"Mike, do you want us to fan out?"

Dan's worried question was almost drowned out by three sets of dress shoes clattering as they walked up the concrete entrance ramp to the livestock pavilion. Taking in the dauntingly high walls that made the Cow Palace look like the Colosseum, Mike never slowed down as he shook his head decisively.

"Not yet."

The three detectives entered the busy pavilion almost unnoticed, taking in the straw that littered the aisles and horses standing tied up in front of their stalls, patiently waiting for their moment in the lime light. As he let his bright blue eyes drift over the controlled chaos that was the rodeo world, Mike felt an involuntary twist in his gut at the obvious absence of his undercover partner.

Walking down the wide hallway and carefully avoiding the occasional assortment of manure scattered throughout, Mike's senses went into overdrive as he looked around for McAllister, but seeing no trace of the businessman either.

Ignoring the confused sideways glances thrown into their general direction, he peeked his head into a handful of the open stalls in search of some of the stable hands, when he heard a commotion in the other end of the large barn.

Turning around briefly to meet his inspectors worried eyes, Mike sped up his pace, as the sound of yelling and hectic footsteps echoed through the aisles. As he left the horse area behind, the pungent smell of cattle and dry arena dust filled his nose. Angry snorting could be heard and several of the bulls paced the length of their corrals nervously, calling for each other and foaming at the mouth.

Mike followed the crowd of cowboys and turned a corner between pens when he saw a stocky man jump over one of the 5ft metal gates in a frantic hurry, a second one following behind and loudly yelling at the red and white bull prancing around inside.

"Police, move over.", Mike barked as a crowd formed in front of them, hoping to clear the scene and find out what had happened.

When he finally reached the front of the corral, he felt his heart drop.