As they pulled into the DeHaro house around nine, Steve could feel the strain of the many hours of intense driving in every muscle of his body. Shifting the Galaxy in park in front of Mike's house, he let his shoulders slump against the bench seat, drawing in a deep breath as he watched his partner sort out their case file, before reaching for the door handle.
Turning back around as he finished his organizing, Mike smiled broadly and pointed his chin at the house.
"Come on in for a beer. You deserve it."
"I don't know, Mike. I'm beat."
"Even more reason to stay for a bit…come on, you've stood me up last time.", the Lieutenant nudged warmly, "I'll order us some pizza…my treat. After all…it's the least I can do for you chauffeuring us around all day. What do you say, Buddyboy?"
Unable to resist the caring smile, Steve nodded slowly and was about to reach for his coat, when the radio sprung to life.
"Headquarters to Inspectors 8-1, do you read?"
Sharing a worrisome glance with his partner, Mike bent down to grab the receiver.
"This is Inspectors 8-1, go ahead, Headquarters."
"Inspectors 8-1, the Medical Examiner's office requested that you get in contact with them at your earliest convenience."
"10-4 Headquarters, will do.", Mike replied and put the receiver back down, "Sounds like Ed found something else. We'll give him a call from here. Come on, let's go."
