Starsky pulled the Torino back in his parking space and got out and stretched, looking at his watch. It was 10:45pm. He walked around towards Gabbys’ place, thinking about how she’d asked him to come back, and he smiled. He knocked gently a couple of times, but got no response, so he instinctively turned the door handle. It was unlocked, and he walked inside. Gabby had changed clothes, wearing a pair of burgundy flannel pajamas, and had her flannel robe wrapped around her with her fuzzy slippers on. It wasn’t that cool inside, and he found himself wondering if she was cold natured. She was curled up on the sofa, sleeping soundly enough that she hadn’t heard him come in.
“Well that’s real safe, leaving your door unlocked.” He whispered as he closed the door, locking it behind him. A glass of water sat beside a box of tissues on the coffee table in front of her. ‘Had she been crying?’ he asked himself, his face scowling. He moved the water and tissue box to the other side of the coffee table, along with her ashtray and cigarettes, and sat down on it in front of her, studying her. He noticed she had a handful of tissues in her hand, and wondered what could have gotten her so upset. He stroked her hair with his hand, but she didn’t move. He leaned down and called her name, then kissed her on the top of her head. She stirred a little, eyes opening, seeing him, then smiling. He looked at the sleepy eyes in front of him. He leaned in to kiss her on her cheek, but she abruptly pushed him away with her hand, forcing him to sit straight back as she sat up and turned away from him.
“Gabby…” he began, then she sneezed.
“Don’t get near me Dave.” She began with a nasal sound to her voice. “I don’t know what I’m coming down with, and I don’t want you to catch it.” She said, then began coughing. He laughed a little out loud, to which she glared at him, not amused.
“I’m sorry.” He said, the smile still on his face. “But when I came in I thought you’d been crying.”
“Huh? Oh.” She said, realizing why he had thought that.
“Let me take a look at ya.” He said, feeling her forehead. “Yeah, you do feel a little warm.”
“It’ll be okay.” She began, “I took some aspirin a few hours ago. Why don’t you go home and get some rest? I’ll be fine, and won’t have to worry about you getting sick.” she told him, wrapping her robe around her a little bit tighter, obviously chilled. Starsky looked at her and grinned, then got up and headed towards the bathroom. She could hear him fumbling around, then he immerged with a thermometer in his hand, shaking it down as he walked back towards her.
“What are you doing, may I ask?” Gabby said, looking at him as she grabbed a few more tissues.
“Just want to see what you’re doing.” He said smugly, placing the thermometer in her mouth. She sat there, glaring at him, then removed it.
“I’ve got a cold, that’s all, and I don’t need you to nurse me.” She told him in a huff.
“Put that back in your mouth.” He told her bluntly. She just stared at him, but rather than argue, did as she was told.
“This sure did come on you suddenly.” He told her, softening his tone. She pulled the thermometer back out from her mouth again.
“Well, no, not really, I was out gardening today, planting those azaleas out front, and I noticed it, but I just thought it was my allergies. In fact, I’m really thinking that’s all it is, because I took some allergy medicine and I felt better then.” She told him in her nasal tone.
“Put it back in your mouth.” He told her firmly.
“Alright already.” She said, rolling her eyes as she did so. He waited a few minutes and took it from her mouth, and she rested, laying herself back against the sofa. He held it under the lamp beside her on the end table, looked at it, then looked at her, raising his eyebrow as he shook the thermometer back down.
“See,” she sniffed, “I told you I was fine.” she said, turning herself sideways to stretch her legs across the sofa.
“When did you take that aspirin?” he asked her seriously.
“Around 9pm.” She answered him. He looked at his watch.
“Well, it’s barely been two hours and you have a fever of 101.” He told her in an ‘I told you so’ tone. She looked at him then slumped down, giving in.
“Okay, you win. I have a mild case of the flu. All the more reason for you to go home and get away from all these germs.” She said, coughing a little and wiping her nose.
“What? And miss the opportunity to see you like this? Perish the thought.” he teased. She took one of the pillows from her sofa and threw it at him.
“Play nice.” He scolded her. “C’mon, “ he began, “I’ll feel better if you go get in bed.” He told her sweetly.
“You’ll feel better?” She mused. She slowly got up from the sofa, feeling a little stiff. Starsky noticed. Pulling the covers up over her properly, after having taken a few minutes to talk her out of wearing her robe in bed, he tucked her in. He hated how familiar this all felt to him. He went back out to the living room and stretched himself out on the sofa. His eyes closed, and for only a moment he thought, he was resting. He opened his eyes again, and looked at his watch. It was 3:30am. He went in to check on Gabby, feeling her forehead with the back of his hand. She felt hot, so he went into the bathroom and got two aspirin, then went in the kitchen for a glass of water. Gabby came out there behind him.
“What are you doing up?” he asked with surprise.
“I heard you making noises out here and wondered who the heck was in my kitchen.” She answered, her voice only a whisper. She tried clearing her throat, but it didn’t work.
“Well good. Since you’re up, I can take your temperature.” He said. She grabbed the glass of water, not thinking, and he took it from her.
“Not yet.” He said gently as he sat the glass back down. He quickly retrieved the thermometer and she let him insert it without argument. After a few minutes, he took it from her, offering the glass of water for replacement. He picked up the aspirin on the table and handed them to her. She took them without a word, drinking all the water behind them. Starsky looked at the thermometer. It was 103 degrees. He looked at her and watched her as she dozed at the table.
“C’mon, let’s get you back to bed so you can sleep laying down instead of sitting up.” He told her, guiding her. She giggled.
“I never had a private nurse before.” She teased
him.
Chapter Eleven
Starsky walked out into the living room and put his jacket on. Quietly he checked to make sure Gabby was sleeping, then went out the front door and walked to his place. He washed himself up as best he could being in a hurry, changed clothes, then went rummaging through his medicine chest to see what kind of medication he had that he could give her. There were assorted cough syrups, prescription and over the counter, aspirin, and a couple of bottles of antibiotics, which he never finished like he was instructed to. He decided to take the antibiotics back with him. He grabbed the orange juice and milk cartons out from his refrigerator, and decided to find a bag to put them all into. Not knowing what she had in her fridge, he looked through his, finding something he could fix to possibly encourage her to eat. He grabbed his jacket and walked back over to her apartment.
Quietly putting things away, he walked into Gabbys’ room to check on her. She was sleeping, taking deep breaths. He walked over and felt her head with his hand; it didn’t feel much different than before. He walked back out and looked at the clock. It was going on 5am. He stretched out across the sofa and fell into a light sleep.
He awoke with a startle, unaware of his surroundings for a moment. Sitting up, he looked over at the clock. It was 7:30am. He picked up the phone and dialed Hutchs’ number.
“Hello?” Hutch answered. He sounded awake and alert.
“Hey.” Starsky said, his voice still a little groggy.
“What’s up?” Hutch asked.
“Only me and thee, I think.” He answered, then heard giggling in the background and Hutchs’ feeble attempt to not laugh in Starskys’ ear.
“And Deanna, I assume?” Starsky said smugly.
“Uh, heh-heh, yeah.” Hutch replied. “So what’s going on?” he asked.
“Gabbys’ sick, and I don’t want to leave her.” Starsky told him. There was a minute of silence on the line.
“What’s wrong with her?” Hutch asked sincerely.
“Flu bug I think, but I wanna make sure she’s okay, you know?” Starsky told him.
“Yeah pal, I know where you’re coming from. I’ll tell Dobey you’re sick, and call you if anything happens with the case. I’ll come by and check on you two after work.” Hutch told him.
“Thanks pal.” Starsky said.
“You need anything?” Hutch asked.
“No, I think I got it covered, but thanks.” Starsky said, hanging up the phone. He walked back in to look at Gabby. Still asleep, she seemed to be resting comfortably enough, but he wanted to take her temperature again and see if she could eat something. He retrieved the thermometer, bringing a glass of water with him, anticipating her thirst once he woke her.
“Gabby?’ he said, moving his hand up and down her arm. She moved a little, but didn’t wake.
“Hey sleepy head, how ‘bout opening those pretty eyes of yours for me.” He said, a little bit louder than the last time. She grinned, eyes still closed, then opened them and found him looking down at her.
“I could get used to this.” She said as well as her hoarseness would allow.
“You could, huh?” he asked sweetly. “C’mon, how about sitting up for me so I can take your temperature.” He said, helping her get into a sitting position. Not arguing, not even rolling her eyes, she sat up and let him put the thermometer in her mouth. He wondered if she had finally given in to letting him take care of her, or if she just felt too bad to argue. He waited a few minutes and took the thermometer from her, handing her the water glass.
“Are you allergic to any antibiotics?” he asked.
“No, why?” she questioned.
“Well, I had some at my place and brought them with me, and I want you to take a couple.” He said, now focussing on the thermometer in the dim light. Her fever was still at 103. She never asked him what it read.
“You hungry?” he asked, hoping she’d say yes, but pretty much knowing she wouldn’t.
“Ugh. No.” she told him, getting up.
Where do ya think you’re going?” he asked.
The bathroom, if you don’t mind.” She told him, rubbing her eyes and smiling at him. He watched her as she made her way out of the room. He hated the bad feeling that was nagging in his gut.
Chapter Twelve
Hutch made his way into the squad room by 9am. Just in time for Dobey to see him as he came out from his office.
“Hutchinson.” Dobey sternly said, his form of a greeting.
“Yeah Cap, morning.” He offered, placing his jacket on his desk chair.
“Where’s your partner at this morning? Running late again?” Dobey asked, that official tone coming through loud and clear.
“No, Captain, he’s sick, so I told him to stay home.” Hutch said. Dobeys’ look of authority turned to a softer one of concern.
“In my office, now.” He told Hutch. Once inside, the captain sat behind his desk and Hutch sat across from him. Dobey rifled through the extensive files that covered his desk, then looked up at Hutch.
“Starsky going to the doctor?” he asked, his tone now more quiet, almost fatherly. Hutch tried quickly to cover himself, hating to lie to this man, especially when he knew he was truly concerned.
“If he’s not any better tonight when I get off, I’ll make him go. But right now he’s just a little feverish.” He told him.
“Alright then, if he needs anything, tell him to call me at home.” Dobey began. “Now then, ballistics just matched up the bullets from that Safeway robbery to the other c-stores. And,” he said, hesitating as he looked through the papers on his desk, finding one and handing it to Hutch, “This is the man our three witnesses have positively identified.” Hutch studied the picture of the man.
“His name is Vincent Bassella. He used to be a small time junkie, I guess now he’s made it to the big time.” Dobey said, a touch of anger in his voice. “I want you to use all your contacts to find out where this creep is hiding.” Dobey told him. Hutch stood up, folding the paper and putting it in his shirt pocket.
“I want this guy.” Dobey began, “He’s a common little murderer and from what we know, he’ll keep on killing ‘til we catch him. I want that animal behind bars!” He hollered. Hutch shook his head in agreement.
“We’ll get him, I’ll promise you that.” Hutch said, walking out from the office, grabbing his jacket from the desk chair as he left the squad room.
Hutch walked into Huggy’s bar through the back door. The employees were moving around, getting things ready to open. None were surprised by Hutch, he and his partner were always coming in there at any given time. He made his way into the front, finding Huggy stocking the bar.
“Hey Hug.” Hutch said, as Huggy turned quickly, somewhat startled.
“My man Hutch. Where’s the other half of the dynamic duo?” he asked looking around.
“He’s at home, taking a personal day.” Hutch told him. Huggy raised an eyebrow, but did not ask anything further about Starsky.
“So what can I do for you this morning?” Huggy asked as he set the last whiskey bottle in place, then poured Hutch a cup of coffee. Hutch pulled the paper from his pocket, handing it to his friend.
“Look familiar?” Hutch asked.
“Not off hand.” He answered, pulling the paper closer to his eyes.
“Skinny little man, ain’t he?” Huggy chuckled.
“You’ve got no room to talk, Huggy.” Hutch said, smiling as he drank from his cup.
“Yeah, but at least I got good looks.” He said, smiling proudly. Hutch laughed, then became serious.
“Hug, this is real important. This is the guy who’s been pulling all those c-store robberies. We want him bad.” He told him. Huggy looked at Hutch.
“I hear ya.” He began. “I’ll put the word out, and call you when something comes through.”
“Thanks.” Hutch replied, then turned to go out the back. Once outside, Hutch stretched in the warm sunlight before getting back into his car. He decided to drive over and tell Starsky what was going on rather than call him.
Chapter Thirteen
Gabby was asleep and Starsky was dozing on the sofa, the television on. He had gotten her to take a couple of antibiotics, making her take them with milk since she absolutely swore she couldn’t eat anything. He also gave her some aspirin, hoping that between the two medications her fever would break. The knock on the door made him jump.
“Hey partner, how’s she doing?” Hutch asked, talking low so he wouldn’t disturb Gabby.
“Her temperature is 103. I gave her a couple of antibiotics and aspirin… what time is it?” Starsky asked, looking over at the clock, not waiting for an answer.
“I need to go check on her in a few minutes.” He said, noticing the clock said 11:30am.
“Hey I brought us all something to eat.” Hutch said, “And it’s not even healthy.” He smiled.
“Just the way I like it.” Starsky said, grinning. “But I don’t think she’s gonna want any. No appetite.” Hutch nodded his head.
Starsky went into Gabbys’ room to check on her, taking her temperature and looking at her. Hutch walked into the room.
“You decent?” he asked jokingly.
“Never claimed to be.” Gabby said through perced lips holding the thermometer.
“I brought you something to eat.” Hutch offered, but Gabby just shook her head at him, letting him know she wasn’t interested. Starsky took the thermometer from her and as usual to his routine now, gave her a glass of water. He then handed her one antibiotic and two aspirin. She laid back down, telling Hutch she hoped he wouldn’t catch this bug and wishing he would take Starsky out of her germ filled house. She settled back into a good position, and was asleep again in minutes.
They walked back out into the living room, and Starsky checked the thermometer, then shook it down.
“How is she?” Hutch asked, looking at him.
“Her temperature has gone down one whole degree. She’s at 102.” He said, looking concerned. “Lila was by here, but I was really scared for her to catch it, and made her go back home. Gabby didn’t like it too much when I promised Lila I’d stay here with her. I just don’t understand why it’s still so high.” Starsky said, referring to her temperature.
“It’s probably just running its’ course Starsk.” Hutch said, putting his hand on Starskys’ shoulder. “Come on, sit down and eat, will ya? I got news on the case.” he said, motioning for Starsky to follow him towards the sofa.
The two detectives sat eating, and Hutch explained the match up with the bullets and the witnesses identifying the same man.
“Vincent Bassella, huh?” Starsky asked, wiping his mouth with his napkin. “That sounds familiar.”
“Small time junkie.” Hutch said, cleaning his mess from the table, trying to clean Starskys’ as well, while Starsky grabbed at a few remaining french fries.
“Well he’s hit the big time now.” Starsky said smuggly.
“Yeah, I know.” Hutch told him. He stood up, looking in on Gabby then turning towards his partner. “I’m going to go check out a few things, and I’ll be back this evening. You’ll be here?” he asked.
“Yep.” Starsky replied, standing beside him.
“Okay, see you in a few hours.” Hutch told him as he opened the door and let himself out.
Starsky went to the bathroom and washed his face and hands, then went in the bedroom to check on Gabby, who slept restlessly, tossing around the bed now and then. Pulling her covers back over her that she had knocked away, he decided to call Lila. He let her know that Gabby had been resting and that her temperature was down a little, not mentioning that it was only down by one degree. Lila was thankful for him calling her and asked if he would be needing anything from the store.
“You going to the store?” Starsky asked, worried for her to leave with this nutcase walking the streets.
“Well, Ken just came by and asked if I wanted him to take me later on and I told him yes.” She said nicely. ‘Good old Hutch’, Starsky thought, ‘always thinking of everything.’
“I think I have everything for now.” Starsky said, thanking her and hanging up the phone.
He was dozing on the sofa when he heard a noise that woke him from his sleep; a thud and a crash coming from Gabbys’ bedroom. He ran in there to find Gabby on the floor, startled. She looked up at him, then began laughing. He got down on his knees beside her, trying to check her over. She was laughing uncontrollably, and he leaned himself back against the bed, looking at her, folding his arms across his chest.
“I was trying to get out of bed,” she began, her voice still a little hoarse, “and tripped my own self up with the sheets!” she told him, laughing even more. Starsky grinned at her, tilting his head.
“You okay?” he asked her, looking as she tried to control her laughter.
“Yeah, I think so.” She said, smiling at him. “At least I’m well rounded… more cushion to help my fall.” She said, laughing again. Starsky laughed with her, so glad to see her in good spirits. A couple of moments passed when they both realized that they were just staring at each other.
“How do you feel?” he asked her, taking his hand to her face and feeling it, trying to check her temperature.
“I’m hungry.” She told him, her eyes still smiling.
“Let me take your temperature first, okay?” he said, smiling in the relief he felt seeing her this way. He stood up and helped her to get on the bed, lifting her up by her waist. He let go of her to go retrieve the thermometer, but she held onto him, pulling him back to her, hugging him, holding him.
“Hey,” he began, “what’s this for?” he said, returning her hold.
“I’m just so glad you’ve been here.” She said kissing his cheek, then putting her head on his shoulder. He held her tightly.
“It’s where I wanted to be.” He told her.
Chapter Fourteen
Hutch knocked on Gabbys’ door and heard his partner telling him to come in. He walked through the door, stopping mid way through the entrance, stunned by what he saw. Gabby and Starsky were sitting on either side of the coffee table in the floor, playing a game of Scrabble. He smiled.
“You look gorgeous.” He told Gabby, who sat there in her pajamas and fuzzy slippers, hair a mess, still a little pale.
“And you’re a very good liar.” She told him, “But I thank you anyway.” She said, smiling. Hutch looked over at Starsky, raising his eyebrows in a questioning look.
“Her fever broke, and she’s eating. Doctor Starsky to the rescue.” He said with a smile.
“If only he’d quit making up words on the board here, I might let him stay.” She teased.
“You don’t have to tell me, Gabby, he has a wonderful imagination.” Hutch teased also.
“Hey, are you two ganging up on me?” Starsky asked, grinning ear to ear. Gabby gave him a grin and a glare as she excused herself to go to the bathroom. Hutch waited until she had closed the door, then moved closer to his partner.
“How is she, really?” Hutch asked.
“Her temperature hit 99 degrees about an hour ago, and she’s alert and almost down right perky.” He said with a smirk.
“I know that makes you feel better.” Hutch offered.
“Yeah.” Starsky answered, then changed the subject. “Any new leads?” he asked.
“No, not yet. I figured I’d call it a night. I came by here to see if you needed anything since I promised Lila I’d take her to the store.” Hutch told him.
“Yeah, you were really thinking there, pal. Thanks.” Starsky told him, “knowing Lila, she would’ve been going out to any old store, oblivious to what’s going down around here lately.” He said, shrugging his shoulders.
“Hey partner, they mean a lot to me too you know.” Hutch told him, then watched Gabby as she walked back into the room.
“Wow, I look awful. I’ve got to take a shower.” She said, turning towards her bedroom to get some clothes to wear.
“Need any help?” Starsky offered.
“Oh, I think I can handle it.” She said smiling, coming back into the room carrying some clothes in her arms.
“Darn” Starsky teased.
“Well, I’m going to the store with Lila.” Hutch said, turning towards the door.
“You coming back?” Starsky asked.
“If you want me to.” Hutch answered, a sheepish grin on his face. Starsky walked with him to the door, putting his hand on his partners shoulder.
“For a little while.” He said quietly, grinning. Gabby told Hutch good-bye as she walked into the bathroom. Starsky closed the door behind Hutch.
Gabby walked out from the bathroom looking better than she had in a while. Starsky was sitting on the sofa, watching her as she came in. She walked over and sat down beside him.
“How’re you feeling?” he asked sweetly.
“I feel really good.” She said, smiling at him.
“Oh yeah?” he asked, teasing. “Let me be the judge of that.” He said, reaching over to her and kissing her gently on the lips. He held her tightly, feeling relieved that she was doing so well. He felt a distance from the dream now, like he didn’t have to be on guard. She faced him, kissing him. She was happy and felt content.
“I feel like I can open up to you now.” She told him, kissing him softly on the lips. “I think I might even be falling for ya.” She said, kissing him again. He looked at her, his face going into that famous sideways grin.
“Ya think?” he asked, kissing her before she could answer. He leaned her back on the sofa, kissing her neck, then kissing her cheek. He could feel the tremble of her excitement as she gave in to him, thoroughly enjoying what she felt. He let his passion go, setting free what had been repressed since the dream. They became lost in each other, softly, gently, exploring their feelings. Dave Starsky was a gentle man, although sometimes the emotional side of him could be strong. With Gabby he had met his spiritual equal. She responded to him with a passion that made him tingle. She released herself to him, giving him her trust and her love, which he gave in return. Breathing heavily, he stood above her as she lay on the sofa, gently picking her up and carrying her towards the bedroom. She did not protest, just held him tight. Enjoying the rush of excitement.
Chapter Fifteen
Hutch drove Lila towards the store, driving a little slower than he was used to, trying to make her feel comfortable during their ride.
“She looks great.” Hutch told her, talking about Gabrielle.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Lila began, “The way David was practically pushing me out from her apartment I was beginning to wonder if she didn’t have the plague.” She said jokingly.
“He just didn’t want you to get sick too.” Hutch offered.
“Oh, I knew that.” Lila said, laughing a little. “I wonder why he hasn’t caught it yet?” She asked.
“Must be all that health food I keep pushing on him.” Hutch said, laughing to himself. ‘Pushing’ wasn’t really the word that came to mind, it was more of ‘threatening’, or ‘forcing’.
“He sure is looking out for her.” Lila began. “That dream of his really upset him.” She added. Hutch was taken aback, not knowing that Starsky had told her.
“It really shook him up.” Hutch offered, not knowing what else to say.
“I’m just glad to see them together finally.” She said, grinning.
“Finally?” Hutch asked her, grinning.
“Well, when she moved up here you were dating that nice young lady, um, Brenda, wasn’t it? And he wasn’t seeing anyone. I had hoped to get those two together back then.” She said, smiling and staying impartial.
“Why Lila. I am shocked.” Hutch said with mock surprise. She just grinned at him.
Hutch pulled the LTD into the parking lot of the grocery store, happy to see that it wasn’t too crowded. He’d shopped with a few women before, and was under the assumption that most of them took their time, checking out every single item in the store before actually making their purchases. Long lines would only add to that, and he really wanted to get home at a fairly decent hour. It was 7pm. He got out of the car, walked around to Lila, and opened the door for her.
Once inside, he was surprised at her speed and how she went down only the aisles that she needed something from. Within 15 minutes, they were ready to check out. ”You’re amazing.” He told her, admiring her shopping skills.
“Well Ken, it just means I know what I want.” She said smiling as they brought the cart towards a register. Hutch didn’t see the man standing in the doorway of the entrance.
The Caucasian man was thin and drawn, with lines around his eyes that told of his lack of sleep. Dark hair and a mustache, he squinted as his black eyes scanned the people in the store. He counted those at the front of the store; there were nine. He looked behind him through the window. No one was pulling in. He pulled out his gun. He took aim towards the register where Lila and Hutch were standing, chatting about the rising prices of groceries. A succession of shots rang out across the store, followed by screams of terror.
As if in slow motion, everyone started dropping to the floor. Hutch grabbed Lila and threw her down with him, rolling to keep her from getting hurt. The cashier who was waiting on them sat crouched beneath her counter. She looked at him as she pushed the red button under the counter; a silent alarm. Hutch nodded his head to her, then motioned for her to stay there as he drew his weapon. Making sure Lila was alright and well hidden from the crossfire, Hutch crawled to the side of the counter to see his assailant. The man was standing at the other register, pulling cash out and stuffing it into his pockets. Hutch stood up slowly behind him, aiming his gun.
“Bassella! Freeze!” Stunned, the man stood there at the register, his gun at his side in his left hand, money taken from the till in his right. He turned slowly to face Hutch, then suddenly brought up his gun, shooting at him. Hutch ducked quickly for cover, shooting twice at the man who had aimed for him. People began screaming and distracted Hutch from hearing which direction Bassella was running.
“Everybody stay down!” Hutch yelled. “Lila, you alright?” he asked as he briskly walked towards her and leaned down, looking around for any movement.
“Yes, I’m fine. Please, please be careful Ken!” she told him. Hutch got up and quickly started moving towards the back of the store. A shot rang out beside him, and he ducked back quickly.
“Give it up, Bassella!” Hutch began, “The police are on their way, and you’ve got no way out from here!” he yelled. Two more shots rang out near him, and he rolled from the canned goods display that had hidden him, shooting his gun down the aisle towards the direction of the gunfire. He heard the grunt of an impact, knowing he had hit him. Hutch stood up, protected by the aisle he was standing in front of.
“Everyone, listen to me!” He began, yelling. “All of you should file out through the front door!” People began standing up, looking around.
“Now!” he hollered. Everyone began running towards the doors, and Hutch watched as Lila got up, along with the cashier, who helped her as they hurried out the front. Once everyone was outside, he leaned around to look down the aisle. It was too quiet. He saw the blood on the floor, but Bassella was no where in sight. Hutch leaned around to the other side of the aisle. Peering around it, he was met with gunfire.
The sound of sirens encircled the store, and Bassella began shooting his gun randomly; panicked. Hutch heard him replacing the pin in his gun. He knew it was only a matter of time before the uniformed officers began swarming in, and worried how many would go down before this murderer was stopped. He had noticed that all the shots fired had been aimed high, and knew what he had to do. Bending down, he threw himself onto the floor, aiming himself directly at Bassella. He shot three times, not missing. Quickly, he stood up, cautiously walking over to Vincent Bassellas’ body. He kicked the gun away from his hand. Shaken, but unharmed, Hutch leaned back into the racks, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the hand that held his gun. Patrolmen began piling into the store, and Hutch yelled to them that it was all clear. He regained himself and walked out the door, oblivious to all the commotion around him. Officers were helping with some of the wounded, waiting for the paramedics to arrive, but Hutch was looking around frantically for Lila.
“Ken!” she hollered, and he rushed over to her. She was sitting in a patrol car, comforting the young cashier who had helped her to get outside. He bent down beside her and smiled, grateful that she was unharmed.
“Are you alright?” he asked her, placing his hand on her arm.
“Oh Kenny, I’m fine. Are you alright?” she asked, looking very concerned. Hutch laughed at her; he hadn’t been called ‘Kenny’ in twenty years.
“I’m just fine.” He said, smiling.
Chapter Sixteen
Hutch and Lila arrived at Gabby’s apartment at 9:30 that evening. Knocking, Lila opened the door. They walked in to find the TV on with Starsky sitting on the sofa, his legs stretched across the coffee table. He had one arm around Gabby, who was half laying against him, stretched out and very much asleep. Starsky smiled at them.
"She’s had a very busy day, getting better and all, and I think it caught up to her.” He whispered. Hutch raised his eyebrow, half grinning.
(Homerun, Starsky thought.)
“What have you two been up to?” Starsky asked quietly.
“Oh, not that much.” Lila said, smiling.
(Home run; Hutch thought.)
The End for now…