It hadn’t been difficult to fool Hutch. All he had to do was leave a note on the table saying that he was taking a shower. He’d turned the shower on full blast and slipped out the door. He had to get to the bridge, it was his only hope.

He drove through the streets with determination and purpose. He had to stop the haunting at all cost. He thought back to earlier in the evening. Huggy had left and he had a blinding headache. He had convinced Hutch to go to the store since he was out of aspirin. Hutch had refused at first. He hadn’t wanted to leave him alone. But Starsky had insisted that he would be fine and the store was only fifteen minutes away.

Not soon after Hutch left, Starsky received a call. It was Morgan and she wanted to meet him alone at the bridge. Starsky had been numb for a few seconds. Should he tell Hutch? He knew Hutch was due back in minutes. In the end he’d decided to write the note and leave before he returned. He knew that it was stupid to go alone, but Morgan had insisted that they meet alone and he didn’t want to jeopardize the chance to finally confront her by bringing a skeptic

Now he was was nearing the bridge and he broke out in a cold sweat. His head was pounding. He considered going back and telling Hutch. Still, he knew the haunting would continue. Maybe even get worse. He felt the reassuring pressure of his gun and the thought chilled him. Just last night he had almost killed his best friend. All to kill a dead girl. He resolved to leave the gun in the car.

He was at the bridge so he stopped the car and got out, laying his gun on the front seat. The rain had stopped but the bridge was covered with a heavy fog, the wind blowing hard against his body. He was so weak he could hardly stand so he leaned against the bridge for support. He looked down into the dark, swirling waters, remembering the horrible incident that had ended Morgan’s life. He knew that it was suicide, yet he was still convinced in the final moments, she had wanted to live.

Starsky looked around the deserted park. Suddenly all of the adrenalin that had propelled him to the bridge left his body and he slid helplessly to the ground, his breaths coming in short gasps. He looked around for help and was elated to see a figure approaching. The person walked in slow purposeful steps. At first he couldn’t make out who it was and then the figure of Morgan stood on the other side of the bridge, the streetlights illuminating her ravaged skin. Her dead eyes locked with his as the wind blew the white-blond hair around her face. She was coming for him.

Hutch sat listening to the doctor. Doctor Rutherford was a tall man with deep penetrating eyes. Hutch didn’t know much about the man. He’d taken Huggy's word on the validity of the doctor. He had little choice—anything else would have ended Starsky’s career. Now he listened as the doctor told him of his findings.

“There were all sorts of drugs in his system. Some unidentifiable. Most definitely a hallucinogenic. Somebody was trying to make him think he was losing his mind.”

Hutch took a relived intake of air. He was right and now everything would be okay. They would find the person who was doing this. And he knew just where to look, Roger Harlow. The man knew more than he was telling and Hutch would get it out of him.

“This drug. Could it make a person unable to move?” Hutch asked, recalling the symptoms Starsky had mentioned.

“Most definitely. Used the way it is here. But I suggest this is an experimental drug. Not something you’d find in your local pharmacy.”

Hutch shuddered remembering when he had been given a drug against his wishes. “You think it’s habit forming?”

“I doubt it, but then it is an experimental drug.”

Hutch stood. “I’d like you to explain it to my partner.”

The doctor knocked his head in agreement and Hutch headed to Starsky’s room. As he neared the room he could hear the shower running. The thought chilled him— He’d been home for some time and the shower was still on. Concerned, he opened the door without knocking and found it empty. Hutch’s heart raced. There was only one place Starsky would go without telling him. “Oh my God, Hutch exclaimed, grabbing his gun and racing past a stunned Huggy and the doctor.

“Got to go. He’s not here.”

Huggy ran after him, the doctor following. “I’ll go with you. He may need help.”

“Starsky saw the form of Morgan Harlow headed in his direction. He was unable to move, but this time it was not a result of the drug. It was sheer terror. He could feel his heart racing as the streetlights revealed her decaying body. She walked slowly, menacingly towards him. The wind carried the scent of decay. He spoke chokingly. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean for you to die.”

“But die I did. I died while you sat there looking. Now, you’re coming with me.”

She walked quicker now and within seconds she stood before him, her eyes fired with hate.

Starsky attempted to crawl toward the car. Morgan grasped his struggling body, kicking him in the side.

“Please,” he spoke in a shaky voice. “I wanted to save you. I just…I just couldn’t move. I tried.”

“Well, you’re going to die where I died,” she smiled. She reached down and grabbed his hair, forcing him to look at her.

“He’s ready, Roger,” she hissed.

Starsky blinked in confusion. A man he’d never seen approached and stood before him. The man leaned down and grabbed him by the collar, forcing him to stand.

“So we finally meet,” the man growled. “The man who watched my cousin die.”

Starsky trembled as the man yanked him towards the bridge.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Roger Harlow, Morgan’s cousin.”

A short woman approached. She was about seventy with gray hair. It was Morgan’s mother. “You stole the only child I had. Now I’ll watch you die.” Her gray eyes were angry, menacing.

Starsky looked at Morgan questioningly. It was obvious now that she wasn’t Morgan. The whole thing had been a plot to drive him mad. They had almost succeeded.

“I guess another introduction is in order,” she said, bowing as if she were on stage and this was the final curtain. “I am Brittany Harlow, Morgan’s cousin and Roger’s sister. Spitting image of Morgan, wouldn’t you say.”

“Not really,” Starsky gasped. Now that he could take a better look at her, he could see that her resemblance to Morgan was slight. Only fear had made him think she was Morgan before and maybe, he had to admit, Hutch was right and he had been drugged.

“Did you like my cocktail,” Brittany asked. “I put it in your coffee one day when you were gone.”

Starsky thought about the unusual taste. He’d thought it was his imagination. And then he was so desperate to stay awake he hadn’t cared—only buying the new coffee when the old was running low. Now he knew the truth. He’d been drugged and the Harlow family had taken advantage of his weakened state.

Roger punched him in the stomach. “So you thought you got away. Big shot detective and their so called investigation.”

“I tried. I really tried to help,” Starsky uttered as much for himself as for them. In spite of their intent, he still felt guilty.

“Shut up,” Mrs. Harlow said. “I’ve heard enough of your lies. Roger, get on with it.”

Starsky was hosted up by his arms and jerked toward the bridge. “Don’t do this. Your daughter committed suicide.”

“I told her,” Mrs. Harlow said with disgust. “I told her stop going around with people that were not of her class. Then she took up with that cop. Well, I got rid of him. He’s dead just as you will be soon.”

Starsky could see the old woman was quite mad. She continued speaking, her voice harsh. “I had Roger kill him, then bury the body. Nobody will ever find him, I’ve seen to that.”

The truth stung Starsky. “And Morgan went mad grieving over the loss of a man you killed,” he said bitterly.

“She had no business with him. She wanted to leave. Wanted to leave me. I couldn’t have that. I’m an old woman. You see, I had her late in life. She was all that I had. All that I had.” The woman broke down in tears. Starsky found himself feeling sorry for her and then Roger’s voice cut through the sorrow.

“You see, you’re going to jump off that bridge. Everyone going to say you committed suicide. Of course we’ll know the truth.”

“Nobody’s gonna believe I committed suicide.”

Brittany smiled. “Think again. You’ve been acting crazy for almost a month now. Filled with remorse. This was just your way of making things right.”

“My partner. My partner, gonna come lookin’ for you. He’ll never believe I’d kill myself. You can bet on that.”

“So there’ll be a coroner’s inquest. Fitting, don’t you think?”

Roger stepped back, letting Starsky hold on to the rail of the bridge for support.

“Now you got two choices. You can either stand here and I get to shoot you or you can take your chances and jump.”

Hutch raced through the streets, sirens blaring. Huggy sat next to him, holding on for dear life. The doctor sat quietly in the back seat. Hutch had called for backup and an ambulance. He had a bad feeling about this. If Starsky left in the middle of the night, someone had to have called him and asked for a meeting. That could only mean Morgan and Starsky had gone to the bridge.

Hutch removed the mars light and doused his headlights as he approached the park. He didn’t want to alert anyone to his presence.

“The bridge isn’t far. I’m gonna get out and walk.” He took his gun out and got out of the car, the doctor and Huggy following.

“Backup should be here any minute. You two stay in the car.”

“No way, man. I’m coming with ya.” Huggy said.

“I’m coming too,” the doctor said. “You may need help.”

Hutch knew it was a waste of time to argue and he didn’t have time.

“Come on, but stay out of site.”

The three of them took off running toward the bridge.

“We’re going to see that you suffer as Morgan suffered in her final moments. Too bad we can’t provide a car for you to die in. Jumping will just have to do.” Roger said, pointing the gun. “Now, climb up there or stay here and die. Your choice.”

Starsky looked down at the dark waters. He’d never liked heights, but at least jumping provided some chance at life. He’d survived once, he could do it again. He climbed on the ledge of the bridge. It was difficult, he was so weak. He wondered if he would have a better chance with Roger’s bullet.

Hutch rounded a corner and saw Starsky standing on the bridge ready to jump. He almost didn’t notice the three people standing in back of his partner he was so intent on the scene before him. But then he saw the gun and a woman standing there in a green dress. He was too far back to be noticed, and unfortunately too far to use his gun. He gestured for Huggy and Doctor Rutherford to stay back. He then proceeded to head for the bridge. He moved fast and stealthily. He didn’t have time to spare and his heart leaped at the implications.

“Jump, now and die.” Mrs. Harlow ordered.

The wind whipped around Starsky causing him to sway. He felt faint and struggled to keep his balance. He couldn’t afford to just fall, he needed to brace himself before jumping. He moved forward, looking at the black waters. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the water when he heard the commanding voice of his partner.

“Police. Put the gun down or it’s the last thing you’ll do.”

Starsky saw Hutch standing there with a gun pointed at the group in front of him. Huggy and a man he didn’t know were quickly approaching.

“Step away from him now, everybody. Starsky get down from there.” Hutch ordered.

Starsky felt relief. He knew Hutch would come. Deep down he knew his friend would know where he was and get there in time before he jumped. He swayed as he sought purchase on the ground beneath. Later, he would recall what happened next in slow motion. One moment he was standing on the bridge, preparing to get down and the next he heard the old woman shout and felt her hands push him off the bridge, his body falling helplessly into the dark waters below.

Hutch watched helplessly as the old woman pushed his partner off the bridge. He was vaguely aware of the sounds of sirens and Huggy grabbing his hand, taking the gun and telling him to go.

Hutch dashed for the bridge, stripping his jacket and shoulder holster as he ran. He dived into the water in seconds, the cold water momentarily stunning him. He had to find Starsky. He knew his partner stood little chance of surviving in his weakened condition.

Starsky felt the black waters surround him. He fought feebly to stay on the surface of the water, but soon found himself sinking uselessly to the bottom. He held his breath for a moment and then gasped as the water entered his nose. Then time seemed to stand still. He saw Morgan sitting in the car. He saw himself watching her. He saw Hutch crying at his funeral. Just as quickly, the images were replaced with his past life--he and Hutch laughing while watching a football game, he and Hutch working their first case, the emptiness he felt when he realized Terry was dying, and finally being shot in the police garage. Then the images faded into the vast darkness and there was nothing.

Hutch came to the surface for a breath of air and just as quickly returned to the water. He would find Starsky even if it meant his own death. He searched the black depths, his eyes searching for any signs of his friend. He recalled the life he had with Starsky and the emptiness of his life before his best friend. He felt his tenacious hold on the dark-haired detective drifting away and it terrified him. He realized the water was too dark to find his partner and swam by instinct. Somehow he would feel the presence of Starsky and find him. Somehow, he thought desperately. And then he saw a slight movement and swam towards it.

Huggy stood looking into the water. It had been only minutes since the blond detective had left him guarding the three people and dived into the water. Now the cops held them and Huggy waited patiently for a sign that his two friends would survive. He knew he could lose both of them. There was no doubt in his mind that Hutch would die rather than leave Starsky to drown.

“Please, Lord, save them both,” he uttered, eyes closed.

Huggy released a breath when he saw a blond head arise from the water with an unconscious Starsky in tow. The blond pulled the detective to a small piece of land beneath the bridge and started to administer CPR. The doctor moved forward and took over, the blond swaying on his feet as he watched the doctor try to save his partner’s life. Huggy prayed. He’d never been a praying man, but he prayed now for the two best friends he ever had. He watched with relief as the brunet coughed.

Epilogue

Two weeks later:

Starsky smiled as he caught another fish. They were sitting in a boat with several fish and a cooler filled with beer.

“I’m on a roll today, Hutch. By the way, how many did you catch?” Starsky said teasingly.

Hutch looked at the man who meant so much to him. Just weeks ago he had been on the verge of a nervous breakdown caused by the plot of a bitter old woman who wanted to blame the world for something she had caused. Now, the brunet was happy, rested, back to normal. It hadn’t been easy. Starsky spent many nights suffering from nightmares about Morgan. Hutch had been there waking him from the nightmares; Talking to him when sleep wouldn’t come; soothing him with calming words when despair threatened to be his constant companion. In time, Strarsky had learned to forgive himself for Morgan’s death. He realized the young woman with so much ahead of her had chosen to leave this world. He hadn’t caused her to make that decision.

Hutch was momentarily solemn as he thought about Morgan’s fiancé. His body had been found with the help of Roger. The man had been shot and buried on the night he disappeared. Now the family would stand trial for the murder of the fiancé and the attempted murder of Starsky. They would pay. He would see to that.

“Didn’t catch any and you know it.” Hutch replied, a glint of humor in the words.

Starsky smiled and became serious as he looked at the glistening blue waters of early Saturday morning. “Thanks, Hutch,” he said simply, removing the fish and casting it into the pail.

You’d have done the same for me.” Hutch replied, knowing that Starsky spoke of the Morgan haunting.

Starsky shuddered like a cold hand ran up his spine.

“They’re gonna be put away for a long time, Hutch. I ain’t got no reason to worry about them.”

Hutch put a reassuring hand on Starsky’s back. “Course not. The judge will throw away the key. They willfully attempted to kill a police officer. They drugged you and planted listening devises in your bedroom. ”

Starsky recalled what they found—listening devises in his bedroom along with a small camera hidden behind the bookcase in the living room. The drug they had given him caused him to stay awake which made him more likely to believe he was being haunted by Morgan. The drug also caused his terrifying inability to move. It was an experimental drug developed by the Harlow family. Without the drugs, Starsky realized that Brittany didn’t even resemble Morgan.

“You okay, buddy?” Hutch asked, noticing the pensive expression on Starsky’s face.

“I’m still not sure.”

Hutch looked at Starsky with alarm, but said nothing.

“Ya think it was all caused by sleep deprivation?” Starsky added without meeting Hutch’s eyes.

“Of course, you don’t really think Morgan…”

“Course not, silly.” Starsky said, his voice low, his eyes telling a different story.

Hutch looked at the far off look in Starsky’s eyes. He’d seen that look many times since Morgan’s death. His friend had gone through a lot. He had looked death in the face twice and survived. Hutch knew he still had moments of doubts. Starsky had described the visitations, the fear of not being able to move.

“She has no power against the two of us,” Hutch said simply.

Starsky met his eyes, the seriousness dissolving into a smile, “Lets face it, nothin’ can beat the likes of us. We’re invincible.”

Hutch stood and grabbed two cans of beer from the cooler. The blue waters were crystal clear, the sound of birds soothing to mind and body and his best friend was at his side once again. Life was indeed good.

Fin