A/N Thanks to Shergar for checking this story over for me. Different aspects of this story were researched as closely as possible. I am thankful for the assistance I received from two individuals who helped me with my research. Those two are mchicken and EKWTSM9. I hope they know how grateful I am that they took the time and trouble to help me out when my internet was moving way too slow.
Disclaimer I do not profit from the characters from "The Streets of San Francisco" I am not the creator of the series, that is Quinn Martin.
The Mark Of Scorpio
In any big city or smaller town, crime was usually a fact of life. Sometimes that fact of life could cause heartache for not only the citizens but law enforcement as well. San Francisco was definitely no different. They had become known as the bicycle bandits. Their M.O. being their crimes and getaways were done via bicycle. Unsuspecting tourists and locals alike were their victims. While most of the robberies were perpetrated in Golden Gate, nobody really knew which area would be hit next, although it seemed they never struck in the neighborhoods that had steep hills. For almost two months there had been no real physical harm, other than a wrenched arm as a purse or knapsack might be grabbed as they whipped by their victim. It was known that while the two criminals worked together, there had been times only one was spotted. Then, one day, they tried to hit the wrong victim and that crime got two homicide detectives involved in their crimes.
It had been a warmer than usual mid-March day when Mike Stone and Steve Keller arrived at the crime scene. They noticed once again Bernie was there ahead of them. As he finally finished, he saw they'd arrived.
"While I can't be a hundred percent I would say her death was caused by the broken neck she got when she fell down the steps. I'll let you know something definitely this afternoon," Bernie promised with a strong resolve.
"Thanks Bernie," Mike responded.
"I just was thankful that wasn't my wife. I hope you two get these characters caught and soon." Bernie spoke with a tone that didn't hide his anger at this senseless death. "Claire was lucky that she'd just locked her purse in the trunk when she saw two cyclists headed her way that day."
"She was very fortunate. Good thing they didn't want to take time to try and break into the trunk. Going to Bryant Street probably saved her life, Bernie." Steve recalled how frightened Bernie's wife had been.
"I'll say it did. I'd better head back so I can get the autopsy started," Bernie stated as he headed to his car.
Steve and Mike thoroughly yet quickly did their job, hopeful for any clues they could pick up. After they'd finished talking to the witnesses, they made their way back to their car to head to Bryant Street. Mike noticed that Steve took a few detours as they were on way to their intended destination. He finally couldn't hold his tongue any longer.
"Say where are you going, hotshot? We could have already pulled into Bryant Street by now. What's with all these detours?" Mike didn't mince his words.
"This area is big with cyclists..." Steve started to explain.
"So is the whole city of San Francisco or haven't you noticed? The whole bay area in fact is a mecca for cyclists. It's a cheaper way to get around than by car," Mike retorted.
"Do you want to hear this or don't you, Mike?" Steve inquired as patiently as he could muster.
"Go ahead, Professor continue with your lecture. Forgive me for interrupting," Mike answered with a smile.
"You're forgiven. As I was saying, when I was in college one of the guys had a sister who worked in a bike shop around here. It's possible she might have seen these guys. I mean if they came in for something for their bikes. I thought we could stop there to see if someone that fit the descriptions had been in," Steve suggested.
"You know, buddy boy that's not a bad idea," Mike admitted. "My question though is how do you know she still works at that same bike shop?"
"She and her husband own the shop now. They bought it from the former owners when they wanted to retire," Steve answered before Mike could think anything else.
Steve found a parking place as close as he could to the shop. As he and Mike entered the shop, they discreetly studied the customers. Mike had seen the smile of recognition directed Steve's way from the lady behind the counter. They waited in an out of the way position until the customers had thinned out. Once the last one had left the lady hurried over to greet Steve with a hug.
"Steve it's been a long time. How've you been?" Kay asked with a smile.
"Doing good. How about you and Blake?" Steve inquired after he had returned the hug.
"We're really good, we both stay pretty busy with the shop. I've got a feeling this isn't a social call though." Kay spoke with an inquisitive tone.
"Not this time I'm afraid. This is my partner Lieutenant Mike Stone. You've heard about the robberies that have been done via bicycle?" Steve inquired.
"Yes, the papers called them the bicycle bandits. If you're on the case now that means it's not just robbery anymore." Kay wasn't about to pretend ignorance.
"Yes, that is what the paper has been calling them. Sad to say it has become a widely used name for them, even among some police," Mike answered as he shot a sideways glance at Steve.
"What? What are you looking at me that way for, Mike? You know I don't refer to them as that, I had a good teacher," Steve grinned.
Mike chose not to answer as another customer entered and was helped by another worker. Steve and Mike spoke in quiet tones with Kay; explaining what descriptions they had of the two they wanted. They told her what their request was. She agreed without hesitation.
"Here's a card with the number on it to call. It was nice meeting you, Kay." Mike shook her hand.
"It was nice to have met you too, Lieutenant. I'm glad to finally have met the man that Steve talked of so often." Kay smiled warmly.
"It's Mike," Mike told her.
"Say hi to Blake for me, Kay. I'll see both of you soon as I can," Steve assured her.
He and Mike headed back to Bryant Street. Mike met with Captain Rudy Olsen while Steve worked on reports. Just as Steve had finished the reports and had looked them over Mike returned. Steve noticed an odd look on Mike's face. He picked up the reports and met Mike at the coffee pot.
"Want a cup, buddy boy?" Mike inquired.
"No thanks, I've already got one on my desk. What's wrong? Did something go wrong at the meeting with Olsen?" Steve asked.
"No the meeting was fine. I've just got this nagging feeling. It's probably those two guys. Did Bernie call by the way?" Mike wondered as they headed toward his office.
"Yeah, her death was definitely caused by her neck being broken during her fall. He thinks she was alive for a minute or two once she landed at the bottom of the stairs." Steve informed Mike.
"I hope that we catch those vermin before they hurt another innocent person," Mike snapped with a troubled look. "I wish I knew what it was I've forgotten."
Just then the squad room door opened. Steve glanced that way as he stood in the doorway of Mike's office. He realized what not only Mike had forgotten but himself as well.
"Uh oh. Mike, it's not what you forgot it's who. And I forgot too." Steve stated with a fast blush, his eyes glued on the person headed toward Mike's office. Mike looked at Steve questioningly then saw his daughter appear.
"Uh oh is right, buddy boy." Mike moved to hug Jeannie tight. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry Steve and I got wrapped up in a case..."
"And just forgot that you two were to pick me up at the airport," Jeannie finished for Mike and saw him and Steve nod, both very embarrassed. "Well, I have to admit when I stood waiting I was a bit perturbed. I knew though if you two forgot me for the first time ever you had a good excuse."
"We're really sorry, Jeannie. It wasn't intentional, I promise you," Steve assured her as they exchanged hugs.
"I know, Steve. Just don't let it happen again, next time I won't be so easy on you." Jeannie grinned and Steve mirrored it. "I had a taxi run me by the house to leave my bags before it brought me here. I should have called though." Jeannie realized the timing wasn't great.
"No, it's fine that you came. How about dinner? Have you eaten?" Mike inquired.
"Not yet. It's okay though, I know you guys are busy." Jeannie smiled. "I'll grab something at the house. Have you two eaten though?"
As Steve got his jacket on, Mike grabbed his hat and overcoat. Steve steered Jeannie toward the door as Mike followed. Jeannie knew better than to argue after all her time of dealing with those two.