Ray smiled setting the mug down as he picked up one of the models, to him the size of a toy car examining it. the cars was an accurate model and seemed high quality for a manufacturer that just started.
"I think your designs have potential, I'll partner up Javelin, as well as purchase the first Gladiator model that off the line, I've been needing a new car" Ray replied handing the model back to Damwood who placed it in his case extending to shake with as Ray gratefully did. Watching Damwood leave his office Ray put his hands behind his head. Smiling at another satisfied business deal.
The business day was over as Ray packed up his things picking up his case. Ray opened his door leaving the office to everyone in the hall wishing a goodbye. Ray stretched leaving the Sterling Ent. building stretching. Raymond Sterling walked down the sidewalk breathing the air, much to everyone on the streets saying hi to him. Everyone in the city knew who Raymond Sterling was, not only was he wealthy but he was also likable. he was known as the golden sun of Zootopia, because of his humor and ever-present cheerful attitude.
"Evening Mr. Sterling" a passerby called as he smiled and waved entering the happy times toy store browsing around as the cashier put down the book he was reading, practically jumping out of his seat.
"Raymond Sterling, what can I do for you" The zebra behind the desk asked as Ray smiled.
"I'm looking for a birthday present, a roller skate helmet, rabbit-sized" Ray replied as the Zebra put his book down leaving the counter walking into the sports section.
"Sure, we should carry helmets, do you mind me asking who it's for?" The Zebra asked looking thru the helmets picking up a small white helmet which had two holes in the top, obviously for the ears as he handed it to Ray.
"It's for Daisy Summers' Niece, her birthday is coming up, big double digits" Ray replied opening his wallet walking back to the counter paying for the helmet.
"Oh yeah, Miss Summers, the reporter, strange how well you two get along," The zebra said putting the helmet in a plastic bag handing it to ray as he smiled.
"When you're the most popular mammal in the city, you tend to get the attention of the media, it's my gift and my curse" Ray replied waving as he made the joke leaving carrying the small plastic bag. Ray checked his watch. he agreed to meet Daisy at the Greek restaurant as to a bus stop where Daisy would often meet up to talk with him, he
would often give her exclusive interviews as he held the bag in front of the small reporter.
"Ra-Mr. Sterling you didn't have to" Daisy said as she opened the bag holding up the white helmet as she hugged his leg as she smiled.
"Nonsense Daisy, I always take care of my friends... and stick to Ray, all my friends call me Ray" Sterling corrected as she left the bench walking alongside the Lion as he leads them to the restaurant as Daisy held the bag.
"Ray, you don't know how much this means to me" Daisy praised the Lion as the entered the restaurant as Daisy looked amazed at the decorations.
"Wow, this place looks fancy," Daisy said as goat approached them ready to seat the two of them. after lunch, the two left the restaurant as Daisy smiled at Ray.
"Thanks for the meal, so Javelin Autos, I've never heard of them, they must be new" Daisy replied opening her notepad scribbling down notes as looked over all the details.
"I'm glad to help in any way I can" Ray reassured as she gave a smile.
"How did you get to be so kind" Daisy replied as Ray gave a thumbs up.
"What can I say I had great role models" Ray replied striking a confident pose as she giggled.
"You are such a dork" Daisy added smiling at Ray, despite his muscular exterior everyone knew he was a big softy.
"It's like my dad told me, those with the most, should give the most" Ray explained to give a look into his ideology.
"My thoughts exactly," a third voice said as the two turned a cougar in his late teens to early adulthood as he walked up to them looking at Daisy.
"You're that reporter Summers, you did a piece on my brother, called him a psychotic individual, come with me we're gonna make thing right". he ordered as she backed up.
"The Hangman, he's your brother" Daisy replied as it was clear this guy was pissed at her.
"Mr. Alburn it is, I know you're upset about your brother being arrest but he was performing a criminal act, and Miss Summers was only reporting it. f you have a grudge it is with the Crusaders, not her" Ray proposed trying to dissolve the situation as he clenched a list.
"Well I can't get to the crusaders so butt-brush over there will have to do," Alburn said throwing a punch as Ray caught it.
"Walk away kid, I abhor needless violence, but I won't let you hurt Miss Summers. I won't blame you for being upset but would you really feel better beating someone smaller than you" Ray asked as the cougar chuckled.
"I know who you are Sterling, you're the golden son of Zootopia, everybody loves Raymond Sterling, but under that surface, I know what you really are..." Alburn pushed as Ray looked shocked, did Alburn find out his secret.
"... You're just some pampered rich boy, who doesn't know how the world works" Alburn replied throwing a second punch in rays gut as he clenched it, followed by a kick to the face as Sterling fell down, clenching his stomach.
"As expected for someone who's never been in a fight" Alburn replied as he grabbed Ray by the tie drawing his claws.
"STOP IT!" Daisy pleaded as he turned to the rabbit. who was standing by the edge of an alleyway
"Can't you see he's match for you, your problem is with me, leave him out of this, I'll go with you" she replied as he held gestured for her to walk with him as they approached a black car as Alburn opened the door ordering her to get in Daisy did so. The car drove off.
"So what do you want money?" Daisy asked confused as he looked at her switching his eyes to the road.
"Don't insult me, You're a reporter, I'm going to tell you truth about my brother and this time, you're gonna take good notes" Alburn informed as the car continued moving she proceeded to tell Daisy about his brother, trying to paint him into a good light as Daisy rolled her eyes.
"I will not compromise my integrity by reporting on your lies" Daisy responded as Alburn clenched the wheel. suddenly a golden trident landed into the hood of the car as Alburn spun out of control nearly crashing as a figure landed on the hood, the sun shining off him, standing on the hood was Apollo fully dressed in his costume, the blank face of his masked helmet staring down Alburn as he pulled his trident out of the hood.
"Must be my lucky day" Alburn said leaving the car approached Apollo who jumped off the hod landing on the pavement staring down Alburn who threw a punch as Apollo blocked it threw a punch sending Alburn flying on his back as he skid as he looked up seeing Daisy standing over him as she raised her leg swinging it down on his face knocking him out as Apollo approached her.
"Are you alright Miss Summers, I was around the neighborhood when I saw what happened?" Apollo said switching to his commanding hero voice.
"Ra- Mr. Sterling how is he," Daisy asked needing to know as Apollo turned to her.
"He's just fine, that was some kick, I must say," Apollo said crossing his arms impressed.
"Sister Margaret's Self Defence for Girls, you get to be a reporter without making enemies... Thank you Apollo" Daisy said gratefully walking off.
