FAULT LINE

CHAPTER 5

EPICENTER OF THE SOUL

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That afternoon, both detectives were seated in front of Captain Dobey. Hutch sat with his legs stretched out in front of him and his arms crossed. He looked very bored and did not even acknowledge Starsky's presence. On the other hand, Starsky sat forward in his chair, thinking about how to move forward with this frustrating case.

The case was just about to get more muddled with the news the ringing phone would reveal.

Dobey picked up the call, listening and writing a few notes as the conversation continued.

"You say sometime early this morning? Same details as before? Well, okay. Yeah, they're here already. They'll be down in about 1/2 an hour. Secure the area and get the scene photographed."

Without saying good bye, Captain Dobey slammed the phone down and covered his eyes with his hands briefly. He looked up at the two men in front of him and shared the latest murder news.

"Arlene, from the dance club was killed this morning. Same characteristics as the last murder. You better get down there. Not much to go on but the lab is on their way."

Dobey had both men's attention now. Hutch pulled his legs under him and settled his elbows on his knees as Starsky spoke.

"I just can't believe there haven't been any clues. No leads even. I don't even have a hint as to who it could be." Starsky scratched his head with his hand and let out a frustrated sigh.

"Neither of you came up with any ideas about the note?" Captain Dobey asked.

Starsky looked confused and glanced over at Hutch. The blond man swallowed and suddenly sat up straighter in his chair.

Captain Dobey opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a piece of paper. Dobey held out the note which was snatched out of his hand by a very dark eyed Starsky.

"Umm Starsk, forgot to tell you about that." Hutch cringed as Starsky stood up and started to pace with the paper in his hand. He stopped in front of the window and turned to face Hutch. The hard set to his mouth and the flared nostrils were enough for Hutch to know that he had screwed up again.

"Explain that,-- buddy! When were you planning on sharing this stuff with me? You want to work the case yourself? You still trying to compete? Well, ---" His tirade was interrupted with Hutch's warning finger between them and the icy blue eyes riveted on Starsky's dark blue ones.

"Just one second Starsky. If you'd stop trying to be such hot sh---"

Dobey interrupted both men with a booming shout.

"I've had just about enough of both of you. Whatever the hell is the problem, seems more of a personal matter which has no business being part of this case. If you can't perform your duties as professionals, then tell me now and I'll put another pair of detectives on this case. If I'm forced to do that, then both of you will be suspended without pay until you resolve what ever the hell is the matter! Do I make myself clear?" The captain had ended his tirade and was breathing heavy with the emotion it took to speak so harshly to his best detectives.

Starsky and Hutch mumbled their apologies to Captain Dobey and assured him that they could continue the case without further incident.

The men filed out of the office with Hutch sitting heavily at his desk. Starsky joined Hutch but did not sit down. Hutch looked up into the dark blue eyes of his partner and saw disappointment and anger.

"Starsky, I'm sorry. I've been a real bastard lately." Hutch whispered.

"You said it, I didn't", Starsky agreed and perched on the back of his chair, opposite the blond man.

"Starsky, it's just that the note didn't mean anything at the time and I was just generally pissed the other night. Is it too late to discuss it now?" Hutch sat up in his chair and stretched his back, working out the tension that had grabbed his spine.

"Nah, just don't shut me out okay? So you think that note refers to the killer's fetish for dyed blonds?"

"Starsky, I guess so. But back to the original question. What's he got against blonds? And I didn't know Arlene was blond. I guess she was wearing a dark wig. That was enough to set our guy off so he killed her. Must've followed her home and waited for his chance."

Starsky sat back down briefly on the chair and studied Hutch. Suddenly restless, he got back up and placed his hands on the desk, staring at Hutch.

"Hutch, you getting any sleep at all? You look like crap. What's up with you lately?"

"Well, thanks for the compliment! I don't know, I just seem to be sliding down a deep crevice and can't find a firm grip to pull myself up. One other thing Starsky, I'm sorry----"

Both men turned as the door to the squad room swung open, whooshing in the sounds from the hall.

Kira filled the room with her smile and her smell, causing both men to think very different things about the female member in this case. But Kira broke their concentration as she hurried up to Starsky. She had her hair pulled back and wore a pink T-shirt and wore her own version of tight jeans.

"I just got a call that there was another murder. Did you guys realize Arlene was blond?" Kira stopped in front of Starsky. His back was still to Hutch as he had watched her enter the room. Kira finished her sentence and pulled Starsky in for a hug. There was no space between their bodies. Kira lifted her head back as Starsky nuzzled her neck.

Hutch found himself rooted to the spot. He felt like some peeping Tom, watching the two together but the very next second, he became an unwilling part of a threesome. Just as Starsky nudged Kira's ear, she winked at Hutch and licked her lips.

Changing gears, Kira turned her attention to the reason for her visit.

"So we really should get to the crime scene fellas. David, can I ride with you?" Suddenly all business, Kira picked up her purse and headed out the door.

Starsky made a low growl in his throat and elbowed Hutch.

Hutch grabbed Starsky as he turned to follow Kira. The unspoken concern on Hutch's face erased the smile and sparkle in Starsky's eyes. Hutch was heartbroken as the trusting appearance of his partner was replaced with the darkening blue eyes.

"Look, Starsky. We need to talk. Be careful with Kira. She's not right for you. You need to-----"

If Hutch thought that he and Starsky could have a heart to heart there in the squad room, he was mistaken. At the mention of Kira's name, Starsky became angry again. Hutch didn't get to finish what was in his heart before Starsky shook out of Hutch's hold. The dark haired man cast a last warning look at Hutch before he turned his back on him and headed toward Kira.