This is probably the longest chapter in the story, maybe I should've made it into two chapters. Meh.

I want to thank my co-writer and editor again, you're awesome! (Just so you know, she doesn't have an account on this website.)

Nick entered the large hospital and waved at the receptionist, who gave him a friendly smile. He took the elevator up to the top floor, but when he stepped out, he did not immediately go to Room 243.

He wandered down the hallway, stepping around a snack cart handled by a blue-uniformed bear. He found a likely-looking storeroom and, as soon as no staff were watching, he slipped inside.

There were uniforms stacked on shelves by size. They were blue, however, not green or white, and he realised that these uniforms were for catering staff.

"Perfect," he muttered.

Five minutes later, he walked down the hallway, his back to the bear, and slipped into 243.

"Hey, Bud!" he called to the figure in the bed. "How about a snack?"

"That'd be great! Whataya got?"

The wolf struggled up onto his elbows and looked hopefully at Nick. He was young, but fully grown. A typical, self-centred teenager, Judy had said. Nick calculated quickly, and decided on a strategy.

"Sandwiches, or cookies, and coffee, tea, pop."

"Can I have everything?"

Nick shrugged. "Sure, I think I can swing that for you. The cart's coming now. It won't be long."Cool."

Nick stuck his head out of the doorway, checking on the progress of the cart. Six rooms away, and coming fast. He didn't have much time.

"It must make you hungry," he said.

The wolf looked at him confusedly. "What does?"

"The Nighthowler drug. Must make you hungry? Look, I know you couldn't help it, that's what they're saying in the cafeteria, anyway, I mean, but I've often wondered, you know...what it's LIKE."

"The Nighthowler drug? You're asking me what it's like?" The wolf was more guarded now. Nick thought fast.

"Yeah. But you can't remember, can you? You were in that primitive state, a predator for real. How cool would that be? I'd love to - well, you know. I just want to feel it, to know what it's like. To really know myself. To hunt! But even if I could get some serum, afterwards I wouldn't remember what it was like any more than you can. So I guess there's no point to it, after all."

"I remember a bit."

Nick turned, his eyes wide. "Yeah? What do you remember?"

The wolf smiled dreamily. "Everything was simple. I didn't have to think much, only thought about what I needed. I was a true hunter. It was a rush, a pure rush."

Nick leaned in the doorway and took on a dreamy expression of his own. "Oh, yeah. Tell me. I feel it, I can really feel it."

"It's better than you think," the wolf told him, hauling himself up to a sitting position. "All this stuff we think about, you know, like when your Dad's on your back about getting a job, or when your Mom's on your case because you didn't take the garbage out...all that's gone, it doesn't even cross your mind. You don't worry about stuff. It doesn't matter. All there is, is you, and what you need. I tell you, I'd do it again and again."

"Yeah," said Nick, staring at the toe of his trainers. This wolf was young and shallow...a dream to manipulate. "But I suppose I gotta be real. I'm a fox; I could hurt someone. So could you."

"Nah, they got you locked up so you don't. Only, I got out. The concrete floor was broken and I dug my way out." The wolf held up his broken claws. There were bandages on the first two of each paw. "I didn't care that it hurt. That's another thing. I wasn't afraid of anything, not that whole time."

"Wow," Nick said. "Hey, I gotta tell ya...I wanna do it!"

"You gotta do stuff for them," the wolf told him. "That's the price. But it's easy. And you gotta keep your muzzle shut, like I do. Okay?"

"Yeah," Nick said. "Um, any other advice?"

The wolf blew out a breath. "Yeah. When you go to have the experience, wear light clothing. They'll tell you that. Don't wear the backpack, though. That's what got me caught."

Nick squinted at him quizzically. "Why did you wear a backpack?"

"'Cause it was cool. Best one I've ever had. They gave it to me the day before and I didn't want to lose it. The cops have it now." The wolf scratched grumpily at his sheeted leg. "Dunno if I'll ever get it back."

Nick managed not to smile.

"So, dude, can you hook me up?"

"Okay," said the wolf. "I'll hook you up, but you gotta promise not to tell."

Nick straightened up from his slouch against the doorway. "Seriously? Yeah, I promise!" He drew a claw over his chest. "Cross my heart, dude!"

Nick's heart pounded with excitement as he left the hospital. He went straight to Paddy's, and was greeted warmly by the owner.

"They're here," Paddy told him. "It's quiet today. We're shut down, actually, because of the sick patron at lunch time, so I'm not serving the public right now - just family and friends."

He led Nick into the dining room, which was more than half full.

"That's a lot of family and friends," Nick observed.

"I've been wanting to get everyone together for a while, and I thought, what a wonderful opportunity!" Paddy replied. "We'll be open to the public again for dinner, though."

"The Health Department will investigate that quickly?" Nick said. "Can they clear you in just a few hours?"

"Nope," Paddy smiled. "But there are those of my patrons who won't want this place closed for too long. They'll fix things. We'll be open for dinner."

Nick shook his head in admiration. "Are they here yet?"

"They're out the back," Paddy told him. "Follow me, if you please!" They skirted around the diners and came to a door at the back of the restaurant signed, "STAFF ONLY". Paddy opened it and Nick stepped inside.

"I have to get back out the front. Let the staff know if you want anything," Paddy said, and withdrew.

Nick's gaze took in a kitchen staff room, with a coffee machine and cups on a bench to one side. Opposite that were several tables with padded chairs. At the back of the room, Judy and Silvy sat on comfortable-looking lounge chairs. Silvy's legs hung over the arm of her chair, her back curled against the other arm. Judy sat on an identical chair, her head tipped back and her eyes half-closed. She looked exhausted.

As soon as he walked into the room, her eyes sprang wide open and she bounded out of her chair. Nick caught her up in a hug.

"Good to see you!" they both said, and then laughed. Judy gave him an extra squeeze before letting go.

"It's been a heck of a day," she told him. "A real heck of a day, and now there's this." She nodded towards Silvy.

"Hmm," Nick agreed, and they both turned to stare at the unruly cat, who grinned and poked her tongue out at them.

"I've had a heck of a day too," Nick said. "You were right about that wolf. Wait 'til I tell you what just happened..."

When he finished his story, the bunny and the cat were silent for a few moments. Then Judy spoke.

"Nick, you are a genius. I knew you could get him to talk!"

"It's called a hustle, sweetheart," he smiled. "But who was it who realised the wolf with the backpack was the one? That was smart. You deserve a big, big carrot."

"Wolf. Backpack. Zootopia. Cat witnesses car theft. Is anyone going to notice me?" Silvy grumped. "Can I have a carrot, too?"

Nick opened his mouth, but Judy waved at him reassuringly. "Silvy told me she saw the theft and followed the wolf in Zootopia. I agree there's a likelihood that it's the same guy you saw today, Nick. What I find strange," she turned to Silvy and fixed her with a clear-eyed stare, "is that you didn't go to the ZPD with this. You came here with the story instead. Why?"

Nick took up an identical stance beside Judy.

"And none of this 'visiting your family' rubbish" he warned her, and Silvy fidgeted uncomfortably. "We're tired of your evasions, and your popping up everywhere you shouldn't be. What are you up to?"

Silvy stared back at him, looking caught.

"And why should we trust you?" Judy added.

That seemed to hurt the cat. She gazed around the room and at the floor at her feet. Judy wondered why Silvy wouldn't answer, and then realised the cat was struggling not to cry.

"I miss it," she said softly, and looked up, meeting Nick's eyes, then Judy's. "I'm a cop. I haven't got a badge, but I'm a cop. I don't want to be anything else. And I want to help. Please."

"Silvy, it's too dangerous. You are a consultant. You can't come on this one," Judy said. She believed the cat, utterly, and felt bad for her.

"If it's dangerous, it's just as dangerous for you two as it is for me, and besides, the risk's on me, not the ZPD," Silvy protested.

"You can't run," Nick reminded her.

"I'm very capable. Just because my leg is a bit damaged, it doesn't mean I'm helpless." Silvy retorted, crossing her arms in front of her. "You need another pair of eyes and ears and a trigger finger. I can do that. Unless you want to rely on the Catilatown police?"

Judy blinked. "I thought Twopads might be useful-"

"I was joking about them! Oh, for God's sake, tell me you're not letting them in on this?"

Judy met Nick's gaze. They hadn't planned the operation yet, but she had indeed had a vague idea of using one or two of the CPD officers as backup - well, anyone but Fred.

"They're undisciplined, sloppy and full of bad attitude," Judy murmured to Nick. "I don't even think they've had any training. They've picked up bad habits from all over the place. They don't have a Chief, so no-one's responsible."

"Oh, I'm sure they can be useful," Nick drawled. "At least, their weapons locker will be. And their surveillance equipment. I'll need a wire."

"I'll bring a weapon!" Silvy said.

"No!" Nick and Judy shouted, in unison.

"But it's legal here. You're allowed weapons in Catilatown," Silvy said, with a small cat-smile. "Even little old grandma elephants carry some sort of pea-shooter."

"Should they need to?" Judy asked, and sighed. This town...

She and Nick looked at each other for a moment, thinking it over and, as they often did, reading each other so well it almost amounted to telepathy. They turned back to Silvy.

"Fine, Silvy, you can come." Nick said. "How many times have I said that in the last week?"

"Way too many," Silvy said, and they all chuckled. The tension amongst them lightened.

"You'll be in the van, operating the surveillance equipment," he told her. "And letting Judy know if I need assistance. Okay?"

"Woo-hoo!"

"You two had better get over to the cop shop now," Nick said. "I'm sorry I can't help. I can't go near it until all this is over."

"Interesting how we're talking about secret stuff when we're in the most popular restaurant in Catilatown." Silvy said.

"Best place to do it," Nick said. "Just ask the bosses."

Judy and Silvy pulled up in front of the police station. Judy turned the car off and turned in her seat to look at Silvy.

"Are you sure you want to come in with me?" she asked. "These officers are a bit of a handful."

Silvy snorted through her delicate nose. "They're not officers."

Judy studied her for a moment, noting the cat's unforgiving expression. "No, they're not, and I understand your disappointment in them," she said gently, feeling both a sadness and an anger in her own heart that these people called themselves police officers. "But we have to get along with them today. We need that equipment and since we're on a schedule, we need it without being hindered in any way."

"They'll hinder us if the Mayor or someone else has told them to," Silvy said.

"Yes. But in the case no-one's told them to, I don't want them to get in our way simply for the fun of it," Judy told her.

"Okay. Let's go."

They exited the car and went into the building. Absolutely nothing had changed. The grubbiness was still there, as was the unattended desk.

Judy pushed her way into the back room, and found Officer Boundy and Fred playing table tennis. They had used the scarred table and a length of fishing net. The paddles and ping-pong ball were authentic. Fred had the ball in his paw as she walked in, preparing to serve. He eyed her, saying nothing, and then served the ball to Officer Boundy with a viciousness that Boundy couldn't prevent. The ball bounced once on the table and hit the wall, bounced around the unwashed cups and ended up in the sink.

"Gentlemen," Judy said. "I need your assistance in locating a few items."

Boundy turned in surprise. "Oh, you're back." He laid his paddle on the table. "What do you need?"

"Boundy, get the ball. It's in the sink behind you," Fred interrupted.

Boundy reached into the sink, retrieved the ball and bounced it across the table back into Fred's waiting paw.

"It won't take long," Judy said. "Surveillance equipment, tranq weapons, two vests."

"You have to finish the game, Boundy," Fred said.

"In a minute," Boundy told him, and then turned back to Judy. "I think I know where all that stuff is."

"Just show us where it is, please, and we'll do the rest," Judy said.

"Who's we?" Boundy asked, and then spotted Silvy lurking just outside the doorway. She glared at him and said nothing.

"This is Ms Claws, a consultant to the ZPD," Judy said. "Ms Claws, this is Officer Boundy...and Fred."

"I know who they are," Silvy said shortly.

Fred's upper lip lifted and he served another angry ball into the sink.

"Hello. Uh, right. Follow me. Fred, I'll be back in two shakes," Boundy said, and led the way.

The vests were shoved into a dusty box and looked like they'd never been used. The surveillance equipment had its own lockable case and was also covered in dust. Judy was thankful that the CPD had kept it locked. It was an older model, but if it still worked, it would be serviceable.

Boundy left them to test the equipment, which indeed still worked. Judy wasn't surprised; it had seen hardly any use and the only danger to it had been the dust.

Judy and Silvy grabbed everything they needed and made their way down the corridor. Judy stuck her head inside the staff room to say thanks and goodbye. The words faded from her lips as Fred strolled forward, smirking. Her heart sank. Fred was going to make trouble.

"You can't take that equipment today," he told her, eyes gleaming yellow with malice. "It was previously booked. You'll have to leave it here. So sorry."

"I see," Judy said coldly, putting down her burden. "Show me the paperwork, please."

He grinned. "Of course. We follow procedure around here, Officer Hopps."

He joined them in the corridor and proceeded to the next room, where Judy was confronted with a mess of folders, some on the shelves and others on the floor. Unused computer cables were unravelled across the floor, presenting a hazard for anyone trying to cross the room. Following procedure? Clawhauser would have had a fit.

Fred went straight to a green folder and lifted it off the shelf.

"This way," he told Judy as he passed her, smirking.

He led them back into the staff room and laid the folder on the table. He turned opened it and turned the first three pages, then spun the book around until it was under Judy's nose.

Judy turned the next four pages, noting the many entries, every single one dated today. Judy looked up and met Fred's eyes, and something nasty passed between the two of them.

"He's even checked out the computer cables," Silvy said, from behind her shoulder. "You've put a lot of effort into this, Fred. I'm impressed."

She limped forward, and around the table. Officer Boundy stood aside for the little cat. He had, it turned out, better instincts than Fred.

With one smooth movement - like poetry in motion, thought Judy, even as she watched in horror - Silvy grasped the desk chair and pivoted, bringing the heavy item across Fred's head. He dropped to the floor and lay still.

"And that is that," Silvy announced, as Judy ran forward to check that Fred was still alive. He was. His nose was bleeding and his eye was already swelling. Silvy must have caught him with the ball foot of the chair. He stirred, raised his paw to his muzzle, and then noticed her hovering over him. His paw uncurled into a rude gesture.

Judy's mouth tightened and she stepped back. Silvy took her place and stared down at Fred.

"You're no police officer. You don't deserve a uniform. You're a loser, corrupt and selfish, serving a corrupt and selfish town and making things so much worse...". She stopped herself and turned to the paperwork with a fury. "Pen!" she barked at Boundy, who started to pat himself down in a panic. Judy silently handed her one. Silvy did a few corrections and handed Judy the pen.

"Sign. Then let's get out of here."

They were soon on their way. Judy put the equipment in the trunk of the car and drove them several blocks before she opened her mouth to start the conversation. She closed it again. It was a conversation that must be had, but she knew very well that without Silvy's action, they would not have the equipment they needed in time for tonight's operation. She would have had to visit the Mayor again, with the complaint of "it appears that all equipment in the CPD is currently in use" sounding childishly like, "Fred won't let me play with his toys."

She looked again at Silvy, who was smiling at her with understanding. "That's the way it is, in this town. It's not Zootopia. The same rules don't apply. We're not that evolved, yet. Yes, it makes me mad, too...it's why I went to Zootopia, where I could make a difference. You need to see more, that's all, and then you'll get it."

Judy watched the road, and said, with a heavy heart, "It shouldn't be like this. And I'm worried about what he'll do next."

"It's hard to grasp for someone who was raised in a society where people strive for fairness and equality. I grew up here, and by Catilatown standards, I am above that little waste of skin. He's jealous of you and doesn't want you here, so he put some thumb-tacks on your path. I performed the correct action, and he knows it. It's over."

"He'll retaliate. He'll get you somehow," Judy warned, and Silvy pealed with laughter.

"No, you still don't get it! If Fred were that silly, my brother would be moaning all through the day at his restaurant, bewailing the inconvenience of being short a waitress, his own sister no less, because some stupid cop took up an unauthorised vendetta...my brother has friends that would take that in and ask only one question: "What is his name?" Here, it's who you know. And Fred knows who I am. Don't worry about it."

Judy took her at her word, though it was hard to shake the disappointment she felt in this town, in its people.

Silvy was still watching her. "It's the way it is," she said softly, and they drove further into the dying day.

Nick looked up at the abandoned warehouse, also known as 9 Willow Road. The building was dark, with no illumination showing through the barred windows. Moss grew on the walls and weeds grew out of the cracked concrete surrounding it. One of the windows on the top floor was broken and the others were covered in thick layers of dirt. Nick knocked on one of the metal doors. Flakes of rust fell from it and left reddish-brown smears on his knuckles.

He had followed a chain of wolves and cats to get to this place. Interviewing each one had taken time, and he had doubted that this meeting would be taking place tonight at all. To his surprise, the agreement for the meeting had come through as the sun was setting, and here he was, at 9pm, trying to wipe his paw clean on the wall.

The door opened and he was greeted by two strong, young wolves. One was an icy-white, arctic wolf and the other was a grey. They glared down at him.

"Name?" the grey asked in a deep, gruff voice.

"Nick."

"This way," Icy said, and they turned and led the way into the building.

Due to his night vision, Nick could see very well in this deep darkness. He followed the wolves far into the depths of the building, but stopped when they pointed to another set of double doors, leading, he guessed, into what would have been a production area in more prosperous times.

"She's waiting in there," Icy said. "Be polite."

"Thanks," Nick said, and pushed open the door.

Inside, it was a lot lighter then the other room, due to the large window on the back wall catching the brightness of the moon. Sitting on a couch in the middle of the room was a female, dark silver-grey cat in a jumpsuit and a mask. She looked identical to Silvy, except for the fact that she was slightly taller and had less curves. Nick recognised her instantly. This was the cat he had seen running along the roof of the retirement home.

"So, you're Nick," the cat said. Her voice was soft and cold at the same time. Nick wondered if she were trying to disguise it.

"Nick, yeah. And you must be Ms Grey," Nick replied.

"That's correct. Now," the cat paused. "Do you want the Night Howler serum?"

"Yeah, I talked to a friend and they said it was worth it. So, here I am." Nick shrugged. He could smell something, a chemical scent, but not unpleasant. Something he'd smelled before, but not often...an image of a cub's birthday party came to mind.

"Who?"

"Pardon, Ms Grey?"

"Who told you?" she repeated, and leaned forward. Her mask displayed a snarling cat's features. "I need to know. No serum for you until I DO know."

The wolf in the hospital had blabbed and would be in terrible trouble for it, if this cat had a long reach.

"One of Mr Big's people, a driver. He got hit two years ago and told me about it. Since then, I've wanted nothing more than -"

"Mr Big," the cat said thoughtfully, and then paused, as if thinking, before she pulled out a notepad and looked at it for a few seconds.

"I'm sure you're aware of this, but to get the Night Howler serum from me, you need to work for it. I need you to go to Zootopia and obtain a rodent car. Without getting caught, of course. Get caught, and you're on your own."

"The usual rules. Sure, I can do that," Nick said. The cat gave him a sharp look.

"The usual rules? Ah. I see. Well, I'm not doing this for personal profit, Mr Nick, I assure you."

"Actually, it's just Nick, not Mr -"

"Here's a backpack, triple-reinforced," she interrupted, tossing an item at his feet. "Use it."

"Ok." Nick nodded, and picked up the backpack. It felt heavier than it should.

"There's a mask and an armour-suit inside it ," Ms Grey told him. "Use those, too. You'll find the armour interesting. Bring it back, at all costs, even if you have to abandon the car. I suppose you're going to ask me why you need the armour?"

"Er...yes?"

He saw her mouth spread in a smile below the mask.

"This armour is extraordinary, the first of its kind. It is light and will protect you from bullets of any calibre, and prevent most bruising if you are shot. But such technology is hardly unique. You need to be fast at this task, Mr Nick. This suit is powered and this improves the speed and strength of the electrical impulses from your brain stem to your musculature. Your reaction time will be faster and you will be able to use your natural strength more effectively. Ergo, you will be faster and stronger whilst you wear this suit. I suggest you give it a practice run before you do the job."

Nick's paws closed tightly on the backpack. "I'll go tonight and be back tomorrow night with the car."

Ms Grey nodded. "Good. Now, go."

Nick turned and walked to the doors, where he turned. "Ms Grey?"

"A question," she replied, unenthusiastically. "Please make it a good one."

"If not for personal profit, then why?" he asked, and held his breath, realising he might have been stupid. You did not question a boss's motives, ever. At least not to their faces. You already knew the answer - it was either money or some kind of madness, like vengeance for an insult. But something about Ms Grey told him she was interested in something much, much different.

In the moonlight, he saw her head cock to one side.

"I've never in my life had trouble with foxes," she said. "Don't let it start now."

"I beg your pardon, Ms Grey."

"I think the betterment of Catilatown is a good enough motive, don't you?" she asked, her question curling coldly at the end.

A chill ascended up his back.

"Yes, Ma'am, I do. Uh...good night, Ms Grey."

He escaped the room, and the wolves escorted him to the exit. Once outside, he walked away, in the opposite direction to Silvy's van. He slid into his car and drove to the train station. He couldn't wait to reach it, get on a train and put some distance between himself and that creepy cat with her voice and her mask.

Once parked, he texted Judy.

Nick: What's the bet this suit has a power core?

Judy: We are celebrating here! Mystery solved! Seriously, Silvy has a party popper.

Nick: Partly solved. Maybe. I haven't had a good look at the suit yet.

Judy: I'll ask Bogo to send an engineer to you tomorrow.

Nick: What will you do tomorrow?

Judy: Go see the Mayor re arrest.

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