Alex's smile this morning should've been a warning sign. But I was just grateful today's run didn't lead to Tundratown. I cranked the AC for the sixth time. Even after fifteen previous runs, I still wasn't fully used to the heat spike in Sahara Square. At least I only had to worry about sweating my tail off, this time. I checked the clipboard. Last stop was Boomrush Pavilion. At least there'd be shade there. Not that there weren't nice mammals along the way, but black fur under the sun…ugh.

I stretched my arms and noticed Alex was smiling at the corner of my eye. I reexamined the clipboard, not unsuspecting until the wolf opened his mouth. "What was she like?"

"What?"

"What was Assistant Mayor Bellwether like?"

My eyes drifted towards one of the magnificent stone edifices that overtook the skyline. "What are you talking about?"

Alex laughed. "Viola said she saw you two eating together last night. She thinks you're a cute couple. Wanted me to wish you luck." I didn't have to look to know he was grinning.

But after a couple minutes of watching downtown buildings slide past us, I gave in. "Nothing happened. She had a crappy day, I had a crappy day–and you're fine, okay? That's all."

"She said you practically asked her out."

"Well, Viola's wrong. I just wanted to help."

"That's cool. Never thought you'd be a Prey chaser, Ty."

I slapped my forehead. "Don't start, please."

"Just saying. Never thought she might be a predo."

"For the love of God, do not say that around anyone at the Pavilion."

"Okay, okay, went too far. I'm sorry." A little whine escaped.

"It's fine, Alex."

He relaxed. As I settled back into the seat, he cautiously asked, "Would you ask her out?"

"What?"

"I dunno. Viola said you two got along pretty well. So, if you had the chance, would you ask her out, for real?"

"Um…"

Alex heaved. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked. It's none of my business. Sorry."

He turned off Dust Devil Boulevard and backed into the Pavilion's nearest loading dock without another word. I gently rubbed a sore spot on my arm. For a moment, Dawn's fingers lingered there. I shook my head and switched off the AC. Alex unbuckled and propped the clipboard into his lap. "All right, thirteen boxes of nacho cheese refills, sixteen tortilla chips, ten bug-burger patties in iceboxes, and five buns. We're probably just the first round."

"Probably." I opened the door and hopped out. Even with the shade, the heat crawled under my fur.

"You okay?"

"Black fur, not good under heat," I murmured. Sweat already started to plaster my headfur to my forehead. "Let's get inside before I boil alive."

"You skunks are so melodramatic." He abruptly frowned. "I'm sorry, that was–"

"And you wolves are oversensitive," I smirked.

Alex nodded and quickly made his way around the back. A camel in a light blue Boomrush Pavilion polo stepped out, walkie-talkie clutched in his hoof. From behind the shutter door, I could hear the trolleys' heavy wheels rolling across the stone floor. I straightened up and tried not to trip over my already-sagging tail.

The camel paused with a concerned look. I dug out the arrowhead and waved it. He quickly got the message and ducked inside to join his colleagues. Alex followed him up the steps and held the door open for me.

"Are you Tyler Zorrillo? He said you'd be here."

"Kent, please don't," a familiar voice pleaded.

Alex slowly closed the door and pointed over my shoulder. I turned and spotted Dawn and a black bear in a dark blue suit. She trailed behind him, rubbing her forehead and muttering under her breath. When she looked up, I gave her a little wave. She waved back, managing a smile that lasted until the bear called out my name a second time. I looked at Alex.

"She needs you, Ty. I can handle all this."

"You sure? Preston might–"

Alex gently squeezed my shoulder. "Dude, she looks like she might strangle him. Go see what he wants before that happens. Besides, it might give you that chance." He winked and disappeared into the Pavilion before I could reply.

The bear clasped my paw in his two larger ones. "It's good to meet you at last, Mr. Zorrillo! Dawn's told me a lot about your random act of kindness." His voice reminded me of Lionheart's–firm, full of promise, and loud enough to ensure you didn't look away. "Name's Kent Bearig. And any friend of Dawn's is a friend of mine."

The ewe chuckled nervously and tugged Bearig's arms away. "He's busy right now, Kent. Besides, as I've already told you twenty times, he was just being nice."

"But that's exactly what Zootopia is all about: Predator and Prey working together, helping another. It's a beautiful message!" Bearig clapped. "Just how The Lionheart Administration can reach out to Predators and Prey alike!"

I tried not to roll my eyes. "That sounds wonderful, Mr. Bearig. But I was just being nice."

"Don't be so modest. Your kindness is exactly what Zootopia embodies."

The arrowhead suddenly felt heavy around my neck. "Yeah, I suppose it does." My eyes shifted to Dawn. "Good to see you're in better spirits, Miss Bellwether."

She smiled. "It's okay, Tyler. You can call me Dawn."

"I would, but I figure you'd appreciate professionalism around Bearig here. So at least he knows what it looks like."

She giggled. And my insult flew right over his head. "If I could talk to you for a minute or two, Mr. Zorrillo."

"I'm sorry, but I'm on the clock right now."

Bearig's arm shot behind my back and dragged me close. "Oh, don't worry. I've already spoken with Preston Yoh-tay. He's a Lionheart supporter through and through. He understands. Anyway, I have this brilliant idea. We capture and dramatize these little moments between Predators and Prey. You should be a part of it. Only the real deal could enact out, perhaps, a recreation of your kind offer to Miss Bellwether. Call it, "Scents-ible Behavior."

I glared. "Excuse me?"

Dawn grimaced and once again pulled him off. "Sorry about that. Kent gets easily excited. It's part of the reason I'm kitsitting him today."

For her sake, I let that stupid pun go. "All right, I guess it sounds okay." I flashed her a grateful smile, before taking a stoic expression with Bearig. "I really should get back to my job."

"Oh, of course, of course. The Zootopian workforce is a strong one. Dawn and I were just on our way to La Arena Blanca. Have you ever been there? They make one hell of a Scarlet Maria. And they have this amazing drink that quenches thirst and replenishes electrolytes!"

Dawn laughed and gently shooed him away. "That's really wonderful, Kent. May I speak with Mr. Zorrillo for just a tick? I promise it won't take long."

"Oh, right, right. Just keep my idea in mind, won't you, Mr. Zorrillo? It would be good for spreading awareness!"

"Thank you, Kent! I'll be with you shortly!" Dawn waved until Bearig turned his back several paces down. Her face immediately deflated. "I'm sorry about his poor choice of words. He thinks he's being clever."

"It's okay. I'm used to dumb jokes about how I smell. Or don't."

"No, it's not okay. It's so hard for little mammals like us. The bigger ones just push us around, thinking they can just…" Her hooves uncurled. "I want to apologize for his behavior. You're right; he doesn't know what professionalism looks like. I hope you weren't offended."

I shook my head. "It's fine. You were here to handle damage control. I just have to get back to my job. Even if my boss is a Lionheart fanboy, I still shouldn't leave my coworker to do everything by himself."

"I understand. I'm still sorry about Kent's delusions of grandeur. He had a few too many, you know…" She tilted her head back and raised her hoof in gulps. "And then I had to walk him back to his house."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I would've helped if I could."

She smiled. "I know you would."

I smiled back. "It was good to see you again."

"Yeah, you, too, Tyler."

"Call me Ty."

Dawn laughed. "I like that. Okay, Ty. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make sure Bearig doesn't embarrass himself and tell every passerby that same stupid joke about the three-humped camel. Again." She gently brushed my arm. "Thanks for understanding." She started back towards the black bear, who seemed caught up in enacting what I could only hope was not a ritualistic dance.

"Wait," I said, before I could catch myself.

She halted a few steps away. "Yes?"

I rubbed the back of my head. "You think, maybe, we might be able to meet up at Misty's again, like, say, Friday? Maybe around eight?" What was I doing? "It was really nice, last time."

A blush crawled across her face. "Oh, um…" She quickly retrieved her planner and flipped through it. Then she added with a little grin, "You know what? That's a wonderful idea, Ty. I'd love to."

"Thank you."

"But…" She clapped the planner shut and trotted back to me. "I'd prefer if this stayed between us. You know Bearig would leap at any opportunity to rope you into that crazy little project of his. He's already on his way to meet with the crew that made Lionheart's campaign videos. I really don't wanna burden you. See you Friday." And with a little wave, she took off to resume kitsitting Bearig, whose overexcited gestures terrified two passing fennecs into running.

I blinked. I just asked the Assistant Mayor–I just asked Dawn out on a date. And she said yes. I…what the hell happened? Thank God Alex was inside. But he'd find out. And he'd never let me live it down. Neither would Viola, who hopefully only told Alex about my first meeting with the ewe. No, I could trust them to keep it to themselves…for the most part. At the very least, Alex only asked when we were in the cab. But I just asked her out…and she said yes…how nice it felt when she brushed my arm.

I grinned like an idiot.

The heat reminded me where I was, my headfur further collapsing over my forehead. I shuffled back to the loading dock door. But before I made it up the stairs, Alex stepped out with the clipboard, check baggie, and what looked like three new order forms. He slowly closed the door with a smirk. "So, how'd it go?"

Pushing the grin back, I casually replied, "I was bear-hugged."

"Really, that's all? I was trying to give you a shot with her."

I shrugged. "She was with what I'm guessing was Lionheart's PR guy. He thinks I'd be great for these political ads about Predators and Prey "coming together", or something like that."

The wolf's smirk eased into a supportive smile. "Yeah, I could see that. Might give you leverage, too. Maybe enough to cut out those stupid arrowheads. Or the whole damn procedure."

I glanced at the metal tag atop my collarbone. "A little late for that, Alex."

"Sorry, didn't mean to bring back painful memories." Alex ticked off a couple more things on the board. "But it's still stupid. I mean, they might as well have declawed everyone. Or took out every ram, goat, and bull's horns."

I sighed and climbed into the cab. Alex clicked on the AC. The newest layer of sweat faded, unsealing my headfur from my forehead. I pushed the matted mess back and wiped my paw on the seat. "It's fine. I still have the government-authorized pellets, if I need them. Besides, you'd hate it if I accidentally pulled the pin in the cab, because some elephant trumpeted."

"Skunk grenade," the wolf chuckled. "I know, but I'm serious. Maybe it would help. Show everyone that you're not a ticking time-bomb. Or maybe just so they won't give you weird looks. Don't lie, I've seen them do it. Like that camel?"

"Thanks, but it's just to make the Mayor and his people look better."

I considered that. Dawn was one of his people. Right, Dawn. I asked her out. I actually asked her out. I don't why, and I don't know why she said yes. But it felt good. It was good to see her smile and hear her laugh. And maybe this would help her. Even if she wasn't nearly as enthusiastic about it as Bearig.

Alex grinned at the corner of my eye.

I groaned. "What?"

"Something happened."

"Nothing happened."

"Ty, you're blushing so hard even your black fur can't hide it."

I checked the side mirror. Crap. "Nothing happened. Besides Dawn saving me from getting my spine snapped by an overeager bear."

"On a first name basis, already?"

I growled. Alex briefly raised his right paw and quietly chuckled. Soon, I chuckled with him. One of the camel employees, hoof drawn to tap the window, stared blankly at us. Alex rolled it down and accepted the lost sheet of paperwork passed through. The camel returned to the Pavilion. "Might help if you start the engine," I teased.

"Might, yeah."

I frowned. "Sorry about that."

"It's fine." He stretched his right arm as we pulled out of the loading dock area. "You two would make a cute couple."

"Don't let any rabbits hear you say that."

"I mean it, Ty."

I directed my eyes to the road. "Yeah, maybe we would," I agreed quietly.

The radio sparked to life. "Alex? Ty?"

Alex grabbed the receiver. "Sorry, Stacy. We got a little hung up at Boomrush."

The stoat hmmmed. "Don't tell me the shipment missed a box."

He chuckled. "Okay, I won't tell you." After Stacy's groan, he chimed, "No, the shipment was fine. They've put in three more orders. No, we just got caught up a little because…" His finger slipped. "...because Tyler was approached by Lionheart's PR guy to star in some political thing."

After a beat, she replied, "You're kidding."

"Nope, I would not kid you. Our very own Tyler Zorrillo was asked. He hasn't said yes, yet. But I'm sure Preston'll wanna hear about it."

I groaned and buried my face in my paws. "Oh, I'm sure he knows. We had some bear calling in earlier, asking if we had an employee named Tyler. You better give Preston all the details."

"He'd be happy to." Alex hooked the receiver and smiled apologetically. "At least Preston won't bite our heads off for stalling."

"No, he'll just twist my arm until I say I'll do it. Probably try to cram in some promotion for Nutra-Lyfe, too." While I'd do it for Dawn, I really didn't need Preston Yote regurgitating Bearig's selling points. I shrugged. "What the hell. If it keeps you from getting fired."

"Thanks for your consideration, Zorrillo."

"You're the one who volunteered me, Volk."

"So I did, so I did."

Sure enough, Preston waited for us by his office. The coyote wiped the slightly-dented Lionheart campaign button pinned to his vest. He beamed at me. "Stacy tells me you've been given an interesting opportunity." He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and led me inside.

The stoat mouthed an "I'm sorry" from her station. I shrugged against Preston's arm. "Yeah, Lionheart's PR guy said he talked to you."

Preston closed the door behind us. "Yes, he did. And you didn't leap at his offer, because…?"

"I was on duty, sir. And it didn't feel appropriate–"

"You realize what he's doing?" The coyote dropped into his swivel chair, the campaign button wobbling on its pin. "He's giving all of us Predators a chance."

I pulled out one of the chairs and sat down. "I dunno. Seems like a token gesture to me."

"You're not thinking about the big picture, Zorrillo. This is a golden opportunity to show those Prey naysayers that Lionheart knows what he's doing, and that us Predators aren't to be looked down upon. I'm sure I don't have to remind you about..." He sadly tapped his collarbone. "That was enacted by Mayor Wilkit, who was really only a puppet for that damn bull Tors. You understand what I'm getting at?"

To spare myself another Tors rant, I nodded.

"Good. This sounds like the kind of thing that would give us Predators a boost up. Or at least show those Prey that we wouldn't just leave them flopping in the mud like a bunch of lost fish." He drummed the button. Oh, God, please don't let him ramble on about the day he voted for Lionheart. "Sorry, that was a poor analogy."

"If you say so."

"Now, I'm not gonna force your paw. You're not under any threat of losing your job. I'm not going to pull any of that crap. I'd never do that to a fellow Predator. But I want you to really think about it, okay? If you see Bearig again–it was Bearig, right?" (I nodded.) "If you see Bearig again, you might change your mind. Who knows? Anyway, I'm sorry I kept you. I'm just a little…worried. Maybe this could help us."

Preston tapped his button one more time and then stashed it into a drawer stuffed with what sounded like keys and screwdrivers. Behind him, the framed and graciously autographed poster of Leodore Lionheart smiled towards the sky. At the far right, I could barely make out Dawn Bellwether, trying to peer around the lion. And his conveniently placed signature.

"You'll consider it, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'll consider it. Thanks, Preston. Sorry if I gave you a scare."

The coyote shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Things are just getting a bit rough for us. I mean, nine Predators have gone missing. Nine, Zorrillo. That can't just be a coincidence." He rubbed his forehead and swiveled towards the poster. "Leodore's pulling through for us, though. I know it."

I sank into the seat. In between meeting Dawn and the Tundratown run and Bearig's presentation, I had forgotten all about them. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, Zorrillo." He spun back around. "Just keep what I said in mind. And tell Volk to ease up on the jokes. Ermin's been under a lot of stress."

I rose from the chair. "I will, sir."

Preston saluted the framed Lionheart poster. Would that PSA really do anything, much less bring all of those missing Predators back? I shuddered and quickly-but-quietly shut the door behind me. Nine Predators, and I had completely forgotten about them. What kind of asshole did that make me?

Alex touched my shoulder. "You okay?"

I forced myself to nod. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just had to think about some things."


"I'm just saying it might be best to respect Mr. Zorrillo's privacy."

"I hear you, Dawn. But I'm just saying that it's an inspiring sentiment."

And so we returned to La Arena Blanca, with silk white grains of sand wedging between my toes. I maintained my most professional face and dutifully followed Bearig. The burner Ramsung clanged a few minutes before (Woolter, 27 new.). The ursine didn't notice, being far too busy innocently grilling a poor okapi waiter about his political views. After five straight minutes of being brushed aside, I finally pulled him in the right direction, sparing the okapi further questions about whether he was "Satisfied" or "Very Satisfied".

The floor of the Pearl Oasis Room was thankfully swept. Three dusty red-suited representatives of Oxton-Bay Productions sat around one end of the ornate stone table. I didn't recognize the wildebeest or the hyena, but Heidi Pumar gave us a warm enough smile. "Kent, it's good that you made it. But we were expecting Mr. Lionheart."

Bearig apologetically waved his paws and pulled himself a seat. "I'm sorry to say Mr. Lionheart is tied up at the moment. He sent me in his stead, with his second-in-command." He nudged another chair. I obediently climbed atop it. And only my headwool and the eyes reached the top. "My apologies, Dawn. I should've gotten you a booster seat."

I was sure my hooves didn't scratch too deeply into the stone. "It's fine, Kent. I'll just make myself comfortable."

The puma shook her head and glanced at her colleagues. "If I may say so, Mr. Bearig," the wildebeest spoke up. "Your behavior isn't what we expected after your glowing proposal."

A frightened bleat shot out of me as Bearig quickly hoisted me onto the table. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Vildemaas. I haven't forgotten my manners. They just got ahead of me."

Better sort this out before the moron dug deeper. Vildemaas seemed civil enough. "I want to apologize for my associate. We've been very pressed since Mayor Lionheart has taken to other commitments we are not at liberty to discuss. He just needs a little time to reorient himself. Now that we've cleared that out of the way, may we discuss the proposal?"

Vildemaas nodded and held out his hoof. The hyena opened a manila folder and passed two sheets. "We've taken our own notes on the basic script Mr. Bearig has helpfully provided over the phone. The scenarios seem functional enough. Although I have concerns that some Prey demographics, such as those among voles, may not be in favor of what they imply."

"Nonsense!" Bearig swept his arm across the table, nearly knocking me off my feet. "It's just the thing we need to bolster community spirit. Especially among our vulpine populace. It could really help…" He curiously drew in a worried breath. "…improve their image."

Heidi mulled this over, while her wildebeest and hyena colleagues examined their notes. I pitied whatever poor mammal had to follow Bearig's train of thought. But my own was broken by "I Just Can't Wait to Be King". I spotted my file bag at the edge of the table and quickly turned. "Forgive me, Heidi, I have to take this. If you'll excuse me." Bearig could talk himself out of this mess for a few more minutes. Maybe.

Vildemaas nodded, while his Predator colleagues simply waited out the revision spewing from Bearig's mouth. I carefully slid off, collected my bag, and pulled out my Ramsung. Too late. 1 Missed Call. He was not gonna be happy when I got back to him. I shuddered and walked to a quiet corner down the hall outside. Silk soft, silk white sand dug under my feet. Ever so reluctantly, I redialed.

He answered quickly enough. "Smellwether, where the heck have you been? I've been calling for five minutes, now!"

"I'm very sorry, Mayor Lionheart," I chirped. "I had to run with Kent to Sahara–"

"Oh, right, his proposal. Brilliant idea. Oughta inspire hundreds of honest, caring Predators and Prey across Zootopia. Brilliant idea. Listen…Dawn." He sharply inhaled. "I need you to swing by Tundratown. I'm catering to some mammals of great importance tonight, and they've got a hankering for seafood. And they're not gonna wanna stray too far from the office, so I need it there as soon as possible."

Figured as much. "I dunno, I can't really leave Kent here all by himself."

"Bearig can handle it. He's handled my public image for months now, with no slip-ups. Unlike a certain sheep I could name, who left the records department a total mess."

Ah, yes. Because when the lion demanded I meet with the Kleen Krew mammals about a sewer backing up so he could jabber with other high-ranking Preds at The Palm, it was clearly my fault. "Of course, Mayor. I'll see if I can get in touch with Nutra-Lyfe. They should–"

"Fine, fine. Call Nutra-Lyfe, speed walk to Halibut's, do whatever it takes. I need everything set up by five. If things work out, these delegates might contribute to my expansion plans for Savannah Central and Sahara Square. We'll get lots of good publicity."

"Yes, of course we will." The top right of the screen read 1:12 PM. A reasonable amount of time, for a change. "I'll get right on that, so they can squeeze us in."

"Of course they'll squeeze us in! They know who I am, Smellwether!" After another sharp breath, the call terminated.

Excellent, he was scared. Still an asshole, as Tyler would say, but scared. I sorted through my Contacts to find Nutra-Lyfe. Wait. Wasn't Tyler one of their delivery mammals? I smiled. Perhaps this day would get better. Provided Bearig didn't scare off Vildemaas and Pumar with his stupidity.

"Hello, Nutra-Lyfe? I've got an order to make on behalf of Mayor Lionheart. Thank you, and…who is this? Oh, hello, Mr. Yote. Yes, he wants a seafood order…yeah, that mix sounds good. He wants to make a good impression, and I really don't have time to run to Tundra…yes, eight crates should do it. Thank you. Needs to be there before five o'clock…okay, super! Glad we could squeeze in. Yes, Lionheart is dynamite." I hung up and gagged. The last I needed was another of Lionheart's sycophants.

I strolled back to the Pearl Oasis Room. Bearig was in the middle of a dinner scene between an unseen sheep and an unnamed skunk. My hoof clenched my forehead. Did I really expect him to listen to me? At least he avoided using our names.

"It's a true story, too. Dawn said his name was Tyler."

Oh, shear me. I loudly clapped my hooves. "Thank you for that vote of confidence, Kent, but we really should get to the point." I ignored Kent's amused look as I dragged myself and my file bag back onto the table. "I take it the proposal has been accepted?"

Vildemaas politely smiled. "After a revision or two. We'll arrange a time next week when we can begin filming. And I'll have Jackson look over the…new script scenarios Bearig has provided.

"Excellent!" The bear's arm snagged me into a back-crunching hug. "You see, Dawn? We'll stir that age-old Zootopian spirit, yet!"

My legs wobbled after he released me. At least my glasses hadn't slipped away. "Yes, we will."

For the next hour, I waited as Kent, Pumar, and Vildemaas discussed funding and eventually agreed on "Seventh Level" for filming. I nearly groaned out loud when Bearig suggested recreating Misty's out of backroom furniture. He'd never let that go, would he? Still, I smiled and played nice and tried not to dwell on the image of my hooves slicing grooves into that damn bear's throat. No, I couldn't let myself get carried away with such thoughts. Not yet.

After checking with Tiffany ("You deserve a medal for kitsitting that idiot," she quietly confided), I pulled the overexcited black bear out of La Arena Blanca, much to Vildemaas' visible relief. He barely concealed a death glare when Bearig claimed he knew wildebeest because he "was best friends with Idris Bogo". I assured him Kent's brain was just addled by stress. He didn't have to know that bear's brain departed ages ago.

En route to City Hall, Bearig clumsily tried to apologize. I responded with the practiced smile and the soft oh-aren't-I-the-adorable-ewe voice. He bought it and nearly crushed my spine in another embrace. I had to steady myself for the remainder of the walk, so I could avoid tripping and spilling everything out of my bag. Again.

Bearig quickly disappeared into his office, ensnaring Bea in Record Keeping to discuss his successful proposal. I hadn't heard from Lionheart for a little over two hours. I smiled. With any luck, he was still at Cliffside, tearing out his mane over why these missing mammals behaved so poorly.

Tiffany quickly apologized to another possible delegate over the phone that dear Mayor Lionheart wouldn't be available. She hung up, just in time for the next phone to ring. With a defeated sigh, she answered, "Hello, City Hall. Oh, that's great to hear, Mr. Yoh-tay. Thank you." The mare clacked the phone into its cradle. "Got a heads up from Nutra-Lyfe. They should be here anytime."

I trotted over to Reception and gently held her free hoof. "I really appreciate what you're doing. Even if they don't."

She shrugged. "I'm fine. Long as they sign my paychecks, I don't care. But after three calls in a row, I'm starting to think Mr. Yote is a bit…obsessed."

I laughed. "Tell me about it." Still no Nutra-Lyfe truck outside. Thankfully, the clanging bell never rang. I leaned against the desk, letting my bag slink off my shoulder.

"So, is what Kent's been saying about you true?"

I straightened myself up and uncurled my hooves. "And what might that be?"

The mare scribbled a couple Post-Paw notes and added them to the yellow mass blanketing her work area. "He said you and some skunk went out to dinner."

"Kent's got the wrong impression, that's all."

Tiffany smirked. "So it is true."

Before I could reply, the Nutra-Lyfe truck parked across from the glass doors. 3:38. Still a good hour before whatever Lionheart had planned for his delegates. And I knew he'd have kittens if I didn't make all the necessary signatures. I brushed my wool and retrieved my pen, clipboard, and Leodore's checkbook. Tiffany picked up another call, thankfully sparing me further embarrassment. She was a wonderful mare, but it was bad enough to hear it from Kent.

A tan wolf wheeled the first pawcart of three frozen fish cares towards the glass doors. He released it long enough to prop one with his back before pulling the cart over the threshold. "At least this one's on the home turf."

"Yeah, but we still got that Rainforest District run. Preston shouldn't've pushed that one back."

"You know how much of a Lionheart fanboy he is. Now stop whining and get the rest of those boxes in here." He steadied the pawcart a couple feet to his left and held the door open.

"I am not whining."

"Yeah, yeah, you're complaining. I know."

A familiar skunk in a dark green Nutra-Lyfe uniform wheeled another pawcart of three crates over the threshold and across the painted Zootopian seal. The tan wolf quickly stepped out to presumably retrieve the other two. Tyler slinked against his cart, brushing his arms. I brushed myself down again.

"Is that him?"

I couldn't resist smiling a little. "Let's be professional, Tiff. We are representing The Lionheart Administration, after all."

The tan wolf carried the other two crates in, fitting one each atop the pawcarts. As he strapped them into place, Tyler sighed. "Sorry, I'm just a little on edge. Ever since…" He paused in my direction.

Before Tiffany could say anything else, I stepped forward. "Thank you guys for coming. We really appreciate what you do."

"Sorry we were a little late," the tan wolf apologized.

"Oh, that's fine. Greg'll show you where to go." I whistled for one of the ram personnel guarding the building. Greg was a decent guy, if a bit distant and quiet. Probably wouldn't get along too well with Doug and the boys. "Show these fine gentlemammals to the commissary. Leodore'll want these on the grill ASAP."

Gregg nodded and beckoned for them to follow. Unfortunately, neither got very far before Bearig made his timely reappearance. "Mr. Zorrillo, what a surprise!"

"Kent," I warned him. "He's on–"

"I'm sure he can spare a few moments, can't he?" He glanced at Greg. The ram merely shrugged and accepted the pawcart from a visibly annoyed Tyler. I pinched the bridge of my muzzle and huffed. "Now, Mr. Zorrillo, we've discussed my little project and we've got the ball rolling. We really could use your help."

Tyler looked at him and then looked at me. His face softened. "Do you really need my help? I mean, I don't have any acting–"

"Yes," Bearig broke in, sinking his fingers into my shoulder. "We need conscientious citizens to show us what Zootopia is really like. And we can't achieve that with mere actors alone. We need…verisimilitude. We need real life testimonies. We need proper, hard-working citizens like you."

The skunk looked back at me. I mouthed a quiet "I'm sorry" and tried my most supportive smile, despite the bear's digging claws. He smiled back. His eyes never left mine. "Well, if it'd help you, sure, I'll do it."

"Excellent! Can you meet us here this coming Wednesday around, say, two o'clock? And if you're not available then, I'm sure I can put in a good word with Mr. Yote about–"

"No, no, I have next Wednesday off. I can–"

"Excellent! I apologize for taking up more of your valuable work time. We really appreciate what you do for the Zootopian workforce." Kent seized and shook Tyler's unoffered paw, nearly knocking the skunk off his feet. "See you on the set." And with that, Bearig finally released my shoulder. Just when I was so close to biting his paw off at the wrist.

Tyler shook his head. "I guess he hasn't changed much."

I sighed and swept where Bearig's claws dug down. "No, he hasn't. And I'm sorry you got roped into this."

"I'll manage. I'm sorry I put you in that position."

"I'm not," I blurted. When Tyler faced me, I quickly added, "I mean, I was the one who slipped that out. Kent's just the overbearing type." I chuckled nervously at my own stupid pun. "But I'm still thankful for what you did. I really needed it."

He gently took my hoof. He had claws not unlike Bearig, but far smaller and neatly filed. Not like that stupid bear or that stupid lion's, who sometimes hooked my wool. "I'm glad. I just wish I didn't encourage him so much."

"It's all right." I gave his paw a light squeeze. "If we survive, we have Friday to look forward to."

The skunk smiled warmly. "I hope I don't disappoint."

I smiled, somewhat sadly. "You won't. You're a good mammal."

"Thanks." He gently squeezed back and pulled away.

Soon enough, his lupine coworker and Greg wheeled the two now-empty pawcarts towards the glass doors. The wolf passed his clipboard to Tyler, who passed it to me. I signed as needed and wrote out the check. He accepted it and gave me a respectful bow before passing back the clipboard and accepting the cart from Greg. The ram gave him a silent, but courteous nod. They walked out, while Greg nodded courteously to me and returned to his post.

"Careful, Dawn. That's how rumors start."

I laughed and strolled back to the desk. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't contribute. Besides, Leodore owes me a night off."

"Ain't that the truth." Tiffany checked her watch. "Speaking of, it's about time for my lunch. Leo doesn't have you working on anything, does he?"

The Ramsung remained mercifully silent. "No, I already signed and paid. And nothing's scheduled for the rest of today." I slid out the planner, just to be sure. "Yep, nothing at this exact moment."

"Great, I know just the place. You'll love it."

"That sounds good." I rechecked the Ramsung. Still silent. Then again, if Lionheart was still at Cliffside, he'd camp out until he absolutely had to make that mad dash back to the office. "I can sneak out for a little bit."

Clouds slipped over the sun as we stepped out onto Sienna Avenue. Tiffany neighed quietly, batting down a curl cropping in her mane. My good mood steadily broke as Kent's little project came back to me. Was he really going to make us to reenact that night? I shuddered. Not that I regretted meeting Tyler, of course. But that stupid bear's opportunism was really grating.

"Dawn, are you all right?"

I ungritted my teeth and flattened my hooves at my sides. "Yeah, I'm fine, Tiff. Just dreading what sort of crazy thing Kent has planned."

"I'm sure Oxton-Bay'll keep him from going too far." She trotted a few more steps before stopping again. "So, you and that skunk…"

"Please, Tiff. I have enough of a headache as it is."

"Sorry. I just wanted to say I don't blame you. He is kinda cute. I'm not into Predators, myself, but he seems charming."

"Yeah, he is."

Tiffany walked us down another three blocks. Two blocks back, I spotted the curled horns welded to a likewise metal sign. Bullram and Rambull's. Ah, I'd seen banner ads for the place around Furbook. Cool air shot over us as we stepped into the red-and-black-patterned restaurant. A pair of cervines (couldn't quite make out their species) argued loudly. Tiffany chuckled. "I was hoping they wouldn't be here."

I shrugged. "Right now, Bearig scares me more than a disgruntled customer or two."

The hostess, an enthusiastic, black-faced ewe, rapidly shook my hoof. "Assistant Mayor Bellwether! It's an honor to meet you here! My name's Ruth, and I hope you'll enjoy your visit."

"Thank you, Ruth. It's good to know I have your support." I shook her hoof in turn.

Ruth quickly led us to a booth halfway down the right side of the dining area. The two cervines paused to catch their breath. Tiffany sighed with relief. Around us, various Prey resumed their conversations, occasionally eyeing the booth at the back. Tiffany sat down. "They always go back there and rant about their chili. Yet they still eat it."

"You know, we can hear you, horse!"

"Shut up, you moron! She's with the Assistant Mayor! They might arrest you, or something!"

"They can't arrest you for something like that!"

I pointedly examined the menu while the argument broke into a chorus of "Can, too!" and "Cannot!" Tiffany laughed sadly. "At least it'll be quieter on Friday, right?" She slid her hoof across her mouth.

"Yeah, much quieter. So, how have you been lately?"

"Surviving. Ever since Lionheart got caught up in whatever he's doing, I've been playing negotiator with virtually every bigwig across Zootopia. It's…not fun."

"Welcome to my life." I leaned into the cushion and closed my eyes. This was nice. Even the dread of being dragged into Bearig's little project quieted down. And, thankfully, so did the two cervines, who finally decided to eat.

Ruth peeked into our booth. "Hey, again. Sorry if I'm bothering you, I just wanted to make sure you're comfortable."

"No complaints."

Ruth beamed. "That's wonderful. When I was a lamb, I thought maybe I could be a leader, too. That didn't exactly work out, but I'm glad I can help others, like you. Sorry, I don't mean to disturb you."

I shook her head. "Don't worry, Ruth, I'm good."

"Super! Might I recommend the House Chili? It's fabulous, even if some don't think so." She jabbed a finger towards the booth at the back. And before they could retaliate, she gave me one final "thank you" and returned to her post.

"Look at that, your own fan, Dawn." Tiffany chuckled. "You should try the chili. It's made with quality, Bunnyburrow-grown tomato stock. Completely vegetarian."

"Good idea, Tiff." I reopened my eyes and peered around our booth towards the sidewalk. Bearig didn't magically reappear, throwing the doors open with another grand idea. I turned back to her. "You wanna get a drink after work?"

The mare blinked. "Are you sure, with your busy schedule?"

"After this apparent meeting with delegates around five, Lionheart hasn't bogged me down with anything else for tonight." I quietly bit my tongue, but the bell still didn't clang. "So I'm free, far as I'm concerned."

Tiffany brightened. "Sure, I'd love to. We should try Rainier's just outside Tundratown. It's got a wonderful selection of mountain water blends."

"As long as it's not La Blanca Arena." No, that was unfair. Nahil was nothing short of courteous. "Their service was spectacular. Kent just left a bad impression of the place."

"I get you. Don't worry, I don't think Kent even knows where Rainier's is. Can't say the same for Leodore." She narrowed her eyes. "Maybe I can…"

"I'll buy."

"Oh, no, Dawn, this was my idea."

"No, it's my treat. After what that jerk puts you through, it's the least I can do."

"Thanks, Dawn."

"And I'll cover Rainier's, too."

"Oh, no. That's when I get to spoil you."

"All right, all right. Can't argue with you there."

I smiled, and then paused as I realized I quoted Tyler from that night. My smile grew. Tiffany smiled back. "I'm sure Friday'll go great."

I nodded. He certainly was different from other Predators. Not like Lionheart or Bearig or the many other inconsiderate ones who overlooked me in day-to-day life. "It will. He's a great guy." So different from the other Predators.

Hopefully, he'd stay that way.