Author's Note: This is actually the first chapter where I've really felt like I've gotten back into the swing of things. Takes a while when you've been out of the game for 2+ years, I guess.
Hope everyone's enjoying it so far!
Judy stood tucked away on a narrow side street underneath the humming glow of a streetlight, drumming a tune in the pavement with her feet to pass the time. To her left sat three cups of coffee, each a different size. She breathed in the nutty smell, the late night air, and could faintly hear the gentle crooning of some mellow soul on a far-away fire escape. Across the street, a little bistro closed its doors, its portly owner flipping chairs onto the tables and dancing to some unheard tune. Judy pretended he was dancing to the crooner, and giggled to herself.
A few hours ago, Judy had received a text from a blocked number, instructing her to wait under this streetlight on this street at this hour until the car had arrived to pick her up. And as a large white limo rolled up to the curb, Judy couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Mr. Manchas stepped out, dressed in a crisp black uniform and driver's cap. He smiled broadly as he crossed the front of the car, and stooped down on one knee.
"Hello, Officer Hopps," he said, holding out his paw.
Judy shook it warmly. "Mr. Manchas! I've wondered if I'd ever see you again."
"I asked for this," the panther replied. "I wanted to thank you in person, but there are not many chances for our two worlds to meet openly."
Judy lifted the larger coffee out of its container, offering it up to Manchas. "Here. I thought whoever was coming to pick me up could use a pick-me-up. I hope milk is fine."
Manchas accepted it with both hands, taking a sip. He put a paw to his heart. "More than fine. Truly, a servant of the people." He turned and opened the car door, where Nick sat twiddling his thumbs. His ears perked up when he saw Judy, and he patted the rest of the seat next to him.
"Evening Carrots," he said as Judy climbed inside. "Care to join me on this trip down memory lane?"
Manchas reached inside and handed Judy the other coffees, and she offered one to Nick while starting on the other. "You catch the license plate, too? 29THD03. You can smell the déjà vu a mile away."
"Mr. Big is in very high spirits this evening," said Manchas, who stood hunched over the open door. "He thought it was appropriate. Just promise me you won't tear up my backseat."
"Do you think we should have asked to meet somewhere in public?" Nick asked, as Manchas shut the door and made his way back to the front. "High-spirits isn't necessarily a good thing when you're a ruthless criminal mastermind."
Judy took another sip of her coffee, smirking from behind the cup. "So we should meet with said mastermind out in the open? That may be your best idea ever, Wilde."
Manchas rolled down the glass separating the back seats from the driver's half. "You have nothing to worry about. Mr. Big has no intention of harming his granddaughter's godmother."
"I can't help but notice I wasn't included in that sentence," said Nick.
"Then perhaps Mr. Big is in the market for another rug."
Judy leaned in close. "Made from the fur of a fox's…butt." She laughed as Nick slumped in his seat, pouting.
Manchas' route deliberately avoided well-lit streets and lively squares, winding along alleyways and smaller, sparsely-driven roads. Many of the buildings lining them were boarded up, their doorways covered in cobwebs and graffiti. Trash lay piled in wanton heaps, and the gloom settled over all like dust.
Judy rolled the window up when the stench caught up. "Someone should do something about this."
"Mr. Big has several revitalization projects scattered in Tundratown, in neighborhoods just like this," Manchas explained, having overheard. "Progress is slow, but he reaches as far as he can."
Judy wrung her paws together "Hard to believe this is coming from the same Mr. Big who almost killed us."
The panther glanced at her from the mirror. "It was to project strength. Wilde had already been warned, and you are an officer of the ZPD. It would have damaged his reputation to let you go."
"Then why did he?" Nick asked. "Not that I'm ungrateful. Breathing is one of my favorite hobbies."
"Officer Hopps saved his daughter. Rewarding that devotion sent a stronger message, that those who protect family become family. Mr. Big desires loyalty, and while those in his service are loyal to him, he is loyal to the city, like you two."
"Then why be a criminal in the first place?" Judy asked.
"There is only so much the law can enforce. It is his belief that crime cannot be stopped, but it can be controlled. He prefers legitimate business whenever possible, but he is not afraid to take the steps the ZPD cannot. Violence is a necessary evil."
Judy frowned. "There's always another way."
"And he will be proud to step down when it is found. Until then, anyone who moves in his way must be dealt with."
They rode the rest of the way in silence. Snowflakes dazzled in the headlights, racing past the car like little white comets. Nick rubbed his arms as the cold wormed its way inside, so Judy reached over to the door and turned the heat up, sighing as the warmth crept out from beneath their seats. Up ahead, a polar bear removed the chain blocking the way onto Mr. Big's estate, letting them pass. Two others stood on either side of the grand entrance, stone-faced and hulking.
Manchas opened their door, sweeping his arm and bowing. "Mr. Big is waiting for you in the parlor. You will be escorted."
"It was good to see you again," said Judy as they passed. She waved to him from the doorway, and Manchas removed his hat, nodding in silent thanks.
The estate felt warmer, and safer, now that the three of them were on pleasant terms. The guards didn't seem dangerous so much as fiercely protective, and a few even acknowledged the pair with brief glances. The bear leading them through the hallways took them farther than the office they had first met, instead towards the end of the hall where music and light warbled out. Mr. Big himself was sat in his usual chair, placed on the coffee table facing an enormous, ornate fireplace, and his personal guardian Koslov leaned against the far wall. The Don smiled warmly when Nick and Judy appeared, and gestured for them to stand to his left.
"I apologize we could not meet at more appropriate hours," he began, turning to face them. "But I trust your journey was comfortable?"
Judy leaned forward, allowing the tiny shrew to kiss either cheek. "Thank you for sending Mr. Manchas. It was good to see him back to normal."
"I should be thanking you. That makes two members of my family you have saved."
The shrew looked to Nick, his expression blank. "Nicky."
"Sir," Nick replied, smiling nervously.
"I must say, I was surprised to hear you had followed in Officer Hopp's footsteps. But…I do not object. Please, sit."
Judy and Nick took a plush loveseat behind them. Another bear appeared behind them, offering refreshments suited to their size. Judy accepted a slice of carrot cake, while Nick chose a cappuccino topped with fresh cream. Mr. Big took a glass of wine, swirling it around in a tiny paw.
"Now, how may I be of service to you both?" Mr. Big asked, taking a sip.
Judy set the plate in her lap. "Well sir, we've been investigating the systemic harassment of Boris Howlett, another resident here in Tundratown. If I may be straightforward, he suggested you might have reason to be behind this."
Mr. Big traced the rim of the wine glass. "Howlett...he is the wolverine, yes? I have tried to work with him for many years, but he has always refused my generosity. I assume that is why he blames me, because he believes I hold some grudge?"
"That is accurate, yes."
"I am no thug. Yes, Mr. Howlett has refused me many times, but I gain nothing from beating him in the streets."
"What about your employees? Are you sure none of them might have reason to strike out on their own?" Judy pressed, scribbling in her notebook. "Maybe they wanted revenge because he refused you?"
"There is no justice in such mindless brutality. No one would dare if they carry my name."
The little shrew sighed, brushing his cheek with two slender fingers. "We are not so different from one another, Officer Hopps. We both desire peace. I am willing to spill blood for my home, and spare the rest of you that burden. Do not insult me by dragging my name through any more."
Nick pulled at his collar. "The last thing we want to do is wrongly accuse you, Mr. Big."
"But we do want to get to the bottom of this," said Judy. "Are you absolutely certain it wasn't someone who works for you? Normally the ZPD would consider these isolated incidents, but the calculated nature of the attacks forces us to consider that one or more mammals are doing this on purpose, and there are very few in this district that would have a reason or authority to do so."
Judy watched Mr. Big carefully, his heavy brow masking any slipping thought. Finally, he reached out and gestured for Koslov. The golem-like bear crossed the room, stooping low as Mr. Big whispered into his ear. Gently he lifted Mr. Big into his paw, standing to his full height, and made for the hallway.
"Come with me," said Mr. Big. "I wish to show you something."
Koslov led them upstairs and down another hallway. A tiny window framed the soft petals of snow floating past. He stopped at a door, adorned in Gazelle posters and leopard print stickers. Quietly, Koslov opened the door with his other paw, and stepped aside.
Judy and Nick peered into the room, littered with flashy furniture and tiny, gaudy shoes. Near the bay window, nestled in a bed carefully tailored to her size, lay a sleeping Fru-Fru, and beside her stood a little crib.
"My daughter stays with me when her husband is out of town on business," the Don explained, resting his chin on his thumb. "She is the light of my life, my angel, my beloved. And there, next to her...do you see? That is your goddaughter, Officer Hopps, named in your honor. It is our hope that this child is blessed with your courage."
"I would do anything to keep them safe," Mr. Big continued, "and I imagine the wolverine would do the same for his own children. Perhaps my daughter and I both do not look it, but we are still predators, as is Howlett, and I worry that the persecution of my kind is far from over. Any attack upon his family may soon become an attack upon my own, so perhaps I shall treat it as such."
Mr. Big leaned forward in his chair, menacing despite his small size. "I will put the word out that any further aggressions against Mr. Howlett are aggressions against myself. He may not approve of my methods, but they will keep him safe whether he likes it or not. I will also look into who may have been behind the attacks, and relay any information to you."
Koslov shut the bedroom door as Judy bowed her head in thanks. "You have our gratitude, sir. You're doing a great kindness for the city."
"It is good you recognize that. Listen carefully, Officer Hopps, Officer Wilde. I do this, not only because I do not allow blatant disrespect in my district, but because I expect my kindness to not go unanswered. My help must come with a price."
"You're asking us for a favor?" Nick asked. "Name it."
"Nothing illegal," reminded Judy. "And it can't interfere with any ZPD activities."
Mr. Big nodded curtly. "I will not force you to abandon your morality. But the time will come when I will call upon you for your help, and I only ask that you trust my judgement of when that time should be."
Judy thought for a moment. Striking a deal with a known criminal was not even close to ideal, but the shrew had honored his promises up until now; there was no reason to believe he wouldn't again. She reached out with her paw, delicately pressing against the Don's own.
He smiled. "Do not forget you are also my child. I do not mistreat my children. May I ask something else of you?"
"Sir?"
"May I call you Judy? The name brings me comfort."
Judy returned his smile. "I would be honored, Mr. Big."
The Don settled back into his chair, the flower pressed to his heart glowing in the lamplight. "You have my thanks. And Nicky?"
"Y-yes?" stuttered Nick.
"You have started down a better path for yourself. I will ask something of you as well: keep this one safe. She is strong, but she need not struggle alone."
Nick looked down at Judy, who stood resolute and graceful. He lay a paw on her shoulder, and studied her gentle features. When she looked up at him, he could not hold back a smile of his own.
"You don't even have to ask," he said.
Mr. Big watched them, and as Nick smiled, he chuckled softly. "Perhaps I don't."
Koslov led them back downstairs, where Mr. Big wished them well and sent them on their way, back to Manchas. The snowfall had swelled, forcing them to slow, and Manchas had rolled up the divider so he could concentrate on the conditions outside. The gentle hum of the engine threatened to lull Judy to sleep. She swayed to her left, abruptly woken when she fell against Nick's side.
"Wait until you're home, Carrots," he said, helping her back. He reached up and grabbed the seat belt, which was large enough to cover the both of them, and pulled it across, handing it to Judy to fasten. "You'll want a full night's rest so you're wide awake for when you take that promotion."
"Oh? What makes you think I've decided to take it?" Judy said, rubbing her eyes.
"We both know you don't have to be modest. You've earned it. I have through the transitive property, so I expect a gold watch."
Judy started to slide down her seat again, and Nick pressed his paw to her arm to keep her still. She said something, too quiet for him to hear.
"Come again?" he asked.
Judy turned on her side, resting her cheek against the seat and pulling her legs up underneath her. Her eyes fluttered open and shut, and she released a great yawn.
"I would had said no if you couldn't come with me," she murmured.
Nick was taken aback. "Really?"
Judy yawned again. "They could...always offer me the job again later. And I wanted to stay with you too. You were...the first person to really believe in me." She yawned a third time, and closed her eyes.
"I'm sure the blackmail helped," Nick teased.
Judy let a sigh escape alongside a giggle. "It didn't hurt."
By the time they arrived at Judy's apartment, she had fallen fast asleep, curled into a little ball. Nick knocked on the glass separating him from Manchas, and told him to wait while he carried her to her room. As gently as he could, he scooped her onto his back, holding her legs and while her arms dangled in front of him. Her keys slid out of her pocket, and very carefully, Nick kneeled down and picked them up. Manchas opened their door, and stood watch while Nick carried her inside.
"I know you're awake," said Nick, as Judy failed to hide another little laugh. "Wanted another taxi, did you?"
She crawled down from Nick's back, taking her key and opening the door as quietly as possible. She put it on the table just inside and turned back to Nick, smirking.
"Not my fault you fell for it," she said, hands on her hips.
"I've created a monster. A sly, lazy monster."
"You know you love me," she said.
And Nick said nothing, letting her words hang in the air. Cheeks tinged red, he slid his paws into his pockets, grinning as Judy bit her lip and dropped her eyes to the floor.
"Goodnight, Detective Hopps," he said, winking. He started back down the hallway, and waved goodbye before making his way back down the stairs.
Judy waited until she heard the door open and shut, and she went to the window to look down onto the street. Nick was by the limo, trying to find her apartment from the outside. He must have seen her, because he offered a little two-finger salute, and hopped back in the car. Judy watched it until it turned the next corner and disappeared, and she slumped down onto her bed, resting her head on her paws.
"Dumb fox."
"Well? Have you two made a decision?"
Bogo was leaving his office as Judy and Nick arrived in front of it the next morning, carrying the docket for the morning's assignments. The bull stood to his full height, waiting and peering down the edge of his glasses.
Judy glanced at Nick for a moment of support. "We have, sir. Officer Wilde and I would be proud to be considered."
"I'm glad to hear that, Hopps. I have a feeling it will be a good fit for you. Granted, It is not entirely up to me, but my recommendations do carry some weight. The selection process has been fast-tracked, so you will get word within a one or two weeks at the earliest."
"Why so quickly? I thought it took a few months."
Bogo scratched his chin. "No reason I'm aware of. It's nothing to be concerned about. Come on, let's head downstairs."
The bullpen was rumbling with hushed conversations, with everyone huddled together in several groups. They quickly took their seats as Bogo strode to the front of the room, tossing the docket onto the podium.
"That's the quickest you all have shut up in years," he said, scanning the room. "I don't like it."
Fangmeyer, who had been squirming in his seat, lifted his paw to signal the Chief. "Is it true?"
Bogo sighed, removing his glasses. "It was going to make its way around the station sooner or later. Listen up everyone; the rumors are true. The precinct is under investigation from Internal Affairs."
Everyone began talking again, louder than before. Judy's ears twitched as she caught snippets of a half dozen conversations, each of them curious and tense.
"Quiet!" Bogo growled. "During her trial, when the Commissioners' Council caught wind that Bellwether had officers under her employment, protocol dictated that a full investigation be launched as quickly as one could be put together. Your normal duties will not be interfered with for the time being, but over the next few weeks, each of you will be interviewed by our assigned IAD Inspector, and if he finds any professional misconduct whatsoever, your entire life will be combed over. Nevermind what the IAD will do, if I find anything…"
"Don't worry Carrots, I've started paying my taxes," whispered Nick, over whatever horrifying threat Bogo had cooked up.
The Chief cleared his throat. "Now that you're aware, I'll introduce our inspector, Officer Oliver Roosevelt, who will say a few words."
An elk stepped through the door to Bogo's left, the same one whom Judy had met just the day before. He had to bend over to get his antlers through the door, and marched straight to the podium, forcing Bogo to take a few steps aside. He did not greet the Chief, focusing his attention on everyone else.
"Good morning, everyone." Oliver's voice was small, yet it carried well, and he stood with poise and practiced confidence. In the strong light, Judy spied a ragged scar at the base of his collar, hairless and browned in the sun. He saw her looking, and pulled his shirt aside to show everyone.
"This was the response of another officer under my investigation several years ago. I want you all to get a good look, because the threat of violence didn't scare me then, and it won't scare me now. The ZPD represents the highest moral authority of predator and prey alike, and it is my job to enforce our standards rigorously. If there has ever been misconduct in this precinct, I will find it, and the consequences will be severe. I may frustrate or anger you, but please remember that I am not your enemy; I only want what's best for the ZPD. Hopefully, all of you will meet with me only once. A finalized schedule will be given to you tomorrow, so be sure to make time once you're aware of when I will meet with you. Thank you all for your time."
He strode back towards the door, but turned back to look at Judy. "And to be clear, I treat all mammals equally. No officer, however big or small, will be overlooked."
Nick jabbed her ribs. "I think he likes you," he said, getting a laugh from most of the other officers. Judy, however, wasn't laughing.
"Why did he single me out?" she asked Nick quietly, as Bogo began rattling off the day's assignments.
Nick patted her back. "He was probably looking at me, Fluff. Your nose is clean, so don't worry that fluffy tail of yours."
Bogo snapped his fingers, grabbing their attention. "Wilde, Hopps, the traffic footage is available and the login info is waiting for you with Clawhauser. Take it to either of your desks and look it over. If you find anything, write down the timestamps on your reports."
Clawhauser gave them the login information to access the traffic cameras, and they hurried to Judy's computer to see if they had caught any of the mammals who had attacked Howlett. There were several dozen hours available, but only one or two hours were relevant.
"When does it say he was attacked?" Judy asked, as she skipped ahead.
Nick thumbed through their notes. "About 11:45. We'll start with maybe, fifteen minutes before?"
The first camera caught a wide angle of Howlett's storefront, as well as several others further down the street. When Judy moved to the time Nick suggested, there stood four figures, all dressed in bulky clothing and their faces masked with scarves or hoods. The huddled around the nearby streetlight, just outside Boris' shop.
"I'm gonna take a shot in the dark and say they're who we're looking for," said Nick.
Sure enough, when Judy skipped a few more minutes ahead, Boris was leaving his shop, and the group headed towards him. They surrounded the wolverine, and the one of them began to speak to him. There wasn't any sound, but it was obvious they were angry. They pointed at him, and the figure standing behind Boris suddenly pushed him to the ground.
Judy frowned, disgusted. "He hadn't done anything wrong. This is horrible."
Despite not wanting to, they watched the attack closely, searching for any identifying characteristics. But the group was careful to keep their features hidden, and they managed to leave the sight of the first camera, abandoning Boris in the middle of the street, bruised and bloodied. Nick took over the mouse from Judy, and switched to the next camera. The group stayed together for only a few moments, before splitting apart, each taking a different direction.
"We should make a copy the footage," said Nick. "Divide it up. You follow two of them, I'll follow the others."
"Good idea," Judy said.
It took several minutes to copy the footage, so Nick continued to work on the database while Judy waited for the download to copy onto a USB. Her partner was muttering something, clicking rapidly, but hadn't reached over to get her attention yet, so kept to herself. After the footage was ready, she had only just begun to start when Nick finally tapped her on the shoulder.
"You should take a look at this," he said.
Nick had paused the footage as one of the assailants was climbing down into a sewer several blocks away. They pulled the cover back on top of them, and Nick moved to another page where he had followed another of the assailants. He too was prying open a mammalhole cover to disappear underneath the street.
"You think my guys did the same?" Judy wondered aloud.
Nick furrowed his brow. "I wouldn't be surprised. They knew we'd check the cameras, but that's not all."
"What else?"
"I may or may not be privy to certain information regarding tunnels leading from the surface districts to the Nocturnal District. Tunnels that aren't exactly-"
"Legal?" Judy finished. "Good thing you play ball for us now, then. Why don't the ZPD know about them?"
"They do, and I bet Yaguara's in charge of filling them in. But new ones are usually open in a few weeks. Because there are only a few entrances to the district, that's where the a lot of the police presence is. The tunnels aren't well-known even on the other side of the law. If they were, and the wrong mammal spilled the beans, it'd cause a lot of problems for a lot of crooks."
Judy raised an eyebrow, tapping her foot on the floor. "And how did you come to be aware of them?"
I'm not on trial, am I?" Nick said, pulling at his tie. "I had acquaintances. Sometimes acquaintances that owed me a favor."
"What did you use them for?"
"Carrots…"
Judy noticed that Nick seemed uncomfortable. He had hunched down with his ears pressed to his head, and his tail flicked back and forth in agitation. She bit her lip.
"Sorry. I shouldn't press you on that stuff. It's not who you are."
Nick rolled his tongue in his mouth. "That's not going to stop Olly the overzealous elk from picking through it all."
"Is that what you're worried about? Nick, you passed the background check before you were accepted to the academy. The IAD is only interested in what happens while you're on the force, not before."
"Then maybe I should take as much vacation as I can before he shakes me down," Nick joked. "Give him as little to work with as possible."
Judy rolled her eyes. "Don't worry about it. Now, do you still remember where the tunnels are?"
"They've probably changed since then, but it couldn't hurt. You want to check the cameras in the Nocturnal District, see if any of them pop up?"
"Bingo."
Judy rolled over to Nick's desk, reaching over his shoulder for the mouse. She selected the drop-down menu to find the Nocturnal District, but when she tried to load the database, a warning appeared on the screen. Another password was required, alongside a short message that read 'All footage from the Nocturnal District must be approved by Captain Yaguara, ZPD.'
Nick pushed his chair away, groaning. "Give me your feet, rabbit. Maybe if I rub them, we'll get enough luck to convince that cat to help us."
Judy didn't seem perturbed. "It's official ZPD business. She can't just shut us out."
"I bet your Bunnyburrow butt she'll try."
"Then we'll just try harder."
Nick shot her an 'easier-said-than-done' look, but held his tongue. They marked the timestamps as Bogo requested, filling out a few other supplementary pieces of paperwork, before heading up to give everything to Bogo. As they passed Clawhauser's desk, Judy realized they needed another form.
"Hey Clawhauser, where's the official request form for traffic footage from other districts?"
Benjamin looked confused. "Request form? We don't need those! Once you're logged in, the whole system should be available. Well, one or two districts require extra permissions, but you shouldn't have trouble unless-"
He stopped. Clawhauser spied their paperwork, and snatched it out of Judy's paw, spreading it out on his desk. His lips followed along as he read over their reports, when suddenly he burst into a fit of giggles.
"Oh that's why," he said. "You have to go through Yaguara. I'll tell your next of kin. What would you like on your headstones?"
Nick ignored the joke. "Yeah, she's not very fond of us."
"Join the club, right? Fangmeyer swears he saw her smile once, but I'm not convinced. What do you need from the cameras down there?"
Judy pointed to the rest of their report. "We think the mammals who attacked Boris Howlett might have escaped down there."
"Escaped?" Clawhauser asked. "You should just check the footage from the entrance/exit cameras. Everyone who wants to go down there has to go through those tunnels."
"That's not what I hear anymore. According to Slick Nick here, there might be a few more ins and outs. You wouldn't happen to know how to get on Yaguara's good side, would you? Without her permission we can't move forward with the investigation."
"Chief's pretty much the only one she'll listen to, and not just because she totally has to, so your best bet is bugging Bogo." Clawhauser snickered at his tongue-twister.
"Should we go tell him now?" Judy asked.
"Don't worry about it. I'll write up an email and send it his way right now. He had another assignment for you two anyway. Something about a string of thefts in the Palm Hotel and casino. I've got it here, actually."
Nick took it, skimming over the file. "Is there anything in the handbook about gambling on duty?"
"Why don't we ask Officer Roosevelt?" said Judy. "I'm sure he'll know."
"Good one, Carrots."
"He's just down this way, right?"
"Ha ha, very funny."
"It'll only take a second." Judy started towards the conference room, as Nick followed after her, his pleas more and more panicked. It was only when she stood outside his door that she decided her teasing had gone on long enough, and by then Nick had sweat a ring around the collar of his uniform, his tail firmly tucked between his legs.
"Bunnies are mean," he grumbled, as Judy took the file from his paw.
She laughed, pinching his cheek. "Guess you're not much of a gambler after all."
Author's Note: Howlett's case will be moving a little slower for a while, so I'm bringing in the Palm Hotel/Casino in Sahara Square for another juicy plotline in the meantime. I've always felt there could be a lot of good stories coming out of there.
I named the IAD Inspector as such because Oliver is reminiscent of Olympic, which is the other name for the Roosevelt elk, Olly's breed. I hope people are okay with the OC's I've introduced so far. None of them are main characters, and I try to minimize their appearances early on so they can grow on you, so with a little luck they're fitting in so far.
I won't ask often, but if you've enjoyed the story so far, please don't hesitate to leave a review. I'm open to all criticism and feedback, and I just like hearing from everyone.
