Chapter 4: Fowl Play


The big day has finally arrived for Judy, her first (second) official case. This time however, she doesn't need to extort it out of Chief Bogo, she and Nick are personally chosen by him. To her, its more than an honor but proof she has what it takes in becoming a true cop.

In a matter of seconds, Judy is fully dressed and ready for today. On her way out, Judy straps on her belt, pepper spray, badge, and lastly, her new gun. It still boggled her mind on how different it was to have something far more lethal than her usual tranquilizer. She prays she wouldn't have to use it in the near future. That said, Judy gears up and races over to Nick's van.

While it took seconds for Judy to get ready for the today, it can't be said the same for Nick Wilde. Nick continued enjoying his slumber in peace, ignoring the deep snores from his old crime partner Finnick the Fennec Fox, sometimes Finn for short.

Besides sleeping in, Nick didn't even bother changing out of his uniform before going to bed last night, knowing he had to put it back on. It indeed saved him the trouble because in a moment, he was about to receive a rude awakening.

"Nick!" a female voice shouted outside of the van Nick and Finnick reside in.

"Wilde…your cop buddy is here…" Finnick mumbled in his slumber.

Nick groaned as he remembered the case Chief Bogo had in mind for him and Judy. After a quick spray of deodorant, Nick emerges out of his van to spot his partner and friend Judy standing outside, smiling as bright as the sun. To Nick's relief, he notices the two coffee cups in Judy's paws, something he's in desperate need of.

"I didn't know you drink coffee." Nick said as he took a cup.

"Nope, both are for you. You're going to need them."

"Well put Carrots."

Nick went on guzzling down his two coffee cups during the walk to ZPD Station 1. And just before they could enter the station, a local bystander exits the station and bumps pass Nick without apologizing. Judy went to engage the rude civilian, but Nick insisted he was fine.

Whoever Judy and Nick encountered earlier, he was long gone.

That aside, the two officers pass the main hall and into the Rollcall to await Chief Bogo's new assignments for the day. They took their seats, exchanged greetings to their fellow officers, in which they return with fist bumps and shoulder pats as congratulations for yesterday's job well done.

Not a moment too soon, Chief Bogo walks into the room and the officers quickly settled down.

"Alright 'Class', first order of business. I would like to formally address that whatever was seen during the Gazelle concert several nights ago doesn't go viral as I know Clawhauser and a few others in this room can't help but post it on the internet." Chief Bogo announced without a hint of humiliation. The room of officers wouldn't think twice on laughing or disobeying on this kind of matter as Bogo does have a reputation to keep, and if they wish to keep their jobs or limbs.

"Second, new cases for us sent from the upper pen-pushers. Please pay attention to the screen."

Bogo ordered one of the officers to switch off the lights as he flipped on a projector through a small remote. The first slide showed 3 pictures of animals; a Grizzly bear, a black panther, and a Jacob Horned Ram.

"These 3 individuals were recently abducted by some unknown group of animals with reasons we are not sure of. But whatever the case, it can't be good if the new mayor is pouring all his resources in finding our victims. We also don't know who we're dealing with yet, but we believe these animals on the next slide may be our best leads."

Bogo switched to another slide to reveal mug shots of 4 different animals. Some of the officers failed to keep in their snickering from the two chickens in the mug shots, but Chief Bogo ignored them for the time being.

Judy studied the photos without as much as a blink. Whoever these criminals are, they're hurting families for kidnapping their loved ones. She wants nothing more than bringing in these scumbags, but quite the opposite for Nick.

Nick seemed focused on one particular mug shot, and soon Judy noticed the stern gaze from her partner. Before she could ask, Bojo continued sharing what he knew on the new cases.

"The two chickens are Jack Fowler and Cluck Morris, leaders of the Feathered Foreseers, a notorious gang of chickens from Sherman Canopies; wanted for several accounts of armed robbery and home intrusions. Next we have Arnold Armadillosa, a single animal living in the Rainforest District. No criminal record thankfully, but he may be a target for the Feathered Foreseers. Lima Team, I trust your expertise on this case?"

"Leave it to us Chief Bogo." Officer Higgins spoke up, a timber wolf officer.

"That leaves me Team Sierra and Hotel to find Fowler and Morris. Be careful, these two are dangerous. If you do find either of them, call for backup as soon as possible. They may be possibly armed." Bogo stated.

"Will do sir." Officer Frost replied, a polar bear officer.

With their assignments, the officers cleared out of the office and went on their search, leaving Chief Bogo alone with Judy and Nick.

"And lastly, Officer Hopps and Wilde. You two are looking for Amir C. Yote." Bogo started as he focused the slide on the last mug shot.

"Amir is wanted for several accounts of armed robbery, grand theft auto, and distribution of illegal substances. Witnesses claim he's dangerous so proceed with caution."

"Alright sir, we'll be on our way." Judy said as she and Nick went for the door.

"Oh, and before you two leave." Bogo started, getting the attention of Judy and Nick. "Remember our deal, 3 days. I wish you two the best of luck."

Judy smiled and waved farewell, the same for Nick as the two left the station in search for their criminal.


The two walk out of the station, eager to start their case. Judy quickly flipped open the case file, thankful there was some substantial information unlike her last case. According to what she's read so far, the suspect is known to hangout along near the farmer's market in Downtown. And coincidentally, Team Sierra was around the area in search for the other suspect, Jack Fowler. Judy and Nick quickly joined up with their fellow officers, a male rhino known as Officer Iron and female lioness Officer Becky.

The Sierra Officers acknowledged Judy and Nick and agreed to combine their efforts for the two suspects since they're both in the same vicinity.

Throughout their search, Judy kept noticing the troubled expression across Nick, and it wasn't from lack from sleep.

"Hey Nick, you alright? You seemed fixated on something since we left the precinct." Judy asked in her concerned tone.

"Really now? Am I that transparent?" Nick responded sheepishly.

Judy nodded and continued her stern gaze towards Nick for an answer. He knew she wouldn't drop the topic until she gets her answer. Nick took in a deep breath and was about to reply until:

"Hold that thought, there's our guy." Nick said, pointing to a small crowd of civilians walking away from a stand in the market, one of them being Jack Fowler.

"Hey Iron, we've spotted Fowler in the intersection of Junction and Solid Trails, just past the Farmers Market." Judy said into her radio. The officer on the other side of the transmission acknowledged and set off to engage the suspect.

Judy and Nick carefully followed Fowler past the market and into an alleyway outside the buzzing crowds of Downtown. Their suspect didn't seem to notice their presence as he continued his way down the alleyway to run into another stranger awaiting him.

The two quietly snuck behind a dumpster to peer in on what they're about to discuss, curious what they know about the missing animals before engaging them.

Engaged in their discussion, Judy heard Fowler arguing with the other stranger. And from the sound of things, the discussion may lead into a violent conclusion.

"Listen featherface, planning to rob Ghuro's Electronics yesterday is by far the worst planning on your part. But more importantly, what were you thinking using live ammunition!?" the stranger shouted at Fowler.

"I'm not here to put on a show, I'm just doing my job and getting my paycheck." Fowler retorted back.

"That's not the point! Bruce and Aaron had no clue the guns were real! Who knows how the cops are going to treat them with that kind of retaliation."

"Not my fault. If you cared for those chumps, you shouldn't bailed from the car in the first place!"

"I had enough of this nonsense Fowler. If you're not going to hold your end of deal…"

"And what Amir? Going to threaten me when I'm the one armed?"

Judy and Nick must hit the jackpot of info. The third suspect from yesterday's chase must be the one Fowler talking to, and the animal they're looking for too. A moment later, Team Sierra radios in, giving Judy and Nick the go to arrest the two suspects.

Team Sierra emerged from the opposite end of the alleyway, ordering Fowler and the other suspect to surrender. The two panicked and turned to bail, only to be stopped dead in their tracks to spot Judy and Nick blocking their path.

At first the crooks seemed shock, but Fowler started to laugh as he peered over to Iron.

"You think I'm scared? I'm always prepared." Fowler taunted.

The chicken reached into his jacket and pulled out a gun towards the second suspect. At the same time, Officer Iron and Becky pull out their guns and order Fowler to drop it. Judy and Nick ducked out of the way to avoid the firing end of Iron and Becky. With Nick unarmed, Judy stood in front of Nick, gun in hand and waited to see how things played out.

Judy had no choice but to put her faith in Iron and Becky, she wasn't ready for this kind of scenario, even with the training she had under her belt.

"Drop the gun now!" Iron shouted at Fowler, which only made him panic more.

"He isn't going to drop it fellas, just shoot him!" Amir cried out.

"Stay out of this Amir! Unless you want to see the man upstairs sooner, you best shut up!" Fowler roared.

Tension rose from the situation, Judy knew things were going to go south quickly if Jack decided to be reckless. Before Judy could make her move, something caught Nick's attention. The way Amir remained calm at gunpoint, it looked as though Amir wanted this.

Without hesitation, Amir sucker punches Fowler and hurls him towards Officer Iron and Becky. Fowler cussed a storm and fired at Amir. Both teams of officers took cover and waited for the opportunity to return fire.

Nick watched Amir slid pass him and Judy without a single scratch as though Jack missed every single shot. Seconds later, their suspect vanished from the alleyway.

The situation finally calmed down when Iron moved in to apprehend and cuff Fowler for good.

The chicken thrashed madly while cussing a storm, but Fowler proved no match for Iron's great strength.

By the end of the day, they got their guy. Well, except for Judy and Nick.

Amir got away, and there's no way telling if he's still within city borders. Judy radioed out to all nearby officers to watch out for Amir.

As of now, Judy and Nick have no choice but to report back to Chief Bogo from today's events.


A/N: And that wraps up this chapter. In the progress of Chapter 5 but I'm not certain on if I'll be able to update it within the 2-3 days I usually update. Until then, take care and hope to hear from you soon!- Poshil

A/N 2: For those who follow me, if you're into my style of writing, do check out my other projects. That said, take care once again and enjoy your Spring Break, Week, or whatever your schedule tells you.- Poshil