I'm dead. I'm so dead. Nick thought to himself, at the back seat of a luxurious limousine. What was the problem with that? It wasn't anyone else's than Mr. Big's. The doors were closed in case he decided to escape. At least that's what Nick thought.

He hoped he was safe from the mafia boss even when he decided to become a police officer. Of course, it was a stupid idea! Just because he lets Judy pass, doesn't mean I can be a cop too. Not with things I know that could get him behind bars for a lifetime. But why didn't he warn me first? He waited out the 4 months I've spent training and now he decided to get rid of me? Why? Why now?

Maybe… Maybe if I convince him I won't talk about him to anyone? But how can I do that? Mr. Big isn't the kind of mammal who takes chances. His trust is hard to be earned and I… He thought about the skunk butt rug accident. I threw his trust away once...

I could warn him about Judy too… I could tell him that she will search for me no matter what? No, that would just get her in trouble. Mr. Big doesn't take threats lightly. If I threatened him with Judy we both would get into a mysterious 'accident'. There is a good reason nobody was able to accuse him of anything so far. No clues are ever left where his paws were behind the deaths.

While panicking, and thinking about how he could get out of this situation, something dropped next to him. It was a nice black suit and white shirt, with a red necktie. Nick looked at the clothes, then glanced at the driver in confusion.

"Get dressed." The polar bear gave the short instruction while staring menacingly at the fox from the rearview mirror.

That stare made Nick gulp in fear. He had no idea if he should ask what will happen to him. He had an idea. But he just couldn't help but let the question slip out. "Where are we going?"

"Boss' daughter birthday. He also want to talk. Private."

For some reason, Nick calmed down a bit. Mr. Big certainly wouldn't ice me on his daughter's birthday, right? But again, a worrying thought crept its way into his mind. The wedding didn't stop him back then. If Judy wasn't there… a shiver ran through his spine.

He looked at the suit he was given. It wasn't a cheap one that's for sure. At a touch, it felt smooth, probably made out of cashmere.

"Hey, I know you have a thing for foxes but Can you roll up the window between us?" Nick asked, looking at the bear. Not like he was shy to dress up or anything. If that bear was interested in his upper body so be it. But he couldn't ignore that frightening stare.

His traveling companion blew some air out of his nose and slowly rolled up the blackened window between them.

Okay… let's get to it." Nick whispered and started to undress to change into his newfound suit. The fact that it seemed to be perfectly his size, made Nick shiver a bit. Mr. Big seems to know a lot about him. What else does he know?

He looked at his reflection and was impressed by how well he looked in the night dark suit. At least I can die dressed up nicely. The quick thought passed his mind but shushed it away. He tried diverting his attention by looking outside. They were somewhere in Tundratown, meaning they will shortly arrive. It was already night. When they 'kidnapped' him, the sun was preparing to set but now the moon was already high up. He saw the familiar fence and the luxurious house

His escape was now or never. He could take down maybe both the driver and the other passenger without any problem. Nick learned a lot of new fighting tactics during his training. But he had no idea how many other guards would be there. Is fighting even worth it? What's the plan after escaping?

As he was wondering they rolled into the parking yard. It was time to decide what to do. Hit or stay? Escape or wait? They stopped, and both front doors opened. Mr big won't ice me, right? He wouldn't do that to… the suit he just gave me. Nick's heart in his chest kept on pounding faster and faster when the door finally opened. He was about to move in for a hit when he spotted someone he didn't want to meet with right now "Judy… Hey… You're here." Nick chuckled with hidden pain. We're done for. He tried forcing a smile on his face but he couldn't. He could already see the morning headlines. 'Two officers found frozen dead'. But why is she here?

"Nick! I'm so glad you're here. At first, I didn't know if you got an invitation too or not, but it seems like you did."

"Heh… Yeah... Invitation." Nick glanced at the Bear who drove him here after basically kidnapping him. Now, however, his escape plan was completely ruined. There was no way he could fight his way through everyone. Maybe if he explained everything to Judy?

"Come." A strict voice commands them, that Judy followed without any second thought. Well, she probably isn't the one who is in danger right now. Having no other option Nick hurried next to his partner. Judy wore a simple blue dress with a silver necklace. It was something from the costly category, so if Nick had to guess, it was another generous gift from Mr. Big. He couldn't help to think about if Judy was allowed to change at her home, or was forced to do it in the car too.

"You look great." Nick tried to forget how bad the situation was by interacting with the only mammal he was comfortable talking with at the moment.

Judy gave a warm slime "Thanks! Yesterday, we spent the whole day with Frufru, trying to figure out what I should wear. This one is a more modest one. You should have seen the ones she suggested. And what about you, handsome? Did you hang out with Mr. Big yesterday?" Judy elbowed Nick playfully

Of course, I wasn't. I didn't even know about this little party to begin with. Yesterday I… Visited my mother. Nick recalls his tearful reunion. He hasn't seen her since starting the hustling business. At first, he thought it would last for a few days until he managed to find a real job. But as time passed, he was just too ashamed to meet her again. Nick only gathered the strength to do that after graduation from the academy. And she will probably learn about my death tomorrow morning...

"Is everything alright?" Judy slowly picked up on Nick's hesitation and slightly frightened expression.

Would she understand? But even if she did, what could they do? Nick opened his mouth for an answer but was immediately cut short because of a squeal of a shrew.

"Oh, my Gawd Judy! It's so nice to see you!" Frufru, hurried to greet them "You look so beautiful! However, I still stand by my statement. That pink dress would have been better."

"Hi!" Judy smiled and seemed like she completely forgot about Nick's unusual behavior. "How is my goddaughter doing?"

"Sleeping like an angel."

"Oh! that being said...'' Judy reached into her left pocket and took out a smaller box, that was about the size of the quarter of her paw. "This is for that little rascal." She reached into her other pocket, pulling out a similar-sized wrapped gift. "And this one's for you!"

"Ahhhw you shouldn't have!"

Yeah, Judy, you shouldn't have… Nick thought to himself as his paws were empty. So he just dumbly smiled at them, hoping nobody would see that he had nothing to show as a gift. Sometimes he added something to the topic the two girls were talking about but other than that he just watched as time passed by. When finally Mr. Big arrived too, he gave a hug to his daughter.

"Happy Birthday!"

"Ah thank you!"

"And Judith! It is nice to see you!" He gave two kisses on her cheek, which Judy had to lean down a bit for. "Mr. Wilde." Nick didn't get any other greeting gesture other than a deep look into his eyes. Deep and threatening look

Yep, I'm in big trouble. Nick thought to himself

As they finished the dinner Nick hoped that it was all and they were allowed to leave. Nick stood up, followed Judy, but a calm and strict voice stopped him.

"Mr. Wilde… I would like to change a few words with you."

Nick stopped in his tracks and gulped. "Well I'm really tired can't we discuss..." He started and tried to slip through the door, but a polar bear cut his way out and locked him inside

"Nick?" Judy's voice was heard outside. "Are you coming?"

"Y-yes. Just give me a few minutes. It's alright, I wanted to… Discuss a few things with Mr. Big."

After a bit of silence, Judy finally spoke "...Okay. I'll wait."

"It won't take long..." He finally turned back and looked at the shrew.

"So… You've officially become a police officer." Mr. Big started "Please… Accept my congratulation."

"Thank you, sir." Nick nodded

"Why don't you sit down?" Mr. Big calmly said and pointed at a seat.

"Ahh, no thank you… I have this thing with my neck and…" Nick said but looking at one of Mr. Big's bodyguards, he nodded. "Alright. I'm sitting down."

"Hmm… Where to begin I'm in a tight situation, Mr. Wilde, and I don't like to be in those." Mr. Big leaned forward, which made him even more threatening. "Do you know how lucky of a fox you are?"

What is even a good answer for that? Nick hesitated and nodded. "Yes. I have an idea."

"Not everyone gets to say they got a second chance. And… I gave you a third one too."

"Yes, sir I know and I really appreciate your kindness." Nick blurted, but Mr. Big gave an 'I'm not done yet' look, which made Nick close his mouth.

"Now… Mr. Wilde. I have nothing against the police officers, I really don't. They help me clear the streets from pity criminals, so I can do my things more easily. Things get more… how to say it… complicated when officers decide they want something bigger… So I will share my concerns with you. You know certain... things… that can get me into a bit uncomfortable situation, yes?"

Nick gulped. Seems like his assumption was right. Mr. Big was worried about the things Nick knew about him, and he wanted to deal with the loose ends. "Sir… I can… I assure… I won't!" Nick was searching for words. He saw with his own eyes that pleading and reassuring isn't working with the shrew. He could already feel the ice-cold water on his fur that will most likely be his end. I always hated the cold. Why can't I get a more peaceful death?

"As I said," Mr. big raised his right arm to shut the fox up. "You are a lucky fox. So if you say you won't do anything with the information you have, I'm forced to believe you."

This little comment made Nick somewhat less anxious. The hope that he could leave unharmed slowly slipped into his mind. Thank you, sir, I appreciate it." Was that it? Am I allowed to leave?

"Now for my second question..." To Nick's surprise, Mr. Big gave a sign for the guard to leave. This gesture seemed to confuse the polar bear too. "Please, I have some private matters to discuss with Mr. Wilde here."

A deep voice was heard behind Nick. "Sir, are you sure?"

"Yes, I am Koslov. Why don't you check on my daughter?"

After a bit of hesitation, he nodded. "Alright, sir."

The door closed, and they were alone together. Even now, the shrew was terrifying but less dangerous… Hopefully. "So. Tell me, Nicholas, what is your deal with Judith?"

Nick just sat there for a few seconds. Not only because it was the first time he was referred to as 'Nicholas' by Mr. Big but the fact that he wanted to know what his deal was with Judy. "Well… Ummm… We will probably be partners at the ZPD. Partners in crime." He chuckled at his lame joke and looked at the mafia boss, whose expression didn't change in any direction.

"I'm not interested in that part." He shook his head. "I want to hear your perspective on a more… emotional level."

"Wh… What?" Nick was a bit shocked and even questioned himself if this was real. Am I dreaming or Mr. Big is actually asking me about what relationship I have with Judy?

The shrew sighed. "I'm going to ask this another way. All I need is a yes or a no answer and be honest. You are free to go whatever your answer might be. Do you love her?"

Alright, it's definitely a dream. Nick sat there, with raised eyebrows. Do I love her? Why does he ask that? We do have… something but we don't know what that is yet. It's just… Why does he ask that? "Y-es. Yes I love her." Nick claimed and waited. Waited for anything to happen that could explain this whole conversation. He thought Judy would run inside laughing, shouting that It was just a prank. Or anything. But nothing happened. Mr. Big just thoughtfully stared into Nick's eyes, then suddenly leaned back.

"Very well. You may leave now." He just said like the previous conversation didn't even happen, or as if he already forgot. "You two can come here anytime for some help if someone needs to be… Interrogated. But only If I can count on your discretion of course. Nobody else is allowed to know about this, not even family. And don't even think about bringing another co-worker of yours here."

"Yes. Yes, and thank you."

"You are one lucky fox, Nicholas… One lucky fox."

"I know, sir." Nick smiled. He wouldn't have dared to do this before, thinking Mr. Big would see it as disrespect.

"Please, call me Maurice."

Nick stopped in his tracks and looked back at the shrew with widened eyes. Did he just… That's an entirely new level of trust, considering that he is a mafia boss. "Well… Ahm… Goodnight Maurice… Sir."

"You can keep the clothes. Consider it as a gift. And please tell Koslow he can come back, will you?"

"Of course." With that Nick just left the room. He still waited for some kind of trap, but he was allowed to leave. His mind kept on playing the past minutes on repeat. How he felt afraid, confused, surprised, and every combination of those. But most importantly that last question. 'Do you love her?'. Like some kind of dad talk to the boyfriend of his daughter. Is that the case? Does he look at Judy as a family member? But how does he know that… Nick's eyes widened. Does he also know about that night?

He finally saw Judy chatting with Frufru. When she saw Nick returning, Judy gave a barely noticeable relief sigh. It seems like some of the horrible situations passed her mind too. "Hey! What were you discussing with Mr. Big?"

"Just this and that." He shrugged. "Wanted me to join the dark side, and now I will serve as a spy to let him know everything that happens at the ZPD"

"Really?" Her ears dropped. A lot of possibilities crossed her mind but that one didn't.

"No, of course not! Dumb bunny. We mainly talked about this..." With that, he kissed the rabbit who got caught absolutely off guard. Her ears suddenly perked up and turned red. She didn't pull away but seemed like she considered it.

When Nick finally broke the kiss, he saw the effect he caused. Judy didn't count on this little move of Nick. "You… kissed him?" Judy tried joking but it didn't have the effect she wanted.

"Ahwww that's so Nice!" A third voice joined. Frufru was still there, looking at the couple.

"Wasn't a surprise to you, was it?" Nick asked from the shrew but glanced at Judy.

Nick didn't need anything else from the shrew other than a giggle. She still said. "Judy did say this and that yesterday."

"Ohhh did she?" Now he gave a smug grin started at the rabbit who gave two small, embarrassed nods. "Did she also talk about the night before the test?"

Upon this comment, Judy jumped straight up and covered the fox's muzzle. "I think it's time for us to go." She chuckled nervously and grabbed the fox's tie. "Thank you for the night, and again, Happy birthday!"

"Hi Judy, Hi Nick!"

"It's a shame we can't stay longer." Nick quickly added. "I would gladly talk about the details. You have no idea how flexible rabbits A…" He couldn't finish as a well-timed stomach hit stopped him from doing so.

Behind his smug grin, Mr. Big's words echoed in his head. 'You are one lucky fox.'. And he was right. Couldn't be luckier.