Steve awoke in a hospital bed with a horrible headache, as he slowly pried his eyes open he saw his dad and Amanda standing over him.
"Stay still, you have a concussion, some bruised ribs and three stitches to your cheek, what happened?" asked his dad.
"Why don't you call the detective I can see at the door in and I'll tell every all at once," replied Steve.
As Steve told his story he felt he needed to get busy and asked if he could released.
Both Mark and Amanda crossed their arms Mark answered him, "You can be released only to go home under my supervision and no working." Steve looked to Amanda.
"You'll get no help from me," replied Amanda.
"Dad we need to solve this or you and Amanda an C.J. will always be in danger." He tried to sit up, but was too dizzy and feel back against the pillows.
Amanda took his hand, "See, you're in no shape to work."
The detective said, "I'll meet with the captain and come by to let you know the plan. Deal?"
Very reluctantly Steve complied, "Deal"
Later that evening Amanda stopped by with C. J. and dinner. As they were finishing dinner, the detective stopped by, "Here's the plan. The captain is going to make a public statement that the case of Cole's murder has no leads and while we're not closing it, we'll be basically be putting it on the back burner for now. This may give us some time and appease the culprits for now. The captain would like it if all of you stayed here, since he threatened all of you and you'll be watched by undercover agents."
"If they know the place is watched they'll just try something when one of us leaves."
"Not if they're disguised as landscapers, utility workers and a friendly . Sloan how about we let the good department of LAPD do a little yard work for you?"
"Be my guest."
The discussed the backpack Steve had overheard them talking about That was the key, but they had no idea where it was. They had already searched Cole's apartment and found nothing. Being a biker they were sure he probably had a lock somewhere, but where was that?
Amanda,C.J and Steve retired to the couch to watch a movie. Steve was soon asleep with Amanda curled up next to him. Mark came in and took the sleepy C.J. into the guest room.
The next day the owner of the bike shop called Steve, Steve had left his card with him. Since the house was being watched he couldn't sneak off to meet with him, so he had to tell the detective. He managed to talk him into talking him with him. The owner had been moving some bikes in the back room around and came across a backpack stuffed in a vent. The vent hadn't been closed tight, so when he went to fix it he discovered the backpack. He remembered the conversation and called Steve.
The search of the backpack revealed a paper with coordinates and a day and time on it. "It must be a drop point. The coordinates are along on the trail Cole rides a lot. He must of come onto something and before he could do anything got killed for it."
Against Mark and Amanda's objections Steve went as back up to the site. He couldn't be seen as the suspects knew him. Officer Miles, who was an avid biker himself, was sent in. He had the backpack. Three others approached from the east. The three had a package with them, they demanded money. Officer Miles threw the backpack to them. Officer Miles opened the package, drugs – he gave the signal and Steve and the others moved in for the arrest. The only question that remained was who were the ones that wanted the backpack. They must be along the trail because even thought they didn't have the coordinates they were the ones who where suppose to meet at he drop point and must be searching for it.
Officer posing as hikers and bikers spread out. As the three who were arrested were being lead off two others coming down the trail took off running across country, Steve and two others took off after them. With a leaping tackle Steve brought one of them down and another tripped over a rock. This hurt Steve's ribs and increased his headache. He gladly let others take them in.
Later that night at the beach house, Amanda, Mark, Steve, C.J. and Jesse enjoyed a nice dinner to celebrate the end of case.
Alone on the deck after C.J. had fallen asleep Steve and Amanda talked. "Amanda, I love you and C.J. how do I work out this balance in life between you and work. I can get so caught up in a case I forget everything else?"
"I understand and I'm not asking you to neglect your career, you are good at what you do. I do have to admit to scares me that you have such a dangerous job, but I wouldn't change that, it's who you are and who I love. All I ask is you try, no we try. If something can wait, let it wait, if you have to rush off when it's essential rush off. We need to figure this out together not just you."
Steve smiled "I am one lucky man." Kissed her and they enjoyed the sounds of the waves and the rising moon together.