This will be the start of an old secret that Chief Bogo has kept from everyone, especially to Sapphire. What could it be, though? Will anyone else find out? This three-part journey is filled with suspense, dramatic surprises, and giving the love that everyone deserves on this time of year.

The decorations and caroling were everywhere. Zootopia was in good spirits, as Christmas Eve was tomorrow. Everyone was doing their christmas shopping, hustling from store to store to buy the best or expensive gift they could grab to give to their friends and families. At the ZPD, some officers were assigned on patrol to make sure nothing went wrong, as the crowds were emerging on the streets. Meanwhile, Chief Bogo was discussing the daily assignments in the bullpen.

"Alright then...now that we got that out of the way, let's discuss our last assignment," the buffalo looked at his clipboard, "as you know, we will hold our annual Christmas Party tomorrow, inviting our friends and families here at the station. Officers Snarlof, Higgins and Wofford have already organized the food situation...Delgato, Fangmeyer, and Grizzoli are halfway done with the decorations along with a decorating committee to help. As for the gift send-outs...Officers Clawhauser, Lovell, Hopps and Wilde will greet the children and give them gifts that ZPD has brought."

"Speaking of which," Martin whispered to Daniel, "where is Sapphire?"

"She's coming here with Clawhauser and the others to show their costumes."

"Costumes?"

"Merry Christmas everyone!" Clawhauser came out from the door near the podium where the chief was. He had a fake white beard, and a full-on Santa outfit. The cheetah was definitely a jolly-happy soul to be role playing Santa Claws. Judy came out along with Nick, who were wearing elf costumes, much to Nick's annoyance. Right on his left, Nick could hear Randal and Fangmeyer snickering, trying not to laugh so loud; even Hunter and Howlsworth were in on it.

"Oh, come on," Judy smiled as she nudged him, "its for the kids. This will be fun."

"I didn't sign up for this," the fox mumbled, "and I'm sure she can agree with me." Nick looked at someone behind the door.

"Lovell, come out," Bogo called her.

"No way," she protested, "I look ridiculous..."

"Lovell, come out right now. That's an order."

"..." The door opened.

Sapphire's POV

[No surprise I made them gawk. I had a female Santa outfit, my hat with a holy on the side, red leggings with black boots with my utility belt and badge on. I could feel the heat rush to my cheeks, mostly because my boyfriend was giving me that look.

"Why am I dressed like this?" I asked, slightly irritated.

"Aw come on," Clawhauser smiled, "you look cute. Besides, we need more help to pass out the gifts for tomorrow."

"But isn't it too early to dress up? The party doesn't start until tomorrow."

"Its because you'll be giving out complimentary treats to everyone, and their children visiting today. As for the rest of the day, continue with the preparations. If there are any problems, just ask me and we can discuss it later. Dismissed."

Fast Forward

"Yes, I'll get right on it," I hung up and continued to do work. Although, it seems that work was piling up even more.

"Officer Lovell," an officer came in, "I have the information." He gave my some paperwork.

"Thank you."

"Officer Lovell," another came, "somehow these files got mixed up in records. Can you organized these?"

"Okay. Just put it on-"

"Officer Lovell," and another, "the decorating committee is short on supplies. we're running out of time."

"Okay, calm down. Tell me what they need, and I'll find someone to go out shopping. Is that good?"

"Yes. Thank you so much."

As the last one left, my face-planted on my desk. It wasn't by accident that this work pile was dropped. In truth, it was my intention. I was doing Chief Bogo's work he put aside, in secret. Even he needs a break.

'Although, the downside is keeping this secret long enough for me to finish.'

Just then, I saw Tojirou walk up to me with a drawing in his paws.

"What's this? Is it a picture of you?" Tojirou showed me a drawing of him and me. We were holding hands, with a drawing of the sun, snow, and a Christmas tree.

"I love it." Tojirou smiled, and then did sign language.

"Oh, I'm sorry Toji...but I got a lot of work to do. Maybe when I'm done, we can go see the decorations in Savannah Central. Okay?" The leopard nodded.

"Hey Sapphire, I needed to~... woah." Hunter's eyes scanned all the paper work and files. I peek from one pile.

"Hey Hunter. Need something?"

"Uh, yeah~. A pair of glasses, cause' I'm seeing double the work here. What's going on?"

"Don't tell the chief I'm doing his paperwork in secret."

"You sure you can finish this before the party?"

"I'm halfway with my reports, the files I can do easily, and there's also the situation with buying decorations. You know anyone who's free to shop for this list?" I showed him the long list.

"Well, for decorations, Howlworth and I can do. So yeah, I'll tell him and we'll go out."

"Thanks. So what was it you needed the first time?"

"Oh, right! Nick and Judy are looking for you in the lobby."

"Shoot! I forgot...I'll be right down." I grabbed Tojirou and ran outside.

"...Uh... you're welcome?"

We walked towards Judy and Nick.

"Hey guys. I got way~off track with work."

"No worries," Nick shrugged, "let's just get this over with."

"That eager to pass out candy," Judy smirked, knowing the real reason.

Throughout the whole three hours, we were greeting everyone who walked into the ZPD doors. Although, Nick had some trouble when the kids would pull on his tail or tug on his costume. We took a break and joined Martin, Daniel, Fangmeyer and Francine in the courtyard.

"Hey guys," Nick hollered.

SNAP!

Just then, a flash appeared, blinding Nick.

"Perfect," Randal made a peace sign, holding his phone.

"Send me that when you're done," Martin laughed. Nick groaned as he took off his elf hat.

"You didn't want to pass up on this?" Francine asked.

"Duh~," Randal grinned.

"Hey Martin, you're 'little helper' is here," Fangmeyer smirked as Martin glared at him.

"Hi guys. I hope you like treats." I passed around cookies and candy-canes.

"I'm not sure if you're just cruel or stupid," Daniel gave a blank expression towards his partner.

As they went on, Martin approached me.

"Are you still coming over for Christmas?"

"Oh, yes. Is Kyle and your dad coming?"

"Yeah. Kyle was trying to wrap your present this morning."

"Sapphire," Hunter called out, "can I talk to you?"

"Sure thing," I hollered. I turned back to give Martin a surprise kiss on the cheek.

"I'll be back," I winked, "watch Toji for me."

"Way to play it smooth, tiger," Fangmeyer hummed in amusement. I giggled when hearing Martin growl under his breath. I walked over to see Hunter.

"So we managed to get everything except the streamers."

"That's fine. As long as you got the props and other essentials."

"Sapphire!" Just then, we heard a kid's voice. Before I knew it, I saw Marcus tackling me with a hug.

"Hi Marcus. How are you?"

"I'm good."

"Merry Christmas, officers," Manson smiled.

"Hey there," Hunter shook his hoof ,"you're getting tall, kid."

"Halfway through his last year in high school. You excited?"

"I sure am."

"If you're looking for your dad, he's in his office."

"Sapphire," Clawhauser called her, "you won't believe what I heard." He rushed over to them.

"What is it?"

"I was going to the chief's office, when I heard him talking to some guy."

"A guy?" Manson questioned.

"Hold on. Are you sure you're not jumping to conclusions?"

"I'm sure," the cheetah whispered, "what I heard was the guy talking about information. Something about finding files and legal papers that were lost."

"So why are you telling us this?"

"Sapphire... I'm saying this because its about you." He left us in shock. Just then, we heard hoof-steps trotting on the floors, and saw a horse in a suit shaking hooves with the chief. Manson and Hunter hid me behind them as they acted casual.

"Thank you for coming."

"Its not trouble at all, Chief Bogo. We'll discuss about this later." The horse left as the chief walked right back up to his office. When the coast was clear, I came out.

"So that's the guy?"

"I know, right? It seems that he has information on you from years ago; before you were sent back."

"Do you think its that important?" Manson asked him.

Well, whatever it is," Sapphire intervened, "we can't be sure about it right now without proof."

"Then let's go ask him" Marcus suggested.

"Ah-ah! No way...you guys are not doing that. As much as I want to know, its none of our business what your dad does if he's keeping it a secret."

"But-"

"No buts! I'm going to my office to finish my work. In the meantime, behave and stay out of trouble." I left to take the elevator.

No One's POV

While the others were distracted, Marcus and Manson went to see their father. Marcus was the first to reach the door. Just then, his ears flicked when he heard his dad.

"Hello? Its me..."

"Marcus what are you-"

"Shh!" Marcus shushed him. Manson slightly opened the door, just enough to see their dad talking on the phone, his back facing them.

"I just talked with him. Yes...yes, he found it... I don't know. If Sapphire knew about this, it might change everything. I don't think I'm ready to tell her... no-I-dad! I'm telling you..."

"He's talking to grandpa."

"Its too soon...I don't know! I mean, what would she say or think if I told her? We didn't even know it was possible. Besides, I don't think I'm the mammal cut out for this. Look, we'll talk later, okay? Bye dad." That was their cue. Manson opened the door, surprising the older buffalo.

"Manson. Marcus. What are you doing here?"

"We came to visit."

"I see. Well, I'm busy with work, so I won't be able to talk much."

"No that's okay," Manson shook his head, "we just wanted to come by." He saw how distracted his father was. The chief sat down as he started looking through paper work. That's when Marcus saw the picture frame on his desk. He picked it up.

"Hey dad, is this Sapphire?" Darius looked up to see him holding the photo that Sapphire gave him months ago.

"Yes it is."

"She looks so small in this picture."

"And these are her parents," Manson grabbed the picture frame, "they look happy."

"They were."

"...Do you still miss them..?" Marcus asked. He saw his dad sigh and nod in response.

"Of course I do."

"...Maybe we should come back later?"

"No, no... stay here. You can have something to eat in the cafeteria while you wait."

"Can I help with anything? Maybe set up decorations or the food?"

"That would be great, Manson. You can ask Officer Rhinowitz if he needs help."

"Thanks dad. We'll see you later." Darius watched as his two sons left the office. Unconsciously, he stared back at the picture.

Flashback

"Congrats, 'Chief of Police'." Chase had his arm slung around Bogo's shoulders.

"Chase, knock it off. I'm still the same mammal."

"Alright boys, enough." Jade came in, carrying her newborn child.

"Darius...would you like to hold Sapphire?"

"M-me?"

"Come on, pal," Chase smirked, "one day you're gonna get kids, too. This is one of the many rules of handling babies." Jade smiled as she gave the baby to Bogo. Although his body stiffened, seeing as the child was so small, he thought he could crush or wake her by moving just a centimeter. Then, Sapphire opened her eyes.

"Someone's awake~...say hello to Darius, sweetie." Bogo watched the baby stared at him. That's when he saw the brightest smile a baby could give.

"She likes you," Chase chuckled. Bogo did the same, as Sapphire giggled while grabbing his finger.

"Hey you guys! Look up!" They heard Lieutenant George and saw him with a camera. Chase and Jade came closer, with Bogo and Sapphire in between.

"Smile~!"

SHACK/CLICK!

End of Flashback

He smiled, remembering the fond memory. But his thoughts wre interrupted by a loud commotion from outside. He walked out, only to find a crowd of mammals by the reception desk.

"Please! We need to speak to the chief!"

"How long are you going to keep us waiting!?"

"Everyone calm down!"

"What in the..." Just then, he saw Sapphire push herself in the mix.

Sapphire's POV

"Officer Rhinowitz, what's going on!?"

"These mammals are saying that someone stole their kids!"

"Everyone, please calm down!"

"Officer Lovell! You gotta help me!"

"My kids were kidnapped!"

"One at a time! Listen everyone...form a line inside. I will speak with you. Would the first family come forward?"

"Sapphire!" A leopard came up.

"Ms Snoweather?"

"Damian," she cried, "he was taken last night. I saw some shady figures taking him away from his room. Please, you have to find him."

"Ma'am, calm down."

"Its not just me," Snoweather informed, "Mrs. Hefton, Hooverton, Ms Lank... their kids have been taken away by the same kidnappers."

"You think all of this is connected?"

"It has to be. So please, tell Chief Bogo we need them to find our kids."

"I'll try. Just go and stay home until then. Alright! I'll take three families to my office to speak. Please...follow me." A lion family, along with two interspecies families followed me while the others waited in the lobby.

Fast Forward

Everyone gathered as they headed to the bullpen.

"Report cadets, what's going on?"

"We're not sure chief," Judy said, "but Sapphire told us to meet her in the bullpen for information."

When Bogo opened the door, he didn't expect this to happen. Sapphire was organizing photos and pinning them on the map. She wasn't alone, though.

"So~ meet again officers."

"Agent Late?" Judy and Nick questioned.

"Hey there." The lynx waved.

"Agent Shang."

"About time, officers."

"Mr. Temple?"

"Looks like you got a lot on your hooves, son," Jabari walked towards them.

"Dad? What are you doing here?"

"We came to help. Sapphire gave me the info, and thought our expertise could help the investigation."

"You don't even know if this is a kidnapping case."

"Not exactly," Ginger was standing next to Sapphire.

"Ginger," Randal said.

"Hey Randy," she smiled, "sorry its not on better circumstances, but we have to work...and fast."

"Some of these kids belong to navy officers who are on leave or retired. So technically, this is our crime case too."

"Ironic way to start the holidays," Nick implied.

"Well, nothing's jolly about this," Agent Tallis informed.

"Which is why I wanted to call everyone," Sapphire turned around, holding files. The wall was filled with photos linked to red string, paperwork taped on and laptops all out on the table.

"I'm sorry this is sudden chief," Sapphire looked at him, "but things got out of hand since the families came by. The news media are outside trying to get an interview."

"Did you say anything?" Bogo asked.

"Not yet, but that's why I wanted to tell you..." She place a hand on the podium and gave a serious expression.

"I'm sorry chief, but...can I take the lead in this investigation?"