The ride across town had been quiet for once and Mike enjoyed every moment of it.
Not having Dan around allowed his mind to clear some of the fog that had inundated it with everything surrounding this case- and his very real fear for his best friend's safety.
Lenny's words were still fresh on his mind, perhaps because they suddenly made so much sense. Why it took a horrific shooting and two years of separation for it to sink in was something Mike would never forgive himself for.
Some might call it perspective, in his case, he settled on grave oversight, stubbornness, a certain degree of selfishness even.
And in the wake of all this mess was his best friend, undoubtledly feeling abandoned in his fear and having every right to do so.
He'd barely made it past the Oakland Bay Bridge, when the radio sprung to life.
"Inspectors 81 to headquarters, please respond."
"You have got to be kidding me…", Mike sighed and reached for the receiver, "This is Inspectors 81, go ahead."
"Inspectors 81, Patrol Unit 7Charley5 from the Berkeley Campus has reported a 10-80 in progress and is requesting your immediate backup."
7C5…that was part of the security detail they'd requested from local police to station a unit outside the campus in case of any unusual activity and keep them informed of any developments.
The same unit that was now reporting a pursuit in progress.
"Vehicle is headed southbound on Sacramento Street at high rate of speed. Vehicle is described as a silver Porsche 911 Targa, California license plate number 5W7 LL3, driving erratically and evading police interception."
Slamming his free hand against the steering wheel of Galaxy in sheer frustration, Mike felt the knot in his throat tightened significantly.
"Now what in the world is he doing?!"
As a took a moment to mumble a quiet prayer, Mike turned on his sirens and sped northbound on I-80, then getting off on Powell, hoping to intercept the ongoing car chase before anything else could happen.
"10-4 Headquarters. I'll respond."