Work Text:
Brother by My Side
Starsky was reading the newspaper as he waited for Hutch to finish up a report. Starsky might have thought about pretending he was busy, but Dobey was out of the office so he didn’t feel the need to. The phone on his desk rang and he picked it up absentmindedly, still reading the sports’ section.
"Hello, Detective Starsky here...Hey, Aunt Rosie, what can I do for ya?"
Hutch looked up in time to see the colour drain away from Starsky's face.
"What happened?" Starsky asked, his voice strained with emotion.
Hutch quickly went to his friend's side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Have you called Ma?...Okay, I'll drive over now. Bye."
Starsky slowly replaced the receiver and looked up at Hutch in a state of shock.
"Uncle Al?" Hutch asked softly.
Starsky nodded.
"I'll just put my report on Dobey's desk then we can go."
Hutch hurried to sign the last sheet and place all the paperwork together. Then he placed the file on his captain's desk and came back to get his jacket on. Starsky was standing by the door. The two of them hurried out of the room and down to the Torino.
Once they were on their way, Hutch asked, "What happened?"
"Heart attack...At the market. A cashier tried to save him but it was no good. Paramedics couldn't revive him either."
Starsky delivered this speech in a monotone that hid the pain he was starting to feel. Hutch placed a hand on his shoulder. Starsky swallowed.
*****
Hutch made a fresh pot of coffee while Rosie and Starsky made phone calls to different relatives and close friends to break the news. Gradually, the house filled with people as first Rosie’s sister and grown-up sons arrived followed by a neighbour or two and friends from the bowling league, plus the Rabbi from the local synagogue.
When Rosie broke down, Starsky comforted her. Hutch went and tidied the kitchen, trying to keep his own emotions in check. He had spent many happy times at Al and Rosie’s house over the years. The couple, who had given his best friend a home in his teenage years, had readily accepted him into their family whenever Starsky had invited him along to a family gathering.
When the phone was free for a few moments, Hutch rang Dobey and told him what had happened and that Starsky would need to help his aunt the next day with making arrangements for the funeral service. Neighbours came in with plates of food and friends and family alike nibbled as they shared memories and tears together.
It was getting quite late, when Rosie decided she was ready to go to bed. Family members arranged between them, who would sit guard over Al’s body until the funeral service. Hutch gently but kindly escorted people from the house, and then the two of them kissed her goodnight and left. When they neared Hutch's apartment, Hutch said, "Starsk? Do you want to come in? Or do you need some space?"
Hutch knew that Starsky could be intensely private in some areas of his life and would respect whatever decision his partner came to.
As they drew up to Venice Place, Starsky said, "I’m tired. I think I’ll just go home and crash. I'll call ya tomorrow."
Hutch squeezed Starsky's shoulder before getting out. He leaned back in to say, "You know where I am if you need any help...with anything."
Starsky gave him a tired smile. "Thanks pal. I know. Thanks for your help tonight." Starsky nodded at him and drove away.
Feeling suddenly weary himself, Hutch wiped a hand over his face before ascending the stairs to his home. He would pour himself a shot of whiskey and then fall into bed. He needed to be well rested so he could support Starsky as best he could.
*****
It was half way through the next day when Starsky rang the squad room to speak to his partner.
"Hey, how’s Rosie bearing up?" Hutch asked.
"Okay...Funeral is set for tomorrow at three."
Hutch wasn't surprised that the service had been arranged so quickly. He knew it was both a cultural and family custom. Starsky gave Hutch the details and he wrote them down.
"I'll be there."
"Thanks. Ma is getting the earliest flight out of New York she can so she'll get to LAX around midday. Can you collect her for me?"
"Of course...Isn’t Nick coming?"
"Says he can't get the time off."
Hutch heard the disappointment in his friend's voice and inwardly wished he could give Nick a piece of his mind. He imagined Starsky’s mother would have appreciated the company on the six hour flight and Starsky wanted his family close to him at a time like this.
"How are you doing? Do you want company tonight?"
"I don't know what time I'll get away."
Hutch could hear the weariness and loss hovering at the edge of Starsky's voice.
"Doesn't matter if it's late. I'll be there and I'll make up the couch just in case."
There was only a moment's hesitation before Starsky said, "Thanks, pal...I'll call in on my way home."
Hutch replaced the receiver and went to knock on Dobey's door. The captain called him inside and he shut the door behind him.
"How's Starsky?"
"All right. Busy with arrangements. We’ll both need tomorrow off. The service is in the afternoon."
Dobey nodded. "I'll advise Personnel. Let me have the details and I'll make every effort to be there."
Hutch wrote down the time and the place on Dobey's notepad.
Dobey leaned back in his chair and said thoughtfully, "This will be like losing his father all over again. I know Starsky's arrival in Bay City was troubled but his uncle provided a stable home for him. I doubt very much that Starsky would be where he is now if it hadn't been for Mr Shapiro."
Hutch nodded.
Dobey looked at him kindly as he said, "And the Shapiros have been a family to you too. How are you doing, son?"
Hutch sighed. "Still in shock, I think. I can't believe I won't see Al on Rosie's birthday at the end of the month and have him try to persuade me to buy a new car as usual. I guess it will seem real after the funeral."
Dobey nodded. "Once you've finished your filing, why don't you take off? I'll see you and Starsky tomorrow at the service."
"Thank you." Hutch was grateful that he had such a kind-hearted captain, who was like family to him and Starsky. He headed back to the squad room to finish his filing. He planned to stop at the grocery store for some items on the way home. He could prepare something for dinner that he could share with Starsky or leave for him to reheat later.
*****
Hutch was just thinking about dishing out the pot roast he’d made when the door opened and his partner walked in.
“Good timing,” Hutch said cheerfully. “Wash up and then come and sit at the table.”
Starsky nodded as he walked through to the bathroom and disappeared. Hutch placed mats and cutlery next to a bowl of bread rolls, a jug of water and an opened bottle of red wine. He collected two tumblers and two wine glasses from a cupboard and set them out. Then he started serving up the meal onto two large plates.
Starsky appeared and came and sat down. He looked at the meal and sighed. “Looks good.”
Hutch poured the wine and then they started to eat. Hutch made some small talk about what he’d been doing at work and passed on good wishes from a few fellow officers, whom Hutch had let know about Starsky’s bereavement. He didn’t expect Starsky to talk and his partner didn’t say much, just offered the occasional comment. When they’d finished eating, they took their wine over to the couch. Hutch put a record on the player and then settled down next to his friend.
He waited.
After a moment, Starsky said, “I can’t believe he’s gone. I thought he’d retire at the end of this year and bowl out his retirement. He wasn’t that old…Rosie’s coping amazingly well but she’s devastated...And my Mom can’t believe she’s lost her little brother.”
Hutch placed a hand on Starsky’s shoulder and left it there. Starsky pulled a handkerchief out and wiped at his eyes then shoved it back in his pocket.
“Hutch, I gotta ask you something…Me and Rosie want to ask you something…There’s Tony, that’s Al’s brother-in-law, two cousins and a neighbour willing to help me carry the coffin…” Starsky’s voice broke before he could ask the question.
“I’d be honoured, Starsk,” Hutch said softly. “Really honoured.”
Starsky blew his nose noisily and then gave Hutch a smile. “No-one I’d rather have by my side.”
Hutch squeezed his shoulder and swallowed. “Anything else you need?”
Starsky shook his head. “Just this…Just some time to think and someone who understands…Can I stay over?”
“Already told you, you could,” Hutch said with gruff affection. “Dobey’s given me the day off tomorrow and he’ll try to be at the service. I can help you with any running around that needs doing tomorrow and then I’ll go collect your Mom. For now, just rest and be.”
“Thanks.”
*****
Hutch waited at the airport for Miriam Starsky. He saw her before she saw him and noticed how worn out she looked as she made her way across the concourse. Although he was quite relieved that Nick wasn’t there because they didn’t see eye to eye on anything, he wished for Miriam’s sake that she’d been accompanied by her youngest son. He walked quickly over to her and pulled her into an embrace as she started to cry silently. Once, she had her tears under control, Hutch picked up her bag and guided her out of the airport to where he had parked his car.
“Thank you for coming to collect me, Ken.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll take you straight to Rosie’s house. David’s waiting for you there.”
“How’s my boy doing?”
“Sad, but being strong for Rosie.”
Miriam sniffed into her handkerchief. “I’m glad he’s got you to support him, Ken. He’ll need you now more than ever.”
Hutch nodded. “Well, I’ll always be there for him.”
“I know you will.”
*****
Starsky cleared his thoughts as he and the other men lifted the coffin and carried it into the funeral home. He focussed on placing one foot in front of the other, wanting to perform this last duty for his uncle in a befitting manner. Once the coffin was in place, he, Hutch and the other bearers joined the family in the first rows of seats. Starsky held his mother’s hand, offering her support, even as she in turn held onto Rosie’s hand. He was aware of the quiet, solid presence of Hutch beside him and found it immensely comforting.
Family members gave tributes and read readings. Starsky had been relieved when Rosie had asked him if he would read Al’s favourite verse from Psalms, rather than give a tribute. Even doing that was a struggle and he found it very difficult to keep his emotions in check as he read. When he returned to his seat, Hutch nudged his shoulder and whispered, “Proud of you.”
After the service, Dobey voiced his sympathies to the family and shook Starsky’s hand warmly before he returned to work. Family, friends and neighbours headed back to Rosie’s to once again share food, tears and memories. Starsky enjoyed spending time catching up with family that he didn’t get to see often and hearing that his cousin Joel, who’d been working with Al for the last two years, was planning on taking over his uncle’s used car business. As they talked, they laughed and shed tears together. Starsky finally felt able to let his emotions out amongst the safety of family. The pain was somehow made easier to bear by sharing it with others who had loved Al as much as he had.
Aa the afternoon turned into evening, Starsky realised he hadn’t seen Hutch for a while. He wondered if his friend had left but realised almost immediately that Hutch just wouldn’t have done that without coming to find him first. He looked around the house until he heard his friend’s voice coming from near the open front door. As he got closer, he saw that Hutch was sitting on the front step with two small children snuggled up against him – one was a great niece of Rosie and Al’s, the other the grandchild of a next door neighbour. Hutch was reading them a story and doing all the voices.
Starsky listened, enthralled, until the story was done. Hutch became aware of his presence and looked up, a slightly embarrassed smile on his lips. Starsky smiled back.
“There’s ice cream coming out right about now, kids,” Starsky said.
The kids jumped up and sped away. Before Hutch could rise, Starsky lowered himself down onto the step beside his friend.
“What’s the plan with your Mom?” Hutch asked. “Is she staying with you or Rosie and how long for? I forgot to ask her when her plane flies out.”
“She’s here till Sunday. She’s going to stay with Rosie. I’ll come back to work tomorrow and then I can spend Saturday with them both.”
Hutch nodded.
“It’s a shame that we only catch up with some of our families at funerals,” Starsky said. “We all said we should make more of an effort to see each other not wait for the next sad occasion.”
Hutch couldn’t help thinking of Nick: “Some family members don’t even make the effort to catch up at funerals,” but he didn’t say it out loud. The last thing he wanted to do was upset Starsky and stir up his feelings. But he should have known that Starsky would be thinking along the same lines.
“It’s his loss,” Starsky said and they both knew who he meant.
“I’m just sorry you and your Mom didn’t have his support at a time when you need it,” Hutch said softly.
Starsky shrugged. “I got the support of the only brother I need,” he added softly. “One who looks after other people’s children so the adults can catch up, offers a listening ear and stands by my side whenever I ask…and without being asked too. Thanks for being my brother, Hutch.”
Hutch swallowed before saying, “Works both ways, pal. Glad to have you by my side.”
Just then Miriam appeared behind them and placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
“There you are, my boys, I was wondering where you’d got to. Come and sit with me a while.”
Both of them stood up and kissed her on the cheek before following her back into the house, content to be Miriam’s sons by blood and by choice.