June 12th- I’ll Be Back by acmabry

Starsky was happy. He was getting ready to enjoy a rare weekend off, three days of doing whatever he wanted to do, whenever he wanted to.

First on his list… give the Tomato (yeah – he called his precious car that – unknown to Hutch and others), a good wash and wax before it started raining later that day. After that, he may just call a couple of ladies and see what plans they might have.

But as he was heading out the door to pamper his four wheeled baby, the phone rang.

“Hey Starsk, Dobey just called. Looks like our quiet weekend is gone,” his partner said.

“What?” Starsky asked. “Why? We’ve been on duty three weeks straight! I don’t know about you, but I need a break! Tell Dobey to find some others to work this weekend!”

“Starsky, turn on the TV, you’ll understand.” Hutch said, the worry in his voice catching Starsky’s attention.

Right away, Starsky dropped his supplies and headed to the TV. A soaking wet news reporter was doing a piece on flooding in the small town of Louden close to Topanga Canyon. Normally, a sleepy quiet town, most of it was now under water. More rain was predicted and there were fears of a small dam giving way.

“Dobey wants all off duty personnel there to help,” Hutch said as Starsky watched the report.

“Why, Hutch, we don’t know anything about water rescue. What good are we gonna be? And you know that me, boats, and water don’t mix good at all.”

Laughing softly, Hutch agreed. “Dobey is already on his way there. He said it’s really bad, families are stranded in their homes and the rescue teams are stretched thin. The authorities need the extra help.”

Starsky was still watching the TV. He saw people, cold and frightened, being helped to safety. And he saw the rescuers, their faces ragged and tired and worn.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes, Hutch,” Starsky said, “Be ready.”

“I already am, buddy; see you soon,” Hutch replied.

Ninety minutes later, the two arrived in Louden, or what was left of it. Dobey was already there, along with Huggy helping to set up the command and rescue center. They were amazed at the sight in front of them. Where once stood streets and neighborhoods, there now stood water and desolation. It was heartbreaking.

“Starsky, Hutchinson,” the captain greeted them as they walked into the makeshift building. Long tables had been set up with a double purpose: planning rescues and taking care of those rescued.

“This is Commander Benedict. He’s in charge here so what he says, goes. Do you understand?” The latter was said in such a way to let the two detectives know this was not their venture to run.

“Yes sir,” the pair answered together, understanding their captain’s hidden meaning. Shaking hands with the commander, they sat down to get their orders.

It was then that Huggy rushed over with coffee and doughnuts for everyone. The two detectives were surprised to see their friend dressed quite normally, as if understanding this was not the time for his usual outlandish garb. “Hey guys, make sure you both see me before you leave; I’ll have sandwiches and hot coffee waiting for you.” And he was off to help settle the next group of victims.

“Detectives,” Commander Benedict started, “there’s a small neighborhood a few miles from this area. We’ve had reports of families still stranded there. I need you to take a boat and head in that direction. Normally, I would send out Water Rescue personnel to assist, but, as you know, we are stretched thin and I don’t have anyone else. Think you two can handle this?”

The commander was man of small stature, eyes tired from the day but with still a bit of sparkle. The curls in his hair almost rivaled those of Starsky and, when the circumstances called for, his smile was just as bright. But, today was not that day. He asked this of the duo with authority almost akin to God.

“Yes sir, just point us where we need to go,” Starsky answered.

The rain was relentless as the pair made their way to the neighborhood the commander sent them to. Starsky raised his hand, a vain attempt to shield his face from the driving rain. Water stung his face as he struggled to keep his eyes focused on the blond tuft of hair ahead of him.

Suddenly, Starsky’s thoughts were interrupted when he saw Hutch sit up quickly, jerking his head to the right. He’s heard something or someone, Starsky thought. There, now Starsky could hear the distinct cries of help.

Hutch looked back at Starsky pointing to the right. Starsky complied, turning the boat in that direction. Starsky glanced at the street sign, barely above water, then back to the map, trying to get his bearings. If was confusing and disorienting floating in a neighborhood that, just yesterday had been dry land and pavement. Now, the roads were flooded as were most of the homes.

“Swain Street,” he read. “Where is it on this map?” Starsky knew it would be dark soon and he wanted to find the quickest way back to the command center.

Straight ahead of the pair, a family of six was leaning out their second story window screaming for help.

As Starsky pulled the boat alongside the house, Hutch grabbed the windowsill to anchor it.

“My God!” the dad exclaimed, “we are so happy to see you. My name is Ray Dean, this is my wife, Mary.”

Hutch smiled at them. “Hi, my name’s Ken and my partner back there is David. We are from Bay City PD. Let’s see if we can get you all out of here and onto dry land.”

“Oh please,” Mary said, desperation in her voice, “take my kids first!”

Hutch looked inside the window and saw four children shaking with fear and cold.

“Mary,” Hutch said calmly, “I need you in the boat first. Ray and I’ll hand you the kids. It’s scarier out here. They’ll feel safer knowing you are in the boat with them.”

Mary reluctantly agreed. Hutch glanced quickly back to Starsky who approved with a slight nod of his head. “Just be careful Hutch,” he said.

Starsky held onto to the side of the house, trying to keep the boat stable, as Hutch crawled through the window. A minute later, he was helping Mary out, settling her near Starsky.

“Here, Mary,” Starsky said, handing her a life vest. “Put this on; need to make sure you are safe for your kids.”

“Thanks. I just can’t believe this is happening! Everything we have is gone! Pictures, mementos, memories, all gone.”

“Mary,” Starsky called gently. “You’re alive and so is your family. That’s the most important thing, ya know.”

“I know; you’re right. It’s just hard.”

“Mom!” came the cry of one of the kids as he was handed out the window.

“Here I am, sweetie. Come on out and let’s go for a boat ride!”

Soon all the kids were settled into the boat, life jackets snug and secure. Ray came out last, settling into the front of the boat. He gathered his two youngest close to keep them safe and stop them from exploring too far off the side.

Looking at the boat full of refugees, Starsky suddenly had an awful realization. There was no room for Hutch! The boat was at capacity now, another body and they’d all sink into the murky water.

Hutch stuck his head out the window, giving one last look to make sure the family was safe and secure. Then he looked at his partner. “Go ahead, Starsky, get these folks to shore. They need warm blankets and food. Go on, I’ll be okay.”

“Hutch, I’m not leavin’ you here. We’ll move around and adjust, we’ll make room. But, I’m not leavin’ ya,” he said with fear and desperation, knowing Hutch was right and that he’d planned this all along.

Pushing the boat away from the house, Hutch smiled. “No worries, partner, I’ve got a dry blanket and the house feels pretty secure. I’ll just wait here for you. Go, get these folks to safety.”

“You stay right here, Kenneth Hutchinson!” Starsky said, pointing his finger. “Don’t you go anywhere, no swimmin’ or explorin’ or anything…you stay right here…I mean it.”

“Okay, Starsky – I’ll be right here.”

“I’ll be back Hutch…I promise…I’ll be back… you stay right here.”

Too much time later, Starsky pulled up to the makeshift dock area with the Dean family. Dobey, Huggy, and the commander met the group, giving them warm food and blankets.

“Cap!” Starsky said breathlessly. “I need gas! Hutch is out there, I had to leave him ‘cause there wasn’t any room in the boat. I gotta go get him and I need to leave now!” Starsky was in a panic. It had taken them longer to get back because of fallen trees and debris in the water. Ray helped Starsky find his way back to the Command Center, but precious time had been lost. Time he needed to get back to Hutch.

“Detective Starsky,” Commander Benedict called. “I’m afraid I can’t let you back out there tonight. It’s dark and dangerous and…”

“Commander,” Starsky said with a growl, interrupting the man and pointing into the darkness. “You don’t understand, sir. My partner is out there, my best friend. I promised him I’d be right back. I’m going to get him and I’m going now.”

“No, Detective! You are not!” the commander growled back at Starsky. “I understand your concern, but it’s just not safe. The wind has increased and the water level has risen a great deal since you went out. The debris that got in your way coming back? That’s just part of the dangers floating around if you go back now while it’s dark. At first light, you can go out and rescue your partner. But, not now, not at…”

“Yes, now,” Starsky said in a quiet low voice, barely containing his rage. “I’m going to get him and I’m going now!”

Ignoring both the commander and Dobey, Starsky turned and jumped into the boat.

Huggy followed his friend, knowing he had to stop Starsky from leaving. He threw his thin arms around Starsky, holding the frustrated man from behind in a bear hug that would bely his small frame, but uphold his moniker.

Starsky grunted, surprised at the strength of the arms holding him, but fighting with all his might.

“Starsky,” Huggy whispered into his friend’s ear knowing, in this wind, it would carry louder than a loud voice. “Starsky, you can’t go out there, man! Not now, it’s too dangerous.”

“Huggy,” Starsky said, still straining against the arms of his friend. “I have to go find him; I can’t leave him out there. I promised him I’d be back.”

Starsky struggled, determined to break free of Huggy, but the slim man just held tighter.

Whispering a bit louder to be heard above the wind, Huggy said, “And what happens when you get out there and get hurt? What happens then? Didn’t you understand what the commander said? It’s dark and dangerous. You could bump into anything and capsize the boat. What good are you going to do Hutch if you’re hurt or, worse, dead?”

“But I promised him, Hug. I promised him!” Starsky said, his voice quavering.

“And you’ll keep that promise, man; I know you will. But, when the sun rises and the winds calm, then you go find him. He’ll be okay, Starsky; you know he will. Hutch is tough and he’s a fighter and he sure ain’t gonna leave you.”

Feeling the fight go out just a bit more from his brunet friend, Huggy eased a little. He felt like Starsky finally understood but wouldn’t put it past the frantic man to throw him overboard and take off.

“Okay, Hug, let me go.” Starsky said. “I won’t go, as bad as I want too. Who knows, maybe that Sea Scout training will finally come in handy and the blonde blintz will be okay,” he said with a nervous laugh. “But I ain’t leavin’ this boat, Huggy. I’m stayin’ put. The first hint of light and I’m outta here. You and nobody else is gonna stop me.”

“Man, don’t you think I know that! And I’ll stay right with ya. But, how about let’s just putter over to that shelter, get outta this rain for a while.” Huggy motioned to the left.

Starsky looked in the direction Huggy said and saw the shelter. There were dry clothes and blankets, items he knew Hutch would need.

Starting the motor, they moved from the temporary dock toward the shelter. “Hang in there, buddy,” Starsky said to himself looking off into the darkness. “Hang in there. I’ll come get you as soon as I can.”

Hutch shivered in the night air, thankful the rain had let up a little, not stinging his face so hard. He had crawled out of the window carefully walking along the pitch of the roof, trying not to slip into the dark murky water just feet beneath him. His original plan was to wait for Starsky in the upstairs room where the two had found the Dean family. But the water was still rising and Hutch had a feeling that the whole house would soon be flooded. As crazy as it sounded, he felt safer on the roof.

Shining his flashlight along the roofline, Hutch found the chimney. He wrapped up in the dry blanket and settled in as close as possible to the sturdy brick, hoping it would offer him a little shelter from the rain. He knew Starsky wouldn’t be back tonight, it was too dark and dangerous. And that Dobey would do his best to keep Starsky at the Command Center until morning. Hutch just hoped his friend would listen to reason and stay put for the night.

“Hang in there, buddy,” Hutch said to himself, “Hang in there. I know you’ll come get me as soon as you can.”

Starsky woke from a fitful sleep to the sounds of Dobey and the commander in a heated exchange.

“…and no one warned you about the dam?” Dobey asked.

“No, Captain,” barked the commander, not used to having his orders questioned. “There was a weak spot in the far wall that no one detected. That last rain we got was just enough to cause the break.”

Hearing the exchange between Dobey and the commander, Starsky knew he had to leave now; there would be no waiting until daybreak.

“Huggy,” Starsky whispered, “get out now! I gotta go.”

“No way, man,” Huggy whispered back. “I’m going with you.” Seeing Starsky start to protest, Huggy quickly added. “What if Hutch is hurt, Starsky? What if you need to take care of him? Who’s gonna drive the boat? You need me, man, and you know it. And the more time we spend arguing, the more it’ll take us to get to Hutch. So, put this boat in gear and let’s go!”

Knowing he was right and grateful for Huggy’s help and friendship, Starsky complied, quietly pushing away from the dock and heading toward Hutch.

“Look, Captain Dobey,” said the commander. “I know your detective wants to rescue his partner, but he can’t leave right now. The water level has risen and it’s even more dangerous. You need to tell him to wait a while longer…at least until daylight.”

“Too late, Commander,” Dobey said looking over the commander’s shoulder, watching Starsky and Huggy fade into the darkness. “Starsky has gone to get Hutch. And, neither you, me, nor any man’s army can stop him.”

Hutch heard the rumble, like a thousand horses stampeding toward him. At first he thought it was a helicopter and let loose a small laugh. “Leave it to Starsky,” he muttered, “to find someone crazy enough to fly in this weather and rescue me.”

Shining his flashlight in the direction of the sound, fear and terror clung to Hutch like the water soaking into his skin. Hutch knew there would be no helicopter to rescue him, no boat, and no Starsky.

The wall of water slammed into Hutch, throwing him into the raging current where he was tossed and thrown around like a rag doll. Hutch was strong, but the water was stronger. It wrapped its wet arms around him, dragging him down further into the dark, murky depths. Then the water pushed him to the top, his head out long enough to grab a deep breath of precious air before being dragged under again. He was disoriented, not knowing what was top or bottom. Objects continued the assault on his battered body; trees, branches, anything the water had grabbed on its destructive path.

Suddenly, Hutch rammed into something solid, a metal pole, pushing out what little breath he had left. The water swirled around him even harder, not wanting to give up its prisoner. But Hutch held on tight, knowing if he let go, he would die. Lungs starting to burn from lack of oxygen, Hutch knew he had to get to the surface right away.

“But which way do I go? Which way is up?” he thought panicking. Then he saw it, a small glimmer of light breaking the water’s surface. Finding energy he didn’t know he had, Hutch pulled himself up the metal pole that had become his anchor. Finally, he broke the surface, gulping air and choking on water.

The force of the water had slowed, but it was still strong enough to pull at the exhausted man. Hutch realized the metal pole that had become his lifesaver was a street sign. How long would he be able to hold on? How long before Starsky would find him? Hutch didn’t know, but he knew he wouldn’t give up that easily. Finding one last bit of strength, Hutch pulled himself to the top of the pole and draped his arms over the street sign…and waited for his friend to find him.

Starsky and Huggy finally made it to the Dean’s house, only to find the house covered in water. Starsky had been in a total panic since they left the command center and this sight threatened to push him over the edge.

“Huuuutch!” he called out into the darkness. “Huuuuutch!” Starsky called again.

Starsky frantically looked around for Hutch, hoping to see him clinging to something. But there was nothing, no sign at all of his friend.

“Starsky!” Huggy called out, “let’s go that way,” he said pointing away from the house. “It looks like that’s the way the water traveled. If he was caught up in the flood, he would’ve traveled with the flow.”

Looking in the direction Huggy pointed, Starsky could see the current of the water moving that way and the destruction left in its path. “Okay, Huggy,” Starsky said with fear and dread, “let’s go that way and hope we find him soon.”

They rode quietly, listening for Hutch. Starsky was becoming more fearful, worried that with each passing minute, his chances to find Hutch alive dwindled.

Then, as the sun burned away the last bit of darkness, Starsky found Hutch.

“There Huggy, I see him! He’s over there!” Starsky told Huggy, pointing excitedly to Hutch who was still clinging to the sign.

“Hutch!” Starsky called. “Hang on! We’re almost there! Huggy, hurry up!”

Huggy gunned the boat, aiming it straight for Hutch.

Starsky called out to Hutch, telling him to hang on for just a few seconds more.

Hutch tried for Starsky; he tried to hold on. But he couldn’t. The pain. The exhaustion. The hurt. It was just too much…and he slipped off the pole…back into the murky water…swept away…no energy left to fight.

“Huuuuutch!” Starsky called with a guttural yell!

Huggy gunned the boat, willing it to go even faster. Hutch’s blond hair a beacon for him to follow.

“Huuuuutch!” Starsky called again. “Grab hold to something! We’re coming Hutch, grab hold!”

Hutch heard Starsky and tried to do what his friend asked. But he just couldn’t. He was so tired and hurt so bad. In his heart, Hutch knew this was it, he knew he wouldn’t make it, he knew the water would drag him down again and this time, not let him escape.

But, as he went under, he felt a pull and he knew those two strong arms that reached into the flowing water would hold him tight.

And Hutch knew he would be okay.

“I gotcha, buddy. Just where do you think you’re going? You know this ain’t no time for a swim.” Starsky said tearfully. He had Hutch and he wasn’t letting go.

Grabbing Hutch by his belt, Starsky pulled his drenched partner into the boat. Quickly Starsky and Huggy wrapped dry blankets around the shivering man. Huggy poured coffee from the thermos he had thrown in the boat minutes before they left and handed the warm cup to Starsky.

Hutch started to convulse, retching and heaving all the dirty water and mess he’d swallowed while being tossed about by the water. The body-rattling convulsions and tremors grew worse… and then stopped. There was deathly silence. Hutch was cold and still. Starsky panicked, thinking Hutch was dead.

Then Hutch retched again, more vile stuff coming out of his body.

“Drive Huggy, drive like crazy!” Starsky commanded, fear in his voice. “Get this boat back to the docks as fast as you can!”

Starsky was holding onto Hutch, the blanket tightly cocooned around his friend, who was now shivering beyond control.

“I’m sorry, Hutch, I promised you I’d be back and I didn’t! I’m sorry! I should have come back sooner!” Starsky sobbed.

Hutch heard Starsky, weak and battered that he was, he heard the voice of his friend.

“Starsk,” Hutch replied, his voice rasping. “I knew you’d be back. And, just like you promised… you came back.”

Then Hutch fell asleep, safe in the arms of his friend.