Characters: Frank, Joe, Callie

Type: Casefiles

Warnings: None

Plot blurb: While on vacation in San Francisco, Frank, Joe and Callie find adventure and intrigue...and the Gray Man! (Okay, so I stink at plot blurbs - now you know!)

Splash Page: At just past twelve thirty, lunch sounded like a good idea to all of them, and they headed for a likely cafe with pleasant outdoor tables. Callie was setting down her shopping bags when she spied a small hut set up on the corner.

"Oh, look! A kiosk! We should find out if there are any special events going on!"

"I'll get it." Frank stood up. "I want to buy a map anyway. If the waitress comes, order me a soda." He strolled over to the kiosk and studied the collection of maps before choosing one, then gathered some event folders and paid for the map. He heard one of the chess players say "Check" and couldn't resist a glance down to see the position of the pieces. Suddenly, someone shoved him roughly from behind so that he stumbled against the kiosk and he felt his wallet tugged from his hand.

"Hey!" Frank made a grab at the quickly retreating figure and caught only air. He regathered his balance and ran into a flying tackle. The thief was fast and his tackle fell short, but he skidded across the brick and managed to hook an ankle. The culprit stumbled and Frank held on firmly, shifting his grip to rise to his feet. He made it to his knees.

With surprising agility, the thief swung in his grasp, kicking out with his free leg and catching Frank square in the forehead. Frank flew backward in a graceful arc; his head hit the curb with a resounding crack, and he somersaulted, head over heels, over the curb - directly into four lanes of oncoming traffic!