{"id":307,"date":"2018-12-12T05:16:07","date_gmt":"2018-12-12T05:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/?p=307"},"modified":"2020-11-11T18:17:36","modified_gmt":"2020-11-11T18:17:36","slug":"december-12th-lies-and-other-crimes-part-four-by-dppatricks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/?p=307","title":{"rendered":"December 12th- Lies and Other Crimes Part Four by DPPatricks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Click here to read Part 1<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span>Click here to read Part 2<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nClick here to read Part 3<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As he\u2019d been expecting, Hutch was called into Thompson\u2019s office the next morning, and stood at attention in front of the imposing desk, waiting to see how his boss\u2019s strategy would play out. It didn\u2019t take long.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019ve run my daughter out of town. Is that correct, Mr. Foley?\u201d Thompson\u2019s icy sneer was top quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch forced himself to cower slightly. \u201cShe said she\u2019d only be gone over the weekend, sir. One small bag was all she took.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thompson glowered for a while before leaning back in his big chair and letting a patronizing smile soften his expression. \u201cIf she hadn\u2019t done it before, I\u2019d be concerned.\u201d He leaned forward and pushed a button on his intercom. \u201cBring us two coffees, Shirley.\u201d He sat back and motioned Hutch to sit in the guest chair. \u201cAny idea what brought it on?\u201d<\/span>
\n
\nHutch didn\u2019t reply immediately, giving the impression, he hoped, of still being utterly unknowing about everything that had happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a light knock on the door, the secretary came in, handing a mug of coffee to Thompson and one to Hutch before leaving and closing the door behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch took a swallow. \u201cNo, sir. We had dinner, as usual. Talked about the pageant\u2026 the wedding…\u201d He made sure his face showed only innocent confusion. \u201cShe began telling me about\u2026 Jeff\u2026 Am I supposed to remember who that is, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thompson waved a hand negligently. \u201cNot until you remember everything else.\u201d He drank some coffee. \u201cJeff Dayton was Marcie\u2019s first husband. They were high school sweethearts. Everyone knew they\u2019d marry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When he didn\u2019t continue, Hutch prodded. \u201cAnd\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t work out. Jeff was my warehouse foreman, before you, and he and my son, Cliff, didn\u2019t get along.\u201d He straightened some papers on his desk. \u201cI had to fire him.\u201d He smiled slightly. \u201cJeff, that is, not Cliff. And since Jeff and Marcie were turning out to be incompatible as a married couple, Jeff decided to leave for greener pastures. He never contested the divorce.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch spread \u2018bland\u2019 all over his face. \u201cHave I worked for you ever since, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you were already working for me, Ken. I just promoted you once Jeff was gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Cliff? Where is he?\u201d Hutch made sure it sounded like a casual question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s\u2026\u201d Thompson was clearly having difficulty with an answer. \u201cNo longer here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoping he wasn\u2019t over doing his subservient role, Hutch put a slight quaver in his voice. \u201cI haven\u2019t caused any problems between you and Marcie, have I, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thompson waved the words off. \u201cNothing I can\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch finished his coffee and stood up. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the job, Mr. Thompson, and I\u2019ll get back to it now, if that\u2019s okay. Thanks for the coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mention it. I expect Marcie will call us both today, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, sir.\u201d Hutch left the office and put his empty cup on the corner of Shirley\u2019s desk. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She dimpled at him but he ignored the come-on and went back out to the warehouse to continue his duties. His co-workers gave him false smiles and lots of space.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The final pageant rehearsal that night was strained on everyone\u2019s part but Hutch and his partner never let on that they noticed. They chatted with their supposed friends and played their parts. Pam was grim-faced, a snarling Mary to Starsky\u2019s complacent Joseph.<\/span><\/p>\n

While they waited for Stella to take their costumes, Hutch whispered, \u201cWord around town is you\u2019re sleeping at the station.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeemed the safest thing to do,\u201d Starsky replied. \u201cOtherwise, I\u2019d probably strangle her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch turned a pleasant face on the scowling Stella and handed her his robes. \u201cBe of good cheer, Stella. This\u2019ll all be over very soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Til next year,\u201d she growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook on the bright side.\u201d Starsky handed her his burlap garment, \u201cIt\u2019ll look great on your resume.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat resume?\u201d Muttering, \u201cWhy would I need a resume?\u201d she turned away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky couldn\u2019t hide a small smirk. \u201cI\u2019ll bet the women\u2019s prison will be tickled when she shows up. A person with her experience to handle the costumes for all the plays they put on? She\u2019ll be a shoo-in for the job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smothered a chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

On Saturday morning, Starsky agreed to meet Sheriff Wharton and Pam at the diner, to \u2018hash out your differences,\u2019 as Wharton had said on the phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they were seated and the waitress had poured their coffees and taken their orders, Wharton made a conciliatory gesture toward Starsky, on his left, and Pam, on his right. \u201cI can\u2019t have my two favorite people arguing, now can I?\u201d He looked at Pam, an expression Starsky thought could almost be fear on his face. \u201cWhat seems to be the problem, honey? Tell your ol\u2019 dad what your hubby\u2019s doin\u2019 wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s already-low opinion of the man took another few steps downward but he kept his disgust inside and watched Pam consider her response.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t satisfy me anymore.\u201d She actually pouted. \u201cHe\u2019s always too tired, or has a headache. That\u2019s a chick excuse! Not something I\u2019d expect from him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Wharton was clearly uncomfortable but lifted a \u2018what do you say to that\u2019 hand toward Starsky. \u201cThat sounds like a reasonable complaint to me but I really don\u2019t want to be in the middle here, Dave. You and Pam can work this out between you\u2026 peacefully\u2026 can\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure we can, Sheriff.\u201d Starsky sent Pam a placating look. \u201cLet\u2019s take the rest of the weekend to think about things, and see where we are on Monday. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be staying at the station, I suppose?\u201d Her question sounded more like an accusation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wharton put a hand on one of each of theirs. \u201cI think that\u2019s for the best, sweetie. Both of you can cool off and let things smooth out.\u201d He took his hand off Starsky\u2019s but patted hers. \u201cYou\u2019ll see, honey, everything\u2019s going to be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever you say, Daddy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky could feel her fury and smiled inside; two, three more days. He really couldn\u2019t wait to put cuffs on this bitch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wharton didn\u2019t look pleased but then Starsky had never seen him appear anything except worried. And, truthfully, he found himself unable to wish either of them anything other than misery. As far as he was concerned, they deserved it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hutch spent all day Saturday wandering the town. Everyone knew that Marcie had run away again, and platitudes he now knew to be utterly insincere flowed from each person he encountered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t feel badly, Ken,\u201d Mrs. Mosely, the librarian, said when he stood next to her at the meat counter in the mom \u2018n\u2019 pop grocery store. \u201cWe\u2019ve all known Marcie since she was born, of course, and she was never the most stable person.\u201d She laughed quickly and patted his arm. \u201cOnce you\u2019re married, of course, that will change. She and Jeff were quite happy.\u201d She looked away and a flush crept up her neck. \u201cUntil they weren\u2019t, of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch paid for his purchases and carried them to Marcie\u2019s house, exchanging pleasantries with everyone he passed. And now he understood why their strained faces and empty words had been bothering him for two months. There wasn\u2019t an honest, genuine feeling behind any of their eyes. Every \u2018Good morning,\u2019 or \u2018Good afternoon, Ken,\u2019 grated on his frayed nerves. Still, he returned each greeting with innocence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mark, the young gardener Marcie had hired, was pruning the winter-dead flowerbed in front of her house. \u201cCouple o\u2019 days to yourself, huh, Ken?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch stopped at the bottom of the front porch steps and waited for Mark to elaborate. He wasn\u2019t about to give this kid any encouragement but wanted to hear what another conspirator had to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mark flushed. \u201cI mean\u2026 my sister told me Marcie\u2019s done another bunk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch put his left foot onto the first step, rested the bag of groceries on his knee, and waited, his gaze never leaving Mark\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo offense intended, Mr. Foley. That\u2019s just what I heard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch left his grim expression in place and started up the stairs. \u201cYou might want to question some of the things you hear, Mark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch walked inside as Mark\u2019s voice assured him, \u201cYes, sir, Mr. Foley. I\u2019ll do that.\u201d Leaning back against the closed door, Hutch desperately wanted to talk to Starsky. The two months\u2019 of yearning for something, someone just out of reach, had gouged a deep hole in his psyche; one he knew only his partner could fill.<\/span><\/p>\n

He walked to the kitchen and put away the things he\u2019d bought. \u201cThere\u2019ll be time,\u201d he told the empty room. \u201cStarsky and I\u2019ll have all the time in the world when this is finished. We just need to get through the next couple of days.\u201d He opened the fridge, took out a beer and uncapped it. Cocking it toward where he wished his absent friend was standing, he sighed. \u201cRight, Starsk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

CHAPTER FIVE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

On Sunday morning, with everyone pouring out of the church, and Starsky leaning against his patrol car at the side of the building, a fine looking white Cadillac convertible cruised up Center Avenue and stopped in front of the sheriff\u2019s office just down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Wharton, Thompson, and Pam, plus most of the rest of the town\u2019s residents drifted in that direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch, coming out at the tail end of the congregation, rested a casual hip against the police car next to Starsky. \u201cThis is going to be interesting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuggy leading the cavalry,\u201d Starsky said, sotto voce. \u201cDon\u2019t you just love it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch wanted to cheer but kept his face expressionless. He knew his partner could hear the emotion in his voice, though. \u201cHe sure is a sight for sore eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Huggy Bear, exuding grand panache, exited the yacht-length vehicle, scurried around to the passenger\u2019s side and handed Marcie out. By this time, the street was crowded with spectators, waiting to see what this colorfully-dressed, skinny black man and their town\u2019s First Daughter had to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

Huggy spotted the sheriff, in his knife-creased uniform and, taking Marcie\u2019s hand, approached with a cheery smile splitting his face. \u201cH. B. Brown\u2019s the name, sir, location scout for motion pictures and television.\u2019\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nudged Starsky and they edged to the back of the arc of interested townspeople.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am about to put your charming little community on the map, Sheriff,\u201d Huggy said, loudly enough for all to hear. Turning back to the car, he handed Minnie out of the back seat before facing Wharton and Thompson. \u201cMy assistant, Miss Kaplan, and I met the exquisite Ms. Thompson in Los Angeles yesterday and she told us all about your mountain hideaway.\u201d Huggy spread his arms. \u201cI simply had <\/em>to come and see it for myself.\u201d He turned slowly in a circle, supposedly studying the buildings and people. \u201cThis is all just too\u2026 too\u2026 well, too picturesque! You must allow me to bring a production company up here\u2026 film all your lovely houses\u2026 your quaint businesses\u2026 Why, your people may be entertaining the actresses of Charlie\u2019s Angels in your own homes!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Murmurs and whispers spread like wildfire. \u201cWhat did he say?\u201d \u201cCharlie\u2019s Angels?\u201d \u201cFarrah Fawcett?\u201d \u201cJackie Smith?\u201d \u201cHere<\/em>?\u201d \u201cOh, my God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thompson\u2019s raised voice cut through the chatter. \u201cWe\u2019re not<\/em>\u2026 interested.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, don\u2019t be hasty, Mr. Thompson. You are Mr. Thompson, aren\u2019t you, sir? Marcie described you to perfection but we haven\u2019t been formally introduced.\u201d Huggy stuck out his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thompson took it but let go immediately. \u201cI don\u2019t care what my daughter told you, Mr. Brown, Thompsonville isn\u2019t interested in being a location for any Hollywood production.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you have no idea what you\u2019d all be turning down, sir.\u201d Huggy gestured around at his listeners. \u201cYour residents could be looking at thousands of dollars in rental fees for their homes. Even more for their businesses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At the word, \u2018thousands,\u2019 louder murmurs could be heard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just ask everyone, okay?\u201d Huggy caught the eager eyes of as many people in the front row of his audience as he could. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we all gather someplace so that I can tell you what my various clients may be able to offer. Why, Spielberg and Lucas are personal friends of mine and they\u2019re always looking for out-of-the-way places for their location shoots.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Huggy glanced at Marcie, who had stayed back with Minnie. \u201cIs there any place in town, Ms. Thompson, large enough to accommodate everyone?\u201d He looked around again. \u201cAnd I do mean everyone. Don\u2019t leave anyone out, please. You should all know how much your town could gain, collectively and individually, from a big-budget production company.\u201d He waved his colorful arms around again. \u201cNot to mention the thrill of seeing yourselves on the big or small screen. The pay is excellent, by the way, for stand-ins and non-speaking parts. Production managers are always looking for local residents to fill those roles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Marcie put on a convincing smile and looked at her father. \u201cI really think they should hear Mr. Brown\u2019s proposal, Father. The community center is large enough, isn\u2019t it? Even if some people have to stand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before he could respond, Huggy continued. \u201cBring all the children, too, please. Minnie and Ms. Thompson can keep them entertained while we discuss the potential money you\u2019ll all be making.\u201d He gestured toward the Cadillac. \u201cThe trunk is packed with cookies and sodas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

More positive-sounding murmurs made the rounds of the crowd and the children began jumping up and down. \u201cCookies, cookies!\u201d \u201cThey\u2019ll spoil your dinner!\u201d \u201cBut, Mommmm!\u201d \u201cI wanna meet Charlie! We only hear his voice!\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s John Forsythe, Bobby, I\u2019ve told you that!\u201d \u201cMaybe. But I wanna meet him anyway, whoever he is!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It was clear that Wharton and Thompson, despite their initial disapproval, weren\u2019t going to be able to deny the ground-swell of greed and childish enthusiasm they heard and saw building.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marcie smiled at the eager faces around her. \u201cGather all the kids and adults who aren\u2019t already here. Minnie and I will take care of the children in the reception hall downstairs until the rest of you have had a chance to hear Mr. Brown\u2019s ideas. He sure convinced me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That endorsement sealed the deal as far as everyone within hearing distance was concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo find Old Sam,\u201d someone shouted. \u201cDrag his sorry ass down here. Can\u2019t have him saying he missed out on this opportunity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget Roger Mosely, either,\u201d someone else said. \u201cHe always goes to sleep in his La-Z-Boy on Sundays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet everybody<\/em>!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky approached a glowering Sheriff Wharton. \u201cShould I go roust Stan out of bed, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMight as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Starsky got in his patrol car and drove away, Hutch took Thompson aside. \u201cWhy don\u2019t I run up to the plant, Mr. Thompson? Abe shouldn\u2019t miss this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thompson looked put-upon but seemed to be trying to make the best of things. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose anyone\u2019s going to try breaking into the place today. Sure, go ahead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch ran up the hill to Thompson Pharmaceuticals and woke Abe, who had been sleeping behind the desk in the reception area. \u201cCome on, Abe, Mr. Thompson said you\u2019re to lock up and come down to the community center. Some sort of celebrity\u2019s arrived in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Still half-asleep, Abe locked the door after them and tried to keep up with Hutch\u2019s long strides. \u201cWhat kinda celebrity?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch hurried him along. \u201cNo idea, but they\u2019re talking about Spielberg, Lucas, and Charlie\u2019s Angels.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Abe stopped in his tracks. \u201cFrom what I read in the gossip rags, big-shot directors like that probably never even heard of those gals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be true.\u201d Hutch put determination in his voice. \u201cSomebody said everybody in show business knows everybody else! Let\u2019s hurry!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky, with Stan in the passenger\u2019s seat, drove out of a cross street and stopped to pick them up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this I hear about Farah Fawcett?\u201d Stan asked, apparently not fully awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they got to the community center, Abe and Stan hopped out and hurried inside. Hutch figured they were both already counting the money they were going to make. He and Starsky remained on the front steps, casually herding the stragglers into the large room.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it appeared as if everyone who was going to show up already had, Starsky opened the trunk of the patrol car and took out a shovel. Moving to the doors, he inserted the shaft through the vertical bronze door handles so that no one could exit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dobey, Babcock, Simmons and other BCPD officers, uniformed and in plain clothes — flak vests bulging under shirts — materialized from around corners. They were accompanied by members of the Highway Patrol and sheriff\u2019s department personnel from nearby counties. Everyone converged on the community center.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026\u201d Hutch said. \u201cThe cavalry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWonder where they left their horses?\u201d Starsky asked with a smirk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dobey actually bounded up the steps, stopping on the landing to stare at them. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you boys how glad I am to see you. When Ms. Thompson showed up Friday morning it was like every member of Metro had had their fondest Christmas wish granted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch knew if he tried to say anything, he\u2019d be sure to stammer, but Dobey held up his hands, palms outward. \u201cNow, don\u2019t go gettin\u2019 swelled heads or anything, we were all just really glad to know you were alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch figured his partner was as choked up as he was, and made do with a simple nod.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEdith said to give you her love and to tell you she\u2019s already cooking your welcome home feast.\u201d Clearly unable to contain his emotions, Dobey threw his long arms around their necks and pulled them into a three-way embrace.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finally stepped back, he turned to stare at the closed double doors and Hutch thought he was probably trying to get his normally stern face back on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch had to swallow the lump in his own throat before he could address his BCPD friends at the bottom of the steps. \u201cDo Starsky and I assume that all other exits are covered?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky was flush-faced. \u201cDon\u2019t want anybody leavin\u2019 \u2018til we\u2019re good an\u2019 ready.\u201d His tone of voice was grim but Hutch heard, and could see, the bubbling high spirits underneath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think the prisons call it lockdown, Starsky,\u201d Babcock said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dobey turned back and, at his gesture, Starsky removed the shovel and threw it aside. Dobey pulled both doors open and strode into the standing-room-only crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the small stage at the front, Thompson and Wharton stood to the side while Huggy was front and center. \u201cAnd meals!\u201d he crowed. \u201cThe caterers serve food you won\u2019t believe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Heads turned to stare at the imposing black man striding up the aisle. Expressions were blank, initially, but became concerned, then afraid, as cops of all ilk poured in through the front, side, and rear doors. Hutch and Starsky closed the front doors as soon as all law enforcement personnel had entered and spread out around the walls. Shoulder to shoulder, they stood there and stared down the town\u2019s residents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Huggy, grim satisfaction on his face, stepped aside as Dobey climbed to the stage and armed officers leaped up, bracketing Thompson and Wharton. Dobey stared visual daggers at the town\u2019s two most important men before gesturing to the uniforms on either side of them. \u201cCuff \u2018em. I\u2019ll get to the formal charges in a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the officers did as ordered, Dobey turned to the audience. He stared at the faces for a long time and Hutch wondered whether he was at a loss for words, or simply attempting to find ones adequate to his fury.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou kidnapped two of my detectives. You buried their memories so that they believed the lies you told them. You kept them here against their will. You are all, every one of you, guilty of such heinous crimes, I\u2019m going to ask the District Attorney to think up some new charges when you come to trial. For now\u2026 I\u2019ll tell you this. You are under arrest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He motioned to the officers lining the walls. \u201cGet \u2018em outta my sight!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch followed Starsky to the front, where Pam was screaming epithets at the officer attempting to restrain her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky held out his hand to the uniform. \u201cCan I borrow your cuffs, please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking only too pleased to pass this particular arrest to someone else, the officer did as requested and stepped back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch was afraid that Pam might attack his partner, but Starsky didn\u2019t give her a chance to do anything except sputter as he grabbed her wrist, spun her around, and secured the manacles behind her back. \u201cPamela Wharton\u2026\u201d He leaned over her shoulder and lowered his voice. \u201cYou are under arrest. The charges will be determined, eventually. And I am going to enjoy every minute of my testimony against you.\u201d Turning her over to the officer, Starsky smiled at Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch threw his arm over his partner\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s go congratulate Huggy on his fine performance.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

EPILOGUE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The celebration in the squad room was like nothing Starsky could ever remember. Even his \u2018Welcome Back\u2019 party, after Gunther, hadn\u2019t been quite this raucous. Everyone had feared for his and Hutch\u2019s lives, and having them both back seemed to double the good feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several small Christmas trees topped filing cabinets, each decorated with as many lights and ornaments as they could hold. Food was plentiful and Edith Dobey made sure no one\u2019s plate stayed empty for very long. Every once in a while, Starsky noticed her glance at him or his partner, probably to assure herself that they were really there. Her smile, each time Starsky caught it, was more glowing than before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Babcock sidled up, a cup of punch in his hand. \u201cSo, what\u2019s the word, Starsky?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch joined them. \u201cBe specific, Babcock. Where would you like him to start?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Simmons walked up. \u201cHow about the main perps? Wharton and Thompson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing Hutch was longing to vent at least some of his pent-up emotions, Starsky passed the ball. \u201cYou tell \u2018em. I\u2019m all talked out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s expression was very nearly feral. \u201cThe D.A.\u2019s having a whole new book printed up so he can throw it at each of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Babcock lifted his glass in salute. \u201cGood! Send \u2018em up to spend the rest of their miserable lives with their miserable sons!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky clinked his punch cup against Hutch\u2019s. \u201cOur sentiments exactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Thompson\u2019s daughter, though?\u201d Babcock asked. \u201cIs she going to be charged?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch shook his head. \u201cWith her complete cooperation and testimony, a deal\u2019s been struck. Probation only.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky picked up the thread. \u201cHer ex-husband came back and the local authorities, along with the D.A., have approved their re-opening Thompson Pharmaceuticals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s face showed relief. \u201cThey\u2019ll probably get married again, and keep the company going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cApparently,\u201d Starsky added, \u201cit was a good one. Before Thompson\u2019s son got into trouble that is, and he and the sheriff talked the townspeople into the conspiracy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd them? The townspeople?\u201d was Simmons\u2019s next question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably some jail time, for the most heavily-involved,\u201d Hutch said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbation for the rest.\u201d Starsky shrugged because it really was enough for him. \u201cThe state and county need the company and hope Marcie and Jeff, as well as the employees who aren\u2019t going to jail, will be able to make a go of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the doctor?\u201d Babcock wanted to know. \u201cThe one who came up with that stuff they gave you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026\u201d Hutch raised the index finger of his right hand. \u201cTherein lies an interesting\u2026\u201d He looked at Starsky. \u201cWhat would you call it, partner? Solution to the problem?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky snickered but knew it didn\u2019t hide his dissatisfaction. \u201cA damn get-outta-jail-free card is what I call it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Babcock and Simmons returned blank stares, Hutch explained. \u201cIt seems the Department of Defense has stepped in and spirited the good Doc Morris into one of their covert divisions, presumably to divulge the secret of his compound only to them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd all his research notes went with him.\u201d Starsky sighed and forced himself to let it go. \u201cWe got everybody else, though. We damn sure got everybody else!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Babcock stared at Starsky for what seemed like a long time. \u201cI\u2019ve heard stories about what the Wharton daughter was like\u2026.\u201d He raised his eyebrows. \u201cWould you like to enlighten us, Detective?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome to the trial, Babcock,\u201d Starsky replied. \u201cThat\u2019s all I\u2019m going to say here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Babcock accepted the answer with good grace. \u201cSorry you had to go through all that guys, but you did good!\u201d With a last click against Starsky\u2019s and Hutch\u2019s cups, he drifted away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThompsonville, California, huh?\u201d Simmons eyed each of them, as if making sure they really were okay. \u201cNot on my vacation destination list, I\u2019ll tell you that.\u201d Shaking his head, he followed his partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dobey, an arm around Edith\u2019s waist, approached and Starsky smiled at both of them. These were two people he and Hutch had counted on more times than he could remember, even with all his faculties back in full force. He exchanged tight hugs with each of them, while Hutch waited to do the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Hutch\u2026\u201d Dobey began, once his arm was firmly back around his wife. \u201cIt\u2019s my understanding that you haven\u2019t been very fond of Christmas, up to now. Is that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Hutch admitted before he draped his arm around Starsky\u2019s shoulders. \u201cBut I think I\u2019ve changed my mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Grinch relents!\u201d Starsky shouted. \u201cThat\u2019s cause for serious celebration in my book. Drink up, everybody! It\u2019s my mother\u2019s punch recipe and she guarantees cheerfulness with no hangovers!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While cups were re-filled and clinked together, Starsky shared a long look with his partner. \u201cMerry Christmas, Hutch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, Starsk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Click here to read Part 1 Click here to read Part 2 Click here to read Part 3 As he\u2019d been expecting, Hutch was called into Thompson\u2019s office the next morning, and stood at attention in front of the imposing … Continue reading →<\/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":[6,7,17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-gen","category-sfw"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=307"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":644,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307\/revisions\/644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}