August 1974
"I have never been a quitter. To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. But as President, I must put the interest of America first. America needs a full-time President and a full-time Congress, particularly at this time with problems we face at home and abroad…."
Steve overheard the soon-to-be former president's resignation speech being rebroadcast on the morning news as he entered the home on De Haro Street. Ready for another day's work, Steve wore one of his lighter sportscoats and coordinating slacks. The forecast called for sun and temperatures in the 90's.
"Never thought I'd see this in my lifetime, Buddy Boy. And before you get started," Mike warned from behind as he pointed towards the television.
"I promise you I won't say anymore…" Steve responded not wanting to get into a repeat of the loud discussion the pair had the evening before.
"Between you and Jeannie going on about what a devil this man is," Mike continued, "he did no more wrong than trying to cover up."
"Yeah, I'm sorry Mike. We shouldn't have let this get under our skin like this. Let's just say 'it's a shame' and move on. Maybe Ford will bring us all back together. I'll admit, I like him better than Agnew." Anything, Steve thought, to bring peace to such a stressful time.
Mike appreciated the sentiment and presented his own peace offering. "Say, I made a big pot of coffee this morning and I'm sure I could squeeze a couple of cups out my new Mr. Coffee."
"That's right! How do you like your new coffeemaker? Is Joe DiMaggio right about this?" Steve asked, recalling that Mike had bought it over the weekend.
"Never doubt Joltin' Joe. It's great – easy to use and makes a fine cup of coffee. Give it a shot," Mike added playfully.
Steve grinned, looking forward to a quiet cup of coffee and companionship of his friend and mentor the morning after their rather heated political debate.
As both men sat down in Mike's kitchen, Steve asked after Jeannie. "So have you talked to Jeannie lately? I'm thinking that you have if you got an earful from her on Watergate."
Mike cleared his throat. "Let's just say that our conversation was the warm-up act to her's. Where did she learn to be so stubborn and opinionated?"
Steve nearly choked at the question and Mike chuckled. "Gotcha, Buddy Boy!"
At that moment, the phone rang.
"Stone," Mike replied simply.
"Mike, it's Lee. We got a floater at India Basin close to Pier 96. Bernie and his team are on the way down. Bill is in court this morning and Norm and Dan are on their way in. What do you want to do?"
"Steve and I will head down there directly. It's not that far from here, so it will save us from doubling back. Any other information?"
"From what I understand, it's a middle aged man, Caucasian and no ID has been found," Lee responded.
"We're on our way…" Mike announced as he hung up.
"Coffee can wait, Buddy Boy." Mike grabbed both cups and deposited them in the sink. "Let's get a move on!"
