FAULT LINE- PART 2

TREMORS

CHAPTER 13

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A few days passed without any murders at the Golden Lady Dance Club. A few days had also passed without further arguments or harsh words between Starsky and Hutch. This was mostly due to the fact that they were keeping to themselves lately. Starsky was just getting tired of the Hutch he didn't know but was just as confused as to his own uncertainties and restless mood.

He couldn't understand why his mood had not improved the more time he spent with Kira. He was sure that he loved her but still felt that something was missing. He couldn't blame it all on his poor relationship with Hutch. There was something in himself that needed examined. He wasn't feeling fulfilled with the job lately and that in itself was a mystery. He had always loved the work he did. He felt that he served a need to the community and was always proud that he could function as a cop.

But he didn't have time for any more introspection. Currently he and Hutch were in Captain Dobey's office summarizing what they knew about the murders and what ideas they had about the killer. Starsky was lost in thought about the club, trying to see the faces in his mind. He had no feeling about anybody in particular which bugged him. His gut was always on alert during an assignment but this time, there just wasn't even that little voice nagging at him to think.

His head snapped up and he looked directly at Captain Dobey at the mention of a note. This was news to him. What note?

"Cap, what did ya find? What kind of note?" Starsky stood up and moved closer to the desk. He stood with his back to Hutch and watched as the captain pulled out a piece of paper from the drawer.

"Starsky, You didn't know about this? Chenille brought it to me and I called Hutch the other day about it. Couldn't find you so Hutch and me brainstormed about it."

Starsky grabbed the note from his captain's hand and looked at it and at Hutch at the same time. The fire in his eyes made Hutch cringe. He was seeing that same angry look in the dark haired man's face a lot these days.

"Sorry, buddy, forgot to tell you I guess.", Hutch said in a small voice. He bent his head to avoid the continued smoldering glare.

Starsky slapped the piece of paper against his thigh and started pacing.

"So what were you waiting for- buddy!? You still trying to be top dog? Still want to make the rules up as you go along? Still want to--"

"Just a damn minute, Starsky! If you'd quit the holier than thou attitude and stop being such a ---"

The tension was interrupted when the phone on Captain Dobey's desk rang. The dark eyes offered a glare of their own as Dobey picked up the call.

"This morning? Crime lab there? What? Yeah, they're here-- I'll tell 'em. Get the place secured, get pictures, you know the drill. Be careful and no slip ups. We need answers!"

Dobey slammed the phone down and rubbed his face with his hands.

"Another murder of one of the dance club girls this morning. Arlene was killed. Same characteristics. No clues. Crime lab is down there now."

He sighed heavily and stood up to his full bulk. He wanted his next words understood completely.

"You have work to do. Understand that I expect you to conduct yourselves appropriately. What just went on in here before that phone call is inexcusable! I will not have this kind of bickering between two qualilfied detectives. So listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you. You two sound like you have a personal problem. It has no place here, you guys know that. If you can't figure it out, I'll replace both of you and suspend you without pay!"

The Captain's voice rose in undeniable anger and followed the men as they hurried back to their desks.

Hutch went straight to his desk and plopped down on the chair. Starsky paced for a minute, shoving his hand distractedly through his hair.

"Sorry, Starsk. The note just didn't seem to mean much."

"Hutch, it wasn't up to you to decide that. Don't shut me out of this. What's the problem lately huh?" Starsky stopped his pacing to stand in front of Hutch. He leaned his hands out on the desk and stared into the sky blue eyes.

"I know I'm being a bastard lately. Don't know what the hell is wrong but, I'm sorry."

"Well, I won't argue with your description Hutch. But--"

Their conversation was cut short when the squad room door opened. They both turned as Kira entered with a smile for both men. Each man attached very different reactions and memories to that smile.

"Just heard about the latest murder boys. We best get to the scene!" Kira explained as she moved toward the men.

Starsky still had his back to Hutch when he opened his arms to receive Kira in his embrace. Hutch was momentarily uncomfortable with the open affection. Until he looked up and Kira winked at him and ran her tongue over her lips all while Starsky was nuzzling her neck.

Kira broke away from the embrace and took Starsky's hand.

"Can I ride with you David? Hey, I'll wait for you. I'll meet you at your car." Kira moved back out the door and Starsky let out a low contented growl.

He turned back around to Hutch but was confused with the sad look on Hutch's face.

"Starsky, we need to talk. There's too much shit going on and we need to figure it out."

"I agree but not now I guess. Look, we'll hook up at Huggy's later, grab a brew and catch up!" Starsky bounced with anticipation but stopped at Hutch's next words.

Hutch took Starsky's arm in his and pulled him closer, craving the bond, wanting to heal the problem.

"Starsky, just one other thing. Be careful. I don't - Kira's not right for you. You're gonna get hurt!"

The last sentence was mumbled as Starsky pulled away. Hutch looked down at his arm. The hurt in Starsky's eyes sent prickles through his arm as if he'd just been stung by a jellyfish. No other words were said as Starsky just shoved away from the blond. He grabbed the exit door and it banged against the file cabinets. Hutch watched his friend move with anger down the hall and toward Kira.