Bogo cleared his throat, silencing the mammals that had gathered in the briefing room. 'All right listen up. You all know why you're here so I'm not going to waste time reminding you. Catching Doe is priority number one.' He looked over the eight officers he'd assembled for his team. 'Wolford, Delgato, you're going back to the hit and run. Find me something on them. I don't care if it's a hair or his passport. Get me something.' He held out a file as the wolf and tiger got to their feet. 'This has everywhere we've covered and unchecked locations.' Wolford took the file, nodding to the chief as he exited the room.

'Grizzoli, Trunkaby, I need you to check out the information Doe gave to the hotel. He used a card, to get that he'd have needed ID and an address. See if you can get anything from the bank.' Bogo held out another folder as he continued. 'Rhinowitz, Johnson, you're on criminal records, we're looking for anyone with a political vendetta and possibly a large amount of resources. Check anyone who's been recently released.' The chairs squealed as they got out from behind their desks; the officers collected their respective files and left the room.

The Chief hit the last folder against the stand, looking at Nick and Judy. 'You two will be interviewing the candidates. You said Redford received a threatening letter, see if they all got one. Someone either really hates politicians or they're trying to take out their competition.'

'Have they all been informed of the situation?' Judy asked.

Bogo nodded, throwing the file towards them. 'I called their offices last night.' Nick caught the file, examining the contents. 'That has the addresses of campaign headquarters and candidate schedules. Though I wouldn't expect them to stick to it.' He paused, giving them a pointed look. 'I'd appreciate it if you didn't sit through every rally today. I'd like you to have interviewed everyone sometime this week.' He watched the rabbit and fox exchange embarrassed glances, then waved his hand dismissively, 'Now get out of here.'

They pushed their chairs back and made their way to the exit. Judy paused in front of the chief, looking up at him with determination. 'I won't let you down chief.'

'See that you don't.'

Nick snorted, paw held against the door as he waited for the rabbit. 'Don't worry, she's got me for that.' Bogo growled, but Nick grinned and gave a salute to the chief as he followed his partner out of the room.

Judy took the file, rifling through it as she scanned the list of candidates and times. 'If we hurry we can meet with Packer before he goes into a strategy meeting.' She glanced up, ensuring she didn't bump into anyone on her way to the key locker.

Nick peered at the file over her shoulder. 'Yeah, we might be able to squeeze that in,' he said, watching with a smirk as Judy stood on her tiptoes, arms stretched high above her as she struggled to grip the end of a key. He casually reached forward, taking the keyring out from over her. 'I'll drive.' He grinned, twirling the keyring around his finger as he headed for the door.

Judy rushed in front of him, eyeing the fox suspiciously as she stepped backwards. Nick looked at her nonchalantly, his padded feet almost treading on hers. 'You never drive,' she stated, a surprised grunt escaping her lips as she bumped heavily against the glass door, breath momentarily knocked from her lungs.

'Well what can I say? I've turned over a new leaf.' He reached out above the bunny, pushing the door open and walking sedately towards the squad car, his bushy tail swishing languidly behind him. 'Criticising your driving has gotten old.' He looked back at the bunny with a grin. 'It's time we focussed on your navigation.'

She remained unconvinced, but said nothing more as they reached the vehicle, both opening their respective doors and climbing in. Nick started the car, revving the engine a couple of times before putting it into reverse. Judy rolled her eyes while pulling out her mobile, thumbs tapping against the screen as she Zoogled the address. 'Left here,' she said.

The fox kept his eyes on the road, one ear pricked up. 'Sorry what was that?' He asked, face guiltless as he took a right out of the car park.

'I said left.'

'Well you really should've been clearer, I mean honestly Carrots.' He sighed, shaking his head. 'Letting you navigate was clearly a mistake.'

Judy sat in silence, grip tightening on her phone. She refused to let him get to her. They'd been working together far too long for this still to be so easy. 'No problem,' she said, forcing a smile, 'just take the next left.' Nick took another right, a smirk clearly visible despite his best attempts to disguise it. Judy bristled, struggling to maintain her sunny disposition. 'You know I could just give you the opposite directions.'

'Relax Carrots, I know a shortcut.' Nick said, waving his paw dismissively.

'You don't even know where we're going!'

'And who's fault is that? You're the navigator.' Judy resisted the urge to thump the fox as hard as she could and, using only half her strength, pounded his shoulder. Nick pouted at the rabbit, tenderly rubbing the afflicted area.

Judy glared back. 'Eyes on the road,' she growled. He did as she asked, appearing cowed from her outburst as he drove the vehicle in silence. With a small sigh, she looked back at her phone. 'Okay. Now. Right,'

Nick turned left.

After a multitude of wrong turns and a rather lengthy argument, Nick pulled over on a quiet street. He climbed out of the vehicle, closing the door with his foot before meeting Judy on the pavement. He glanced up, frowning as he examined the shop sign, 'Oh my, what's this? A tailor's? How very convenient.'

Judy twisted round, head tilted back as she read the name of the store. 'L. Odoré' She huffed, 'You know if you were planning on getting a suit you could have just told me.'

'Where's the fun in that?' Nick opened the door with a grin, slipping inside the building. Judy followed, mumbling incoherently about duty and how this wasn't supposed to be fun.

A garishly dressed skunk strutted out of the back room, as if anticipating their arrival. Royal purple slacks adorned his legs, a tight matching waistcoat and white shirt with large unbuttoned cuffs around his torso. He gave a long, lingering gaze at Nick, pulling out a pencil that had been trapped behind his ear. 'Well, hello darling, you must be Mr. Wilde. Sara's told me all about your little situation. Not to worry, Luciano is here to help.' He gestured flamboyantly as he talked, yet his arms always remained firmly pressed against his sides, as though someone had bolted his elbows to his waist. He turned to Judy, 'I do apologise Miss Hopps, I understand you're very very busy, but I shall be as swift as a cheetah.'

Judy nodded curtly, watching as the skunk twisted back to face Nick, lips pursed as he looked the fox over. 'I think for you, I shall stick to the classic black suit. I love the navy blue on you, with the orange and white, mm it's gorgeous darling. But tonight, I don't want everyone to be thinking "Nicholas Wilde the Police Officer." No no, tonight you are "Nicholas Wilde the Prince," here to accompany the lovely Miss Redford to the grand ball.' He leant close, wiggling his eyebrows, 'I've seen that dress she's wearing tonight and darling, perfection? Understatement.' He nodded knowingly as he pulled a small roll of material from his waistcoat pocket. He pinched the metal tab between his fingers, the long fibreglass tape unravelling to the ground as he flicked his paw.

Luciano gently slid his fingers along the tape, pulling it taut with snap, 'Now let's see…' He ran the cord around the back of his neck as he began measuring the fox, gradually working his way down. He moved gracefully, taking each recording with a surprising amount of precision, his playful smile giving way to a more serious expression as he jotted down each value. Nick raised his eyebrows at Judy with a grin, his cocky expression replaced by a panicked stare as the tailor began to measure his inseam. She smirked, enjoying his discomfort.

'And finito!' The skunk finished with a flourish of his paw, rolling the tape neatly around his finger. 'Now don't you worry about the bill darling. Sara's very kindly offered to foot it for you. Which is probably a good thing, because I'm not sure you'd be able to afford me.' He chuckled, placing the roll back in his pocket as he peered at the notebook, pencil pressed against his bottom lip as he examined the measurements. 'I should have the suit finished by four o'clock but my shop is open 'till five thirty, so visit any time between then.'

He pulled out his card, tapping it into Nick's breast pocket. 'Here's my number, just in case you're going to be a teensy bit late, or you know,' the skunk raised his eyebrows, leaning close, 'if you get lonely.' The skunk pulled back, as if shocked at the words that had escaped his lips, holding a paw over his mouth as he giggled. 'It's a joke darling. It's a joke I tell.'

Nick smiled awkwardly as he pulled the keys from his pocket. 'Well, thanks very much for your time Mr. Odoré.'

The skunk tutted, ushering them to the exit. 'Please darling. Luciano, or Luchi if you must.' He opened the door. 'Now I must get started on your suit. Thank you for being so very patient Miss Hopps, I'm sure you two have a busy day ahead of you.'

Judy nodded with a tight lipped smile, following Nick closely as he left the tailor's. She gripped his wrist, twisting it painfully as she took the keys from his now open palm. 'I'll drive.'

The stoat looked up from his monitor, eyes flicking between the two officers before returning to the screen. 'I'm sorry, Mr. Packer has just gone into a meeting. It should be finished in around half an hour, if you don't mind waiting.'

Judy glared at the side of Nick's head, the fox blissfully unaware as he smiled at the receptionist. 'I'm really sorry, we would have been here earlier but we had some… Navigational difficulties.' He said, giving a barely noticeable tilt of his head in Judy's direction. 'Would it be possible to get him out of the meeting? We'd be 5, 10 minutes max.'

The stoat hesitated, his digits tapping against the base of the keyboard. He sighed, climbing to his feet, 'I'll check, but I can't guarantee he'll be able to escape. If you'll follow me.' He got out from around the desk, giving a small nod to a nearby jill who immediately took his place. Judy looked around as they were led between the rows of desks and workstations. It was a spacious office, two rows of walkways crisscrossed over them, perspex barriers bordering the platforms. Above them was a large glass ceiling that flooded the room with daylight, the clear blue sky contrasting the deep purple carpet.

He brought them up the stairs to a small meeting room, rapping the knuckle of a finger twice against the door before poking his head in. 'Excuse me, Mr. Packer? Officer Hopps and Wilde are here to see you.'

A voice came from within the room, 'I'll stall them, you guys burn the evidence.' The sound of laughter was swiftly followed by a large wolf. He stood in the doorway, giving a nod to the stoat before smiling at the two officers. It was a genuine smile, or at least a very good act. He motioned down a walkway, 'Is my office a good place to talk?'

Nick nodded and Packer showed them to the room, pulling up two chairs for the officers before taking a seat for himself. The wolf rested his elbows against the desk, digits interlaced as he raised his eyebrows at them. 'So, how can I help?'

Judy's trusty notepad appeared in her hand, 'Well, firstly we were wondering if you've received any particularly threatening emails, letters, anything memorable?' she asked, carrot pen poised and ready.

Packer scrunched his muzzle as he struggled to remember, a small frown furrowing his brow. 'All I can think of was an unstamped letter delivered to my home, ages ago now.'

Nick looked to Judy, his expression serious, 'What did it say?'

Packer shrugged, the broad shoulders of his suit crumpling. 'I don't know, some accusation of corruption. I barely read it before throwing it out.'

Judy sighed, 'Did you not think it might be important?'

'I didn't want my wife to see.'

Nick gave a wry smile, claws rapping against the edge of the desk. 'You don't know of anyone that could have sent it? Anyone with in-depth knowledge of the candidates?'

Packer shook his head, 'I can't imagine anyone privy to that sort of information, at least no one I know. Perhaps someone at city hall, but they take pretty extensive measures to prevent abuses of power now.' He paused, looking anxiously at the pair. 'Do I need to be worried?'

'Well I strongly recommend you tell your security detail and follow their advice. This guy's made an unsuccessful attempt but he knows what he's doing,' Nick said.

Judy cut in, 'Hypothetically, if you were to try and get in-depth information about another candidate, how would you go about doing it?'

'Well,' said Packer, 'opposition research is probably the way I'd do it. There are hundreds of "intelligence gathering" companies out there and if you pay enough I'm sure they could find pretty much anything.' He sighed, scratching under his chin. 'Heck, you could probably get away with using campaign funds. I know I've got guys here trying to find dirt on the other candidates. I hate it, but when campaigns go negative - and they will - you need to make sure you've got some ammo ready or you'll get crucified out there.' He shuffled in his seat, resting his chin in on the back of his paws. 'Anything else you need from me?'

Judy turned a page in her notebook, 'If you don't mind hanging around a few more minutes, we've just got routine questions we need to ask.'

Packer grinned, 'Ah, what the heck. You're saving me from that meeting. Shoot.'

'If this guy doesn't have something, this entire day has been a waste of time.' Nick said, glancing at the clock. Their interviews had been unsuccessful. Sheuts and Long, the other two candidates they'd seen, had the same story as Packer; a threatening letter sent to their homes which they'd both disposed of. Neither knew who could've delivered it nor had any knowledge of why someone would want them to drop out.

'Mr Stalker is ready for you now.' A sow stood before them with a well practiced smile. Her hands clasped in front of her as she bowed her head. They had been waiting for almost an hour now. Unlike Mr. Packer, the other candidates believed the police should work around their time and not vice versa. The receptionist gestured to the side, turning as she led them through a set of double doors. Nick winced, ears pressed flat against his head as they was exposed to the clamour of multitudinous phones and shouting mammals. They made their way through the mess of desks to an office in a far corner. The sow knocked three times.

'Yes?' a voice called from inside.

'Officer Hopps and Wilde to see you sir,' she responded, her voice raised over the racket.

'Very well, let them in.' The receptionist opened the door, motioning for them to enter. It was a dark room, shards of light barely managing to worm their way between the closed blinds, the bulbs overhead dimmed down to a level that seemed to defeat the point of having them on at all. A panther sat behind a large mahogany desk, his green eyes piercing through the gloom. 'I apologise for the lighting, I find it helps me focus. Please take a seat.' His Molex watch caught the light as he gestured towards the single chair opposite his desk. They moved into the room, the sow closing the door behind them as Nick perched on the side of the chair, leaving just enough space for Judy. Stalker smiled, his large canines on display. 'Now what can I do for you fine officers?'

Judy took a deep breath, 'Well I'm not sure how much you know but we were wondering if you've received any particularly threatening message-'

'Oh yes, there was a letter.' The panther reached down, pulling open a drawer and retrieving an envelope. He slid it across to desk to the rabbit. 'I received it a few weeks ago now, touched only by my paws. Feel free to take it for evidence.'

Nick frowned, 'You've kept it with you all this time?'

'Well yes, I thought this threat could be credible. I've not told many mammals my home address, and those that I have wouldn't dare send a letter like that. After I received a call from your Chief last night I thought you might want to take a look at it.' Judy pulled out a pair gloves from her belt, snapping them on before removing the letter from the envelope. Surprisingly it was printed, not hand written or made from newspaper clippings. She squinted as she read it, the words barely legible in the dim.

"Corruption is the heart of politics. The mayors of Zootopia serve only themselves. You do not run for the good of the people but for personal gain. You are a liar and a manipulator who hungers for power. Drop out of the race now and this will go no further. If not, you will be forced to."

Nick watched her before turning back to Stalker, 'You didn't think to tell the police?'

The jaguar snorted, 'Well I informed my security adviser, but we decided it would be best if I didn't look frightened by every threatening message I receive, credible or not. The ZPD aren't particularly well known for their discretion.'

Nick nodded, unsatisfied but unable to find any flaw in his reasoning. He reached for the letter but Judy slapped his hands away. 'You can touch it when you have your own set of gloves.' she snapped, placing the letter in her belt pouch before taking her latex gloves off. 'Mr Stalker, do you know of anyone that would want you to drop out of the race?'

'Me personally? Or all politicians in this race?' He asked, eyebrow arched.

'Either,' Nick replied.

'Well the other candidates would certainly have something to gain if I were to step down.' He smiled, his tone becoming noticeably smug. 'After all, I currently hold a 2 point lead. But I can't pretend there's not a lot of anarchists out there who are determined to overthrow the system; especially after the disgraceful incident involving Miss Bellwether. I imagine if there's anyone who's targeting politicians it would be them.'

Judy retrieved her notepad, pen scratching across the paper, 'You know of anyone that fits that description?'

Stalker snorted again, shaking his head. 'Oh no, of course not. I run in very different circles to those mammals. I just hear the snippets that get passed up to me.' Judy opened her mouth to ask another question but was interrupted by a knock at the door.

'Excuse me sir. We have a bit of a situation.' Judy and Nick twisted round to see a ram stood nervously in the doorway.

The panther frowned at him, 'Yes?' The sheep glanced at the officers, biting his lip. 'I see.' Stalker sighed, getting to his feet. 'Officers I'm afraid we must finish there. I understand you probably wish to check alibis and somesuch, my secretary has my timetable and if you have any more pressing questions then you can call my office.' He stood, looking expectantly at the two. They exchanged glances as they followed suit, wordlessly moving to the office door. The ram hurried in the moment their feet crossed the threshold, slamming the door shut behind him.

'Well, that was abrupt.' Nick said, glancing back at the room. 'I wonder what the deal with that guy is.'

Judy weaved her way around the haphazard arrangement of desks. 'Well I doubt it's because someone's birthday decorations didn't arrive on time.'

'You think Stalker's doing something he shouldn't?'

'I think there's something he doesn't want in the media,' she pursed her lips, 'and he's right, we're not great at discretion.'

Nick snorted, sliding a chair out of his way. 'Well if you ask me that guy's definitely orchestrating everything, and probably is Mr. Doe.'

Judy rolled her eyes but decided against getting into another argument with him. She pushed her way out into the reception, Nick by her side.

He glanced down at her belt pouch, 'So when can I have a look at that letter?'

'If you promise to drive to where we're supposed to go, I suppose I could read it for you.'

Nick gave a small chuckle 'Very well, I guess I can manage that,' he said, patting the top of Judy's head. He paused mid-pat, his eyes widening as he reached for his phone, panic plain across his face as he confirmed the time. 'We gotta go.'

'We still need his timetable.'

Nick raced over to the receptionist's desk. 'Hi there, can you send Mr. Stalker's schedule for the past week over to the ZPD? Thanks very much, take care.' He didn't wait for the sow's response as he made for the door, glancing over his shoulder to make sure the rabbit was following.

Judy didn't seem as concerned about the time as she nonchalantly walked towards the car. 'What's the rush Slick?'

Nick held out a paw, making grabbing motions at the rabbit as he urged her to throw the keys. 'If we don't leave, like right now, I'm going to have to call the tailor and for some reason I'm not thrilled about the idea of Luchi the fabulous with my number.' He watched, agonized, as Judy slowly patted herself over, frowning in mock confusion. He growled, 'Don't toy with me Carrots.'

She grinned, 'You're lucky I'm not as childish as you are.' She pulled out the keys, dropping them into the fox's outstretched paw.

'You love me really.' He insisted as he clambered into the vehicle.

Judy flumped into her seat, 'I'm starting to think otherwise.'

'Stop squirming.'

'Stop tugging so hard, it's a tie not a noose.'

'I could make it one.' Judy threatened, stepping off the chair. She tilted her head side to side, giving a slight frown as she appraised her handiwork. 'Looks good enough. Though I still can't believe you don't know how to do a bowtie.'

Nick moved over to the mirror, assessing the knot as he tugged gently on its edges. It looked good. And more importantly, he looked good. The fit of the suit was perfect; the shirt, the jacket the trousers, all flawlessly complementing his form. He winked at his reflection before turning to the rabbit with a shrug. 'Well I never did become a junior ranger scout. Anyway how do you know?'

'I have over 275 brothers and sisters, you think I haven't had to help get them ready for a wedding?' Judy said.

'Well sure, but bowties? I imagined the weddings in Bunnyburrow were just barn dances with carrot pies.' Nick said, casually examining the cuffs of his sleeves.

Judy scowled, unwilling to admit that she'd been to several weddings with a barn dance. 'One day you're going to go to Bunnyburrow and realise that we're not all simple country folk.'

'You didn't deny it.'

'Also didn't confirm it,' she snapped. 'You know you could've just got a clip-on.'

Nick snorted, 'Well obviously, but come on Hopps, if I had a clip-on then how would I drape the tie over my shoulders like in the movies?'

Judy folded her arms, 'So you've asked me to do your bowtie with the specific intention of undoing it later?'

Nick grinned, prepared to make a witty retort when a horn sounded. He glanced out the window, spotting the sleek black vehicle outside. 'I guess that's my cue,' he said, moving for the door, head bowed as he gestured through it. 'After you madam.' Judy shot him a quizzical glance as she stepped out of the room, Nick following close behind.

'I figure I have between here and the car to practice for tonight,' he explained.

'Just be your charming con-mammal self and I'm sure you'll be fine,' Judy said, feet padding lightly against the stairs as she made her way to the exit.

'I'm out of practice!' Nick protested, stumbling as his foot caught the edge of a step, using the wall to steady himself. 'I mean all this time around you, with your thuggish bunny mannerisms… It's taken a heavy toll on my charm capabilities.'

Judy shrugged him off with a snort, 'How will you survive?' she asked sarcastically, hands pressed against the steel plate of the door as they reached the main entrance. She pushed it open, and was greeted by the sight of Coolson resting against the side of the vehicle. They both smiled, acknowledging the other with a brief nod.

Nick gave a pat on her head as he brushed past her, the bear holding the door as he jumped into the vehicle. The fox managing a quick salute to Judy before it shut, the tinted windows blocking any view of the interior.

'Pleasure to see you again ma'am.' Coolson nodded at Judy once again, before climbing into the vehicle.

'Likewise,' Judy waved at the space where she imagined Nick sat, watching as the car drove off. She stretched her arms with a yawn, a sudden buzz from her pocket making her jolt. She pulled out her phone. It was Bogo.