Author's Note: Hello again! Many thanks to Fairlane302 for his much appreciated assistance in editing this chapter. It was like meatball surgery. Also, a shout-out to liiwilliams08 for getting one of the Easter Eggs last chapter. He also got one for Chapter One as well, but he hasn't sent me his prize choice yet, though i think that's due to them not appearing yet. liiwilliams08, your reward for Ch 3 is inbound and the reward for Ch 1 is still open.
Unfortunately, this chapter, like the one previous, doesn't have a track list. Fret not, however, for the other chapters will have the links to the songs within the story. You'll just have to copy and paste into your search bar.
Chapter Four: Video calls and Breaking News
Wilde Manor - Wilde Familial Estate - Zootopia - Just prior to 12:00 Noon
Nick shivered at the tone of Judy's father. It was one that he often heard as a kit, whenever his parents expected him to tell them the reason behind his mischievous shenanigans. He watched as Judy's nose began to twitch. Ignoring how cute it was, Nick carefully slipped his paw under the monitor to place it on hers, to remind her that he was here and that she wasn't alone.
Judy felt Nick give her paw a gentle, comforting squeeze. Returning the gesture, she took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right." She mentally prepared herself as best she could. "Where would you like me to start?" She watched her parents carefully as they seemed to ponder how to proceed. Judy took a quick peek at Nick when she was certain her parents weren't paying attention. He had a soft smile on his face that made her want to smile as well. Returning her attention to her parents, she saw that they had decided how to proceed.
Stuart and Bonnie Hopps looked at their daughter with serious expressions. Bonnie took the initiative by asking, "Where are you? That Buffalo, Chief Tobias Bogo I believe, told us that you are staying with a close friend. Is that true?" Bonnie wasn't angry, per se. It was more anger born of worry. The phone call from the ZPD had her frightened that something horrible had happened to Judy. She remembered that Judy told them that, normally, when an officer fell in the line of duty the Chief would call to inform the family. While Judy may not be an officer anymore, Bonnie had assumed that even a former officer's family would still be contacted if something happened.
Judy mulled over how she could answer the question while still leaving out the fact that she was now being targeted. Coming up with what she considered an acceptable response, she stated, "That is the truth. I'm in the process of being reinstated as a law enforcement officer and I'm staying with a friend until I can find a suitable apartment." She felt Nick squeeze her paw in approval of how she answered her parents' inquiry. A small part of her was unsure whether she should hide the fact that she was staying with Nick from them or not. She didn't have any way of knowing how her parents would react to that information. She also didn't know how they would take the news that she and Nick were 'seeing each other'. Judy wasn't ashamed of him, but she wasn't ready to tell her parents about him yet.
Stu Hopps pursed his lips in thought as he tried to figure how best to ask his question. He decided not to beat around the bush. "Would the name of the friend you're staying with be 'Nick', by any chance?" He watched the blood drain from Judy's face. A small part of him was concerned that he should have waited to ask that 'til later, but it was too late now. He wasn't sure if Judy was aware of it, but there had been several times where he or Bonnie would wake up at night to check on the younger kits only to hear her crying for someone named Nick. They had no knowledge of who or what Nick was, but they knew that if Judy was crying for him in her sleep then he had to be someone special to her.
Judy felt her heart stop and her ears drop. She began to panic. Her mind began to race as she tried to figure out how they learned about Nick. The pressure of Nick squeezing on her paw drew her back from the precipice. Calming thanks to the knowledge that Nick was with her, she answered, "Yes, Dad. His name is Nick."
Stu nodded. Bonnie asked, "You thanked him for letting you stay with him, right?" Judy answered with a nod. "Good girl. Now, I expect you to tell us a little about this Nick. What kind of buck is he? What does he do for a living?" Bonnie was excited that Judy had a good close male friend in the city. She was happy that after all these years that Judy had finally met a buck.
Judy winced at her mother's barrage of questions. She knew that this would happen, but she wasn't ready for it. She felt Nick gently rub the back of her paw with his thumb comfortingly. The gesture soothed her a bit and gave her courage. She saw this as just another challenge she needed to overcome. "Well, first and foremost, Nick isn't a buck. He's a recently enrolled cadet at the ZPA, so he'll be an officer like me."
Stu and Bonnie blinked at Judy's answers. Bonnie cocked a brow. "Not a buck?" she asked. She got a headshake in response. Bonnie frowned and narrowed her eyes. She saw Judy's nose twitch apprehensively. Looking down, Bonnie started rubbing her temples as she started to remember something. She couldn't place what it was, but she knew it was important.
Stu glanced at his wife knowing she was having difficulty remembering that it had been Judy they found with the predator related porn stash. Turning his focus back to Judy, he asked, "So, what species of predator is he?" He could almost hear Bonnie's neck snap like a gunshot as she spun her head to look at him.
Judy's jaw dropped at her father's question. She found she couldn't formulate an answer. Unable to stop herself, Judy looked up at Nick for help. She realized her mistake as soon as she made it. Immediately refocusing on the monitor, she found her parent's giving her knowing looks. She sighed. "Come on, Slick. They know you're here. You might as well let them see you."
Nick nervously made his way around the desk to join Judy. Lifting her out of the chair, he sat down then set her down in his lap. Only after he was certain Judy was comfortable did he look at the two older bunnies on the other end of the video call. The looks of shock and bewilderment would have been funny if not for the magnitude of what was taking place. "Um, hello Mr. and Mrs. Hopps. My name is Nicholas P. Wilde."
Bonnie and Stu looked at each other then back to the red fox tod with their daughter. "Uh, hello." Stu stated. "I'm Stuart Hopps and this is my wife Bonnie." Bonnie nodded politely as she was introduced. Stu began rubbing the back of his neck as he admitted, "I got to say that you're not quite what we expected, son."
Nick gave a nod of understanding. He didn't know exactly how to proceed, but he knew he needed to make a good impression. Giving them a closed mouth smile to hide his teeth, he said, "Your daughter's truly one of a kind, Mr. and Mrs. Hopps. She's the reason I've enrolled in the Police Academy."
Judy's ears flushed and she lowered them over her eyes in reaction to Nick's tiny praise. She kept her ears over her face in embarrassment as Nick continued to provide a list of minor compliments about her to her parents. Finally, she whined, "Nick!" She felt him chuckle softly.
Nick set his chin into the space between her ears. "Sorry. I couldn't help it." Judy's response was to just nudge an elbow into his chest. Nick had to resist the urge to nuzzle her affectionately. "Your parents still have questions they need answered, Cottontail."
Sighing, Judy shifted to look back at her parents. She told them that she would do her best to answer all the questions they asked of her, but that she couldn't say much as a few of the answers could pertain to an active investigation. Her parents then took turns asking their questions. Her father inquired as to why she took off in such a hurry. Her reply was that he and Gideon had given her the one piece of information that she had been missing during the Missing Mammals case in order to close it properly. Her mother had followed up by asking where Judy had left the truck. This had Judy breaking down into a long apology, saying that it was probably just a shell by now since the part of Zootopia she had to leave it in was known for mammals stripping vehicles of their parts.
Stu expressed his disbelief that the old clunker of his actually made the trip to the city. He told her that if it hadn't been completely stripped down, she could either keep the truck and get it repaired or sell it for scrap. After all, he still had what one could easily consider as a fleet of better maintained vehicles.
Stu's next question had been along the lines of how she was faring. Judy smiled as she told them that she was alright, but just feeling a little worn down by everything that had happened. Her mother then asked how had she gotten her job on the force back. That was a little difficult to answer as it tied into the still ongoing investigation into Bellwether's co-conspirators, but with Nick's help, Judy managed to give Bonnie an answer without divulging any case details. Their final question was in regard to what her current living situation was. They knew she was staying with Nick for these first few days at least, but they were interested in Judy's more long term plans. Judy explained that Nick and his parents had offered to let her stay with them while she looked for a new apartment.
Bonnie and Stu listened as Judy answered every single one of their questions. They guessed that she didn't want them to worry excessively, which, of course, caused them to worry. However, they also realized that Judy wasn't going to tell them everything, and besides, they were far more focused on the fact that she was okay.
Bonnie also expressed her desire for Judy to find a better place than her last one. She had noticed during their MuzzleTime calls how bad Judy's old apartment seemed and so she started listing things to look for and consider when looking for her new place.
As her mother rambled on, listing all of the things she felt an apartment needed to provide, Judy couldn't help but feel thankful that her parents didn't have cable television. She had no doubt that the various news outlets were currently running the story of how she and Nick duped Bellwether into confessing to supposedly masterminding the 'Savage Predators'. That plus everything that she did leading to it, like blowing up a train and racing away from a sociopathic ram wielding a firearm, hellbent of exterminating her and Nick. The last thing Judy needed right now was for her parents to start berating her over her dangerous actions.
Once Bonnie moved on from the apartment topic, the four of them spoke for a little while longer about varying subjects, such as Nick's upcoming stint as a cadet at the Police Academy or what Judy should expect once she was an officer again. They all agreed that Nick and Judy would keep Bonnie and Stu apprised of their day just so they knew what was happening.
As the conversation seemed to be coming to an end, Nick glanced at the clock in the corner of the screen and saw that it was almost noon. Looking back to her parents, Nick stated, "I want to apologize for this, but Judy and I have to go. We need to go buy her some new clothes." Promising to contact them later and exchanging farewells, Nick ended the call. Looking at Judy, he asked, "Before we go, do you have anyone else you wish to call?"
Judy turned back to the touchscreen computer monitor. Entering the contact info for Major Friedkin, she hesitated for a moment before tapping the call icon. The line rang twice before a large female polar bear appeared. Judy wondered what Major was going to say. "H-hey, Major."
Major Barbeara Friedkin narrowed her eyes at the bunny. "I have so many things I want to say Hopps, that I would be an old hag by the time I finished, therefore, I'm just going to tell you the top three." Leaning in close to her screen, she stated, "First and foremost, I'm very disappointed in you, Hopps. You worked your tiny ass off to get where you were and then, after you fuck up a press conference, you just up and leave? I thought you were better than that." Leaning back in her seat, she said, "Secondly, yes, I did see the press conference. No, you don't have to worry. I'm not mad, no, actually, I'm fucking furious, just not with you. Tobias had absolutely no right to put you in the spotlight like that. You were a rookie with little to no experience in that kind of situation. Finally, believe me when I say that if I had been there, I would have ripped the horns out Chief Tobias Bogo's own head and impaled him with them."
Nick blinked at the completely calm, cool, and collected tone that the polar bear used as she basically threatened the Chief of Precinct One. He also noticed a small trait in her eyes that he had seen before elsewhere. Searching through his memories, he identified who else he had seen that had possessed the unique trait. "I don't mean to be rude and interrupt, but are you by any chance related to a polar bear named Bearnard Kozlov?" The tiny flecks of green in her blue eyes were a very rare thing, and Bearnard Kozlov had them too.
Major Friedkin turned her attention to the fox whose lap Judy was currently sitting in. "He's my maternal uncle." She cracked her neck, then said, "You must be Nicholas Piberius Wilde. I've been reviewing your application for the ZPA. Normally, I wouldn't consider a fox, but you've got recommendations from both Judy and Tobias, so I've gone ahead and approved it. I'm sure that Tobias' old geezer is up there nodding his approval. May I inquire as to how you know my uncle?"
Nick deliberated explaining how he knew Bearnard. He had no knowledge if Major Friedkin was aware of her uncle's occupation and had no desire to create issues for either of them. He carefully formulated how to answer Major's question. "Before I answer your question, I must request you answer another one of mine. Are you aware of your uncle's current profession?"
Major frowned at the vulpine. It wasn't that their family didn't know what Bearnard's job was, but it had caused problems on occasion. Friedkin considered lying, but realized that if the vulpine asked the question then he also knew what her uncle did for a living. "He's an enforcer and bodyguard for Antonio de Medici-Borgia, or as many in the underworld know him, Mr. Big."
Nick nodded in response to the Major's statement. "To answer your question then, I used to perform odd jobs for Mr. Big. On various occasions when he was indisposed, I dealt with your uncle instead. As for how I knew that you were related, you and he share a very rare characteristic. Blue eyes with green flecks. Not exactly a common trait shared among mammals. The most likely conclusion one could draw would be a blood relation. It fits far better than a mere coincidence."
Major and Judy both looked at Nick with stunned expressions at his display of abductive reasoning. For him to accurately deduce the relation between the two polar bears by observing such a minor detail, and using his memory to link a matching detail from his past in such a way was astounding. Judy could only imagine how good of a detective Nick could be. Major was of the same mind and wondered if she should enroll him in the police academy's Advanced Placement Honor Courses. Major was the first to recover from Nick's little display of abductive reasoning. "I'm seriously considering having you take AP Honor courses."
Judy gave a small smile. "Uhm, that's part of the reason I'm calling. You see, I was wondering if you would be willing to let me fill the Temporary Instructor position for a while." She watched as Major mulled over the idea. "Please, Major. It'll just be for a while. I want to make sure Nick's all set up at the Academy."
Major gave Judy a frown. "No." She watched Judy's whole face fall. "Hear me out. I would like nothing better than to say 'Yes', but unless Tobias approves the assignment my paws are tied. Get his approval then we'll revisit this subject." Returning her focus to the tod, Major stated, "You better be ready, Foxtrot. I'm going to drive you into the ground." With that the call ended.
Judy let out a long sigh. "Looks like I'm going to have to find a way of convincing the Chief to assign me to the Temporary Instructor position. That isn't a discussion I'm looking forward to." Her ear swiveled at the sound of someone approaching the door. When the door opened, she turned to see Jameson staring at them with a grave face.
Jameson looked at Judy and his son stating, "You two need to see this." Leading them to the living room, he picked up the television remote. Selecting the channel for ZBC, he sat down next to Vanessa on one couch while Nick and Judy sat on the other. On the television, Peter Moosebridge could be seen talking to Fabienne Growley.
Peter: "Approximately one hour ago, Former Mayor Dawn Bellwether escaped from her transport convoy while enroute to Zootopia's Supermax prison. Bellwether's escape appears to have been facilitated by a group of mammals that evidently possess military training. While none of the Officers tasked with overseeing the convoy were killed, five of the eight were transported to the Metropolitan Teaching Hospital of Zootopia in critical condition. Chief Tobias Bogo held a small press conference a short while ago, and had this to say."
Chief Bogo appeared onscreen standing behind a podium looking at what was probably a prewritten speech from the Precinct's media liaison. Looking up at the reporters and camera crews, he picked up the carefully written speech and tore it. Tossing the now confetti-like pages into the air, Bogo began to speak: "Roughly an hour ago, Dawn Bellwether, with the aid of a team of unknown mammals, escaped. The ZPD is currently looking into who these mammals are as well as searching for Bellwether. The officers wounded during the escape are currently recuperating at the MTHZ. The Department views the actions of these unknown mammals as acts of terrorism and they will be dealt with accordingly. We have no further comments at this time, but we have one request. Please let us do our jobs, and know that anyone who threatens the lives and wellbeing of my officers will be prosecuted to the furthest extent of the law, up to and including treason and terrorism." Finished, Bogo walked off stage and out of view of the cameras.
Judy and Nick looked at one another. With Bellwether on the run, they both knew that they were in danger. Nick wrapped his arms and tail around Judy protectively. "We're going to be fine, Judy." He heard his parents get to their feet. Looking at them curiously, he asked, "Where are you going?"
Vanessa pulled out her mobile phone as she answered. "I'm going to call the hospital and have the officers transferred into the care of my team. Then, I'm going to change and get over there as fast as I can." She went to exit the room, but stopped in the doorway. Turning around, she looked at Jameson. "You better make damn sure they've got the best equipment you've got." She walked out with those words.
Jameson gestured for Nick and Judy to follow him. Guiding them a door with a voiceprint lock, he pressed a button and stated, "Jameson Timaeus Wilde. Authorization Code: Nightstalker." A series of electronic beeps signaled that the room was now accessible. Opening the door, he indicated for Nick and Judy to enter.
Nick and Judy's jaws dropped as they saw what the room contained. The room almost looked like an armory. The room was roughly square, but well lit by the rectangular reinforced window situated near the ceiling on the far wall and LED lights embedded in the ceiling. There were white illuminated cabinets on the 3 walls opposing the doorway. On the wall to the left of the door, there were sidearms, combat knives, nightsticks, and other such one-pawed weapons. On the opposing wall, were various two-pawed rifles, and on the wall directly across from the door, there was a variety of vests and body armor, similar to those used by the Zootopian Armed Forces. In the center of the room there was a counter, with a variety of strongboxes and cases beneath it, likely holding even more equipment.
As Judy surveyed the room, she noticed that many of the items on display, especially the firearms, would have required a number of special permits to even own, and a cache of weapons like this, being in private hands, was unprecedented as far as she knew. She cataloged her concerns away as yet another question for later. Now was not the time.
Nick whistled. "Wow. Is all this from your previous life, Dad?" he asked as he scanned the rooms various contents. Not getting a response, Nick glanced at his father to see that he had already pulled out two suitcases specifically designed to carry gear and equipment. He and Judy watched as Jameson walked around scanning everything to determine what they required.
As Jameson walked around the room, he would periodically select an item that he thought might suit either Nick or Judy, and place it on the counter. When he had a variety of different gear set out upon the counter, he called Nick and Judy over to present the gear to them, and introduced them to the items he had determined would best suit them.
Jameson had selected a variety of weapons for the two, ranging from appropriately sized sidearms, to butterfly knives for close combat. There was even a scoped rifle intended for Nick. Once Jameson was satisfied that both Nick and Judy were familiarized and happy with his selections for them, he assisted the two in packing the gear into cases. As Judy finally closed and latched her case, Jameson stated "I'm going to call Tobias. With that ewe on the loose, the two of you are in danger. I want to know what he's planning for his next move."
Nick and Judy nodded their agreement. They followed Jameson out of the secured room and back into the living room. Suddenly, Judy's phone rang and the caller ID showed that it was her parents. Groaning, she muttered, "Why do they have to call now?" She sent them a quick text explaining that she was busy dealing with a matter pertaining to an investigation and would call them back as soon as she could.
Jameson picked up the remote to the smart television and selected the video conference application. Finding Chief Bogo's contact, Jameson opened the call. Chief Bogo's face appeared on screen and Jameson said, "Greetings, Tobias. Mind giving us a rundown of what strategy you've got planned?"
Bogo's eye twitched. "Don't call me Tobias. We don't know each other well enough and I don't appreciate mammals I don't know calling me that. The only mammals allowed are my dear mother and father." Sitting up straighter, he then began explaining what would take place. "Tomorrow afternoon, Officer Hopps and Cadet Wilde will depart from Savannah Central Station for Bunnyburrow due to Bellwether's escape. I will send Harrison Wolford and Zannah Fangmeyer, Detectives Rank 3, to collect them from a neutral location of your choice. They will escort them to the station and supervise their departure. Officer Hopps' family already knows to expect their arrival. Now, I have other things I must see to and a recent development to verify, so I'm ending this transmission." With that the screen went black.
Jameson chuckled. "Direct and to the point. He's just like his father. If you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to take care of something." Jameson left the room to contact someone to gather intel on the two officers had chosen for the escort assignment.
Judy scrambled to get her mobile phone out of her pocket as soon as the Chief mentioned her parents. She selected the MuzzleTime call option and waited for her parent's to answer. Upon seeing her mother and father's serious expressions, Judy sheepishly asked, "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad. What's going on? We talked not too long ago."
Bonnie stated, "That Buffalo, Chief Bogo called us, saying that he's going to be sending you and Nick to Bunnyburrow for a while until he calls you back to the city." A loud scream made her turn and shout, "NATHANIEL ELLIOT HOPPS! IF I HAVE TO TELL YOU ONE MORE TIME TO LEAVE YOUR SISTER ALONE…" A loud crash resounded over the line. Bonnie's eye twitched. Passing the phone to Stu saying, "You tell them. I'm going to beat Nathaniel."
Judy and Nick shivered at the tone that Bonnie's voice had as she made that statement. Stu's reaction was quite similar, but he managed to keep himself together and said, "He mentioned a police escort, is there something going on that we should know about?"
"No, no, it's fine. The city is just a little unsettled at the moment, so I'm sure it's just a precaution" Judy lied. She hated having to lie to either of her parents, but the exact nature of the situation was still need-to-know, and the last thing she wanted to do was worry her father unnecessarily.
"Well, ok, if you say so Jude. The next train to Bunnyburrow is tomorrow evening, right?
Judy nodded her agreement, "Yes dad, will you be there to pick us up?" There weren't many trains traveling between the Tri-burrows and the City, but despite their infrequency, they were on a regular schedule.
"Yes, and your mother and I have already prepared the room next to yours for Nick."
With that, Judy exchanged her farewells, reassuring Stu that she would call later to check in. Turning to Nick as she hung up, she said "Well, looks like you're going to be meeting my folks sooner than we expected Slick." Jameson reappeared, and asked if Judy could follow him for a bit, so she gave Nick a tiny peck on his cheek, saying, 'I'll be right back."
Nick gave her a soft, warm smile with a nod. His dad told him to check all their equipment and that it wouldn't take long. Going over everything, Nick found his mind wandering as he wondered how the rest of Judy's family would react to his presence. Deciding to just deal with it when they get there, he got up and headed to the kitchen to prepare a small meal for Judy and himself.
Metropolitan Teaching Hospital of Zootopia – Savannah Central District – Zootopia - 1:53 pm
Vanessa Wilde walked into her office to find her team already pouring over the patient files of the officers wounded during Bellwether's escape. "What do we got?" she asked as she pulled on her white lab coat. Her team stood and greeted her. Waving them off, she picked up the file for one Officer Leon Delgato.
"Officer Leon Delgato. Male Lion. Age 30. Suffered multiple GSWs, none through and through. Flatlined twice during surgery." said Pronk Oryx-Antlerson. He hooved over another file to Dr. Wilde, stating, "Officer Henry Grizzoli. Male Arctic Wolf. Age 33. Also suffered multiple GSWs, none through and through. One of the bullets passed through his stomach and lodged in his lumbar spine. The surgeon says that there was only minor damage in that regard, so he shouldn't suffer any major setbacks with his recovery."
Vanessa nodded to him. Pronk was one of the better mammals on her team. Yes, he had a tendency to be loud, but only when he had something he felt was important to say. On the occasion that his husband would show up, she would always give him an extra fifteen minutes on break as a reward for all his hard work. "Good. What else?"
"Officer Lillian Cheetara. Female Cheetah. Age 28. She's not as bad as the others, but she suffered a GSW to her right leg. The shot had enough force behind it that the bullet's impact shattered her femur bone. They're still in surgery." stated Viktor Wolfstein. He was a rather large grey wolf who Vanessa had hired for his huge in-depth knowledge on the anatomy and physiology for every species of mammal. He also was the team's go-to mammal for cases involving kits due to his own kit-like personality.
"What of the other two?" Vanessa asked seeing that those were the only files on paw. "Am I missing something or were the reports of five being injured a lie?" She watched as her team shifted uncomfortably. "Someone better start talking before I get pissed."
Olly Clawfrey, a male jaguar on the team who specialized in neurology, said, "The other two are currently in surgery and we haven't gotten their files yet." The exasperated scoff Dr. Wilde gave made him flinch. "I also don't think we'll ever be getting them." Seeing the look of shock on her face, he elaborated. "Dr. Meerkata convinced the board to have them transferred to his team not too long ago."
With a look of barely contained rage, Vanessa stated, "That's not acceptable Olly. Not. Acceptable." before she stormed off towards Dr. Timothy Meerkata's office, kicked the door in, and sent a death glare his way. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FUCKIN MIND, TIM!?" she shouted, making the Meerkat jump. "I specifically requested that the officers be transferred to my team before you did. You had better have a good reason for stealing my patients from me or by the Divine Entities, I'll show you just how useful a doctorate in medicine can be in zooicide."
Dr. Timothy Meerkata raised his paws in surrender. "Now hold on a minute and let me explain. It wasn't like I was trying to steal your patients or anything. I did it because I didn't want you to burn yourself out again. That's kind of why the board forced you to take a mandatory vacation, isn't it?" The pressure of her glare increased making him want to hide under his desk. "Come on, Vanessa. You know me. When have I ever…"
Vanessa raised her paw in a stop gesture. "You will transfer them back into my care by the end of today or so help me I'll report you for unethical malpractice." She slammed the door and turned around to see that Pronk had followed her to Dr. Meerkata's office, and was giving her a wary look. Sighing as she began making her way back to her office, she said, "Did we get back anything on Officer Cheetara?"
Pronk nodded. "She's just been moved to recovery. Also, Chief Bogo will be arriving to take custody of the bullets in due time." Rubbing the back of his neck, he asked, "Is it at all possible for you to let me leave early? Bucky and I have a date tonight. It's our anniversary."
Vanessa smiled at him. "Of course. Go and have a wonderful night. Don't worry about coming in tomorrow either. Consider it a reward for all the hard work you've put in for the past six months." Receiving a grateful grin and thank you, she bade Pronk farewell as she arrived back at her office. Within, she found one of the largest Buffalos she'd ever seen holding a discussion with the rest of her team as he signed some paperwork that must have been the evidence custody forms. "You must be Chief Bogo. Dr. Vanessa Wilde."
Chief Bogo turned and nodded in greeting. "I've just been informed that my officers are now in your care. Your team also tells me that you haven't quite gotten around to checking on them. Would you mind if I accompany you while you do?" Tobias Bogo could immediately see the resemblance between Dr. Wilde and Nicholas Wilde. "I beg your pardon, but may I inquire if you're the mother of Nicholas Wilde?"
Vanessa smirked at the Chief. "I am indeed." Motioning for him to follow her, Vanessa led the Chief to the patient's rooms. After making the rounds to each of the Officers under her care, checking that everything was in order with each, and allowing the Chief a couple minutes with them all, Vanessa eventually informed him that they needed to rest and led him back towards her office. "My son's truly determined to graduate from the Police Academy. I haven't seen him act this way in a long time. You're going to have him assigned to Precinct One, is that correct?"
The Chief grunted. "I can put in a request for the Commissioner to assign him to us, but the only real way to guarantee it is for him to score in the top three of his class. However, I'm guessing you weren't informed of the full scope of the situation." Seeing the both confused and concerned expressions on her face, Chief Tobias Bogo clasped his hooves behind his back and started to explain. He watched her face shift from one expression to another as he gave her a complete rundown of what would soon take place.
Vanessa Wilde listened attentively to the Chief's explanation. When he was through, she leaned back in her chair and looked at the ceiling. "Seems Nick left quite a bit out this morning." Nick had given her an abridged version of what had happened over the course of his years away from home. 'Abridged? Ha, more like the Cliff notes.' She sighed. "My husband is currently making sure they have the necessary equipment and gear they will require back at home. My husband used to be something of a mercenary and he just kept all of the items he collected over the years after he retired." It was a lie, but it was a necessary one. Jameson had actually been an operative for a clandestine black budget subproject of a covert agency, but the true parameters of his work were classified above top secret. Even Vanessa didn't know the full scope of what Jameson used to do, and she was his wife.
Bogo was intrigued by the information Vanessa provided, but decided not to pry. "I see. Well, thank you for granting me time with my officers. Please keep me informed of any changes." He nodded farewell and took his leave, heading back to the precinct. He had some paperwork he had to finish and bullets to turn over to Ballistics.
MEANWHILE THE GRAND PANGOLIN APARTMENTS
Bucky Oryx-Antlerson was getting ready for his anniversary date with his husband Pronk. He took in a long breath as he checked his outfit in the mirror. Hearing the door open, he turned to see Pronk hurry into their closet to grab the set of clothes that he had preselected prior to leaving for work. "You're back early."
"SHUT UP, BUCKY!" Pronk yelled. "DR. WILDE GAVE ME THE REST OF THE DAY AND TOMORROW OFF. SO, HURRY UP AND GET READY."
"YOU SHUT UP!" Bucky hollered back. "I'VE BEEN READY FOR THE PAST HOUR. I'VE BEEN WAITING ON YOUR ASS."
Pronk came out of the closet with an annoyed looked on his face. "You know, sometimes I really hate how you're constantly ahead of schedule." Walking over to the mirror, he finished buttoning up his dress shirt. He went to tie his bowtie, but let out a huff of frustration as he struggled with it.
Rolling his eyes at his husband's antics, Bucky turned Pronk around to face him and fixed his bowtie for him. Done with that, Bucky decided to tell him about what happened earlier today. "So, after you left, I had a visitor." He saw Pronk tense up. "Hey, now. Just listen to me for a second." He sat Pronk down on their loveseat. "She came by to apologize to you, but when she saw you weren't here, she insisted that we join her at the restaurant early, on her treat."
Pronk went to say 'no', but the look on Bucky's face made him sigh. "Fine, but if she gives me grief over this I'm leaving and you can either come with or start looking for a new apartment because you won't be staying here." Rising to his feet, Pronk walked out of the apartment followed by Bucky. Their reservations weren't for another 45 minutes, but knowing her, she would have the maître d' look for them so they could be escorted to the private dining area.
Soon the Oryx-Antlersons arrived at the restaurant where, sure enough, the maître d' guided them to the area usually reserved for their more high-class guests, though the place seemed unusually barren for the popular restaurant. They were led to a table where she was already seated. Bucky and Pronk both felt their jaws hit the floor as they saw what she was wearing. It was a floor length black satin dress, completely backless all the way down to her tail and a slit up one side showing off a single leg. "Holy crap, Gazelle! You look amazing!" They stated simultaneously.
Gazelle blushed at their compliment. Shifting a tiny amount, she asked, "Really? It isn't too much? I don't normally wear dresses so I was a little freaked out that I wouldn't strike a good figure wearing this. You're absolutely sure I look good?"
Bucky and Pronk looked at one another. They could tell that they were in agreement on on that. Pronk looked at Gazelle and asked, "Did you reserve this whole area? Is it just going to be us?"
Gazelle nodded nervously. She hoped that Pronk would accept her apology for what had happened when they were younger, but either way she wanted this dinner to be private. Pronk and Bucky had been her two best friends, but after she attained stardom that all went to hell. Throughout their school years, they would meet up, hang out, and catch up with one another, but as Gazelle's music career started to take off, they ended up not seeing each other for weeks at a time. She had been a little surprised when they both admitted they were bisexual and she had found herself starting to fantasize about the three of them together. Then, she had screwed up big time by releasing a music video that basically offended both of them. The video ended up being a major hit, but it cost her their friendship. She hoped that this time she could rectify her mistakes.
Bucky came up beside them. "Good, because you look dazzling." Looking around and not seeing anyone else in the room, he asked, "Did…did you really reserve this entire section for us?"
Gazelle nodded frantically. "I did." Wrapping her arms around herself, she said, "I wasn't sure if you would come, so I reserved the floor so that no one would notice me alone." Smiling a bit, she added, "But you came, so at least like this we won't be bothered by anyone and we can catch up." She gestured to the table she had been sitting at, indicating for them to join her before she sat down.
Pronk and Bucky joined her at the table. Knowing that she had stopped by earlier to apologize, Pronk chose to give her an opening. He didn't hate her, he was still a bit hurt over the music video, but he was willing to give her a chance. "I hear you're scheduled to go on tour again soon to promote your new single 'The Thrill'. You going to end it here in Zootopia or somewhere else?" Pronk asked.
"Actually," Gazelle began. "I'll start touring here then end here. The song is a tribute for one of my dancers, who's dating a prey. They're always telling me about how thrilling it is to be together." She smiled for a bit then let out a long sigh. "To be honest, I...I actually hoped to use this dinner as a way to start apologizing." Seeing she had their attention, she continued. "I made a mistake in releasing that music video. I shouldn't have even written that song to begin with. I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote it. I never meant to offend either of you, but I want you to know how sorry I am."
Pronk and Bucky looked at her then each other. Bucky mouthed 'Well?' and Pronk lowered his head in thought. The video had been released almost a decade ago when they were still in high school. Thinking about it, the video hadn't really been the problem. Pronk had felt emotionally stung by it, but that was all. Pronk also knew he had a tendency to make mountains out of ant hills. Gazelle was obviously trying to make amends and Pronk still remembered all the good times the three of them spent together. Facing her, Pronk said, "All is forgiven. I just want you to promise me that you won't do it again. That video really stung, you know. Right, Bucky?"
Bucky let out a 'Hmm' as he was busy reading the menu. Looking at the prices, he began to worry that he may have bitten off more than he could chew. He'd worked hard to save up enough to bring Pronk here for their anniversary, but it appeared that he would have just barely made the quota this year, if not for Gazelle covering the tab. 'I'm either going to have to find another job that pays more or pick up some more shifts.' The idea of finding another job was daunting, but picking up extra shifts was even worse to him. Bucky decided he'd start looking the day after tomorrow.
Pronk sent Bucky an annoyed glare, but didn't say anything. Turning back to Gazelle, he asked, "What about you? Any special mammal in your life?" That was something that had always bothered him. He and Bucky had had very good reasons for staying friends with Gazelle. The three of them had grown up together, gone to school together, and even went to prom together. He and Bucky had known for a long time that they were both bisexual, but Gazelle had struggled with her own orientation. He could remember how difficult it was for her every time a male (and occasionally female) would ask her out. None of those ever ended prettily.
Gazelle sighed softly as she considered the question. She wasn't as young as she used to be, nor was she old enough that she could be seen as a mother, but even now, at the age of 26, she had yet to lose that last little bit of innocence. "Nope." she answered as nonchalantly as she could. "No one's managed to pique my interest."
At that, Bucky looked away from the menu. "You're kidding, right? How haven't you found someone by now? You're beautiful, kind, and overall wonderful. Are they too afraid to just talk to you?" Bucky honestly couldn't understand why Gazelle wasn't in a relationship yet.
Gazelle simply shrugged. "I have no idea. That's probably why, but I really don't know." The waitress finally came and took their orders, but Gazelle was thinking back on the real reason she had yet to be with anyone. 'They say that one of the hardest things in life is telling the person you love how much they mean to you for the first time. Well, I have both of them right here with me and I can honestly admit that that statement is completely true.'
When their meals arrived, they merely caught each other up on what had been happening in their lives. Gazelle told them about a new song she was writing called 'The Hunt', a companion piece to 'The Thrill'. It was from the predator's point of view where 'The Thrill' was from the prey's. Pronk told them about how the team of residents he was on were treating the five officers wounded during the escape of Dawn Bellwether, who they all agreed was insane. Bucky filled them in on how the company he was employed at was downsizing, but that his job was secure due to having been there since the beginning meaning he had the necessary experience the company wanted.
Finished with their meals, Gazelle said, "I know that this doesn't even come close to a full apology, but I hope that we can see each other again soon. I've missed spending time with you guys." She felt Bucky and Pronk hug her from both sides and she sighed in relief.
Pronk said, "Don't worry. We'll see each other again." Pulling back from the embrace the same time as Bucky, he said, "How about this. Every Wednesday night, we meet up at the old meeting spot. We'll sit and talk for a while then go to the arcade down on Parkland Avenue just like we used to?"
They all agreed to that arrangement. They left the restaurant and were amazed that night had already fallen. They looked up at the sky to see the twinkling stars with bright smiles on their faces. Bidding farewell, they went their separate ways. Pronk and Bucky to their apartment. Gazelle to her hotel room down the block. Unbeknownst to them, they all shared the same thought: 'I bet the paparazzi are going to have a field day with this.'
Home of Walter and Ian Wilde – Wilde Familial Estate – Zootopia
Ian Wilde was sitting in front of his computer combing through the city's CCTV cameras trying to see if he could possibly identify the mammals responsible for assisting Dawn Bellwether with her escape. As he waited for one of his programs to finish running, he thought back to the events of the previous day.
After his computer had notified him of Nick's application to the ZPA, he nearly had a heart attack. He had immediately called Aunt Rory to tell her the news. He then used his Muzzle Recognition Programs to search for Nick and found him tapping his leg in the old binary shorthand code that they had come up with. What made him pause however was the bunny that Nick's tail was wrapped around at the ankles. Ian was pulled from his thoughts by a knock on the door that had him yelling, "It's open!"
A very pretty vixen walked in wearing nothing but one of Ian's shirts. "You going to come back to bed any time soon?" This wasn't the first time she had ever visited this tod, but she was always surprised that he never gave any indication of wanting more. Yes, she was a prostitute, or at least a former one. She ended up leaving that life after meeting Ian. He had originally called her just to have someone to talk to and she found him very similar to herself. She soon found herself waiting anxiously for his calls.
Ian's ears perked up at the sound of the vixen's voice. Turning to her with a sheepish smile, he said, "Yeah, sorry. I'm coming." He rolled himself away from his computer station and spun his wheelchair around. "Want a ride?" he asked teasingly, wriggling his brows. This drew the intended effect of getting her to laugh and come sit on his lap. He wheeled them back into the bedroom.
The vixen kissed him as he reached the side of the bed. "I hate to ask, but are we ever going to actually talk about us?" She felt Ian sigh sadly. "Sorry, sorry. I just want to know if we're ever going to really be something. We've been seeing each other for months now and you never seem to say anything on the subject."
Ian gave her a kiss then said, "You need to go. I'll make you something to take with you." He wheeled out of the room towards the kitchen. He had hoped that she wouldn't ask, but she was right. They had been seeing each other for months now, but in the beginning, he never had any intention of sleeping with her. He always made sure he didn't knot her, otherwise he was sure his brain would identify her as his mate, which she wasn't. He threw together a couple of sandwiches and put them in a carry out container. He met her by the front door and gave them to her. "I'll see you around."
Leaving Ian's place, the vixen couldn't help but scold herself. She knew she shouldn't have asked, knew that everything had gone according to how Ian had planned it, but she felt like a moron for falling for a guy like him. Suddenly, she started to fear that he would no longer call on her. A vibration in her skirt pocket drew her from her thoughts. Taking out her phone, she saw that she had a text from Ian saying, 'Stop worrying. I'm still going to call on you every now and then.' Sighing in relief, she made her way home with a tiny bit of hope in her heart.
After she was out of view, Ian shot her a quick text then rolled back into his computer room. Pulling up the information on the bunny doe with Nick on one of the various monitors in the room, he reread her documentation for what was probably the dozenth time. A small portion of his brain wondered what it was about her that drew Nick to her. An IM notification brought him back to his computer. He raised his brow as he saw it was from his Uncle Jameson. Clicking the link embedded in the message, he was brought to a secured communications network.
Jameson: I need you to do me a favor.
Ian: What can I do for you, Uncle Jay?
Jameson: Police Chief Tobias Bogo has assigned some officers to escort your cousin and his doe to Savannah Central Station tomorrow afternoon. I need you to give me the 411 on them. Names are Harrison Wolford and Zannah Fangmeyer.
Ian: I'll get right on it. As soon as I learn something, you will.
Jameson has signed out of this chatroom.
Ian signed out as well and pulled up his secured connection into the ZPD's Internal Affairs database. Locating the employment files of the two officers in question on the ZPD's open internal network. He accessed Fangmeyer and Wolford's files and made digital copies, forwarding them to his uncle. Taking one more glance at the image of Nick and the doe, he debated accessing Judy's file as well. Making his decision, he moved Judy's file onto the ZPD's secured network, sealing her file behind multiple levels of encryption and passwords. 'They want to come after her, they're going to have to go through me.' Logging out, Ian glanced at the digital clock on his wall. Seeing how late it was, he rolled his way to his room and crawled into bed then fell asleep.
Author's Note:The next couple of chapters are under heavy rework before being set to Fairlane302 for editing. My writing room is in such bad shape with no organization at all, that current and future chapters have gotten muddled expect three weeks in-between updates for the next two, maybe three, chapters. We use the one under editing to help keep things flowing smoothly. Chapter 5 is almost ready. In the words of Ieyasu Tokugawa, "Patience is the key." Yeah, I shortened the original saying, sue me.
Also, the Easter Eggs per chapter has increased. Each of the previous chapters had two, but now there are three. Therefore, everyone now has three chances to win a small reward.