Here is the 34th installment. Hope you enjoy.

Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to ( Direct: dcballard because the forwarding is misbehaving.)

If you enjoy this, and you are not also reading my original Log Entries series over on my Blog. Why aren't you? (takes a Nick-esk pose of hurt) Also. I am now posting them on AO3, so you have even less excuse. It's free, ORIGINAL fiction. "An original story told through the log entries of the pilot and captain of an experimental star ship."

Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.

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Judy and her parents - Monday

After watching Nick leave and hearing the car pull out of their spot, Judy turned to her parents who had been silent up to that point, giving them a glare. "Okay you two. What?"

Bonnie looked back at her daughter and just smiled. "What, what, dear?"

"What are you two thinking. I know you have something you want to say, it's written all over both your faces and ears."

Stu smiled and nodded. "So, you two don't ware clothes around the house much, do you, and not to sleep."

Judy sighed, she knew this part was coming as soon as Nick walked out of the bedroom naked. It had been too long since they had company, so they were both out of the habit of putting on at least a robe when leaving their room. "No, we don't tend to wear clothes unless mammals other than us are here. No, we do not wear cloths when sleeping, because I absolutely love the feel of his fur against mine. Yes, we are member's of the naturalist club in town, and I am one hundred percent cerain that Nick is planning to arrange a gift certificate for you two to attend when he and I are also there."

Stu frowned. "Why on earth would he do that?"

Sighing with a long suffering smile, Judy shook her head. "Because he is Nick. That is simply something he will do, but only after he sounds you both out carefully and confirms that it isn't something that would offend you. Embarrass me, sure. That's one of his life's purposes some days. But you, and damage the relationship that is, to him, just being repaired at the most basic level, never. His purpose, other than the mortified look in my face, which I will have to fake, will be to find ways to build new bridges between us."

Bonnie nodded. "He really does love you, doesn't he."

"Mom. I don't even know if I will ever fully understand how much. Or how much I love him. Does he drive me crazy, embarrass me, make me want to strangle him? Oh yes, and often on a daily, if not hourly basis. But he also makes me happy in ways I never understood was possible. When he makes an inappropriate joke while we are on patrol, does something to anger the chief and gets us parking duty, teases me to distraction, there is always a plan. That plan, to make me smile, laugh, and forget about whatever it is in the moment that has me down.

I don't know how many times he's prodded and distracted me while we are working a case. Driving me to turn on him and punch him. Yes, I box him, quite regularly. Dumb fox..." Crossing her arms angrily, a contented smile counterpointing to the angry huff. "Yet, when I vent the irritation he's laden on me, and I turn back, my mind is fresh and clear, and I can suddenly see the error of my previous thinking, or I notice something I was missing. That isn't to say that he doesn't contribute, oh not. He is amazingly intelligent and perceptive and catches things that I miss. He completes me."

Bonnie just smiled and nudged Stu, who spoke. "Jude. We can see that, now that we are looking with clear eyes. You told your mother that he has scars from when he has protected you?"

Judy nodded, and pulled her ears down, fiddling with one over her shoulder. "Far more than he should. I try, and I am getting better, but I am still impulsive. He helps me temper that, and I am getting better about listening to him. But yes, he has a number of scars from wounds he has taken to protect me. He also refuses to let me blame myself for them, just as I refuse to let him blame himself for those I have taken for him."

Looking up and releasing her ear, Judy continued. "Dad. He gave up his former life, to become an underpaid civil servant in a job that places our lives on the line every day. Both Nick and I not only have concealed carry permits, but we are required to have our weapons and badges on us at all times. Even now, on maternity leave, I do."

Bonnie nodded, remembering the conversation from the previous night. "What about this armor cloth your clothes are made of?"

Judy chuckled darkly. "A necessary expense after a number of Bellwethers sycophants came after us. I took a graze to the side, Nick took a through and through to his left thigh. We took the idiot down and handed him off to the on-duty cops that were also in the cafe. After that, Nick applied on our behalf to Bogo for the special privilege to carry at all times, and I reached out to some old contacts from when I was The Bunny Avenger, to get clothes made. Cost us a pretty penny, but it was worth it. Nick reached out to his contacts and made sure the weapons we had are top of the line.

The next time we got attacked, we were both wearing the stuff and while we took a few bruises, there were no holes in us. Now Maria is going to hook us up with some more advanced stuff. And yes, our uniforms are made of the same material."

Bonnie smiled and nodded. "We figured as much, dear. The issue we had was always your safety, but now that we are listening and seeing with open eyes, we can see what you have told us from the very beginning. Nick would never, and I don't think he is capable of ever, hurting you deliberately. I think he might just chop off his own tail and ears rather than hurt you."

"I think that is true, mom. Now. Lets go get breakfast. Lizz and a few of the girls, and their guys that are not working today, are going to meet us at Therus. Then, you, Dad, are going to be dragged off for something. I don't know what, I only know that Mike's brother is leading the charge. Mom, you, me, and the girls are going shopping. Which will include Nick's mom's shop. Both Lizz and I have a few things to pick up there."

Bonnie's smile faltered. "Nick's mom?"

"Yes, and I think you will love her. You met her briefly at dinner, before things turned a bit crazy. Vivian."

Realization coming over her. "Oh, right. She's Nick's mom? Oh wow, she looks great. She has a shop?"

"Best custom clothing shop in the mall. Most don't know it, because she doesn't want the crazy to descend on her little shop, but she now makes nearly all of Maria's dresses, especially the ones she performs in. She's the one that designed the purse I used last night, and the one am going to use today, so that I can have my weapons, badge, etc... and still have room for my wallet, phone, some lip gloss, etc..."

Stu's eyes widened. "Oh... Wow!"

"Yep." Judy reached in a drawer and pulled out a granola and a protein bar and set them on the table. "I'll call a Zuber as we head down stairs, I just need to grab a few things and get dressed."

Bonnie and Stu followed Judy into her bedroom and watched from the door as Judy stripped down and then switched to some leggings and a belt, to which she attached a thick baton to the outside of each leg and a pair of knives to each as well. She then slipped a beautiful blue sun-dress over herself that hit her at mid-shin. Judy then slipped another pair of collapsible stun batons down the back of the dress, and retrieved her purse. Once in hand, she opened several compartments, retrieving and checking her weapons were loaded and safe, as well as her badge. She then slipped a lip gloss and some fur dust into the main compartment with her phone and wallet.

Turning, Judy was surprised to see her parents standing there in the door, looking at her in shock. Bonnie spoke first. "Judith Laverne Hopps! What are you doing, going to war? What do you need knives for? Was that a lethal firearm?"

Slipping the purse over her shoulder and putting her paws on her hips, Judy gave her mother a long suffering look. "Mom... I told you, I am required to be armed at all times, and I may not always have immediate access to my purse and the weapons there. If you noticed, I have a two shot tranq gun in there as well." Patting the purse. "As I said, my purses were actually designed by Nick's mom. This one is stylish, and has simple, easy, and quick access to both weapons along with my badge in a flip open compartment for display. The knives and stun batons are for those moments when I can't reach for my purse, or I'm out of tranq darts, of which my purse holds an extra four. Two medium, one small and one heavy."

Stu took over. "But, Jude. Are you really expecting something that would require you to be armed like that?"

"Actually, I've learned to expect it, yes, and then be pleasurably surprised and happy that it doesn't. It hasn't happened in the last few months, but that means nothing. There was a month there where Nick and I couldn't even make it to work without arresting some nutter that came at us. Another week, we never actually made it home and slept at the precinct. Not because we didn't try to make it home, but because we never made it more than a few blocks before we were dragging another moron back for processing. That was one week where Bogo looked the other way when we were together, as long as we were off the clock."

Bonnie was shocked and it showed in her voice. "My gods, Judy! How can you do this job if that is what this city brings you. Nothing but danger and threats like that?"

Judy put on a serious and tired face. "Mom, if you say you're taking me home..."

Frowning angrily, Bonnie crossed her arms and glared at Judy. "If I thought it would do any good, but you have made it clear that this is your chosen path. Just tell me why?"

"Why, mom?" A hint of exasperation and frustration in her voice as Judy sighed. "Those mammals that do things like that are not the norm, if anything, they're the exception. You met some of the girls last night. Dad, you the guys. We recently took down a group that sought out inter-species couples and framed them for crimes. Remember the fox from last night? Gerald? They had DA's, members of the ZPD, the city government, and business leaders. All focused on expunging what they saw as perversion. They made it their business what others mammals did and who they were allowed to love, and didn't just protest, but took action, and I don't mean trying to get laws passed or protests. Sometimes the actions they took were violent.

There are now several cases where one member of a couple was killed and they framed their mate for it, like Gerald. We were looking into one just before I went on leave that looked like a ZPD officer may have actually murdered someone and framed the inter-species couple. There is a confession from one of the pair, while the other spent their time lobbying for clemency or a commutation of their sentence to life in prison. This was when Zootopia still had the death penalty. The one doing the lobbying insisted that the confession was just to save their life, because they were both being charged.

The DA in the case was going for the death penalty, for both. That DA is now in jail awaiting trial as a member of the group and demonstrated to have worked with the group to get convictions by suppressing and hiding evidence, amongst other things. Anyway. This was a while ago. They were one of the last mammals put to death before the death penalty was revoked because of a different scandal. Their mate died a few weeks later. Suicide. They simply couldn't live without their mate. We were still reviewing it, but it wasn't looking good, and if it turns out that the DA in question worked with a cop who actually did the killing..."

Judy paused for a moment and looked away from her parents before turning back after taking a shuddering angry breath. "You ask why I do it? Why Nick and I risk our lives, accept the need to remain armed at all times, that all our clothes are made from armor cloth? That is why. Because there are mammals out there that others will happily set up for murder, and in at least one case resulted in them being killed, by the state, for a crime they didn't commit! That was what happened to that poor fox we met last night. He was framed for the murder of his mate, just because they dared love outside their species! This group. They were planning on targeting Nick and I. They were targeting the Mayor and his wife. They were targeting Maria, and they had already gone after our friends Carry and Bill.

You need to understand. Carry and Bill are rich to an absurdity. Yet, being that rich was no defense against these animals, because they had all parts of the justice system under their sway. That is why we do it, because if we don't take a stand against such mammals, who will? You? Mom? Dad? We both know not. You might stand up for family, you might for a friend, but a complete stranger? I don't mean to put you on the spot, mom, dad... but you asked the question, and that is the answer. It is because if we don't, if we looked the other way, or didn't give it everything we have, then we would be no better than those who commit the acts."

Bonnie and Stu stood there in shock looking at Judy, angry tears in her eyes. Bonnie finding her voice first. "Judy.. I... We didn't know. I mean. That's horrible. How can mammals do that to each other?"

Chuckling darkly and wiping her eyes. "Mom. You, and Dad specifically, are only a week or so out from the thinking that brings mammals to that. That is the other part of why we do it. As the horrors that these mammals come out. Mammals like you and Dad see it and more often than not are shocked and horrified by it, and then start to think about their positions. It is how we, Nick and I, help make the world a better place. By exposing things like that. By being happy when we are out, regardless of the things we hear mammals say about us. By slowly, in every way we can, changing minds. Sometimes you can't reach parents like yourselves, but you can get the younger generations. Is it enough. No..." Shaking her head sadly. "But it is all we can do."

Bonnie sniffed and stepped forward. "Oh Judy. We're so sorry."

Cutting her mom off, Judy smiled. "Mom. You've already said that and we both accepted it. I am just explaining the why you asked for. Now lets go. I am hungry, and I know you guys need to head back to the farm tomorrow morning."

Stu finally found his voice. "My gods, Jude. That makes it seem even worse." Looking down with his ears fallen. "Yet, you are not wrong. If it hadn't been for our recent wake-up call..."

"Stu, we were never like that."

Stu shook his head. "Maybe not you Bonnie, but I was heading that way, and there are members on the city council that are very much there, even if they haven't actually taken actions like Judy described."

Judy shook her head, a smile coming over her with a sniff. "Guys. Pregnant and emotional rabbit is hungry. Needs food, preferably with eggs, chicken, and shrimp, with a nice spicy salsa to go with it. You can be reproachful of yourself and think about what might have happened on the train tomorrow. I told you all this to answer your question. Nick and I have a very strict honesty policy between us. It's part of what kept us together early on, so I suppose I hit you guys with a bit more truth than I should have. Sorry about that." Giving a shrug and heading back to the kitchen.

Bonnie pulled Judy into a hug from behind as she put the granola and protein bars in her purse. "That's okay dear. I think it was what we needed to hear. It might be harsh, but you are doing some really important things, aren't you?"

"We are, Mom. We are. It isn't as glamorous as the old cop shows I used to watch, and don't get either of us started on just how wrong they get things. That said, despite it all, I love my job. I have Nick beside me all the way, and together, we really can and do make a difference. Sometimes it is a big one, like with the anti-inter-species case, or helping take down that group this past weekend. Sometimes it is helping an abused spouse get out of their situation alive. Sometimes it is giving a speeding ticket, which, given the accidents I have seen where speed was the only real factor, might have just saved that mammals life, or their future. Sometimes it is showing up at a school when some kit gets caught with something. Listening to them and helping them see beyond the rage or fear, or whatever it is that drove them to come to school with a weapons, or drugs."

Bonnie nodded and released Judy. "Alright, Judy. We hear you. Now, lets get you fed."

Judy smiled. "Yes. Food is required."

They left the apartment and Judy locked up and set the alarm. On the way down to the street Judy summoned a Zuber which arrived just as they stepped out of the building. Getting in, they start off and the driver, a grey wolf, glanced back via the rear view mirror. "Oh hey! You're Judy Hopps. Wow! It's an honor to give you a ride." He stops talking for a moment as he maneuver through some traffic. "I hope you don't mind, but I want to thank you. My brother had all the charges against him dropped. I knew he wasn't guilty of what they accused him of, but it was like the system wouldn't listen. Now we know he was targeted just because he had taken Jecca as his mate. She is a Cerval. Sadly, her family took her and moved to another city. She was really nice, and I hope now they will let them be together again."

Judy nodded and gave a warm smile. "I'm sorry to hear that. It sounds like they didn't approve though. We can only hope that they will come around. I'm guessing they, your brother and Jecca were younger?"

He nodded as they came to a stop. "High school sweethearts. They both turn eighteen this next month, at which point, if she chooses to come back to Zootopia, she will have a place to land with us. Even if they don't get back together."

Bonnie smiled brightly. "That's really good of you and your family."

Judy nodded. "May I ask your name and pack affiliation?"

The driver grinned widely. "We don't ascribe to the narrow mindedness that some do. Love doesn't care about species. As long as it isn't hurting you or your partner, and both parties are consenting adults. We just don't see how it is anyone else's business. I'm Jake Grrowlson. I'm part of a border, aligned pack to the Wolfords, called Yerk. But then, in Zootopia, that will be most packs."

Judy laughed. "That does seem to be the case. Thank you Jake, for being so open. These are my Mom and Dad, in town for a visit."

Grinning even wider as he brings the car to a stop outside Therus. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Judy and Nick have done amazing things for this city and the mammals in it. Judy, I know with all the crazies, it can sometimes feel like the whole city is against you, but I promise you, most of us have your backs."

With an even warmer grin, Judy blushes slightly. "Thank you, Jake. That is very kind, and always good to hear."

Opening the door, Judy moves to step out but Jake stops her. "Miss Hopps. Then noticing her ring, his eyes go wide. "Oh wow. It is true! I mean... Mrs. Wilde. Can I get a picture? My mom and brother will never believe me that I gave you a ride."

With an even bigger grin, Judy nodded. 'Of course, Jake. Also, it is WildeHopps. Nick is that as well now."

"Oh, now that is just awesome, and it really works. Thank you again." He shifted in his seat, holding his phone out in selfie mode, Judy getting into position behind him. A few clicks later and Jake drove away with a completely joyful grin on his muzzle.

The rabbits enter the restaurant, Fin standing there, arms crossed and glaring at Judy. "Rabbit! What are you up to now? I've had dozens of cops come through here, even prey cops. It's like this is now one of their favorite lunch spots."

Judy shrugged and laughed. "I didn't do anything, Fin. I mean... Well... I did tell Ben..." Judy paused, eyes going wide. "I told Ben about your burritos. Yeah, that's what happened. Ben is the dispatcher and front desk mammal for precinct one. Big cheetah, in desperate need of a diet."

Fin chuckled. "Oh, that guy. Yeah, he was in here. Come to think of it, the sudden appearance of the cops happened after he left. Okay, in that case you are not directly responsible. Damn, but I need to get another cook or two in here."

Bonnie smiled. "Judy, do you think Terrance and Fiona might be good fits?"

Judy turned to her mom. "Hmm... They might, though this is a predator establishment, even if it does serve us meat eating rabbits."

Fin chuckled. "Yeah, we're switching it up. Expanding the veggie menu. Gives me more room to play with the recipes. Though we're still pred-primary, we're going to be more open to prey that unlike you, don't actually eat meat. Like the cops that keep coming in there. They all seem to be pred-prey pairings."

"Ah, those will all be precinct one officers. Bogo is trying to improve relations in the department and the community based on the model of Nick and I, along with Mike and Lizz. Partners based on skill compliment, like Nick's night vision and my hearing. As well as being Pred-Prey pairings when reasonable."

Fin nodded. "Makes sense. So, a table for you and your parents?"

"Please."

"Anywhere in that section. Nice to meet you again." Pointing. "Erin is out sick, so I'm on my own today until Mark gets in. Since you stole my last server and chef."

"I didn't steal him, I just showed him a path to his dreams and he took it. Again, nothing personal Fin." Turning to her mom. "Do you think Terrance and Fiona would be able to work predator food without issue?"

Bonnie nodded. "Absolutely. Mr. Fin."

Chuckling, Fin shook his head. "Hey, just Fin or Finnick."

"Okay, Fin. Let me give you the number to two of my kits. They're good chef's in their own right, but not up to Henry's caliber. He's our head chef at the warren now. They are eager to work at an actual restaurant where they can expand their skill sets."

Fin nodded. "Sounds right up my alley." Taking the numbers. "The usual?"

Judy nodded. "Please, and berry tea for all of us."

A few minutes later there were three burritos and tea on the table Judy and her parents had chosen. Fin smiling up at them. "Oh. Forgot to tell you and Nick, but rather than going out on my own, I bought this place. Already established, I know the staff, and it has a regular clientele that keeps it in the black generally. I just need a manager so I can focus in the kitchen. Ya know any mammal that might fit that bill?"

Judy shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Fin. I will ask Nick though, and congratulations! We've got your back."

Smiling as he walked away. "I know you guys do, Toot-toot. Enjoy. I used the new seasoning technique on the eggs. It has proven to be really popular."

Bonnie watched the small, deep voiced fox walk away. "So... You know the owner?"

"Well, when we were here last, he was just the cook. As for knowing him, yeah. I know Fin through Nick. Their relationship is a bit... complicated. Fin is as close to a brother to Nick as you can be without being blood related. They were partners when Nick was a con-mammal, and when Nick went straight, it motivated Fin to do so as well. He was always a great cook, and the original owner owed Nick a favor. So we got Fin a job interview, and he apparently wowed the owner. Became head chef, modified the menu, and Therus has been getting more and more popular since. Of course Nick and I pimp it whenever we get the chance."

Bonnie smiled. "That's great, Judy. You had an impact on more than just Nick's life."

Judy gave a small nod as she chewed a bite. "Yeah. It's like Jake. How we impacted his life, just not directly, but a family member. I know exactly the case in question. He was accused of rape, the girl was pressured by the cop and prosecutors, and her family too. Her family fed right into what the cops were doing and never even questioned it. It was clear that they believed that their daughter was intimidated by the wolf and not the cops.

We've tried to make contact with them, but they won't take our calls. I think they wanted to believe the story they were being told and weren't willing to accept the idea that she could fall in love with a wolf. That shows in how they moved to a city where inter-species relationships are fully illegal to the point of jail time.

For every criminal out for us, or family member upset with us for putting their family in jail, there are ten that we impacted positively and we will never know it, and five that we run into, like Jake, to tell us about it."

Bonnie nodded sadly, thinking a moment. "I sure hope that girl doesn't suffer from her family and can get away from that mindset. At least if she does, she has a place to land when she gets here."

Judy nodded in response. "Zootopia is one of the places in the world where inter-species couples, at least on paper, have the same rights as everyone else."

They enjoyed their food in a comfortable silence until Bonnie finished. "Judy. So you are really dragging me around town, shopping? You. Judith Hopps. Shopping?"

With a grin, Judy showed her mother her painted claws. "I even do makeup and some pampering occasionally. Going out with the girls, as well as being with Nick, has helped me break out of the work only and nothing but work, shell."

"Oh, that's great dear. I am so glad you have built such a support system here. Though I guess we didn't give you much choice, it's reassuring to know you really had friends."

"I really do mom. That isn't going to keep Nick and I from coming home to visit. I want you to be sure of that too. We want to visit, and maybe drag some of the family from here, there, if you would have us."

This brought a smile to Bonnie and Stu, Bonnie chuckling. "More than just Maria? Oh, I think we can handle that. You know how we are, just give us warning of who you are bringing."

"We will do that. Definitely drag Lizz and Mike. Plus we have the family get together in the spring. That's going to be something else entirely."

Stu nodded. "Agreed. I called the burrow, and we're starting preparations already. Digging out a whole new guest wing of the burrow. Something we had already planned, but hadn't been able to justify yet."

Judy looked up at the door as the bell rang, smiling as she saw the expected mammals. "And here comes the rest of today's crew." Waving at he group that just entered. "Over here, guys!"

Lizz, Joan and Mikel, Elli and Edward turn with smiles to Judy. Lizz chuckled. "I should have known you would be eating, Judy."

Judy laughed. "As if you aren't hungry?"

"Oh very much so." Yelling into the kitchen. "Fin! I need a burrito."

Fin's deep growl comes from the kitchen. "And what if I don't, stripes?"

With a grin, Lizz yells back. "I'll find a tortilla and make one out of you!"

Fin walked out of the kitchen. "Anyone else got an order?"

Elli looked down at him, then over to Judy. "You really like the food here? Service like this..."

Judy laughed louder. "Oh, his cooking is worth it. He's just short handed, so he's defaulting to his angry and onry mode. Right, Fin?"

Fin rolled his eyes. "Look. I'm sorry, and the meat eating rabbit is right. My main waitress is out, Toot-toot scored my backup cook his dream job the day after I hired the cur. Now she supposedly got her mom hooking me up with a couple of her siblings. Who will be here tomorrow to do a cook test. I purchased this place last week, and since then I've been trying to keep it going. There is just so much. Starting a place from scratch would have been hard, but this is already established, so there is a lot more moving parts."

Judy smiled down at Fin. "Don't worry Fin, I'm sure Nick will know someone to take on the manager position so you can focus on the food."

"Thanks. Now then, y'all want food?"

Elli looked at Judy who nodded with a reassuring smile. "Fine. Give us a minute to look over the menu."

"Cool. I'll be back in a moment with some drinks and such for y'all. You need refill on your tea, Judy?"

"Please, and thank you Fin. Burrito's were as excellent as last time."

A few minutes later, Fin has delivered waters for everyone along with tea refills for Judy, Bonnie, Stu, and one for Lizz. He took the orders and left them alone as he retreated to the kitchen.

Elli turned to Judy. "He's really gruff, what's his deal?"

"Elli, that's Finnic. You know, Nick's old partner. He's going straight, but I think he has bitten off more than he can chew by himself."

"Oh! He was serious then?"

"It seems that Nick and I have been broadcasting the merits of this place more than we realized and on a day where he's short staffed, he has a sudden influx of customers. He knows me and that I won't take offense, so he's using me to vent a bit. The rest of you getting some of the ricochet."

Bonnie sipped her tea with a shake of her head. "And right after he bought the place too. That must be stressful. I don't see him as being too gruff. It kinda fits his voice."

Judy smiled, looking back at the kitchen. "For sure. It isn't that Fin lacks the business skills, he has them, but he's also the head cook, so he either needs more cooks, or a manager, likely both."

A coyote entered the restaurant at that moment, yelling "Finny! What's the matter? What do you need my help for?"

Fin's voice bellowing from the back. "Clara? Oh thank the gods. I'm in the kitchen babe. I need your help with the restaurant."

She ran around the counter and into the kitchen, neither mammal even remotely quiet. "What do you need me to do?" It was clearly less of a question and more a demand for instruction.

"Can you waitress? I know you said you never wanted to do that again, and I hate to ask, but I'm drownin without Erin, and George has classes until four. Everyone else is unavailable too, and the kid that was supposed to interview never showed."

"Oh, Finny. I'm happy to do it for you. You need me to take this stuff out?"

"That would be amazing. Table with the rabbits and predators. Then let the cops in the booth know their stuff is almost ready."

"You got it sweetie."

A moment later, the coyote comes out with a large tray loaded with food and quickly distributes it. Her skill on full display as she balanced the tray. "I hope you all enjoy your meal. Don't let Finny's gruff exterior get to you, he is a real sweetie."

Judy grinned and offered her paw. "So you are the fabled Clara. A pleasure to meet you. Judy WildeHopps. We should hang out some time, if you are up for it. Though clearly you're going to have your paws full today."

"Oh, I know who you are sweetie. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I used to waitress a place three times this size by myself. It's why I promised myself that I'd never waitress again. I'm taking business classes so I can manage a restaurant. That said, I need to help Finny until his regular employee's can get here. I guess he's gotten more business today than he's used to, but it's no big deal for me."

"No worries. Those cops. Their names are Officers Henderson and Yellert. Also, if you are pretty far along in your classes, you might just be the answer to Fin's prayers. He needs a manager for this place."

"Thanks. He hates asking for help as you know." Clara walked away, her sweeter than sugar voice filling the space. "Hi sweeties. Finny will have your food done in just a few. Thank y'all for your patience, officers. Judy said your names were Henderson and Yellert. What precinct you from?" The officers looked over to Judy's table with a smile and a wave that she returned.

Judy's group turned back to themselves, tuning out the conversation in the booth. Judy looking over to the wolves. "Ed, Mikel. Where you planning on taking my dad?"

Mikel smiled and leaned froward. "Well... We were told that he actually has an affinity for weapons, so we figured we'd take him to the Tundra Town Exotics range. Only place you can fire military grade weapons, unless you're on SWAT."

Judy grinned. "Oh, that's perfect. He's a surgeon with his shotgun. Just bring him back in one piece."

Ed nodded. "No worries there Judy, Kevin will take good care of us. So what are you girls doing?"

"The usual. Shopping, a stop at the spa, that sort of thing. I do believe Joan owes Elli a full service hoof job, and I want to get my claws redone. I 'm tired of this color."

Joan groaned. "Really? After all I've done for you?"

With a shrug, Judy giggled. "What? Did you think you'd get away with not? Big thing though is a stop in Vivian's."

All the other girls faces lit up, Lizz going with a full Grin. "Oh, that's right. I have stuff to pick up. Maybe we can get your mom something, Judy."

"That is certainly my hope." Judy turned to Elli. 'So... How's the food."

Elli gave Judy a glare. "Okay. So it is well worth putting up with the surly attitude of the cook."

"Told you." Judy put on her best smug smile "He grows on you." Speaking up. "Like a rash! Anyway, you guys finish up. I'm going to hit the head." Chuckling as she walked and Fin responded.

"Stuff it, Rabbit! I tolerate you because of Red."

Clara laughing. "Finny! Be nice, or I will start telling secrets."

"You wouldn't dare!" Came Fin's horrified shout.

"Finny. You asked me to waitress. I gotta find something to chat with the customers about. So..."

Deep grumbling came from the kitchen. "Fine."

"What do you say?"

More grumbling, before Fin's deep voice came again, somehow softer. "Thank you. Love you."

"You better! Now, is table three and four ready yet?"

"Window."

The collected mammals all chuckled quietly, with lots of smiles. as Clara flitted about, almost never seeming to stop moving. A few minutes later, Judy's group were all heading out, the girls waiting on a Zuber, the guys into Ed's car.

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A/N Keep the reviews and comments coming, it's making Muse happy, which lets me work on this and other things. And also remember, if you see issues, misspellings, etc... Let me know in PM, I'm under no illusion of being perfect and want to fix those things I miss.

If you are truly enjoying this, you can check out my original work by popping over to my blog, Scribblings. You can link to it here: ( Direct: dcballard (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.) and then select Scribblings Blog ( Scribblings ).