| Transitions: Part 3 |
| Unaware of the excitement their partners were having, Starsky and Tracy were waist-deep in cardboard boxes. Searching methodically through the old files in the basement of the station, they found Tommy Carruthers� juvenile file. Starsky slapped the folder against the wall, enveloping them in a cloud of dust. Coughing and waving his hands to dispel the cloud, Starsky said, �Let�s get out of here. I�ve choked on enough dust for one day. How about going to the cafeteria and grabbing a bite to eat? We can read this after dinner.� �That sounds good to me.� Starsky picked his usual meat loaf and mashed potatoes, and laughed when Tracy picked the same thing. �Ah, a girl after my own heart. I knew there was a reason why I liked you.� Tracy laughed with him. �I happen to like meat loaf. I�ll prove it. When we close this case, I�ll fix you a home-cooked meal. I�ve got the best recipe for meat loaf you�ve ever tasted.� �It�s a deal. Just say when, and I�ll be there.� They found a table away from the other people and sat down to eat. The conversation was light until they finished their meal. Then, putting their heads together, they went through the file. Tracy looked up from her reading. �You were right, Dave. Danny went to school with that girl and sat right behind her. She probably went with him that day because much more that we can do tonight. How about we go have a drink and relax a little, then I�ll drive you home?� �That sounds good. Micki and I haven�t had too much time to relax since this case started. It would be nice to forget about Danny for a while and talk about something besides work.� The two detectives spent an enjoyable evening at Huggy�s Pits. The bar had a relaxed atmosphere, making it easy for them to get to know each other. They soon realized they shared the same philosophies about their jobs, and life in general. Starsky told her about his father�s death, and about the circumstances surrounding it. Tracy listened quietly, making it easy for him to talk to her. She told him that she had come from a broken home, and how her mother had struggled to raise three children on her own. They both knew what it was like to grow up in single-parent families. For a few hours, they sat and talked about everything from baseball to having kids. Starsky looked at the beautiful blonde sitting across from him, and smiled to himself. Tracy would fool most people at first. Her green eyes and fair skin would give some people the impression that she was the typical dumb blonde. He knew better than that. Starsky slowly realized that Tracy was someone he could get serious about. Even when they disagreed about something, it was good-natured. Unknown to most people, except maybe Hutch, Starsky was a romantic. He believed in fairy tales. What he wanted most was a house with a white picket fence, a wife and kids. Each time he thought he found his dream, he was disappointed. The few women in his life that he really cared about were taken away from him in one way or another. Still, the romantic in him always survived, and poked his head out when least expected. Now, that romantic was back, jumping like crazy and waving his arms. Maybe, just this once, fairy tales could come true. They soon noticed the time, and reluctantly decided to call it an evening. Starsky drove Tracy to her apartment and walked her up. After she unlocked the door, she turned to him. �Thanks for a fun evening, David. I can�t remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much.� �Then we�ll have to do it again as soon as possible. I�ll see you at the station, in the morning. Goodnight, Tracy.� Slowly, he moved closer to her and touched her cheek. When she didn�t retreat, he kissed her gently. She returned the kiss, pulling him closer. Wanting to take things slowly, Starsky broke the kiss after a few minutes and stepped back. He squeezed her hand briefly, then turned away. The next morning, Starsky and Tracy were thrilled to hear about their partner�s evening. �Well, it�s about time! You connected Danny with Peggy Holder, and collared Ramone Ortega in the same area. I bet the Captain was dancing a jig when you told him.� Hutch nodded. �He definitely wasn�t disappointed. I don�t think the Feds will be either, when they get the news.� The only person who wasn�t elated was Micki. Lost in thought, she didn�t hear Tracy. �What Tracy? I�m sorry, I didn�t hear you.� �I said, what�s wrong, Mick? I thought you�d be tickled about the progress you�ve made.� �Oh, I am. It�s just something you said; about collaring Ortega in the same area where one of the victims worked. I don�t know why, but it struck a chord somehow.� �Take a minute and think about it, Micki. Maybe it�ll come to you.� Micki got up from her desk and paced. Then she whirled around. �That�s it! Now I know what�s been bothering me. Why do you suppose Danny turned up here? He could have lost himself in New York, or Boston, or in one of the smaller towns in that area. Why come all the way here? He had to know going back and forth over that long of a distance was dangerous. He could have stayed a lot closer to Jersey.� Tracy spoke up. �Maybe DiConti thought the farther, the better. What are you getting at Micki?� �I think you�re right; it was DiConti�s idea. What if Danny is doing more than running the family business from here? What if he decided to branch out on his own, with DiConti�s blessing? They�ve already got the East Coast sewn up. Why not set up business here?� Starsky saw where she was going. �You think that Ortega and the others are working for Carruthers?� �It makes sense when you think about it. Nobody back East goes into business without DiConti�s permission. Maybe he�s planning on making Danny boss down here. If that�s true, any new fence in town would have to clear it with Danny first. You have to admit, Ortega and Bass aren�t smart enough to knock over a liquor store without screwing up. How�d they suddenly get smart enough to pull a department store heist without tripping the silent alarm?� Hutch spoke up. �So Carruthers outlines the plan, they pull the robbery, then the new fence takes over. I don�t understand why they involved the Baron. He�s small potatoes. Why waste their time going to him first?� �The Baron has ties to the organized crime in this area. DiConti wouldn�t want them to think he was stepping on their toes. The last thing he would want is a mob war. Anyway, it�s worth checking out. Maybe if I put all this into the computer, something will pop out. Then, we�ll take it to the Captain.� �What about Ortega?� Tracy asked. �He�s still down in lock-up, isn�t he?� �Oh, shoot, I forgot about him. I guess we need to talk to him first. Maybe he can put us onto Bass.� Hutch got up to leave. �While you�re doing that, Starsky and I will go talk to Huggy. If Carruthers is trying to set himself up as the next Capo, maybe Huggy�s heard about it.� |
| Micki and Tracy weren�t the only ones who were interested in what Ortega had to say. Across town, in the Torch�s back room, Tommy Carruthers was discussing Ortega�s arrest with his boss. �Don�t worry about a thing, Mr. DiConti. Even if Ortega rolls over, he can�t finger the family. I�ve been very careful.� �I know you have, Tommy boy. That�s why I�ve put you in charge. If anybody can open up the Los Angeles area for us, it�s you. I�ve every confidence in you. My only concern is this broad you�re living with. You said this was her collar.� �It�s her collar, sure, but she�s only after the fence. She doesn�t have a hint that the family is involved. She�s not going to find anything that connects us to the fence. Don�t worry, Mr. DiConti. I�ve got Micki under control. She doesn�t know who I am, and if she ever finds out, I�ll take the necessary steps to protect the family.� DiConti�s laugh disguised his threat. �I know you will, Tommy. I�ve never known you to put pleasure before business. I know the family comes first. Just keep me informed of the situation.� �I will, Mr. DiConti. As for that situation that we spoke of earlier, let me know if there is anything I can do to help.� �Oh, we�ll keep in touch, Tommy boy. I promise.� Tommy Carruthers hung up the phone and sighed with relief. He turned to his henchman. �Mr. DiConti wasn�t happy about Ortega being busted; especially when he found out it was Micki that busted him.� �He knows you�re taking care of things, boss. What�s the other situation you were talkin� about?� Carruthers went to his private bar and made himself a drink. �We�ve got a fly in our ointment, Stick. In the last month, Karl�s had three complaints about his protection service. The client�s say he�s charging too much, but what they say they�re giving him don�t match what he�s getting. The difference ain�t much, but it�s there. Mr. DiConti thinks somebody�s padding his own pocket.� �Who would be that stupid? That would be like putting a noose around your neck and handing him the rope.� �Yeah, I know, but the boss says the customers only started complaining recently. They�re going to start watching everybody real close to see if they can find out who it is. That�s why this thing with Ortega has to be resolved, and fast. Mr. DiConti has enough on his mind without worrying about things on this end. I want you and the boys to keep a close eye on Micki, and Ortega. If it looks like he�s going to point her in this direction, let me know, double time.� �Sure, boss. Anything else?� �No. As long as Micki stays clear of the family, we�ll let her do her thing. I don�t want her to have time to wonder about what I�m doing, especially if I have to make a few more trips back east. Maybe her trying to bust this fence is just what we need. It would be worth sacrificing him if it keeps her away from me. Keep an eye on her, Stick, but don�t make any moves unless you clear it with me first.� �OK, boss. We�ll get right on it.� Back at the lock-up, Micki and Tracy were questioning Ortega about Bass� whereabouts. �Come on, Ortega, we�ve got you cold. You�re going down for that department store heist, and with your record, that means a long vacation paid for by the state. Do you mean that you�d rather go down all by your lonesome? Do you actually want Bass on the outside doing his thing while you�re in the slam?� �Look, cop, I don�t know what you�re talkin� about. I don�t know anybody named Bass and I don�t know nothin� about no department store heist.� �Sure, Ramone. You�re innocent, right? It�s merely a case of mistaken identity. That�s why you ran from Detective Hutchinson and me last night.� �You can�t prove nothin�, cop. I didn�t have nothin� hot on me, and I was mindin� my own business when you rousted me. So you�re wasting your time. I got nothin� to say.� Ortega sat back and folded his arms across his chest. Micki and Tracy traded looks. Micki sighed. �OK, Ortega, have it your way. Take him back down, Sid. We�ve got better things to do than waste our breath on him.� After they were out of Ortega�s sight, Micki turned to her partner. �Well, he�s not going to roll over for us. I guess our best bet is the computer. I still think Danny�s looking to expand his territory, and I think Ortega�s working for him. All we need now is a connection.� On the other side of town, Starsky and Hutch were having better luck than the two women were. They had caught Huggy during the slow time at the Pits, so he was able to give them his full attention. �Huggy, have you heard anything about a new family taking over?� �As a matter of fact, I was going to call you. You know the two slime balls you asked about? LeVar Bass and Ramone Ortega? Well, my sources on the street tell me that the reason they graduated to department stores is some hotshot mob guy from New Jersey is fronting them. His name�s Tommy Carruthers. Word is, he set up the whole thing. They supplied the muscle and he supplied the brains.� The two detectives exchanged looks. �Well, that jives with what we�ve heard. The problem is, we can�t prove a thing. Carruthers has really covered his tracks, and unless we can get Ortega to open up, we can�t do anything with the information we�ve got.� �What about Carruthers? I�d think you guys would have pulled him in by now.� Hutch chose is words carefully. �It�s not that easy, Hug. We aren�t the only ones interested in this creep. So far, there�s nothing concrete to tie Carruthers to any of this. All we can do is sit on it until the time is right. Well, Huggy, thanks for the help. If you hear anything else, let us know.� The two men said good-bye and headed back to the Torino. As they pulled away from the curb, Starsky spoke. �Well, Carruthers has been a busy little man, hasn�t he? He keeps things going for his boss back east, starts a new business here, and finds time to pursue his little hobbies, too.� �Yeah. He�s just a well-rounded guy. You know what they say, Starsk. A busy Mafia boss is a happy Mafia boss.� |
| Back at the station, the four detectives compared notes. �Well,� Micki said, �Ortega�s not going to do us any good. He knows we don�t have anything solid to go on, so he�s better off keeping his mouth shut. What did Huggy have to say?� Hutch said, �Bass hasn�t been found as yet. He�s probably holed up somewhere, waiting for things to cool off. Huggy did know about Carruthers fronting Ortega and Bass. So, he�s definitely looking to expand. Which leads us right back to where we were. We can�t move on this because we can�t risk blowing your cover, Mick.� �Right. Well, we�ll try putting all of this into the computer. Maybe we can put a name to the fence, and locate his warehouse. If we bust the warehouse and the fence, that should put a crimp in Danny�s plans. Maybe it�s only damage control, but at least we�ll be doing something. Then, we can decide how to proceed.� �While you�re doing that, I�ll let the Captain know what�s been happening. We�ll meet you after while.� Tracy said. Micki gathered all the information she needed and sat at one of the empty desks. Since the computers were already tied in to all of the databases she needed, they would make her job easier. Every citizen in the county left a paper trail, which could be traced from the computer. This was also Micki�s secret passion. She knew computers were becoming an important part of police work, and she wanted to learn all she could about them. In the four years that she and Tracy had been on the force, she had bullied and cajoled the computer wizards in the precinct into showing her how these technological marvels worked. Intensely curious, and always eager to learn, it hadn�t taken her long to become �computer literate�, as the wizards called it. Now, she was able to program the information in and access any databases that she needed without assistance. To Micki, this wasn�t work, it was playtime. She became immersed in what she was doing and didn�t notice Hutch until he spoke. �Hi, how�s it coming?� �Oh! God, Ken, you scared me! Well, I�ve put everything in that we�ve gotten on the robberies, Ortega and Bass, and what we�ve got on the fence. Now, all that�s left to do is see if anything pops up that will give us a lead on who this guy is. That�s up to the computers.� She pushed one last button and sat back. �Now all we have to do is wait.� Hutch smiled slightly. �You certainly seem to know what you�re doing. How�d you ever learn how to run one of these things?� Micki laughed. �I made a pest out of myself until the guys down in the computer room taught me how to use one just to get me out of their hair. After a couple of months, they knew that was the only way they�d get any peace.� Falling silent, Micki focused her attention on the computer screen. She watched as correlations were made, and different names scrolled across the screen. Sitting beside her, Hutch watched her face as she watched the computer. As they sat quietly, he thought about what he�d read in her personnel file. He could see her Native American ancestors in her proud nose and high cheekbone, softened by her father�s Irish blood. He could almost see her dressed in Native clothes, astride a powerful horse, getting ready to ride into battle. Though she looked like a princess, he knew Micki would be more at home with the warriors of her tribe. She was as fiercely dedicated as she was beautiful. Emotions that he tried to ignore grew stronger and Hutch told himself firmly to forget them. Cut it out, Hutchinson. She�s got enough on her right now. She doesn�t need you complicating things even more. Moments later, the computer went blank and the printer began to chatter. A single sheet of paper held the results. Tearing it off, Micki turned to Hutch. �Well, here it is. The computer came up with these six possible matches to our fence. Now all we can do is check them out.� She noticed the way he was looking at her. �What�s wrong?� He started to say something, then thought better of it. Shaking his head slightly, all he said was, �Nothing. So, I guess we should get together with Tracy and Starsky and start going over these files.� �OK, why don�t we meet at Tracy�s again? You and David bring the files, and I�ll pick up some take-out on the way. I�m starving.� �Sure. We�ll see you there, in about an hour.� He stood watching as she walked away. The four detectives enjoyed a short break while they ate, then sat down to read the files on the suspects. They sat on the couch again, spreading out the papers on the coffee table in front of them. Coincidentally, they had sat down in a boy-girl pattern, with Micki sitting on the end, next to Hutch. Engrossed in the files before them, Micki and Hutch had assumed a comfortable posture. Intent on her reading, Micki slowly became aware of how close they were sitting. Hutch�s arm was lying casually across her leg, hand resting on the inside of her thigh. It was only then that she realized where her hand was resting. Mortified, she stiffened and jerked her hand away without looking at Hutch. She gasped quietly as he slowly moved his hand. Flustered, she jumped up, blurting, �I�m going to make some coffee,� as she practically ran from the room. When the kitchen door shut securely behind her, she went over to the counter and leaned against it. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, composing herself. She sensed, rather than heard, the door open and close. Unable to make herself turn around, she stood statue-like when Hutch came up behind her. She made a futile effort to act naturally as she reached for the coffee, but didn�t quite make it. She kept her head bowed and let her hand drop to her side. Gentle fingers cupped her chin, tilting her head upwards as he turned her around to face him. She opened her eyes briefly, then closed them again as he kissed her. The feelings that she had pushed deep down inside resurfaced as she responded to his kiss. Her arms reached up and wrapped themselves around his neck. They stood there for a timeless moment, holding each other tightly. Then a cold, impersonal voice from within asked her what she thought she was doing. Chillingly, it sounded like Danny. She broke the kiss, taking her arms from around his neck and resting her hands on his chest. Unable to look at him, she rested her head between her hands. Her voice muffled, she said, �No, I can�t. He�d know something�s changed. He�d know I�ve changed.� Still holding her, Hutch whispered back. �You�re right. I�m sorry. I didn�t mean to push.� She leaned back and looked up at him, smiling sadly. �Don�t be sorry, just be patient. It�ll be over soon. Then we�ll have time for us.� She sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist, her cheek resting on his chest. �Why did you have to come along now? Why not six months ago, before I ever met Danny? Oh, I wish I�d never heard of Tommy Carruthers.� �We�ll put him away, Mick. I promise.� They stood there for a while, holding each other, and blocked out the rest of the world. |
| The next morning, the four detectives started checking out the six names that the computer matched with their information. Of the six, two were back in prison, one had presumably left the area, and one had died of a heart attack shortly after he was released from prison. That left only two suspects for them to check out. Micki and Tracy drove out to the pier at the end of town where their suspect was reportedly staying. Driving to the end of Pier Seven, they saw his early model Volkswagen Van parked behind the last warehouse. Cautiously, they went around the back to the small door on the end of the building. Not surprisingly, it was locked. The only window was to the right of the door, a few inches above Micki�s head. Tracy looked in it. The window was dirty, but she could still see inside. After a few minutes, she came back to where Micki stood. �Boy, for an empty warehouse, there sure is a lot of stuff in there. I saw several racks of furs, and TV�s still in their boxes. I would be willing to bet that this is our man.� �It certainly sounds like it. Could you see any signs of life?� �No, but the window�s so small, I could only see a small part of the room. He could be anywhere.� �OK, I�ll call for back up and we�ll check it out.� Moving back to the car, she called the precinct. Less than fifteen minutes later the warehouse was surrounded by black-and-whites. After making sure everyone was in position, Micki and Tracy made their move. Micki shot the lock off the door and the two women jumped inside, flanked by four uniformed officers. She barely had time to shout, �Police!� before three men ran out right in front of them. Once they saw they were out numbered, the three perpetrators surrendered. As the suspects were being handcuffed, four other officers came out of the small office with another man. From the description in the files, the two women knew this was the man they were after. Micki walked over to the officer and looked at the man in handcuffs. �Well, well, if it isn�t Pernell Mason. Fancy meeting you here. How�s business, Pern?� �I ain�t got nothin� to say, cop. I was just looking for a TV for my mom when you two kicked in the door. You can�t prove I was doing anything wrong.� �Oh, isn�t that sweet? You were going to buy a TV for your mommy. How does she feel about stolen merchandise, Pern?� �Who says it�s stolen, cop?� Tracy looked around the warehouse. �Oh, I don�t know, Pern. I imagine when we check this stuff out, it�s going to be on our hot sheets. That�s too bad, Pern. Accepting stolen property is a violation of your parole. It looks like you�ll be going back to prison. I bet your mom would be ashamed of you.� �I think my partner�s right, Pern. You�ve been a bad boy, and unless you help us, you�re going back in the yard for about five years.� �What makes you think I can help you, cop?� �Well, word on the street is there�s a new Boss in town, and you�re working for him. So, if you tell us who he is, we might be able to get your sentence reduced. You could be back on the street in time to get a nice tan.� Mason laughed. �Corpses don�t tan too good, cop. If I rat on this guy, that�s exactly what I�ll be. There ain�t no where I can go that he can�t find me. You�ll have to do a whole lot better than that before I say anything else.� Micki smiled up at him. �OK, how about this? We�ll cut you loose, right now, and then we�ll let it out that you ratted on this guy. Then you can take your chances with him. Maybe he�ll give you the chance to tell him the truth, and maybe he won�t. I�ve heard he has quite a temper, and he�s not exactly sane. What do you think, Tracy?� �Oh, I think he�s got a chance. If he�s got eyes in the back of his head, that is.� �Wait a minute! You can�t do that! I didn�t say anything. If it leaks out that I did, I�ll never make it home.� �Oh, we can do it, Pern, and we will. So you really don�t have a choice. If you�re going to get killed for talking to us, you might as well tell us what we want to know. Then we can protect you.� �You really know how to squeeze somebody, cop. OK, you got it. The new guy is Tommy Carruthers. He came down from Jersey, I think. All I know is he�s got a lot of juice backing him. He sets the heist up, then channels the merchandise my way. When I find a buyer, I get my cut.� �Where�s the Baron fit into this? Why did this Carruthers get him involved?� �Carruthers is still setting up his business. Most of his muscle is still back east. He couldn�t afford to make the locals mad. So he�s greasing the wheels by sending some loot the Baron�s way. Once he�s settled in good, he won�t have to worry about anyone else. Nobody�s dumb enough to mess with the Jersey mob, no matter how much they get squeezed.� �OK, Pern, here�s what we�re going to do. We�ll take you downtown and book you for possession of stolen property. You tell your story to the DA, and we�ll talk to him. Until this cat comes to trial, we�ll put you up in a safe house. As long as you�re straight with us, we won�t let it leak to Carruthers that you ratted on him. As far as he�ll know, it was a simple bust, but doesn�t even think about getting cold feet. If you do, you�ll be out on the street before you can blink and taking your chances with Carruthers.� �I read you loud and clear, cop. I ain�t that stupid.� After the uniformed officers took Mason away, Micki grinned at Tracy. �Strike three and you�re out! Let�s tell the Captain to get hold of Benton. With any luck, Danny will be in custody by tonight.� Gleefully, she walked out of the room. Unfortunately, Benton didn�t agree with their optimistic views on the case. Micki stood in front of the FBI agent. �What do you mean, we don�t have a solid case? We�ve got Danny linked with two of the murder victims, and we�ve got a direct link to the fence and the department store heist. What more do you want, a signed confession? He�s not going to show up on your doorstep and say �here I am, cop, where�s the handcuffs?�. Why can�t we arrest him?� �Micki, if you�ll calm down for a minute, I�ll tell you why. I agree that we have enough on Carruthers for a conviction, but that�s not all we want. We want DiConti, or at least a big part of his organization. If we put Carruthers away now, DiConti will simply set up business somewhere else. We want Carruthers tied to the organized crime in this state, or in New Jersey. I know how hard you�ve been working, and you�ve done well, but it�s still not enough for an indictment. This task force was created to bring organized crime under control, and that�s what my Section Chief is expecting. When Carruthers goes to trial, you can add the other charges, but not until then.� Before Micki could continue her outburst, Tracy laid a hand on her arm, and asked quietly, �OK, Benton, give us something specific that will satisfy your Section Chief.� �You�ve made a good start. This fence, Mason, can link Carruthers with the attempt to expand the DiConti organization. Unfortunately, it�s only one robbery. If you can get something solid that proves he�s running his own family, I�ll personally take it to the Chief. Or, find me a body. If one of his victims had been linked to the family, I could have built a Federal case on the homicides. If he�s killed these girls, then I wouldn�t put it past him to kill for DiConti. Find that connection, and we can close this case.� Discouraged and angry, Micki walked to the door. As she opened it, she turned to Benton. �If you want a body, I�ll give you one. If this case goes on much longer, it might be Danny�s.� |
| As if the day hadn�t been bad enough, Danny�s car was parked in the driveway when she returned home. Glancing at her watch, Micki shrugged. He was probably getting ready to go to the club, anyway. At least she wouldn�t have to endure him for long. She opened the door and stood, listening for his movements. She thought she heard him moving around upstairs, so she headed for the kitchen. Maybe she could avoid him completely and he�d leave soon. Unfortunately, her timing was wrong and she walked out of the kitchen as he was coming down the stairs. �There you are, baby-cakes. I thought I heard you come home. What�s the matter? You look like you lost your best friend.� �It�s nothing, Danny. I had a really rotten day, that�s all.� He walked over to her and put his arms around her. She endured his embrace, standing motionless. �Come on, tell Danny all about it. What�s put such a sad face on my baby?� She decided to spread the misery a little. �We busted that fence today. You know, the one Tracy and I have been chasing?� His eyes flickered, but he recovered quickly. �Yeah? Well, that�s good, ain�t it? I thought that�s what you wanted. Why the long face?� �The whole thing fell apart. We couldn�t put him with the robbery, or the suspects. All we can get him for is possession of stolen property. That�s not much more on than a slap on the wrist. Our only suspect in the robbery isn�t talking, either. So, all the hard work we�ve done is for nothing.� She didn�t see it coming. His hands came up and stroked her hair. �Poor baby-cakes, you worked so hard on that. No wonder you�re so down in the mouth. Come on, let your Danny boy kiss it and make it better.� He kissed her passionately, his hands roaming all over her body. Too late, she tried to squirm away. �Danny, please. It�s been a long day and I�m tired. All I want is a hot bath and some sleep.� �Well, that sounds good to me. Hey, I�ll even scrub your back. Then after, I�ll give you a nice massage, relax you all over.� He kissed her again, his hands going under her blouse. Vainly, she tried again to push him away. �I said no, Danny. I�m not in the mood.� The glint in his eyes turned dangerous. �What�s the matter, baby-cakes? What happened to that old fire? Don�t I turn you on anymore? Don�t got the hots anymore for your old Danny?� His hands tightened around her wrists like a vise, bruising her. He was so close that she could see her reflection in his eyes. �No, Danny, it�s not like that. I told you, it�s been a lousy day. I�m not feeling very romantic.� �Well, we can change all that. I bet I can make that bad day go right out of your head. You know, baby-cakes, I�ve really been feeling neglected lately. I�ve been thinking that maybe you don�t want your Danny boy no more. Then I think, no, Micki�s just been working so hard on this thing, trying to be a good cop. It doesn�t have anything to do with me at all, does it?� His fingers tightened even more, cutting off her circulation. She kept her voice carefully controlled. �No, it doesn�t. Danny, you�re hurting me. Let go of my wrists.� He let go of her wrists, and grabbed her hair, pulling her head back sharply. �Unless it�s something else, like somebody else. You wouldn�t keep something like that from me, would you baby-cakes?� �No. There isn�t anybody else. I told you, I�m just in a really bad mood. That�s all.� �Then prove it. Show me that you still belong to me. Show me that old fire.� He kissed her hard, then, clutching her tightly against him. As he began to undress her, she closed her eyes and retreated into that private room inside her mind and slammed the door. Micki pretended to be asleep as she listened to him get dressed. She heard him go into the bathroom and laid motionless as he came back into the room. She prayed silently that he would go downstairs. If he touched her again she would probably scream. She couldn�t make herself move until she heard the front door slam and the sound of his car pulling away. Then, finally, she got up and ran toward sanctuary. |
| After roaming aimlessly around his apartment for two hours and an aborted attempt to read the newspaper, David Starsky gave up and picked up the phone. He dialed Tracy�s number and waited for her to answer. �Hello?� �Hi, it�s me, David. Were you busy?� �No, I�m pretty much on my own tonight. Micki hasn�t checked in yet, so I�ve been cooling my heels here, waiting for her to call.� �How about some company while you�re waiting? I�ll pick up a couple of steaks and a bottle of wine so we can have dinner.� �That�s the best offer I�ve had all night. I�ll toss a salad, too.� �That sounds good. I�ll see you in half an hour?� �Half an hour it is. Bye, David.� Thirty minutes later, he was at her door. She answered his soft knock and invited him in to the apartment. He followed her into the kitchen and together, they started the steaks. Starsky felt relaxed around Tracy, puttering around the kitchen with her seemed natural. For a while, they forgot they were police officers and enjoyed each other�s company. It seemed only right to sit with her on the couch after they finished eating, holding her close. Quietly, they talked about the things they wanted, their hopes for the future. The evening passed quickly, as Tracy noticed as she checked her watch. �It�s getting late. I wonder what�s happened to Micki? She should have called hours ago.� Tracy headed for the phone, but before she could dial Micki�s number, someone knocked on the door. One look at her partner told Tracy what had happened. However, Starsky had no idea what the last few months had been like for Micki, and was shocked when he saw her. The two of them led Micki over to the couch and sat her between them. For a few minutes she sat silently, staring sightlessly into space. Finally, she crossed her arms, holding herself tightly, and closed her eyes. �Oh, God, I can�t believe I did that. Why do I let him keep doing that to me?� Tracy answered the same way she always had. �You did what you had to do, Mick. You didn�t do anything wrong.� �Then why do I feel so dirty? I feel like such a whore.� �Micki, you know that�s not true. You�re a cop, on assignment, and you had no choice. He would have gotten suspicious if you had rejected him. You can�t risk blowing your cover.� �My cover, sure. I�m sick of thinking about my cover. It doesn�t change anything. I�m still selling my body for information, so what�s the difference?� Starsky got up and went into the kitchen, returning with a steaming mug. He sat down beside her and put it into her hands. �What is it?� �Coffee with a healthy slug of brandy. Drink it.� She took a cautious sip and coughed as the alcohol went down. Her weak attempt at humor was ghastly. �You�re ruining good coffee with that stuff.� �Come on, drink it. You need it.� Micki forced herself to drink more of the concoction. She looked at Starsky, trying to smile. �What do they say about this job driving you to drink? I don�t think this is exactly what they meant.� She leaned her head on his shoulder and fought the tears back. �I don�t know how much longer I can do this.� Before Starsky could say anything, there was a knock at the door. Startled, Micki sat up. Starsky motioned for her and Tracy to keep quiet, then moved silently toward the door. As she watched him move, Micki turned to her best friend. �I tried to get away from him, Tracy. I honestly did.� �I know, Mick.� Starsky stayed to the side of the door, and flattened himself against the wall. Taking his gun out of its holster, he thumbed off the safety and cocked it. Speaking softly, he asked, �Who is it?� �It�s me.� Terrific, Starsky thought, and opened the door for his partner. �I saw Micki�s car out front and thought I�d check on how things were going.� Hutch started toward Micki as he was talking, not really noticing her appearance. When he did, he stopped talking and stared. With one long stride he was across the room and kneeling in front of her. �Micki, what�s wrong? You look like you�ve been crying.� Micki kept her eyes down. �Nothing�s wrong. I�m a little down, that�s all.� �Why? Has something happened? Talk to me, Mick. Please.� Tracy picked up the coffee and handed it back to Micki. �She�s had a rough night, Ken. There�s nothing new with the case.� �Then what is it? Will somebody please give me a straight answer?� Exhaustion showed in Micki�s voice. �There isn�t anything to tell. This doesn�t concern you.� As she sipped more of the coffee, the cuffs on her blouse slipped down, revealing the bruises on her wrists. �What the Hell? Micki, what happened? Did Carruthers do that? Why?� �Stay out of it, Ken. Please.� Hutch reached out and cupped his hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him. The look in her eyes told him what he wanted to know. �Good God, he forced you, didn�t he? Answer me, Micki. Didn�t he?� �He didn�t exactly take no for an answer. Leave it alone, Ken. It�s over, let it be.� Hutch refused to listen. �I�ll kill that son-of-a-bitch!� Furious, he started for the door, with Starsky right behind him. �Hutch, no. You heard her. Stay out of it. You�ll only make things worse.� �No! I�m not going to let him get away with this!� �You can�t go over there. If you get near him, he�ll kill you. That�s not going to solve anything.� �Yes it will. It�ll give me the satisfaction of tearing that bastard apart.� �Hutch, if you go after him now, you�ll blow her cover. If he finds out what she�s been doing, he�ll kill her. Do you want that?� �Starsky, he raped her!� �No! He didn�t rape me! I didn�t fight him.� Micki was standing behind the two men, looking at Hutch. �I submitted. I did what I had to do.� She walked toward him. �Dear God, do you think I wanted this? Do you think I wanted his hands on me? Can you imagine how sick that makes me feel? Please, Ken, I�m begging you. Stay out of this. I need you. Please leave him alone.� He reached for her, enfolding her in his arms. He held her close to him, comforting her as she cried. Tenderly, he stroked her hair, whispering, �It�s OK. I won�t do anything. I�ll stay out of it. Don�t cry. We�ll get through this, somehow, together.� As he tried to comfort her, he heard her voice in his mind. *You don�t know what this case has been like for me.* Later, he argued gently with her as she got ready to leave. �I don�t want you going back there. It�s too dangerous.� �I have to go back, Ken. I can�t let six months of work go down the drain, not after all I�ve been through.� Realizing it was useless to argue, he touched her cheek. �At least let me walk you to your car.� She squeezed his hand. �You can�t. Danny�s gorillas won�t be far away. I�ll be OK, really. I�ll see you at the station in the morning.� She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. Straightening her back, she walked out the door. |
| Micki noticed the dark sedan parked halfway down the street as she got into her own car. She sat there for a minute, thinking about what she had told Hutch. The shame she had felt turned into anger. Pounding on the steering wheel with both hands, she swore out loud. �Damn you, Danny! I hate you for what you�re making me do. I�ll get you, I promise. If it�s the last thing I do, I�ll get you. I swear I will.� Blinking through the tears, she slammed the car into drive and squealed away. She let the sedan follow her home, not even trying to lose them. As she turned onto her street, she straightened slightly. Several cars were parked in front of the house. Aside from an occasional visit from Stick, it was unusual for Danny to bring visitors home. As she got closer, she noticed that most of the cars were rentals. Micki was very interested in to whom those cars belonged. She pulled the car into the driveway, then checked herself in the mirror. Swiping her hand across her face, she dried her tears. Taking a deep breath, she went into the house. The noise assaulted her as she walked into the living room. Almost a dozen men were milling around, talking and smoking. She barely heard Danny as he called out to her. He caught up with her as she started up the stairs. �I�m glad you�re home, baby-cakes. The boys have been dying to meet you. What�s wrong with your eyes? Have you been crying?� �No, Danny, it�s just the smoke. I�m sorry I was gone for so long. If I�d known we were going to have company, I would have been back earlier.� �No sweat, babe. You�re here now. Go on upstairs and make yourself presentable, then come and meet the guys. Maybe you can whip something up for them to munch on, too. They�ve had a long trip.� �Sure, Danny, I�ll be right down. I�d love to meet your friends.� Micki went into the bathroom, stripping off her clothes as she went. It only took a minute to touch up her make-up, then she went to her closet. The white blouse and black pants looked almost prim on the hanger, but she nodded to herself as she dressed. The outfit showed every curve she had. That should put their attention where she wanted it. As she started down the stairs, she grinned at the woman in the mirror. Yep, Micki was back. The next morning, Hutch stood with Starsky and Tracy as they waited for Micki. Worried about what her emotional condition would be, he paced back and forth in the hall until she got there. Again, she surprised him. �Hi, guys! What�s up?� Hutch looked at the others, then at Micki. �Nothing. Are you OK?� �I�m great. What�s everybody doing standing in the hallway? Come on, I want to talk to Dobey. I�ve got some news.� Tracy stopped her. �Benton�s in there.� �Good. I want to talk to him, too. What are we waiting for? Let�s go!� She grabbed Hutch�s hand and pulled him along. Baffled by the change in her, he shrugged at the others and allowed her to tow him to Dobey�s office. Once inside, the four detectives sat down in front of Dobey�s desk. Micki waited until Hutch sat down, then plopped herself in his lap, resting her arm nonchalantly on the back of his chair. She started talking as soon as everybody was seated. �You�ll never guess what happened after I got home last night. I had company waiting for me. Danny had visitors from out of town.� Benton had noticed the way Micki was acting with Hutch, but let it go. Concentrating on what she had said, he only asked, �Company from where?� �Nobody said specifically, but from what I overheard, New Jersey. Here, I got a list of names. I wrote all the last names down that I heard, but mostly I was introduced by their first names. I put down any nicknames that I heard, too.� She handed the list to Benton, who passed it around to the others. Hutch looked at the list. �I recognize some of these. They work for DiConti, all right.� Benton turned back to Micki. �Did they say what brought them here?� �Apparently, there�s some sort of crisis in the family.� �Do you have any idea what it is?� �Well, since Danny made sure they all knew I was a cop, all I got was a bit here and there. From what I understood, somebody�s been putting his hand in DiConti�s till.� Starsky cleared his throat. �Somebody�s stealing from the big man himself? Now, who would be that dumb?� �This is only my impression, but if I had to guess, I�d say it was Richie Sarpedo. He�s one of Danny�s old enforcers from his protection racket. He was wearing a four hundred-dollar silk suit, and two hundred dollar shoes. I know DiConti isn�t paying him that well. His IQ isn�t much bigger than his shoe size, but my money�s on him.� �What�s DiConti planning to do about it?� �They�re going to have a summit meeting, at the club.� �When?� Benton asked. �It�s set for the day after tomorrow.� �That doesn�t give us much time. I wish we could figure a way to get you in on it.� Micki grinned. �We�re already invited. Danny wants the band to provide the entertainment for his little get together.� �Good. Now if we could get Starsky and Hutch in to back you up...� Dobey thought out loud. �They�re in, too. I let it drop that David and Tracy had a thing going, so Danny invited him. Since Hutch is David�s partner, the more the merrier.� Benton was suspicious. �That�s really stupid. Why fill the place with cops if he�s having a meeting?� �It�s really smart when you think about it. Who�s going to suspect an organized crime summit with cops sitting a few tables away? This way, it will look like a few old buddies getting together to talk over old times.� �I still don�t like it. It sounds like a set-up to me.� �It is a set-up, Benton. Only, it�s a set-up for Richie. He�s not going to suspect anything if this looks like a big party. Danny�s hoping he can pour enough booze into him that he�ll spill his guts. From what I saw at the house last night, Danny�s right. Richie�s fairly streetwise as long as he�s sober, but the more he drinks, the more he talks. Give him all the booze he wants, plus entertainment, and he�ll hang himself without even realizing it.� �How are we going to get close enough to know what�s happening? You won�t be able to hear anything if you�re on stage. I wish we could get a wire in there, but I don�t see how.� Micki�s grin was wicked. �Well, we could plant one right next to Danny�s bug.� Hutch blinked. �Carruthers is bugging his own party? Now that�s rich. How do you know that, Mick?� �Believe it or not, Stick�s one weakness is food; greasy food at that. Since I happen to know that he loves smoked sausages, I put a few on crackers and walked in his direction. He called me over to him in time for me to catch the end of the conversation. Danny wants Richie to admit that he�s been dipping his hands into the cookie jar, and he wants it on tape for DiConti. So he�s going to plant a bug in the flowers on their table so it will pick up their conversation. It�ll have to be close so they can be heard over the music and the other background noise. I bet if Tracy and I think hard enough, we can figure out a way to get one of our own next to Danny�s.� �OK, I�ll go along with you, but be careful. We don�t want to foul this up, not when we�re so close. If this is what you think it is, we could bring a lot of DiConti�s men down with Carruthers. We might even cripple DiConti�s whole organization.� �Don�t worry, Benton. I want Danny as much as you do. Come on, Tracy, we�ve got a show to plan. We�ll be in touch.� Micki bounded out of the room with Tracy right behind her, talking as they went. |
| Hutch turned to the Captain. �Well, this sounds like a good time to try out our new computers. We�ll access the database and see if we can�t get some information on these names. Maybe we can bust this arm up before it gets into place.� �Good. The more information we have, the better. If we bring down DiConti, even partially, the Commissioner is going to love us. That�s not bad for our first case. Benton, we�ll set things up with you as soon as we hear from Micki.� Starsky and Hutch divided the list of names Micki had compiled, and sat down at their computers. As the files started to come up on the screen, Hutch realized that he recognized some of the names for a reason. He and Starsky had busted some of them for different crimes. Apparently, they were trying to move up in the underworld by working for the family. Hutch was concentrating on the files and didn�t notice Benton until he turned around. �Is there something I can do for you, Benton?� �Not really. I noticed that you and Micki seemed to be pretty close, that�s all.� Hutch walked over to Benton. �I don�t think that�s any of your business. Why do you ask?� �Micki�s a good cop. We were really lucky that she was the one who could get close to Carruthers.� �Yeah, I bet you were tickled pink when she volunteered to do your dirty work for you.� �She didn�t volunteer, Hutchinson. We asked her to go under cover for us. So far, she�s done a good job. We never would have been able to get this much on Carruthers if it weren�t for her. I�d hate for anything to get in her way when we�re getting so close.� �Meaning me.� �Look, Hutchinson, what you and Micki do is your own business. All I�m asking is that you put it on hold until this case is closed. Keep your distance until Carruthers is behind bars. We�ve come too far to have this case jeopardized by personal feelings.� Hutch took a step toward Benton. �No one is jeopardizing your case, Benton. Life is just one case after another to you, isn�t it? You could care less about the people involved, as long as you have another star on your record. You�ve used people like Micki before to get what you want. I didn�t know Micki six months ago. I couldn�t keep her from going into this mess, but I�m going to make damn sure she comes out of this as whole as possible. If you don�t like it, that�s too damn bad.� Benton turned away, then turned back. �Stay out of it, Hutchinson. If you louse this up, I�ll squash you and this task force like a bug. That�s a promise.� Tommy Carruthers went all out for his �little get together�. He decorated his club with streamers and balloons, and replaced the normal dim lighting with festive hanging lamps and candles on each table. He handpicked his guests himself to make sure that Richie Sarpedo was completely at ease. An unlimited supply of his best champagne was flowing at each table, especially at his own. Carruthers proclaimed loudly to anyone who would listen that nothing was too good for his old buddies from home. By the time the party was well underway, Richie was talking to anyone who came near him. Tommy Carruthers smiled to himself and let Richie talk. After slipping out unnoticed to check on the surveillance van parked down the street, Hutch went in the rear entrance and back to Micki�s dressing room. He listened to make sure she was alone, then went inside. �Ken, what are you doing? If Danny sees you in here, he�ll know something�s going on between us.� �He�s too busy pouring booze down Sarpedo�s throat to notice anything else. Anyway, I only wanted to see you for a minute. I won�t stay long. I checked the van, the bug�s working fine. It�s picking up anything that�s said at Carruthers� table. How�s things on your end?� �They couldn�t be better. I�ve got my own agenda for tonight.� Hutch caught the look in her eyes. �Micki, what are you up to?� �Nothing. Danny wants us to put on a good show for his friends, and that�s what I intend to do.� �Micki, don�t do anything foolish. This whole thing is risky enough as it is. Don�t push you�re luck.� �I never take foolish risks, Ken. You should know me well enough by now to know that.� �You�re right. I do know you. I mean it, Mick, behave yourself.� Micki came over to him and put her arms around his neck. She kissed him, then stepped back. �You worry too much. Everything�s going exactly the way I hoped it would. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the show. I know Danny will.� She kissed him again, then pushed him out the door. Mystified by her attitude, Hutch joined Starsky at their table. He was still shaking his head when he sat down. �What�s wrong?� Starsky asked. �I don�t know. Micki�s up to something. I can feel it.� Starsky lowered his voice. �Does she have something new on our guest of honor?� �I don�t think so. She told me she was going to put on quite a show for Carruthers, and I didn�t like the way she said it. Lord only knows what she�s planning to do.� �Micki�s not stupid, partner. She wouldn�t do anything foolish.� �That may be true, but Micki�s idea of a foolish risk isn�t always the same as ours. I wish I knew what was going on inside her head.� �Well, we can�t do anything about it now. It�s almost show time. Maybe you�re worrying about nothing. We�ll just have to wait and see.� As if on cue, the stage curtain opened and Danny walked out. He waited for the applause to die down, then spoke. �OK, enough already. Before we start with tonight�s entertainment, I want to thank everybody for coming. I know my little shindig was on short notice, but it�s not every day that I get to show off for my hometown buddies. We�ve got plenty of food and free drinks, so sit back and enjoy. I have a real treat for all of you. My old lady, Micki, has agreed to provide the music for tonight. Now, you all know she�s a cop, but we won�t hold that against her. She�s also got a voice that�ll knock your socks off. So, it�s my pleasure to introduce to you the best little band in town. Ladies and gentlemen, the California Dreamers.� Hutch tensed as he waited for Micki to begin the first song of the set. Then, he relaxed. There was nothing threatening about the song; it was a simple ballad that showed Micki�s talent as a singer. He exchanged a glance with Starsky. Maybe he had read her wrong. The song ended and the audience applauded briefly as the curtain closed. There was a low murmur as the crowd waited with anticipation for the next song. The room was quiet for a heartbeat, then the music exploded from behind the curtain. As the tempo accelerated, the curtain raised, revealing a folding screen partition. With only her head visible above the screen, Micki began to sing. The song was about a young girl from the wrong side of the tracks who turned to prostitution because of her family�s reputation. When she stepped from behind the screen, Micki was dressed in a bright red sequined gown made of silk, cut low in the front, and split up the side. A feathered boa, high heels and gloves completed her costume. Her dark hair was upswept; held in place by a diamond tiara. The entire costume left nothing to the imagination. The lyrics left nothing to the imagination, either. Micki sang of pimps, and tricks, and her rise to the top of the prostitution world. As a production number, it was visually stunning. In this setting, however, it was the worst possible choice for a song. The catcalls and whistles coming from Danny�s private table were so loud that the rest of the audience could barely hear Micki singing. Danny�s buddies were stomping their feet and clapping in time with the music. They obviously were enjoying every minute. Danny, however, was noticeably absent. Hutch scanned the room and found him standing at the bar. One look at his face told Hutch that his instincts were right. Danny was livid. If looks were bullets, Micki would have died on the spot. He turned back to look at Starsky, and knew that he had seen Danny, too. Mercifully, the song ended. Starsky looked over at Hutch, and shrugged. �Why?� Hutch asked. �Please tell me why she did that?� �Who knows? Well, let�s try not to make too much out of it. It was just a song, after all.� �Are you kidding, Starsky? Look at Carruthers. He looks like he�s already got his hands around her throat. I don�t know what she was thinking, but it�s really going to hit the fan this time.� �Well, there�s nothing we can do about it now. We�ll just have to wait to see what happens. We�d better get back to the van and see if the bug picked up anything useful. Tracy said she�d meet us at her apartment after the show. Maybe Micki can get away from Carruthers and come, too. We�ll have a better chance of talking to her there.� �Oh, I definitely want to talk to her. I can�t wait to see how she explains this one.� They casually walked out the front door, then went around the back to the van. After securing the tape, they drove to Tracy�s apartment. |
| After changing her clothes, Micki left the club and went back to Danny�s house. She saw his car in the driveway and braced herself for the explosion she knew was coming. Danny was waiting for her in the living room, a drink in his hand. Going over to the bar, she made one for herself. Unable to resist, she turned the knife. �Your friends seemed to enjoy the show. I thought they�d like it.� �Oh, yeah, they enjoyed it all right. They thought it was a real kick.� Suddenly, his glass went flying across the room. A slightly raised eyebrow was Micki�s only reaction. �You really thought you were hot stuff, didn�t you baby-cakes? You couldn�t pass up the chance to make me look bad in front of my friends. I can�t believe you�d do that to me. I mean, you�re my old lady! There you were, dressed like a two-bit hooker and parading around on stage. You made me look like a fool, Micki!� �Oh, come on, Danny. You�re making this into a big deal. It was just a song. Nobody thought anything about it.� �Bull! You humiliated me in my own club! If I�d wanted to give them a peep show, I�d have hired some real strippers, not my woman.� �That probably would have been more their speed, wouldn�t it? I picked that number just for them. You really have some classy friends, Danny.� He crossed the room in one long stride and backhanded her in the same motion. Her glass flew out of her hand and she rocked back from the blow. Micki�s eyes narrowed as she wiped away the blood with the back of her hand. �That�s it, Danny. I�m not one of your cheap little tramps. If you think I�m going to stand here and let you knock me around, think again.� �Bitch! I�ll teach you who�s boss. I ain�t even started good yet.� He advanced on her with his fists clenched. Defiantly, Micki stood her ground. Tracy waited in her dressing room until the club was empty. She made sure she was alone, then went to Danny�s private table and removed the transmitter she had planted earlier. She slipped it into her purse, and hurried out the door. Hutch met her at her apartment door. �Have you talked to Micki?� �We only talked for a few minutes, Ken. I told her where we would be. I didn�t want to say anything else while everyone was hanging around. She said she�d be here as soon as possible.� �What in Hell was she thinking? Of all the numbers she could have done, why that one?� �I don�t know. I tried to get her to sing something else, but she was determined. You know how Micki is. Once she makes up her mind, you can�t change it.� �Look,� Starsky said, �all this second-guessing isn�t doing us any good. Let�s just see what�s on the tape, then maybe Micki can explain things when she gets here.� �She�d better have a damn good explanation, too. When Benton finds out what she did, he�s going to hit the roof.� �Well, it�s too late to change things now. Go on, David, play the tape.� The three detectives sat down to listen. Predictably, the first few minutes on the tape were useless. Most of the conversation was spent on getting reacquainted. Finally, they heard something of interest. �So, Richie, how�s the business been doing lately? Is Karl a good boss?� �Yeah, he�s OK, Tommy. Of course, he�s not as good as you, but we get along OK. Business is really booming. You ought to see the new joints that have opened since you left. We�re really raking it in these days. Say, if you want a piece of the action, Tommy, I�ll be glad to give you a cut.� �Na, I wouldn�t want to horn in on Karl�s territory, Richie. That wouldn�t be kosher.� There was a rustle, then they could hear Richie whispering to Carruthers. �Karl wouldn�t have to know about it, Tommy, and neither would Mr. DiConti.� �I don�t get you, Richie. You wouldn�t have your own thing going, would you?� �Yeah, Tommy. How do you think I got these swell threads? You think Karl or DiConti gave them to me? Hell no, they didn�t! They wouldn�t throw me a bone if I was a dog. You know what they call me, Tommy? Richie Stupido, that�s what. They don�t think I got brains enough to pour piss out of a boot. I showed them. I�ve been putting a little back for myself for a long time. I ain�t a bit sorry, either. They don�t treat me good like you used to, Tommy.� �How are you doing it, Richie? Karl and Mr. DiConti ain�t dumb, either.� �It�s easy. I just add a little onto Karl�s fees. The stiffs don�t have the balls to ask Karl what he�s getting, so nobody�s the wiser. Since the money I turn in matches the books, Mr. DiConti don�t even know I�m doing it. I�m real careful not to pad it by more than ten or twenty bucks, that way the stiffs don�t go yelling to Karl. I�ve got myself a nice little nest egg built up, I�ll tell you that much.� �That�s real smart, Richie.� �Yeah, well I know Karl and Mr. DiConti ain�t going to throw anything extra my way, so I�ve been taking care of myself. You always gotta look after number one, cause nobody else is going to.� �That�s real good, Richie. Now, let�s sit back and watch the show. I gotta go introduce Micki in a minute. You guys enjoy yourselves.� The tape picked up the sound of a chair being moved and a few minutes later; Carruthers could be heard on stage. Starsky sat back. �I guess Richie is as dumb as he looks. If I know the DiConti family, he just signed his own death warrant.� �We�ll have to start watching Carruthers like hawks. Damn, I wish we could get a wire into that house, or his office. I�d sure like to be a fly on the wall when DiConti hears this tape.� Tracy was optimistic. �If we�re lucky, he�ll send Danny to take care of Richie, then we�ll have something that will satisfy the Feds. Maybe this whole thing will be over soon.� �I have a feeling it had better be. I just wish Micki would get here. The way Carruthers was looking at her, SHE might be his next victim.� As if on cue, the phone rang. Tracy jumped to answer it. �Hello? Yes, this is Detective Edwards. What? Is she hurt badly? All right, we�ll be there as soon as possible.� �What�s wrong?� Hutch asked. �Micki�s in the hospital. Danny beat her up.� �Good God. Let�s go.� Hutch was already on his way to the door. |
| The doctor met them at Emergency Room. Tracy introduced herself and the two men. Hutch asked, �How is she, doctor?� �Detective Ellis is in good condition. There were no broken bones or internal injuries, just contusions and two bruised ribs. All she needs is a few days rest. However, I was hoping you could talk to her.� Hutch was puzzled. �Why? If she�s going to be OK, what�s the problem, doctor?� �My concern isn�t her physical condition, but she�s obviously been beaten. I tried to talk her into pressing charges, but she�s resisting my suggestion. Maybe as a fellow detective, you�ll have better luck.� Hutch glanced at the others. �I understand your concern, doctor. I know you�re legally bound to report this, but my partner and I can handle that. Micki is on a rather sensitive case at the moment and for reasons we can�t discuss, making this public would endanger her life. I assure you, the person responsible for this won�t get away with it. We just have to move carefully right now.� �I don�t pretend to understand what�s going on here, but as you wish, Sergeant. I�ll trust you and your partner to take care of this matter. Now, if you�ll excuse me, I�ll get Detective Ellis� paperwork together so she can be released.� �You�re not going to keep her, then?� Tracy asked. �No, there�s really no reason. However, I strongly suggest that she stay away from this person for at least two or three days to give her body time to heal. She is going to be very stiff and sore for at least that long and she doesn�t need any more abuse.� Tracy nodded. �She can stay with me for a while. She�ll be safe there.� �I�d like to see her, if I could, doctor.� �Of course, she�s in cubicle three. I�ll be back shortly with her paperwork.� Hutch left the others and went to find Micki. She was lying on the examining table and appeared to be sleeping, until she heard him. She stirred and opened her eyes as he came over to her. �Hi. Did the hospital call you? I told them not to bother you. I�m OK.� �I�m glad they called. You were lucky, Micki. I�m surprised he didn�t kill you.� �He�s not that stupid. He can�t risk the exposure right now.� Hutch sat down beside her. �This has gone on long enough, Mick. I think you should pull out.� She sat up slowly and turned to him. �I can�t pull out now. You know that, Ken. We�re getting too close.� �I don�t want you going back there. You�re not the only one working on this. Let someone else take the heat for a change.� �There isn�t anybody else! If I pull out now, it�ll take months to get someone else inside, and by that time, Danny will be long gone. Please try to understand. I have to do this.� �I do understand, but your luck is bound to run out sooner or later. Is putting him away worth your life?� �Nothing is going to happen to me, Ken.� She took his hand. �You know, when I was a little girl, I used to get scared sometimes at night. My dad would come in and I�d tell him there were monsters under my bed. He�d turn on the lights and make a big show of looking under my bed just to make me feel better. He�d tell me that it was my imagination, that there was no such thing as monsters. Then I met Danny. He murdered those girls, and there�s no telling how many more he�s turned onto drugs or forced into prostitution. He takes these small businesses and squeezes them until they die. My dad was wrong. Danny�s the monster hiding under everybody�s bed. I have the power to put him away, and that�s what I�m going to do.� Hutch squeezed her hands gently. �I know how you feel, but what about us? We haven�t had any time to talk, or get to know each other. I don�t want to lose you before we even get that chance.� She smiled tenderly and touched his cheek. �You�re not going to lose me. You�re probably going to be stuck with me for a long, long time. We�ll have our chance to talk, I promise, but I have to finish this case. I can�t go on with my life until Danny is behind bars.� Hutch kissed her bruised lips. �OK, but if you�re going through with this, it�s going to be on my terms. Got it?� She grinned at him, saying nothing. There was a rustle at the curtain, and the doctor came in, followed by Starsky and Tracy. �I have you�re papers ready, Detective. You can go home now. Here are your medications. I want you to take one as soon as you get home, and then one every six hours for pain. I don�t want you to return to duty for at least two days, understand?� �Yes, doctor. Thanks.� |
| The trip to Tracy�s apartment was uneventful. Once Micki settled into her old bedroom, Hutch asked the question that was on everybody�s mind. �Micki, why did you do it? You had to know what he would do.� �Of course I knew, but I had to. Danny thinks of women as property. He does what he wants with them, and throws them away when he�s tired of playing. What�s worse, he thinks I�m nothing but a dumb cop. He�s running the family business right under my nose and he thinks I�m too stupid to see it. I couldn�t take that anymore. I had to let him see me, if only for a little while. I�m not dumb and I�m not his plaything, either. I just wanted to show him that.� �I can see where you�re coming from, Mick. I don�t agree with your timing, but I know how hard this case has been for you. I only hope Benton can see it, too.� �You know at this point, I really don�t care. As long as you understand, that�s all that matters.� He took her in his arms, mindful of her bruised ribs, and let her head rest on his shoulder. �I think I�m finally beginning to understand. I�m sorry, Mick. I never meant to put you down. I was afraid for you, but didn�t know how to say that. So, I shot off at the mouth instead.� �Tracy tried to tell me that, but I wouldn�t listen. We�ve always had to defend ourselves to everyone, because we�re young and we don�t have a lot of experience. It was a gut reaction when you questioned my methods. I promise that from now on, I�ll explain my reasons to you. You may not agree with my methods, but at least you�ll understand them.� She started to say something else, but yawned instead. She giggled sleepily. �I�m sorry. I guess I�m getting tired.� �It�s the medication. Lie back now and try to sleep. We can talk more tomorrow.� He waited for her to get comfortable, then tucked the covers around her. Kissing her once more, he left the room and joined the others in the kitchen. �How is she?� Starsky asked. �Sore. I finally got her to sleep.� Tracy poured coffee for all of them. �Boy, Danny must be furious to go after Micki like that. Do you think he�ll guess what she�s been doing?� �I don�t think so,� Hutch answered. �She made Carruthers so mad that he didn�t even notice us, or the bug you planted. As far as he�s concerned, Micki still has no idea who he really is.� �Well, Richie didn�t help things by calling Carruthers by his real name in a public place like the club. If he�d had a moment to think, Carruthers might have picked up on that. That tells us what his plans are for Richie, doesn�t it?� �Obviously, he�s not planning on keeping Richie around for long, or he would have corrected him when he slipped up. That�s the kind of mistake that could land Danny in prison.� �So, what now?� Starsky looked at Tracy. �I�ll get this tape to the Captain and Benton in the morning. It�s my guess the Captain will want us to stay close to Danny. If he makes a move on Richie, we�ll be right on his heels.� She got up and stretched. �It�s been a long night. If you two want to crash here for the night, there�s the couch, and an extra cot in the closet. You can fight over who gets what.� Starsky yawned. �There won�t be a fight. Hutch can have the couch. His long legs would hang off a cot.� Hutch put the cups in the sink. �Suit yourself, Starsk. At this point, I could sleep on the floor. Goodnight, everybody.� Hutch stretched out on the couch and tried to sleep. He�d barely drifted off when he heard a cry from the bedroom. �Danny, no!� Instantly, he was beside Micki. �Mick, it�s OK. You were dreaming.� �It was horrible. I was in a room. There was a girl in the room, and I thought at first it was me, but it wasn�t. Danny had his hands around her throat, and he was choking her. I tried to stop him, but I couldn�t move. All I could do was watch.� She shuddered and looked up at him. �I have to stop him, Ken. I can�t let him hurt anybody else.� He held her close. �We�ll stop him, Mick. I promise. Now, try to go back to sleep.� �Would you stay, please, and hold me? I don�t want to be alone.� He lay down beside her and held her against him. She was quiet for a moment, then smiled at him. �Do you have any idea how safe you make me feel?� �I�ll always keep you safe, Micki, if you�ll let me. Now, hush.� |
 |
 |