After they had finished dinner and visited a good while, Steve dropped Jeannie and Mike off at their house. He had intended to head home as well but a call over the police radio changed his mind. Even though what he heard wasn't a homicide, he couldn't help the thought the perpetrator might be one of the two they had been looking for. It wasn't long before he arrived at the scene. He saw an officer with a middle aged man and headed toward them. Just as Steve arrived to where they stood, two robbery detectives arrived as well.

"Hey, Steve, I didn't know you'd transferred to robbery," Inspector Al Sylvester joked.

"I haven't. Just wanted to see if the guy tonight could be one of the two Mike and I are after. You guys mind if I observe?" Steve inquired out of professional courtesy.

"I already told all of this to Officer Wincott. Do I really have to go over this again?" Jack Guthrie asked.

"Just once more for now. I know Officer Wincott took your statement but we'd like to hear it for ourselves if you don't mind." Inspector Sylvester's tone indicated this wasn't exactly a request.

"I came here to take some night shots. I had been walking with my camera bag on my shoulder. I saw this cyclist, he was doing tricks with his bike. It caught my attention and I snapped his picture, in fact quite a few. It struck me then that might not have been too smart as I recalled the bicycle bandits. Anyway I turned to leave I thought maybe he hadn't noticed. As I was moving though, I heard this sound and realized it was a bicycle. I managed to duck into the public restroom and locked the door. I unloaded my film from my camera. When I'd secured it in my inside jacket pocket I left the restroom. I walked with my bag slung loosely over my shoulder. I guess he'd been looking for me when I disappeared. As I was headed toward where my car was parked he raced by and snatched my bag and took off," JackGuthrie explained.

"You've got pictures you think?" Inspector Reuben Williams couldn't hide his interest.

"I'll know better how good a shot once I develop them, but yes I think I got a pretty good shot. That was why I was so anxious. I wanted to get the film back to my shop and develop it," Jack Guthrie informed them.

"All right my partner and I will follow you back. If you don't mind that is, as we'd like to see what you came up with. Would it be possible to make more than one copy of the photos? If there are some that show our suspect we'd be grateful for the copies. We don't have a warrant yet but usually evidence of a crime or criminal shouldn't be withheld. Depending on what the photos show they could be considered evidence," Inspector Sylvester informed him.

"My shop is three blocks from here, Snap And Frame It. A warrant won't be necessary," Jack Guthrie assured the detectives.

"Steve, you joining us or just want us to get copies to you later?" Inspector Sylvester inquired.

"I'll look for a copy later at my desk, thanks," Steve responded as they prepared to leave.

As the detectives followed Jack Guthrie's car to his shop, they alerted their captain via police radio. They received his approval without any problem and stayed with Jack Guthrie as he developed the film. Steve had returned to Bryant Street. After he'd obtained everything connected with the crimes since they started, he commandeered Mike's office for quiet. That was where Mike found him the next morning when he arrived. Jeannie had driven Mike to check Steve's apartment when he hadn't come to pick him up for work. Both were worried when they found no sign of him there.

"I wondered why you hadn't picked me up." Mike finally let out the breath he'd been holding.

"Mike I'm sorry the time ran away from me." Steve glanced at his watch as Mike surprised him. "I didn't realize it was so late. Jeannie drove you here?"

"Yes, speaking of her I've got to make sure I call and let her know you're safe. You've been here all night? Buddy boy I thought you were going to get some sleep when you dropped us off last night." Mike was in lecture mode.

"I was, honest, Mike. A call came over the radio..." Steve started to explain.

"Oh and boy wonder just had to go answer it. Steve you can't always go on little or no sleep." Mike's tone was tinged with concern.

"Mike you cut me off before I could explain about the bicycle shop. Now you cut me off before I could tell you about this call I heard. Would you please listen?" Steve asked through slightly clenched teeth.

"Okay sorry, buddy boy, I'll listen. First take a breath." Mike waited for Steve to take a breath.

"I heard a call. While it wasn't a homicide, the M.O. sounded like the ones we've looked for. I went to the scene to see what I could find out. It turned out the victim has a photography shop. He was out there taking pictures. Once he got them developed he gave copies to Al and Reuben. They brought us one." Steve explained as he handed Mike the report to read along with the photo. "Copies have been distributed so that any officer might recognize at least this guy. The other guy though wasn't with his partner this time."

"That was very quick thinking on his part. He managed to unload the film from his camera in a public restroom so the film wouldn't be taken. I hope his insurance will cover that camera if it can't be found." Mike spoke as though deep in thought.

"He said it was a cheap camera but I'm sure he's probably got it insured," Steve surmised.

"Alright buddy boy, that's quite a help. We at least have a photo of one of them. Maybe we'll get lucky and be able to catch him and he'll give up his partner. Now I can call Jeannie," Mike announced as Steve gathered all the reports together. "Don't you stray off too far, hot shot."

"I'm just taking these to put in my desk drawer. They're copies so they don't have to be returned. I'd feel we were a lot luckier if we could catch both at the same time, Mike," Steve answered him as he left the photo on Mike's desk.

As an afterthought Steve was about to ask why Mike didn't want him to stray off. At the door he realized Mike had gotten Jeannie on the phone. He sat at his desk finishing more reports after he'd secured the copies in a desk drawer. After Mike had finished his conversation with Jeannie, he came and sat in the guest chair by Steve's desk. Steve wondered what was on Mike's mind but finished up the report before he met Mike's gaze.

"Buddy boy I want you to know this isn't a request. It's not even a suggestion. I told Jeannie I want her to pick you up. She's to take you to our house and you get some sleep. Is that understood?" Mike spoke to Steve in a very quiet tone.

"Mike you're kidding right? I mean we've got this break that could help us and you want me to take downtime." Steve's tone was perturbed and saw Mike's head shake. "I don't believe this."

"Please don't argue with me on this. I know we're closer which is more reason for you to be rested. And it's not exactly downtime. You need some undisturbed rest. Don't give Jeannie a hard time about this either. She was already worried about your reaction when we talked on the phone." Mike informed him. Steve remained silent but Mike knew he was peeved. Within twenty minutes the squad room door opened. "Your ride's here."

Steve rose from his chair and pulled his jacket on. After he handed Mike his finished reports, he and Jeannie started to leave. As they reached the door Jeannie turned to glance at Mike, he mouthed the words good luck to her she gave a slight smile. Jeannie stopped at Steve's place to let Steve get a small bag and an extra suit before they headed to Mike's.

Some time after Steve and Jeannie had left, Tanner took a call for Mike. He was in Olsen's office to give him a rundown of the new developments. Mike arrived back in homicide within twenty minutes after Tanner had hung up.

"Mike, Al Sylvester from robbery called while you were upstairs. He's on his way to talk to you and Steve. I informed him Steve was out of the office but that you should return shortly. That man that had his camera stolen blew up a part of the photo that might be even more helpful. Al's bringing a copy here." Tanner explained just as the door opened and Inspector Sylvester entered. "Hi, Al."

"Hi Bill, how's Maxine and the kids?" Sylvester inquired cordially.

"They're doing great. How's Kate and your boy?" Tanner asked in return.

"Just fine." Sylvester answered then turned his attention to Mike. "Lieutenant Stone I got a call from Jack Guthrie earlier. He's the man who provided us with the photo of the man that stole his camera, and possibly one of the suspects robbery and homicide have been seeking. He happened to notice something in another photo he had and blew up that portion. I got several copies from him when I went to pick up the one he had for us."

Mike looked closely at the photo that he was handed. The tattoo he saw in the photo wasn't one he'd ever seen in all his years with the department and found himself having thoughts that it was possible these people weren't from San Francisco.

"I've been on the streets many years but never came across such a tattoo. We'd better dig into who possibly would have one like that. I understand Mr. Guthrie has a team on him," Mike remarked.

"Yes, sir, Lieutenant Dean requested a team on him just to be on the safe side. We checked into the tattoo as none of us had seen one like that before. We found out there's a gang that used that tattoo as a symbol. They called themselves Scorpio. They're based out of Houston, Texas though. We checked with Houston PD. Most of the gang were killed in a fight with a rival gang. Some were imprisoned. Three managed to elude authorities. One was finally caught outside Mesa, Arizona and is being extradited back to Houston. The other two are possibly the ones here," Sylvester explained. "It was requested when we apprehend those two that Houston PD be alerted. They'd like to have them extradited back to stand trial there."

"Now wait a minute. Are they aware we have a murder here that they are possibly responsible for?" Mike snapped in irritation.

"Yes, sir. They understand that as well as all the robberies. They're wanted in Houston for the deaths of two police officers and death of one civilian as well as attempted murder of another officer who will be paralyzed for life. All that was promised them was that once we had them we'd let them know they're in custody. I think it was thought it was too soon to promise extradition." Sylvester kept his voice calm. "I'd better get back; I just wanted to bring that to you and Steve."

"Thank you it's appreciated. See you later." Mike gave a smile as Sylvester left. "Well, you fellas all heard him. These guys we want should be considered even more extremely dangerous than we first thought. I don't want anyone and I mean ANYONE to take any unnecessary chances. All of you gather around here and memorize this tattoo as good as you can."

None of them had to be told twice. Once all were sure they'd recognize the tattoo; a scorpion with snake grasped in one pedipalp shaped like the letter Z, a bleeding heart grasped in the other pedipalp also shaped like the letter Z and what appeared to be a bullet with a small cross on it for the stinger in the scorpion's tail, they dispersed. Mike glanced at his watch and knew he needed to put in an appearance at home. He wanted to make a stop on the way there. After he'd got his hat and overcoat and let them know he was headed home, he left with the new photo. On the way there he made a stop at the bicycle shop that Steve took him to. As Mike walked in he was relieved to see no customers, Kay saw him enter and greeted Mike warmly.

"Mike, nice to see you again. Where's Tonto?" At Mike's puzzled look Kay explained. "Our faithful friend Steve. Remember "The Lone Ranger and Tonto"? Tonto was his most faithful companion."

"Yes, of course I remember that radio show. At least that was what it was first. Later they made a TV program. He's at my house. I'm headed there as well. I wanted to stop by and show you something. That matter we discussed the other day we have something new on it. How sharp is your memory for details?" Mike hoped Kay wasn't offended.

"It's very good. There are still things I remember from even twenty years ago. What do you have?" Kay wondered.

"This is a photo of a tattoo that we're almost positive is on both the ones we're looking for. We know for sure it's definitely on one of them." Mike explained as he handed her the photo. "If you ever do see anyone in here with a tattoo like that, be very careful not to give away that you noticed. Call us as soon as you can. Don't let any of your workers or you or your husband try to apprehend him or them. They're considered very dangerous. I don't want any dead heroes."

"Understood. I'll make sure to describe it to Blake when he returns as well. I don't recall any tattoo such as that and there are quite a few who come in that have them. I'll keep a sharp look out," Kay promised with a serious tone.

"Thanks, Kay, I'll say hi to Tonto for you. I'd better get home before he and my daughter wonder if I'm ever showing up. Remember be careful." Mike's voice was full of concern.

"You have my word, thanks for saying hi to Steve for me. Mike ask him if he remembers Gull." Kay urged with a smile.

"Gull?" Mike looked puzzled. "Is that the name of some friend from college or a girl he dated back then?"

"It's a nickname of someone. I'd rather let Steve tell the rest though." Kay smiled.

"I'll ask him. I'm not sure he will tell what it means but I'll ask. Thanks for your time." Mike was anxious to get home more than ever. "Talk to you later."

When Mike arrived at his house, he found Jeannie in the kitchen getting supper ready. She had seen his car when he drove up and greeted him with a hug and kiss. He thought the fact that she looked happy was a sign that Steve had not given her a hard time.

"I wasn't sure when you'd be home. Dinner's just about ready. Steve's in the shower. And yes he slept," Jeannie informed Mike with a smile.

"That's good I hoped he would. Did Steve mention anything to you about this case we're working right now?" Mike had a concerned tone to his question.

"No. Mike you know Steve's not going to break department rules and even more than that he's not going to betray your trust. I do know about it though. I mean I might have been off at college but I've still kept up with what goes on in San Francisco and the bay area. You didn't forget we have television and newspapers in Arizona as well did you?" Jeannie inquired with a teasing grin.

"Well, since you know that much, I'd rather you not go anywhere on your own, if possible. Try not to carry your purse as well. Keep your license and money in your pocket." Mike was in full paternal mode.

"I promise, daddy. If I do have to go on my own I promise I'll call you and Steve to let you know where I plan to be," Jeannie reassured her father just as Steve came out.

"Well, you look much more rested, buddy boy. I'm happy you got some sleep," Mike commented with a smile.

"I feel better than I did, I have to admit. Did I interrupt something? I can come back in a while," Steve offered

"No you didn't. I was just finding out my daughter knows more about what goes on here than I believed. Speaking of finding out something I paid another visit to your friend's bike shop, Steve. We'll talk about why after we've had supper," Mike explained having seen Steve's inquisitive look. "Kay asked me to see if you remember Gull."

A surprised look crossed Steve's face as he looked at Mike. Both were surprised to see he had a mild blush. Steve wondered why Kay mentioned that to Mike.

"It's not a big deal but wish she hadn't mentioned that. It's a nickname she and Blake gave me when we were in college," Steve admitted.

"You don't have to tell anymore, Steve." Jeannie tried to spare his feelings as she sensed he was slightly uncomfortable.

"Thanks, Jeannie, but Mike's already working on why in his head. I started having this fascination with seagulls when I was much younger. When I had something bothering me or just needed to get away, I'd go watch the seagulls. It helped me to relax watching them whether they're flying or just on the ground. One day Kay and Blake found me where I went. They realized this wasn't just a one-time thing. After that they called me Gull. I never shared that information with anyone other than them until now." Steve saw understanding in Mike and Jeannie's eyes.

"Now I know where you disappear to when I can't find you at all, buddy boy. Don't worry. I promise that I'll try to give you your space at those times," Mike assured Steve and cuffed the back of his neck.

"I think it's time to eat, you guys." Jeannie felt a change of subject was best.

Once all had plates of food and drinks they visited together over dinner. Steve seemed a bit subdued to Mike and Jeannie. Jeannie knew he wasn't one that enjoyed his privacy being invaded. She felt for the man that meant so much to her and Mike. She kept both of them enthralled with tales of college life and her job. They enjoyed their time together as opportunities were too few and far between. Later as Jeannie made herself scarce, Mike explained to Steve the reason for his return visit to the bike shop.

The next morning once they'd eaten the breakfast Jeannie insisted on, they headed to Bryant Street. Their first stop was Olsen's office to bring him up to speed on the case.