Judy and Nick met up with Francine and headed to the parking garage. Judy liked Francine - of all the officers in the department, she had been the most accepting. Nick and Judy's car was too small for the elephant so they piled into the passenger seat of Francine's cruiser and clicked the belt over both of them. After a quick phone call, Francine got the address of her friend's sister, Donna - it was in the south portion of Savannah Central.
"Judy, Nick - ready to go?", Francine asked.
"I know you are - because you've packed your trunk", Nick replied with a sly grin. Francine snorted as Judy said, "Har har har, like she's never heard that one before". If Nick was an artist, his true medium would be elephant jokes. He knew a million of them and loved to spring them on Francine and Trunkaby. Luckily, both officers were used to it by now and took it in good humor.
Francine turned the ignition and a huge gust of wind blew out of the car's air vents plastering the fur on Nick's face back and causing Judy's ears to flap behind her like both ends of a scarf in a high wind.
"Sorry about that.", Francine said as she reached over and turned the AC down.
"That's OK - we know how tough it is for you to stay cool in this heat", Judy replied, smoothing her ears down and re-adjusting her uniform.
Francine took them out of the garage and pointed the car south. Judy was feeling very positive - she was confident that they were on the verge of solving this case. Sitting together with Nick in the large passenger seat was also exciting. She couldn't get rid of the image of snuggling with him at a drive-in theater and she fought the urge to put her arm around his waist.
Francine said, "Judy, it's great to have you on this case. I was a little sorry to hear about your promotion - I've always liked seeing you around the department".
"Oh, thank you", Judy said, smiling. "I'll still be around, though, just not every day. I'll be under the Mayor's authority but will have to check in at least weekly."
"That's great", said Francine, "The department could use more prey species. No offense, Nick".
"None taken, peanuts", Nick replied with a snort of his own.
"There's no reason why the ZPD should be mostly predators when they only make up 10% of the population. It just makes it difficult for the citizens to relate to us", Francine said. "Plus, you two make a good team - you complement each other well."
Judy knew many Zootopians underestimated how intelligent elephants are - as if somehow a large animal that moved slowly also thought slowly. But Francine was both very smart and extremely perceptive.
"You know, that's why we work with partners at the ZPD. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Pair officers with similar strengths and you just waste resources - but pair opposites and you can become even greater as a team." The large elephant smiled, "Everyone thinks Bogo doesn't care - that he's just a bureaucrat - kissing the Mayor's ass. But he knows his officers. You two have done great things as a team and Bogo is the one that put you there. Do either of you think you'd be as effective with different partners?", Francine said.
Judy glanced at Nick - he was looking straight ahead - sunglasses on, expression neutral. As the cruiser stopped at a red light, Francine turned towards Judy and said, "Ah well, I'm sure once you're gone The Chief will find a good compliment here for Wilde. Maybe another bunny."
Judy certainly didn't like being reminded of Nick getting a new partner and it took her enthusiasm down a notch. As they continued to drive through the light morning traffic, she had a few minutes to reflect on how she felt. It had been a long time since she slept as well as she did the night before – she felt rested. The calm she had awoken with - that enveloped her while she was lying beside Nick that morning had remained with her. What started to intrude was regret. Francine's comment reminded her that she was on borrowed time right now. Now, the way she felt had her second-guessing her promotion. But she reminded herself that it was just too late to un-do everything this late in the process. Besides, Francine had said something that resonated with her. No matter what happened - with her life or her job - she knew what she had with Nick now would always be greater.
Donna Proudmoore lived in a small building on the south end of Savannah Central in a community called The Watering Hole. Much of Zootopia had been designed for medium-sized mammals. However, there were several communities throughout the city primarily intended for large and small animals. Little Rodentia was one - The Watering Hole was another. Most of the businesses and parks in this area featured jumbo-sized amenities and the restaurants served meals with larger portion sizes. A whole neighborhood of homes for elephants, hippos and rhinos was built around a large, central pond. This time of the day, there were only a few residents around - a mother hippo was watching her two calves splash in the pond and an elephant was riding a gigantic bicycle down the street.
"You know, I used to know an elephant and a rhino who got married and moved here a few years back", Nick said.
"Really? An elephant and a rhino couple?", Francine exclaimed in surprise.
"Yea, they had a son maybe a year ago - really cute baby. Know what they named him?"
"What?", asked Francine, suspiciously.
"Elephino", Nick said with a completely straight face. Judy groaned and Francine reached over with her trunk and tried to flick Nick's ear but he dodged out of the way. He was too slow to avoid Judy's elbow to his ribs, though. "Easy, carrots", he exclaimed, rubbing his side as Francine and Judy shared a sly smile.
The GPS led them to the front of a squat single-story duplex and all three officers got out of the car. Walking up to the door, Francine rang the doorbell then stood back. The sounds of heavy footsteps came from inside followed by the fumbling of a lock. Finally, the door cracked a few inches and a soft voice from inside said, "Yes?"
"Donna? Hi, I'm Officer Francine from the ZPD. I know your sister Tammy - my partners and I would like to ask you a few questions", the elephant said, holding up her badge.
After a pause, the door closed and they heard the rattle of a security chain. The door opened wide and a female elephant in a pair of brightly-colored overalls and a white shirt stood inside.
"Please come in", Donna gestured with her arm as she held the door open with her trunk. Donna's home was fairly small for an elephant but for Nick and especially Judy, it was huge.
Francine gestured to Judy and Nick with her trunk, "This is officer Hopps and Wilde".
Donna replied, "How do you do? I remember you, Officer Hopps. From that case a couple years back. Please make yourselves at home. May I get you all some tea?"
"I'd love some, thank you", replied Judy and Francine while Nick declined. Donna walked into the kitchen while Francine sat back on a loveseat and Judy and Nick climbed up on a couch practically large enough for them to fall into the cracks and get stuck between the cushions. They sat politely for several minutes while various rattles came from the other room. After a short wait, Donna came out balancing a large silver tray on her arms, a huge teapot with three cups resting on top.
"I'm afraid I don't have any smaller cups, Officer Hopps", Donna said, placing everything on a coffee table that was large enough to be a dining table for Judy.
"That's OK - please call me Judy", she replied.
Donna poured tea into all three cups and gave one to her guests before taking the third for herself then seating herself in a recliner. The elephant-sized cup was as big as a bucket so Judy held it with two hands in front of her while steam and the aroma of chamomile wafted up and encircled her head like a sauna.
After everyone had taken sips, Francine said, "Donna, we came to ask you a few questions. Tammy had mentioned that you're a member of a club that we're looking for information about - the Fangseekers."
Donna sighed, "Well, I don't know how much help I can be - I'm not a member anymore."
Francine said, "Anything you can tell us about the group would be a great help."
Nick pulled out a small pad of paper and began to take notes as the elephant began speaking, "Well, maybe nine months ago I was talking with a friend of mine named Alexandra and she kept raving about a group that she'd been hanging out with. She said they had some really progressive ideas about leading a more fulfilling life by exploring your instincts. Sort-of a back-to-nature thing."
Taking another slow sip of her tea, Donna continued, "I was going through a rough time - just broke up with my boyfriend, so the idea of meeting a friendly group of animals sounded nice. At first, it was - everyone was welcoming. There were some couples and a bunch of singles. Mostly prey species - there were only a couple predators. I thought I might be able to meet someone special - you know how it is..."
Judy asked, "You said at first - what happened?"
Donna said, "Well, things started to get weird. The group held weekly meetings – they hosted speakers who talked about philosophy and science. Mostly about the natural order - primal urges and how they influence your daily life. The group believed that society has evolved beyond natural predator/prey roles - that because we no longer act upon our instincts, we've upset the balance of nature. They thought that by re-enacting certain behaviors, we could re-connect with our basal needs and find more meaning in life."
Francine said, "Sounds almost like a belief structure instead of a club. What kinds of re-enactments did they do?"
Donna said, "There was a lot of roleplay - scripted encounters. We would break up into smaller groups and talk. Many of the newer members were encouraged to partner up with the predators. The group would also hold mock hunts."
"Mock hunts?", Judy asked.
Donna continued, "Yea, a group of prey with one or two predators basically running through the jungle playing hide and seek. They took it to an almost ritualistic level. I participated once or twice."
Nick was an expert at reading animals and he could tell that Donna was starting to get nervous. He inhaled slowly, sharp predatory senses filtering out the different aromas. He could detect a clear thread of worry emanating from the large elephant and something else - shame.
"Why did you decide to leave the group?", Francine asked.
Donna paused a few seconds before slowly answering, "I noticed that some of the members were pushing me towards a male brown bear named Charlie. They kept pairing me up with him - leaving a seat open next to him at meetings. I knew what they were doing and he was nice and all - but he's a bear and I'm an elephant - that's disgusting. I also learned that many group members were doing...sick things."
Judy glanced at Nick briefly when Donna was speaking about the bear and she could see his ear twitch in annoyance but he kept writing and remained silent.
"Can I ask why you're so interested in the Fangseekers?", Donna asked, suddenly.
Francine looked towards Judy and Nick with a questioning expression. Judy gave a nod and Francine replied, "We're investigating a string of murders. We've established that at least two of the victims were members of the group."
Donna put her tea down and swallowed hard, her arm smoothing her trunk out, "Murders? And you think it has something to do with the club?"
Francine replied, "At this point we're not sure but it's a possibility. What can you tell me about the orange card with the tiger's paw in a circle?"
Still looking unsettled, Donna said, "That's a card that members use to identify each other. The group is rather secretive - many were afraid of being publically outed. Displaying the card told another member that you were part of the group - they were only given to full members and were carefully guarded." Suddenly looking anxious, Donna added, "Since I was a member for a little while do you think there's any danger to me?"
Judy said, "We don't know yet - but any help you give us now will remain strictly confidential. Why would a bunch of animals talking about back-to-nature stuff be afraid about public image? It doesn't sound that out there. The Mystic Springs Oasis has been in business for years."
Clearing her throat and tapping her hands together in front of her, Donna asked, "You can guarantee that this will all remain confidential? No one will know that I'm talking to you?"
"Absolutely – the only four who know are right here in this room and that's the way it'll stay", Judy said as Nick and Francine readily agreed.
Thinking a moment, Donna finally said, "I went to meetings for maybe three months before I was invited to be a full member. Part of my initiation was my first hunt. I knew the philosophy and all but I really didn't know what to expect or how I would feel."
Donna's eyes seemed to stare into the distance, "They led a group of us into a room where we all...stripped naked. All hunts were done in a completely natural state - no clothes, watches, jewelry - nothing like that was allowed. I was nervous but the other group members seemed so enthusiastic and supportive so I just went along. When we were all ready, they opened the doors and we all ran out into the jungle..." The large elephant trailed off as she recalled memories she really didn't want to re-live.
Judy said, "I know this is difficult Donna, so please take your time."
Nodding, Donna continued, "They called us 'The Hunted' - I knew what was expected so I just kept running through the trees and brush. After a while I was soaked and shivering - so I hid under the leaves of a giant fern. In the distance, I could hear screams and roars. My heart was pounding - I felt so weak and defenseless. After a few minutes, I saw some motion out of the corner of my eye. I turned slightly and there was a huge tiger just rounding a tree, muscles rippling under his fur. As he leaped at me, fangs and claws bared, I shrieked - I was terrified..." Nick wrote furiously on his pad, taking down all the details.
"I felt the tiger's paws hit me and his jaws reached towards my throat. I closed my eyes thinking I was going to die...it felt so real", Donna said, bringing her arm up and feeling her neck. "But then it was over. I was blindfolded and led back to the house. I felt someone wrap me in a robe and they removed my blindfold. All of the other members were standing in a circle congratulating me. I smiled and all, but deep down I could still feel that tiger's jaws at my neck. That's when I realized why the group members called themselves Fangseekers."
Donna's shoulders sagged, "Part of me felt like a failure - I knew this was supposed to happen - that was the whole point. But they also said I was supposed to wake up the next morning with renewed focus and energy. I didn't feel that at all - it just gave me nightmares."
"I went back the following week for another meeting even though I really didn't feel like it. I just couldn't shake the image of that tiger coming for me, but I didn't want to let my friend and the group down. I listened to the speeches without really hearing the words. I didn't participate in the group discussion. When it came time for the hunt, I told them I didn't feel up to it but they insisted. This time, it was much, much worse. After about 5 minutes of hiding in the jungle with my heart pounding, listening to screams and howls, I decided I was done and slowly made my way back to the house."
Donna bowed her head and put her front legs against her eyes. She sat that way for several long minutes. Just as Judy thought she was finished speaking, the elephant raised her head again, tears in her eyes.
"I burst into a clearing and there was a young doe named Heather laying on the grass - a large male wolf on top of her. He had his jaws around her neck and I could see blood leaking from the corners of his mouth. I was already terrified but I began to panic when I realized what was going on - he was...thrusting into her while he hung on with his claws and teeth. I was just about to scream for help when the doe opened her eyes and looked at me. She...smiled. I ran."
Donna leaned forward again, her head against her arms and sobbed. Francine stood up and walked over and put her trunk over Donna's shoulders, whispering words of consolation. After several minutes, Donna calmed then sat up and wiped her eyes.
"The next day, the leaders and my friend Alex, knocked on my door. I let them in - it was my friend after all. They tried to tell me that it was all just a misunderstanding - that what I saw wasn't what the group was all about. That sometimes members choose to take things further. I just couldn't forget the times I had lunch with Alex and she had a bandage on her arm or her leg. It suddenly took on a new meaning. I threw them out of my house and I haven't been back since."
Judy set her cup on the coffee table and said, "I see. I know this has been very difficult but thank you for sharing. Do you have any lists of current members - a roster maybe?"
Donna paused for several seconds before she finally said, "You'd need to talk with Gary and Tim - the two leaders." She paused again and Nick's sharp senses picked up a sudden spike of scent - a sharp pungent smell that he associated with fear. Donna continued, "I didn't want to say this - I don't want any trouble. But they...gave me a hard time when I threw them all out. They only left when I threatened to call you officers."
"I see.", Nick said as he took notes. "Do you happen to have Gary and Tim's contact information? I can guarantee no one will know who gave it to us."
"Yes, hold on a minute", Donna said as she got up and walked into her bedroom. She emerged several minutes later with a sheet of paper that she handed to Nick. "I don't have phone numbers, but here's their address - up in the Rainforest District. That's where they hold meetings. Their home borders on a large jungle preserve."
All three officers stood and Judy said, "Thank you very much for the information". Saying final goodbyes, the three officers took their leave and headed back to Francine's patrol car.
Driving away, Judy spoke first, "Did you both make the connection with the bite and claw marks on our victims?"
Francine nodded while Nick replied, "Donna was afraid of Tim and Gary - you could smell it when she was talking about them."
Judy thought for a moment then said, "I definitely think this is all related but there are still too many questions. I have no clue about a motive and don't see why the killers would be taking trophies. I think we should go speak to Tim and Gary immediately - I would like to ask them some very serious questions."
"I'm going to phone this all into Wolford", Francine said pulling out an over-sized phone and clicking on Wolford's name in the address book. She clicked over to speakerphone then held it up. After a few minutes, the phone crackled and a voice barked from the phone, "Yes, what is it?"
Francine quickly relayed the information as Nick read details off of his notepad, making sure to leave their source out. After listening for several minutes, Wolford said, "Ok, give me a minute to notify The Chief".
After several minutes, Chief Bogo's voice came through the phone, "I need you three back at the station. We're going to hold a press conference in one hour. Francine, I need you and Wolford to say a few quick things about the case. Wilde, Hopps - I want you two to go visit the leaders. See if they'll talk and give you a current roster. I want to know what they can tell us about Grassmere and Ward. We don't know what Ms. Sable's connection is yet, so find out if they knew her too."
Francine replied, "You got it, Chief", then ended the call.
Starting the car and pulling out into the afternoon traffic, Francine said, "Donna seems like such a nice elephant - I feel bad for her. She does have some odd ideas, though. You could tell that inter-species dating really bothered her." Pausing for a few seconds she added, almost too casually, "You know, if two animals love each other why does it matter, right?"
Judy couldn't tell if the large elephant had glanced their way when she said that, but Francine was very perceptive. Her mind raced for an answer that would end the discussion before it went into uncomfortable territory. Keeping her voice neutral, Judy said, "Well, I can see how some might have a problem with it."
She regretted saying it the moment it came out. The worst part was, she felt Nick suddenly stiffen next to her. Francine just snorted and remained silent the rest of the way to the station.
As they pulled into the garage, Nick and Judy got out and said goodbye to Francine as she made her way towards the elevator. Normally Nick would throw her a parting joke but today remained uncharacteristically silent. Wordlessly, Nick began walking to the cruiser and Judy followed a step behind. "Gary and Tim live on the far north side of the Rainforest District in that area they call The Vines.", Judy said, trying to feel out his mood. Nick just grunted and she could see his tail lash with anger. Sighing, Judy realized she was probably in trouble.
She didn't have to wait long to find out.
Nick got in behind the wheel and Judy sat down in the passenger seat. As soon as the doors were closed, Nick turned to her, his face full of anger, "You can SEE how some people would have a problem with us? What the hell was that?"
Judy was prepared for an argument but his anger shocked even her. Through all the time she'd known him, he rarely lost his cool. In a way, it was actually gratifying that he felt this strongly about the two of them. She would have felt pretty good inside if she wasn't so sorry about what she had just said. She realized there was really no excuse and opted for complete surrender instead.
"Nick, I'm sorry about what I said in there. I didn't mean it", Judy said.
Nick's face seemed to relax a bit as he snapped back, "I know damn well you didn't mean it - but it still hurt."
Judy put her paw on his arm and was happy that he let her. "You're right - I'm sorry", she said.
Nick took a few deep breaths, regaining his calm. Taking her paw, he said, "Look, carrots, we can't keep this secret for long and even if we could, I wouldn't. When it gets out, there are going to be those who don't like what we're doing. Even in our department. They'll hate us and try their best to destroy us. We need to be prepared for it. I know I love you and you love me...", Judy nodded vigorously as he continued, "...but they're going to try and make us doubt ourselves and each other. We have to be strong - because this is worth fighting for", he said, holding up both of their intertwined paws.
Judy smiled and leaned over and gave him a quick kiss, his anger finally gone, "Nick, you know what?", Judy asked. "We just had our first fight as a couple. And you won."
Nick looked at her and suddenly laughed, "That's one of the things I love the most about you, my bunny - you can always find the positives."
Judy replied, "I know I'm going to make lots more mistakes and we're going to have many more fights. My parents always had a rule growing up that they would never go to bed angry. Is that something we can do?"
"I'm sure I'll make just as many mistakes as you. And if we're making rules already, that sounds like as good of one as any.", he said, kissing the back of her paw. "Now, let's head to the Rainforest District to meet Gary and Tim - they sound like some real nice guys."