"My friends, I've been expecting you!". Kyle waved his hands in greeting as Starsky and Hutch entered the sun splintered room.
"Detective Hutchinson, I've been so looking forward to our meeting. I hope the message I left for you didn't unduly frighten you." Kyle wore a peasant shirt, tied at the neck with black velvet. His pants were black. His feet were bare. His voice would have been soothing in other circumstances but to Hutch, the whole scene was just creepy.
"You killed Justin and put that note in his hand?" Starsky paced around the room taking in the walls of books and the large colorful pillows spread out around the room.
"My no, I would never engage in such a violent activity. In fact, I was very disturbed at how my helper decided to deliver the message to you, Ken. I wanted you to know that the time was near, but not in such a vulgar manner." While speaking, Kyle offered the two detectives a cup of some sort of warm drink. Both detectives peered into their cups, sniffed and poured the contents out on the floor.
Kyle just laughed but kept his dark thoughts to himself. 'This blond will not make me loose my temper' Kyle struggled to keep control of his words.
"So, what's the scam your're running now? And why did you work so hard at getting me here? And the time is near for what?" Hutch wandered around, examining the book titles and pulling one or two out as he did so.
During the exchange between Hutch and Kyle, Starsky slipped out to the car and called for back up. The nut had just admitted he was responsible for Justin's murder. Starsky didn't want to leave anything to chance.
"Oh no scam, I assure you detective. The time is here already. I just wanted to share my passion with you. You already are showing an interest in my new pass time. I just want to provide people with a place to come and wipe out the cruelties of their world. They can come here, have a relaxing herbal tea, read, meditate and just recharge their positive energy." Kyle sat on one of the large pillows on the floor, closed his eyes and seemed to be indulging in his own advice.
In reality, Kyle was plotting his next attack on Hutch. --- I've got to make both of them think I'm just a harmless peace junkie. Yes, they're gonna arrest me but I'll be out by tomorrow but it will be too late!
Starsky came back in and crossed the room to join Hutch. He stared at the silent self proclaimed guru and pulled Hutch into the far corner of the room.
In whispered tones, the men discussed their next move.
"Starsk-- I can't believe this guy is any threat. He's just an ex-con who thinks he's found a way to pilfer money from people dumb enough to fall for the scam. Even if we arrest him, we don't have any proof that he was involved in Justin's murder. He's just trying to keep under the radar and as long as nobody complains---" Hutch broke off his thoughts as Kyle finished his meditation and stood up.
"Well, I don't like it Hutch. He admitted to the murder, he knew--" Starsky's sentence was cut off by the warning finger in his face.
"Starsk, he didn't confess to the murder. He says he just asked someone to deliver a message. He's just playing head games. Get real, we couldn't hold him even on a littering charge. We just need to wait for him to make a mistake." Hutch watched Kyle as he poured himself a cup of the hot brew.
"Please, gentleman, look around. You'll find many interesting books here. David, there are books on ships and some about baseball cards. You see, anything that brings peace to my patrons, I provide. As long as it's legal of course." Kyle smiled broadly and walked over to another book case, ran his finger along the backs of books in one row. He stopped in front of one particular one and pulled it out.
"You see, I found that when I got out of jail, I was different. I only wanted to be surrounded by positive things. No more hurting people or violence. I opened this store and offered my new found wisdom to other unfortunate people, just like me." He walked over to Hutch and offered him the book he had pulled from the shelf.
"Here, Ken this book will be of particular interest to you. It's full of natural healing remedies, health recipies and other-- umm, fascinating information." Kyle handed the book to Hutch and offered him a bow of respect.
"Well, thanks, but we ah, it's not---" Hutch stammered.
"What my partner is trying to tell you is that we aren't allowed to accept gifts. You can keep all your fancy window dressing crap." Starsky shoved the book he had been looking at back into it's place on the shelf. Finally he heard the sirens announcing the back up he had called for.
Hutch handed the book back to Kyle and moved further away from him.
"Well, it's obvious you don't trust me. You've called in the calvary. Very well, do with me what you will, but we all know I'll be out in time to open my little shop of comfort for the noon rush tomorrow!! But Ken, I do wish you would reconsider and take the book with you. It'll be our little secret." Kyle slid back over toward Hutch and handed him the book.
The smile he offered Hutch was rather fake but hid Kyle's real thoughts.
'Just a little longer, sucker. Soon I'll be able to avenge for what you did.
Hutch took the book but once Kyle was busy putting his shoes on and being handcuffed, Hutch set the book back on the nearest table. He shivered and rubbed his arms. He was cold but it was from inside, more like deep down inside.
-----
He followed Starsky out to the car but did not immediately open the passenger door. He stood with his arms across the roof, watching the police car which held Kyle. His eyes narrowed which for Starsky was a sure sign that his partner was worried.
Starsky also stood staring after the police car but had glanced at Hutch and saw the worried pucker between Hutch's eyes.
"You okay with all this? You actually believe this flake?" Starsky questioned.
"Look Starsky-- the guy's gonna be in jail over night and tomorrow once he's out, we'll tail him for a few hours and see what turns up. More than likely he's just another ex con trying to beat the system." Hutch tried to make his voice sound believable so Starsky wouldn't start his smother act. Apparently, it worked.
"Okay Blondie. But if ya want, I'll stay with ya tonight, just to be sure?" Starsky raised an eyebrow in question but received only a raised middle finger in response.
Annoyed, Starsky stuck his tongue out at the blond across the Torino's roof and offered his opinion.
"Excuse me for being concerned. Look, I agree- I think he's just a nut case but if you change your mind, you know my number." With that, Starsky got behind the wheel and waited while Hutch got in the car on the passenger side.
No more was said about Kyle Rivers.
Meanwhile, in a police car headed for Metro lock up-- Kyle sat in the back seat twitching with anger. His face hurt from all the forced smiles and he was just fed up with the peace-nik role he had chosen for himself. Now he just wanted Ken Hutchinson. Make him pay. How dare he turn down his gift of that book. Well, it'll be waiting for you anyway detective. Then the fun can start! You'll learn never to piss off a Matwik!