The air had changed as they took the stairs to walk to the top floor of the Cow Palace. Where the strong odor of straw and manure was prevalent down below, all Mike could smell now were the recently repainted walls and warm electronics, as the show in the arena continued uninterrupted.

The announcer's muffled voice introduced another bullrider named Lee Johnson, who would ride the infamous Stormboy, a bull that so far had remained undefeated in the ring. The crowd cheered on just as the three detectives reached the top floor, the entrance door warning any visitors of lose cables lying in the aisles ahead.

Mike reached for his right side, opening the holster to his .38, both Haley and Hassejian mirroring his gesture as he walked through the door, taking in the significantly quieter office-type atmosphere.

As a matter of fact, it was too quiet.

The carpeted hallway ahead was deserted, the corridor bridging out into two offices on either side. A large window at the end overlooked the visitor's parking lot.

Mike glanced back, motioning for Haley to take the right lead, while he stepped ahead to check out the left door. Norm followed the Lieutenant, but kept enough distance that he could cover both detectives if needed.

Loud music sounded off from down below, signaling that the bullrider had either been thrown off, or achieved a new record. The relentless cheering suggested the later, as Mike's mind envisioned the mess they'd have on their hands if McAllister decided to hide somewhere in the stands.

Remembering Lenny's words when it came to a man who was used to getting his way, Mike hoped that their psychological profile would put McAllister right in his office, his "den", as Lenny referred it to.

His hand over the cold grip of the.38 Special, Mike slowly reached for the door handle, turning the knob to the left ever so carefully, only to find it locked. Behind him, Haley had waited anxiously to check out his side.

The stocky Inspector glanced over at his superior briefly, as if to hesitate for the final order. A faint nod from Mike's corner signaled his clearance and he reached for the door knob.

Down below, the announcer greeted the newest rider, as the three detectives looked at the door in eager anticipation. Much to their surprise, it opened to the inside before Haley ever had a chance to turn the knob.