They left the Channel 9 building empty-handed, after finding out that Randolph had taken a day off and was supposed to be at his home along Pacific Avenue in the upper-class Presidio Heights neighborhood.
Even though their research had yielded nothing but circumstantial evidence thus far, the executive producer's absence from work in correlation with Marietti's mysterious disappearance did throw the shadow of doubt into Mike's assumption that the soldier gone farmer up north was to blame for the previous murders.
Next to him, with his eyes hidden beneath expensive aviator sunglasses, Steve had been strangely quiet. Mike couldn't be sure if he was deep in thought, or if headaches from the attack the previous day were still bothering him.
Deciding to leave his partner be, he stared back out of the window, enjoying the sunshine appearing in between the tall buildings of a city that had seen so much change in the past three decades. Not all good, that much was for certain, but there was an undeniable assortment of noble stories to be found in the chaos that was murders, pointless violence and destruction.
They were stories of great bravery, of people going above and beyond the line of duty to do the right thing and help others, of victims turned helpers, and of felons turned inspirers. There was a distinct undercurrent of humanity that accompanied every vile act he witnessed, fueled by those living here seeking to make this city a better place to grow up in despite its recent struggles.
And Mike was once again eager to aid that quiet revolution every way he could.
"Listen ehm…not to break your spirit, but did you hear that Johnson got out on bail this morning? I heard it when I went downstairs to request the jacket on Randolph."
Steve's voice was quiet when he said that, the tense muscles in his neck and jaw an indication that he was still hurting, even though he wouldn't admit to it out in the open. It made Mike second guess his decision to allow him on this trip, knowing well enough what that strike to the head could have done. Then again, they both shared the same fiery passion for law enforcement and closing cases, making it hard to deny the request.
"Yeah…I heard.", Mike replied with a somber tone, desperately trying to contain his anger, "Did you hear who posted it? Some reporter for Channel 12 news. You know what they're after."
"Yep. They're going to spread his story of injustice all over the country if they have their way."
Drawing in a deep breath, Mike clenched his teeth, the rational part of his mind reminding him to remain calm and handle the situation professionally. It was the other part, the caring one, he worried about the most.
Steve must have noticed his struggle and cleared his throat, before pointing his chin at the expensive mansions ahead.
"If it's Randolph's day off, he should have no problem coming downtown with us, now should he?"
"That is unless he isn't home but still up north chasing after out goat guy…"
Marietti…that one still had Mike worried. Even more so since he found out about Randolph's military past.
"Yeah I know…I thought about that too. Hindsight, I just hope that somebody with Marietti's past would have the capabilities to defend himself against Randolph."
"Only if he sees it coming, which we can't be sure if. You didn't."
"Yeah, tell me about it…"
"Slow down, that's his house right there.", Mike said, subconsciously putting a hand on his partner's forearm as he pointed toward the elaborate villa, "It's got that '72 Chrysler Imperial in the driveway matching the DMV description."
Parking the Galaxy a few houses away to avoid any undue attention, Steve hesitated for many long moments before glancing over at his partner.
"So he is home. Let's see if we can get some answers from him."