Chapter 4: Cops, Lies and Videotape

A/N Question: So why is Weaselton head of a construction company now?

Answer: In my Christmas Fanfic (Operation: Santa Paws) Duke had given up on his life of crime and was settling down with a rat for a fiance. He also had an honest job in a construction company. But that story took place ten months in the past. Now, his relationship with the rat fell apart because the weasel side of him was too strong. He ended up swindling his way into owning the company he worked for and is now his own boss and uses the cheapest labor possible and sidesteps the law to make huge profits.

The first third of this chapter wasn't thought out too far in advance, but just flowed out of me and I think it's one of the most heartwarming moments I've written. Also, Cotton bleat crying is adorable and I wish I'd thought of it sooner.

*= Read "Sacrifices" for the full story.

Thursday, 8:15am, Nick's apartment.

Michael and Petey were still in their room. Spots was trying to cheer Cotton up. She was crying her eyes out as Spots was showing her cartoons.

"Ha!-Ha! You see the way that wolves' head squished when the squirrel hit him with a mallet Christie?!"

Cotton wiped some tears from her eyes. "How can you laugh when daddy's in jail?!"

"I'm just trying to cheer you up. I love dad and I'm sure he's innocent or just undercover."

She started sobbing again. "I don't wanna be an orphan aga-a-a-a-in! Ba-a-a-a-h! Ha-a-a-a-h!"

"You won't. When I'm 18, I'll be your mom, remember?"

"I WANT DADDY! BA-A-A-A-A-W! HA-A-A-A-A-W!"

Spots was starting to feel guilty. She loved her siblings very much and knew this was hurting them deeply. Even Michael who also knew the truth. "Christie? If...if a loved one had you keep a secret, but doing so hurt other people you loved, would you tell them the secret?"

"I...SNIFF! I dunno...I mean, it would be breaking a promise, but if that secret is hurting others, then it's a bad secret to keep. Isn't it?"

"...Come with me." Spots picked up her little sister and carried her over to Petey and Michael's room. The two were sobbing a little and hugging together. Spots set Cotton down by Michael and the lamb latched on to him tightly.

Spots stood in front of them. "Guys? I have to tell you..."

She was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Crap! I'll get that."

Spots went to the door and opened it to find a small lady otter staring up at her. "Hello. Is this the Wilde residence?"

"Yeah. Are you the babysitter that I don't need?" Spots said with a snarl.

"I'm Mrs. Otterton and I'm a close friend of Judy Hopps. She said she needed someone to help you watch children and I owe her SO much that I was happy to help."

Spots snarled at the otter. "Well maybe you can help me by asking her why she thought she needed an extra babysitter after she told me just two days ago that I was perfectly fine to babysit the children. And then she goes..." Spots started to weep. "...A-And then she goes and STABS ME IN THE BACK and shows that she has NO faith in me by bringing you here! How do you think that makes me feel?!"

"Oh dear." Mrs. Otterton replied. "Well, she wanted me to keep this secret, but truth be told, I'm not exactly here to watch the children."

Spots was confused as she wiped some tears away. "I don't understand."

Mrs. Otterton took her paw into Spots. "It's you dear! I'm here to help you!"

"Me?"

"Yes. Judy knew that the children would be going through a very tough time right now and that you would be there for them and comfort them. But who would be here for you? This tragedy is placing an even heavier burden on you, because you have to be strong for them and I know how hard that can be. My own two boys suffered greatly when their father went missing and I did everything in my power to cheer them up. That's why I'm here Vivian. So you don't have this horrible burden placed on your shoulders alone!"

Spots knelt down and hugged the otter. "SNIFF! Thank you!"

"You're more than welcome dear. I would do ANYTHING for Nick and Judy."

"...Oh my gosh! You are so huggable!"

Mrs. Otterton giggled. "Hee!-Hee! That's otters for you! We're very cuddly."

Spots took Mrs. Otterton to the room where the children were waiting. "Guys, this is Mrs. Otterton. She's a close friend of Judy's. She's gonna be helping us out while Judy's away."

Cotton spoke up. "Viv, didn't you say you had something important to say to us?"

"Oh yeah!...That. Ummm.." Spots wasn't sure if she should tell them the secret about Nick in front of Mrs. Otterton. She thought it was okay for them, but telling top secret info in front of a stranger may be a bad move.

Before she could say anything, Mrs. Otterton spoke up. "Kids, I just wanted to say I know your father very well. Nick and Judy saved my husband on their first big case together. He is not the kind of person who would ever...EVER kill someone. Not even his worst enemy. He visited me and Emmitt when he was still recovering in the hospital and he is one of the kindest, most sweetest souls I ever met. So believe me when I tell you that I believe with 100 percent certainty that your father is NOT a killer! Not at all! Most likely, he is doing undercover work in the ZPD prison. So I want you kids to do a favor for me. Have faith in your father. Don't doubt his innocence for one second because if you were in the same situation he wouldn't doubt yours! Now, I'm going to go to the grocery store and bring some stuff back here and we're going to make ice cream together! Who wants to come with me!"

They all raised their hands excitedly. Mrs. Otterton then looked over at the blind bunny. "Oh! And you must be Michael! Your mommy has told me so many good things about you! I know you see with your hands. Would you like to feel my face?"

"Okay!" said Michael who was now in a more happy mood. He rubbed his hands all over Mrs. Oterton's face which made her giggle. He then jumped up and hugged her. "Your face is very pretty! And you hug nice too!"

Mrs. Otterton chuckled and carried Michael out of the room. "Why thank you Michael! Us otters are master cuddlers."

Spots looked down at Petey. "Hey Pete? Can you go get Cotton's crutches? I have a phone call to make in the next room."

"Okay!" Pete said and he took off in the living room.

Cotton looked over at Spots. "So what were you going to tell us?"

"Well...just what Mrs. Otterton said! She took the words right out of my mouth!"

Spots then walked out of the room and into her bedroom. She got out her smart phone and made a call.

"Hey Miss H. Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure! I'm on my way to confront the chief. What's up?"

"I just...I wanted to thank you for bringing Mrs. Otterton over. She told me why you brought her here and...I'm not mad. I think it was very sweet of you."

"Oh! Well...you're welcome. I knew you'd need some extra help today. Any other day and you would have been fine on your own. You understand that, right?"

"Right. Thanks mom."

Judy chuckled. "Thanks Spots, but I'm not your mother."

"Yeah you are." Spots replied. "You just don't know it yet. Love you! Bye!" She then hung up.

9:00am ZPD Meeting Room

The officers are all talking amongst themselves. A silence quickly fell across the room as chief Bogo entered. "Settle down everyone! As I'm sure you're all aware, officer Wilde has been taken into custody under the suspicion of murder and I'm sure you have many, many questions. I can't tell you anything right now."

This brought disruption and yelling from the crowd of cops. "Hold on! Hold on!" Shouted Bogo. "There is an investigation going on and it's crucial that the information from the investigation is on a need to know basis, We'll be giving out the full report on Saturday. Now, let's get on with..."

Bogo looked over and noticed Wolford was coming through the door five minutes late. He was walking with his legs spread apart and was having a hard time moving across. The room.

"Excuse me. Pardon OW! me. Anybody got any Preparation H?"

Bogo was getting upset. "Wolford, stop walking funny and sit down!"

"I-I can't sir! I just need ta stand."

"And why not?!" The buffalo fumed.

Wolford was getting more and more embarrassed. "I umm...I have hemorrhoids." The other cops started laughing.

"No he doesn't!" Shouted Higgins. "I know that walk anywhere! I've had it a few times."

Wolford snarled his fangs. "Shaddap Higgins!"

"You got speared in the rear!"

The other cops started laughing hysterically. Wolford jumped at Higgins, but the other cops held him back. "I'll kill ya Higgins! Ya homo hippo!"

Bogo was getting furious. "Knock it off, the both of you!"

Wolford tried to explain himself. "Look! My wife and I...we got a little kinky last night and she...just went a bit overboard! That's all!"

"Wolford what you and your wife do in your time off is your business unless it affects your job. Now sit down!"

"Y-Yes sir." Wolford tried to sit and immediately sprang back up with a "YIPE!". The other cops laughed again.

Bogo got on the intercom to the dispatcher. "Melvin, please bring officer Wolford a seat pad."

He then addressed the assignments for the day and everyone headed out with one exception. Higgins ran up to Bogo. He seemed very worried. "Have they found any more information on my brother?!"

"Not yet. All we know is that the surveillance video showed the 'murder' and Humphrey fell over. Before our men came, the cameras cut off. When our ambulance arrived, his body disappeared."

"He was just supposed to fall down and pretend to be hurt! Not suddenly disappear!"

"I know, I know! Calm down! We already have some officers looking for him. All I know is that SOMEONE got the drop on us. They must have heard about this mission and now, Nick looks even more guilty."

"But he's not!" Higgins added. "YOU put him on this assignment! The bullets were fake!"

"That's the other thing. I asked Nick to drop the gun at an assigned spot and that's gone too. All the evidence that shows this was a fake murder is gone! If God forbid, Humphrey winds up dead, it could look real bad for the ZPD! The mayor will have our heads and Nick may never get out of jail!"

"What are you talking about?" Higgins asked. "You can just come clean!"

"Can I? If I tell them it was an undercover job with no proof, the press would say I was trying to cover up for the officer and it could destroy the reputation of the ZPD. I hate to say it, but until we find your brother, Nick may have to STAY in prison!"

Higgins was devastated. "Dear...GOD! I'm gonna go look for Humphrey right now! I know him better than any of the other officers so I have some ideas where he might be."

"Alright then." Bogo replied. "Dismissed!" Before he could leave, a very familiar rabbit passed by Higgins on her way to see the chief.

"BOGO!" Shouted Judy.

"Oh great." said Bogo. "Just what I need right now."

"Why the HELL didn't you tell me Nick was placed under arrest and why on earth is he in maximum security?!"

"Hopps, I will tell you what I've told everyone else. The case is currently under investigation and we'll have an answer for you and the press by Saturday."

"I'm not the #$%ing press! I'm his ex-partner and girlfriend! Nothing about this case makes sense! He was at home for most of the night. In order to go to that liquor store, he would have traveled 4fourblocks away and there was two other convenience stores close by! And where the hell did he get that gun?!"

"We don't have all the answers. As I said before, we currently investingat-"

"YOU'RE LYING!" Judy shouted. You know more than you're letting on. He's undercover isn't he? Chief, PLEASE! Tell me the truth!"

"I'm sorry Hopps, but this case is on a need to know basis. Look, Nick's kids are going to need comforting right now. Why don't you stay with them for awhile? You can have tomorrow off too."

"I got them a babysitter. I'm not giving up until I find out the truth!"

Bogo had enough. "In that case, YOU'RE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!"

Judy was shocked. "What the hell?!"

"I'm sorry Hopps, but this is not your case and it's important we have extreme privacy on this matter! I have our top men investigating this case, including detective Oats. As soon as we have some vital information, I'll call you. But until then, I need you to leave this case alone!"

"But chief!..."

"If you don't, it'll be much more than a suspension. Do I make myself clear?!"

"..."

"DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!" Bogo said with steam blowing through his large nostrils.

Judy bowed her head in defeat. "...Yes sir."

"Good. I'm very, very sorry, but this case is very sensitive right now. I have no other choice. Now please leave. I'm going to be VERY busy today."

Judy started to leave. "So am I" she said under her breath.

Judy had an idea, but to execute it, she would need access a computer of someone on the case. On her way, she was fortunate enough to encounter detective Oats leaving the men's room. "Ooooh. My stomach!" He said as he rubbing his nauseous belly. He stopped a Zebra who was going in. "Don't use the third stall. Trust me."

Judy ran up to him. "Detective Oats! PLEASE! Can you tell me anything about officer Wilde?"

"I'm sorry officer Hopps, but it's on a need to know basis."

"I need to know! Can I use your computer?"

"Absolutely not!"

"But...but sir!"

"Hopps. Snooping around where you don't belong is kind of like a lactose-intolerant horse trying a chocolate milkshake for the first time. Sure, you'll satisfy your curiosity, but you'll wind up with massive diarrhea! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go back to investigating this case. But first, I need to change my pants." And with that, the horse left.

Unfazed and determined, Judy went to the front desk and talked to Melvin, the goat dispatcher. She tried a little flirtatious talk with him.

"Melvin! You're looking particularly handsome today. What kind of hair gel are you using on your beard?"

"Cud!" The goat replied.

"Eww! I mean, oh! That's interesting! Say, you don't know who's working on the Wilde case do you?"

"Well...I'm not really supposed to say. It is top secret after all."

"Y'know, I've got a trash bag at home just FULL of delicious, recyclable cans.. I already know Bogo and Oats are involved."

"Well...I guess it couldn't hurt to tell you. Officers Trumpet, Higgins, Pennington and Wolford are all on the case too."

"Are any of them here?"

"No, they're all out investigating the case."

"Is that so? Oh well! Thanks for letting me know. Melly-Welly!"

"You're welcome Judy-cutie!"

"...Don't call me cutie."

"Sorry."

Judy left the desk, but then sneaked around the office until she found Wolford's desk. She looked around to make sure no one saw her and she went into Wolford's computer and started looking for any info on Nick Wilde's case. She looked around his folders, accidentally finding one called "Carnal Canines" until she found one labeled "Wilde" in there, she found instructions by Bogo, but she couldn't open them without a password. She did however, find the surveillance video. Taking out a USB cable and her smart phone, she copied the video into a file on her smart phone. On her way out, she bumped into chief Bogo.

"What are you still doing here?!" The big buffalo asked.

A nervous Judy answered. "Oh, just...just talking to a few friends. I-I'm leaving now. PLEASE let me know if there's any new information."

"Of course." Bogo replied.

Judy left the ZPD headquarters. She needed to find a place to view the video on her own. Moments later, she chose a small hole-in-the wall bar nearby on Walnut Street and sat down to view the video.

"Let's see here..."

She watched the video. The camera was focused on the hippo at the counter. She saw Nick's ears as he was standing near something, but couldn't make out what he was doing. A moment later, she saw him pick up some snacks and head to the counter. There was a photo in his hand. She couldn't quite make it out though. She watched as he approached the counter. The hippo talked to him for a moment. She then watched in horror as Nick brandished a gun she had never seen in her life. She paused the video. What caught her eye was Nick's ears. All mammals ears tend to show their expressions and Nick's ears were not pulled back in a state of anger, but down in a state of sorrow. She unpaused as she watched Nick say a few words. The hippo did not look afraid, but concerned. He said a few words back. Nick then fired his gun. There was a flash from the muzzle and a millisecond later a bloodsplatter came from the hippo's chest and he fell down.

Judy was shocked, but she knew something was definitely wrong. She watched the video again. The ears, the conversation, then the gun shot followed by a blood splatter. She realized the problem was not just Nick's ears. "There's a delay!" She thought. She rewound the footage again and viewed it frame by frame. Sure enough, between the flash of the muzzle and the blood splatter, there was a two frames in between of nothing happening. This, withing a 30 frames per second video. The flash, then two frames before the blood splatter.

"It's fake!"She said out loud. "It has to be! The bullet would travel so fast that the blood splatter and flash of the muzzle would be instant, not delayed by about a quarter second! Also, guns with a flash from the muzzle are only done in movies! Most guns have no flash when fired! This is fake. This is fake!"

Judy was happier now, but she needed more proof before confronting Bogo again. "What are they saying? It's silent and I can't make out a word." She looked around and noticed a koala and a tree shrew with several piercings were talking at the bar. They were two females giggling to each other, but what made Judy really take notice was that the tree shrew was using her hands to talk, but the koala wasn't."

"She's deaf..." Judy thought to herself. "..and she knows sign language, like me!"

Judy used to have a little, six-year old brother named Jimmy who was deaf. To help him out, the family all learned sign language along with him. However, a tragedy happened. When the giant, red-tail hawks came and invaded Bunnyburrow, Stu and Bonnie were forced to sacrifice Jimmy to them for food. Judy almost went insane when she found out. *

Judy then realized something. "If she can understand what the other one is saying, that means she can read lips! I can have her interpret the video for me!"

Judy hopped off of her table and approached the tree shrew at the bar. The shrew was fairly attractive and much larger than say, Fru-Fru who is a different species of shrew. She was almost Judy's size.

The koala noticed Judy's approach. "Don't look now Stacy, but I think you have an admirer."

Stacy the tree shrew turned around as Judy approached. Judy used sign language to talk to her. "Hello. My...name...is...Judy...Hopps. Can...I..talk...to..you...for..a...moment?"

"My...name's..Stacy..and...you..can..talk..to...me..all...day..beautiful."

"Oh!" Judy was a bit taken back. "You...are...lesbian?"

"Did...you...not...notice...where...you...are? Look...around."

Judy looked around. She saw two female wolves kissing and a lady elephant in goth clothing holding hands with a female zebra with a shaved mane.

"It's...a...gay...bar?"

"Lesbian...specifically...it's...called...the...taco..dip."

"I...thought...it..was...a...Mexican...bar...and...grill!"

"Taco...is...also...slang...for..."

Judy waved her off before she finished. "I get it."

"By..the..way...you...don't...need...to..sign. Just...speak...normally...and...I'll...read..your...gorgeous...lips."

"Oh!" Said Judy "Okay. I came in here by accident. I am bisexual, but I have a boyfriend and it's getting pretty serious."

"That's...a...shame. Can...I ….help...you..officer...Hopps?"

"You know I'm a cop? I guess I am pretty famous." Judy replied. "I could really use your help. My former partner's in jail for murder, but I believe it's a setup! Can you interpret what's on this video for me?"

"Sure."

Judy was relieved. "Oh, thank you!"

"On...one...condition."

"Condition?"

"I...want...you...and...me...on...a..date."

Judy's eyes almost popped out of her skull and her ears sprang up. "A date?!"

"Nothing...serious...just...a...dance...and..a...kiss."

Judy was confused. "A dance? But you're deaf!"

"I...wasn't...at...one...point. I...just...like...moving...and...having...someone...hold...me...in..their...arms. I...can..feel...the...rhythm...through...them. You...will...lead."

Judy was nervous, but at the same time, a bit intrigued. "Well...it's just..I DO have a boyfriend and I'm close to possibly proposing. I can't be unfaithful to him."

"Like...I...said. Nothing...serious. We...dance...kiss...I...look...at...your...video..then...we...go...our...separate...ways."

Judy thought it over. She needed this information desperately and she had to admit, she found the tree shrew attractive. "Well...okay! I just hope Nick can forgive me."

"Great!...I...know...a...dance...club...nearby...Open...24/7."

"Lead the way." Judy replied.