Hello Readers,

Time for another exciting installment of A Weasel's Watch! Let me know what you think and criticism always welcome!

-CG

Adrian had the facts he needed. The sun was past its zenith and was casting his side of Precinct One in shadow. He watched as mammals went about their day, blissfully unaware of the dangers that afflicted the city. The Bull couldn't remember the last time he wasn't concerned about Zootopia in one way or another. It felt as though he was born with this burden and it weighed heavier and heavier each year. The recent dilemma weighed on his conscious more than others.

It had been the Cape Buffalo's lack of attention to detail that allowed the situation to spiral. He should have seen the discrepancies in the updates and financial reports. The other Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs may try to explain away the Bull's regret as there is only so much any one mammal can do to control others under them. Even still, Adrian knew that if Officer Weaselton didn't step back through those doors with a badge pinned to his chest than the Bull had failed, worse if his officer came back in a pine box...

The Chief's thoughts are interrupted by a rapt at his door. With Defective Zirafa safely out of the way, there should be only one mammal left to talk to. "Enter," the Chair commanded, keeping his back to the door to try and hide his wrath for awhile longer. Blackpaw had an earned reputation for reading mammals, and only Wilde could claim be on par with the Mountains Lion. The door swung open and closed quietly.

"How's it going Chief?" Blackpaw asked in a friendly tone, oblivious to the trap he had stepped into.

"I received a call from Precinct Seven," begun the Bull, his back still to the feline, "Deputy Chief Pontos showered you with praise for the tip about the smuggling operation."

"Well I'm glad to hear Precinct Seven was able to make use of my information." The Bull didn't have to look to know that the Big Cat was preening with a sly smile.

"Where did you get your information from?" asked Adrian, keeping his voice even.

"Just some old contacts that gave me a tip. Why do you ask sir?"

"Hmm," responded the Bull, ignoring the question posed to him, "shame you won't be able to receive any credit for the bust." If Adrian was correct, than Blackpaw acted as he did out of ambition. There were no signs that he had been in contact with any outside individuals, but Saburo wasn't able to get the Mountain Lion's personal phone records so it was still a possibility. Better to dangle some bait in front of the Big Cat and hope he bites.

"What are you talking about sir?" A sliver of worry entered Blackpaw's voice.

Adrian sighed heavily. It was supposed to be for show, but the Bull felt his emotions slip as the discussion went the way he hoped it wouldn't have. "If you had received the information from any Precinct One operation than it may be possible for you to take responsibility. However since it came from an unknown source and Precinct Seven did all the heavy lifting..."

"Wait!" cried out the Mountain Lion, "not all of the information came from my personal source."

"Oh?" replied Adrian in mock surprise, gripping his hooves tightly together behind his back, "and where may this other information have come from?"

"Well sir, I'm happy to report that Officer Weaselton was able to supply the last piece of information in order to make this all possible." Blackpaw's smugness had returned in full force. "Of course I was the one who saw the connections and informed Precinct Seven."

The Mountain Lion swallowed the bait hook and all, now all the Chief had to do was reel. "Did you follow protocol and retrieve Officer Weaselton after using information he had gathered?"

"Well, you see-" begun the feline.

"Did you inform Precinct Six of the possibility of an undercover officer in danger?" Interrupted the Cape Buffalo, "or how about informing Officer Weaselton through secure channels!?" The Bull couldn't hold back any longer and spun to finally look at the detective. The feline looked stunned from the turn of events, but the Chief wasn't finished with him. He wretched opened the top desk drawer, almost pulling the thing off its track, and grabbed several evidence bags. He slammed them on the desk as he braced himself and leaned over the desk towards the Big Cat. "We have evidence."

Blackpaw opened his mouth to speak, but the enraged Bull cut him off. "Don't speak detective. I'm this close from removing the only piece of furniture between us." The feline clamped his muzzle shut. Adrian continued, "We went through your office and found one bank card, specifically assigned to Officer Weaselton and an unregistered disposable mobile device. After making a call to the only listed number, imagine my surprise to find Officer Wolford answering on the other end. He told me that he and his partner, Officer Fangmeyer, found the phone in Officer Weselton's last location."

Once again the Mountain Lion tried to speak, but the Bull cut him off again. "We ran the card and found some interesting charges. Several high end restaurants in Savannah Central, two spa treatments in Sahara Square, and withdraw from an ATM located at an hourly motel. Would you care to explain any of this?" The Chief would let the feline try to wiggle out of this.

Blackpaw sighed and gave an apologetic smile and shrug. "I seemed to have accidentally taken that card instead of my own bank card, silly me. As for the phone, I was planning on registering it, but the case kept taking up my time."

"The case where every report you handed in mentioned none of this?" Adrian seethed, "The one where you haven't even asked why Wolford answered the phone!?" The Bull slammed a heavy hoof into his desk. "You're so busy covering your own tail that you missed the facts in front of you!" The Chief straightened as he breathed slowly, trying to restore some of his calm before continuing with the most important part of this conversation. Adrian grabbed a paper from the still open drawer and passed it to the feline. "Detective Vernon Blackpaw, you are hereby suspended indefinitely. A special council will be chosen to look over the suspension and consider whether or not further action is necessary."

"Wha..." Blackpaw replied. His emotions flickered from confusion to sadness to frustration to finally to pure rage. "No," continued the Big Cat, "No, No, No, No!" Shouted Blackpaw rising from his seat, "You do Not have the right to do that to me! I have worked tirelessly to get to where I'm at and I won't let you throw my career away for some insect!?" A wicked from played out across the muzzle of the feline, "If you do this, I'll go to the union for unreasonable punishment. They'll have your head." Blackpaw sat down triumphantly, relaxing into the chair with his grin never wavering.

The Big Cat's grin was matched by the Bull's. Adrian leaned forward once more and whispered the words that were the final nail in the proverbial coffin. "Do it." He let a few seconds of silence settle between them, watching the confident smile of Blackpaw slowly fade. "You do that detective, and I promise you'll be in jail in less than a week. The Union may protect you, but they are still cops. No cops like a cop killer, and if Weaselton dies," Adrian jabbed a digit at the Mountain Lion, "you will become one. No one will protect you, and everyone will work against you." The Bull straightened up and snorted. "I thought you would be so much harder to read. I misread your ambition for Common speciesm." The Chief grabbed the evidence on the desk and put it back in the drawer. He closed it slowly and sat back into his chair. "Consider yourself Fired."

Gregor stood in a familiar cramped hallway. The Brown Bear drove to 713 Vine Street, Jak Woolty's apartment address. He kept his head low as Gregor's ears almost scraped the ceiling. The door in front of him was the same as it was several months ago. Paint faded and chipped, but the carpet was clean under his hindpaws. It was as if someone tried to keep the place respectable, but didn't have enough money for new paint.

The ursine had left his utility belt in the cruiser along with his badge. He didn't want one of the few things he held value in to be attached to him for what was next. Gregor knocked heavily on the door, and gripped both sides of the door frame. There was the faintest memory of Woolty having a deadbolt on his door. The sound of shuffling could be heard from the apartment. A pause as Gregor surmised that the Yak was looking through the peephole. All the criminal would see is a familiar officer knocking on his door. There was a loud 'clack' of something heavy being opened. Gregor raised his hind paw and kicked with all his might just to the right of the doorknob. The door swung open, the cracking of wood echoing as the apartment was revealed. It was the same as Gregor remembered.

It was a mess with a varying amount of take out containers and processed food bags scattered on the floor. A veggie chip bag flew into the air as the Yak landed on his back. Sparse furniture was spread out in the living room area. There was a large mammal couch against a wall with windows above it, a television and entertainment center across from the couch and a kitchen table with two chairs in a corner close to the kitchen. As the Bear stepped through the threshold of the doorway, the ceiling raising enough for him to stand at his full height, he spoke with a growl in his throat, "Hello, Jak. I believe you have something to tell me."

Jak backpedaled with his eyes still on the irate Bear, "I-I don't know what you're talking about!" The herbivore pointed an accusing hoof at the ursine, "Yu-You can't just bah-barge in here like that!" Even as the Yak shouted at the Bear, Jak continued to try and put as much distance between him and the angry officer. Eventually his back hit the wall and he cringed under the intense gaze of Brown Bear. "This is illegal," he cried desperately, "and I demand you leave my apartment at once!"

Gregor stopped and bent low to be eye to eye with the Yak, "Do you see a badge on me?" The question was asked with a snarl as the Bear's paws gripped the front of Jak's grimy t-shirt. The ursine yanked the herbivore up and threw him towards the table. The Yak stumbled forward and fell into the furniture, breaking it in half under his full weight. "I've got a few questions Jak, and I'm not leaving until I'm satisfied." The Brown Bear slowly walked over to the groaning Yak. "The longer you resist, the longer this goes."

Jak rose to his knees, front hooves on the ground to steady himself. Gregor reached down and yanked the Yak backwards. The herbivore hit the floor hard, his head bouncing off the floor, and he groaned once more. The Brown Bear grabbed the Yak and dragged him towards the couch. The officer lifted Jak halfway onto the couch. Gregor pointed a threatening claw at the Yak, "Listen here Jak, I don't have time for games. So either you tell me everything you know about the smuggling that Kedi's doing or I swear I'll rip your limbs off...one...by...one...got it?"

Jak blinked, "Kedi's smuggling?"

Judy and Nick were sitting comfortably in Mr. Big's study, the familiar room where several years ago the Rabbit had first made the arctic Shrew's acquaintance. Unlike the time before, they were treated as family, with chairs appropriate for their size and warm beverages waiting for them when they arrived. It always amazed the doe how much hospitality the old gangster would roll out. Of course being the god mother and namesake of his first grandkit didn't hurt.

Judy sat in her chair with a cup of Jasmine tea between her paws, humming a Gazelle song as her and her partner waited for Mr. Big to arrive. She was nervous. Her ears were folded down, and she couldn't help but bounce her hind paw in the air. After the brief talk with Nick in the cruiser, the Fox had clammed up. The vulpine simply focused on the task of driving to their destination, only acknowledging Judy with a nod of his head or some absent minded agreement. It did nothing to help her anxious state.

She glanced over to Nick. He looked deep in thought as the tod stared deeply into the drink between his own paws. The handsome rogue that Judy had fallen for was not there, but instead a Fox who appeared beaten down by the world. His ears were low, shoulders sagged and tail limp, but his eyes told the real story. They were filled with so much pain. The Rabbit reached a paw out to the Fox. "Nick is eve-" She was interrupted by the opening of a door.

Koslov entered the room carrying Mr. Big. Since crime boss trusted the two mammals, there was no need for the rest of his entourage. The large Polar Bear gently placed the chair holding the smallest mammal down on the desk. The arctic Shrew gestured to the officers, smiled and spoke in a raspy voice, "Nicky and Judy, how can I help you today?"

Judy began to speak, but was interrupted by Nick. "We've come to clear a debt, sir," Nick stated, his voice cracking slightly and his tone unsure. The Fox cleared his throat, "It's long overdue."

The Polar Bear scoffed and rolled his eyes. Mr. Big's bushy eyebrows furrowed and a small paw rubbed the side of his muzzle. "I cannot recall any past debts that I have with you, officer." The rodent motioned with his paw to the vulpine, "Perhaps you are mistaken." Even though the words were friendly, the statement was resolute.

"It's not a debt to me," continued Nick, his voice sounding firmer, "It's a debt to the Weaseltons...mainly Richard's kits."

A tension filled the room as the Fox's words settled. Judy felt like she should know that name. It seemed very important, but it was like trying to remember a dream after waking up. "Who's Richard?" she asked, glancing between Nick and Mr. Big.

The Shrew sighed, "My child, this was before your time. There was a period of much bloodshed, one that shook Zootopia to its very core."

"The Bad Old Days?" Judy asked, frowning in thought. She looked up at Mr. Big and saw his tiny mouth agape. The Rabbit looked to her partner and saw a similar shocked expression. "What?" she questioned the two mammals, "Reggie told me about it."

"Reggie," begun the Fox carefully, "As in Officer Weaselton, told you about 'The Bad Old Days'?"

She shrugged, "What's the big deal?"

"What did he tell you?" pressed the Shrew.

"Well he told me about the Rayas family, and the fighting between the sides. How Juan Rayas brought...in..." Judy's ears started to lower under the gazes of all the mammals present. "Was I not supposed to know this?"

"No, no, no!" Nick said waving his paws frantically, "this will make things so much easier to explain actually. You do know who...uh...I guess you can say 'ended the fighting...right?"

Judy nodded, "It was 'Mad Rick.'" She said it so confidently, but dread started to build inside of her. "Isn't Rick short for Richard...but that's funny cause Nick said something about Richard's kits...of course he also said the debt was owed to the Weaselton's...Richard Weaselton...Bad Old Days...Mad Rick..." Judy smiled sweetly at her Fox, "Nick...you're suggesting that 'Mad Rick's' real name was actually Richard Weaselton."

"Well," Nick started, his eyes glancing over to the crime boss and then back to his Rabbit, "uh yes...didn't Weselton tell you that?"

"Nope," the doe responded, popping the 'p.' She slowly slid off her chair and carefully put her cup on her seat. Judy began to pace. "Ok, so Rick is actually Richard and his last name is Weaselton and Mr. Big has a debt to- Sweet Cheese and Crackers!" The lapine exclaimed, jumping onto Nick's seat and clapping the sides of his muzzle. "Are you telling me that Rick is Reggie's father?!" A muffled 'yes' came from the vulpine. His eyes were filled with regret, but Judy didn't understand why. The Rabbit remembered another piece of the story, a very important one. She turned around and threw her arms out as if to shield her partner from the arctic Shrew and Bear. "You're the one who paid Rick to murder the other families!"

It was a heavy accusation, no question of innocence for Mr. Big. Instead of the arctic Shrew simply sighed. "I have many things in my life and have made many terrible decisions...but that one is the one I regret the most."

"I don't understand," Judy replied hesitantly, "didn't you want them all dead?"

"No my child, that was never my intention." Mr. Big rested his head in a paw and waved with the other, "I only wanted to stop the fighting. Zootopia is my adopted home and I didn't want to see it in flames. Alas I miscalculated..."

"What do you...?" Judy's words died in her throat as a pair of russet colored arms circled around her. She leaned back into Nick and placed her paws on his forearms, "...Nick?"

"I'm so sorry Fluff," Nick spoke softly, his breath tickling the fur of her ear, "It's my fault."

"Nicky," Mr. Big chided gently, "it was never your fault. I told you before that it was my decision to send you and my mistake to bear. Don't let another mammal's actions weigh upon your heart." The rodent straightened up and smoothed out his jacket, "I have been corrected. I do in fact owe a debt to the Weaselton's. What is necessary to rectify this oversight?"

"We need information," spoke the vulpine officer, his grip not loosening on his lapine partner, "on Kedi Puankulak and everything about the 'Cat's Meow.'"

Mr. Big nodded and snapped his digits. Koslov bent down and opened up a drawer. The Polar Bear pulled out a large manila folder and placed it on the desk. The arctic Shrew rose from his chair and slowly walked over to the folder. He placed a paw on it. "This is all the information I have on Kedi and his cohorts, but I do not like it. I am missing something, but I am not sure what. That Pika, Himils, doesn't sit well with me and I would not be surprised if he was involved."

Judy muttered a 'thank you' as she slid out of Nick's hold. She couldn't reach the folder without jumping, so she waited for her partner to grab it. As the Fox grasped the heavy looking folder, the doe's thoughts wandered to the many questions she still had. Why didn't Reggie tell her about Rick? What was Mr. Big's misstep? More importantly, why did Nick believe it was his fault?

Alexander Grizzoli stared at the cork board in Conference Room B. On it were different photos of the suspects and a few photos of locations. The space had been commandeered by the ursine and his Rhino partner for going over the evidence they had. Sadly that wasn't much, as the information they had everything before the undercover assignment and a witness statement. The statement did give the description of the vehicle, a newer looking four door car that was dark blue and missing the cover for one of the brake lights. The witness didn't know the make or model, but having the time estimated time helped.

What hindered, and caused the Polar Bear to curse up a storm, was the lack of immediate response from Precinct Six to the situation. It wasn't until after ten that they got off their tails and finally started working. By that point it was useless to section off Reggie's apartment and the raid on the "Cat's Meow" was only filled with staff. Alex wanted to call the Tundra Town Precinct and give each officer a piece of his mind. He also wanted a keg of beer to quell the itching in his throat. He would be able to do neither.

"I don't like this," muttered the Bear as he scratched the side of his head, "there's too many variables." Alex turned back to McHorn, the rhino bent over a table going over the copies of Blackpaw's reports in the hopes of a clue. "Find anything Dwayne?"

The Sergeant straightened up and shook his head. McHorn wasn't known for being expressive, usually the only emotion he showed was annoyance or disgust, but there was a softer look in the megafauna's gaze.

"Ah don't worry big guy," started the Polar Bear, giving his best reassuring smile, "I'm sure Reggie is just lounging in some La-Z Buck waiting for all of this to blow over!" Alex laughed at his own joke, forcing as much mirth as he could. McHorn simply snorted in return and returned to his task. The arctic ursine sighed, "Yeah I don't believe it either." Alex turned back to the cork board. There was something off in the photos, but the Bear couldn't tell what. He gritted his teeth in frustration. Gregor would have seen it in an instant, but instead the grizzly had to shoot his mouth off.

"Nothing that can be done now. Just gotta buckle down and get the job done."

A knock on the door caught Alex's attention as it swung open to reveal a panting Wolford. "Sorry," he spoke between breaths, bent over and gasping for air, "ran...all...theway...from...sur...veil...ance..." The lupine held up a cell phone with the screen showing an ongoing call. Wolford tapped the speaker button.

"...Wolfie I said call me when you get there, not run all the way there." Spoke the voice of Officer Wilde. The vulpine sighed, "Well you know what they say about old wolves and new tricks." The Wolf tried to growl, but still catching his breath it sounded closer to clearing his throat. "It's ok Ralph you're still my howling buddy. Anyway I'm assuming my faithful messenger took me to Grizzoli and McHorn?"

"You assumed correct Wilde, but watch what happens when you assume." Alex couldn't stop himself from getting a jab at the Fox officer. He didn't have a problem with Nick, instead the Bear enjoyed their back and forth. Still an officer was missing and this wasn't the time for fooling around. "This better not be a social call, Wilde."

"I would never waste your precious time Grizzy...ok that's a lie, but this time I'm really not."

"Ok then," Alex responded, folding his arms and motioning with his head for the Wolf to head towards the table, "What you got for us?"

There was silence on the other end for several seconds. "That should be enough time for Wolford to have put the phone the table."

"How did you...?"

"A magician never reveals his secrets. Anyway, an anonymous source came forward during me and Carrots investigation into an electronics store robbery-"

"-As happens." Cut in Grizzoli, a knowing smirk on the Bear's muzzle.

"All the time," chimed in Wilde, "Moving forward, the source suggested we look in Sahara Square for our missing mustela. This by actual coincidence is where our case's suspects are."

"Do we have an exact location?"

"Sadly no, Kedi has set up several dummy companies all over Zootopia. Pretty smart really and not something I expected from muscle like him."

"Ok," Alex said as he wiped a paw over his eyes, "so why does your source thing Sahara Square?"

"Weeelll, they may or may not have been some illlic-"

"Damnit Wilde!" The Polar Bear shouted as he slammed his fist into the table, "I don't care what they did or who they are. Just tell me what they saw."

There was silence once more on the other line. "You would care, but I understand your point. My source says that Svinya and Skaal have a habit of taking mammals into Sahara Square and not coming back with them."

Alex nodded, "Understood, what are the properties?" His pocket vibrated, but the Bear ignored it. As much as he wanted to talk to his mate and kits, there were more pressing matters.

There sound of paper being sorted through, "Hmm, looks like there's an old factory...an apartment complex...and some warehouses. They're in different areas of Sahara Square too."

"All three are possible," muttered the Bear, he glanced over to McHorn to see the Rhino frowning. If they focused on one of the locations and were wrong, there was the possibility of losing any form of surprise they had. They could call upon Precinct Two to help cover the other areas, but after the incompetence of Precinct Six Alex was hesitant. A critical decision had to be made soon as the more time they spent thinking the less time Reggie had. What didn't help his concentration was his phone kept vibrating. "Bah," cried the arctic ursine as he pulled the phone out of his pocket, "this isn't the-"

He had several missed called from Gregor, but no voicemail. The Polar Bear was confused, what would he want now? The question was answered when a text appeared on his screen.

Hat txt Himmls mastmn-Gregor

"He's so bad at texting," the ursine chuckled. He re-dialed the missed call. It rang twice before Gregor answered.

"Took you long enough," grumbled the Brown Bear, "and whatever snappy response you have, keep it to yourself. I have information that may help."

Alex groaned and closed his eyes, "Please tell me you didn't do anything illegal."

"Who did something illegal?" questioned Wilde.

"He's talking to Snarlov." chimed in Wolford.

"Quiet, both of you." commanded Alex, shifting his gaze between the Wolf and the phone, he sighed, "Go ahead Snarls, what you got?"

"Himils is the one controlling everything."

Alex blinked, "Say again?"

"Herbert Himils is the brains behind all of this. He's the one who has been pulling the strings."

"Wilde," started the Polar Bear, "what does your source say about Himils?"

"He wouldn't trust Himils as far as he could throw him," the Fox chuckled, "and believe me that isn't far."

"Could he be the one leading this whole thing?"

Another pause, "Huh, you know that would make sense actually. I thought that the businesses were shells because they were under his name, but since everyone and their mothers' thinks that Kedi was in control it would be the perfect move. Have businesses connected to a legitimate businessmammal and then use them for illegal activities. Is it alright to admit that I'm jealous of the Pika?"

"We can deal with your inadequacies later," quipped Alex, "does this information help find Reggie?"

"Not really...but I would go with One Twenty-Seven Cactus Lane. It's the warehouses."

"Why's that?"

Wilde sighed, "Himils isn't a normal criminal. He would have been white collar worker who decided he wanted more, which means he's smart and cautious. I know the area, and the factory and apartment are in or too close to residential areas. Too many curious mammals about. The warehouses are out of the way, and unlike the factory they were simply used as storage. That means adventurers aren't going to explore there either. I dunno if he's thought that far ahead, but right now I wouldn't be surprised."

"We need proof Wilde. Can you give me anything more?" It sounded right to Alex, but he wasn't ready to bet another mammal's life just yet.

"No...But Grizzoli if it was my partner, that's where I would go."

Alex leaned his elbows on the table. He closed his eyes and breathed a calming breath. This may be their only chance, but it was still too messy to know if it was the right choice or not. A decision had to be made. "Thanks Wilde."

"Good luck." The call ended.

The arctic ursine brought his phone to his ear. "Did you hear that?"

"Got the address," Gregor responded, "see you there."

Before Alex could protest the call disconnected. He straightened up and looked at McHorn, "You ok with this?" While the Sergeant wasn't known for his talkative nature, if he felt there was a problem he would voice it. The Rhino gave a curt head nod. The Bear turned to Wolford, "Where's Fangmeyer?"

"She's in surveillance with the witnesses. They uh..." the lupine glanced away and then back at the Bear, "don't feel comfortable around other officers."

Alex nodded, not completely understanding but getting the overall message. "Have her collect their contact information and tell them to come back tomorrow. I don't want an incident while you two are gone because of a misunderstanding. After that meet me and McHorn in the motorpool, we're taking the 'Big Wheel' with us."

Wolford ears perked, "Never ridden in it before. I'll go help Fangmeyer to speed up the process." He grabbed his phone and rushed off.

The Polar Bear rubbed the back of his head, doubt creeping in. He turned to look at the cork board one last time, and groaned. In one of the pictures was Kedi holding Himils in his paw. It was assumed that this was a way for the Bobcat to control the Pika, but with this new information it seemed that the lagomorph was controlling the feline. "Let's go Dwayne," grumbled Alex with a wave of his paw, "we gotta rodent to squash."

The Megafauna snorted in response.

The "Big Wheel," as it was lovingly referred to by TUSC unit, was a Megafauna sized multi-purpose, operational, all-terrain vehicle that could support up to six Elephants at any given time. With its reinforced siding, individual seats in the back and handles on the ceiling; it allowed it to be used as a prisoner or high target individual transport. Alex wanted to make certain that the bastards who had Reggie would be simply moved from one mobile cell to a stationary one.

This also meant that the vehicle could easily handle the four occupants. The Polar Bear glanced back and saw Wolford sitting across from Fangmeyer. Both of them were dressed in tactical gear of Riot helmets, Kevlar vests with metal plating, additional forearm and lower leg bracers, paw coverings and armed with tactical tranq rifles. Even with them looking like a promotional poster for the Tactical Utility Strategic Command, the seats they sat in were too big. Thus Wolford, a fully grown Wolf, looked like a kit on Halloween. The excited grin and the non-stop wagging of the lupine's tale added to the imagery. The shatterproof glass separating the cab from the rest of the vehicle restricted sound, but if the wildly animated Wolf officer muzzle was any indication, than he may have truly been a kit.

Alex chuckled, "Boy, even Ralph looks small in those seats." The Bear turned his shoulders towards the Rhino driving, his own gear restricting his movement, "Remind me to convince Weaselton to sit in there so I can take a picture," the Bear laughed, "that would be something!" The Polar Bear was trying to stay positive, too much time had passed and the sun was almost gone. It was becoming more and more likely that Reggie was dead and Himils and the gang vanished.

"Don't think like that Alex. Stay positive. You Willcatch the bad guys and Reggie will be perfectly fine!"

It was harder and harder for the ursine to pull out of the negative thoughts, but Alex needed to stay level headed. He closed his eyes and leaned back into his chair. The ursine needed a minute and closed his eyes.

In what seemed like an instant later, Alex was shaken awake by a large hoof on his shoulder. The Polar Bear blinked and stretched. "How long was I out?" The ursine gazed out the window to see it was completely dark. More importantly they seemed to be closing in on their destination. The street was deserted and surrounded by buildings with no lights on. They were all large seemed to have the same exterior design. Alex fixed his helmet, the visor falling down as he slept, and looked back at the Tiger and Wolf in the back. Wolford seemed subdued, and Fangmeyer appeared to be napping as well. The Bear turned back to the front of the vehicle. A police cruiser was parked on the side and a familiar looking Bear was leaning against it. "Pull over;" commanded Alex, "I'm guessing we're here."

The mammoth vehicle pulled off to the side of the road, needing several seconds before coming to a complete stop. The Bear banged a fist against the separating glass and opened up his own door. Sahara Square nights were always much cooler than the days, but the Polar Bear preferred the frigid colds of his home in Tundra Town. Still as a breeze kicked up and felt refreshing to the arctic ursine. The sound of doors opening and closing was followed by soft paw steps. Alex walked to the back of the vehicle and was met by Fangmeyer, Wolford, McHorn and Snarlov.

"Took you long enough," grumbled Snarlov, his arms folded, "thought I would have to go in myself."

"Only for us to come in arrest you for trespassing," remarked Alex with a frown, "You're suspended and you know it."

"I didn't hear the Chief say anything about a suspension," the Brown Bear retorted, examining his claws, "He simply said to 'hit the streets' which I have done accordingly."

The Polar Bear scoffed and rolled his eyes, he turned to Fangmeyer. "Were you able to get an extra shield?" She nodded and pulled two large mammal riot shields from underneath the seats. "It's my personal one, so don't scratch it up." It was said so dryly that the arctic ursine wasn't sure if it was a joke or not. Wolford chuckled so Alex joined in, but Fangmeyer's expression never changed. "Ok then, you heard the lady Snarl. Don't scratch it up or you're getting her a new one."

Snarlov huffed, "It's a riot shield. How's it not supposed to get scratched?"

Alex grinned, "Doesn't matter, just do it. Also," The Polar Bear slipped his helmet off. He tossed it to the Brown Bear and grabbed a shield from the Tiger. "It's to hide that ugly mug of yours."

"Shut up and let's go," Snarlov replied, slipping the helmet on, "I looked around and found two parked cars near the only building with power around here. If that isn't suspicious than I don't know what is."

Alex nodded and followed his partner. It was less than a block away that he saw two cars parked outside of a smaller building. One looked like an older black muscle car that at first glance looked to only have two doors. What caught Alex's eye was the newer looking dark blue four door sedan, and it even looked like one of the brake lights was missing its covering. The arctic ursine frowned as they got closer to it. "How'd you know they have power?"

"Checked the power box," Snarlov replied, still walking towards the warehouse, "seemed to be working at least."

Alex wanted to groan, but at this point it was now or never. "Ok, basic breech procedure. Fangmeyer or Wolford, do either of you have the ram?"

"Uh…" was the response from Wolford.

The arctic ursine stopped in his tracks and turned to the Wolf. "What do you mean 'uh'?"

Wolford shrank, "I thought that McHorn was the ram. I didn't know we needed an actual ram!"

"McHorn hasn't busted doors in the last eight years!" exclaimed Alex. His mind was trying to come up with a solution to what shouldn't have been a problem in the first place.

"Has anyone told that to McHorn?" asked Fangmeyer blandly, her gaze drawn behind the group.

Unlike his subordinates, the Rhino was not in Kevlar. All Megafauna were given hard shell armor for breeching. Given the size of the mammals wearing it, the Z.P.D. was able to have the hard shelling be a thin steel layer followed by Kevlar and soft padding for the blow. It covered their chest, arms, legs, hooves, and more importantly their heads. In other words the quiet Sergeant was a tank. The Rhino kicked at the ground, fifty yards from the warehouse.

"Everyone MOVE," shouted Alex as he led the mad scramble to the door. "Gregor take right."

"Sweeping first or second?"

"Go second. I've got the armor. Fangmeyer on Snarlov. Wolford on me!" A chorus of 'Yes sir' was the officers' responses as they closed on the metal door in a hurry. Even before the Polar Bear lined himself up perpendicular with a door, the ground beneath his paws shook. A quick glance showed the twenty four year veteran of Precinct One barreling like a locomotive to a door that he wouldn't be able to get through without ducking. Alex hunched down, and he felt a paw on his elbow letting him know that Wolford was behind him. The shaking increased as the Megafauna gained speed. Alex braced against the wall and locked eyes with Gregor. There was silent communication between the two partners, one that only came with time and trusting one another. It was a simple message, "I got you're back and you have mine," the Polar Bear to gain some composure. No matter what happened, the officers would always protect the badge.

McHorn hit the door, breaking it off its hinges and flying backwards. Concrete fell from the frame as a cloud of dust was kicked up. Alex went through first, stepping past the door his shield held high as he moved to the left. He didn't have to look behind him to know that Gregor moved to the right, or that Wolford and Fangmeyer moved up the middle. The Polar Bear slammed his riot shield into the first mammal he found, it happened to be the Pangolin Ikan Skaal. The much smaller mammal thrown back into the wall, his head bouncing off, and then slumped against the floor.

Alex looked around to make sure no one else needed assistance as a hanging light swung back and forth, throwing shadows around the room. He saw Gregor pressing the Boar, Ivan Svinya, into the wall with his shield. Wolford and Fangmeyer had their rifles trained on a downed Bobcat, the feline seeming to have taken what was left of McHorn's charge. The Rhino was standing in front of something, the size of the Megafauna hiding what he was looking at. "Where's Reggie?" questioned the Polar Bear, looking around at the small room. The Sergeant turned towards the Bear, revealing a small chair holding a mammal.

The mammal was an unconscious white Weasel, clothed only in a white undershirt and black pair of boxers. The left side of the mustela's face was a mess, completely swollen and bleeding from different cuts all along it. The paws of the Weasel were tied to the arms of the chair. Six of the eight digits of the mammal were bent in the wrong direction. All over the ermine's legs and arms were small cuts, all in different forms of healing. Blood had flowed down and around the chair, staining the mammal's fur rust color. Each breath was labored from the mammal as the inhale rattled with pain, and the exhale was short and forced. The Weasel looked close to death.

The arctic ursine's throat closed as he tried to give any form of order, ANYTHING, but the shock froze Alex. Finally the Polar Bear found his voice, "Re...Reggie?!"

"Wolford, come take care of Officer Weaselton," a low, gravelly voice commanded, "Do what you can and cut off the ties. Fangmeyer secure the Boar, tranq him for good measure." Alex watched as McHorn turned to Gregor, "Snarlov, once you're clear grab your cruiser and get ready to go. Paramedics will take too long. Head directly to Sahara Regional and call it to dispatch. They'll take care of the rest." The Megafauna looked at all the stationary officers around him and clapped his hooves, "MOVE!"

Alex wasn't given an order, but it was clear enough. Cuff the downed Pangolin and Bobcat just in case they wake up anytime soon. The shock that the officer was feeling hadn't worn off. The Polar Bear had seen dead, mutilated bodies that would make any horror movie seem underperforming, but it had never been anyone he had known. It had never been a mammal who he owed his life too. Skaal was still knocked out, lying on the floor as Alex approached the Pangolin.

"It would be so easy," Alex thought darkly, "I could simply take my shield and break his neck. Wouldn't take too much effort at all…" The Polar Bear stepped closer, his shield between his paws. He could do it. He could rectify all the wrongs Reggie had to endure. It would just take a little pressure…

A heavy hoof fell on his shoulder, stopping Alex in his place. "That isn't the way Alex," spoke McHorn, his grip tightening, "they will face justice." The Megafauna's hoof lifted off the Polar Bear's shoulder. "We have another problem."

Alex turned to face the Rhino, "What?"

The Sergeant looked grim as his gaze was set on the door, "Himils isn't here."

Once Herbert Himils felt the table underneath him begin to shake, the small mammal slowly lowered himself to the floor. As soon as the door burst open, followed by the mammals of the Z.P.D., the lagomorph slipped through the open door and into the Sahara Square night. He ran as fast as his tiny legs would take him, ignoring the oversized muscle car that Kedi had driven him in. The Pika turned into an unknown alley and continued to put as much distance between him and the warehouse. After awhile Herbert needed to catch his breath. He leaned against a lamp post, the light casting a circle around him. He doubled over, the physical exertion more than the small mammal was used too. Herbert couldn't help but laugh. The Pika could have easily been caught or squashed in the frenzy, but instead he made it out free. Now all he needed to do was make it back to Tundra Town, stay low for a few weeks, and then reappear with a new crew and his plan still in place. The sound of clapping came from the lagomorph's left, catching his attention.

"Well I must say Herby I am thoroughly impressed. You've been working right underneath Mr. Big's muzzle the entire time. You had the Z.P.D. chasing their tails, caused everyone to panic in Zootopia and brought back the one thing that both criminals and law abiding citizens don't want." A red Fox stepped into the light wearing a Z.P.D. uniform. The vulpine's smile was friendly, but the emerald eyes of the mammal shone with anger. "If you were smart, you would have cut your losses as soon as you found out the police were on you." The tod shook his head and sighed, "Then again if you were smart, my partner and I wouldn't have been able to find out."

"Pa-Partner?" stuttered the Pika. The sounds of soft paw steps to his right had Herbert's head whipping around to see the new mammal. A grey doe dressed in a Z.P.D. uniform, her expression neutral and the amethyst eyes of the Rabbit staring unblinkingly at Herbert.

"See I've seen my partner kick many different mammals way above her size," started the Fox, catching the Pika's attention once more, "but I've never seen her hit someone her size before." The vulpine brought a claw to the side of his muzzle and tapped absentmindedly as the other stayed behind his back, "I wonder how far you'll fly?"

Herbert looked over to the Rabbit and saw her thump a hind paw on the ground. "You can't do this! It's illegal!?"

"Did you hear that Carrots? The criminal is saying the police are illegal." The Fox chuckled, "That's adorable." The tod walked over to the lagomorph, gently placing a paw on Herbert's shoulder. "All you have to do to stop her is confess." The vulpine's voice was just above a whisper, but it sounded like a godsend to the Pika.

The Rabbit cracked her neck and bent low to the ground.

Herbert began to shake. He was between Officer Nicholas Wilde and Officer Judith Hopps of Precinct One. There was no escaping his predicament. The Rabbit moved and the Pika closed his eyes and cringed, "Alright, alright I admit it! I was the one who started bringing guns into Zootopia and stole money from the mammals I accounted for! I'll give you everything, just please stop her!?" The Pika felt a pair of cuffs wrap around his wrists. He opened his eyes slightly to see a smug look on Officer Hopps snout.

"Got it Nick?" she asked in a cheery voice.

Wilde sighed, "They just don't make criminal masterminds like used too…"

"Alright, alright I admit it!" Herbert heard his own words. He turned to see the vulpine holding a carrot. The Fox hit a button on the carrot, "Alright, alright I admit it!"

"Well that's a pretty good confession, if I don't say so fluff."

"Wait…" the events of the situation catching up to the Pika, "that doesn't count! You," Herbert pointed to the Rabbit, "threatened me! Therefore the confession is void!" The lagomorph began to laugh, he had done it again!

"Actually," the doe responded easily, "He threatened you." She pointed a digit at Wilde. "I had no plans to kick you." Her expression changed as she scowled at the Pika, "…but if I could-"

"Ok! That's enough Carrots," Wilde interjected, physically getting between Herbert and the angry Rabbit, "why don't you say what I know you want to say?"

Hopps stepped past the Fox with arms folded, she sighed. "It's called a hustle…"

"…Sweetheart!" Wilde finished, snapping his digit and pointing at Herbert. His expression became serious, "Herbert Himils, you're under arrest…"

Ralph was cradling Reggie close to his uniform in the passenger seat of Snarlov's cruiser. The Bear had the lights on and had radioed dispatch to have Sahara Regional on standby. The Wolf did his best to not bounce the Weasel too much as the vehicle whipped through the streets of Sahara Square. He never realized how small the mustela was. The lupine knew he was small, but having a fellow officer huddled close to his chest while said officer fought for his life added another dimension to this thinking. The Wolf had done his best to treat all the visible wounds on the Weasel, but it was the internal ones that worried Ralph. They were three minutes out, they could make it!

Reggie stirred slightly, his breathing still labored. The young mammal's right eye opening slightly as it seemed to focus on nothing at all. "…Wolford…?" A small trickle of blood flowed out of the smaller mammal's mouth.

"It's me Reggie," begun the Wolf, trying to keep his voice calm, "We got you. You're safe now."

"I...know a…joke." Reggie said, taking rattling breaths as he tried to focus on the lupine.

"Tell me later, ok you party mammal!" Ralph responded, his emotions building up. "Keep it together…"

"What do…you call…a dead…Weasel…?" Reggie asked, seeming to not hear what the Wolf had said.

"Reggie, wha…"

The mustela's gaze once again focused on nothing, "Prob…lem…solved…" The Weasel let out a heavy breath and fell limp.

"Hey," started the Wolf, "Reggie, hey wake up!" Ralph became frantic, trying to check the smaller mammal's pulse. Tears formed and slowly fell down his cheek. "S-Snarlov!" He looked over to the Brown Bear to see the larger mammal looking at him.

The Bear snarled and gripped his steering wheel, "Hold on." The cruiser sped up further, the streets becoming a blur as the ursine leaned all of his weight into the accelerator.

Ralph straightened out the Weasel on his laps, ignoring everything except the Weasel. The Wolf placed a paw gingerly on the mustela's chest, but didn't feel any movement. He opened up Reggie's muzzle to find the mustela missing three teeth and still bleeding. The Wolf swiped the ermine's tongue to the side with a claw. "No breathing mask," Ralph stated as his body shook and head jerked back and forth as if to find one, "so we're gonna have to do this old fashion." The lupine looked at his co-worker one last time, "When you survive this Reggie, you're paying for all the tests I'm about to take." Ralph breathed a deep breath and clasped his muzzle over the smaller mammal's breathing all the air he built up into Reggie's lungs.

It was after 3 am and Adrian was finally leaving the station. He had enough time to go home, kiss his wife, sleep for three hours and then shower and do it all over again. The Bull only allowed himself to leave once the preliminary reports from his officers came in. Kedi Puankulak, Ivan Svinya, Ikan Skaal, and most importantly Herbert Himils had all been arrested and booked. Former Detective Vernon Blackpaw had cleared out his desk and locker of all personal items, under the scrutinizing gaze of Lieutenant Howlington and Sergeant Higgins. Detective Zirafa was suspended for three weeks with unpaid leave. The Okapi's future a little undetermined, but either way the Cape Buffalo would give him something he rightfully deserves. Officer Gregor Snarlov was also suspended for a month unpaid, effective immediately with the possibility of more consequences to be determined. Good intentions or not, the Brown Bear had stepped way out of line, and an example needed to be made. He desperately wanted to suspend Hopps and Wilde for some break of the rules, but as the smartass Fox pointed out, there was nothing they did wrong.

The final piece of news that removed the Cape Buffalo from his desk was on Officer Weaselton. As reported by Officer Wolford, the young mammal's heart did stop briefly. Thankfully through quick action by the Wolf officer and the staff at Sahara Regional being prepared, they were able to restart the mustela's heart. Any effects from the lack of oxygen to the brain won't be known until he wakes up, but at least they were able to stabilize Weaselton. Afterwards was the call to his aunt, uncle and sister. There was crying, screaming, and cursing. Adrian had assured them that while they couldn't see Weaselton right away, as soon as they could he would let them know. It didn't stop any of them from heading directly to the hospital.

There was evidence to bag and statements to take, leading with an audio recording of a confession from Herbert Himils. A damaged cell phone was also found at the scene, crushed accidently by Sergeant McHorn, but the techs assured the Bull that they could still get information off of it. Deputy Chief Howlington was trying to get back into Adrian's good graces by handing over any evidence they found at Reggie's apartment and the "Cat's Meow." It would take much more than that for the Cape Buffalo to look past this blunder.

Adrian stepped off the elevator, finding that the silence that he had enjoyed earlier now almost lulled him to sleep. Thankfully he didn't live too far away, and had asked Saburo to set up a ride for him to get home. The Bull didn't like using the Police Force as his own taxi company, but it was either that or risk an accident. His wife would kill him if he didn't make it home in one piece. As he strolled past the front desk, an officer's voice caught his attention. Sitting at the front desk painting her hooves was Officer Antlerson. She also happened to be talking on her personal phone.

The Chief walked over to the desk and leaned on it, staring at the kudo officer until she looked at him.

She noticed the Cape Buffalo and finished her call. "Can I help you?" She asked with little courtesy.

"Officer Antlerson," begun the tired Bull, "I just wanted to tell you that if you disrespect me or any other subordinate like you did yesterday than I would consider your employment here unnecessary. Is that understood?" The smaller herbivore stared at the Cape Buffalo, mouth agape. "There are going to be changes around here Officer," Adrian continued, "and one of them will be how we treat one another. Is that clear?"

The kudo caught on to the underlying meaning, and quickly saluted the Chief. "Ye-yes sir!" A small smudge of green nail polish not plastered her forehead.

"Excellent," the Chief responded, giving his own salute back, "have a good rest of your night officer." He walked away and out the doors. The Bull's words echoing in his mind. "Change should have come a long time ago," the Bull muttered as he continued down the steps, "Now I'm going to make sure it happens."