Chapter 10: The Unlikely Detective


The buzz from today's sudden death of a Zootopian brought the city into a panic. Workers around the city returned home early in hopes of finding safety behind walls, but should realize even their windows could pose as dangerous. In a matter of hours, Zootopia went into a state of lock-down, where the only things buzzing the streets is the footsteps and sirens from the brave officers of the ZPD.

All precincts throughout the city went on a massive man(animal)-hunt for the mysterious sniper that killed Arnold Armadillosa. With little to no success, the ZPD are on the verge on giving up. But Judy and Nick had other plans.

Before heading to his destination, Nick returned back to the station to gather his belongings, but safe to say he isn't finished calling a day just yet. After witnessing another near death from his friend, this case continues to grow more than some kidnapping of random animals and officers. And Amir seems likely to be a key to the mess.

Perhaps a less professional and more aggressive manner of approach is in matter, and Nick may have an idea on how to force Amir's hand.

Nick ventured into Downtown unnoticed by his fellow ZPD officers as he went on his own investigations. He knew leaving Judy out in the dark would be a grave mistake without notifying her his current status. Perhaps a little white lie in the form of a text couldn't hurt. But it wasn't needed, Judy spotted Nick. On the way to Amir's apartment, Judy stops Nick right in his tracks. Whether he should feel relieved or terrified depends how he approaches Judy. Taking in a deep breath, Nick confessed his intentions on finding Amir.

"Look Carrots I can explain." Nick started, but Judy simply hushed him, followed with a stern gaze of disapproval.

"I don't care what you have to say, but someone just died in front of my eyes and I can't let that happen to anyone else. Lets find Amir. He's got some answering to do."

Nick plead to Judy he had it under controlled. In truth, he could with his confidence and ways with words, but Judy can't let Amir go unanswered from the case file she found earlier. With no objections, Nick reluctantly lets Judy tag along, hoping Amir is somewhat forgiving for not going alone.

Not wasting anymore time, Judy and Nick raced over to Amir's apartment.


From bad to worst, Amir's week possibly took a turn farther than worst.

If losing his lead wasn't the only problem, Amir didn't know who else to turn to for help in solving his own case. The police wouldn't help him, he's a wanted criminal after all. Luckily no witness spotted him at the crime scene, but regardless he's already gotten enough heat from the feds. His case success went from slim to no chance.

His last chance would Nick Wilde, if he chooses to help. And thanks to Nick's new position among the force, perhaps there's some hope.

Not a moment too soon, the sound of someone knocking on his door was the best news he got, Nick has arrived.

But to his dismay, he brought along Judy Hopps.

"You moron, alone means ALONE." Amir growled pass the creak of his door.

"Trust me, Judy is on the same page with us, we just want to talk." Nick assured.

Amir reluctantly agrees and invites the two into his apartment. He didn't hold back what was on his mind, Amir went straight into business and confronted Nick nose to nose with a rather menacing glare.

"Yes giving you two that tip is fine and all, but couldn't you two just wait before I finished talking with him? Let alone, trying to sneak attack me with blowing my head off?" Amir accused.

"What are you blabbering about man?" Nick said defensively.

"Look I trust you Nick but your partner, not so much. The rifle that killed Armadillosa, that's police grade. And modified too, so unless you want Judy to not leave in a body bag, you better give me a reason for sending your crew in killing my lead."

"Your lead? He's ours to begin with! Why would we do that?" Judy cried out.

"Good question. Let me tell you this, how is that the moment I let you in my home, told you what you want, the ZPD happens to find me at Ivory Park? But enough of this. Since you two are here, I can't disclose anymore info. Your case ends here."

Amir pulls out a handgun, pointing the barrel towards Judy. Instinctively, Judy and Nick unholster their weapons at Amir. The sudden shift in intensity filled the room with both sides anxious to see who would make the first move. Someone wasn't leaving the apartment.

"I never wanted to come to this Nick, but there's more to your case than some kidnapping. And you two will simply get in the way." Amir said, not lowering his weapon.

"Come on Amir, this isn't you. Lower your gun." Nick replied. Judy remained silent, ready to put down Amir if she has to.

"Believe me Nick, you wouldn't pull that trigger on me. And Judy over there looks shaky with the gun, she couldn't hit me even if she was mentally prepared." Amir gloated.

It was true, Judy didn't imagine herself in any kind of standoff. No amount of training prepares anyone when facing a composed criminal at gunpoint.

"But at the same time, I couldn't pull the trigger either." Amir admitted, sliding his gun towards Judy and Nick. "Do what you must, Zootopia could burn down for what I care."

Judy didn't lower her weapon and continued training her sights on Amir, waiting on any other dirty trick he had in mind. But for the most part, Amir seemed defeated. Nick sensed it and holstered his weapon, approaching Amir with cuffs, something he never expected to do, especially towards someone he knew.

"8 years ago." Amir started. "The first victims of becoming savage."


Just like Nick, I once lived a life of crime, conning folks out of their money and orchestrating bank heists and break-ins. One day a heist went wrong, and I found myself face to face with my former, savage work associate. He didn't feel sympathy or remorse, just bloodlust. Not a single soul survived his rampage at the bank. Except for myself and...her. Officer Heather Black, ZPD's first and only Raccoon cop. My savage partner had her cornered, ready to move in for the kill. I had little choice but to put him down. I couldn't live anymore that day, the bloodshed on my handsd, the violence, I was done.


"Wait...what?" Nick asked.

"Animals going savage happened long before your little Nighthowlers. You're right about one thing Hopps, our biology is faulty. Us predators are bound to go savage, we just don't know when. But someone found a way to make it happen faster, in the form of Nighthowlers. That's what you think, but there's more."

Amir tossed Judy a flashdrive labelled "L-HCF" attached to a silver lanyard. He claimed that all they would need to know was on the small device. Whether it was significant or not, Judy wasn't ready to let Amir off the hook, he's a wanted murderer, at least what Judy wanted to believe. But Amir didn't stop his story, he stood up and faced his window with a heavy look mixed with sadness and anger.

"After that day, Officer Heather found me, not to arrest me, but thank me. At that point she brought me back to life. She forgiven my past sins and offered me a position in becoming an investigator with the ZPD. In due time, I got my life together. More importantly, I loved her, and she did the same for me. A cop falling in love with a criminal, how ironic. Funny, look how parallel is that to you two." Amir chuckled as he noticed the slight blush from the two animals. "But I can't talk it anymore, not now at least. I...need time to collect myself."

"Sure thing buddy, take your time." Nick said.

Nick went for the exit, eyeing Judy to follow along to give Amir his respected space. He didn't seem in any mood to continue any discussion, leaving Judy with more questions on what he meant on predators going savage naturally. Letting out a few signs, Judy too felt kind enough towards Amir for he should get a break after today's events.

With that, the two leave Amir's apartment. At least Nick took off, Judy was on the verge when Amir stopped her to state one last message.

"Judy, whatever happens, don't make the same mistake I did. Treasure your time with Nick."

"Uh, sure thing Amir." Judy replied, not knowing what Amir meant.

And like that Judy took off and caught up with Nick.


A/N: Chapter 10 is done. I know things are rather gloomy but the next few chapters will be a bit more pleasant. I do ask for some help as I need a name for an amusement park in Zootopia. If someone could come up with a witty Disneyland spoof in the Zootopia world, that would be appreciated. That said, take care and hope to hear from you soon!- Poshil