stroke when Dr. Shaper told him that we wanted you in the same room. So, whatever you do, don't make any waves!" Micki grumbled. "Well, you sure know how to take the fun out of life. I guess I can behave for a little while, but the sooner we're out of here, the better." Hutch raised the head of his bed so he could sit up. "I'm with you, Mick. I'll be happy just to get back home. I've seen enough hospitals to last me a life time." Starsky held his hand up. "Now, hold on, you two. You're both getting better, but you won't be going anywhere for a while yet. Don't rush anything. You don't want to have to come back." Hutch sighed. "I know. I'm just tired of lying in this bed. I want everything to get back to normal, whatever that is." "It will, buddy. You'll be back in your own bed in no time." As the days passed, both Hutch and Micki grew stronger. Starsky and Tracy alternated between the hospital and the station. The review hearing, plus the entire incident with Simonetti, had rocked the whole precinct. The Commissioner himself had ordered a full investigation into the procedures of the Internal Affairs department. Simonetti had frightened everyone concerned. Griffey promised that steps would be taken to monitor all detectives in the division. If any other officer displayed abnormal behavior, he would be given a psychiatric evaluation, before his actions became critical. Gradually, the recovering detectives were allowed to get out of bed, and all IV's were discontinued. Hutch started physical therapy, where he worked hard to regain his strength. Although he was tired, and the therapy was often painful, he was thankful that he was getting better. Most of Micki's problems came from the bandages on her hands. It was difficult to eat, and impossible to pick up a pen, or hold a hairbrush for long. Fortunately, as her hands healed, the bandages grew smaller and smaller. Finally, only a light layer of gauze covered the stitches. But, when Dr. Shaper told her it was time to take the stitches out, Micki was both excited and apprehensive. She wasn't vain about her looks, but the thought of over three hundred stitches scared her. She had no idea of what her hands would look like once the bandages were removed. Strangely, the wound on her face didn't bother her. There would only be one thin scar, and her hair would cover it. When the doctor came in to remove the stitches, he told the nurses to close the curtain, separating Hutch from the proceedings. This didn't help Hutch's nerves, either. He wanted to be there for his wife, no matter what the outcome was. He lay in his bed, vainly trying to read the newspaper, while his mind drifted to the other side of the curtain. The silence worried him. The sound of the scissors cutting through the gauze seemed unnaturally loud. He could hear Dr. Shaper's soft voice, giving the nurses instructions. Micki hadn't said a word since the curtain was closed. Finally, he heard the doctor speak. "Now, remember, your hands aren't healed completely. It will take some time for the redness and swelling to go away. In a few months, the scars will be barely noticeable. Try not to be too upset." Hutch closed his eyes, his heart aching for Micki. He sat up as the nurse pushed the curtain back, and then left the room. Quietly, he got out of bed, and sat on Micki's. She was lying on her side, facing away from him. Her hands were clenched into fists, close to her chest. The tenseness in her body belied her distress. Gently, Hutch lay beside her, and turned her to him. Finally, she broke down, crying with harsh, racking sobs. He held her close, resting his cheek on her head. "I'm here, Mick. Go ahead. Let it out. It's going to be OK. We'll get through this, together." Eventually, Micki fell asleep, exhausted. Hutch eased himself out of bed, and went back to his side of the room. He was just getting back into his own bed when Starsky and Tracy came in. He quickly put a finger to his lips, and motioned at Micki. Keeping his voice low, he explained what had happened. "The doctor took the bandages off this afternoon. She's pretty upset. He said the scars will fade in a few months, but right now, they're red and look bad. She finally cried herself to sleep." Starsky laid a hand on his partner's shoulder. "Is there anything we can do to make her feel better?" Hutch shook his head. "I don't know. Damn Simonetti! We finally get rid of Carruthers, and Simonetti makes things even worse! When the Hell are we going to get any peace?" Tracy put her arms around him and hugged him. "She'll be OK, Ken. Micki's strong. You can't keep her down for long." "I hope so, but how much can one person take? I don't want her to feel self conscious at her own wedding." Tracy thought for a minute, then snapped her fingers. "She won't. I have an idea. I'll be back in the morning, right after breakfast. Tell Micki not to take a shower until I get here. I think I know something that will make her feel better." Hutch nodded. "OK, I'll tell her. I'm open to any suggestions, at this point." Starsky smiled encouragingly. "Meanwhile, why don't you slip your robe on and we'll take a walk? You want to keep your strength up so the doc will let you go home soon." "Sure, why not? I'll leave the door open so we can hear Micki if she wakes up." The next morning, Micki was still quiet, but seemed to be coping better with the scars on her hands. Eating was still painful for her, but she refused to give in to the pain. Tracy came in a few minutes after breakfast, carrying a paper bag. She sat it down beside Micki. The dark-haired detective looked up at her partner, and raised one eyebrow. Tracy grinned. "It's a surprise. Come on, I'll help you shower." "Tracy, in case you've forgotten, I've been taking showers all by myself for quite a while now." "I haven't forgotten, but this time, I'm going to help. Come on, we used to climb in the same bathtub all the time. You haven't got anything I haven't seen already." In spite of herself, Micki giggled. "OK, partner, whatever you say. I'm curious to see what's in that bag." The two women went into the bathroom and closed the door. Tracy helped her friend undress, then stood patiently while she showered. After Micki turned the water off, Tracy helped her wrap her hair in a towel, then opened the paper bag. When Micki saw what was inside, her face brightened. Tracy had gone to their apartment, and packed Micki's favorite sleeping shirt (which happened to be Hutch's), and a comfortable pair of sweat pants. With Tracy's help, she got dressed. The buttons on the shirt were difficult to fasten, but Micki managed it by herself. Instead of rolling up the sleeves, like she usually did, she let the cuffs cover her palms. Tracy motioned for her to turn around, then she turned the blow drier on, and dried Micki's hair. Finally, she motioned for Micki to look in the mirror. The smaller girl smiled at her reflection. Tracy stood behind her. "Feel better now?" "Yeah, I do. Thanks." "They will fade, Mick. Besides, they're only scars. They have nothing to do with who you are." Micki sighed. "I know. It isn't the scars, Trace. Every time I look at my hands, I see Ken lying on that floor. I thought he was dead. I can't get that picture out of my mind. I know he's waiting for me in the other room, but these scars are a constant reminder that I almost lost him." "I thought it was something like that. You wouldn't get that upset over a few scars. But, you have to let go of that memory and move on now. You and Ken are alive, and that's all that matters. The scars will fade in time, and so will the memory of that day. We all have so many reasons to be thankful. Don't let Simonetti take that away." Tracy held out her little finger. "It's you and me against the world, sis." Micki smiled and hooked her finger in Tracy's. "Forever and always, kid." The two women walked out of the bathroom and joined Starsky and Hutch. Micki walked over to Hutch and put her arms around his waist. She looked up at him. "I was so scared! I kept trying to get to you, but Simonetti wouldn't let me. I begged him to let me go to you, but he just laughed. The last thing I remember is kissing you and thinking that you were dead." Hutch held her close. "I'm sorry. But, I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere. I love you, Micki. The man said, for better or for worse, remember?" "I remember, but lately it seems like we've been getting more 'worse' than 'better'." He tipped her face up toward him with a finger under her chin, and kissed her gently. "Not any more, sweetheart. From now on, it's only good times." |
As Huggy had predicted, one month after Simonetti attacked Hutch and Micki, the two couples were getting ready for their wedding. Since the wedding was taking place at the park, Starsky and Hutch got dressed at Hutch's apartment, while Micki and Tracy went to Micki's mother's house. Hutch's parents arrived the day before the wedding. After hearing about the ordeal they had endured, they were grateful that their son was alive. Hutch and his father had made peace long ago, and when the senior Hutchinson found out that Micki was a police officer also, he simply smiled. "I should have known. Well, if you two made it through this nightmare, you can handle anything. I still worry about you, son, but you're a grown man and capable of choosing your own way." Hutch smiled back. "Not the two of us, Dad, the four of us. If it hadn't been for Tracy, I wouldn't have a career right now. And Starsky saved my life, again. Simonetti was out of control, and if Starsky hadn't shot him, you'd be going to a double funeral instead of a double wedding." Richard Hutchinson turned to Starsky. "David, once again, I'm grateful that my son has you to watch over him. I hope you and Tracy have a long, happy marriage." "Thanks, Mr. H. I know Hutch would do the same thing for me. He has, more times than I can count." Nick Starsky came up to stand beside his brother. "Hey, that's what partners are for, right big brother?" "You got it, kid. Now, how about you do something for me, and help me get into this monkey suit? It's almost time to go." The day of the wedding was picture perfect. The sun was shining, and the early Spring temperature was just right. The small gazebo had been freshly painted and the flowers that climbed the white trellis in front of it were in full bloom. Folding chairs had been set in rows in front of the gazebo, with a red carpet going down the middle of the rows. Micki's childhood dreams were finally coming true. She had known since she was a teenager that she would be married in the park close to her mother's home, and the small gazebo was as beautiful as the largest church in the city. Mother Nature herself had contributed the floral arrangements, better than any florist could design. A few blocks away, in the house where she had grown up, Micki looked at her reflection in the mirror. The dress she had found in the small shop was perfect. The store was owned by a Native American family and the couple took pride in the authenticity of their merchandise. Micki had been shopping in the small store for years, and wasn't really surprised when she saw the perfect wedding gown hanging on the rack in the back room. Marilyn Wingfeather told Micki that if the gown was meant for her, it would fit her perfectly and wouldn't need any alterations. She said it had hung on the rack waiting for the right bride to come along and wear it at her wedding. When Micki put on the dress, and the white-feathered headpiece, it was like the dress had been made for her. Micki's mom, and Tracy, had been speechless when she walked out of the dressing room. Tracy had told her that she felt like she'd been transported back to another time, and Micki was the tribe's Princess, preparing !to marry a great warrior. Now Micki stood in the living room, trying vainly to slow her heartbeat. She reasoned with herself. The hardest part was over. She and Ken were already married. All they were doing today was reaffirming their vows. So why was she so nervous? Tracy walked up beside her friend, and two beautiful brides stood side by side. Tracy's dress was more modern than Micki's, with tiny pearls embroidered on the bodice. The neckline was slightly lower, and the pearl necklace that she wore accented the gown perfectly. Her blonde hair was upswept, and the headpiece was studded with pearls also, completing the ensemble. Micki's and Tracy's mothers, along with Rachel Starsky stood in the back of the room and beamed. Rachel came up to Tracy. "You both are so beautiful. I'm so glad David found you. He's had so much heartache in his life. He deserves to be happy, and I know you'll make him happy." Tracy smiled. "He makes me happy, too, Rachel. I've never known anyone as caring, and as wonderful as he is. I love your son, very much." Rachel dabbed at the corner of her eyes. "Now, don't get me started. The wedding hasn't even begun, and I'm crying already." Tracy's mom, Brenda, patted Rachel on her back. "It's OK, you're not alone. As long as they're happy tears, you're allowed." There was a knock on the door, and Edith Dobey stuck her head in. "How are things coming? Do you need any help?" Micki nodded. "We need all the help we can get. It's almost time, and we still have to finish getting dressed. I don't want to be late for my own wedding." She motioned to her veil, which was still on the hangar. "How in the world do you put that thing on?" Edith smiled. "It's not that hard. I'll show you, but first, I have something for you. I made them especially for today." Micki looked quizzically at the small box, then opened it. Inside lay a pair of white cotton gloves with the fingers removed. She put them on, and they fit perfectly. Although the redness had disappeared, the healing cuts on her hands were still very sensitive, and even a light breeze could cause discomfort. The cotton felt good against her skin. Micki hugged Edith and kissed her cheek. "They're beautiful. Thank-you so much! I love them." "I made four more pairs, with different colors and materials. I know how frustrating it is when you can't use your hands because of the pain. Someday, you won't need them, but for now, I hope they help." "They have, more than you know." Soon, all the women in the wedding party were ready to go. Edith, Carrie, Rachel, and Brenda left first, in Edith's car. Tracy's dad looked his daughter up and down, and beamed. "You look beautiful, darlin'. You're just as pretty as your momma was on our wedding day." "Thanks, Daddy. I'm just glad that you and mom could be here today. With everything that's happened, we couldn't have done it without your help." Jim Edwards kissed his daughter gently on her forehead. "I wouldn't be anywhere else, pumpkin. Well, are you ready? Your bridegroom is waiting for you." Tracy took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm ready, Daddy." Micki's stepdad walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek. "Come on, baby girl, it's time. You don't want to leave the groom hangin', do you?" "No, I don't. I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be." Before he started out the door, Frank Gentry looked at his stepdaughter. "I know you wish your father were here, Micki, but I'm glad you asked me to walk you down the aisle. I'd like to think your daddy was sittin' up in Heaven right now, watching you. I'm sure he'd be proud of his little girl." Micki stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "Thanks, Frank. I feel like he is, too. And you took care of us for a long time. You treated us like we were yours. Who else would I ask to give me away?" Frank swiped clumsily at his eyes and smiled. "Come on, baby girl, we've got a wedding to go to." Starsky and Hutch stood in the gazebo and waited for the girls to arrive. Hutch looked over at his partner. Starsky's dark hair accentuated his pale face. The blonde whispered forcefully. "If you faint on me, I'll never speak to you again!" Starsky hissed back. "If you faint on me, I'll kill you! Anyway, what are you so nervous about? You've already done this once. This is my first time!" "Well, I was drunk the last time, so it doesn't count. So, just take deep breaths and for God's sake, don't throw up! It will be over soon." "Gee, thanks, buddy. I wasn't feelin' sick until you mentioned it. It better be over soon." Edith Dobey sat in the second row and watched the two bridesgrooms carefully. She nudged Carrie and whispered, "They look like they're holding each other up. What do you think?" Carrie nodded and whispered back. "I think if one goes, we'll lose them both." Frank and Jim helped the wedding party down the steps and onto the sidewalk. Huggy Bear stood by a long, white limousine and waited. The black man had traded his normally splendant attire for a simple black tux. The three bride's-maids followed Micki and Tracy into the back of the limo, and Frank and Jim got into the front with Huggy. Huggy drove the few blocks to the park and pulled up against the curb, in front of the red carpet. Huggy got out of the limo and walked around to the passenger side. Frank and Jim got out and stood on the opposite side of the passenger door. Huggy opened the door and helped the bride's-maids out of the car. One by one, Micki's two sisters and their friend, Kerry, stepped out of the limousine and walked slowly up the aisle. Then Jim stepped forward and helped Tracy out. He linked his arm with hers and walked her up the aisle behind the other girls. Frank and Huggy turned and offered their hands to Micki. She stepped out of the limo and onto the carpet. She spoke softly to her stepfather. "Don't let me fall on my face, Frank." "I won't let you fall, baby girl." Starsky and Hutch watched as the bride's-maids walked up the aisle. When they saw Tracy, and Micki, their nervousness disappeared. Two pairs of blue eyes shined with love as they watched their brides walking toward them. Suddenly, the crowd was gone, and only they and the Justice of the Peace remained. Gary Rogers stood patiently until the wedding march was finished, then turned to the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate a double joy. These two couples have endured much pain and suffering over the past few months, but their love for each other has brought them through even stronger than before. Today, we will join them together in holy matrimony. Their vows will carry them through the darkest night, for what God joins together, no man can destroy." Solemnly, Gary performed the ceremony, turning first to Starsky and Tracy, and then to Hutch and Micki. As the two couples kissed, there were more than a few tears in the crowd. Gary motioned for them to turn around. "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Sergeant and Mrs. David Starsky, and Sergeant and Mrs. Kenneth Hutchinson?" The guests stood and applauded as the newlyweds walked down the stairs. |
| Tag David Starsky and Ken Hutchinson walked down the narrow trail that led from the lake to their cabin. Starsky held a basket full of trout, while Hutch held their fishing tackle. After Starsky lifted the lid for the fourth time, Hutch looked at him with narrowed eyes. "I can hold that if it's getting heavy for you." "No, that's OK. I'll hold it." Hutch shook his head. "What's the matter? Are you afraid that I'll do something, like let the fish go?" Starsky moved the basket to his other side, away from his partner. "No, of course not. I know you wouldn't do anything like that, just because I caught all of the fish but one." Hutch held up his hand. "Two. I caught two fish, remember?" "Oh, yeah. I guess I wasn't counting the other one because we had to throw it back." Hutch muttered something under his breath, and kept walking. Starsky hurried to keep up with him. They walked in silence for a moment, then Starsky nudged his partner. "You're mad, aren't you?" "Why would I be angry, Starsky? We were just relaxing, remember? We said we wanted to get some fishing in, and this was a perfect time since the girls wanted to go for a hike. Just because I bought the best equipment money could buy and you caught all the fish on a dime store rod and reel, that's no reason to be angry. It's just luck, pure and simple." Starsky chortled. "Yeah, and my special bait. Maybe if you had used it, you would'a caught some fish, too." "Starsky, the fish weren't attracted to that compost you call bait, they were committing suicide because they couldn't stand the smell." "That's why I call it Starsky's Kamikaze Bait. Hey, maybe I should patent the stuff and sell it! We could make a bundle during fishing season." Hutch snorted. "If the EPA didn't fine you for keeping toxic waste on private property, first." Starsky shook his head as they reached the cabin. "Now you're being ridiculous. Come on, let's put these fish on ice and go find the girls. We can have a fish fry for dinner. You can toss a salad, and we'll toast marshmallows over the fire after it gets dark." "Now you're talking. I'll even help you clean them after we get back, just to show you that I'm not angry." Starsky grinned. "You've got a deal." As he opened the refrigerator and put the fish in, he chuckled to himself. "I might be a city boy, but I always end up catching most of the fish. Maybe you ain't angry, but I'll bet you're jealous." Hutch poked his head in from the living room. "What, Starsk? I didn't hear you." "Umm, I said I hope you brought enough lettuce." Hutch looked at him strangely. "I did. Since when did you worry about lettuce? You don't even eat salad." "I might this time. You're always on my back about my eating habits. Never mind. Let's find the girls so we can get dinner started. I'm hungry. Fishing always gives me an appetite." "Starsky, breathing gives you an appetite. I'm ready, let's go." Starsky grabbed his camera, and two beers, and followed his best friend. The two men walked into the lush vegetation that surrounded the cabin, following the same trail the girls had earlier. Starsky nudged the blonde, and handed him a beer as he opened his own. As they walked down the path, the curly-haired detective snapped photos of the small animals that scampered around the underbrush. As they entered a small clearing, Hutch put his hand in front of Starsky. He quickly put a finger to his lips, then pointed to the center of the clearing. Micki and Tracy were sitting side by side on a large stump. Both girls were dressed in jeans and tee shirts. Denim scarves covered their hair. In front of them stood a small fawn, it's white tail swishing cautiously. Tracy held out a piece of carrot for the fawn to eat, while Micki stroked the fawn between its pointed ears. Their movements were very slow, and gentle, so as not to startle the young deer. The clearing was empty, except for the two women and the deer, but the two men could hear birds singing from the trees all around them. Starsky aimed his camera and silently pressed the shutter, capturing the moment on film. The two men stepped behind a tree and watched the mesmerizing scene in front of them. Starsky turned to his best friend and raised his beer in a toast. "Here's to a life time of beauty and joy. May we remember this day forever and may all of our tomorrow's be happy ones." Hutch raised his own beer. "Hear, hear, buddy. Hear, hear." |
| Starsky & Hutch Paved With Love The circle is closed forever Four hearts now beating as one Four beautiful souls joined in harmony their hearts shining in the sun Where these four people travel through life together The road will be less rough Because for them This road of life will always be paved with love ~~~~~ Sonja H. van Schalm 5/29/2002 Netherlands |
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