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<\/a><\/i>K.C. drove faster than Hutch thought possible for anyone other than his partner. Rounding corners with near reckless speed, she somehow managed to keep all four wheels on the road. Grabbing the dashboard with one hand to avoid being thrown around in his seat, a familiar strategy, he took hold of the radio with the other and asked Kingston to have Dobey send a black and white to Lincoln & Pine. When they spotted the abandoned cab, K.C. pulled alongside it. Hutch saw no one inside, and his stomach sank when he saw the smashed driver\u2019s side window, the window that had been intact when he\u2019d goaded Starsky into taking on the fare that had turned out to be their perpetrator, Lionel Fitzgerald, disguised as an elderly woman. \u201c…I\u2019m sure he\u2019d be very happy to take you anywhere you\u2019d like to go, ma\u2019am.\u201d <\/i> Why hadn\u2019t he just let Starsky go home? Better yet, why didn\u2019t he take a closer look at his passenger before driving away?<\/p>\n\u201cDown the alley!\u201d he yelled to K.C., but she was already headed that way. Spotting two figures at the very end of the alley, she gunned it, laying on the horn, which had the desired effect. Fitzgerald turned away from Starsky and toward the sound to see the cab bearing down on him. Suddenly thrust into a terrifying d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu, he froze, shrinking back from the oncoming cab.<\/p>\n
Jumping out of the cab, K.C. and Hutch found Starsky sitting on top of a wooden crate. Hutch released the breath he didn\u2019t realize he\u2019d been holding and they both rushed to him. Hutch paused for a brief moment to look at Fitzgerald, muttering lines of dialogue in a near catatonic state, and quickly decided he was no longer a threat. As he neared his partner, he could see blood on his left cheek.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat took you so long?\u201d Starsky asked lightly, trying to calm Hutch\u2019s fears. He was too dazed to flash a grin at his partner, but could read the worried posture the moment he was able to bring him into focus.<\/p>\n
\nFinally at his side, he rested his left hand on Starsky\u2019s ankle, the connection easing the tension for both of them. He immediately reached up and felt for the lump he suspected would be there, just under the hairline of his left temple. Not too bad, <\/i> he thought, somewhat relieved. \u201cWe stopped for ice cream,\u201d he responded, returning the banter. \u201cYou gonna be okay?\u201d He wasn\u2019t too pleased about Starsky\u2019s rapid breathing or the foggy look in his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll make it,\u201d Starsky answered. Turning to Fitzgerald, he added, \u201cI don\u2019t know about him.\u201d Hutch and K.C. turned to see the pathetic figure, his anger spent, lost in his memories.<\/p>\n
Turning back to Starsky and noticing the empty holster, Hutch frowned and asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s your piece?\u201d He glanced back at Fitzgerald, and it was clear that he didn\u2019t have it.<\/p>\n
Starsky absently reached into his holster wondering now why he hadn\u2019t used his weapon in defense against Fitzgerald, and was surprised when he found it empty. \u201cUh, I don\u2019t… I don\u2019t know. I…\u201d Faltering, he sought out Hutch\u2019s eyes, as though the answer would be there.<\/p>\n
Hutch\u2019s hand was still resting on his ankle and he squeezed it gently. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Starsk. I\u2019ll find it.\u201d He was more concerned about Starsky\u2019s failure to remember he\u2019d lost the gun than its whereabouts. Memory loss? Maybe they ought to get Starsky checked out after all. Hutch decided he would drive him over to the emergency room once they got things wrapped up here, though he was sure it would be an uphill battle to get him to agree to the trip. His sense of urgency increased along with his concern over his partner.<\/p>\n
No sooner than Hutch had complained, \u201cWhere the hell\u2019s that black and white?\u201d than they could hear the approaching siren. The responding unit must have been close when they got the call, because it was only a minute or two before they arrived on the scene. Hesitant to leave Starsky\u2019s side, but nonetheless eager to get Fitzgerald in custody so he could get back to taking care of his partner, Hutch ran to the squad car as it pulled up behind K.C.\u2019s taxi. He was glad they were officers he knew, Hank Munson and Dan O\u2019Brien, which would speed things along. They could deal with Fitzgerald. He quickly filled them in on the critical details.<\/p>\n
Temporarily leaving Starsky in K.C.\u2019s care, Hutch ran back to the cab Starsky had been driving. He scanned the ground as he moved, looking for the missing gun. Not finding it en route, he approached the cab from the passenger side. To his relief, he immediately spotted the Smith & Wesson on the front passenger seat and retrieved it. He couldn\u2019t figure out why Starsky had left it behind or why Fitzgerald hadn\u2019t taken it. He winced as he looked again at the cracked glass and noticed a small smear of blood — Starsky\u2019s blood. Gun safely in hand, he ran back toward his partner, wondering why he still hadn\u2019t climbed down from the crate.<\/p>\n
As he got closer, he could see Hank and Dan standing near Fitzgerald. Dan was holding his handcuffs awkwardly at his side as he\u2019d realized that the mechanical, and presumably removable, arm wouldn\u2019t allow him to use them. Hank bent down, grabbed Fitzgerald\u2019s good arm, and was able to get him standing. \u201cC\u2019mon pal, we\u2019re just gonna go for a nice ride now.\u201d Dan flanked Fitzgerald\u2019s other side as they moved toward the squad car. Hank spared a glance back at Starsky and noticed that K.C. and Hutch were both worriedly tending to him. \u201cHutch, is Starsky okay?\u201d he yelled over to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, yeah,\u201d he answered, trailing off distractedly, his focus solely on Starsky. \u201cHey, buddy, you doin\u2019 okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh huh,\u201d he answered between slow, panting breaths, though his pallor indicated otherwise.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou wanna come on down from there now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh huh,\u201d he answered again, with effort, making no move to get down.<\/p>\n
Hutch frowned at the response and lack of action. His partner was looking more peaked by the minute. K.C. reached out a hand to assist him, but Starsky waived it off with a weak, \u201c\u2019M fine.\u201d Hutch nonetheless extended his hand to Starsky, who ignored it, as well, as he finally slid forward to the edge and proceeded to jump down from the crate. As his feet hit the ground, the movement created a wave of dizziness and he pitched left. His left hand went up to press against his throbbing temple and a soft moan escaped his lips. Hutch\u2019s previously ignored hand caught Starsky\u2019s jacket and prevented him from falling. Keeping one hand on the jacket and using the other to grasp his arm, he managed to keep Starsky upright. As Hutch was about to suggest he sit back down for a minute to ride out the lightheadedness, Starsky suddenly pushed past him. Still swaying, his left arm grabbed at the tall crate he\u2019d passed for support as he leaned forward and proceeded to vomit.<\/p>\n
Concerned, K.C. started toward the pair to offer whatever assistance she could, but Hutch shook his head and motioned for her to stay back. He hoped to spare her the view he had and spare Starsky any embarrassment, as well.<\/p>\n
Starsky looked more than a bit shaky, so Hutch quickly put an arm around his waist to steady him. When he finished retching, Hutch thought he would regain some strength, but instead he swayed even more dramatically. \u201cI gotcha buddy, take it easy,\u201d Hutch offered as he guided him away from the former contents of his stomach. Heavily supporting him now, he moved toward K.C.\u2019s cab. K.C. opened the passenger door for them, and Hutch gently maneuvered Starsky into the seat. He settled him so that he was sitting sideways, with his feet outside the cab in case the nausea returned. He went down on one knee to better evaluate his condition. Rapid breathing, clammy, disoriented, memory loss and puking. Terrific. And just how hard does a head have to hit a car window to crack it like that?<\/p>\n
Hank and Dan had finished loading Fitzgerald into the back of their car and Dan was already in the vehicle radioing in an update to the precinct. Hank stood next to the driver\u2019s door, hesitating before getting in, when he caught sight of Starsky being moved to the taxi. His color was terrible and it was clear by the support he was being given by his partner that he couldn\u2019t walk entirely under his own power.<\/p>\n
Hutch was starting to panic now over Starsky\u2019s rapid decline. He realized that his injury was more severe than he initially suspected, and realized he needed immediate medical attention. Standing, he saw Hank looking their way and shouted to him, \u201cMunson, get an ambulance here. Now!\u201d His anxiety increased again when he realized that Starsky didn\u2019t protest or even comment on Hutch\u2019s demand. K.C. hovered just behind Hutch, not sure what she could do to help.<\/p>\n
Hank leaned into the squad car and gave instructions to Dan before running to Hutch\u2019s side. \u201cNot doin\u2019 so good? Can I help?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAmbulance on the way?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDan\u2019s calling it in now. Anything else I can do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Hutch answered, \u201cI\u2019ve got this.\u201d Do I? <\/i>, he thought. \u201cYou just get Fitzgerald to the station and start processing him. I\u2019ll be in as soon as I can.\u201d Hank returned to the vehicle and drove to the alley entrance, pulling out onto the street to give the ambulance access. Leaving on the vehicle\u2019s flashers, Hank jumped out to watch for and help direct the ambulance driver.<\/p>\n
Hutch gently reached for the bump on Starsky\u2019s left temple. It didn\u2019t feel significantly larger than when he\u2019d first checked it, but his touch prompted Starsky to swallow hard and close his eyes for a moment. No jokes this time, just silence. Hutch knelt again, placing a hand on Starsky\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n
Worried, K.C. moved closer to Starsky and put her left hand gently on his right shoulder. \u201cYou okay, Dave?\u201d she asked. Expecting at least the now standard \u201cUh huh,\u201d she got nothing in response, not even a glance. He was looking glassily at or, more accurately, through his partner. He was completely non-responsive.<\/p>\n
\u201cK.C.,\u201d said Hutch, \u201cHave you got a blanket in your trunk?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI might, I\u2019ll go check,\u201d she answered as she ran to the back of her cab. They could hear the ambulance siren now.<\/p>\n
Hutch leaned in close to his partner. \u201cStarsk?\u201d Hutch was trying to get him to focus on him. \u201cHey, stay with me buddy.\u201d He put his hand under his partner\u2019s chin and turned his face to him. Try as he might, he couldn\u2019t seem to make true eye contact with him. Starsky was blinking slowly, swallowing hard and his breathing was forced. \u201cHelp is coming. You doin\u2019 okay? Look at me, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch\u2019s voice came to Starsky as though it was very far away. He knew he should answer him, but Hutch\u2019s voice kept drifting off. Starsky only picked up a word or two before it faded out. He tried to decipher what he\u2019d said, but all he knew was that the distant voice seemed worried. The concern in Hutch\u2019s tone convinced Starsky that he should try, very hard, to answer. He tried to focus on Hutch, but couldn\u2019t think, or even see, clearly. His head hurt more now than when it hit the glass and he was still feeling a bit nauseous. He struggled to form a response. \u201cHaft clarny,\u201d came out. \u201cClards?\u201d he added, confused by the sounds that came out of his own mouth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat, Starsk?\u201d Hutch tried to make sense of his partner\u2019s words, but failed. He leaned in even closer, thinking he hadn\u2019t heard correctly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHat clarnsy,\u201d he mumbled. He knew what he was saying wasn\u2019t quite right but, at the same time, he didn\u2019t know why Hutch didn\u2019t understand him. His head was pounding, that\u2019s what he needed to tell him. The words that came out of his mouth were words, but why didn\u2019t they sound right?<\/p>\n
K.C. returned with a tired looking and very large, orange sweatshirt. \u201cNo blanket, but I found this,\u201d she said, handing it to Hutch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks,\u201d he muttered, taking it from her. Fearing shock, Hutch gently wrapped it around Starsky\u2019s shoulders. \u201cThere ya go,\u201d he soothed, \u201cJust take it easy. It\u2019s gonna be okay.\u201d He wasn\u2019t sure if that last part was to reassure Starsky or himself. He stood then and reached down to rub his partner\u2019s back gently. \u201cHang in there, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNecktied…nargin…fin…fin…gar?\u201d Starsky asked, looking up at him.<\/p>\n
Returning the look, Hutch wasn\u2019t sure how to respond. \u201cI don\u2019t… uh, I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re trying to tell me, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky was frustrated that the words he was thinking weren\u2019t coming out of his mouth. They were getting distorted somewhere between thought and speech. When he tried again to say the words, they seemed to slip away from his grasp, like a dream that fades from memory when you awaken, especially when you\u2019re trying hard to remember it. He stared hard at Hutch, willing him to understand what he was trying to tell him. \u201cNargin!\u201d<\/p>\n
Unsure how to respond, he simply nodded and gave a soft smile to Starsky as he adjusted the sweatshirt over his shoulders, pulling it closer. Why was he speaking gibberish?<\/p>\n
Dan directed the ambulance down the alley, then ran over to Hutch, trailing just behind the vehicle. \u201cKen, we\u2019re going to head into the station. Anything else we can do?\u201d They both watched the ambulance crew as they unloaded the stretcher and approached them.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. Thanks, Hank.\u201d He spoke to the officer, but kept his eyes on his partner.<\/p>\n
\u201cFeel better, Starsky,\u201d Hank added before jogging back up the alley to the squad car.<\/p>\n
The attendants asked Starsky a few questions as they settled him on the stretcher, but he seemed unable or unwilling to answer. This time, when Hutch tried to meet his gaze, he saw something he rarely saw there — fear. \u201cI\u2019m comin\u2019 with you, it\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
He calmed a bit, but it was obvious that Starsky was trying hard to contain his emotions. Every attempt at speech felt wrong and he was frightened. What the hell was happening? <\/i> He didn\u2019t want to go to the hospital; he just wanted to go home. Take me home, Hutch. <\/i> What came out of his mouth was a pleading \u201cMelching agfin!\u201d<\/p>\n
He became more agitated when they began loading him into the ambulance. Without waiting for an invitation, Hutch climbed in and sat up near Starsky\u2019s head, his back to the driver. \u201cJust get some rest, buddy.\u201d He rested a hand on his partner\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
K.C. offered to meet them at Memorial, but a very distracted Hutch declined the offer. \u201cThanks, K.C., but we\u2019ll probably be there a while. I\u2019ve give Kingston a call when we know something.\u201d She backed away reluctantly, concerned for both of them.<\/p>\n
A few minutes into the ride, exhausted, Starsky relaxed and almost dozed off. Hutch turned to the attendant riding in back with them and asked quietly, \u201cWh-why is he having trouble speaking? Did hitting his head cause this? He was talking fine when we first got here. I just d-don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n
The attendant was busy monitoring his patient, but replied, \u201cWe sometimes see this with head injuries. Try not to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long does this last?\u201d He was in new territory here. They\u2019d both had their share of concussions, but none had ever resulted in speech problems. He was seated with his back close to the driver and looked down at Starsky\u2019s head, strangely reminiscent of the ambulance trip they took when Starsky had been poisoned by Bellamy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe doctors will be able to tell you more,\u201d he answered. He paused before adding, \u201cIt should just be temporary.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou mean sometimes it\u2019s not?!\u201d Hutch asked sharply, a whole new fear clouding his thoughts. Starsky stirred at the outburst, and muttered something that sounded something like, \u201cTangled,\u201d but didn\u2019t open his eyes. Hutch rubbed Starsky\u2019s shoulder in apology. Starsky wasn\u2019t the only one that was exhausted.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s just get him to the E.R. where they can evaluate him and tell you more.\u201d A few minutes later they pulled up to the emergency entrance at Memorial and Starsky was promptly whisked inside. Suddenly separated from Starsky by hospital staff, Hutch stood there for a moment and was startled into motion by the sound of the ambulance doors latching shut. Glancing back, he noticed that the attendant who had been driving gave the other attendant a soft punch in the shoulder and shook his head as they walked back to the cab of the vehicle. He couldn\u2019t hear the exchange of words between them. What was that about? <\/i><\/p>\n
Hutch headed to the all-too-familiar emergency waiting room and proceeded to pace, asking each passing staff member for an update to no avail. He paced with a clipboard, trying to complete some form that admissions had given him, but kept reading the same words over and over again, writing nothing but David Starsky and his date of birth on the form. He had been waiting almost twenty minutes with no word, when a nurse finally came out and asked, \u201cYou\u2019re here with Detective Starsky?\u201d Hutch thrust the incomplete form and clipboard at her. \u201cHow is he?\u201d he asked worriedly.<\/p>\n
She accepted the items from Hutch as she answered, \u201cHe\u2019s resting. You can come back now and wait with him. The doctor will be back shortly to fill you in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch entered the drab cubicle the nurse directed him to, not even noticing the similar drab cubicles he had passed on the way there. After leaving him alone with Starsky he realized that, despite his finely honed observational skills, he had no idea what the nurse looked like, other than the fact that she had been wearing white. He was relieved to see that Starsky\u2019s color had improved and his breathing was more regular.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, buddy. How ya feelin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky frowned, then appeared to be struggling before he replied, \u201cCelly. Munful blet? Tay… blet?\u201d His breathing rate increased again along with his frustration.<\/p>\n
\u201cShhh, rest,\u201d Hutch admonished, running his hand quickly through the curls on the right side of his head. He let his fingers linger a bit on his right shoulder before dropping his hand to his side. Seeing the ubiquitous plastic chair at the side of the bed, he claimed it, pulling it close to the bedside. A few minutes later, a doctor finally came in and introduced himself as Dr. Wilson. Explaining that he had a moderate concussion, he wasn\u2019t overly concerned with Starsky\u2019s difficulties with speech. Labeling it aphasia, he was almost certain it would be temporary and he explained the condition briefly to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cAphasia is usually caused by a stroke or brain injury. In this case, the trauma to the left side of his head is almost certainly the cause. In such cases, about half of all patients will recover their normal speech in a few days. Aphasia can affect speech and hearing, as well as comprehension and the ability to read and write.\u201d Looking at Hutch, he added, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t seem to have any trouble hearing. In your partner\u2019s case, the best strategy is to just give him time to heal and we\u2019ll start speech therapy as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA few days?\u201d he asked as he rested his right hand on Starsky\u2019s forearm. \u201cAbout half\u201d <\/i> kept running through his head. \u201cAnd what if he doesn\u2019t get better in a few days?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s too soon to worry about that at this point. Let\u2019s give him some time. Is your partner left-handed by any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, yes. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n
The doctor jotted something in Starsky\u2019s chart. \u201cI ask because aphasia is more common in left-handed individuals. We\u2019d like to get him settled in a regular room where he can be more comfortable and get some rest. When was the last time he slept?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was up all last night working the case, driving a cab.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, fatigue could be exacerbating his symptoms. All the more reason to get him into a room soon.\u201d He turned to Starsky, \u201cDetective, we\u2019ll let you get some sleep, but since you have a concussion, we\u2019ll be waking you every couple hours to monitor your progress. In reviewing your records, I saw that you have had several previous concussions, so we\u2019ll keep a close eye on you.\u201d He continued, to Hutch, \u201cConsidering what he\u2019s been through, he\u2019s doing well and I have every hope that we\u2019ll see gradual improvement. Now I\u2019m going to work on getting him into a room. You can wait here with him if you like.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, Dr., uh, Wilson.\u201d As the doctor left, Hutch returned to Starsky\u2019s side and wordlessly slid his hand into Starsky\u2019s, squeezing it gently. Starsky seemed to calm at the touch, but tensed when Hutch tried to withdraw his hand, so he just left it there until an orderly returned to let them know he\u2019d been assigned a room. A short time later, Starsky was moved to another floor and finally allowed to get some sleep with Hutch, ever vigilant, at his side.<\/p>\n
Once Starsky was settled in his room, Hutch had called in to the precinct with an update and found that Fitzgerald had been processed and immediately sent to Cabrillo State for a psychiatric evaluation. He\u2019d asked Dobey to call Kingston and K.C. to let them know how Starsky was doing and thank them for their help. The day passed with both men dozing for intervals, interrupted by nurses checking on Starsky. At each checkup, there did not seem to be any change in his condition, good or bad.<\/p>\n
Though he didn\u2019t call him, somehow Huggy found out what had happened and turned up around noon with a bag of donuts. He\u2019d intended to visit for a while, but Starsky was sound asleep. He tried to get Hutch to go home for a bit, offering to stay at Starsky\u2019s side, but Hutch refused. Unable to really do anything else to help either of his friends, he left a short time later.<\/p>\n
Mid-afternoon, Starsky woke up on his own and looked over at his seemingly dozing partner. \u201cHarf?\u201d he asked, softly enough to not wake him if he was actually sleeping.<\/p>\n
While he hadn\u2019t said \u201cHutch,\u201d as intended, his partner nonetheless knew he was being called. Shaking away the cobwebs and forcing his eyes open, he answered with a soft, \u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2019kay \u2018kay?\u201d Starsky asked. Frowning, he tried again, \u201cYou…\u2018kay?\u201d It still sounded wrong, but almost right.<\/p>\n
He sat up straighter in the uncomfortable chair, his back protesting the move. \u201cI\u2019m fine, buddy.\u201d He reached toward the tray next to Starsky\u2019s bed and poured him a small cup of water from the pitcher he found there. Handing it to him, he asked, \u201cFeeling any better? How\u2019s the head?\u201d<\/p>\n
In truth, his head was pounding, but it was better than before, so he just answered, \u201c\u2019kay \u2018kay.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking into his eyes and seeing the pinched expression on his face, he could tell he was still in pain. Hutch had had his own share of concussions and knew the drill. \u201cI\u2019m gonna go find out if they can give you something for the pain.\u201d As he started to leave the room, he heard a frustrated sound from Starsky. Turning to see him struggling to try to say something, but not saying any actual words, he returned to his side. \u201cEasy. I\u2019m right here,\u201d he soothed. Starsky remained silent, but seemed to force a more calmed expression to his face. \u201cOkay if I leave for just a couple minutes? I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky nodded reluctantly, and Hutch went to find someone on staff. They had doctor\u2019s orders on file and were able to give him a few Tylenol, which he hoped would ease the pain. Along with the pills, a late lunch appeared, consisting of a bland turkey sandwich, some salad, a banana and a small carton of milk. Realizing how hungry he was, he ate the sandwich and tried to offer Hutch the salad. \u201cBrenk the bleans?\u201d he asked, pointing to the salad.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure you don\u2019t want it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky shook his head in reply.<\/p>\n
Pulling the salad close, Hutch grabbed the fork, a small packet of dressing, and a bag of croutons. He added the dressing and croutons to the salad and remembered the gift from Huggy. He handed the bakery bag to Starsky. \u201cHuggy stopped by this morning and dropped these off. He thought you might like them better than hospital food.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky looked into the bag and, seeing the contents, smiled, then nodded at Hutch. He devoured one donut, as Hutch worked on the salad, but then paused partway through the second.<\/p>\n
Immediately noticing the pause, Hutch asked, \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky shook his head and the anger and frustration were clear on his face. \u201cWhy…why can\u2019t…doomsy…letters?\u201d Every word was a struggle.<\/p>\n
Hutch set down the fork. \u201cHey, take it easy. The doctor said it\u2019s from the head injury. It\u2019s just temporary,\u201d he asserted. \u201cYou just need to give it some time.\u201d<\/p>\n
A petite blond, sporting a hot pink button-down shirt, ID clipped to the pocket, with a pair of white jeans that accentuated her curves, chose that moment to poke her head into the room. \u201cDetective Starsky?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, uh, he\u2019s Detective Starsky,\u201d Hutch answered for him.<\/p>\n
She acknowledged Hutch with a nod, but directed her comments to Starsky. \u201cI\u2019m Peggy, your speech therapist. I\u2019ve been waiting for you to wake up. Please take your time and finish your lunch. I\u2019m just finishing something up and I\u2019ll be back in a few minutes.\u201d Without giving either a chance to respond, she popped out of the room as quickly as she had popped in.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, Starsk, maybe speech therapy won\u2019t be so bad.\u201d Both men could not help but notice her beautiful, girl-next-door smile. Starsky gave a half-hearted eyebrow waggle, but did not offer any comments.<\/p>\n
True to her word, she returned a few minutes later, a thick binder in her arms. Smiling, she turned to Hutch and said, \u201cYou must be the Detective Hutchinson I\u2019ve heard so much about from the nurses. I\u2019m Peggy, Peggy Netzel. Rhymes with pretzel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch couldn\u2019t help but turn on the charm a bit, a nice distraction from the past few hours. \u201cPeople call me Hutch. So nice to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNice to meet you, as well, Hutch, but you need to leave now. I need to work with your partner here and I like my initial meeting with a new patient to be one-on-one. You can come back in an hour or so.\u201d She abruptly turned away from him and toward Starsky.<\/p>\n
Stunned by her dismissal and directive to leave, he stammered, \u201cUm, I\u2019d prefer to stay, I can help fill you in and…\u201d<\/p>\n
Swiftly cutting him off, but somehow remaining charming, she replied, \u201cBut that\u2019s what I\u2019m afraid of. I need to talk to your partner, not you. Now, skedaddle.\u201d She shooed him away and turned back to Starsky.<\/p>\n
Seeking confirmation from Starsky before leaving, despite what Miss Perky wanted, he saw Starsky chuckle a bit and he then imitated Peggy\u2019s gesture, shooing him from the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay then,\u201d Hutch said as he wandered off, not sure where to go. Maybe he could find some yogurt or a granola bar down at the cafeteria. He could really use a cup of coffee, too.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, I understand you are Detective David Starsky. Is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cMay I call you Dave?\u201d Peggy asked.<\/p>\n
Starsky nodded again.<\/p>\n
Reviewing his chart as they spoke, she briefly described aphasia for Starsky and explained that the sooner speech therapy began, the better the outcome. She told him that some patients never recover fully, but that many do, and she saw no reason why he couldn\u2019t recover completely. Working through the binder, she started by evaluating his current condition. She tested his reading, writing, hearing, comprehension and speech. His verbal answers were stilted and he was often frustrated by his lack of being able to provide the correct word or, sometimes, any word at all, but he did well in all the other areas she tested. She was upbeat and encouraged him to take his time. She explained that with cases of aphasia the patient, as well as his friends and family, needed to have a great deal of patience. After working with Peggy for about 45 minutes, Starsky began rubbing his neck, clearly tired.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can keep this session short if you\u2019re not feeling up to it,\u201d she offered.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy…hat…tightslar,\u201d Starsky offered. Despite his efforts to be calm, he grew frustrated and embarrassed at his clumsy attempts to convey his thoughts. He crumpled the empty paper cup on his tray and threw it to the floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Dave, what did that cup ever do to you?\u201d Peggy smiled, trying to put him at ease.<\/p>\n
Starsky looked down and shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cPatience. I think you\u2019re doing very well. Maybe this will help. Some of my aphasia patients tell me that when they are trying to find a word, they can almost see it in their minds, but they find themselves circling in to the word. Sometimes they get the right word, with effort, and sometimes they get a related word, and sometimes something seemingly random comes out, but this process of \u2018circling in\u2019 seems to bring them closer to the words they\u2019re seeking. Dave, don\u2019t worry about being perfect. Just keep trying. Just now, I think you were trying to tell me that your head is hurting. You circled in on the word hat, which is pretty close to head, and by saying it was tight, I think you were expressing your discomfort. You\u2019re getting the hang of this and it will get easier. Remember that communicating is not about being perfect, it\u2019s about getting your point across, which you did. I\u2019m sure you\u2019re very frustrated right now, but hang in there and try to stay positive. I\u2019ll stop back later tonight and we\u2019ll try to fit in one more short session if you\u2019re up for it. I\u2019ll also check with the nurse to be sure you have all the pain meds you need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky wanted to say \u201cthanks,\u201d but the word wouldn\u2019t come to him now. He did his best to flash his trademark grin at Peggy, but his heart wasn\u2019t in it. When he tried again to thank her, the words \u201cTrick or Treat!\u201d came out.<\/p>\n
She smiled back at him, trying not to flirt. After all, that wouldn\u2019t be professional. She had to admit that he was easy on the eyes and, even with his current level of frustration, there was a certain charm about him. Understanding what he\u2019d tried to convey, she answered \u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d as she gathered up her materials.<\/p>\n
\u201cHutch?\u201d Starsky asked. \u201cTell the…him…the…tell him…such?\u201d He gave her a hopeful smile, a real effort with how much he was struggling to get out his request that she give Hutch an update.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can fill him in when he gets back. Just take your time. Later, then.\u201d Before he could protest, she left the room. She sat at the nurses\u2019 station and completed some notes on the session, keeping an eye peeled for her patient\u2019s partner. A few minutes later, he rounded the corner, tossing an empty paper coffee cup into the garbage and bee-lining for Starsky\u2019s room. Flagging him down silently, she directed him to the far side of the nurses\u2019 station, where they met.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow\u2019s he doing?\u201d he blurted out before she had a chance to say anything.<\/p>\n
He was a good foot taller than her, and she smiled up at him when she answered, \u201cHe can fill you in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe can barely string two words together!\u201d his anger flared, but he was trying to keep his voice low so Starsky wouldn\u2019t hear him. \u201cHow long is this going to last?\u201d A bit softer in tone, he added, \u201cCan you help him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery patient recovers at their own rate. There\u2019s no schedule I can give you for his recovery. It can be gradual or quite sudden. Ask Dave, and he\u2019ll fill you in on what we discussed. The good news, and it\u2019s very good news, is that it seems to be limited to his speech. I\u2019ve only done very preliminary testing, but he has no apparent hearing loss, he\u2019s able to read and write without difficulty, and seems to have no trouble with written or verbal comprehension. Just do your best to keep him talking. Practice helps. Remember to be patient. Do not \u201cfill in\u201d words for him or interrupt him. Speak slowly and clearly, but there\u2019s no need to speak loudly. Stick with short, simple sentences. Try using gestures and if you\u2019re asking questions, stick with something that can be answered with a yes or no. Don\u2019t correct him or \u2018talk down\u2019 to him. I\u2019ll stop by at the end of my shift to see how he\u2019s doing. This can be a very frustrating condition, but I see every reason to keep hopes high that he can recover fully.\u201d<\/p>\n
Calmer now, though still quite worried, Hutch thanked Peggy and returned to Starsky\u2019s room.<\/p>\n
Starsky filled in Hutch on the session, and though he wasn\u2019t able to get all of his thoughts across, he was able to express the majority of what he wanted to say, even if it took a significant amount of time to do so. At one point, he became overwhelmed and started gesturing wildly, knocking over the water pitcher. Water spilled on the table and his gown and Starsky let loose a string of curse words in true Starsky form.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, at least you don\u2019t need any help with \u2018colorful\u2019 language,\u201d Hutch offered, impressed with the display.<\/p>\n
The cursing, which came easily to him, seemed to break the tension, and Starsky laughed a bit. Hutch, also a bit relieved, chuckled. It felt good to let go of their worry for a moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cPatience,\u201d Hutch suggested.<\/p>\n
\u201cShen science,\u201d Starsky agreed.<\/p>\n
Hutch tried to keep up the conversation, but Starsky was growing tired. Captain Dobey stopped by, but Starsky, embarrassed by his difficulty speaking, clammed up and would only nod or shake his head in response to Dobey\u2019s questions. Dobey quickly picked up on his discomfort and kept the visit short. \u201cYou listen to these nurses and get better, Starsky,\u201d he huffed. \u201cEDITH AND THE KIDS SEND THEIR LOVE.\u201d He spoke very loudly and slowly, separating each word.<\/p>\n
\u201cCap, he\u2019s not deaf, his hearing is fine,\u201d Hutch chided.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, well then…\u201d A few awkward seconds ensued. As he prepared to leave, Dobey tried to catch Hutch\u2019s eye when Starsky wasn\u2019t looking. Once he did, he shrugged his shoulders slightly with a questioning expression on his face. Hutch tried to smile reassuringly back at him, but it was less than convincing. He was very worried about his partner, but didn\u2019t want to voice his concerns out loud.<\/p>\n
Starsky looked up a bit too soon and saw the end of the exchange. It was one of those times when it wasn\u2019t such a good thing to be able to read his partner so well. I\u2019m worried about him<\/i> was what he read on Hutch\u2019s face. Catching an embarrassed Hutch\u2019s eyes, he telegraphed back, I\u2019m worried about me, too.<\/i><\/p>\n
Captain Dobey coughed then and, ignoring Starsky, he directed his sole attention to Hutch and filled him in briefly on the case and asked that he keep him posted on Starsky\u2019s condition. Noticing the slight, Starsky coughed. Dobey quickly turned to him. \u201cSorry, Dave…um…you must be tired, so I\u2019ll let you get your rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky nodded in reply.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be back to work in no time, son. Just listen to your doctors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky nodded silently again, less than convinced.<\/p>\n
Hutch kept Starsky company through and after dinner and while Hutch did his best to keep Starsky talking, the exhaustion from recent events was taking its toll. He was struggling to stay awake. When 8:00 pm approached, one of the duty nurses announced that visiting hours were over and it was time for Hutch to go. Hutch started to protest.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s \u2018kay \u2018kay,\u201d Starsky started, then frowned, shook his head slightly and tried again. \u201c\u2019kay, oh, kay,\u201d he exhaled with relief when he got the oh sound to come out. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Hutch…okay. You go…place…skree…rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sure?<\/i>, he telegraphed with a raise of his eyebrows.<\/p>\n
Sure,<\/i> Starsky telegraphed back with a slight nod.<\/p>\n
With that, after a small pat on his arm, Hutch left. Peggy stopped by a few minutes later to check on her now favorite patient, but found him too sleepy for another session. Giving him a few words of encouragement, she promised she\u2019d be back in the morning.<\/p>\n
The next day Starsky\u2019s headache was all but gone. He didn\u2019t feel his speech had improved, but Peggy saw signs of improvement. Huggy and Hutch kept him company, but Starsky was hesitant to struggle with his speech in front of Huggy, so Huggy kept his visit short, promising to come back the next day.<\/p>\n
To his surprise, Starsky was discharged later that afternoon. He\u2019d had a session with Peggy that morning and she saw no reason that he couldn\u2019t continue his treatments on an outpatient basis. Dr. Wilson felt the need for hospitalization for his concussion had passed and he could go home for the rest of his recovery, provided he wasn\u2019t left alone for a day or two. Hutch vowed to make sure that wouldn\u2019t happen and in a few hours they were headed back to Starsky\u2019s place, after a quick stop at Hutch\u2019s to get a few things.<\/p>\n
The next morning, Hutch drove Starsky, not yet cleared to drive, to the hospital for his speech therapy. At one point along the way, the engine of Hutch\u2019s beat up Ford began to sputter. \u201cIf you\u2019re gonna keep this piece of crap, at least get it tuned up,\u201d said Starsky. It was the longest sentence he\u2019d strung together since the injury and Hutch was so happy about it that he forgot to be insulted. At the therapy session, Starsky didn\u2019t see much improvement, but Peggy did. Her last word to him when he left was, \u201cPatience!\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch, doing his best to cater to all of Starsky\u2019s whims during recovery, ordered pizza for dinner from their favorite takeout place. Starsky had been looking forward to the treat when he heard Hutch order, but once it was delivered his mood turned pensive and he only picked at the slice on his plate.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething wrong with the pizza?\u201d Hutch asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot rightest… no… alcohol,\u201d he tried for the word \u201cbeer\u201d but couldn\u2019t seem to find it so he\u2019d swapped out \u201calcohol.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t think beer would be a good idea so close to you having a concussion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky nodded sadly.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarsk, is that really what\u2019s bothering you?\u201d<\/p>\n
He put down the barely nibbled pizza. \u201cHutch, what if…what if…\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch could tell where he was going, and wanted to interrupt, but let him keep trying. He set down his pizza to focus on his partner.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat if… I never… keep back my words? I could never… work…\u201d His voice broke on the word work and he couldn\u2019t continue. His eyes brimmed with tears he struggled to contain and his head dropped to his chest in despair.<\/p>\n
They were both sitting on the couch, but Hutch put down his plate and moved closer to Starsky, putting an arm around his shoulders. \u201cHey, Gordo, don\u2019t think like that.\u201d Hutch rubbed his back gently. \u201cJust give it some time, okay? I have no doubt you\u2019ll be better soon.\u201d He hunched down to try to bring his face into Starsky\u2019s view. \u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky raised his head enough to look directly into his partner\u2019s eyes. \u201cBut, if what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we\u2019ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Me and thee.\u201d Doubt and worry were all Hutch could read from Starsky now. \u201cBut you\u2019re gonna recover, Starsk. No doubt at all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky sighed and was able to compose himself, but the sad resignation was still there. It was Hutch\u2019s turn to become pensive. He patted Starsky\u2019s back and then leaned back into the couch. He rubbed the bridge of his nose anxiously as he dealt with his own \u201cwhat ifs\u201d and tried to compose his thoughts. \u201cUh, Starsk. I\u2019m so sorry. If I hadn\u2019t pushed you into taking Fitzgerald, none of this would have happened. I knew how tired you were. I didn\u2019t see through Fitzgerald\u2019s disguise and was just giving you a hard time. If only I\u2019d…Starsk, I\u2019m really sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky patted his thigh and shook his head. He was glad to be giving comfort instead of accepting it for a change. \u201cJust glad you…puzzled out Fitzgerald.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch explained how a visit to Fitzgerald\u2019s father indicated that he had gone out dressed as a woman and Hutch had put it all together. \u201cI tried to get you on the radio to warn you. I had Kingston try to get through to you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLady asked me…off the radio…was trying to…lady happy. I reported to Kingston and that radio off.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just glad you called it in so we knew where to find you. K.C. drove like, well, you<\/i>, to get there. I just wish we\u2019d gotten there before he attacked you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t remember much that then… remember… you got there. Not your fault, Hutch. I saw old lady, let my drop my… guard. Shoulda seen…\u201d<\/p>\n
Before now, they hadn\u2019t had a chance to really talk about what happened after he picked up Fitzgerald. Clearing the air helped and they both felt a bit relieved.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust wanna better,\u201d Starsky said.<\/p>\n
Hutch reached and patted Starsky\u2019s back. \u201cPatience, buddy.\u201d He looked at his barely eaten pizza and Starsky followed his gaze to the plate. \u201cWe should eat while it\u2019s still warm.\u201d He reached for his pizza.<\/p>\n
Starsky nodded, then picked up his pizza and began to eat. Patience. <\/i><\/p>\n
The evening was quiet and Starsky\u2019s mood seemed to have improved. That is, up until the phone rang. He automatically picked it up when it rang, but then froze, unable to answer. His hand shook slightly as he abruptly passed the phone to Hutch. He quickly exchanged words with Captain Dobey as Starsky paced, obviously looking for something. He hung up the phone and was so distracted by the behavior that he forgot to tell him that Dobey called with approval for the additional two days off that Hutch had requested.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarsk, what are you looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n
He refused to answer and when Hutch stopped him in his tracks by grabbing his upper arm, Starsky turned angrily toward him. While no words came from his mouth, Hutch got the back off<\/i> message loud and clear. He immediately released his grip and backed up a bit. \u201cOkay, okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky finally found what he was looking for when he spied Hutch\u2019s jacket hung over a kitchen chair and stuck his hand into the pocket. He pulled out the Torino keys and bolted for the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere we goin\u2019?\u201d Hutch asked, trying to catch up with him, pushing hard to be included in wherever Starsky was headed.<\/p>\n
At the door, Starsky turned, his eyes dark and angry. I said, back off. <\/i> He shook his head and held up his hand in a stop gesture.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarsk, c\u2019mon, you\u2019re not cleared to drive, let me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Before he could say anymore, Starsky shot him another angry glare and stormed out.<\/p>\n
Hutch knew he needed to give him some space, but that didn\u2019t mean he\u2019d have to like it. \u201cAt least tell me where you\u2019re goin\u2019, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
His plea fell on deaf ears and Starsky and the Torino were out of sight in a matter of seconds.<\/p>\n
Shit!<\/i> He considered following him, but immediately discarded that idea. Nothing to do now but wait and worry. Hutch tried to read one of Starsky\u2019s books, but couldn\u2019t focus on the words. After reading the same page for an hour, he put the book back on the shelf. He flipped through the channels on the TV, finally settling on a nature program, then stretched out on the couch. He had as much luck following that story as he had with the book and soon dozed off.<\/p>\n
Within minutes, Starsky knew where he was headed. Trouble. He was looking for it and would find it. Finding a bar where no one knew him, and in a part of town that was more than a bit seedy, wasn\u2019t that difficult. If people were going to be mocking him from now on for sounding like a dummy, he might as well get used to it. He sidled up to the crowded bar, pushing the giant next to him to squeeze in. He was ignored. When the bartender finally turned to him, Starsky simply pointed to the tap and threw a few bucks on the bar. The bartender obliged by filling a beer mug and setting it in front on him. Starsky nodded. Something about the look in his eyes bothered the bartender and his glance lingered on Starsky a bit too long before turning to another patron.<\/p>\n
He drank half of the beer on the first swallow, and finished it off with two more pulls. The bartender spotted the already empty mug and they repeated the exchange. Just a few minutes later, signaling the bartender, he tried to ask for a third. In his head, it was, \u201cHey, can I get another?\u201d but something else, completely incomprehensible, came out instead. A few heads turned to stare at him, and his temper rose. He tried again, but more gibberish came out. A few more patrons turned to look at him. When he pointed to the tap, the bartender took his glass and refilled it while Starsky threw a few more bills on the counter.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere you go, buddy,\u201d the bartender said as he set down the mug.<\/p>\n
Starsky bristled at the term and the attitude.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe make this one last, huh? Don\u2019t want you to go through all your money too quickly.\u201d His demeanor toward Starsky had changed, and he suddenly felt patronized or pitied or both. He was being treated like a child. He glared at the barkeep.<\/p>\n
The man next to him at the bar wasn\u2019t just tall, he was a big man, a conglomeration of tattoos and denim, clearly outweighing Starsky by at least fifty pounds. He liked the bartender and this was one of his regular places, so he didn\u2019t take kindly to Starsky\u2019s attitude. Begging for a fight long before he came in, he could smell opportunity. He knew it wouldn\u2019t take much. \u201cYou some kinda dummy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky wanted to throw him a line, but wasn\u2019t looking for pity and was afraid he\u2019d get it if the wrong words came out. He went with tried and true and let out a string of expletives that would make a sailor blush. When big boy hesitated, Starsky took an open hand and pushed it against the larger man\u2019s chest before turning back to the bar. That was the tipping point.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho the hell do you think you are, coming in this place with that fuckin\u2019 attitude, huh? Ya think you can just say that shit to me, ya retard?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky studiously ignored him, but he reached a meaty arm in front of Starsky and pulled on his shoulder until they were facing. Starsky\u2019s reply to the confrontation was a wordless shrug. Without pause, the regular swung his fist at Starsky\u2019s face. Starsky\u2019s only conscious thought as the fist approached was of the string of curse words he\u2019d said and how what he suggested probably wasn\u2019t physically possible. He didn\u2019t even move to avoid the punch, and it connected just below his left eye. Starsky threw a few quick punches at his gut in an almost automatic response, but instead of a flabby beer belly, he found a rock hard surface and an opponent who didn\u2019t even seem to feel the impact of his blows. In fact, he laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cLittle man, you need some manners.\u201d A few more forceful blows, this time to Starsky\u2019s mid-section, had him out of breath and reeling backwards. Crashing into an empty table, no one came to his aid as he stumbled, barely staying on his feet. He could have ended the fight by showing his badge, but it stayed in his pocket.<\/p>\n
The bartender had had enough. \u201cBill, I think you made your point, c\u2019mon, look at \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bill\u2019s nostrils flared, and the fight wasn\u2019t out of him yet. \u201cStay outta this, Jim.\u201d He advanced on Starsky.<\/p>\n
\u201cBill! My place, my rules. Take it outside if you want, but don\u2019t wreck my place.\u201d In fact, though the intruder seemed to be spoiling for a fight when he walked in, Jim was starting to feel uncomfortable about Bill\u2019s brawl. It was obvious the smaller man was vastly outmatched in size and intellect.<\/p>\n
While Jim seemed to weigh less than Huggy, he apparently carried some weight with Bill, because he started to back down.<\/p>\n
Seeing him waver, Jim sweetened the deal. \u201cLemme get ya a fresh drink, on the house.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bill moved back to his seat at the bar and turned away from Starsky, reaching to finish off his current drink.<\/p>\n
Starsky started to move toward Bill with the intent to continue the fight, but he was intercepted by a waitress who stepped between them. Grabbing his elbow, she steered him toward the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou gotta death wish, sweetie?\u201d she whispered. He tried lamely to pull away from her, but at the moment, she was more forceful than he, and she managed to get him to the exit. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be coming back here, hon\u2019, he\u2019ll finish you off. I seen it before and it ain\u2019t somethin\u2019 I wanna see again. \u2018sides, you\u2019re too pretty to let yourself get all beat up over nothin\u2019. Go home and sleep it off.\u201d She got him outside and stepped back into the bar, hovering until she saw him stumble away, moving down the street.<\/p>\n
He hadn\u2019t parked far away, but his head was swimming and his face was hurting. His head ached again on the left side where it had been smashed into the taxi\u2019s window not that long ago. The hurt was starting to outweigh the anger and he started to think maybe he should call Hutch for a ride. He quickly found a couple payphones and stepped up to one, checking his pocket for change. As he reached for the handset, he realized Hutch didn\u2019t know where he was and it would take some explaining to get him here, words he didn\u2019t think he could get out. He looked for the nearest street sign and saw one that read Peach. He tried it out loud. \u201cPango. Paingo. Shit!\u201d<\/p>\n
He stepped away from the payphone and moved further down the street. Finding his car, he maneuvered clumsily into the driver\u2019s seat and leaned back, resting his head on the headrest. He wasn\u2019t ready to drive yet, so he rested a few minutes as the thrumming in his head settled down. As he rested his hands on the steering wheel, he noticed how red his knuckles were. Well, nothing he could do about it now. He took a deep breath and found his dizziness had abated. Knowing it was a bad idea, he proceeded to drive home. Fortunately, he made his way home without incident.<\/p>\n
Entering his place, he found Hutch sprawled on the couch, dozing. Hearing Starsky enter, he immediately sat up and rubbed the bridge of his nose. \u201cHey buddy, I was worried about you. You okay?\u201d As Starsky stepped into the light he turned his head away from Hutch and didn\u2019t answer, but it was too late. Hutch immediately noticed the bruise on his cheekbone and the painful gait. He jumped up and gently reached toward Starsky\u2019s face turning it toward his own and saw the damage more clearly. \u201cJesus, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky pulled away, not wanting to be fawned over. He held his hand up in a stop gesture, which Hutch ignored, gently grasping an elbow and steering him over to the couch and eased him down. Too tired to fight, he allowed it. Settling him down he was close enough to smell the cigarette smoke on his clothes and beer on his breath. Forgoing a lecture, Hutch instead moved to the freezer and removed a bag of frozen peas. Sitting on the couch next to his partner, he carefully placed the peas against Starsky\u2019s face. Starsky reached up and held them in place, brushing Hutch\u2019s hand as he did so.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere did you go? What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDummy gets…\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch had a pretty clear picture of what went down and his concern changed quickly to anger. \u201cI\u2019ll get the guy that did this and I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
I, not we? First Dobey didn\u2019t think he\u2019d return to the job, certainly why he\u2019d called, and now Hutch? <\/i> \u201cStart. No…stop, stop! Fines.\u201d<\/p>\n
Letting his anger go, Hutch looked him over more closely. His eyes didn\u2019t look right, not quite drunk, but bone tired and there was pain behind the blue. One hand was on the bag of peas, knuckles red, and the other hand was involuntarily clutching his stomach. He looked like hell. \u201cAre you nauseous?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky shook his head no.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we should get you to a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky shot daggers at him, silencing that idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarsk, you shoulda called me, I would\u2019ve come to get you. You\u2019re in no shape to be driving. Why didn\u2019t you call?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky glared at him, dropping the bag of peas to his lap. Really? <\/i> He reached for the phone on an end table, and held the receiver up to his mouth, saying nothing, and looking at Hutch meaningfully until he understood the message. Point made, he hung up the phone.<\/p>\n
Feeling like a heel for not realizing why he hadn\u2019t called, he backpeddled his anger a bit \u201cOh, sorry. Well, you coulda…uh, had someone else call.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky sighed and started to get up, but Hutch reached for his shoulders and pushed him back down, ever so gently. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, buddy, I know this is tough. Just stay still for a minute, okay? Why don\u2019t you get some sleep and we\u2019ll talk this over in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLavernish.\u201d He sighed then his eyes looked up at the ceiling before returning to his hands, resting in his lap. \u201cHutch\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Whatever he wanted to say he couldn\u2019t get out, but Hutch had some idea what he was thinking by the devastated look on his face. \u201cStarsk, c\u2019mon, Peggy said to give it a few days. She\u2019s happy with your progress, why aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
He refused to even try to answer, instead closing his eyes and leaning back.<\/p>\n
Hutch reached out a hand to him. \u201cLet\u2019s just get you into bed, huh? Get some sleep.\u201d Starsky shook his head, but Hutch simply reached down and took both hands into his own to pull him up. \u201cC\u2019mon.\u201d Putting an arm around his shoulder, he steered a mostly compliant Starsky to bed. He stacked a couple pillows together and lowered him back onto the pillows slowly, a hand behind his head for support all the way down.<\/p>\n
Head now against the pillows, Starsky watched Hutch pause and look into his eyes, and the gaze quickly changed from concern to scrutiny. He felt exposed and the connection suddenly felt too intimate, even for them. He was tired of being evaluated and averted his eyes.<\/p>\n
What\u2019re ya lookin\u2019 at? <\/i>, he composed in his mind, but \u201cWhyka look look at?\u201d is what came out of his mouth. The words weren\u2019t what he\u2019d intended, but the annoyance was clearly conveyed.<\/p>\n
The pause was a beat too long before Hutch answered, \u201cI’m lookin’ at your eyes, meatball. You had a concussion before<\/i> you added the shiner, remember?\u201d In truth, that was just one of the reasons he was looking so purposefully at his eyes. But the moment had become awkward and he was glad he had the excuse of looking away as he removed Starsky\u2019s sneakers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d He returned with a glass of water and a few Tylenol and helped Starsky get them down. \u201cSure we shouldn\u2019t get you to the doctor? How\u2019s your head?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2019s fine,\u201d he slurred, already starting to doze off, or at least pretending to.<\/p>\n
He wanted to launch into it, tell him how stupid he was, what a risk he’d taken getting into a fight. How much abuse could Starsky take? For that matter, how much could Hutch take? But he kept silent, knowing that it wasn’t the right time. He pulled the covers around him and then retrieved the bag of peas from the sofa. He flinched slightly when Hutch placed it over his eye and cheek, but his eyes didn\u2019t open. \u201cI\u2019ll wake you up in a few hours to check on you, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
No answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThings will look better in the morning, you\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n
No answer. Hutch retreated to the sofa, then came back after about fifteen minutes to remove the mostly thawed peas. As he touched the bag, Starsky\u2019s hand came up and covered his. His eyes didn\u2019t open, but he murmured, \u201cHutch…thanks,\u201d before his hand dropped back down to the bed.<\/p>\n
Lying down on the couch, Hutch went to sleep, well kind of. Mostly, he worried. A few hours in, he woke Starsky to try to determine if he was suffering any ill effects from the concussion, compounded by his injuries from the fight.<\/p>\n
He sat on the edge of the bed and shook his shoulder gently when a soft, \u201cStarsk,\u201d didn\u2019t get any response. \u201cHey, Starsky?\u201d<\/p>\n
Understanding why he was being woken didn\u2019t make it any easier. He reached for a pad and pencil he\u2019d taken to keeping on his nightstand and scrawled a sloppy, \u201cLet me sleep.\u201d A frown in response prompted him to add \u201cI\u2019m ok.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow much is seven plus five?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky crinkled his brow then wrote \u201c12\u201d on the pad and showed it to Hutch.<\/p>\n
Hutch nodded, squeezed Starsky\u2019s knee affectionately, then stood up wordlessly to go back to the couch.<\/p>\n
Before he was out of reach, Starsky tapped his thigh with the pencil. When Hutch looked back at him, Starsky pointed the pencil at him, clearly indicating \u201cyou,\u201d then used the pencil to point at the word \u201cok\u201d that he had previously written on the pad. He looked up at Hutch and raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n
The barest hint of a smile crossed his fatigued features. \u201cYeah, just tired. Go back to sleep. I don\u2019t think you\u2019ve done any more damage to that thick skull of yours.\u201d He tried again to smile, but Starsky could see what the effort cost him, shoulders slumped, head low, as he left the room. That half-hearted smile, along with the weary tone, was enough to keep Starsky from falling immediately back asleep. So focused on his own concerns, he\u2019d been forgetting what this was doing to his partner, who was trying so hard to shoulder as much of the burden as he could. Though troubled, the activity of the day took its toll and he fell into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n
Morning came and it was one of those spectacular days when the temperature was perfect, the humidity low, and the sun bright and cheery. Hutch woke first, started some coffee, and proceeded to cook up some eggs and bacon. The smell woke Starsky and he wandered toward the kitchen. When they exchanged glances, Starsky looked sheepish, but Hutch just uncharacteristically let it all go and just gave him a sunny smile in return. Puttering around the kitchen had put him in a good mood despite his worry.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmells good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHope you like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. Hey, sorry \u2018bout\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a new day, Starsk. Let\u2019s start fresh. Did you sleep okay after I woke you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cArdverly, yeah, guess I blew off some sleem… steam. Best sleep… days. You okay on… couch? You should take my bed tonight or…go home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Hutch answered, though his posture as he leaned over the stove seemed to indicate he was having some back pain. \u201cYou sure your head\u2019s okay? Need more Tylenol?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMuch better. Quirk shower,\u201d Starsky said as he headed toward the bathroom. His timing was perfect. Showered and dressed, he entered the kitchen just as Hutch prepared the plates and set them on the table. \u201cWe\u2019ve got about an hour before we need to leave for your appointment with Peggy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight. Hey, I\u2019ve got the coffee,\u201d Starsky said as he brought two cups to the table. \u201cOh, juice!\u201d He poured two large glasses of orange juice and set them on the table.<\/p>\n
They were just starting to eat when Huggy showed up. Hutch offered to make him a plate, but he\u2019d already eaten. He did, however, help himself to a mug of coffee.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow\u2019s it going, Starsky?\u201d Huggy asked. \u201cWhat\u2019s with the shiner?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou shoulda seen the other guy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWas he a truck?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky chuckled despite himself. \u201cMore of a tank.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow\u2019s it going with the speech therapist?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking progress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch gave Huggy a change-the-subject look that he picked up on quickly. \u201cI need to make a little extra bread. Either of you savvy gents have any suggestions?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThings not goin\u2019 well at The Pits, Hug?\u201d Hutch asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusiness is slow. Just lookin\u2019 for somethin\u2019 on the side. Hey, Starsky, would you recommend driving a cab?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky gave him a withering look in response.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, you guys got the killer off the streets. I done it once before and wasn\u2019t half bad. I know the streets and I like chattin\u2019 up the clientele. And if you…<\/i>\u201d In order to add emphasis he reached out and pointed to Starsky, knocking over his half full juice glass in the process. As the juice approached the end of the table, Starsky jumped up, hoping to avoid the quickly flowing liquid.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Hug, watch what you\u2019re doing!\u201d He grabbed a towel and quickly mopped up the spill, while Huggy apologized and put the now empty juice glass in the sink. Starsky threw the towel into the sink. \u201cOh, hey,\u201d Starsky softened. \u201cThanks for bringing in the donuts while I was in the hospital. The food there is terrible and those donuts were terrific. Did you get them from your cousin\u2019s bakery?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know it,\u201d Huggy answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cHutch, do we have time to stop and get some before my appointment?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStarsk, you just ate a big breakfast!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a growing boy! I\u2019m just so glad to not be eating hospital food.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch paused and stared at him wide-eyed. \u201cHey, Starsk?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky, lost in a thought, didn\u2019t answer his partner. \u201cHey, we\u2019ve got to stop by the cab company sometime, too. I really want to thank Kingston and K.C. Maybe we could stop there this afternoon. It\u2019s not too far from Merl\u2019s. We can drop off your heap for a tune-up. Hug, could you pick us up there and give us a lift back to my place?<\/p>\n
Hutch and Huggy were now both staring at him wide-eyed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?! What\u2019re ya lookin\u2019 at?\u201d Starsky asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarsk, you\u2019re… you\u2019re talking,\u201d Hutch stammered.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, of course, I\u2019m talking. I\u2019ve…oh…\u201d Starsky realized that he was not having any trouble finding the right words. His speech was suddenly without effort, without pause, flowing quickly. He broke into a wide grin when he realized what had just happened.<\/p>\n
Huggy slapped him on the back, \u201cThat\u2019s great, Starsky.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hutch laughed and grabbed his keys from the coffee table. Tapping Starsky gently on the arm as he passed by, and exchanging a deep look, he suggested, \u201cLet\u2019s try to get in to see Peggy early and give her the good news!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about the dishes?\u201d Starsky asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll do \u2018em when we get back. C\u2019mon!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Starsky answered, following closely on Hutch\u2019s heels.<\/p>\n
Huggy turned off the coffee maker before meeting up with them at the door. As they left Starsky\u2019s place, Huggy launched into a story about a cousin of his who once drove a cab, but left city life behind to move to an exotic island. He asked Starsky again about becoming a part-time cab driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cHug, you\u2019re a man of many talents. You should find something that uses them.\u201d<\/p>\n
They went their separate ways as Huggy headed to The Pits and Starsky and Hutch went to meet Peggy. She was elated at his progress and warned that he shouldn\u2019t be concerned if he should experience occasional speech issues over the next few days. She expected his recovery would be complete and permanent and cautioned him to try to avoid any future head injuries.<\/p>\n
After leaving the hospital, they stopped for the donuts Starsky had been craving, buying a few dozen. Their next stop was at the precinct, to give them the good news and drop off some of the donuts. Hutch was in such a good mood that he agreed without argument to drop off the car for a tune-up at Merl\u2019s. Merl was off today, but one of his employees assured them he could get it done. Huggy was kind enough to shuttle them back to Starsky\u2019s place and then back to Merl\u2019s when the car was done. Huggy and Hutch left Starsky at home when they went to retrieve Hutch\u2019s car, as Starsky\u2019s energy was fading. He tried to nap for a bit, but couldn\u2019t quite doze off. He tried to get a hold of Kingston, but both he and K.C. were off. While Starsky was bursting with the news of his recovery, and eager to thank them both for their help, he could wait another day to do so. In the meantime, he made a quick call to him Mom, lounging on the sofa as they talked.<\/p>\n
Hutch came back to find Starsky setting the phone back in its cradle and Starsky looking thoughtful. \u201cDoin\u2019 okay, buddy? How are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n
Starsky was momentarily overcome with a flood of emotion, so grateful for his health and the friend that had seen him through this latest crisis. He quickly regained his composure. \u201cTerrific!\u201d And he meant it. Sliding his feet off the couch he sat up and patted the couch next to him. Hutch took the proffered spot and they both leaned back into the couch and let out a sigh in unison. All was right again.<\/p>\n
http:\/\/medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com\/Aphasia<\/a><\/p>\n This site mentions the interesting fact that left handed individuals are more likely to suffer from aphasia.<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.aphasia.org\/content\/communication-tips<\/a><\/p>\n This site had some video footage of people recovering from aphasia. One patient mentioned that while his spoken vocabulary had shrunk to just a few words, he had no difficulty cursing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In the episode \u201cQuadromania,\u201d Starsky\u2019s head was slammed into a car window so hard that the glass broke. What happened after Hutch and K.C. found him in that alley? K.C. drove faster than Hutch thought possible for anyone other than … Continue reading <\/a><\/i>Interested in learning more about Aphasia? Try these resources:<\/p>\n