October 19th, 2016

Global Studios

Outside Studio Two, 5:00PM

Nick's POV

There she was, still smoking that pipe.

Nick: Excuse me.

Vasquez: …

Nick: Ms. Vasquez?

Vasquez: Shh… I'm watching the clouds.

I pull out the photo and slide it to the table.

Vasquez: … Where? Where did you get that?

Nick: Take a guess.

Vasquez: Oldbag.

Nick: *nods* I want to know more about this photo. You hid this from the press, didn't you? And you used it to control the studio.

Vasquez: … The wind.

Nick: The… huh?

Vasquez: It's gotten stronger, don't you think? The wind. … You conversation interests me. Let's talk about it more inside the trailer.

Nick (Thinking): Is this some trick?

Vasquez: Come.

Studio Two Trailer

Vasquez: Now then, what was that you were talking about?

Nick: Ms. Vasquez. You were using that accident! You were blackmailing Mr. Hammer so you could control him, weren't you? That's why he was doing kids' shows for petty change!

Vasquez: Hmph… so I'm a blackmailer now?

Nick: Well I can't prove that for certain, but Powers told me that after you came to the studios, Mr. Hammer was done being the star for a while. You must have pulled some strings in order to do this.

Vasquez: Oh…? I haven't pulled anyone down from anywhere. Mr. Hammer's career went sour of its own accord.

Nick: How could you be so sure? Ms. Oldbag said it was an accident.

Vasquez: An accident, she says…? Very well, then think about this, what would happen if it wasn't an accident?

Nick: …! Wait… are you saying… That Mr. Hammer did it… on purpose!?

Vasquez: That is what I mean.

Nick: How can you tell!?

Vasquez: Hmph! Just think! Would he have let me run his life for five years… over a mere accident? And I ran him hard, believe you me!

Nick: … I… I don't believe you! It had to be an accident! The security lady said so herself!

Vasquez: But she was also a fan of Hammer, correct? She would say something like that to defend Hammer. She jumped on the reporter who brought that photo into the studio. She wrenched it out of his hands, she did. Gave him a few bruises, too.

Nick (Thinking): That explains how she got it…

Vasquez: She's an old fool. Of course, all the reporter would need is the negatives. He could have made a copy. But he didn't. The only copy of that photo is the one you hold. Give it to me. Now.

Nick: Over my dead body!

I turned the around and tried to reached for the door. But just then I saw some predators in front of me.

Nick: Who are they?

Vasquez: Professionals. They're good at erasing… various things. What do you think…? Would you like to be erased?

Nick: …!

Vasquez: The trial ends tomorrow? How unfortunate. It's a shame you'll have to miss it!

Nick: Tell me… why? Why do you want this photograph so badly? This is Mr. Hammer's "dirt"… no? Why should Dee Vasquez care about it at all?

Vasquez: … I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to think about that where you're going. So long, friend. Boys, erase away.

Suddenly one of the predators started grabbing me in the arm.

Nick: Let go of me!

?: Leave him alone!

Just then the guy was knocked out cold… JUDY!?

Judy: Grab Nick again. I dare you!

Gumshoe: Ms. Vasques, I've heard everything, and you're coming down to the precinct with me, now!

Vasquez: …Hmph. Not bad… Very well. It appears this contest will be decided tomorrow then. In court. I'll be looking forward to it.

Gumshoe: Ms. Hopps, will you take Ms. Vasquez to the car, please?

Judy: Gladly.

Gumshoe: Hey, you okay, pal? Sorry I was a little late on my entrance. I don't that much practicing that sort of thing.

Maya: Dad!? You're okay!

Nick: Yes, I'm here. I'm sorry, I lost my temper again. I just had to find out. Thank you, Gumshoe.

Gumshoe: Don't mention, pal just doing my job…

Nick: Gumshoe…?

Gumshoe: Oh… sorry. I've just been wanted to say that ever since I've gotten this job. Right, well I'm sure we'll be each other again soon. See ya later, pal!

I saw Judy coming back to the trailer; I pulled her in for a hug.

Nick: Before you say anything. I'm really sorry. I just had to know.

Judy: That was one the most stupid things you have ever done. If I was to lost you…

Nick: I know, I'm sorry. But I promise I'm going to make it up to you soon, and Phoenix will to the rest tomorrow.

Phoenix: Right. You did bring in the most important witness to the crime, now I just have to do the rest.