THE ROAD TO GERALD TALLMAN

by: Hylda

A dead silence fell over the squad room as Commissioner Williams slammed the door to Captain Dobey's office. He put on his tweed hat to cover his thinning grey hair and glared at the police officer nervously sitting near the entryway. He appeared much taller then his actual size of 5'9 as he leaned his aged but well maintained body over the officer to quietly whisper, "You picked one hell of a case to volunteer for. I have two dead experienced Homicide Detectives in the morgue, another in the hospital and Dobey wants to send in two rookies." He straightened up turning red with anger as he watched Officer Kenneth Hutchinson, a 6'1 blonde handsome muscular built man with a pale complexion quickly rise to his feet spilling his coffee onto his uniform. He yelled, "God help us all if you're the best we have." The officer's only response was a drop-dead glare his blue eyes shot at the Commissioner and the almost threatening tone he used as he said, "Have a nice day sir."

Williams yelled, "I must be nuts letting Dobey talk me into this fool plan of his" as he stormed out of the room. Officer Hutchinson sat back down in the chair and tossed the now empty coffee cup into the trashcan. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him and began to wonder if this plan was such a good idea after all. The door to the office flew open again and Captain Dobey, a very angry looking tall heavyset black man appeared in the doorway. Detective John Blaine, a middle aged average looking white man tried to squeeze past the Captain in an attempt to get out of the office but quickly realized there was no way he would make it. They were eye to eye as Captain Dobey said in a deadly tone, "You be back in this office in a half hour with a detailed report on this fiasco and be assured we are more then even for the Striker insistent." He scanned the room quickly and upon spotting the young officer yelled, "Hutchinson my office now!" The Detectives in the squad room burst into laughter leaving Hutchinson feeling as if his first day as an undercover officer might be his last. Blaine smiled at Hutchinson and gentle squeezed his shoulder as he passed him on his rapid retreat from the office. Hutchinson followed Captain Dobey into the office, closed the door and stood at attention near the desk. Captain Dobey shook his head and yelled, "You're not in the army Hutchinson so sit down." He pointed his thumb towards the uniformed officer sitting in one of the two chairs in front of his desk and mumbled, "I trust you know Officer David Starsky."

The two men exchanged a quick smile before Hutchinson sat in the empty seat. Officer David Starsky was also a handsome tall muscular man with blue eyes but that is where the similarity stopped. Starsky was several inches shorter, had dark curly hair, and a tanned complexion. Hutchinson seemed instantly relaxed as he sat beside Starsky and said, "The commissioner seemed upset. I guess he has reservations about our plan."

Dobey shouted, "Of course the commissioner is upset. One of my best Detectives, John Blaine held a six a.m. meeting to inform him about my plan to use two inexperienced uniformed police officers to take down one of the biggest drug lords on the west coast. Seems I got the idea that because you two look like teenage refuges and know some pimp who is well connected you have an open door to a drug ring we have been trying to penetrate for three years. The problem is he forgot to run this cockamamie idea by me before going to the commissioner. Imagine my surprise as I heard my idea explained for the first time in front of the commissioner."

Hutchinson smiled at Starsky as he said, "I take it he was not impressed."

"I believe his exact quote was suicidal and the craziest thing he's ever heard." He chuckled as he said, "He told Blaine that if we get killed he'll be walking a beat on the docks until he retires."

"You think this is funny officer Starsky. John Blaine is putting his job on the line for this scheme of yours. Johnson and Brown were two of my best Detectives and both left behind a wife and kids. There's a good chance Daniel Slate will never walk again and the only two students that would talk to us have disappeared."

"Captain Dobey I've known Bill Johnson for years. Bill helped John Blaine teach me that being a gang member wasn't my only choice. Bill kept me level headed and on the right track. When the army pulled me out of Nam because they found out I forged my uncle's signature on the enlistment papers, Bill made me see the real reason he reported me was because he loved me and not to pull a power trip like I believed. He helped me finish high school and made me believe I could do anything. He even got me a job driving a cab while I was waiting to get into the academy. Both he and John have been like a second father to me and the reason I'm a cop and not a statistic. As for Dan Slate not walking again, his daughter Mary will have him up and around in a few weeks. She may only be a kid but since her mother died, she keeps him in line. I know we don't have the experience your looking for but nobody wants to see the man behind their murders brought to justice more then I do. You have no reason to trust me but I know Hutch and I can do this."

Dobey studied Hutchinson for a few seconds before asking, "What's your reason for volunteering Hutchinson?"

"I have a lot of respect for Johnson, Brownie and Slate but my main reason is Starsky and I want to be partners. We have been best friends since we met at the academy and that bothered the training assistant Simonetti. He claimed we'd get ourselves killed protecting each other the way those two brothers did last year. Then to make sure he had Captain Singer put it in our training transcripts. I'm not trying to be disrespectful to Captain Singer but I feel safer with Starsky cover my back then anyone else on the department and he feels the same way. I figure nailing Gerald Tallman is the best way to prove we can do the job and work as partners."

"You two get me evidence that will stand up in a court of law and I'll make sure the transfer to my department is permanent."

"We'll get the evidence you need and we'll make sure the case is air tight."

Starsky seemed nervous as he said, "Captain Dobey there's something our source found out you're not going to like. We have proof Detective Webber from your squad is on Tallman's payroll. That's why we need to make sure no one but Blaine, the commissioner and you know we're undercover."

"That's crazy Starsky. I've known Tim Webber for ten years and he's the most honest man on the force."

Starsky handed the Captain one of the files he was holding, "If he's the most honest cop on the force we're in big trouble."

Captain Dobey opened the file and saw several pictures of Tallman and Webber together. He flipped through the bank records and saw several large deposits and overseas transfers. He picked up the last three papers, which were copies of property deeds in Hawaii, the Bahamas and a large estate in Mexico.

"How did you get these records?"

"Let's just say a friend of a friend sleeps with the head teller at Webber's bank."

"You know you can't use this in a court of law."

Hutchinson leaned forward in his chair as he said, "That file is for your eye's only Captain. If Webber even thinks he's being investigated he'll pull up stakes and Tallman will go on high alert."

"You expect me to sit on a dirty cop?"

"Only until we nail Tallman, then you do whatever you want to Webber."

"Who are the other two files on?"

Starsky handed him the top file and said, "This one is on Tallman. We can't use it in court because we didn't exactly go through the proper channels to get this info either but he's dirtier then you think."

Captain Dobey flipped through the pictures, deeds, medical, bank and phone records then said, "I don't even want to know how the hell you got these records but if half of this information is true Tallman is into a hell of a lot more then just the drug trade." He held his hand out for the last folder but Starsky held it tight. He snapped a pencil he picked up in half, "Who is that folder on?"

"Ya see Captain we only had Blaine's word that you were honest and we didn't want to take any chances so we had our friend kind of check out some things."

"Give me that folder Starsky! Now!"

Starsky and Hutchinson exchanged a look before Starsky handed over the folder saying, "There's a really nice picture of your wife and the two kids."

"You had my family checked out?"

"After Starsky and I found out about Webber we figured it was better to be safe then sorry."

"Don't blame Hutch it was my idea Captain. Hutch said he thought you were clean but I needed to make sure. See this plan puts my brother and our friend Huggy out on limb and I want to make sure no one with a saw climbs out there after them." He realized how angry the Captain was becoming and quickly added, "Didn't you have us checked out Captain?"

"I never heard of you until Blaine showed up in my office to explain my plan to the commissioner. But I promise you this Starsky and you too Hutchinson. By the time I'm done checking you out I'll know everything from when you lost your first tooth to what you had for dinner last night." He took several deep breaths and ran his hands through his hair before saying, "You work under my rules. I still have the trace on my line that was set up for Johnson to use. You call in on that line and report directly to me at least once a day. You make sure whatever evidence you get goes through the correct channels and most important you call for back up if you need it. You had better not make me regret this decision. Now get out of my office and nail this S.O.B."

Hutchinson stood up quickly and said, "Thank you sir I promise you won't regret it." He grabbed Starsky, who seemed to be too stunned to move and asked him, "Did your uncle Al come up with a car we could use?"

They were out of the office and walking through the squad room before Starsky answered, "Yeah Blaine said if we survived Dobey's wrath he'd meet us by the car. Dobey doesn't seem that mean to me, what do you think?"

"I think we have a very different opinion about what mean is."

When they entered the police-parking garage, Starsky walked over to Detective Blaine and leaned on a 1969 fire engine red Cobra GT 500 with painted orange and yellow flames down both sides. He turned toward Hutch and smiled, "Isn't she a beauty? She has a 428 CID Cobra Jet Engine that can do 0 to 60 in 6 seconds flat and 0 to 100 in 14 seconds."

"Starsk it looks like a parade float."

"You told Uncle Al fast and flashy and man this is as fast as it gets. He modified the engine and exhaust because these cars tend to die out in the quarter mile so she may not exactly be street legal but when we need to move there ain't anything on the street faster."

"But it looks like a parade float. The only good thing about this car is if we do screw up, the way you drive we won't have to worry about Dobey killing us." He turned to Detective Blaine and asked, "What did he mean by the Striker insistent?"

"Dobey's partner Elmo Jackson was killed by Striker. He was unofficially investigating the murder and he walked right into a setup. Dan Slate and I were following our own lead on the case when we found out about the set up and got to him as it was going down. He said he owed me one and no matter how long it took he'd repay me." He smiled at Starsky who was looking at the car the way a teenage boy looks at a bikini model and said, "I've been waiting a long time to collect on this one. As soon as you two change into street cloths, we go to work." He opened up a file he was holding and took out a picture of a seventeen-year-old male. He passed the picture to the two men and said, "As you already know your friend, John Colby has been in the high school posing as a student for two weeks. He hasn't been able to get close to our first target Gary Prudholm but as soon as Starsky rats him out we should be able to start working our way up the latter to Tallman."

"You sure John will be safe after I announce he's a cop?"

"You three knew there were no guarantees going into this. It was his idea for you to rat him out because Gary does not trust him enough to let him into the gang. No one will doubt you as long as the fight looks realistic. Stop worrying so much we have everything covered. John is leaving town as soon as you identify him and he will not be back until it is safe. Your brother Nicky is safely tucked away at your aunt's house while you borrow his identity. With your prior gang experience and his juvenile record, you should be able to work your way into Gary's gang in just a few days. The fact Nicky and you look so much alike doesn't hurt either."

"Ma told his friends in New York she was sending him here to stay with Uncle Al before he ends up in jail. I just wish she would have gone with Nicky incase anything does go wrong."

"Stop worrying she'll be fine. I have spoken to your dad's old partner and he is unofficially keeping an eye on her without letting anyone else know what is going down. Hutch we got you in as one of the tutors earning college credits and some badly needed money. You will meet with Starsky sixth period everyday so you can report any progress he is making. We have also arranged for you to tutor both Gary and his girlfriend Linda Termini. You will be helping Linda with a college calculus class she is taking and Gary with math and science. We want Gary to know you are dealing small amounts on campus to a few of your close friends so he knows you are not above bending the law. We think Linda may be your best way in. She is a straight A student who has a thing for older man especially well built blonde-haired men. She helps her boyfriend recruit dealers at the community college where she is taking the math class. She may stray away but she is very loyal to Gary so do not let your guard down for a second."

"After my divorce hearing last month I'll never let my guard down with any woman again. I'm lucky Nancy hated the cottage or I'd be living in my car." He smiled as he added, "Did I tell you she changed her name to Vanessa now that she's modeling or as she puts it chasing her pot of gold. Too bad she couldn't change her personality as easily as she changed her name."

"Well you'll lose more then just your money if Linda catches onto you. We have lost enough good cops on this case and still have two sixteen year old boys who are missing so you two try to be extra careful." He squeezed Starsky's shoulder as he headed back in for his meeting with the Captain. Starsky unlocked the car and said, "You ready for a test drive?"

"I have my cloths at your place so that gives us one hour to change cloths, grab something for breakfast and get to school before your first class starts."

"I want apple pie."

"You want apple pie for breakfast?"

"I guess it's because we've been talking about New York but I've been dieing for some of my ma's apple pie. Besides you're always telling me I should eat fruit for breakfast instead of cold pizza."

"Apple pie is a desert not a fruit and you don't have time to stop at a bakery."

"I got some left over pizza and salami at my place."

"Your stomach is going to rot out before you hit thirty. I already had my shake before I went running this morning so no thank you. If we don't get going we'll both be late."

"I guess we'll have to see just how fast she is." He revved the engine and spun the tires before Hutch finished shutting the door.

Starsky pulled the Cobra into the student parking lot and parked on the side of a bright yellow charger. He smiled at the blonde teenage girl sitting in the passenger seat and when she returned the smile, he raced the engine before turning off the car. He exited the car and leaned into the passenger side window asking, "What do you have under the hood?"

"My hood or the cars?"

Starsky's smile spread across his face as he said, "Since I already have more girls then I can handle at the moment we'll talk about the car."

"It's my boyfriend Gary's car. I'm not sure what's under the hood but I do know he's never lost a race."

"That's because he's never raced me."

"I'm Linda."

"Nick Starsky, but my friends just call me Starsky."

"Well Starsky how come I've never seen you in school before? Where have you been hiding?"

"New York, my mom couldn't deal with the crowd I was hanging with so she shipped me here hoping my uncle could straighten me out."

"Harsh."

"Not really he's pretty cool. He owns a car dealership and says if I finish off the year in school without flunking out the cars mine."

"Wow all I get for straight A's is a good job Lin." She watched a group of teenage boys march towards the car and stopped smiling as said, "Here we go again." She quickly got out of the car and leaned against it saying, "Gary this is Starsky and he wants to know what you got under the hood?"

Gary put his arms around Linda kissed her then glared at Starsky. Starsky laughed as he repeated, "I've got more woman then I can handle so chill. What's under the hood?" Gary popped the hood and Starsky looked like a kid in a candy store as Gary explained how he had modified the engine. The school bell rang a five-minute warning and everyone but Gary, Linda and Starsky hurried into the building. Starsky popped the hood to the Cobra and Gary looked like he had had just been sucker punched. He turned to Starsky saying, "You and I could make a killing racing this baby." Gary continued talking for several minutes before Linda interrupted by yelling, "Gary if we're late for homeroom again you'll be in detention instead of out racing the car after school." She pulled on his arm and called to Starsky, "You'll need to stop by the office to get your schedule. Maybe we'll have some classes together but if not I'll see you after school."

Hutch sat in the office impatiently waiting for the principal to finish his lecture. Principal Marshal, a short, balding, thin man in his late forties had no trouble expressing to Hutch that as badly as he wanted the drugs out of McKinley High School under no circumstance would he tolerate violence. After fifteen minute of listening to the legality of a police officer, hitting a student Hutch could no longer hold back his opinion. He stood up and said, "Listen Mr. Marshal we have no intention of opening fire in a crowded classroom but these are felons who are responsible for the deaths of two police officers and may be involved with the disappearance of your two students. I will not lie and tell you we will not arrest them at school but we will do our best to keep it off campus."

"Let's just hope your best is good enough. We have arranged to have Nick Starsky put into four classes with Gary Prudholm. They will be together in Math, Geography, Science and Auto Shop. I am not so sure a student exposed Officer's Brown and Johnson's identity so to protect him none of the teachers or staff knows Nick Starsky is really an undercover officer. The entire teaching staff did receive a copy of his New York school records so they do expect him to be a handful." He handed Hutch a copy of Nicholas Starsky's record.

"Starsk told me his brother was a handful but Nick spends more time suspended then in class."

"Well your friend will have to live up to that reputation or his cover could be blown."

"If there's one thing Starsky has no problem finding its trouble."

Starsky walked into room 222 and handed the elderly women teaching the class a copy of his paperwork. She read the paper then stared at him for several seconds before stating, "Since school attendance is a requirement of your parole I guess your trouble making days are over."

"I thought confidential records were supposed to be kept between the student and teacher?"

"When you walk through that door Mr. Starky you are in my world with my rules and only my rules."

"It's Starsky with an S before the K."

"Well Mr. Starsky, learn my rules and we'll get along just fine."

"And your rules are?"

"What I say goes or you go." She pointed at the empty seat in the back of the class and said, "Take your seat shut your mouth and pay attention." Some of the students began to giggle but with one glare from Mrs. Williams, the class was silent. "You see Mr. Starsky my classroom of rejects is all in the same boat you are sailing. If they do not show up everyday and hand there work in on time they violate their parole and I get to testify before the judge who decides how long they go away for."

He looked at Gary and whispered, "Is she for real."

"I'll explain it to you after class." Mrs. Williams began to explain how to solve the math problems on the board and the class dragged on for another forty minutes before the bell rang. At the end of first period, Gary took Starsky's schedule and walked with him to Science. He said, "Mrs. Williams and the rest of the teachers hold our criminal records over our heads to make them feel powerful. After Science, we both have Auto shop then I have to meet with the new tutor forth period; you have English so after class meet me in the cafeteria. I can go over the unofficial rules of the school before we go to Geography."

Gary quietly entered the classroom and began to study his new tutor. Hutch knew he was there but pretended not to notice as Gary watched the way he fumbled with something in his briefcase. He looked over Hutch's shoulder into the briefcase at a dozen packs of zigzags, a water pipe and a baggy full of what looked like weed. He asked loudly, "Isn't it illegal to have that stuff in school."

Hutch quickly closed the briefcase and looking around the room saying, "It's not what you think. It's for a demonstration I'm giving at the college."

"Does Principal Marshal know about your little demonstration?"

"No and I'd like to keep it that way."

"I take it you're my new tutor Ken Hatch."

"You must be Gary."

"Well if you do my math homework and give me a hall pass I'll forget all about it."

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"Do you have a choice?"

"Give me the homework." Hutch took the homework and smiled as he said, "I can have this done in ten minutes."

"Where's my hall pass?"

Hutch signed the pass and handed it to him saying, "You better not get caught I need the credits from this job."

"I won't get caught but if you need to unload any of that I can hook you up."

"No thanks. I just pick it up for a few friends on campus to help pay for my books and tuition. I never sell to strangers so I can't get busted."

Gary laughed as he said, "You think I'm a narc."

"No or you would have busted me by now but the word on the street is you've had one in here working for weeks now."

"We had a few teachers who turned out to be cops but they just disappeared."

"Well I think I'll keep my guard up while I'm here if it's okay with you."

"Worry all you want but this school is pig free." He headed for the door saying, "I'll be back to get my homework before the bell rings."

"If anyone asked me I'll tell them you're in the boy's room with an upset stomach."

Gary left the room and headed for Linda's Art class. He watched through the window in the door until Linda caught sight of him and asked to use the restroom. Gary pulled her into the janitor's room and kissed her before saying, "I think I may have a live one for you. My new tutor is holding and I think you can get him to expand his business."

"I don't know Gary with all the fuzz hanging around here I think we should play it safe for a while."

"Look we have to meet our quota or Tallman will cut us off his payroll. Do you want us to loose the money and his connection?"

"No but I don't want to go to jail either."

"Okay we'll check him out a little more but I got a good feeling about him. What do think about Starsky?"

"Well he's cute and I love his ride but I'm not sure I'd trust him with my stash. Do you want me to test him?"

"No I'll do it. You passed John Colby and I still don't trust him. There's just something about him that rubs me the wrong way."

"I think John Colby's cute and would be a good addition to our club."

"It's a gang not a club and I don't trust him."

"Well you're the boss. Hey I have to get back to class but as soon as school lets out I'll call my cousin in New York and see if she can give us a lead on Nick Starsky." She kissed him then lifted her shirt exposing her breast for him to fondle. He kissed her left breast and said, "I think your going to miss Art today."

She pulled her shirt back down and firmly stated, "No way lover boy. We can finish this at my house after school but I have a class to get to and so do you." He watched her leave the room and shook his head letting out a loud sigh before returning to class. He walked back into the classroom to find Hutch reading a college textbook with his feet on the desk. Hutch sat up and said, "Back so soon I figured you'd be gone all period."

"Did you finish my math?"

Hutch handed him the completed worksheet, "Piece of cake. So do you want me to tutor you or would you rather just hang out."

"Well I guess we should go over the math in case the teacher asked how I got the answers." He pulled a chair to the desk and began going over the math."

Starsky walked through the cafeteria line and grabbed two pints of milk then bought a candy bar from the cheerleaders sitting at the fundraiser table. He scanned the room carefully noticing two teachers and John Colby before seeing Linda waving to him. He took a seat near Gary and did a double take at the sight of the Hamburger, fries and chocolate shake he was having for lunch. "How did you get real food in this pit?"

Gary handed him the French fries saying, "My dad got sprung from the big house two days ago. He figures all he has to do is spring me from the foster home, buy me lunch and suddenly I'll forget all about how he ruined my life."

"How long was he in for?"

"Fifteen out of a thirty year sentence for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. He took my mothers life saving and bought into some scheme to rob an armored car company. He paid the driver off and hired two guns but at the last minute, the driver chickened out and called for help. Pops shot the guard but he pulled through so he didn't get life. Because of legal bills, mom lost the house and had to get a second job just to keep a roof over my head. She died when I was ten so I've been in and out of foster homes since. I haven't seen the jerk since I was two but if he thinks buying me a three dollar meal will make up for what he did he's fucken crazy. Linda said your old lady sent you here so where's your old man."

Starsky put down the fries and his eyes showed pain as he said, "He's dead. He was a cop in New York and to say thank you for all his honesty and hard work they gunned down outside our house in broad daylight. When I turned sixteen, I started working as a runner so we could keep our house. When my mom found out what kind of errands I was running she panicked and shipped me out here to this pit."

"Hey it's not so bad here."

"Right! Back home I knew all the players but here I get busted for dealing by some rookie cop posing as a teen in the park. Even the food sucks, you people have no idea how to make a grinder or a decent apple pie."

"You got nailed by a cover cop"

"Hey it was dark out and he looked sixteen. I swear if I ever see that cop again he's gonna regret ever joining the force."

"I'll give you the gun to shoot the pig if you ever do see him again. If there's one thing I hate worse then my old man it's a cover cop." He noticed the serious look on Starsky's face and turned to see what had his attention. He stared in the direction but saw nothing strange, just a group of kids having lunch. "What are looking at Starsky? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

"Not yet but if you have that gun on you we'll both see one."

"What are you talking about? Hey..." He watched Starsky spring into action, racing across the room and diving over the table knocking John Colby to the floor. He picked him up by the shirt and using his right hand so he would not hurt him Starsky punched him in the face. The room was instantly in an uproar with students cheering on the fight. John got up half dazed and not realizing who hit him, swung hard at Starsky hitting him in the face. Without thinking and working on a combination of instinct and adrenaline, Starsky hit him in the mouth with a left cross sending him flying backwards to the floor. Two teachers were holding Starsky back as he yelled, "Officer Colby I told you I'd get you on my turf one day so how does it feel now."

Gary helped John to his feet then reached into his pocket taking out his badge and I.D. He stared at John for a few seconds before he showed the badge to the other students and yelled, "He's a cover cop." The students went wild causing the teachers let go of Starsky and run to John side. They escorted him out of the cafeteria and to the principles office followed by several angry students. Gary grabbed Starsky by the arm and led him to the other side of the cafeteria where Linda was standing. He looked at Linda and firmly said, "You wanted me to let a cop into the gang."

"I didn't know he was a cop."

The intercom squealed to life with the announcement "All students are to return to their fifth period class immediately." Linda grabbed Gary's arm and said, "The three of us had better get to Geography before we get into even more trouble." She smiled as she looked at Starsky who was holding his side and said, "Man I've always wanted to see a cop get decked. That was so wild."

"Glad I could provide the mealtime entertainment."

"Man you flew over that table like superman."

He rubbed his side as he said, "To bad I don't have his ribcage."

Gary lifted his shirt exposing a huge red area already bruising and pressed against Starsky's rib causing him severe pain. Gary smiled while saying, "It will be sore for a while but I don't think you broke anything. You saved my ass. That guy has been trying to get close to me for weeks. Man I have no idea what that grinder thing is but I'm going to take you out for the best apple pie in the state."

The intercom squealed again "The following students report to Mr. Marshal's office immediately. Gary Prudholm and Nicholas Starsky report to the principal's office immediately."

"Man you two are in trouble. If you are suspended, they can revoke your parole."

"Shut up Linda. Starsky and I are not going to get more then a week's detention when I'm through telling them how Colby threatened us. Get to class tell Jack to let the gang know we're going to need witnesses that John threatened us. Remind then that he hit Starsky so hard he nearly broke his ribs."

Starsky smiled and said, "I'm glad you're on my side. I'd hate to have you for an enemy."

"Don't ever cross me or you'll find out just how deadly I can get."

They walked into the office and Starsky saw John Colby sitting in a chair with an icepack on his face. Starsky's stomach turned as he heard the nurse say, "You really should let me call an ambulance I'm pretty sure you have a concussion."

He turned and saw Starsky and Gary standing at the secretary's desk and said, "Kid got in a lucky shot. I'm fine."

The principal opened his door and loudly stated, "Mr. Prudolm your father will be here in a few minutes so I'll talk to you first. Mr. Starsky take a seat and try not to hit anyone while we try to reach your uncle." Gary smiled as he passed John on the way into the principal's office saying, "Guess your covers blown pig."

John tried to stand but felt dizzy and sat back down. Starsky had to fight the temptation of running to his side and instead said, "Guess he'll be graduating earlier then planned." Gary laughed as he shut the door to the principles office. Starsky stared at John who made sure no one was looking before he smiled and winked. Starsky smiled back but felt his stomach turn every time John let his pain show. Hutch walked into the office and exchanged a long look with Starsky before helping the nurse move John to her office. She asked, "Can you stay so I can check on the hoodlum in the office."

"Yeah no problem." He waited until she was out of the office to ask John, "Are you okay?"

"Man he packs a hell of a punch. I'd hate to see how hard he can really hit. Word in the boys room is Gary has a big meeting tomorrow to pick up a large supply for his crew. If he takes Starsky along it's your ticket to the organization's dealer and puts you one step closer to nailing Tallman."

Hutch pulled the icepack away from Johns face and seeing the split lip and swollen jaw said, "I can't believe he hit you this hard. Blaine told him to make it look real but I think he over did it. What the hell was he thinking?"

John put the icepack back in place and said, "I think we both got carried away. The first time he hit me he did it with his right hand. I think he thought because he's left-handed it wouldn't hurt as much. Let him know his theory was wrong, it felt like I got hit with a sledge hammer. I didn't realize it was him and I hit him pretty hard. I think he was acting more on instinct then anything else."

"Well I guarantee I'll never set him up to hit me. When you report in can you ask Blaine if we can meet tonight at Uncle Al's garage? Remember nobody but Dobey and Blaine know we're undercover so if anyone starts noising around let them know right away. Blaine told us you were leaving town for a few weeks."

"It's for more than a few weeks. I know after what he saw Starsky thought my signing up for the army was crazy but I think I'll be safer in the jungle."

"So you made your decision huh. I cannot believe your really quitting the force. Starsky is never going to believe it. He thinks the three of us are going to wipe out all the crime in Bay City."

"Well in three weeks it will be just the two of you."

The nurse came back into the office and said, "It looks like you got at least one good shot in. The hoodlum has one hell of a bruise on his side. I think you cracked a few of his ribs."

"I wish I could take credit for it but I think he hit the table when he dove at me."

Hutch left the office worrying about what the nurse had said but smiling at the thought of Starsky diving over the table to get at John. He felt a cold chill run down his back as he entered the main office and saw a medium built man in his late forties glaring at Starsky. He was overwhelming by a feeling that Starsky was in serious danger, as if the man was aiming a gun at him even though there was no gun in sight. He moved closer to the man as he heard him ask the secretary, "Is this the punk who got my son in trouble with the pigs?"

The secretary seemed uninterested as she said, "Mr. Prudholm Gary doesn't need anyone's help getting into trouble. Nicholas Starsky is the boy from the fight but I do not have any of the details."

George Prudolm walked over to Starsky and in a deadly tone said, "I've been kept away from my son for fifteen years. If you do anything to stop our reunion, I'll chase you to hell to make you pay. Do you understand?"

Starsky felt a chill run through his body leaving him feeling as though someone had a gun aimed at him. He stood up and tried to appear unshaken as he said, "Am I suppose to be scared?"

"If you know what's good for you stay the hell away from my son."

The principles door opened and George Prudholm went inside giving him one last glare before closing the door. Hutch walked over to Starsky and introduced himself as the schools new tutor. When there eyes met Starsky looked away quickly but Hutch caught a glimpse of something he had never seen before. He could not put his finger on what it was but he knew something was wrong. He reached for Starsky shoulder but stopped realizing he would be endangering his cover. What ever was wrong would have to wait until next period. He walked out of the office just as George and Gary Prudolm exited the principles office. Starsky knew by the smile on Gary's face his plan was working. Principal Marshal called to the secretary, "Have you had any luck reaching his guardian?"

"No he's out on the road but they said he would call as soon as he got in."

"Mr. Starsky I guess it's just you and me. Have a seat in my office I'll be right with you."

Gary burst into laughter as Starsky said, "If you're busy I can wait."

"Gary get to your fifth period class before I have a change of heart." Gary headed out the door without another sound. Starsky walked into the principles office and took a seat at the desk. Principal Marshal looked extremely angry as he said, "I was told there would be no unnecessary violence in the school."

"Mr. Marshal, the only way I could infiltrate Gary's gang quickly was to point out John Colby as an undercover officer."

"Well I may not know anything about police work but I know my students and Gary is very impressed with you. His version of the story is that John attacked you earlier and you were defending yourself. He claims he can bring me at least ten witnesses that you were acting in self-defense. "

"What happens now?"

"Well you and Mr. Prudholm will be visiting with Mr. Thomas in detention after school for a week and if there is another incident in school I will have no other choice but to suspend you. Mr. Thomas has seen Nicholas's file so he will be very hard on you."

"I guess my little brother really is a handful."

Mr. Marshal handed him a copy of Nick's file, "If you have any calls to make now would be a good time because I usually give my fighters a twenty minute lecture."

"Is the line secure."

"This phone is on its own line but the other one is shared throughout the building."

Starsky picked up the phone and dialed a number before sitting back down. "Huggy it's Starsky I need your help."

The voice on the other end sounded half-asleep "You gotta ask?"

"Can we meet at my uncle's place tonight?"

"Have to be early. I got no bartender after eight."

"How about six?"

"I'll be there with bells on. Hey when you see Hutch tell him Sweet Alice was looking for him."

"Did she say if it was a business or a social call?"

"In Alice's eyes everything about Hutch is social."

"I'll let him know. Hey Huggy you know a dude by the name of George Prudholm."

"I know a Crazy George Prudholm who just got out the joint. If he's the man your talk'n bout you stay as far away as possible."

"I think it maybe to late for that."

Starsky you don't want ta be messen around with that freak. Word from the joint is he's the man that offed Willy Jenkins then did in General Pete so there'd be no witnesses."

"I'll try my best to avoid him Huggy."

"Well at least wait until your tab is paid up before you do anything stupid."

"Thanks Huggy." He hung up the phone and began shaking his head as he flipping through his brother's file.

Hutch sat in the small classroom flipping through files until he saw Starsky who was holding his side as he entered. He waited until the door closed before asking, "You okay?"

He let go of his side and smiled holding his breath as he walked over to the desk, "I got a week of detention but I'm still in."

Hutch reached out towards him and raised his shirt repeating, "Are you Okay?"

He pulled is shirt back down and flinched as he said, "Just a bruise no big deal. Huggy's gonna meet us at Uncle Al's place for six."

"John said word is out that Gary is making a big buy tomorrow night."

"Hopefully he brings me along for the ride." Starsky sat down and closed his eyes as he pressed his ribs. He opened them and realized Hutch was watching him like a mother hen. "I'll have Huggy tape them up when he comes over."

"You should get an x-ray. The nurse thinks you may have fractured some of your ribs."

"Hey Sweet Alice was at Huggy's looking for you and I think she has more then business on her mind."

"You know Alice and I are just friends so stop trying to distract me. You really need to have those ribs checked."

"I promise if they still hurt in a few days I'll go." He got a far away look as he said, "Did you see Gary's father?"

"Guy gave me the creeps." He stared at Starsky for a few seconds realizing what he had seen in his eyes earlier was fear. He felt another cold chill run down his spine as he asked, "He really freaked you out didn't he?"

"Death."

"WHAT?"

"When he looked at me I felt death."

"What do you mean you felt death?"

"I felt it twice before. The first time was when my dad was shot. I felt death even before he stopped breathing. He was squeezing my hand telling me he was going to be fine but I knew he was dying as I looked in his eyes. The last time was in Nam. We walked into a village that was napalmed three days earlier and was supposed to be deserted but we hit resistance. We killed about five men and it got quiet so I put my gun down. I heard a noise so I grabbed my gun and turned around to see this little kid no older then six aiming a gun at me. Even when I knew, he was going to pull the trigger and I was going to die I couldn't fire my gun. He didn't realize the gun was unloaded when he smiled and pulled the trigger. I heard about four shots and the kid fell. Some of the guys from my platoon has seen the kid shoot and returned fired. I know it sounds crazy but every instinct I have is telling me he'll bring death."

"Maybe we should reconsider doing this."

"I have to finish this for Bill and Sam. I couldn't get the man who killed pop but I can get the man who shot Bill."

"Maybe it's some kind of warning like police instinct. When he was glaring at you, I felt like you were in serious danger. I do not think we should ignore it. Maybe we should tell Dobey."

"What are you gonna tell Dobey. That we're scared of the boogieman. That we should take a few days off incase he tries to kill us." Starsky chuckled and smiled to assure him it would be okay. "He'll put us out on permanent sick leave."

"I guess your right. Besides I don't think Dobey is to found of us."

"Really I got the feeling we're gonna work well with him."

"So you think he's really going to make us partners?"

"We passed the exam and since you got the highest score out of the thirty guys who took the test he'd be nuts not to. Besides we all promised we're gonna make a difference and clean up the streets."

"Starsky we were smashed out of our minds when we made that promise."

"Well I'm not going to be the one to let John Colby down. And if I know you half as well as I think I do, you're in it for the long haul."

"Starsk, John told me he signed up for the army. He is leaving in a few weeks. I know you were worried he will either get hurt or change into the mindless killing machine your friend Larry did but John's one tough cookie and he will be fine you will see. I know it's not quite the way we planned it but the two of us could still make a difference."

The bell rang and Starsky grabbed his books and headed for the door. He stopped for a second then turning around with a huge grin on his face said, "See ya later partner."

"Get going and try to stay out of trouble."

The rest of the school day was uneventful. Detention gave Gary and Starsky a chance to talk while they swept out the gymnasium. Gary told Starsky, "There is someone I want you to meet. I'll let you know tomorrow where and when."

"I already have two girls I'm juggling so if it's a date thanks but no thanks."

"He's not a date but if Bill approves you Gerald Tallman can make you a very rich man."

"Bill?"

"Bill Davis is the door to Tallman. If you pass Bill's test your in."

"Hell I'd love to be rich. So when do we go?"

"I'll pick you up at the Pizza Hut on Fifth at six tomorrow night. We'll need to be really careful in school tomorrow. Bill doesn't even want the gang talking on pick up days incase something is overheard."

"So we're not even supposed to talk to each other tomorrow?"

"Right. You see that way if anything goes wrong and the cops investigate who we were with that day and no one connects to anyone else."

"If it means I become a rich man I guess I can eat lunch alone tomorrow."

"Oh no you have to pick out a wimp like four eyed Freddy and hang with them. The teachers tell the cops you had lunch with Freddy and the cops spend there time running the wimp and chasing their tails."

"That's Brilliant."

"That's why Bill is the man."

It was ten minutes to six when Huggy strolled into the auto body shop wearing a bright yellow silk shirt, yellow and black striped bell-bottom jeans and a bright yellow hat with a long white feather on the right side. Starsky took his attention off the Ferrari they were admiring and watched Huggy swagger through the door. He chuckled as he said, "Man how many batteries do you need to light that suit up?"

"Starsky you white folks ain't got no taste in cloths. You look like you shop at the thrift store on bargain day."

Starsky looked down at his black Rolling Stones T-shirt and tight Levis and said, "Hey this is my favorite pair of jeans and you like the Stones."

"Did you drag me down here for fashion advice?"

Hutch climbed out from behind the wheel of the car and said, "No we need to check out Starsky's ribs then we need know everything you know about Bill Davis."

He lifted Starsky's shirt then gently pressed against ribs. He watched Starsky reaction and said, "I'll need a lot tape but I think you'll be fine." He saw the concern in Hutch's face and quickly added. "I've taped plenty of ribs that were worse. That bruise you got will hurt for a few days so don't be doing anymore fighting. As for what I know about Billy he's an acquaintance I would never turn my back to without expecting to find a knife in it. Billy runs security for Tallman and if he even thinks you're close to a cop you'll get a free pair of cement shoes for your vacation in the ocean. You better stay as far away from him as possible."

"I'm beginning to think we should have never volunteered for this."

"Hutch I'll be fine. Huggy, Gary is bringing me to meet with him tomorrow night. Do you have any suggestion?"

"Nicky has connection in New York right."

"Yeah he's been running for Leo Patrioca."

"He's small potatoes." Huggy looked uncomfortable as he turned his face away from Hutch and quietly asked, "When Ted McDermott first introduced us he mentioned your father's friend. You told him to be quiet about that so I never brought it up again but do you still have any connections?"

"Maybe why?"

"Get someone with that kind of power to call Tallman for an introduction with Nicky and you'll be in like Flynn. I remember Ted use to call him your uncle and your Aunt Rosa would start screaming then your uncle Al who would throw us all out of the house."

"Ted could drive us all nuts but he was a hell of a quarterback and made us both look good out there on the field. Remember his little sister Julie use to follow us around like a puppy dog."

"If half of what Ted said about Joe and your dad was true you have to give the man a ring."

"I haven't seen him since I left New York but he told me if I ever needed him he'd be there."

"So make the call. If you walk in with that kind of connection no one will question you."

Starsky looked at Hutch who seemed overly concerned and said, "I told you after dad died ma sent me here to stay with Uncle Al. She was afraid cause I was hanging with a gang of older kids who worked for my dads best friend Joe. Joe and my dad were kind of on opposite sides of the law but they were as tight as any brothers were. Their friendship always bothered ma. She was convinced I'd do something dumb for Joe and get arrested or end up on a slab. I promised her I'd never talk to him again but I think she'd understand."

"Maybe it's better if you don't mention it when you call her this week."

"Knowing ma she'll know whether I tell her or not."

"After Huggy tapes up your ribs why don't you head home make your call and get some rest. I'll stay here to meet with Blaine. I'll see you in school tomorrow and fill you in on everything I find out."

Starsky pulled an old shoebox out of the closet and uncovered it while sitting on his bed. He removed a picture of his father standing proudly in his New York City Police Uniform with two small boys at his side. He smiled and pulled out the next picture of his father and a heavier man standing with their arms over each other's shoulders smiling. He lifted a newspaper article out and tears filled his eyes as he stared at his father's picture and read the headline Slain Police Officer Dies in Sons Arms. He put the article down on the bed picked up an envelope that read Davey and laugh at the dime that fell out as he opened it. The letter inside said, I promised your dad I'd always be there for you. Your dad loved you and was always proud of the man he know you would grow up to be. I loved your dad like a brother and if you ever need help no matter where you are I promise I'll be there. 212-877-3669 Love Uncle Joe

Starsky dialed the phone and a rough voice answered saying, "Yo"

H couldn't help himself from smiling as he said, "Joe it's Dave Starsky."

"Little Davey Starsky?"

"Not so little anymore."

"Even when you turn eighty you'll still be Little Davey to me. I heard from your mother you became a cop. I know your dad, rest his soul, is proud of who you've become."

"That's kind of why I'm calling. I need your help. I know Nicky has been running some errands for you."

"He's into some bad dealings with Leo Patrioca and his boys but he only works for my legit company. I have too much respect for your old man to ever use Nicky in anything illegal."

"I know that Joe. I'm using Nicky's I.D. and I need you to give him an introduction to Gerald Tallman."

"Davey you're playing with a big dog and you're liable to get ripped apart."

"That's why I need your help. Your name carries a lot of clout and would get me inside quickly."

"Whoever he hurt must have meant a lot to you."

"He was a cop and was like a second father to me. Joe I think you of all people would know why I need to make this right."

"I'll make the call but I never talked to you just Nicky. Davey I know you never forgave me for not telling you who put the hit out but I was only protecting you. Your dad was making some very dangerous enemies with his investigation into the mob. I tried to warn him but your dad was a stubborn man and wouldn't listen. I can tell you that the man who pulled the trigger paid with his life and I was promised your family would be left alone. Your dad was the best friend I ever had and even though you and your ma never knew whether to hate me or love me I'll always be there if you need me."

"My dad used to say I'd be lucky to find a friend who I could trust as much as he trusted you. I guess I believed him because I trust you with my life."

"That means a lot to me Davey. You want me to send some of my boys over to cover your mom until this is all cleared up?"

"She'd never allow you to help and you know it."

"Hey what she don't know she can't hurt her. I'll have Danny and Paul keep in eye on her for a few days. She won't even know they're around."

"I never said thank you for paying for pa's funeral or helping ma with the bills after he died. I know you had nothing to do with his death and I'm sorry for everything I said at the funeral. My dad loved you and you should know he used to tell me you were the best friend he ever had on this earth. I finally know how much he really needed you and what you meant to him. Thanks Joe for everything."

"Next time you don't wait so long to call okay."

"I won't Uncle Joe I promise." He hung up the phone, placed the letter and article back in the box and after placing it back in the closet he made himself dinner and watched and old movie on T.V. while doing his homework.

The next day Starsky and Hutch met during sixth period to go over the events of the day. They went over the meeting with Blaine and tried to figure how they could let Dobey know where the meeting was without blowing their cover. Starsky was concerned after learning Hutch had a meeting scheduled with Linda and a friend to expand his drug business. The meeting was scheduled for six making it impossible for them to cover each other. They were almost out of time when Hutch said, "Sweet Alice"

In order to ease the tension of the situation Starsky said, "Great time for you to be thinking about that."

"No not that. She could get the message to Dobey. She could posse as your girlfriend and let Huggy know where you are going. Linda and I are meeting her friend at Huggy's Place for a drink so he can get a message to Dobey if I need help."

"You're going to a take seventeen year old girl out for a drink?"

"No she and her friend are taking me out for a drink and a burger."

"You're going to eat one of Huggy's burgers?"

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

"Are you sure you and Alice are just friends?"

"Why?"

"Well I may have to convince Gary that she's my girlfriend and once a woman kisses me they loose interest in all other men."

"You're a legend in your own mind aren't you?" The bell rang and he quickly added, "Hey be careful tonight."

"You too."

Hutch went to the principal's office to call Alice, who was more then eager to help them. He arranged to have her waiting in Starsky's car when school let out. He called in to the precinct to give his daily report and was surprised to hear Dobey say, "Webber was in my office this morning asking about John Colby."

"What did you tell him?"

"I told him John was placed undercover at the school to get a line on the drug problem but his cover was blown by some punk he nailed a few days earlier." I told him I reassigned John back to a patrol car and I was thinking about bringing in someone from another precinct to try it again in a few weeks."

"Do you think he bought it?"

"He asked if he could help with the interviews and I said I'd be grateful for the help."

"Smooth."

"Hey I'm no rookie fresh out of a patrol car. I have seventeen years of street experience and a good police instinct. Right now that instinct is telling me if we don't move soon we'll be out of time."

"Well both Starsky and I have a meeting tonight. I will be at Huggy's Place meeting with Linda's connection and Starsky is meeting with Bill Davis, Tallman's head of security. If he pulls it off tonight, we can bust Gary soon with the dope and move to the next level. There is one little problem though."

"Which is?"

"He doesn't know where the meet is and he's going in alone."

"You call that a little problem."

"Well we have someone that will try to contact you if he finds out where the meeting is. She's going to posse as his girlfriend and if she can find out anything she'll call you."

"You have a police woman working with you?"

"She's not exactly a police woman."

"What exactly is she?"

"Actually she's kind of a prostitute."

"Are you telling me you brought in another civilian without telling me ahead of time? First, you use some pimp to get information for this case and now you involve a hooker? What the hell is next a drug dealer?"

"We didn't really have a choice and he's not a pimp he's a friend who I'd trust with my life."

"Hutchinson the real question is would you trust him with Starsky's life?"

"Yes Captain I would."

"I hope for Starsky's sake you're right Hutchinson."

"Her name is Sweet Alice and she'll call you as soon as she gets the information." There was long pause before he added, "Captain I know you really don't know Starsky and me but we know what we're doing."

"Let's just pray you both live long enough for me to get to know you. I want to hear from you and Starsky tonight after your meetings. I don't care how late it is when you get done you are both to call me."

"Yes sir."

Starsky headed for the student parking lot were Gary joined him as he reached his car. He was a little surprised to see the beautiful blonde sitting in the passenger seat of the Cobra. He went around the car and opened the passenger door taking Alice's hand to help her out of the car. She climbed out of the car slowly giving Gary full view of her shapely legs and very short white skirt. She wore a tight low cut pink sweater that accented her firm breast. Starsky gave her a kiss running his left hand through her long blonde hair before saying, "I thought we were getting together tomorrow night."

She spoke with a southern accent, "No sugar tomorrow you're seeing that slut Judy you're cheating on me with. Tonight you're all mine."

"Alice this is Gary. He and I have something really important to do tonight but when I'm done I'm all yours."

Alice ran her hand down the front of his shirt into his jean as she kissed him before saying, "You know dad gets home at 7:30 tonight and if he catches us doing what I have in mind he may just shoot you."

Gary laughed as he said, "It would be a pity if you were to get shot and loose out on a chance to get rich." He smiled at Alice and said, "If you ever get tired of playing second fiddle call me and I'm sure we could find something to do." He watched as she continued to tease Starsky by running her right hand up and down his shirt while tucking her left hand into the back pocket of his tight fitting jeans. Gary whistled at Starsky to draw his attention then smiled at Alice as he politely asked, "Would you mind waiting in the car for a minute so we can talk."

She smiled at Gary checking him out slowly from top to bottom. "For you sugar I'd wait at the bus stop." She kissed Starsky and climbed into the car.

"God she is one hot number. I don't think Bill will mind if you show up alone. Even he wouldn't make her wait." He turned back to Starsky and said, "Do you know how to get to the docks?"

"Yeah."

"Be at pier 17 for six o'clock. If Bill approves of you he'll bring you to the meeting."

"And if he doesn't approve of me?"

"You'd better learn to breathe underwater."

He walked around to the driver's side of the car and before opening the door said, "I'll be there for six." He climbed into the car and screeched the tires as he pulled out of the parking lot. He waited until he was sure which car was tailing him and let out a deep breath slowing the car down to get a better view of the driver. He seemed deep in thought pulling on his bottom lip when Alice asked, "You okay sugar?"

"Yeah I'm fine. We have a Buick tailing us with two men inside. The meeting is at pier 17 at six o'clock and if I pass inspection I'll be brought to meet Gary at the buy."

"What happens if you don't pass inspection?"

Seeing the serious expression on her face, he gave her his best grin and said, "No sweat. Who could resist this face?"

"If you were meeting with a woman I'd say you're right but Bill Davis is no woman. Hell, I'm not even sure he's human. Starsky I'm scared you and Hutch are in way over your heads. You won't let anything bad happen to him will ya?"

"Of course not he's my best friend. Man you have it bad for him don't you?"

"Who wouldn't?" He's tall, handsome, and trustworthy. He's just about the sweetest man I ever met. But I know he could never get serious with a hooker even if I did quit."

"I know your stepfather started pimping you when you were fourteen and you owe Janos a lot of money but if you did want out we could help. We could even help you relocate if you want."

"Maybe I've been in the life to long and I'm just use to it but I don't know anything else. I didn't even finish eighth grade."

"If you found someone worth quitting for you could get your G.E.D. and be anything you wanted to."

"The only man worth quitting for is Hutch and even I know we wouldn't have a chance. Simple science, a hooker dating a cop would be like mixing oil and water."

He put is hand on top of hers and gently squeezed it as he said, "I think you forget to tell your heart about that science lesson."

"You won't tell Hutch will ya? I just couldn't stand to loose his friendship."

"We'll keep it just between us but if you ever change your mind."

"You'll be the first one I call. Starsky it maybe silly but I'm still worried about Hutch." She watched him continuously glance into the rear view mirror and said, "I have a friend who lives not far from her. She lets me use her place when I'm hiding from Janos. She doesn't have a phone but we could kill a few hours there watching T.V. so your friends in the Buick don't get suspicious."

"How about when the shows over I give you a ride to Huggy's Place and you kind of hang back and help Huggy keep an eye on Hutch for me. He's meeting some dealer there for six and if things don't go right you could call Dobey for backup."

"Who's going to be watching incase you need back you up?"

"I'll be fine just keep an eye on Hutch for me." He reached into his pocket and handed her a piece of paper with a phone number on it, "When you get to Huggy's call Dobey on at this number and let him know about the meeting. Tell him I'll try and call when I find out where the buy is going down."

It was just after six when Hutch walked into Huggy's Place and took the empty seat beside Linda. He quickly scanned the room spotting Alice sitting at the bar talking to Huggy. He turned his attention to Linda as she introduce him to the tall man with long dark hair and a scrubby beard she was sitting with by saying, "Charlie Deek this is the new tutor I was telling you about Ken Hatch. He already has some connections but he could use a bigger score."

"So Ken where are you getting your supply from?"

"Like I'd be dumb enough to tell you my source. You could be the heat for all I know."

"I assure you I'm no pig."

"Well my source is a good friend who I won't give up if you were."

"Loyalty is a rare commodity these days."

"So is financial independence."

"We can help you move your profit level up as high as you like. The more you buy the cheaper it gets."

"I am not so sure I want the headaches. Right now I know everyone I deal with the bigger the market the bigger the risk."

"Yes but the bigger the profit. No Pain no gain."

"How much would I have to buy every week?"

"That's the beauty of this deal. There is no limit but once you prove your salesmanship we will expect you to maintain your purchases on a weekly bases."

"And if I don't meet my quota?"

"Well we do have a business to run so you'd still have to buy your weekly quota and try harder or find someone to sell some of it for you."

"That's sweet. As long as I don't buy more then I can sell I'm fine otherwise I have to pay someone else to deal my share and of coarse I'm sure you have a list of eager dealers."

Linda looked extremely angry as she yelled, "You mean all the dealers I've been bringing you are kicking back money to you and I'm not getting a red cent?"

"Linda my deal was with Gary not you so if anyone is keeping your share it would be Gary not me."

"Gary is getting money for all the people I bring you?"

He looked around to see he was the center of attention, "Maybe we should talk about this later outside." He stood up grabbed Linda's arm pulling her to her feet as he said, "Think about the offer Ken and let me know." He squeezed her arm tightly then jerked her towards him. "You and I are going to have a little chat outside." Hutch stood up and in one swift move grabbed Charlie's arm, twisting it behind his back and slammed his chest into the table. He pulled his arm farther up his back as he quietly asked, "Are you Okay Linda?"

Linda rubbed her wrist and shook her head yes. Hutch turned his attention back to Charlie and in a deadly voice said, "You ever touch that girl again and there won't be enough of you left to bury." He let go of Charlie and gently took Linda's arm as he guided her outside. He walked her to his car, opened the door and closed it after helping her inside. He went around the front of the car and climbed behind the wheel saying, "Where would you like me to drop you off?"

"How about your place?"

"Why?"

"Because I owe you for what you just did and I always pay my debts."

"Linda you are a beautiful brilliant young lady and you don't owe me anything. Besides your seventeen and I think I have had enough trouble for one night. So where do you live?"

"I don't get it. Most of the guys I know would have jumped at the chance for me to repay them."

"That doesn't say much for the crowd you hang with."

"You sound like my dad."

"Even scarier I sound like my dad. Look, I don't know you very well but I do know your smart enough to be in a college class and you are the top student in your high school class. Maybe it's time you think about everything you are going to throw away if you keep hanging with Charlie and Gary."

"I live off Sunset and thanks. Not just for what you did in there but for what you said out here."

"Well I guess I blew my chance with Charlie."

"Don't sweat it. If you still want a connection when Gary gets in I'll have him call you."

"No I have to go out later but tell him to call me tomorrow."

"Ken be careful for a few days. The last time Charlie got mad he and Bill had a meeting with Chris Tanner and Freddy Collins and no ones seen either of them since."

"What do you mean no one has seen them?"

"Bill says they ran away but I've known Chris all my life and he wouldn't have left without saying goodbye."

"Did you tell anyone about this?"

"Like who? His fathers a drunk and his mother left about four years ago."

"Do you know why Charlie was angry with Chris and Freddy?"

"They both wanted out. They were hanging out with those two teachers who turned out to be cops. The night before he disappeared, Chris told me he knew a way we could all walk away from Bill and get a fresh start." She started to cry as she said, "I told Gary about what he said and he flipped out. I've never been afraid of Gary before but he was talking so crazy and said Charlie would smarten them up. After he called Charlie, he said he wished I'd never told him and just sat on my bed for about three hours not moving or talking. Ken I know your gonna think I'm crazy but I think they killed Chris and Freddy."

"Why didn't you tell your dad or the police?

"I want to tell my dad but I'm scared. Bill has some powerful friends including cops. That cop Webber he hangs with keeps reminding us what we do is not exactly legal. Whom do you think a judge going to believe a cop with fifteen years on the force or a kid? Besides Gary hates cops and he'd never let me do it."

Hutch was considering tell her he was a police officer but remembered what Blaine had said about her loyalty to Gary and stopped himself. "Linda if you need my help call and I promise we'll work something out." He dropped her at her house and went back to Huggy's Place to get Alice before heading to the station."

Starsky pulled the Cobra up to pier and cautiously walked down the dock. He noticed two men at the end of the dock and one man pretending to fish off the pier were watching him. He grind as he approached a well dressed man standing at the edge of the dock. "You Bill?"

"You Nick?"

"Yeah but I prefer to be called Starsky?"

"That's what Mr. Durniak said when he spoke to Mr. Tallman last night."

"What else did Joe have to say?"

"He said you were tight but never said you were on a first name bases. He asked Mr. Tallman to watch out for you until you went back to work for him."

"Well I'm stuck here until I turn eighteen then I'm on the first plane back to New York."

"Well until then Tallman asked me to watch out for you."

"I don't need a babysitter I need a job."

"Nobody who is on a first name bases with the head of the east coast mob needs a job."

"Well I do. I want to earn enough money to be independent and never have to listen to another adult tell me what to do."

"Oh man I haven't thought like that in years. You kids think you have it so rough. Wait until you have to pay rent, food, electric and good old taxes. So how far over the line are you willing to go?"

"I'll go as far as I can without getting caught."

"Can you handle a piece?"

"I'm no sharp shooter but I can hit a target."

"Ever shoot a .38?"

"I can handle one."

Bill pulled a .38 out from under his jacket and checking the clip was full, pointed to a small pail at the far end of the dock and said, "You have one shot to knock that water bucket off the dock."

Being an expert sharpshooter Starsky knew he could easily make the shot but also realized it would blow his cover. He carefully aimed the pistol to hit the pail enough to move it but not push it into the water. He handed the gun back to Bill and quietly asked, "Does this mean I should start learning to breathe under water."

"Actually I'm impressed you hit it at all. Only an expert could have knocked it into the water. Your good and with my help you can become an expert in a very short time."

"Is that an offer?"

"On one condition."

"Which is?"

"I help you move up in Tallman's organization you ask Mr. Durniak to make room in his organization for me."

"You're Tallman's right hand man."

"Tallman is small potatoes compared to Durniak. Tallman shares this coast with Forrest, Amboy, Woodfield and a half a dozen other guys. But Durniak is up there with Frank Malone and Gunther. His arm reaches all the way from New York to California and his name is known all over Europe. Hell he has more power then the president of the united states."

"You get me into Tallman's organization and when I turn eighteen I'll personally introduce you to Joe Durniak."

"Give me your keys so I can drive you to the warehouse."

Starsky took his keys out but hesitated before handing them over. "She's faster then she looks and she isn't fully paid for so take it easy."

"You got plans for Sunday?"

"Just a date why?"

"Clear your calendar cause if you do half as well tomorrow as I expect you to you'll be meeting Mr. Tallman for Sunday breakfast." He climbed into the car and as soon as Starsky closed, the door peeled out doing doughnuts before heading to the warehouse. The ride to the warehouse only took five minutes and Bill told him that the meeting was set for seven so they had some time to kill. He unlocked the warehouse and when the doors opened, they were hit by a blast of hot stale air. Starsky stepped back and asked, "What the hell is this place a giant oven?"

"They haven't used this place for legitimate business in about four years so they turned off the air conditioner so people wouldn't get suspicious. Be thankful it's autumn and not summer. It's only around seventy four outside today; you should see it during a heat wave." Bill left the large door open and headed into an office turning on a large fan. Starsky took the opportunity to get a message to Dobey by saying, "Hey do you mind if I make a call?"

"Not if you don't mind me listening in." Bill hit the speaker button and Starsky dialed the number saying, "Listen in if you like but my girl can get real hot on the phone." Before Dobey had a chance to say a word Starsky quickly said, "Hi it's Nicholas Starsky is Alice there please." He turned to Bill quietly mouthing the words, "Her father is a real strict bastard" then brought his finger to his lips signaling Bill to keep quiet. He heard Dobey's voice say, "Are you that punk who drives the flashy sports car with the flames."

"No sir that's Tom I'm the young man you met at the club. I drive my mother's Cadillac." He heard Bill laugh and signaled him to be quiet again.

"Oh yes the doctor's son."

Starsky shrugged his shoulders and said, "I am so glad you remember me. Is Alice home sir?"

"Let me check I haven't seen her in about ten minutes. She may have gone out."

"I would appreciate your checking for me sir. I really need to talk to her." There was a long period of silence and Starsky was startled to hear Alice's voice come on the phone saying, "Hey sugar I'm so glad you called."

"I'm glad I caught you home I know you wanted to checkup on your friend we talked about earlier."

"My friend is fine as a matter of fact things went so well we came home to talk to dad."

"Is your blonde haired friend there because I have a message for her?"

"If you tell me what it is I'll relay the message to her."

"Tell her I'm glad to hear she's okay and my brother got the job."

"Is you dad still listening or can you talk for awhile before my meeting?"

"No I'm alone in my bedroom on my extension."

Bill gave the thumbs up sign and Starsky knew he would be able to stay on long enough to trace the call. He looked at his watch and said, "Well I have about forty minutes to kill and thought you could remind me what I'm missing being here."

"Well since I'm changing to go in the pool I guess I could describe what I'm doing. Of course it's more fun when you help me out of my cloths. The way you slowly unbutton my shirt and kiss me were every button use to be." She kept talking going into intimate detail about him removing her cloths and kissing her body until Captain Dobey signaled her they had the trace. She suddenly said, "Dad's at the door I have to go." She hung the phone up leaving Starsky and Bill staring at the phone listened to the silence for a few seconds before Bill hung the phone up saying, "You have to introduce me to Alice. I could make a fortune off her if she looks half as hot as Gary claims. I'll bet she wouldn't mind if I got a little rough."

Before he realized what he had done Starsky snapped out, "You touch her and I'll..."

"You'll what?"

"Alice is off limits."

"Cool it! I was only kidding but you should never threaten anyone unless you're sure you can carry out the threat."

He stared at him for a minute then said, "How long have you known her."

"She's the first person I met when I hit town and I guess I get a little protective of my friends."

"That's good as long as you know who your friends are. In this line of business trusting the wrong person can get you killed."

"So who do you trust?"

"I trust no one totally, I trust some people a little and some not at all. You I'm not so sure about. Durniak had a lot of praise for you but my gut instinct tells me to keep you close until I decide."

Starsky prayed Bill would have other plans as he said, "Well as soon as we are done here I have to meet with a friend about a card game tomorrow night. Since you need a lift back to your car you can come with me. They say you can tell a lot about a person by the company he keeps."

"Who's the friend?"

"I only met him about a week ago but he seems to know everybody. He dresses a little weird but he's cool. Names Huggy Bear."

"Huggy is letting you play in Saturday night's game?"

"Are you nuts I don't have that kind of money? I'm going to be running out for coffee, smokes and whatever else they need." He started laughing hard before he continued. "Where the hell would a kid my age get the buy in for one of his games?"

Bill picked up the phone and quickly dialed a number and said, "Huggy it's Bill do you know a Nick Starsky?...Who referred him...What did Leo have to say about him?... No there's no trouble he's going to be working with me for Mr. Tallman and I'm just double checking... Yeah I cleared tomorrow night I just hope you don't mind me leaving with all the money." He hung up the phone and stared at Starsky then smiled, "I think with my experience and your connection we could own this city."

Gary and two other teenage boys Starsky had met earlier, Mike and Jack, entered the warehouse and headed for the office. Gary smiled at Starsky saying, "Glad to see you didn't have to go swimming. I'm going to pick Linda up after we get through here do you and Alice want to join us?"

"No I have to give Bill a ride then if Alice can sneak out what we are planning doesn't need and audience."

Jack laughed as he said, "When you're done with Alice would you give me a hand with my car? I tried what you suggested in shop today but she still won't stop hesitating."

"Sure, if I can't figure it out my uncles a wiz with cars."

They talked for several minutes before a large truck backed up to the warehouse and blow the horn three short times. Bill and Gary opened the back of the truck and checking for boxes marked Garden Supplies moved several large cartons to the doors. The cartons were unloaded into a van and Gary threw his keys to the taller teen saying, "Mike drive my car to Linda's and tell her to pick me up in the student parking lot. Make sure the guys get word we distribute the stuff first thing tomorrow morning."

The two boys left and Gary looked at Starsky asking, "Aren't you going to ask where we stash the pot over night?"

Starsky's curiosity was killing him but knowing Bill was watching his every move he said, "I assumed it was on a need to know bases and since I'm not dealing it, I don't need to know."

"Come on you have to be curious about it."

He could only pray that his backup was waiting to follow the drugs as he said, "I learned a long time ago if you stick your nose where it doesn't belong someone is going to brake it."

Bill stepped forward and said, "Gary you talk too much."

Charlie Deek walked into the warehouse and said, "We need to talk now."

Bill stepped to the side and Starsky watched the two men talk about something for several minutes. Bill walked Charlie over to Starsky and introduced him. Charlie stared at Starsky for several seconds before asking, "So you think you're man enough to replace me?"

Starsky looked at Charlie and simply replied, "Who does your hair Charles Manson?"

Bill burst into laughter and said, "I love this kid's sense of humor." He walked over to the phone and Starsky heard him say, "Webber it's Bill I have someone I'd like you to meet tomorrow morning can you be at the warehouse for eight." He hung up the phone and signaled for Starsky as he headed for the Cobra saying, "You can drop me off at my car so I can see if you can really handle this car. I need to see Mr. Tallman so tell Huggy I said hi and meet me here tomorrow morning at eight sharp. Do yourself a big favor and stay clear of Charlie. What Manson did to that actress is nothing compared to what Charlie to the last person who ribbed him off."

Starsky looked back at Charlie who was glaring at him from the warehouse and chuckled as he said, "I have no intention of running into him in any dark alleys."

Captain Dobey had posted four undercover units at the warehouse to follow everyone who was leaving. Gary left the warehouse and drove to the high school where he left the van parked in front of a shed at the far end of the athletic field. He walked to the student parking lot where Linda was waiting and then to her house. An undercover car was assigned to watch the van to make sure the chain of evidence was not broken. Starsky's car was followed to the pier where the undercover unite was instructed to follow Bill who went straight to the Tallman mansion. Mike and Jack were followed to Linda's house where they were seen switching cars and headed for the local movie theater. Charlie stayed at the warehouse until around one when he and Bill who had returned around eleven left and both headed to there apartments for the night. Hutch was just returning from dropping Alice off at Huggy's Place when he asked, "Have you heard from Starsky?"

"No but don't worry its still early. Maybe I should have had the team follow him instead of Davis." The phone rang and Dobey quickly picked it up then handed it to Hutch. He listened for several seconds before he said, "I can hardly hear you Huggy. Did you say Starsky needs help?"

"I can't talk long but Starsky needs you to meet with him."

"Is he okay?"

"Yeah but he may not be for long."

"What happened?"

"He came in about ten minutes ago followed by two of Tallman's goons. He's playing it cool but I'm worried."

"Where is he?"

"My pad upstairs and Tallman's men don't look like they are going anywhere soon. Alice was still here so I loudly told them they could use my place to hide from her dad. I figured between that and my waitress hanging over them he'd have some time to think."

"I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

"Use the back stairs."

"Thanks Huggy." He turned to Dobey and said "Starsky is being tailed by Tallman's goons so he can't call in. Something is going down and he needs a meet so I have to go."

"No we have to go." He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door saying, "Are you coming Hutchinson or are you going to stand there all night?"

Starsky was sitting on the bed in the one room apartment telling jokes to Alice and laughing when he heard a knock at the door. He whispered, "I want you to lock yourself in the bathroom and don't come out until I tell you it's safe." He waited until she closed the door to ask, "Who is it?"

"Starsk it's me open the door."

He opened the door and said, "Man am I glad to see you. You won't believe..." Dobey's presence startled him causing him to take a second to get his thought back in order. "You won't believe what happened."

Dobey stared him down and said, "The way you two were laughing when we arrived I thought you were having a party. I came all the way over here on my own time because I thought you were in trouble not on a date."

Starsky seemed to be on the defense as he said, "Alice was just helping me unwind. Captain I impressed Bill Davis so much he is arranging for me to have breakfast Sunday morning with the one and only Gerald Tallman. This part should make your trip down to this part of time worth the journey. I'm meeting with Webber tomorrow morning at eight and if Webber doesn't remember me from the station or from seeing me on the job I'll be Bill's new trainee. If he recognizes me, I'll be holding my breath at the bottom of the ocean."

Dobey sounded genuinely concerned and impressed as he said, "You're being in danger doesn't make me happy Starsky."

"I'm not sure what I'm training for but it involves me learning to shot accurately and from the way Bill was talking I'll be a rich man very shortly."

"How did you get him to trust you so quickly?"

Starsky smiled as he said, "He was impressed with my references."

"From who?"

"I'd rather not say. Look Captain, I'd like to live long enough to collect my pension so you have to make sure Webber isn't at the meeting tomorrow." He saw the look of worry on Dobey's face and added, "There's three other problems sir. One is we need to bust Gary tonight because the pot is being distributed early tomorrow."

Hutch looked around the room and asked, "Where's Alice?"

"I didn't know it was you so I had her lock herself in the bathroom."

"You sounded like you were enjoying yourself when we got here. What where you two doing?"

"I thought you said you two were just friends and besides you know a gentleman never tells what he does with a lady."

Captain Dobey cut them off snapping, "If you two are done fighting over the girl let her out of the bathroom so we can figure out our next move." Hutch walked across the room to the bathroom door and Starsky invited the Captain to take a seat at the small table with four chairs in the corner of the room. Dobey took a seat and asked, "What are the other problems?"

"We need to keep Gary from blowing my cover before I can get to Tallman and find out who killed Johnson and Brown."

"You said they move the stuff first thing tomorrow so you need to bust him tonight. He'll get his call after we book him and we can't tell him who to call."

"Captain it's Friday night so if we take him down tonight and stall the paperwork with his past conviction we could send him to juvenile hall until his arraignment Monday."

"You want me to loose the arrest report on a juvenile and keep him locked up without a call to his guardian until Monday."

"I also need you to keep Webber busy tomorrow morning so he can't I.D. me before I get to Tallman."

Hutch pulled out a chair for Alice then sat down in the empty chair and said, "I don't think you should go in without backup."

Starsky tried to tease Hutch saying, "Well he did say he's dying to meet Alice after that phone call." He smiled and Alice smiled back saying, "I'm up for it."

In a chorus all three man yelled out, "No way."

She just shrugged her shoulders and smiled at the Captain who said, "I can't believe I'm getting involved with you two. First you ask me to sit on a dirty cop. Then you use civilians without departmental approval and then you ask me to illegally hold a minor."

"We may not be orthodox but we get results. Captain, Hutch and I got through a door in two days that you haven't even been able to unlock in three years."

"What the third problem?"

"Saturday night there's a big poker game and Nick Starsky is supposed to be there to give Huggy a hand. Bill Davis will be there and if Huggy doesn't rat me out as Officer David Starsky both Huggy and Nick will have a price on their heads."

"That only gives us until tomorrow night to get to Tallman." He thought for a few seconds then said, "Let's go get your friend Gary while I still have him under surveillance. I can call Webber to have him meet me at my office tomorrow morning and stall him as long as I can. Alice can you go down stairs and let those goons hear you ask Huggy to send up some food for you and lover boy so you can spend the night. The department will reimburse you for your time. With a little luck maybe we can figure a way to get you to Tallman before the tea party your friend Huggy is hosting."

Starsky and Hutch looked puzzled as they both said, "Tea Party?"

"Incase you're unaware of it; it's illegal to host a poker game and I as a Captain on the police force have a duty to report any illegal activity. But we all know tea parties are none of my business." All three men smiled as the headed for the door.

Gary dropped Linda off at her house and drove about a half a mile before he saw the flashing lights. He pulled over, took his registration out of the glove compartment and turned down the window saying, "I wasn't speeding so what's the beef?" He heard the phrase "Step out of the car please" and without even looking at the officer, he flung the door open and stepped out saying, "Man you don't know who you're screwing with." He froze when he saw it was Starsky holding a badge giving him his rights. He waited until he was done before saying, "This is a joke right?"

"No joke Gary."

"You used me." He took a swing at Starsky who spun him around and cuffed his right hand. Gary used his left arm to hit Starsky as hard as he could were he had seen the bruise earlier. He smiled as Starsky dropped to the ground and gasped for air. Gary spit at him before saying, "Go to hell pig." Hutch had been talking to Dobey when he saw Starsky go down and quickly moved slamming Gary into the car and quickly finished cuffing him. Gary stared at Hutch in total disbelieve as he said, "You just can't trust anybody these days." Hutch pushed Gary towards Captain Dobey so he could check on Starsky. Dobey thought Starsky was only winded from being punched and took Gary to an officer who put him in the back seat of the police car. He walked back to Starsky and Hutch who were leaning against Gary's car and seeing the concern in Hutch's face said, "Don't feel guilty about Gary. He will get a slap on the wrist and be out dealing again in a few months." He studied the two men briefly trying to figure out what he had missed and said, "After you write up your reports go back to Huggy's Place and sneak back upstairs before they realize you left." He looked at Starsky for another moment knowing something was not right but not being able to put his finger on it he said, "Starsky get some sleep. I want you alert for what ever it is you're going to have to do with Davis tomorrow." He looked closely at both men and in a fatherly tone said, "You even feel you need backup you call me right away."

Hutch said, "Thanks we'll call if we need you." They waited until Dobey left in his car before he helped Starsky to the Cobra. Starsky took a minute to catch his breath before he said, "Stop worrying I'm fine."

"You're not fine so shut up. If your ribs weren't broken before, I'm pretty sure they are now."

"He just knocked the wind out of me."

"What happens if Bill takes a poke at you tomorrow?"

"Bill has no reason to hit me and I can have Huggy tape them up again."

"We still have a big problem. Linda's going to looking for Gary first thing tomorrow."

"Not if you keep her occupied with that Hutchinson charm."

"You want me to romance an underage girl while you walk into the lions den?"

"No I just want you to lead the young lady on and find a way to get her to the warehouse for eight so I can introduce Ken Hatch to Bill. With her recommendation, maybe I won't have to be alone when I walk into Tallman's place."

"I'm glad you're a cop because with your devious mind you'd make one hell of criminal."

He smiled briefly then asked, "Hey Hutch you want to take a turn driving the car before we have to return her."

Hutch knew Starsky had to be hurting badly if he couldn't drive but he also knew he would never admit it so he simply smiled and said, "I've been waiting for the chance. Hey how about we crash at Huggy's Place tonight so Huggy doesn't have as far to travel when he checks those ribs out again?"

"That sounds great. Hopefully the reports don't take long I'm beat."

"Just sit back and enjoy the ride."

It was eight o'clock when Starsky arrived for his meeting feeling sore and exhausted. The pain from his ribs made it impossible to sleep after he finally climbed onto Hutch's couch at three in the morning. Huggy had rechecked his ribs and spent several hours convincing Hutch they were just bruised before he was allowed to tape them up again without an emergency room visit. He swallowed four aspirin with his root beer soda and slowly climbed out of the car feeling as though Huggy had used wire instead of medical tape. His attention focused on the warehouse door that was still shut but had an open lock dangling from the handle. He scanned the immediate area, which appeared to be empty as he opened the door and walked inside. A blast of warm air and a smell he had become all too familiar with hit him like a brick wall. His first instinct was to reach to his waist for his pistol but remembering he was not in uniform, he brought his shirt collar up over his nose to try to block the smell. He slowly walked towards the office knowing by the increased odor he was heading the right way. He paused before he opened the door knowing whoever was on the other side was dead and even in this heat had to have been there for several hours. He realized the smell inside the room would be stronger and pulled his hand back away from the door. A sudden wave of panic hit him as he remembered Hutch was supposed to be at the warehouse. He held his breathe opened the door to reassure himself that Hutch was not the victim. He saw a body lying on the floor with one-bullet hole in his side and a large bloodstain covering most of his shirt. He moved around the desk that was hiding the upper part of the body and realized it was Jack. He had a second bullet wound that had gone through the top of his head leaving his face in tact but shooting brains and blood across the back of the desk and floor. The combination of the smell and the sight of the boy's brains scattered through the room were overwhelming and he stepped back out of the office and began vomiting on the warehouse floor. He headed back outside when he came face to face with Bill Davis who calmly said, "I throw up the first time I killed someone too."

"I just found him in there. I didn't kill him."

Bill pulled a white cloth out of his pocket and opened it to reveal the .38 he had shot on the dock the night before. "That's not what the police will say when they get here. You see Nick your finger prints are on the gun that killed Jack and when they hear how a boy with your record was fighting with him around eleven last night they'll assume you did it."

"I don't understand why did you kill him and why frame me?"

"He came back to get the pot he hid while we were loading the van last night. A few loads were just a little short so I've been watching the boys carefully."

"But why frame me?"

"A man should always have insurance. If you follow instructions and don't cause any trouble the gun and body stay hidden. If you don't work out the police get a tip where to find them both."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I told you last night I was going to make you my right hand man. You can either be very rich or spend your life in prison."

They heard a car drive up and Bill ran to the door. He watched Hutch and Linda climb out of a car and called to Starsky, "Close the office door and get out here." He stepped outside the warehouse and blocked Linda's way saying, "Linda what are you and your friend doing here?"

"Gary asked if Ken and I could meet him here for eight."

"What time did he call you?"

"He didn't, Ken called me this morning to tell me. I haven't seen Gary since last night when he left my house."

Starsky came out of the warehouse leaving the door open to allow the smell to get out. Hutch knew instantly by the look on Starsky face something was very wrong. His suspicion was confirmed by the smell coming from the warehouse. He moved towards the door but Bill quickly slammed it shut and locked it saying, "We have a chemical leak inside so I can't let you in but I can tell you Gary isn't here. He was supposed to be meeting Jack and Mike at the school so why don't you try there."

Linda saw how pale Starsky was and asked, "You okay Starsky? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

"I... I guess the fumes inside got to me." He exchanged a look with Hutch and said, "I'm fine. I thought Gary was taking you to meet Bill last night Ken."

"He asked but I had plans with Linda and he said I could meet him sometime today. He called me about six this morning and told me to call Linda to show me how to get here. He seemed real nervous like something was wrong."

"Maybe we should go find Gary and find out just what the hell is going on. Linda you take my car and go home. If you hear from Gary tell him to call me right away. Ken you won't mind taking a ride to the school to straighten this mess up would you?"

"No I have nothing else to do because Gary told me to keep today free."

"Starsky you don't look so hot so you can ride back." Starsky looked back at the warehouse but before he had a chance to say anything Bill added, "I have a cleanup crew coming to handle the mess so don't worry about it. Get in the car and we'll discuss it later." The ride to the school was uncomfortable and with the exception of Bill's mumbling, was made in total silence. When they reached the athletic field, Hutch could see the tension in Bills grip on the steering wheel. He spotted Mike and called him over by yelling, "Where the fucking hell is everybody?" Hutch opened the door but quickly closed it as Bill yelled, "You two wait in the car while I find out what the hell is going on." He grabbed Mike and pulled him to the shed so they would not be overheard. Hutch turned and asked, "Are you okay you look like hell? Was there a body in the warehouse or was that smell my imagination?"

"I'm fine but that smell from the warehouse was Jack Thomas. Bill caught him skimming off the top and blew his brains out last night around eleven in the warehouse. He has my fingerprints on the murder weapon and says if I don't do what I'm told with my past convictions I'm going up for life. If I really were Nick and didn't have an alibi for last night I'd be in his back pocket."

"Dobey has the warehouse under surveillance so he'll know Davis was there and if his crew moves the body we'll know where."

"I think they may just find the two missing boys Blaine mentioned."

"You sure you're okay?"

He laid his head back against the seat and softly said, "God Hutch I feel like a first day rookie. I've seen plenty of homicide scene before that were more gruesome then this one. When I opened that office door, I couldn't stop myself from puking all over the warehouse."

"Hey cut yourself some slack. You were looking at the body of a seventeen year old you knew and if the smell was bad enough to travel out the door, I don't want to image what it smelted like up close. Hell I might not have even opened the office."

"I know it's dumb but I had to make sure you didn't get caught sneaking in there. I know I should have known there was no way it was you but the thought entered my mind and I... I just couldn't..."

"And being a good friend you checked it out to be sure." He smiled and said, "That's why I know we'll make a great team. We'd do just about anything for each other."

They heard Bill yell very loud and Starsky chuckled as he said, "If he asked you to hit a target use your own gun." Both man laughed briefly then Hutch said, "I got an idea but you may not like it."

"If it involves going back into that warehouse your right."

"Worse, I think I can use Jacks death and Gary's disappearance to my advantage. I may have a way into the organization if I can convince Bill that Gary was working with Jack to go into a little private business. If I tell him we were going to the warehouse to give him an ultimatum he may arrange for me to talk to Tallman."

"Your right I don't like it but it's all we have and we need to move quick. What if you lead Bill to think Gary saw him kill Jack? It could unnerve him."

"It might work."

"You told him Gary called you at six this morning. When he gets back tell him Gary told you he saw something last night that made him feel he had him in his pocket." They heard Bill yell again and saw him head for the car. "So who do you think will win the game tonight Lakers or the Knicks?"

"Lakers are going to make that weasel Dave DeBusschere wish he had never left New York."

"In your dreams Blondie. Sawbuck says Willis Reed and DeBusschere make the Lakers feel the way Milwaukee is feeling right now."

"If you think the Nicks are going to beat the Lakers in the championship your dumber then you look."

"Put your money where your mouth is."

"You got a bet Starsky."

Bill sat down in the car and said, "Why you two Jackasses are in here fighting over a dumb basketball game I'm missing a van full of pot and Mike says he hasn't heard from Gary all morning."

Hutch took the chance and said, "He's probly with Jack making plans for their new business."

"What new business?"

"Gary and Jack told me they were going into business for themselves."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Hey don't kill the messenger. They told me I could get a lot of weed dirt-cheap today and if I wanted in, I could get more at a price no one could match. At first I thought they were just blowing smoke but this morning when Gary called he said after what he saw go down last night he had you in his pocket and he'd prove it if I came to the warehouse. He sounded real sure of himself."

"What did he say he saw?"

"He wouldn't tell me on the phone but said I'd be impressed if I showed up this morning. I wonder why he didn't show."

Starsky mumbled, "Maybe he was dead tired like Jack."

"You're not funny Nick." He looked at his watch and punched the steering wheel before starting the car and saying, "We need to find Gary before he talks to anyone about the warehouse and I need to meet with Mr. Tallman in less then a half hour." He stared at Hutch then looked back at Starsky saying, "Keep him with you and find Gary."

"What should I do with him when I find him?"

He peeled out of the parking lot as he yelled, "He stole Mr. Tallman's property and he's a threat to me so what do you think you should do to him."

"How much will I get if I make sure you never have to see him again."

Bill stared at Starsky in the rear view mirror for a few seconds then smiled saying, "You take him out and I'm sure Mr. Tallman will be very generous when he rewards you."

Hutch quickly said, "I think I know where to find him if you want to split the reward."

Starsky glared at him for a moment then said, "You got yourself a partner." He turned to Bill and said, "I'll need a gun."

Bill handed him his pistol and wrote on a piece of paper as he said, "Use this one but don't do anything stupid like leave it behind. When you finish bring me proof at this address. I'll drive to Linda's house so I can get my car and you can ask her if she has any information on where Gary could be."

Starsky checked the gun before stuffing it in the back of his jeans. He read the address and smile, "Nice neighborhood is this Tallman's place."

"When you get there tell the man at the gate your names and he'll let you in." He pulled beside his car and as he climbed out yelled, "Find out what he did with that van before you use that gun."

Starsky waited until Bill was out of site before he pulled out of Linda's driveway and said, "I wish I still had those files. Do you remember what Dobey home address was?"

"Yeah why?"

"Because he's keeping Webber busy in his office with the interviews so even if we call he can't talk. We need to meet with him and I figured if we went to his house maybe his wife could invite him home for an early Saturday lunch."

"Take your next left and if he asks I'm telling him this was all your idea."

Edith Dobey, a middle-aged average looking black woman, smiled as she watched the two men playing on the living room floor with her two children. She was amazed at the way Rosie, her two-year-old daughter, felt so at ease with the two strangers. She listened for a few minutes to how Cal her older son was laughing and talking to them as if they were old friends. She went back to the kitchen, returned handing both men a coffee mug, and said, "Cal take your sister and go get washed for lunch."

"Do we have to I'm having fun?"

"Your father will be home in a little while would you like me to tell him you're not listening to me." Cal sprung to his feet and took his sisters hand as he headed for the bathroom. Edith laughed as she said, "I'm just reheating some left over but there's more then enough and I have some of my homemade apple pie so I insist you two gentlemen stay and eat with us."

Starsky was crawling on the floor picking up toys when he excitedly said, "Homemade apple pie?"

Hutch smiled as he shyly as he helped Starsky up and said, "I'm not so sure Captain Dobey will be happy about us staying for lunch."

"At the police station he's in charged but in this house I'm the boss and I won't have you two leaving this house hungry."

Starsky smiled as he said, "We'd love to stay. Thank you." He turned to Hutch shrugged his shoulders as he said, "Hutch she made apple pie, homemade apple pie. Besides I'd rather get reprimanded on a full stomach won't you."

Edith was just giving Starsky his second piece of pie when Captain Dobey walked into the kitchen saying, "I can't believe you had the nerve to come over here and bother my wife. Have you ever heard of the telephone?"

Starsky continued to eat his pie as Hutch explained, "We knew you'd be with Webber and we couldn't chance him over hearing anything."

He handed Starsky a bag mark Personnel Effects Prisoner 1598715 and asked, "Would you mind telling me why you needed Gary Prudholm's personal effects."

Starsky finished his pie and looking towards Edith said, "This is the best apple pie I've ever had and the left over chicken was unbelievable." He waited until she smiled and moved away from the table to hand Dobey the gun softly saying, "We need proof when we see Tallman this afternoon that we earned his money and I need you to run this gun with ballistics to see if it's the murder weapon."

"What is he paying you to do and who's gun is this?"

"The gun belongs to Bill Davis and he promised Tallman would pay us for the hit." He turned back to Edith and said, "My mother makes a great apple pie but I think yours is even better." He turned to Hutch and said, "You really have to try a piece of this pie."

"I'm stuffed from the chicken but the way you wolfed down those two pieces I'm sure it's good."

Captain Dobey yelled, "Would you shut up about the stupid pie and tell me what the hell is going on."

Starsky and Hutch both froze for a second before Hutch said, "Starsky's going to use it to kill Gary after he tells us where the van is."

"Gary is in custody and the van is impounded."

"We know that and you know that but Davis doesn't. We have him believing Gary saw him kill Jack last night." He watched Starsky lower the forkful of apple pie back to his plate and quietly said, "Sorry" He turned his attention back to Dobey and asked, "Do you know where they dumped the body this morning?"

"What body."

Starsky and Hutch exchanged a look of confusion before Starsky said, "Jack Thomas the boy who Davis murdered at the warehouse around eleven last night. After Bill was done telling me how he framed me for the murder, he said he had a cleanup crew coming to take the body. I thought you had the warehouse under surveillance?"

"I do but we have no record of a murder. Jennings did say they delivered some old machinery to the junkyard on Holster Drive but he never reported a body let alone a murder."

"Cap I saw Jack Thomas' body in the warehouse this morning. He had a bullet wound in the side and the back of his head was blown off. Bill said he caught him skimming from the last couple of loads so he killed him with a gun he had me shoot at the docks. We need to get someone over to the junkyard and find out where the body is. If I'm right they'll find the two missing boys and anyone else Bill has killed lately. We need you to run the gun to see if Davis used it to kill Johnson and Brown. Davis is waiting at Tallman's place for us to bring him proof we took care of Gary. We are going to pretend to kill Gary so Tallman will give us the money and if we're lucky he'll confess to ordering the hit on Johnson and Brown."

"You think Tallman is just going to confess to you because you did a hit for him?"

Starsky smiled as he said, "Either way we nail him when he pays us for Gary's murder and if ballistics can match the bullets we have Bill Davis."

"I think you should wear a wire."

"There's no way Tallman's gonna to let us in without a search and if he finds a wire we're both dead before you can move in. But maybe we could have Huggy place a bug in the house. Tallman trusts him and would have no reason to search him. He's going in before we do and he can I.D. me to Davis as a fake at the poker game later to cover his ass." He blushed as he remembered Edith was still standing beside him and quietly saying, "Sorry Mrs. Dobey I get a little carried away sometimes."

"You're really worried about this friend of yours, Huggy, aren't you?"

"He put his reputation and his life on the line covering for me. He may bend the law a little but he's one of our closest friends and I need to make it right before he gets hurt."

"If he I.D.'s you to this man Bill what going to stop Bill from killing you?"

"I haven't figured that out yet. Don't worry, Hutch'll be there and I trust him with my life."

"What if you got the evidence against Tallman but didn't arrest him until later? You could wait until Huggy tells Bill who you are and then arrest him."

Starsky and Hutch looked at each other smiling then Starsky stood up hugged Edith and kissed her on the cheek saying, "You're brilliant and you can cook too. If you weren't married I'd be down on one knee."

He felt a tap on his shoulder then saw Dobey glaring at him. Dobey put his arm around Edith and said, "Starsky keep your hands off my wife." He waited until he saw panic in both their faces and started to laugh. "Let's go get Huggy his wire so we can rap up this case. Well Edith now that they are part of the team and they've tasted your cooking I guess we'll be seeing more of them."

Hutch sounded like he won the lottery, "Does that mean we get the promotion to detective?"

"The commissioner approved the promotion when he saw your test scores and heard how quickly you tricked Bill Davis and busted Gary. The fact you discovered Webber was on Tallman's payroll was icing on the cake." He reached out his hand and said, "You earned it and if you're still interested I have an opening on my squad."

Both men smiled reminding him of Cal on Christmas morning as they shook his hand saying, "Thank you."

"Use the phone in my office at the end of the hall to call Blaine and have him meet us at Huggy Place with the wire. He wanted to be your back up when you moved in on Tallman." He waited until they left the room before he kissed his wife and said, "They remind me of Elmo Jackson and a much younger me thinking we could make a difference and change the world. I've even assigned them to my old beat."

"Their not like any policemen I've ever met. Take good care of these boys Harold your daughter Rosie has become quite fund of them and so have I."

"I know I'll be spending a lot of time worrying about those two but I have the strangest feeling they'll be the best Detectives this City has seen in a long time. Who knows maybe they really will make a difference."

Huggy Bear was wearing a bright red jumpsuit with a white fur vest and large gold chain as he walked into Tallman's private office. He reached over the desk and shook hands while using his left hand to attach the wire under the desk. He quickly took his seat and said, "I needed to see you about your friend Webber. Seems he's been getting a little rough and doing some talking to some of my girls about the work he's been doing for you and out of loyalty to you they wanted me to advise you of the situation. Of course they know when you handle it you'll be discreet so it doesn't come back to them."

"What exactly has Detective Webber been saying to the young ladies?"

"Let's just say he's been doing a little bit too much bragging about how the two cops he helped you I.D. bought the farm for trying to interfere with your business."

"Huggy I owe you for the warning and tell the girls I'll make sure he never gets rough with any of them again. Now about that problem you are having with our mutual friend Lou Malinda. He was by here yesterday and mentioned you're doing quite well with the club."

"He thinks since you let him use the candy store for a numbers drop that every business within a ten block area is his for the taking. He's checking into all the businesses in the area and we don't like it."

"I appreciate the loyalty you and the other small business owners in the area have shown me so I've already made some calls and he won't be bothering you again. Could you send Bill in on your way out?"

Huggy stood up and smiled as he said, "If I can be of service you know where you can find me."

They shook hands and Huggy quickly left. Bill walked into the office asking, "You wanted to see me Mr. Tallman?"

"Your friend Webber has been talking to some hookers about me and you know I don't like people who talk."

"He didn't show for our meeting this morning and hasn't returned my call but I'll track him down and have a talk with him."

"What about our young friend Gary. Have you found him or my merchandise yet?"

"No he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. The boys dumped his pal Jack at the junkyard and I have the new kid Nick Starsky looking for him."

"Oh yes Joe Durniak little friend. How is he working out?"

"You can see for yourself sir. The guards at the gate were searching him and his buddy Ken Hatch when you called me in." There was a knock at the door and Bill walked over and opened the door letting Starsky and Hutch inside. He walked back to the desk with them and said, "Mr. Tallman these are the two young men I was telling you about Nick Starsky and Ken Hatch."

"Did you two boys find Gary and my merchandise?"

Starsky dumped the items he was holding in his hand onto Tallman's desk. He smiled as he said, "We didn't think it was safe to bring the body so we took everything we could off it before we dumped it."

Mr. Tallman examined the wallet, gold chain, car keys and class ring before turning them over to Bill. He looked back at Starsky and asked, "My van?"

"We haven't found it yet. He wouldn't tell us where it was but we do have a few leads."

Hutch said, "His girl told me about a farm Gary took her to one weekend when he was hiding from the police. We figured we'd check it out and a few other places after we stopped here."

Bill put his hand out asking, "Where's my gun?"

Starsky smiled as he said, "I figured I trade it later for the gun you used to kill Jack and frame me."

"You smart ass little punk. I want that gun now."

Hutch straightened as he firmly said, "I have it hidden where you'll never find it. When I'm sure Starsky has the gun he needs you'll have the gun you need."

"You two bounded very quickly."

"We both want the same things. Money, power, and we are both willing to do whatever we have to so we get them. Speaking of money you promised us Mr. Tallman would reward us for getting rid of Gary."

Tallman took a large stack of bills from his desk and handed it to Hutch saying, "I'll double that when you bring me the van."

Hutch flipped through the money and said, "Five g's apiece. Not bad for a mornings work." He handed Starsky the stack of money saying, "You can hold onto this until we find the van."

Starsky began to count the money in the band while saying, "Mr. Tallman if you have any other jobs available we'd be more then happy to help you out."

"Well it's come to my attention that I can no longer trust an associate of mine. Seem he has been talking about my private business and that is not wise. I will pay you twenty G's each if you silence my friend."

"Twenty thousand dollars to kill one man; what's he a senator?"

"No just a cop. You see Detective Charles Webber's services are no longer an asset to the company. You take care of this for me and I'll make sure you two gentlemen become both rich and powerful." He stared at Starsky who seemed to become pale at the mention of killing Webber and asked, "Do you have a problem with task Nick?"

It took Starsky a second before he thought of an answer saying, "I was just trying to figure how you get away with killing a cop. They're suppose to be a close knit group who takes care of their own. It's not like you can go to the library and pick up a book How to get away with killing a cop in three easy lessons."

"You have a good point but I'm sure Bill's experience will help you out. Bill why don't you gives the boys some pointers on how you got rid of the last police problem we had."

"Come on boys I'll introduce you to a friend of mine who will help you get everything you need for the job. His names Fat Rolley and if you need anything from a toaster to a machine gun he's the man to see."

Tallman stood up and said, "Before you boys go I'll need to speak to Nick in private. Bill you show Ken the indoor swimming pool and the game room while you're waiting."

Starsky and Hutch exchanged a concerned look before Hutch followed Bill out the door. As they walked down a long hallway Bill asked, "So which one of you got the pleasure of keeping Gary quiet?"

"You mean who actually pulled the trigger. Starsky had the gun so he got the pleasure."

"You nervous about hitting a cop?"

"I guess I'd be nuts not to be. Have you ever really done a cop?"

"Six. I was about your age when I killed the first one. He caught my friend Joey Laden and me breaking into Millers Market. He killed Joey but I got him before he knew I was there. They say the first is always the hardest but it's not true. One of the cops I did this week was the hardest."

"Why do you say that?"

"He was the first one to beg me."

Hutch's stomach turned as he said, "The cop begged for his life?"

"No for his partner's life. He kept saying Brownie's wife is sick and his kids need him. Like I care about some kids I've never met."

"If you don't care why was it the hardest?"

"I don't know maybe it's because he didn't even ask to save himself just his partner." He leaned up against the doorway to the game room and softly said, "I wonder if Joey would have done that for me." He walked into the game room and said, "We maybe waiting for a while so you want to play ping pong or pool?"

They played three games of pool before Starsky came into the room smiling and said, "If you two are done goofing off lets go meet your friend. I'd like to have time to change before the big poker game gets started."

Hutch knew he and Starsky had a lot to talk about so he said, "How about we follow Bill to Fat Rolley's place then you can drop me off by my place on your way home."

Everyone agreed and they followed Bill to Fat Rolley Pawn Shop where they purchase two pistols and a box of ammunition. Fat Rolley was a middle-aged extremely large white male with dark short hair. He was eager to sell the two guns and offered to buy anything the two men could bring in. They left laughing at the irony of him said, "Make sure you come back soon and bring your friends."

Starsky, Hutch and Captain Dobey had agreed earlier to meet at Hutch's house. It was a small cottage consisting of one large room split into a living room, bedroom and kitchen. The small greenhouse area in the back was Hutch's private oasis where he played guitar, painted and escaped the pressures of every day life. Captain Dobey was impressed with how clean the house was kept until he saw the note stuck to the refrigerator signed with a big red heart that read, Ken it took a little longer then usual to clean the house so I didn't have time to finish the laundry. See you next week. He handed the note to Hutch saying, "I heard you two were quite popular with the ladies but having them do your cleaning. I'm impressed." He looked at Starsky and asked, "So what's the young lady look like?"

"Phoebe is not what you'd call a lady more like a large love struck moose." He ducked quickly knowing the couch cushion was heading his way even before Hutch threw it. He felt a sharp pain shoot through his side from the quick movement and clinched his teeth until he could get the pain under control. Hutch moved towards him quickly realizing what he had done but stopped when Starsky pointed his thumb towards Dobey. Hutch distracted the Captain by saying, "You have to check out the sunset from the greenhouse. The Captain turned towards the greenhouse asking, "Didn't the sun set about a half an hour ago?"

"Well yeah but if you wait it will happen again in about twenty-four hours."

Starsky walked over to the kitchen and sitting backward on the kitchen chair said, "Sorry Captain but we use what sometimes passes for humor to deal with stress. Hutch got a confession out of Davis about the murders and as you've already heard from the wire Huggy planted Tallman offered us money to hit Webber and paid us for hitting Gary."

"I'm no legal expert but I'd say with your testimony we can charge Tallman with at least half a dozen crimes." He turned to Hutch and said, "Did Bill give you any specifics about the murders we can use in court."

"No nothing a judge would want. He said Johnson begged for Brownies life and it made him feel bad about killing Johnson. He did mention something about the first cop he killed. Maybe we can figure out when or where the hit took place. He said he was about nineteen years old and that his friend Joey Laden was killed at the scene. They were robbing a market called Millers. I know it's not a lot to go on considering we don't even know what state he was in but maybe we'll get lucky."

"Starsky you're wearing a wire tonight so try to get him to tell you about the murders."

"Let's hope he's early because the deal with Huggy is, as soon as he sees me he tells Bill who I am. When can we move on Tallman?"

"Blaine took the tapes to the D.A. to make sure it will hold up in court. As soon as he gets the word to me I'll let you know." He pulled a bugging device and a roll of tape out of his pocket and said, "Take off your shirt so we can test this out." Starsky hesitated until Dobey snapped, "Now." Starsky carefully removed his shirt exposing the bruise peeking out from under his taped ribs. Dobey glared at both men before asking, "Why are your ribs taped up?"

Starsky looked down at his ribs trying to think of a reason other then the truth for the taped but came up empty. He shrugged his shoulders and looked to Hutch for help. Hutch moved towards Starsky while trying to think of an excuse but said, "When he was fighting with Colby at the school he kind of bruised his ribs. He had them checked and since it was just a bruise we figured why mentions it." He smiled at Starsky who quickly added, "Yeah you seem to be very busy so we figured we'd tell you later."

Dobey knew they were hiding something so he asked, "Which hospital did the X-rays?"

"Oh yeah the X-rays. Hutch tell him about the X-rays."

"Well he kind of didn't wanna go for x-rays so we kind of had Huggy tape him up."

Starsky sat up straight shaking his head in disbelief at Hutch, "I'm sure there not broken and Huggy said he's taped plenty of ribs that were worse then this. I promise if there not better in a week I'll go to the hospital."

"You told me you'd go in a few days if they still hurt."

He rolled his eyes as he said, "Look when we finish the case I'll see a real doctor and even get x-rays if I have too but for now could we just get to Huggy's Place so we can get Huggy in the clear, bust Davis and then take down Tallman?"

Dobey chuckled as he went to tape the device to Starsky's hairy chest saying, "This is going hurt coming off."

Starsky pulled back asking, "How badly?"

"You've been walking around with these ribs for two days and you're worried about how much the tape will hurt. You two are one for the books."

Hutch laughed as he said, "That's how you know when he's really hurt. He'll whine for two days about a cold or hang nail but when he gets seriously hurt he just gets quiet."

"I don't whine when I have a cold I just hate being sick." Captain Dobey gently pushed on his ribs while attaching the device causing him to flinch. He saw the concern in the Captains face and said, "I need to finish this for Johnson's wife, Mary and for his kids."

"Do you think Mary wants revenge?"

"Not revenge closure. I know she needs to have a sense that justice was served. My mom never got justice so she still hasn't been able to let go of what happened to my dad."

"It goes against my better judgment but go ahead. Just remember right after you read Tallman his right I'm taking you to Memorial and that's an order not a request."

"Come on Hutch we have a tea party to attend."

The bar was unusually empty for a Saturday night when the two detectives walked in. They walked over to the bar as they scanned the small group for Davis. Starsky jerked his thumb towards a back booth were Davis was sitting alone drinking a draft beer. Starsky and Hutch walked over to the booth and Hutch asked, "You want company or are you waiting for someone?"

"Sit down; I'm just having a few beers before the game. I never drink while I play but I always have a few before I start to help me unwind."

"We've been talking about..." He looked around to make sure no one was listening before finishing. "...how to hit Webber and we wanted to know if you had any ideas?"

He smiled at Hutch saying, "I told you earlier I have experience. He's a creature of habit so he's an easy target."

"I don't follow you."

"The last two cops I wasted were the easiest because they always kept to the same routine. Johnson always drove and he picked Brown up on the same corner everyday. The corner was at a busy intersection so he'd have to pull over which gave me the opportunity to grab Brown keep him at gunpoint until Johnson pulled up. You should have seen his face as I climbed into the car with Brown." He laughed as he drank his beer. "Webber stops at the coffee shop on High Street every morning before work at six o'clock sharp. If I were you that's where I'd hit him. If you don't want to wait until Monday his girlfriend has a place about three blocks from here. His wife thinks he counsels runaways at the mission on Sunday morning so he'll be there until about noon."

Starsky stared at him for a second holding back the urge to kick his ass then calmly said, "Are you trying to tell us that you killed more then two cops and never got caught?"

"I'm dam careful not to leave behind any evidence and I never talk about the job with people I don't trust. The less people who know the less chance someone will talk."

"So I guess that means you trust us huh."

"I wouldn't have brought you to Tallman if I didn't trust you."

"Do you trust us enough to tell us how you whacked the pigs."

"I used the pistol you used on Gary. The plan was brilliant if I say so myself. I brought them to the warehouse and after I got Brown to call the other cop they were working with to tell him to meet them at the high school for eleven o'clock. I killed them in the office where I killed Jack. I stuck them in Johnson car and drove them to the school. When the other cops showed up, I waited until he was at the car and could tell his friends were dead before I shot. I wanted to make sure he was dead but another car pulled in so I screwed."

"And you ne