He'd eaten on his chili so slow that it was beginning to get cold.

Situated in the middle of the second table to the south, closest to Chula Lane, which was the easiest entry and exit point; Mike had been keeping a close eye on all the comings and goings, ignoring the fact that the crowd around him changed constantly.

Here and there, some of the homeless people wanted to do small talk and he did his best to join in on the conversation, but, undeniably, he was thirsting for a sight of their illusive suspects, especially since the chili was running low.

Even though he knew Steve's hideout, he hadn't been able to see the young Inspector or the Vice guys from his spot, and neither had he noticed any black and whites in the direct vicinity, signs of a superb coordination effort when it came to closing off the perimeter.

"Last pot's almost gone.", Father Tenpenny shouted from the main table, surrounded by a nervous Tanner and fidgeting Lessing, "Get your chili while you can, folks. That's all we got for the day. "

The call caused some of the guys to get up and stand back in line to refill their bowl, several of them skinny enough to need a second helping, others not so much.

Keeping his head low to avoid being seen by Tenpenny, Mike scooted a little further to the edge of the bench, trying to glance beyond the group of homeless men waiting in line.

And his patience would be rewarded.

Slowly meandering their way off Chula was Rick and his leashed raccoon, Albert Neville right next to him. The pair headed straight for the line, chatting away casually as they shuffled along.

Eating another cold bite of chili, Mike lowered his head even further, not entirely sure if it was worth the effort being that Rick was vision impaired and Albert had never seen him. Nonetheless, keeping up his cover and following the pair beneath the rim of his worn-out fedora, he felt his muscles tense up, his mind beginning to paint the plan they had created and how it would come to fruition in real life.

It was then when a loud voice shattered his hopes.

"We're out of chili. Sorry guys. We have no more food. Be safe, and God bless!"