This story took me a long time to write, the context thereof both deeply chilling, but also inspiring in its own right. It's a story about half truths, misguided notions and the incredible toll some of those cases can take on our favorite detectives. Reader's discretion is most definitely advised here.
PS. Below are a few more of the parameters I am used to adding to my stories, just to give things more perspective.
Season: 4
Characters: Mike, Steve, Lenny, Olsen, Conden, Jimmy Desco (I can only list so many when submitting a story)
Episodes: Minor reference to episode "License to kill"
Act I
The call to arms had gone out late Saturday evening.
Weather-wise, it had been a particularly decent day for a city that saw way too much rain and fog throughout the year. Not a cloud in the sky, the beautiful sunset had promised a mild evening, allowing for San Francisco's residents to enjoy their weekend outside.
It had been near the end of their shift, a back-breaking 16- hour day for two weary Homicide detectives trying to wrap up the final loose ends of their latest murder investigation. After a brief dinner stop, they had taken one last stroll across town for a meeting with the next-of-kin, a polite formality explaining how the case would now be handed over to the prosecutor's office.
On their way back, undoubtedly ready to call an end to the long workday, an urgent message had come through dispatch that was frantic enough that it even sent shudders down the experienced Lieutenant's back.
"Attention all units in the vicinity of Market and Kearney. Report of shots fired at Hank and Barry's nightclub. Multiple victims. Shooter is still at large and said to be carrying a high-powered assault rifle. Shooter was last seen fleeing the scene heading northeast. There is no further description available at this point. All units in the vicinity are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching. Multiple ambulances are on route to assist."
As the echoes of dozens of black and whites answering the call to arms filled the airwaves, it was joined by two famous Homicide Detectives; their tan Galaxy making an illegal u-turn on California, as its sirens tore through the stillness of an otherwise peaceful night.
"Hank and Barry's…I never heard of that. That's right in the middle of downtown though. Not good."
Mike's voice was guarded and he reached for the doorframe to steady himself, as the large sedan jumped a curb before heading east at a rapid pace.
"I have.", Steve answered with a tone of voice that suggested there was more to come but hesitated, as his partner placed the strobe light onto the roof of the Galaxy, "It's a popular spot. Small place too, kind of crowded at times, but they have quite the bar scene. I'd hate to think what a high powered rifle can do in there."
With a somber expression, Mike nodded, as they were joined by a set of patrol cars shooting out from one of the side streets, flanking them on their frantic race against time.
"Unfortunately, we'll find out in a few minutes, Buddyboy."