Chapter Ten

Never had he before seen such beautiful eyes. They were a shade of purple so pure and intense he thought they were going to suck him in. Not that he would have minded. It would be a pleasure to be stuck in those eyes. His favorite look the eyes had ever given him was one of intense fear, adrenaline radiated off the owner. She was so frightened it rolled off her in waves. He could swim in her fear. He loved every minute of it.

She was in his dreams now, constantly haunting him. He would get so close. The smell of blood and fear so strong he could smell it still for hours after he finally woke. He never got to finish the kill in his dreams. He would always get so close, she would be cornered and his for the taking. She would beg, plead for her life. Right as he was going in to finish her off, his paw raised high, he would wake. Covered in sweat.

He wasn't sure of how much longer he could live like this. Every night Judy was in his dreams. Every day he would quietly return to the scene of the first attack, relieving the moment. It was almost erotic how much he loved the hunt.

He continued planning, scheming, and waiting. He would soon have Judy in his paws once again. This time she would not get away. No dumb fox was going to stop him. He needed this. He needed her.

It had been just over two weeks since Nick's partner had arrived. To say Judy had started the relationship with Finnick as unimpressed was an understatement. The small fennec fox was smaller than her and didn't seem intimidating at all. He had pulled up to the station in a large van that she was sure wasn't police issue. It sounded like it was about to croak at any minute. Judy had quickly learned that while Nick was good at sweet talking potential suspects and getting people to open up to him Finnick was the opposite. For lack of better words, he was the 'bad cop' with a voice deeper than he deserved and an attitude to rival that of the biggest predator he often beat information out of suspects rather than question them. Since the small fox had arrived two male suspects had been taken to the hospital for injuries and two female suspects were 'emotionally damaged' and now staying with family in Zootopia with explicit instructions to "keep your phones close, or else". Though his methods were unorthodox and quite vulgar, he had helped Nick move down the list very swiftly.

Thanks to the help of Finnick, a young wolf on the force and some input from herself they had settled on a tentative profile of the suspect.

"The killer is a predator, most likely male. He will be somebody that can easily approach the bunnies without causing suspicion. So somebody they know, or will quickly trust. This makes him dangerous. He will have a hide out in town, to keep the bunnies in until he is ready for the "hunt". Based on the condition of the two bodies we have identified as two of the missing buns the predator keeps them for several days without food or water. This weakens them, he then 'sets them free' to hunt. He gets excited while he hunts them. This is the most important part for him. It's why there is no connection between any of the missing. For now, I think it is best to enact a curfew and a buddy system. It's easier for him to get his next victim when they are alone. If the bunnies are together and cautious, he will have a harder time 'bagging' one and luring them away. Since this all started suddenly, we can suspect that he is currently hunting. We are not sure what has caused him to wait this long, but it's surely not going to be long before he makes a mistake. We will be ready when that happens." Nicks voice had gotten tighter during the short address he had given to the officers. His mouth set in a grim line. Finnick was located next to the red fox on a small stool, looking every bit as somber as Nick.

As Nick stepped down from the podium and the room erupted in soft whispers and questions Judy found herself more haunted by the words Nick hadn't said. He hadn't said that the other bunnies were most likely dead as well, they were only looking for bodies now. He hadn't said that she was most likely attacked by the same predator that was killing her neighbors and friends. He hadn't said that outside of a profile they had absolutely no leads. The words that had gone unspoken were so much worse than anything Nick could have said.

Since her attack Judy had begun healing well and was once again allowed to work at the farm stand, with her father breathing down her neck. She was also allowed to venture out of the house, but with Nick by her side. Her parents were typical bunnies, frightened by everything. Judy felt like they had every right in this case. Sensing the red fox approaching her Judy was jerked from her worrisome inner monologue.

"Hey Carrots. Have you eaten today? Me and the teeny fox were thinking about grabbing a bite to eat. Can you believe we still haven't taken him to Gideon's? I would give my tail for a slice of his blueberry pie." Nick's tone was trying to be light hearted, but Judy could sense his inner turmoil. His usually bright emerald green eyes had dulled a shade, he was beginning to develop bags underneath as well. He was tired and running purely on caffeine.

"Nick, I have an idea. Why don't you go back to your hotel and get some sleep? I don't want you crashing and burning on us." Judy paused as she could sense Nick's guard going up. "You dumb fox, what do I need to do to get you to actually sleep?"

"Look Fluff, I just. I can't sleep. Last time I left and even tried to sleep you got hurt. You almost died. If your dad hadn't flagged me down I don't know if anybody would have found you in time. I just don't think I could handle the guilt if something happened to you while I was across town, safe in bed." Nick's eyes were so full of worry it moved Judy to tears almost. Right as she was about to give in letting the fox pull another long shift, she had an idea.

"I know this is going to sound strange, but I can't have you staying up for several weeks straight. You have gotten what, maybe 40 hours of sleep in the last two weeks? I'm going to stay with you tonight. You can't worry about me if you know where I am and that I am safe. I'll call my dad and make up some excuse, or tell him I staying late to help you. He will have to deal." While talking she had begun to pull the red fox towards his cruiser. She was not going to let him fight her on this, she needed to know he was going to get some sleep. A full night.

Nick wasn't sure what Carrots was thinking, but he couldn't fight her logic. If she was there with him, then he couldn't spend the entire night tossing and turning. Hoping she would be waiting outside her door when he pulled up in the morning.

He opened his mouth to object but Judy continued speaking. She even began to pull him towards the cruiser. It was only 7:30 but he was sure he could use a solid three days of sleep. He got into the driver's seat, started the car and started driving in a trance. What they were doing felt more personal than a friend doing a friend a favor. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Judy on her phone, probably texting her father. Realization dawned on Nick that he only had one bed in his room, where would Judy sleep? Or should he sleep on the floor. Uncertainty plagued him as he got closer and closer to the hotel he had been staying in. Maybe he could ask for a two bed for the night?

All too soon they pulled into the hotel. Judy jumped out of the car eagerly. She viewed everything in such a positive and innocent way. Nick found it absolutely delightful, he had taken many ladies home and never been nervous. But Carrots? Oh, she got to him. Even though he wasn't sure why.

Realizing his thoughts had taken a turn for the worst, and Judy was patiently waiting for him to show her his room he got nervous again.

"Uh, Fluff. There's only one bed in my room. I didn't think I would be having, uh, guests?" He offered a lopsided smile.

"Oh Nick, it's fine. I'll crash on the floor, or a chair. I am kind of small. There are any number of places I can end up falling asleep." Judy quickly put his worries to rest.

Giving up, Nick silently lead her to his room.

A/N: Hi there to all my lovely readers! I apologize for three week long sabbatical. I had that weeklong trip to Utah for a wedding, I thought I would have time to write but I was wrong. After we got back I had an anxiety attack that sent me into a pretty deep depression. I'm working my way up and out. But for a week I was unable to read, write, or even think about anything positive. I want to thank you all for bearing with me and enjoying my story anyway!

A close friend of mine and I have been talking and I have finally, finally figured out my bad guys motive! He is a truly scary animal. Not one I would like to have a run in with.

I know many of you were thinking of Jack Savage as Nick's partner, but they would both be too good together! They're so suave they need to go on secret agent mission, don't ya think? Finnick is a much better bad cop than Jack.

I have already started on chapter 11, in which there will be more WildeHopps for the shippers like me!

Thank you all again, keep reviewing if you can! And favorite if you want!