Chapter 6

 

The next day didn’t bring them any closer to solving the case.  They spent most of the day in court, waiting to testify in an old rape case.  They’d spent the morning waiting for the judge to appear, and then the case ended up being the last one on the docket.  In the end, it was time wasted; the defendant pleaded guilty at the last minute, hoping for a reduced sentence.

 

“I hate it, Hutch,” Starsky said, loosening his tie, as they walked down the courthouse steps.  “Why can’t these jerks plead guilty before makin’ us waste an entire day?”

 

“I know.  It’s frustrating, but at least he’ll be put away for a while.”

 

“Not long enough,” Starsky muttered as he climbed into the driver’s seat.  “Where to now?”

 

“Well, I have to go by the eye doctor’s to pick up my glasses,” Hutch reminded Starsky, a slight blush rising up his cheeks as he waited for the anticipated teasing to begin. 

 

“Oh, that’s right.”  Starsky hid his smile, as he turned to check out traffic through his side window and mirror, resisting the urge to rub in his partner’s “aging” signs until later.  “How about I drop you off at your car?  I’ve got to make a stop at the library.  We can meet up at Huggy’s later about five.”

 

“Sounds like a plan to me.  I want to get out of this suit and tie, anyway.  What are you going to the library for?”

 

“Just droppin’ off a book.  It shouldn’t take me long.” 

 

Hutch remembering their last visit to the children’s section teased, “What are you going to get now? ‘The Cat in the Hat’?”

 

Starsky glared at his partner.  “What, you don’t like Dr. Seuss either?”

 

After dropping Hutch off at his car, Starsky drove to the library.  What he told Hutch was correct, he did have to return the book, but something had been nagging him and he thought he’d take the opportunity to check it out.  Taking the steps two at a time, he pushed open the door and started looking for Tanya.  He found her assisting a well-dressed, gray-haired gentleman with a cane, search for a book. 

 

Waiting impatiently, he stuck his hands in his pockets and was pleased when he found the two pieces of candy he’d stuck in there the other day.  Unwrapping the butterscotch, he tossed it in his mouth and smiled as Tanya walked toward him.

 

Tanya, unable to resist the smile, greeted him.  “Well, hello, there.  It’s Mr. Starsky, isn’t it?”

 

“Detective Starsky.”  His grin widened farther.  “I wanted to check something with you.”

 

Tanya walked around the end of the counter.  “Well, of course, Detective.  What can I help you with?”

 

“Well, I know that Rose worked here.  Did any of the other victims work here?”

 

Tanya shook her head.

 

“Well, did any or all of them come to the library?  I have a list of the victims’ names.  Could you check for me whether they checked books out regularly?”  Starsky, handing the list over to Tanya, waited as she checked the records.

 

“Well, it looks like all of them have a library card, but this is a neighborhood library and that wouldn’t be so unusual, Detective Starsky.”

 

“I know, but if I show you some photos would you recognize if they’ve come in recently?”

 

“I’ll certainly try.”

 

After looking over the four photos, Tanya admitted that it was possible that all were probably regular customers, having recognized two of the victims—Lucy Ferguson and Lorraine Phelps.

 

Starsky thanked her and started to leave.  Remembering the candy wrapper in his hand, he held it out.  “Would you have a trash back there?”

 

Reaching for the wrapper, Tanya said, “Oh, you like butterscotch.  That was Rose’s favorite, too.”

 

As he turned away, Starsky stopped suddenly.  He turned back, studying Tanya thoughtfully.  “Butterscotch was Rose’s favorite?”

 

“Yes.  It was her favorite.  She was such a sweetheart; she always used to fill the candy jar with the employees’ favorites.  Butterscotch was hers.”

 

“Where’s the candy jar?”

 

Confused, Tanya asked, “What?”

 

“The candy jar,” Starsky requested insistently.  “Get me the candy jar.”

 

Returning quickly with the jar, Tanya held it out to him.  “But there’s some candy left in the dish on the counter, if you want some more—”

 

Starsky studied the jar’s contents, shaking it slightly.  “Who likes the peppermints?”

 

“‘Well, I’m not sure…”

 

“Think Tanya, think.”

 

“Well, Sally likes them and Mable…”

 

“And?”

 

“Well, I think Marty likes them.”

 

“Marty?  Male or female?  Age?” 

 

“Marty is a male, about 36.  Why?”

 

“How long has he worked here?”

 

“About six weeks, I believe.”

 

Excited, Starsky asked, “Did Rose like peppermints?”

 

“No.  I remember her telling me once that she didn’t like them.  Why?”

 

“What’s Marty’s full name?”

 

“Marty Skidmore.”

 

“Thank you, Tanya.”  Starsky kissed her lightly on the cheek and ran out the door to the car.  Sliding into the seat, he grabbed the radio.  “Zebra Three to Control.  Control, come in.”

 

“Control here.  What do you want, Starsky?”

 

“Patch me through to R & I.  I need an address.”