Chapter 4
The three individuals exchanged intensely heated words, all petulantly throwing accusations and scorn as they attempted to flee from the police.
They tore through the streets in a white van, which itself seemed to be crude in makeup. The engine sputtering as they managed to accelerate through the streets, weaving between stationary cars and intersections.
"You said you had a score! You said that this was the one! If I had known before I got our shit together that you meant some fucking department store, I wouldn't have come!" The deer yelled in rage, clutching tightly onto his M4 as inertia threatened to tear him from his seat in the passenger.
"At least I tried! I didn't see you coming up with shit!" The raccoon in the back yelled in response, struggling to hold onto a partially filled duffel bag of money as well as keep his stance.
"Both of you shut your fucking mouths! I can't focus when you two keep bitching!" The driver interjected, glancing over.
The driver's exclamation ceased their bickering temporarily, the deer quickly glancing into the rear view mirror and behind him, his eyes latching onto the police car.
"There's only one!" He exclaimed after observing.
"Ed, forget it! You're-" The driver began, but was silenced.
"Fuck you Keith! I'm not going back to prison!" He spat back. "We can all take that son of a bitch! It's only one cop!" He continued, but before he could obtain a response, he was abruptly sent into the dashboard as the car immediately jerked forward.
The wheels shrieked and burned against the road as they nearly collided with a cement truck as it pulled out in front of them at in intersection, their avenues of escaped clogged as traffic surrounded them.
They all paused, exchanging concerned glances before the police car halted some distance behind them.
The deer then threw his attention behind him, seeing the cop exit their car. He was then filled with rage, his mind becoming blank, but the motive clear enough.
"I'm not going back." He muttered to himself, throwing open his door and dragging along his weapon.
"Ed! Ed!" Both voices attempted to bring him back, but to no avail.
His assault rifle already going off.
Judy waited once more in isolation as time gradually rolled by. Waiting for Nick's appearance, which his extended absence sent red flags. She tapped her foot against the floor incessantly, growing ultimately restive as disquiet bloomed in her chest. She then gripped the wheel with both paws, breathing deeply to calm her respiration as she attempted to thwart the growing anxious thoughts.
"It'll be alright..." She spoke to herself, her eyes closing as she attempted to find solace. "He's fine. He's probably just conversing as if old friends..." Her eyes opened, and she checked her watch.
12:27 PM.
She remained in the car, promising herself that she would wait until 12:50 until investigating further if he hadn't already arrived. But as time steadily ticked away, Nick's lack of a response fueled her paranoia and restive state. Eventually, prompting her to exit the car to wait outside only a couple of minutes later.
She grew uneasy, her mind conceiving thoughts which began to stir worry and fear. And it wasn't long until they grasped unto her attention with more fervor.
"Nick, come on..." She muttered, glancing at her watch again which now read 12:38 PM.
In her mind, there was no semblance of order. Thoughts ran rampant as Nick's absence imbued fearful ruminations, becoming convinced he was abducted as the minutes continued to roll away unnoticed.
Soon, she was unable to laden herself anymore with inactivity. Soon propelling herself into motion, going down the sidewalk in a quickened gait as her eyes quickly observed each address number on the houses as she went down.
However, none correlated towards the one she held in mind, until minutes later she when she came to the end of the block.
"204." She spoke out loud, immediately traversing the small stairs and approaching the door. She poised to knock, before a thought ran freely through her conscious.
"What if I'm over-reacting?"
This froze her muscles of contraction, eventually her arm falling as her syllogistic portion of her character cast her mind back into it's heap of disorganized ideas.
"What if he's still conversing with this, Skinner? And I'm worried over nothing?"
She then stepped away, burying her face in her paws as she sighed with exasperation. Any outcome could've been feasible, the probability of their existence irritatingly tantamount. She combed through her ears, pausing to think.
"But, what's the worst that could happen?" She then thought.
"If I knock, and it turns out my suspicions were completely ill-founded, what's the worst case scenario?" She turned back towards the door. "I'll blow Nick's cover. Skinner could try to run, but we'll get him wherever he tries to go. And if attempts to draw a weapon of some sort, there's two cops that could easily subdue him..." She elucidated to her distressed mind, easing it somewhat.
She then took a deep breath through her nostrils, and released it. Maintaining composure as she then rapped her paw against the door.
No response.
She knocked again, this time more urgently. Her foot beginning to tap restlessly as silence was drawn from the household. She then tried the doorknob; locked.
Her fists squeezed tightly, fear beginning to sprout once more through her stomach. She took a quick glance to her left side, seeing the driveway.
Judy gave the door another glance, before she then made her way around the house, climbing above the small wall at the end of the patio and checked through the windows. From what she could see, there was no one present. Everything was eerily still.
Picking up the pace, she rounded the corner and came across the garage, a small section of the house with it's brown rectangular door closed. She approached it, seeing a small number pad on it's post which halted her progress.
"Crap." She muttered, glancing around for another entrance.
Her attention then grasped onto a small alley which stretched between the houses, a metal chain link fence propped up in between.
She approached it, and with great ease, leapt over, landing on the other side as she hurried her pace. Quickly jogging into the backyard of the house, crossing through the growing vegetation as she approached the back door.
Locked; unsurprisingly.
She sighed in frustration, turning her attention to the window which was just near the door.
She stood in front of it, attempting to open it at first, though it hadn't budged. Then she began prepping her mind for invasion, taking a deep breath and firmly grasping her baton.
But her scruple rendered her irresolute on the subject of breaking and entering, her hands loosening as she continued contemplating.
She feared it would've been breaking the law, and her moral code, as she didn't want to grow accustomed to doing so. But once Nick's welfare was inserted into the equation, all opposition was cast from her mind.
Promptly loosening her baton from it's grip and sending it through the glass without hesitation.
The window then burst into a discordant sonance, the glass shards chiming as they showered unto the ground. She then reached in, fumbling around for the lock of the window before her fingers grazed it, firmly clutching it and undoing the lock.
She then easily slid open the window, carefully stepping onto the sill and touching down around the broken teeth inside the house.
At first exposure, the interior was dark, save for the beam of light which spilled in from the window. But after a few moments, her senses heightened, and the room swam into more decisive focus.
She was in the kitchen, the counters and table were spotless, and the shelves which contained various condiments and ingredients were tidied neatly. She looked around, her ears shifting as they searched for any palpable noise. But when her ears received none, it only furthered her apprehension.
She carefully stepped forward, avoiding the glass as well as making much noise, her eyes and ears constantly scanning.
Though, soon her attention was latched onto something, which only puzzled her.
A hole was found in the wall near the hallway, however, it was none which resembled brute force, but a small object. A bullet.
She inspected it further, noting by it's frayed edges it seemed where the bullet had exited. She then began to enter the hallway, intent on discovering it's trajectory until her eyes caught another point of interest, a substance which dappled the ground.
At the sight, her heart dropped. Immediately knowing what is was, despite her wanting to remain incredulous to the evidence.
It was blood.
There were small orbs of it leading to a doorway, which she concluded it lead to the garage. She swallowed a lump within her throat as thoughts pointed towards Nick.
He had been abducted.
She quickly abandoned her realm of thought and cleared her mind, now was not the time to panic. She took a couple of deep breaths, and looked back forward, trying to steady herself as she advanced to continue her investigation.
She reached to her side, undoing the holster and drawing her gun, now paranoid as the discovery of blood was of dire portent.
She followed the trace amounts of blood, softly stepping over it as she approached the garage door. Slowly opening it, and peering inside, her eyes hovering through the sights of the gun as she inspected each corner of the room.
Nothing. There was no car, and there had only been a few more drops of blood.
Now having concrete evidence towards his abduction, she gritted her teeth as disquiet settled within her frame. Though she hadn't let her thoughts linger, only continuing on as she left the garage.
She drew back, and entered the living room, still moving cautiously as her eyes carefully swept through the room.
Though after a few minutes, nothing else of interest surfaced, other than the entry hole of the bullet. She then investigated the rest of the household.
And after a thorough search through the rooms, the house was entirely empty. Not a soul had lingered. This somewhat lifted the tension in the atmosphere, but only confirmed her presentiments had been founded on fertile soil.
Nick had been taken, and possibly attacked. The thought grieved her, her heart beginning to constrict. But it had also served as a goad, putting more deliberation towards her thoughts and concentration as continued.
She re-entered the living room, her thoughts within some semblance of order as she began inspecting other elements. She began to peer into the framed pictures of a goat and various other people, looking for any background information on "Skinner."
After some inspection, she came across a discarded heap of mail and envelopes. She picked one up, and read the name it was addressed to.
Gerald Toggenburg.
She reiterated the name, ensuring she familiarized herself with the words as they rolled off her tongue. She dropped the envelope carelessly back unto the pile, and reached onto the small radio on her shoulder.
"Dispatch, can you run a name for me, over?" She spoke, making her way out of the living room.
"Roger, run it by me..." Clawhauser returned.
"It'll be a Gerald Toggenburg..." Then she proceeded to spell out his last name, walking out of the house through the back door.
After a few moments of silence, his voice crackled back through.
"Gerald Toggenburg. Date of birth, June 2nd, 1972. His record's clean...no priors, no warrants. Valid 27..." He spoke.
"Could you give me a license plate?" She inquired, making her way back to the front of the house.
Another few moments of silence ensued.
"Uh...target license plate is, 2-9-Victor-William-Ocean-1-6. Car is a graphite color SUV...Nothing on it. "
She absorbed the information, walking quickly back towards her car.
"10-4..." She replied, jogging as she approached and entered the vehicle.
She strapped her belt on, simultaneously turning on the engine. Intent on divulging the new information to Bogo.
However, the thought ran more clearly through her mind, and it revived the sentiment of them going rogue.
She curtailed the event of her driving away as she gripped the wheel. Strongly contending with herself as her mind once again divided between two sides.
Nick was in danger. By herself, it could take all day to find him, and by then it could've been too late. But with the whole force behind her, that could save him just in time. But their actions of going rogue would cost them, perhaps even end their careers.
She sighed in frustration, gripping the wheel before leaning her head against it. Her mind once more in a war against itself.
"Officer Hopps, What's your status on the case?..." Bogo's voice crackled in her radio, the last thing she wanted to hear.
Her eyes widened as she leaned back, her mind racing as she was irresolute on continuing with either mode of discussion.
Though soon, she closed her eyes, weighing once more the costs of each. Nick's life, or their careers.
She let loose a deep breath, inwardly writhing as she spoke.
"Sir, Nick's missing...And I think he's in danger..."
Nick began to stir, his vision sharpening from blots of ink to color, and his sense of awareness recovering.
Though pain soon grasped his string of nerves, spiking in his ear and jaw as his eyes fully opened. He winced for a few moments, before glancing around at the room.
It swam into focus; it was a small, indigent apartment. The wallpaper in various places was in ribbons, peeling from the wall from lack of care. And it had old wooden flooring which was prone to creak with any amount of pressure.
His gaze then swept towards the only individuals beside him who were present. Toggenburg and Finnick sat across from one another, both presently engaged within a game of chess.
Toggenburg had his eyes focused within the match, his eyes studying his opposition's move before he carefully moved one of his pieces.
Though his attention promptly shifted onto the now awake fox, who was restrained within the corner. His eyes slightly widening as he reclined back.
"Ah, look who decided to join the land of the living..." He said dryly.
Finnick then turned away from the game, his eyes exchanging with Nick's. Nick noticed his expression was set within grim lines, and glitter of anger settled within it as his eyes fell upon stomach was then rooted with fear, growing nervous as Finnick then detached himself from the game, turning to where he faced Nick.
The atmosphere was then weighed with conflicting emotions, growing tense as Finnick's expression hardened. Nick's heart pumped, and he began forming words in his head in an attempt to break the silence, but Finnick's deep voice resonated before Nick could bring life to his words.
"Where your uniform at, Nick?" He spoke, his voice remote and inscrutable. But his expression still hardened.
It sounded an almost genuine question, and it would've been convincing if Nick hadn't known him for years prior.
He took a few moments to respond.
"Uh, you know...It's in the wash..." He contrived a smile, hoping his trace of humor would abate the mood.
Though Finnick's eyes only glanced away as he rose to his feet, and he sifted through his pockets as he pulled out a cigarette, lighting it and inhaling it's fumes.
"So, you a cop now, huh?" Finnick responded, his tone unchanged as he stepped down from the chair. "Y'know, when I gave you that sticker badge, I didn't expect you would run to get your paws on the real thing."
Nick immediately regretted his words as Finnick began to pace. Noticeably agitated with his gait.
Nick then wanted to choose his words carefully, trying to form an appropriate response as he didn't want silence to draw.
"Look, Finnick...I..." But apprehension caught his throat, crumbling his attempt of any coherent speech. "I...I'm sorry..." He finished lamely.
Finnick, upon hearing his words, released another billow of smoke before gritting his teeth and staring intently at the cigarette in his hand.
"You're, sorry..." He said simply, bending the cigarette with his fingers, crumbling it within his palm as he balled his fist. The tobacco spilling out and the embers sizzling against his skin. "You're sorry..." He repeated, his tone heavier and with palpable anger.
He released his grip, the fragments of the cigarette falling loose as he turned towards Nick.
"One day, you up an' vanish. I don't get no calls, no nothing. I don't even see you for weeks. And the time I do see you, it's on TV. I see you makin' headlines, Nick fucking Wilde, first motherfucking fox to make it big with the boys in blue..." He spoke, his voice becoming suffused with rage, his eyes then settling on Nick, his brow furrowing. "I trusted you, Nick." He continued, his voice now replete with anger and pain. "I respected you, you were one of my own..."
"Finnick, look-" Nick stammered.
"Shut up!" Finnick's voice suddenly gained rise, it rebounding from the walls and silencing Nick. "I trusted you..." He reiterated. "I was good to you. But I guess that wasn't enough for you, huh? No, not for a piece of shit like you. Going behind and stabbing me in the back." Finnick spoke through clenched teeth.
"Look, Finnick, it's...it wasn't like that..." Nick broke in, attempting to pacify his anger.
"Then tell me, motherfucker! How was it like then!?" Finnick suddenly yelled. "I don't see you for weeks! And you don't say shit to me! Here I am lookin' for your ass, and you're out there runnin' after that bitch and a badge!"
He then paced around in a quickened pace, clawing at his temples as he tried to breathe. Giving Nick a few moments to think of a response.
"Finnick...I...I know I should've told you...And I'm sorry I didn't...But what was I supposed to say?" Nick spoke, his voice slightly tremulous. "How could I say anything? How, how would I be able to tell to my best friend that I had betrayed him?"
A temporary pause then shifted between them, Finnick visibly wincing when he heard his words.
"Best friend..." Finnick reiterated, soon shaking his head.
He then turned, stepping towards the wall as he sent his fist forward, driven with immense force. His knuckles knocked hard against the plaster as it crumbled inward. His arm sinking inside before retracting from the gaping hole.
He clawed at his temples once more, breathing heavily as the knuckles on his right hand were raw, and beginning to redden as blood rushed to the split flesh. He didn't exchange any words as he seethed, attempting to rid himself of his rage as he breathed. Nick took this to his advantage, hoping his words could soothe.
"Look, Finnick. I'm sorry...I'm truly, sorry...And I can't express that enough...But, I'm here for a different reason..." He began. "I'm not trying to bust you, or Skinner...I'm trying to do the opposite...You've been accused of murder, Finnick." His words then gained Finnick's attention, though his expression unchanged. "Do you remember Jared Lam? You probably sold him drugs, I don't know, but that's not important. He's been murdered, and the police dug up that you were the last one to be in contact with him, and they're searching for you...They have an APB out on you, and the chief's got almost everyone looking for you...You need to leave, Finnick..." He spoke, in hopes his words would affect him.
But, as he read his expression, it bespoke to him Finnick's mind was unaltered. His heart sunk as Finnick spoke, knowing he was horribly intransigent.
"How can I trust you, Nick? How am I gonna know you ain't tryin' to play some shit on me?" He began, his eyes finding Nick's once more "And I find it odd, that when the cops start tryin' to shake me down, you pop up like nothin' happened and start talking bullshit like you care." Finnick said incredulously. "Of all times for you to show up, it's now, when I'm about to take the fall...How do I know you ain't just tryin' to save yourself, so I don't pull you down with me?
Nick's eyes fell away in annoyance and dread, sighing in frustration as he felt he was at an impasse, that no matter what argument he held, it would only fall on deaf ears.
"Dammit, Finnick! I don't give a shit about what happens to me! I did this so I could save you! I went rogue to track you down! Why can't you see I'm only trying to help you!?" Nick rose his voice.
Finnick was silent for a few moments, before turning towards him,
"Tell me somethin' Nick..." He began. "Have one of your people turn their backs on you, an' tell me how much you gonna trust them then..." He responded simply, his voice lowered but still laden with resentment.
Nick sighed once more, falling silent as he felt his attempts were becoming less and less effective. Soon, silence swept in between them, shifting around uncomfortably as the atmosphere settled. No more words exchanging between the two.
Though, Toggenburg shifted, leaning forward on the desk. Having amused himself with being the silent witness, he now began to speak.
"So, what now?" He said, addressing Finnick.
"What?" Finnick replied, his gaze crawling back to Toggenburg.
"What do you mean what? What are we going to do with him? We certainly can't let him walk." He remarked, gesturing to Nick as he rose to his feet.
Finnick absorbed the information, taking a few moments to deliberate it as his eyes grew fixated on a certain point, eventually sweeping back towards Nick. He looked into Nick's eyes; a strange mixture of concern and hope filled his green irises. Despite his resentment, he couldn't help but a feel a small pang of remorse.
He sighed.
"Then you do it..." He said simply, masking his scruple as he turned away. Stepping back to his seat and easing within it, reclining and crossing his arms.
"What, here?" Toggenburg said.
"Of course, not. Unless you willin' to pick it up..." Finnick replied blithely.
Toggenburg sighed through his nostrils in slight annoyance, but eventually reached behind his shirt and pulled out his gun as he rounded the table, stepping towards Nick.
"W- Wait! Wait!" Nick cried out. Beginning to shuffle away. "Please!"
Though as he attempted to draw away, his back eventually slid up against the wall, now being cornered as Toggenburg took daunting steps forward.
"Stop bitching...I'm not gonna shoot you yet..." Toggenburg replied in annoyance, advancing.
But Nick continued to strive, throwing his legs in random kicks to keep him at bay. Toggenburg managed to dodge a couple, though out of anger, took a step forward to try and seize him. But Nick plunged his foot deep into his gut, effectively doubling him over onto the ground, the air in his body being expelled, causing him to cough harshly as he choked for air.
Nick then took advantage, placing his feet underneath him to gain purchase. But before he could rise, Finnick stepped forward, and landed a hard right to Nick's head. The blow disorientating him as it shuddered violently through his head, falling backwards and unto the ground once more where he writhed.
Though before he could stir, Finnick stepped over him and his mind went blank, sending more violent blows to his face as he unleashed unequaled rage with each hit. After several swings, his anger soon melted away, slowly coming to a stop. His eyes widened as he realized the extent of his actions.
Nick's eyes were partially closed and unfocused. Already his face was misshaped with bruises, blood running from several cuts, with the fox laboring to breathe.
"Dammit." Finnick muttered, dropping his arm as he lifted himself from Nick's body.
He stepped back, massaging his forehead as a strong amalgam of emotion swept through him. His knuckles were rubbed completely raw. Blood beginning to stream down his hands.
Toggenburg's breathing was eventually restored, and he rose unto his fours, pawss and knees on the ground as he struggled to gain purchase. Though rage settled within his eyes, as they swept upwards to Nick, his brow furrowing and his teeth bare.
"Motherfucker..." He muttered, beginning to rise to his feet. "I'm gonna kill him..." He drew the gun up, raising it's sights and alighting them to Nick's skull.
But before the shot could discharge, Finnick rammed into his side, throwing off his aim as he staggered away.
Toggenburg stepped back, catching his own fall.
"What the fuck?" He exclaimed, the gun still in hand.
"Not in here!" Finnick replied, yelling.
But before Toggenburg could produce a response, the door then erupted with a sharp crack. The wood splitting into shards as multiple SWAT members instantly charged forward.
Various commands filled the air as the sudden turn of events stupefied the individuals within the apartment.
"ZPD!"
"Get on the ground now!"
"Drop the weapon!"
Toggenburg immediately fell to the ground, his paws raised while Finnick attempted to evade the police. He quickly darted to the kitchen, but was impeded as multiple bodies entered the apartment through the each entry, his body clashing against another SWAT member while being brought heavily down.
Within moments, the scene had settled as Toggenburg and Finnick were subdued upon the ground, an officer placing their wrists in cuffs.
However, some of the officers tended to Nick as he lay almost listless. Picking him up from the ground and cutting his paws free from the binds.
His face was bloodied and swollen, and his mind had been fading in and out of touch with his senses. His eyes latched onto the officers which peered into his face, but his mind never processed their emotions, nor the words they spoke as he then slipped back into a world of darkness.
It wasn't long until Nick's eyes reopened, focusing unto a white ceiling with a small stripe which shone a steady beam of light into his eyes. He winced at first exposure, but when his mind began perceiving sounds; voices. His eyes had adjusted, and he turned to glance around.
At first, several unknown faces hovered over him, looking down upon him with attentive expressions as he felt himself in motion, though all but one disappeared.
His gaze fell then to his body, realizing he was unable to move, and noticed he was shirtless. Already strapped in to a stretcher in several places, the medic just now closing the door to the ambulance.
"Wait, wait..." He began. "Where am I?" His eyes flitted around the room.
"Sir, it's okay, you're getting help." The medic's voice addressed him. Soon the wail of the sirens following afterward.
He glanced around, watching as the medic was activating several systems which checked his vital organs. The heartbeat monitor then awoke, signaling a high tone as it registered his pulse.
He then rested his head, musing to himself as he slowly regained his memory, soon, he sighed as he turned.
"Hey,...there's...been a slight misunderstanding..." He began, peering into the medic's face. "I...I don't need to be at the hospital...I'm alright..."
The gray cat only shot a skeptical glance towards him, his brow raising before continuing on with his work.
"Truly, I'm fine...you don't need to do this..." He continued."Can you stop, and just, drop me off at some corner or something?" He inquired earnestly, glancing over to the cat.
But the medic continued unabated, simply turning towards him and replying.
"I'm sorry, sir. But I cannot refuse a patient transportation, regardless of the circumstance..." He replied, the cat preparing some utensils.
"Thing is, I don't really have the best insurance..." Nick spoke, before the medic applied a substance to his ear, which immediately spiked the pain as he recoiled.
"Ah! What the hell!?" He exclaimed, baring his teeth.
"Sir, please remain still." The medic replied, his voice inscrutably flat and remote, mimicking that of his expression.
"You could've warned me first...damn.." Nick spoke, wincing once more as the EMT continued dressing the wound.
After a couple of moments, as Nick couldn't exactly see what the medic was doing, he felt pressure against his ear, the medic seemingly trying to firmly press the cartilage back together. Though he let it slacken as he stepped back, eying his work before removing his latex gloves and discarding them.
"So, what happened? Will my ear close?" Nick inquired, slightly concerned.
"Possibly." The medic returned simply, sitting down before he procured a few small rolls of medical tape.
"Possibly? Son of a..." Nick words fell away, dropping his head back unto the pillow. Sighing once more.
"I can't determine it. Though we are transporting you to the nearest clinic, a doctor there should give a more sufficient evaluation." He spoke.
The medic rose once more, using a cotton swab to disinfect the cuts he obtained on his cheek, before placing several small strips of bandage tape on the wounds.
"Is there anyone you want us to contact for you, sir?" The medic inquired, lowering himself once more into the bench attached to the vehicle's interior wall.
Though Nick paused for a few moments, the question stirring up some thoughts to which he dwelt upon.
"No..." He replied simply, beginning to ruminate as his eyes turned away.
Other than Judy, as she more than likely already knew, he didn't know of anyone else who would care about his situation. Or about him.
He tossed the thought around, coming to realize that here was no one else. In his phone, there were only a small handful of contacts, Judy's, Finnick's, and two others he hadn't known why they were there.
The thought, however, didn't kindle any disquiet, as he had already been acquainted with the sentiment. It was merely frequenting once more the forefront of his thoughts, and he simply discarded it once more, turning his head to the medic,
"Hey, how early do you think I can leave?"
Nick paused for a moment, absorbing the new information.
"So, essentially, my ear will not close?" He remarked, glancing at the doctor for confirmation.
She was currently standing by Nick as he was seated on a raised surface. He, at first, was peering into a mirror before placing it down.
"No, I'm afraid not completely." She spoke, turning to him from her clipboard. "Luckily, the bullet missed the muscle, hitting only cartilage. However, the round was large, and it tore away at the side of your ear, rather than simply cutting through it. I do not expect it to close." The doctor answered.
Nick received the information with dismay and distress, peering once more into mirror at his face. His eyes glued to his now misshapen ear.
As it slackened, the skin would rest listlessly, and the half circle would form into a triangular shape. Making it seem more as if someone had bit him.
"And what, we can't stitch it together?" He inquired.
"It wouldn't be recommended. The wound is split too far to simply add stitches. It would put unnecessary strain and pressure on your ear, causing more discomfort and I believe more hurt than it would good." She answered earnestly.
He sighed, placing the mirror down and burying his face within his hands. Groaning as he knew he was going to have to grow accustomed to the future jokes about his ear.
A small knock then rapped against the open door. And his mood minutely brightened as he lifted his eyes to see Judy standing within it.
"Hey Jude..." He said simply.
"Hi, can I come in?" She spoke, addressing the doctor.
"Of course." The doctor replied, smiling politely before stepping aside. "I'll be right back anyways, I have to go run a few things..." She said, politely excusing herself from the room as she left.
Judy stepped in as Nick straightened his back, both of them exchanging looks. Though her expression notably falling at Nick's injuries. She was eying them for a bit, for she finally made eye contact.
"How do you feel?" She asked after sighing.
"I'm fine." He replied simply, managing a smile.
"Are you sure? You're not, hurting?" She spoke, concerned as she stepped closer. Raising her paws and gently grazing her fingers across his bruises.
He pulled away from her contact.
"I'm alright, Jude.." He replied, rising unto his feet and spreading his arms out. "See?" He smiled once more.
She looked into his eyes, to which she could only express concern as her attention was fixed on his injuries. The left side of his face had bruised, swelling to the point where it misshapen his left eye into an oblique shape. Seemingly squinting as he looked at her, and it only growing smaller as he smiled. His right ear now had a gaping hole at the side, it looked treated, but the wound itself still causing worry.
She sighed through her nostrils, looking into his eyes again before she closed the space between them, wrapping her arms around him as she pressed her head into his torso.
He stepped back a bit, surprised at first before his arms came down, resting on her shoulders as he returned the embrace.
After a couple of moments, she separated from him, turning away slightly to wipe her eyes, sniffling. He noticed her and smiled once again, leaning forward.
"Aw. Look at you..." He joked.
"Shut up...I told you not to go..." She replied, throwing an annoyed look at him. "I told you this was going to happen."
"What? I'm alive aren't I?" He replied, chuckling. Though his smile was soon erased as her expression didn't change.
She shook her head, sighing.
"I saw blood in...Skinner's house. It wasn't much, but..." She began, her eyes falling away at first. "I'm not going to let you go alone anymore." Her eyes crawled back up to his, slightly hardening as she composed herself.
"Well, in a situation like that, I kinda had to, Carrots." He replied.
"I don't care, I'm not going to leave you alone again." She replied mulishly.
Nick sighed, rubbing his eyes.
"Okay, look. I appreciate your concern, I do. But to be frank, you're a tad small, Carrots..." He spoke, finding her eyes.
Her brow furrowed, and her arms dropped.
"What are you saying? Yeah, I'm a bit small, but I can still do things." She spoke, her tone more irritated.
"I'm not saying that, Carrots. I'm saying that, because of your size, you can't protect me." He replied collectively.
"Nick. I graduated at the top of my class in the police academy, I even took down a rhino with his own fist!" She exclaimed, irritated as her ears now drooped.
"And I don't doubt that, Judy. But there's a difference between a someone attacking you in a simulation, and in real life." He replied calmly. "That rhino wasn't actually trying to cause you harm..."
He wasn't agitated at her proposal, in fact, he wouldn't mind spending more time with Judy, but he felt doing so would only put herself in needless risk.
She remained in silent as her eyes fell away in annoyance, crossing her arms as she tapped her foot.
He sighed once more.
"Look, Jude. I'm not arguing this because I don't want you around. I would actually like to hang out with you more, but, trying to be my shield would only get you hurt as well as myself." He began, earning her glance. "I can take care of myself, believe it or not, I've done it for most of my life. And I can take a hit." He spoke, his tone not changing, as he hoped to allay her concerns.
She sighed, considering his side as secluded herself to her thoughts.
"I'll be alright." He spoke once more, soothingly as he patted her shoulder.
"Fine. But we're not going rogue anymore." She added, throwing her glance up to his.
He chuckled, smiling.
"Deal."
She sighed, and a pause then settled between them, remaining quiet before a thought ran across Nick's mind. His expression changing.
"Judy. You didn't tell Bogo, did you?"
His eyes caught hers, and they spoke unease.
"I had to, Nick..." She spoke hesitantly.
His eyes fell away, closing as he turned around, dread surging through his frame as he buried his face in his palms.
"I had to! You were going to be killed, and I didn't think I'd find you in time!" She continued.
"Judy!" He turned around grasping her shoulders. "I was going to be fine! Why would you tell him?" He spoke dreadfully, his voice slightly risen.
"I'm sorry, I...I didn't know what to do..." She returned, her voice carrying less weight.
But, before Nick could continue, his mind emptied of any thoughts as Bogo stepped within the room. His expression his ordinary neutral, but hardened features.
Judy turned at his entrance, and they both straightened their backs. Initially shocked as they held their breaths, as if caught red-handed.
Though, Bogo's behavior and expression was unchanged, his eyes settling on Nick as he began to speak.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to check on you, Nick. Though it seems you're okay." He spoke, his voice implying no palpable anger.
"Yes, I'm alright, sir..." He answered, slightly stammering.
"That's good to hear." He began, stepping forward. "But, I do need both of your reports on the case. Not at this moment, but when you're able to leave. And I want to have a discussion with both of you when you get back to the station." He spoke, his manner unaltered.
"Uh, yes, yes of course..." Judy replied.
"Good..." He spoke, nodding slightly before departing from their presence without another word.
Silence crept forward, no other voices sifting through the atmosphere as Nick and Judy only shared concerned glances. Wondering the true meaning behind his words, and if it was going to cost their careers.