Chapter 4:
New Evidence and New Friends
Boom…Boom…
Thunder rolled in the air as lightning flashed in the distance. A nearby thunderclap caused Judy to spring up from her bed. The sudden jerk from her dreams made her heart race. The grey bunny panted as she looked out the window. It was beginning to rain.
"That scared me half to death," Judy said. "Nick, did you hear that thunder?" Judy turned to see her sleeping husband, but found she was alone in bed. Reality crept back in and she remembered Nick would never be in bed with the little bunny again. "Oh, right," Judy said. She sighed and brought her knees up under the blanket. But before sadness could take hold, a great gnawing took hold in Judy's stomach and she heard a loud growl. She was hungry. Judy looked at the clock on Nick's nightstand and saw it was 8:37am. "Wow, I slept all this time." Another groan from her stomach was proof of how long she had been asleep. A smell caught Judy's nose and she turned to its source. The grey bunny saw the bowl of carrots and tea on her nightstand. The tea was cold and the carrots were room temperature. But they looked like they were just what the doctor ordered.
Judy picked up the tea and smelled it. She could smell how bitter it was from steeping over 16 hours. A pink nose was turned up to the brew and it was put back down on the stand. Judy took the bowl of cut baby carrots and popped a pawful in her mouth. Even warm, the vegetables crunched loudly in Judy's mouth. But when she swallowed the mush, her stomach pains grew.
"Great," the bunny said. "I'm so hungry anything I eat will make it worse. This is going to suck." As quick as she could, Judy scarfed down the whole bowl as fast as she could. Her stomach stretched in pain at the sudden influx of food. But soon the gnawing gave way and Judy's stomach relaxed. She moved to empty bowl back to the nightstand. As she did, Judy saw her wedding photo. The image of her and Nick made her mind wander. Seeing herself in that dress and Nick in his tuxedo, it was magical. Just like their honeymoon.
Water. It was warm, salty, and undulated as Judy swam through it. A few fish swam by the newlywed as she embraced her inner little mermaid. Though blurred, Judy could make out some stunning fish and a few sparse corals on the rocks. It had been a great swim. Judy spent nearly a half an hour in the water. But it was time to get out. There was a certain fox waiting for her on the beach. A bubble escaped her mouth and Judy made for the surface. The second she broke the surface, the heat of Sahara Square hit like a wave from the ocean. It was much hotter and far more humid than Burrows Judy had grown up in. But it was great for helping her unwind.
After shaking off the water, Judy leaned towards the shore and began kicking. In the distance was the Palm Hotel and all of the casinos surrounding it. In a few hours, the night would light up with lasers and spotlights. A certain red fox would likely want to take in a show and gamble a little. It made Judy happy they had chosen a hotel on the beach rather than the Strip. Less crowds and more authentic local flair. Soon paws touched sand and Judy began to walk out of the water. As she stepped up onto the beach, the water gave way and dripped down here bikini clad body. She ran her paws over her limbs and torso to remove extra water. Judy smiled as she felt her muscles twitch in her arms and felt her tone stomach. Being a cop was the best job in all of Zootopia. But there were also some benefits to it that were equally as nice. The bunny felt several stares coming from some of the females on the beach. Several who were equally toned nodded to congratulate her. A couple of them stared daggers at her. Judy's pride swelled a little thinking about their jealousy. Hey, just because she was a cop didn't mean she wasn't still a woman who took pride in her figure.
But there was only one gaze coming from all the animals on the beach that mattered. The grey bunny locked eyes with a certain red fox in green swim trunks. Sitting under a large umbrella, Nick stared at his new wife through his aviators. In one paw was a cold beer and in the other a carrot juice and vodka. The drinks looked good, but Nick looked better. Nick was shirtless, sweating, and laid out for Judy. Oh, bunny likey. But it was time to show her new husband what the bunny was made of. Judy walked over to the umbrella and added a little pop to her strut. Nick's head dropped and he pulled his sunglasses lower on his muzzle. Though he'd never admit it to Judy, Nick's mouth was watering. He struggled to talk as Judy strutted up in all her bikini clad glory and took the carrot juice and vodka from him.
"Like what you see, Nick?" Judy asked as she delicately brought her drink to her lips. Nick raised an eyebrow while he dusted off his chest to fluff his fur. If Judy was trying a con, she picked the wrong adversary.
"Not bad there, little lady," Nick said relaxing into his chair. He took a very refreshing swig from the beer and let out a content sigh. "But you're going to have to do better…" Nick was silenced as some lotion was tossed into his lap. Nick turned to see Judy lying face down on her chair pulling at the ties of her bikini top. The knots came undone and the straps fell from Judy's neck and back. She dropped her ears and looked at Nick with soft eyes batting.
"Darling, I would really love it if you rubbed some lotion on me," she said tenderly. Nick gulped loudly as Judy downed her drink taking an ice cube between her teeth.
"You're an evil bunny, Carrots," Nick said dryly. Judy crunched on the cube and chuckled.
"But I'm your evil bunny, Nick," she answered. The red fox chuckled and set his beer down. With a smile on his lips, Nick applied the lotion to Judy's back and rubbed his wife as lovingly as he could.
"You really are the one for me, Judy," Nick said.
Judy sighed as she put the photo back on the nightstand. Her memory made her smile as she thought back on the best parts of her dear Nick. Sarcasm, whit, and teasing were a major part of their love. But they also led to the most tender and passionate moments that anyone could imagine. That one day on their honeymoon led to the most heated night of passion Judy could have ever imagined. As Judy looked at the photo one last time, she did something she never thought she'd ever do. She began to contemplate life without Nick. The grey bunny took the empty bowl and cold tea and walked out of the bedroom. As she opened the door, Judy heard the TV was tuned to the news. It was the traffic report. Another bit of bottlenecked traffic from the construction on the Fetlock Expressway.
"Oh, Judy," Bonnie called from the kitchen. "I didn't think you were up." Bonnie walked out from the kitchen with an empty mug and hugged her daughter. Judy returned to hug and the two Hopps women held each other for a while. "How are you feeling?" Judy broke the hold and walked into the kitchen.
"I don't think I have any more tears to shed, Mom," Judy said. Judy dumped the cold tea down the drain and washed the cup and bowl. "This morning, waking up alone, it finally hit me that Nick is gone." Judy sighed deeply and looked up at the ceiling. "I'm a cop. Listening to the evidence is what I do. He's gone and nothing is going to change that. I should just cherish the memories and accept that I'll never see him again." Bonnie heard the pain in her daughter's voice but she also heard nonsense oozing between them. "He's dead. And I have my memories."
"Judith Marie Wilde!" Bonnie snapped with bile. The elder bunny grabbed her daughter's shoulder and spun her around. The sudden movement caused Judy's arm to fly around uncontrolled and she knocked the coffee mug off the counter. It fell to the tile and shattered into a hundred pieces. "Don't you ever talk like that again! Do you hear me, young lady?" The young hare was taken aback by her mother's attitude. Bonnie had never spoken to Judy with such force. "Nick would be ashamed to hear you give up so easily." Though Bonnie's brow furrowed in rage, it soon gave way to love. Judy locked eyes with her mother as listened as the previous generation enlightened the next one. "The hardest thing a wife can endure is losing her husband. It's harder than losing a family member. Family is always there for you. Our love is unconditional. But when you marry someone, you choose to love them. You choose to open your heart in a way you can't to your family. You choose to love a husband or wife. And with that choice comes the risk of loss." To Judy's surprise, the tears she thought were spent returned to her eyes. "You vowed to love, honor, and cherish Nick until death do you part. That time has come and you dare to sit there and rationalize your grief like you would evidence?"
"But, Mom," Judy said with shame.
"Don't but me," Bonnie said. She took her daughter's paws and held them tight. "If your roles were reversed and Nick was mourning your death, would he rationalize it?" Judy's nose twitched as her mother's words took hold. She was right. Nick would never do anything so callous.
"I'm a horrible wife," Judy said weakly.
"No you're not," Bonnie said putting her paw to Judy's cheek. "You're a grieving widow. And you can't rationalize that." Bonnie wiped the tears from her daughter's eyes. "Indulge in the memories like you two are still making them. Live like Nick would have wanted. Be the bunny he knew and loved. And then the time to grieve will go much easier." Bonnie parted from her daughter and got the broom and dustpan from the closet. She quickly swept up the broken mug and put it into the trash. After she put the broom back, Bonnie returned to see Judy had poured herself a cup of coffee. But what was odd was the fact the Judy hadn't bothered to get cream or sugar. "Judy, I thought you hated black coffee…" she mused.
"Black and medium roast," the young bunny answered. As she sipped, Bonnie saw a small smile crack on Judy's face. "It's Nick's favorite. I actually like it." Bonnie was overjoyed to see a measure of happiness dress Judy's face. Sadness did not suit her little bunny.
"That's the Judy I know," Bonnie said. She walked over to the cupboard and pulled out another mug. She poured a cup for herself and kept it black. The two rabbits took their coffee into the living room and sat together on the couch. "Nick had good taste in coffee," Bonnie continued as she took a sip.
"He had good taste in everything," Judy responded.
"Especially in females," Bonnie joked. Judy put a paw to her forehead and let out a light chuckle. At last, Bonnie saw Judy mourn in a healthy way. She had to keep this momentum going. "Judy, why don't you pack a bag and come stay with your father and me for a few days." Judy looked at her mother and pondered the offer. "It'll do you good to be with your family."
"Ok," Judy said perking up her ears. "After the funeral. I can gorge on Gideon's blueberry pies and breath some fresh air. Maybe I could…" Judy didn't get a chance to finish before the buzzer sounded from the front door. Bonnie rolled her eyes and set her coffee down on the table.
"I swear if that is some reporter…" she mused and walked over to the intercom. The older hare pushed the button and spoke into the mic. "My daughter is not giving any interviews at this time."
"It's Officer Fangmeyer," a voice called from the speaker. "Chief Bogo wants Judy at the crime lab right away." Bonnie turned to Judy with a shock that equaled her daughter's. But the aged mammal wasn't about to risk any games.
"What's your badge number?" Bonnie asked activating the mic.
"Badge number 217," the voice said.
"That's Fangmeyer alright," Judy said. Bonnie buzzed in the officer now that she was sure it wasn't some reporter's trick. Within a minute, Fangmeyer knocked on the door. Bonnie looked through the peephole and saw police blues on the white wolf. The door opened up and Judy came into the hallway.
"What's up, Fangmeyer?" the cop asked.
"Chief sent us to get you," the white wolf began. "The M.E. found something. Thought you should know about it as soon as possible." Bonnie turned to see if Judy was ok, but all she saw was the bedroom door slam shut.
"Judy?" Bonnie called and ran to the door. She tried to opened it, but it was locked. "Judy, open this door." Bonnie knocked on the door to reach her daughter but all she heard was a rustle coming for the bedroom. "Judy open this door right now or I'll have Fangmeyer break it down." Fangmeyer stepped into the apartment ready to carry out Bonnie Hopps's threat. But he didn't have to. The door opened and out came Judy in her jeans and a blue checkered top.
"Run the lights and siren," Judy commanded with her trademark confidence burning strong. Fangmeyer smiled and nodded. He was happy to see to old Judy back. Bonnie grabbed her purse and the wolf left with the two rabbits in tow.
A siren blared loud and strong as Officers Fangmeyer and Delgato drove the two bunnies through Zootopia. All the animals remained silent on their way to the police department. Bonnie briefly wondered why Delgato and Fangmeyer didn't have a third officer with them like Bogo had ordered. But she didn't voice her question. Before long, the ZPD precinct came into view. A few spare reporters were waiting outside and going up to the various police officers trying to get a comment. Fangmeyer drove past them and entered the precinct parking lot. Bonnie hopped out of the car right behind her daughter. The two made their way to the side entrance before Delgato stopped them. Luckily the rain had stopped and all was left was overcast skies.
"The Chief is next door in the crime lab," the tiger called out. Bonnie didn't get a chance to say anything as Judy grabbed her mother's paw. The young rabbit's grip was like a vice. Bonnie tried to slow her daughter down but Judy wanted to know what this new evidence was. Fangmeyer and Delgato managed to keep pace and flung double doors of the crime lab open.
"Officer Judy Wilde, ZPD," she called to the receptionist. "Chief Bogo is expecting me." The receptionist looked up from her desk briefly before producing a sign in sheet and two visitor's badges.
"Down the hall, third door on the right," she said disinterested. Judy quickly scrawled her name on the sheet and took off with her mother in tow. Bonnie struggled to clip the badges on her and Judy. The two were so entangled in finding Bogo they failed to notice the lettered on the door they soon came to. Judy pushed opened the door and found herself in a sterile looking room filled with medical equipment. Down the hall, third door on the right; it was the morgue. The sudden intrusion brought Chief Bogo out of his conversation the M.E.
"You got here quickly, Wilde," Bogo said. "Glad to see you're up and about." Judy walked forward to greet her boss and the M.E. But Bonnie gripped her daughter's shoulder. Judy turned to tell her mother to let go, but she stopped upon seeing the distress in Bonnie's face. It was then that Judy took in where she was. Her ears fell and nose twitched upon registering the room. Judy's eyes began to dart everywhere. "Damn, we should have met her outside," Bogo added as he walked over to his officer to lead the two rabbits from the room. But as he reached for Judy, the widowed bunny noticed something and dodged her boss with an agility most mammals would beg for. It was a plain white card with black ink on a small steel door that caught Judy's eye. "N. Wilde," was what the ink spelled out. Bogo and Bonnie moved to try and get Judy away from the door until the M.E. spoke.
"I would refrain from doing that, Idris," he said with a heavy accent. Judy's ears perked at the new voice. It was the M.E., an aged honey badger with a highlands accent. "I've seen more widows in my tenure than I can to stomach." The M.E. walked right up to Judy and shook her paw. "It is indeed an honor to finally make your acquaintance, Officer Wilde. I am Dr. Edgar Badgé. Emmett Otterton is an old friend. I cannot thank you and Officer Wilde enough for what you did for our city."
"Thank you," Judy whispered. "Can I see Nick?" Dr. Badgé adjusted his spectacles and turned to his desk.
"I have performed many autopsies in my time, Officer Wilde," he began as he picked up a file. "Are you sure you wish to view Nicholas?"
"Doctor, please," the grey bunny said.
"As you wish, Judith," the old badger continued. "Each animal is different in how they cope with the loss of a loved one. But I learned after my first autopsy, it is better for a loved one to steel themselves first." The doctor opened the file and spread photographs and posted the accompanying x-rays on the light board. Bonnie walked over silently and took her daughter's paw as the board lit up. "These were the preliminary x-rays from pre-op." Judy and Bonnie took in the images of Nick's chest. Though Bonnie couldn't see much difference in the images, Judy knew biology from her police training. Nick's upper rib cage on his left side was shattered. The image of the splintered bones in their grey tone was hard to swallow. But Judy wouldn't cry again. Right now, she was a cop. And she was she was staring evidence in the face. But what caught her eye was the bright white chunks in the x-ray.
"What are those?" Judy asked pointing out the objects. Dr. Badgé picked up a photo of what appeared to be shrapnel.
"Those are the remnants of the projectile that killed Nicholas," he said handing the photo to Judy. "The surgeon removed and preserved them for analysis. Gabriel has them upstairs in the lab, as are Nicholas's and your clothing, Judith. She's giving you all she has." Judy put the photo down and took a look at all the paperwork. Dr. Badgé continued his analysis. "The projectile pierced the upper left anterior of the thoracic cavity with a high velocity. The impact caused severe trauma, shattering bones and severing the subclavian artery. Death was caused by exsanguination."
"Nick bled to death," Judy said lowering her head. Bonnie gasped as she brought her paws to her mouth. Bogo listened intently with a stoic face.
"Indeed," the doctor said. "When I opened him up, Nicholas was in the worst shape I had ever seen. I doubt the most skilled surgeon in all of Zootopia could have saved him. I apologize for being so blunt, Judith. But even modern medicine is still limited in the great abilities to heal all the sick and wounded." Judy put her paws on the desk as she processed all of what she was told.
"Was he in pain?" she asked. Badgé sighed and put a put his paws in his pockets.
"I think it best if I not answer, my dear," he said.
"I want to see him," Judy whispered. "Please." The aged honey badger nodded and walked over to the steel door that housed the dearly departed. Judy followed as her mother came up to join her daughter. Chief Bogo knew this was too delicate for him to remain. The Cape Buffalo retired to his officer to continue the investigation. When all were gathered, Dr. Badgé opened the door and pulled out the rack. Bonnie held her daughter tight as the body came out covered in a white sheet.
"Would you like some privacy?" the doctor asked. Judy didn't answer. She was too focused on the site before her.
"Please," Bonnie said in her daughter's place. Dr. Badgé nodded and gripped the sheet. Slowly he pulled it down the body revealing Nick to his widow and former mother-in-law. The old honey badger collected his phone from the desk and left the morgue. Judy and Bonnie were left alone with body of their beloved fox. Only Nick's face was revealed. Judy moved her paw and grasped the sheet. She was tempted to see what had happened to her husband. But for the first time in her life, Judy let it go. Her dogged curiosity and pursuit of the truth that made her a good cop couldn't overcome the fear of a broken heart. Her eyes turned back to Nick's face. His eyes were closed and ears were limp. For the Hopps women, it looked like their loved one was sleeping.
"Oh, Nicky," Bonnie said with sadness. Judy said nothing as she took in her husband. The face was the same, but it would no longer smile. The lips were the same, but they'd never speak again. Those piercing green eyes were forever hidden by closed eyelids. It wasn't true. Judy continued to tell herself that Nick was only sleeping. It was some kind of con or prank. But it wasn't a thought to last. Judy reached out to stroke Nick's fur. He'd feel her touch and wake up. However, Nick's cheek was cool to the touch. Bonnie felt Judy's body tense up and she readied herself for Judy to break down again. But to the older bunny's surprise, the tears didn't come. Judy only took a deep breath and bent over the body of her husband.
"You saved my life," she said with tender love. "That shot was meant for me and you took it." Judy cupped Nick's cool cheek and dared to place one final kiss on her beloved's lips. Bonnie watched at Judy seemed to acknowledge the cold truth. "That was really stupid you dumb fox," Judy continued. "But what you did…what was done to you…" Judy stood tall with her eyebrows furrowed in anger and one single tear running down her cheek. Bonnie was surprised to see her daughter in this mood. Only hours before, Judy was a sad site of untamed grief. But now, Bonnie saw he daughter's natural confidence come to the surface again.
"Judy?" the worried mother asked.
"Someone tried to kill me, Nick," Judy said calmly. "And you died in my place. If this was an accident, I'd be willing to accept your death much easier. But someone murdered you while they tried to murder me." Judy took one more look at her resting Nick. Slowly she pulled the sheet back over his head and pushed the rack back into the freezer. Judy gripped the door and slowly closed it. "And Gods help whoever did this if they piss me off any further." The door sealed shut and the latch clicked.
"Sweetie," Bonnie dared to say again.
"No, Mom," Judy snapped. "I'm not feeling better. And I won't for a long time." Judy's words were calm but her anger radiated off her body. "When we find who did this…" Judy didn't get to finish her sentence as Dr. Badgé came back into the morgue.
"Please forgive my impropriety, Judith," he said with a gentle tone. "But Gabriel just called me. She has some new evidence in the lab. And I thought it best if you were the first to know." Judy was out the door immediately and made for the elevator. Bonnie and Dr. Badgé were right behind her. But Bonnie's concern was growing as was the good doctor's. Grief was an emotional roller coaster. But Judy was going back and forth from sadness to anger and from acceptance to denial. The bell dinged and the doors opened. Judy made her way to the lab quickly as Dr. Badgé held back on Bonnie.
"Mrs. Hopps," he began. "A moment of your time. I have tended to the loved ones of many victims over my career. All of them react differently. Some are the stone pillars of support, some shut down completely. But I find Judy's behavior a little peculiar."
"Doctor, she is mourning her husband," Bonnie said defensively. "You don't know her like I do. When my daughter is focused, nothing can sway her. If anything he dedication proves she is fine."
"That is what I am afraid of," the older honey badger said as the two left the elevator. "Her focus and bouncing between the emotions of grief are signs of a troubled mind. She may appear to be holding it together. But no amount of appearance can fool a lifetime of observations." Bonnie listened as the old physician continued. "I heard how distraught she was yesterday and now she is acting like a by the book police officer. But I could see in the morgue just how troubled she is. The mind and the heart need time to recuperate from such trauma. This sort of erratic behavior is not healthy. I fear that she may be suppressing her true emotions in a way that cannot be sustained."
"Doctor, my daughter is not crazy," Bonnie said with a little anger.
"I'm not insinuating that, Mrs. Hopps," the doctor said producing a card with his number on it. "I have recently received my Ph. D in Psychological Pathology. As such I have an expertise in the mind. I can think of several issues that could afflict our dear officer. Depression, anxiety, perhaps even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder considering the violent nature of Nicholas's death. Keep an eye on your daughter for the next few days, lest we miss something truly amiss. If you suspect anything, please call me." Bonnie looked at the card and back to the doctor. She took the business card and slipped it into her purse. The two elders understood each other and made their way into the laboratory around the next corner. Inside, they found Judy being hugged quite hard by a zebra in pigtails and a black lab coat. "Oh dear, I forgot to mention that Gabby was a hugger."
"I noticed," Judy said with a light hearted tone.
"Let Officer Wilde breathe a little, Gabby my dear," the doctor said going over to the two ladies.
"Eggie…." the zebra said breaking the hug and standing up. "Judy here just lost her husband. She needs all the love and support she can get. I mean even if I am a total stranger that still doesn't mean I can't help her heal. I mean I am a little strange but in the good way. I'm a zebra with tattoos and way too many black clothes. So a lot of animals look at me like I have two heads. But my heart is, like, gold dusted with sugar and sunshine. Not like Officer Wilde though, I mean Nick Wilde. I mean the fox was just so awesome. Like, super mega superhero kind of awesome. He gave his life for his partner and wife. How awesome is that, Eggie? Why can't I find a guy that awesome? I just realized I'm using awesome too much." Judy looked at her mother with a measure of confusion. Rumors had gone around the precinct that the ZPD forensic whiz was a little odd.
"Your time for love will come someday, Gabriel," the doctor said with a fatherly tone. "Now you called me about something." Gabby perked up and reached among her stuffed spiders on her workbench to get a remote. She pressed a button and techno metal music began to play on the radio. She reached for another one and turned to the work table where she had laid out Judy's and Nick's uniforms.
"Ok, so I started with all of the basic examinations," she began. Judy, Bonnie, and the doctor huddled in on the perky zebra. "It turned up everything that could be expected. Officer Wilde was definitely killed by a high impact projectile. But when the hospital sent over the fragments from his wound, something didn't mesh." Gabby pointed her remote at a large flat screen to bring up a close up photo of the hole in Nick's shirt and vest. "I found something on the holes in Officer Wilde's clothing and vest. Burns."
"Burns?" the doctor said walking up to the screen to take a closer look.
"Yes," Gabby continued. "Whatever hit Judy's husband was at an extremely high heat and velocity, which is inconsistent with all known dart technology. Nothing on file produces heat or velocity that can scorch cloth. And I found the same scorching on the fur from Nick's wound you sent up this morning, Doc."
"This morning?" Bonnie asked. "Have you two been working here since last night, Gabby?"
"Since 9 o'clock last night," Gabby said sheepishly.
"Let's just say this case hit us all in the heart," Dr. Badgé added. "There was much midnight oil burned last night." Bonnie was genuinely touched by the dedication of Judy's co-workers. But was shocked to see Judy seemed to give no reaction.
"Thank you for this," Judy said with a straight face. A twinge of fear seeped into Bonnie's heart. Judy was always a very grateful bunny. But to show no emotion like this; perhaps there was some truth in Dr. Badgé's warning.
"Moving on," Gabby said as she picked up a glass jar. A jingle came from the evidence and grabbed Judy's full attention. "This is what killed Nick." Judy went over to the zebra and took the jar. Inside she saw copper fragments and a deformed metal lump. Judy scrutinized the pieces from her husband's chest. She hadn't seen anything like this before in her life.
"Judy, what is that?" Bonnie asked.
"It doesn't look like any air dart I've ever seen," Judy said.
"It's not a dart," Gabby said clicking the remote again and bringing up the fragments on the screen. "The casing is made of copper. It's a ridiculously soft metal that wouldn't hack it as a dart. The standard tranq dart has a steel casing that is super durable. You give me a nugget of copper and I can shape it with a pair of pliers. No, this casing was designed fragment upon impact. It took me a while but I managed to reconstruct this thing's shape in the computer." Another click brought up an animatic of the fragments contorting back into their original shape. The four animals watched as the program reconstructed the item. A shape began to form and soon a smooth tube shape froze on the screen. "At first I thought the computer made a mistake." Bonnie didn't know what she was looking at, but Dr. Badgé and Judy did. One knew it from his education at Edinburrow and the other from her lessons in weapons training. "I ran tests on Nick's uniform, Judy's uniform, and all the blood from both uniforms and the samples taken off Officer Wilde, I mean Judy Wilde, at the hospital. All the samples tested positive for traces of copper, lead, and barium. Only one compound would be used as a propellant and leave these types of markers.
"Gunpowder," Judy said in disbelief as she approached the screen with unblinking eyes.
"Guns?" Bonnie exclaimed. "I remember reading about them in history class but I didn't think they still existed."
"They are a carryover from some of the darkest days in animal history," Dr. Badgé began. "Back in the days after predator stopped hunting prey, we were still torn apart by borders and petty disputes over faith. Our ancestors still slayed each other en masse. Only this time it wasn't for food. This time is was for pointless and bloody wars. It took many generations and countless lives, but we evolved to a new understanding. And today, firearms are forbidden to be owned my private citizen in Zootopia. Only military personnel are permitted access to firearms. And we can only imagine why they would need to use them." Bonnie had to sit down. This case was becoming too much for the older bunny to handle.
"Are you saying…" Judy began with a grunt. "…that Nick was killed by a soldier?"
"We can't say for sure," Gabby said with sorrow. "Right now, the evidence only points to a military weapon being used in the murder. But we'll know when the Liaison Officer arrives." Judy looked at Gabby with a confused look.
"What Liaison Officer?" she asked.
"When I confirmed it was a gun used to kill Nick, I had to inform the Mammalian Defense Force," she began. "They said they'd deploy someone to lead their investigation. He should be arriving any minute now."
"Their investigation?" Judy said with bile. "The military thinks they are just going to gallop in and take point on this case?" Gabby had to take two steps back from Judy's attitude. But the hurt bunny didn't give anyone a chance to respond as she stormed out of the lab. Bonnie chased after her daughter and left the two scientists in the lab alone.
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," Dr. Badgé mused.
"Hell…please Eggie," Gabby said. "At this point, I think hell is afraid Officer Wilde will take over."
Judy kicked the door of the lab open and sprinted to the ZPD building. Bonnie did her best to keep pace. The angered widow slammed the door of the precinct open and forced her way through her fellow police officers to the lady's locker room. Bonnie came in with Judy and tried to talk her down. Luckily there were no other cops in the locker room to see the scene unfolding. Judy wasn't hearing any of her mother's words. The grey bunny quickly unlocked her locker and threw the door open. Out she pulled her spare uniform and silently slid on her leggings, shirt, ankle braces, gauntlets, and belt.
"Judy stop," Bonnie pleaded. "You're in no condition to do this." Judy didn't listen to her mother. "You can't fly off the handle like this and just decide you're going to arrest whoever did this to Nick. You're not even on duty. Now change your clothes and come stay at the farm for a few days."
"No," Judy said sternly as she slipped her vest on and fastened the buckles.
"No?" Bonnie said taken aback. "Judy I did not raise you to speak so callously to me, or anyone for that matter. Change your clothes and come home." Judy continued to ignore her mother and pulled out a cherry wood box from her locker. "I am speaking to you, young lady."
"My husband is dead, Mom," Judy said as she opened the box. Judy eyed the gold shield inside and took in the words etched in blue letters: "Trust, Integrity, Bravery." Judy eyed her spare shield and took it. "I have to bury my Nick in couple of days. And now there is some jarhead on his way to take the case away from me." Judy attached the shield to her chest and gripped the door of her locker. She paused for a minute and eyed the picture of Nick and her taped up on the door. It was from their honeymoon; a picture of them on the beach together. Judy eyed the pictured and looked down on her wedding band and engagement ring on her finger.
"Judy…" Bonnie said.
"There are widows everywhere who couldn't do anything about their loved ones," she interrupted. She reached into the locker and opened another mini locker on the shelf. "But I can." Bonnie was about to grab her daughter by the scruff of her neck and drag her kicking and screaming out of the police department. But she stop when pulled out her rarely used holster. Inside was Judy's sidearm, a standard issue police tranquilizer gun. The grey bunny clipped the weapon onto her hip and adjusted its position. It was the first time Bonnie had seen Judy arm herself. "I'm a cop, Mom. And I have a job to do." Judy hugged her mother. Bonnie shuddered and embraced her daughter. The two Hopps women held each other when they realized that Judy was determined to see that she was the one to find Nick's killer.
"Judy, please don't do anything rash," Bonnie said.
"I'll be ok, Mom," the cop replied. "I have to do this for Nick." Judy broke the hug and gripped her mother's shoulders. "Clawhauser can take you back the apartment. I am going to see Chief Bogo." Before Bonnie could must a reply Judy had closed her locker and left the room. The gathered officers at the ZPD gave Judy the right of way as she marched through the precinct. Many muttered quietly about her being back in uniform so quickly. But try as they did to remain silent, Judy heard every word. She marched upstairs and froze after she came to Chief Bogo's office. A knock on the door summoned her boss and Judy was granted permission to enter. Bogo was on the phone when she entered. Judy didn't bother to close the door as Bogo finished his call.
"Thank you, Gabby," Bogo said hanging up. "Keep me posted on anything new."
"Officer Judith Wilde, reporting for duty," Judy said standing at attention. The Cape Buffalo looked his officer up and down. The last thing he expected to see was in his office and ready for work.
"At ease, Officer," he said. Judy relaxed and waited for her boss to speak. "What are you doing here, Wilde? I put on leave until further notice."
"With all due respect, Chief Bogo," Judy began. "I don't want leave. I want the case." Bogo removed his glasses and reclined into his chair.
"Professional or personal reasons," he asked. The seasoned officer knew he'd likely see Judy demand the case. But he had to be sure she could handle it.
"Both," Judy said without hesitation.
"Request denied," the chief answered instantly. Judy was cut to the core and cringe at the decision.
"Sir…Idris," she said. "Please don't make me beg. But I will do it if I have to."
"Stay off your knees, Judy," Bogo said as he put his glasses back on. "Begging won't help you."
"Why?" Judy asked. "You said…"
"This case has to be done by the book," the Chief said getting up and walking around his desk. "I want every "t" crossed and "i" dotted. When we find the animal responsible, I don't want any loose ends. The DA will need an airtight case. And I cannot guarantee it from an officer who is taking this case personally." Judy's nose twitched again and she fought back tears. But it wasn't for the decision. It was for her snap answer. The only chance she had to get the case was to try an means.
"Chief Bogo," she said mustering courage. "Since the Night Howler Case I have made connections and garnered favors that would enable me to investigate this case through more in depth methods, or on my own if I have to." Bogo heard the threat in Judy's words and he did not like it.
"Are you saying you throw your career away and go rogue?" he said with anger. "Because I can collar and fire you right now for obstruction, Wilde."
"That would be a mistake," a voice called from outside the office. "If I were you I'd give her the case, Chief Bogo." Chief Bogo and Judy turned to the door and saw a coyote standing with arms behind his back. "In the Corp, we become brothers, practically family. When one of us goes down, we all take it personally. But it just makes our resolve stronger." The coyote stepped into the office and the light peeking through the departing storm clouds in the window shined on his uniform. He was garbed in desert MARPAT with his duty belt and sidearm. Beneath his cover was a pair of blue and golden eyes staring down a tan muzzle with flecks of black.
"And who the bloody hell are you?" Bogo said standing tall and powerful. The coyote slung his rucksack off his back before saluting Chief Bogo and Judy.
"Staff Sergeant Charles Howlen, Mammalian Marine Corp," the marine said. Judy gasped when the soldier introduced himself. It was the old friend Nick was expecting for a visit.
"Charlie…"
A/N: The plot continues to grow. New aides, new clues…new problems.
The mind is like the sea.
Calm and clear or a tempest.
Day by day
Nigh by night.
What more will come from the truth?
How big of a bang will we go out in?
Join us next time for the furthering tale of "Officer Down."
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