FAULT LINE

CHAPTER 4

EPICENTER OF THE SOUL

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Joey prowled the perimeter of the club, watching Arlene. He knew she was his next target but he needed to record her habits and follow her to be sure she didn't suspect that he had discovered her cover. After watching for awhile, he went to Chenille to pay for time and invited Arlene to join him for a game of pool. All through the game, he kept staring at her hair, wondering how she could think that the black wig would keep him from discovering her intentions. These spies had gotten clever over the years but Joey was good at sniffing them out and stopping their threats from being carried out. He had spent enough time in Viet Nam to know that the dark haired inhabitants were crafty people and would stop at nothing to infiltrate his territory. He was getting excited about finishing this case. He thought that tonight would be the best time to eliminate this current problem.

Joey and Arlene played a couple games of pool then Arlene punched out to be with another customer. Joey just hung around playing the pin ball games and watching. Joey had met Kira before but didn't think she was the most important spy. But after tonight, he'd have more time to follow her around and see what she knew.

While Joey kept a sharp eye on Arlene, the three principle detectives converged on The Golden Lady for another night of tension. Kira stood watching the dancers, waiting for Starsky or Hutch to show up. She turned around when she heard Hutch talking to Chenille. He payed for his time and moved over to the time card machine. Kira joined Hutch, reaching over to stroke his arm. Hutch was just reaching over for her time card when Starsky appeared, taking the time card out of Hutch's hand.

"Can we agree to all do our jobs tonight? Let's get serious and find the guy we're after." Starsky spoke softly and glared at Hutch, who of course had his dark glasses on. Hutch was also leaning in toward Kira. He propped himself against the wall with one shoulder. The body language irritated the hell out of Starsky.

Before anyone could answer, a client shoved his way between Hutch and Kira, grabbed her time card and punched in her time. He swept her away, leaving the two men together.

Hutch shrugged his shoulders and scolded Starsky.

"Well, never saw this side of you before. Who put you in charge tonight?" Hutch leaned against the wall and pushed his hat further down over his eyes.

"Hutch, cool it will ya? Can't you stop being a jerk for one night? Besides, can't you handle the efficient side of the team?" Starsky just looked exasperated at his partner.

"Starsky, I never knew you could be such a stuffed shirt. Just mind your own business, cover Kira and leave me alone. You won the toss for Kira buddy, so just wipe the smirk off your face." Hutch pushed away from the wall and went over to dance with Susan.

The night wore on until the lights began to flash, signaling last call for all the time cards. It came none too soon for Joey. He was anxious to complete his mission so he went out to his car to wait for Arlene. He would follow her home tonight and watch for his opportunity in the morning.

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Hutch was anxious too to get this night over with. He followed Susan home and went with her inside to make sure everything was secure.

"Hey Hutch, do you want some coffee or something before you go to your car for the night?" Susan didn't feel comfortable around the blond detetective. She always felt as if he didn't like her or that he was bored. She did however want him to stay awake while he was in front of her house.

"Oh, sure Susan. Thanks." Hutch didn't stay to chat. While Susan was making coffee, Hutch went to check around the outside of the house and came back in long enough to get his coffee before he went back to his car. He didn't see the need for idle chatter, he just wanted his shift to be over. What he really wanted was to be with Kira again.

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Joey had stayed all night out front of Arlene's house. He kept a running report, recording a verbal diary of his observations and plans. He decided to wait till late morning before attacking her. He'd wait till the husband went to work then follow through with his assignment. He looked over at the knife laying on the seat beside him. He picked it up, running his hand over the smooth back of the blade.

It was a quiet neighborhood and he didn't expect any problems carrying out his plans. He must have fallen asleep because when he opened his eyes, the sun was bright and he saw Arlene pushing a shopping cart toward her house. He decided that was a good way to get invited into the house. He got out of the car and appoached her, introducing himself as a club member where she worked.

"Oh, Joey, yeah, well I'm surprised you recognized me without my wig. It's not safe down there right now being blond."

"Oh, it's okay Arlene. I was in Nam and it's my job to be able to recognize disguises. Here, I can help you in with your packages." Joey, licked his lips in anticipation as he grabbed a shopping bag.

He followed her in the house, slamming the door behind him. Too late, Arlene realized her mistake and now she was trapped. The groceries dropped. The bags broke and so did the eggs. She winced at the mess but didn't try to move,although she cried out to her empty house. Her neighbors were all at work, including her husband. There was no way she could stop what was about to happen.

But Joey had other ideas. He enjoyed drawing out his plans. He grabbed her around the neck, the knife edge sharp against her ear. His leg began to throb because of spending so much cramped time in his car. He pushed her ahead of him, into the living room. He pushed her down on the couch. Now he reached in under his jacket and pulled his gun out. He sat in the other chair and straightened his leg out in front of him. He put the knife in his lap, eyeing it with pleasure. He sat, saying nothing further. He watched her, holding his gun on her and rubbed his leg. The gun became too heavy and it slid out of his hand. The knife seemed to take on a life of its own. He looked at the gun on the floor and kicked it away from Arlene. She tried pleading but Joey didn't seem to hear. She tried telling him he was her favorite client at the club. She tried it all in vain.

He waited until his adrenaline rose again then quickly grabbed the knife and slit her throat before her scream reached the far corner of the room. Satisfied, Joey picked up his gun, wiped the knife off on his pants, let himself out of the front door and casually walked back to his car. He sat and made another entry into the recorder. He was pleased with how well everything had gone. But he knew there was one more thing he had to do. The last dyed blond would have to be destroyed, along with their headquarters. Well, he could wait a few days for that. Right now, he needed to get back to his room and decompress. He looked forward to the reports of his mission in the enemy papers. They were all so stupid.