a/n - I wanted to add a note of thanks to especially to those who I've not swapped messages with - for one reason or another. RL is a bear and I don't send out the 'thanks' that I should. I do appreciate the comments and reviews - so a massive thank you for your support. Many of you I've 'known' for years - and I thank you. A special call out to the 'newer' friends here: Joan and Sylvia. There are others who post reviews without PM status (or anonymously, I guess) - so to Nans and Smithy, I want to say a big thank you. You've been known to make my day.

Here's a short chapter...


Chapter 9

Mike heard squealing tires and knew immediately that he and his team were in danger. Within a flash, the first gunshot rang out, hitting the exterior wall of his home. A second shot blasted the large plate glass window in the front room. "GET DOWN!" he yelled to Steve and Norm, although the damage simultaneously played out in front of him without regard.

"What the...?" Rudy yelled as miniscule shards from the plate glass window flew his way. The sound of a vase falling from a shelf confirmed the bullet's final destination.

A third bullet was more damaging. Steve hadn't had time to take cover when he felt a kick in his lower right side. The impact was hard and caused him to lose his footing. He toppled over the walkway railing that was near Mike's front porch to the terraced landscaping a few feet below.

Norm hit the ground but not before another bullet grazed his left arm. This is bull shit! he muttered to himself. As the speeding car passed, Norm raised his head to assess the situation and saw that the officer posted in the unmarked car had already thrown a flashing light onto the vehicle and began pursuit. Norm jumped up and turned to check on Mike and Steve.

"You okay?" Norm yelled.

Mike was posed looking over the railing to his fallen partner. He quickly ducked under the rail and jumped down to the terrace below.


Steve lay facedown, unmoving in the landscaping as Mike made his way over. Seeing the bloodstain spread across his lower back caused a knot to form in Mike's stomach. "Steve!" he called out.

Rudy came running out on the porch and saw the scene unfold. "I'll call an ambulance," he yelled down as he raced back into the house.

As Mike evaluated Steve's condition, Norm lumbered up the steps to a nearby landing. "How is he?" he asked out of breath as he watched his superior.

"Hit in the back..." Mike said as he check Steve's pulse. "He's out, but his pulse is steady," he added as he turned to face the Armenian detective. "Are you hit?"

Norm shook his head. "I've cut myself worse shaving. I'm fine," he added bravely. "I'll get on the radio and catch up with the pursuit."

Mike nodded his understanding as Norm turned and made an abrupt charge down the steps. "Take good care of the kid," he yelled out as adrenalin was in full control.

Mike watched as the green Galaxy departed De Haro Street. He heard a groan and returned his attention to his partner.

"Steve!" he called out again. Placing his hand on the back of the injured young man. "You've been hit...an ambulance is on its way. Try to not move."

Steve opened his eyes and realized his field of vision included much dirt and grass. Feeling something underneath him that caused increasing pain and discomfort, he began to lift himself up.

"Steve, don't move!" Mike commanded.

"It hurts...underneath." Confused, he added, "Are we at your house?" He moved his arm to help raise himself.

"Steve, now lay still," Mike once again instructed. "I don't know how badly your hurt."

Immediately, Steve groaned louder as he felt a pain shoot up his arm.

"See?" Mike scolded. "You don't listen..."

"But there's something underneath!" Steve exclaimed. With all the strength he could bear, he rolled over onto his side and exhaled. The discomfort abated, but he began breathing hard as he placed pressure on his injured side.

Mike looked at his partner and understood his actions. Underneath the young man was a small crushed rosebush that Jeannie had planted in the spring.