Starsky and Hutch: Short Stories

Hidden Guilt

*This story is based off of the episode, "Pariah." I did not paid to write this but it is for entertainment only.*

"Hey, he's just a kid. You killed a kid."

Those words rang in Starsky's ears, killed a kid. At first all he did was just stand there in shock. He didn't move, couldn't think or even speak. He heard voices around him but didn't know what was being said. He looked up as someone yelled the kid's name and then the mother appeared. She knelt down while he stood and watched her cry over the death of her son. The son that he killed. He looked at Hutch who gave him a sympathetic look, but Starsky just looked away when he made eye contact with him. He couldn't face Hutch or anyone at this moment.

Other officers came over to take the statements of those that saw the shooting. He felt a hand on his arm and looked down to see that Hutch was trying to get his attention. He looked up at him and then just walked away. He walked over to his car, put his hand on the hood and lowered his head. He felt sick to his stomach as he focused on his breathing. This was not the first time that he had shot someone but no matter how many times he had, it never got any easier.

Starsky heard Hutch behind him, "We will get his statement at the station. Yes, I know what the procedure is, but we will get his statement. Look, I'm not going to argue with you."

Starsky could hear the frustration in Hutch's voice, and he thought that he must be talking to another officer. He focused on Hutch's voice to keep him from thinking or losing control of his emotions. He felt a hand on his shoulder as he heard Hutch say, "Let's go buddy." He just pushed himself off of the car and then walked over to the driver side to get in. Once he got in the car he just sat there for a moment as he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He put the key in the ignition and started the car. The drive was quiet just like Starsky wanted it. He didn't want any conversations as he knew that he wouldn't be good at it at this moment.

Once back at the station, he gave his statement as Hutch gave his. Then they waited in Dobey's office with IAD while they talked about how there was no other way to save the young kid. Then Dobey came in and told them that his superiors were going to bring this to the media. Hutch was very angry about this idea. Starsky told Hutch that he doesn't go down so easily as he gave him a reassuring look. Even though Hutch gave him the same look back, Starsky knew that Hutch didn't believe him. Starsky didn't even believe it himself. This was ripping him up on the inside and he was doing his best to not show it. Then Dobey left to make the statement to the press leaving Starsky and Hutch by themselves.

Hutch finally let out some of his emotions as he said, "What they're doing to you stinks."

"Yeah," Starsky replied as he sank into the chair trying not to cry. "Oh gosh, Hutch, he was 16 years old."

"He was also an armed felon, who was about to blow your head off."

"Yeah, I know that. And I did what they tell you to do, and I pulled the trigger. But that doesn't change the fact that a 16 year old kid ain't never going to grow up."

Hutch just looked at Starsky as he was trying to find words to help him. He couldn't think of any at the moment, but he knew that Starsky was taking this very hard.

Starsky got up from the chair as he said, "I'm going home."

"Starsk," Hutch said as he reached over to grab Starsky's arm.

"I'm fine, Hutch," he replied as he gave Hutch a soft look.

Hutch just looked at him, because he knew that Starsky was not fine but would leave it for now. "Call me if you need anything," he said, concerned.