{"id":180,"date":"2020-06-12T03:13:58","date_gmt":"2020-06-12T03:13:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/?p=180"},"modified":"2020-06-12T03:13:58","modified_gmt":"2020-06-12T03:13:58","slug":"june-12th-ill-be-back-by-acmabry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/?p=180","title":{"rendered":"June 12th- I\u2019ll Be Back by acmabry"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">First on his list\u2026 give the Tomato (yeah \u2013 he called his precious car that \u2013 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">But as he was heading out the door to pamper his four wheeled baby, the phone rang.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHey Starsk, Dobey just called. Looks like our quiet weekend is gone,\u201d his partner said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWhat?\u201d Starsky asked. \u201cWhy? We\u2019ve been on duty three weeks straight! I don\u2019t know about you, but I need a break! Tell Dobey to find some others to work this weekend!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cStarsky, turn on the TV, you\u2019ll understand.\u201d Hutch said, the worry in his voice catching Starsky\u2019s attention.<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDobey wants all off duty personnel there to help,\u201d Hutch said as Starsky watched the report.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cWhy, Hutch, we don\u2019t know anything about water rescue. What good are we gonna be? And you know that me, boats, and water don\u2019t mix good at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Laughing softly, Hutch agreed. \u201cDobey is already on his way there. He said it\u2019s really bad, families are stranded in their homes and the rescue teams are stretched thin. The authorities need the extra help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI\u2019ll be there in a few minutes, Hutch,\u201d Starsky said, \u201cBe ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI already am, buddy; see you soon,\u201d Hutch replied.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cStarsky, Hutchinson,\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cThis is Commander Benedict. He\u2019s in charge here so what he says, goes. Do you understand?\u201d The latter was said in such a way to let the two detectives know this was not their venture to run.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYes sir,\u201d the pair answered together, understanding their captain\u2019s hidden meaning. Shaking hands with the commander, they sat down to get their orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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. \u201cHey guys, make sure you both see me before you leave; I\u2019ll have sandwiches and hot coffee waiting for you.\u201d And he was off to help settle the next group of victims.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDetectives,\u201d Commander Benedict started, \u201cthere\u2019s a small neighborhood a few miles from this area. We\u2019ve 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\u2019t have anyone else. Think you two can handle this?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYes sir, just point us where we need to go,\u201d Starsky answered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-37 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/divider05.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Suddenly, Starsky\u2019s thoughts were interrupted when he saw Hutch sit up quickly, jerking his head to the right. <em>He\u2019s heard something or someone,<\/em> Starsky thought. There, now Starsky could hear the distinct cries of help.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cSwain Street,\u201d he read. \u201cWhere is it on this map?\u201d Starsky knew it would be dark soon and he wanted to find the quickest way back to the command center.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Straight ahead of the pair, a family of six was leaning out their second story window screaming for help.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As Starsky pulled the boat alongside the house, Hutch grabbed the windowsill to anchor it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cMy God!\u201d the dad exclaimed, \u201cwe are so happy to see you. My name is Ray Dean, this is my wife, Mary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch smiled at them. \u201cHi, my name\u2019s Ken and my partner back there is David. We are from Bay City PD. Let\u2019s see if we can get you all out of here and onto dry land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cOh please,\u201d Mary said, desperation in her voice, \u201ctake my kids first!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch looked inside the window and saw four children shaking with fear and cold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cMary,\u201d Hutch said calmly, \u201cI need you in the boat first. Ray and I\u2019ll hand you the kids. It\u2019s scarier out here. They\u2019ll feel safer knowing you are in the boat with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Mary reluctantly agreed. Hutch glanced quickly back to Starsky who approved with a slight nod of his head. \u201cJust be careful Hutch,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHere, Mary,\u201d Starsky said, handing her a life vest. \u201cPut this on; need to make sure you are safe for your kids.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cThanks. I just can\u2019t believe this is happening! Everything we have is gone! Pictures, mementos, memories, all gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cMary,\u201d Starsky called gently. \u201cYou\u2019re alive and so is your family. That\u2019s the most important thing, ya know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI know; you\u2019re right. It\u2019s just hard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cMom!\u201d came the cry of one of the kids as he was handed out the window.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHere I am, sweetie. Come on out and let\u2019s go for a boat ride!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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\u2019d all sink into the murky water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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. \u201cGo ahead, Starsky, get these folks to shore. They need warm blankets and food. Go on, I\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHutch, I\u2019m not leavin\u2019 you here. We\u2019ll move around and adjust, we\u2019ll make room. But, I\u2019m not leavin\u2019 ya,\u201d he said with fear and desperation, knowing Hutch was right and that he\u2019d planned this all along.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pushing the boat away from the house, Hutch smiled. \u201cNo worries, partner, I\u2019ve got a dry blanket and the house feels pretty secure. I\u2019ll just wait here for you. Go, get these folks to safety.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYou stay right here, Kenneth Hutchinson!\u201d Starsky said, pointing his finger. \u201cDon\u2019t you go anywhere, no swimmin\u2019 or explorin\u2019 or anything\u2026you stay right here\u2026I mean it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cOkay, Starsky \u2013 I\u2019ll be right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI\u2019ll be back Hutch\u2026I promise\u2026I\u2019ll be back\u2026 you stay right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/divider05.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCap!\u201d Starsky said breathlessly. \u201cI need gas! Hutch is out there, I had to leave him \u2018cause there wasn\u2019t any room in the boat. I gotta go get him and I need to leave now!\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDetective Starsky,\u201d Commander Benedict called. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I can\u2019t let you back out there tonight. It\u2019s dark and dangerous and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cCommander,\u201d Starsky said with a growl, interrupting the man and pointing into the darkness. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand, sir. My partner is out there, my best friend. I promised him I\u2019d be right back. I\u2019m going to get him and I\u2019m going now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cNo, Detective! You are not!\u201d the commander growled back at Starsky. \u201cI understand your concern, but it\u2019s 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\u2019s just part of the dangers floating around if you go back now while it\u2019s dark. At first light, you can go out and rescue your partner. But, not now, not at\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cYes, now,\u201d Starsky said in a quiet low voice, barely containing his rage. \u201cI\u2019m going to get him and I\u2019m going now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ignoring both the commander and Dobey, Starsky turned and jumped into the boat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky grunted, surprised at the strength of the arms holding him, but fighting with all his might.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cStarsky,\u201d Huggy whispered into his friend\u2019s ear knowing, in this wind, it would carry louder than a loud voice. \u201cStarsky, you can\u2019t go out there, man! Not now, it\u2019s too dangerous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHuggy,\u201d Starsky said, still straining against the arms of his friend. \u201cI have to go find him; I can\u2019t leave him out there. I promised him I\u2019d be back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky struggled, determined to break free of Huggy, but the slim man just held tighter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Whispering a bit louder to be heard above the wind, Huggy said, \u201cAnd what happens when you get out there and get hurt? What happens then? Didn\u2019t you understand what the commander said? It\u2019s dark and dangerous. You could bump into anything and capsize the boat. What good are you going to do Hutch if you\u2019re hurt or, worse, dead?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cBut I promised him, Hug. I promised him!\u201d Starsky said, his voice quavering.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cAnd you\u2019ll keep that promise, man; I know you will. But, when the sun rises and the winds calm, then you go find him. He\u2019ll be okay, Starsky; you know he will. Hutch is tough and he\u2019s a fighter and he sure ain\u2019t gonna leave you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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\u2019t put it past the frantic man to throw him overboard and take off.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cOkay, Hug, let me go.\u201d Starsky said. \u201cI won\u2019t go, as bad as I want too. Who knows, maybe that Sea Scout training will finally come in handy and the blond<span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">e<\/span> blintz will be okay,\u201d he said with a nervous laugh. \u201cBut I ain\u2019t leavin\u2019 this boat, Huggy. I\u2019m stayin\u2019 put. The first hint of light and I\u2019m outta here. You and nobody else is gonna stop me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cMan, don\u2019t you think I know that! And I\u2019ll stay right with ya. But, how about let\u2019s just putter over to that shelter, get outta this rain for a while.\u201d Huggy motioned to the left.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky looked in the direction Huggy said and saw the shelter. There were dry clothes and blankets, items he knew Hutch would need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starting the motor, they moved from the temporary dock toward the shelter. \u201cHang in there, buddy,\u201d Starsky said to himself looking off into the darkness. \u201cHang in there. I\u2019ll come get you as soon as I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/divider05.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHang in there, buddy,\u201d Hutch said to himself, \u201cHang in there. I know you\u2019ll come get me as soon as you can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky woke from a fitful sleep to the sounds of Dobey and the commander in a heated exchange.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201c\u2026and no one warned you about the dam?\u201d Dobey asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cNo, Captain,\u201d barked the commander, not used to having his orders questioned. \u201cThere was a weak spot in the far wall that no one detected. That last rain we got was just enough to cause the break.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hearing the exchange between Dobey and the commander, Starsky knew he had to leave now; there would be no waiting until daybreak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHuggy,\u201d Starsky whispered, \u201cget out now! I gotta go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cNo way, man,\u201d Huggy whispered back. \u201cI\u2019m going with you.\u201d Seeing Starsky start to protest, Huggy quickly added. \u201cWhat if Hutch is hurt, Starsky? What if you need to take care of him? Who\u2019s gonna drive the boat? You need me, man, and you know it. And the more time we spend arguing, the more it\u2019ll take us to get to Hutch. So, put this boat in gear and let\u2019s go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Knowing he was right and grateful for Huggy\u2019s help and friendship, Starsky complied, quietly pushing away from the dock and heading toward Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cLook, Captain Dobey,\u201d said the commander. \u201cI know your detective wants to rescue his partner, but he can\u2019t leave right now. The water level has risen and it\u2019s even more dangerous. You need to tell him to wait a while longer\u2026at least until daylight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cToo late, Commander,\u201d Dobey said looking over the commander\u2019s shoulder, watching Starsky and Huggy fade into the darkness. \u201cStarsky has gone to get Hutch. And, neither you, me, nor any man\u2019s army can stop him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-37 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/divider05.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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. \u201cLeave it to Starsky,\u201d he muttered, \u201cto find someone crazy enough to fly in this weather and rescue me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cBut which way do I go? Which way is up?\u201d he thought panicking. Then he saw it, a small glimmer of light breaking the water\u2019s surface. Finding energy he didn\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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\u2019t know, but he knew he wouldn\u2019t 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\u2026and waited for his friend to find him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-37 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/divider05.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"270\" height=\"77\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky and Huggy finally made it to the Dean\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHuuuutch!\u201d he called out into the darkness. \u201cHuuuuutch!\u201d Starsky called again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky frantically looked around for Hutch, hoping to see him clinging to something. But there was nothing, no sign at all of his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cStarsky!\u201d Huggy called out, \u201clet\u2019s go that way,\u201d he said pointing away from the house. \u201cIt looks like that\u2019s the way the water traveled. If he was caught up in the flood, he would\u2019ve traveled with the flow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Looking in the direction Huggy pointed, Starsky could see the current of the water moving that way and the destruction left in its path. \u201cOkay, Huggy,\u201d Starsky said with fear and dread, \u201clet\u2019s go that way and hope we find him soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">They rode quietly, listening for Hutch. Starsky was becoming more fearful, worried that with each passing minute, his chances to find Hutch alive dwindled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Then, as the sun burned away the last bit of darkness, Starsky found Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cThere Huggy, I see him! He\u2019s over there!\u201d Starsky told Huggy, pointing excitedly to Hutch who was still clinging to the sign.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHutch!\u201d Starsky called. \u201cHang on! We\u2019re almost there! Huggy, hurry up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Huggy gunned the boat, aiming it straight for Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky called out to Hutch, telling him to hang on for just a few seconds more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch tried for Starsky; he tried to hold on. But he couldn\u2019t. The pain. The exhaustion. The hurt. It was just too much\u2026and he slipped off the pole\u2026back into the murky water\u2026swept away\u2026no energy left to fight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHuuuuutch!\u201d Starsky called with a guttural yell!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Huggy gunned the boat, willing it to go even faster. Hutch\u2019s blond hair a beacon for him to follow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cHuuuuutch!\u201d Starsky called again. \u201cGrab hold to something! We\u2019re coming Hutch, grab hold!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch heard Starsky and tried to do what his friend asked. But he just couldn\u2019t. He was so tired and hurt so bad. In his heart, Hutch knew this was it, he knew he wouldn\u2019t make it, he knew the water would drag him down again and this time, not let him escape.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">And Hutch knew he would be okay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI gotcha, buddy. Just where do you think you\u2019re going? You know this ain\u2019t no time for a swim.\u201d Starsky said tearfully. He had Hutch and he wasn\u2019t letting go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch started to convulse, retching and heaving all the dirty water and mess he\u2019d swallowed while being tossed about by the water. The body-rattling convulsions and tremors grew worse\u2026 and then stopped. There was deathly silence. Hutch was cold and still. Starsky panicked, thinking Hutch was dead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Then Hutch retched again, more vile stuff coming out of his body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cDrive Huggy, drive like crazy!\u201d Starsky commanded, fear in his voice. \u201cGet this boat back to the docks as fast as you can!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Starsky was holding onto Hutch, the blanket tightly cocooned around his friend, who was now shivering beyond control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hutch, I promised you I\u2019d be back and I didn\u2019t! I\u2019m sorry! I should have come back sooner!\u201d Starsky sobbed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hutch heard Starsky, weak and battered that he was, he heard the voice of his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u201cStarsk,\u201d Hutch replied, his voice rasping. \u201cI knew you\u2019d be back. And, just like you promised\u2026 you came back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Then Hutch fell asleep, safe in the arms of his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2026 give the Tomato (yeah \u2013 he called his precious car &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/?p=180\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-gen","category-sfw"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=180"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":393,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180\/revisions\/393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2020\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}