"According to local resources, the standoff ended at 5:40PM, sending two uniformed officers and a plain-clothes detective to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Several vehicles suffered significant damage in the shootout that had the potential to kill countless innocent bystanders. Thanks to the valiant efforts of San Francisco PD, only the shooter lost his life in the standoff. We look forward to the news conference by the Police Chief scheduled for 8PM tonight. I am sure I can speak for all of us as we express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women of SFPD for putting an end to the weeklong hunt for a brutal mass murderer."
Olsen turned off the TV under the deafening clapping of all officers in the homicide bullpen, the relief spreading throughout the office so overpowering that it could be felt by all detectives.
Mike winced at the many hands squeezing his shoulders, his sore ribs a somber reminder of the frantic race against the clock they'd just barely won.
He hadn't gone down to see Riley yet, still too furious, disgusted and disappointed about the situation.
As a matter of fact, Mike was planning on letting him stew in his cell overnight until formal charges would be filed first thing tomorrow morning. Even that idea seemed to barely scratch the surface when it came to returning the favor of putting a whole town in a horrifying state of angst for over a week.
Rudy's concerned face appeared in front of his, ripping him out of his deep brooding immediately.
"Mike, how's Keller?"
"He got out of surgery a few minutes ago. The doctor said he's going to be alright. Ready for visitors tomorrow morning. I am sure he's going to be eager to get out of there."
The words said in feign lightheartedness caused a sting in his heart, his active mind remembering the blank stare his partner had given him when confronted with the news that he'd been shot. Mike knew what a terrifying situation such as the shootout, along with shock, could do to the body.
As such, he wasn't surprised when Steve's legs buckled, his face turning ashen when the realization finally hit.
Thankfully the entry wound was just above his left hip, far away from any vital organs, but nonetheless significant enough to soak the young Inspector's shirt and pants with blood.
For several minutes, as they waited for the ambulance to arrive, they'd sat against the front of the building, Mike shielding his partner from the sight of a dead Kurt Grabinski, while reiterating how proud he was that he'd taken the expert shot to stop the madman in his tracks.
Many of the arriving police officers were helping the traumatized shoppers to their cars, writing reports of any damage where applicable, and offering transportation home for anybody who wasn't able to, or didn't feel up to driving.
It was a terrifying situation turned into a well choreographed act of human resilience Mike was incredibly proud of.
Much to his surprise, a woman in her mid-forties pulled away from the chaperoning unis and approached the duo, her eyes welling up with tears. In an emotional speech, she identified herself as the mother of one of the victims of the shooting at Hank and Barry's bar, thanked them for their bravery in keeping everybody safe, even ensuring the detectives that they would be included in her prayers that night.
It was an unusual occurrence, but one that made Mike's soul feel a little less heavy, causing even Steve to smile faintly as the lady insisted they shake hands, before being ushered away by an officer.
"One minute…", the young Inspector had mumbled, his eyes glazing over slightly, "One minute later and this would have been another bloodbath…"
"But we stopped him, Buddyboy.", Mike had insisted, on hand firmly pressed against the wound on his partner's waist. When Steve didn't respond right away, he reached forward, hoping to keep him awake by carefully lifting his chin with his index finger, "We can't be everywhere, but today…well…today, we were right where we were needed. Look at me, Stephen. We stopped him. Don't you forget about that. Evil didn't win today. We did."
Eventually, with a slight nod, Steve had rested his head against the stucco wall of the grocery store and closed his eyes, succumbing to the exhaustion and blood loss for the time being, his partner never leaving his side until they arrived at Franklin's Emergency Department.
"Why don't you head home, Michael.", Rudy then suggested, noticing his deep thoughts, "It's been a long day…heck, it's been a long week. John and I have what we need for the press conference, the rest lies in the hands of the lab and DA's office. Get some much-needed rest, go see Keller in the morning and I will check back with you when you get in. Seriously, go home, you look like hell."
Glancing over at his office, where Forrester was busy packing up his things before returning home, Mike smiled faintly, then pointed his chin at the Captain.
"There's one last thing I have to do before I go home, Rudy."