Chapter XI

After the event that was faced, somehow Andrew managed to get the job. The fox admitted that he felt really intimated when he met the much older shepherd. It was like he could feel that gaze staring into his soul, looking for anything suspicious about him. He also admitted that the older shepherd was very kind to him which he was grateful for. Andrew did tell Jake that his dad knew what the younger shepherd was planning. In turn, the older one asked a simple question; One that would decide if Andrew would join the ranks.

"I'm sure you're aware of the discrimination that you are receiving. Are you sure you want this? There is a possibility that you may receive further discrimination. I would like an answer." The fox at first wasn't sure, surprised the older shepherd thought it out. But nonetheless, he was sure he wanted it. He did remember asking the much older shepherd why he was concerned, and he saw a smirk form on the chief's face.

"My boy's concern is also mine to bear. I know he has been planning this." To be honest, when Jake heard this, he wasn't too surprised. His father can somehow guess what he was thinking and always guessed right. Well not always, but the majority of the time he was right. He was happy that his father agreed to him, but his brother on the other hand didn't approve of Jake's action. Charles was still butthurt and didn't bother to talk with his brother for a few days. Andrew had to leave for training and got valedictorian; he was to transfer to precinct one. Not everyone was happy to have a fox on the force, but Jake was still happy for his friend.

Today was supposed to be Andrews's first day, and he was excited to have a friend in his workplace. It's not like Andrew was his only friend, since he still has friends in the precinct. However, Jake felt closer to Andrew when they hang out together. Having a good buddy can lessen his stress, or at least that was he hoped. When he saw the red fox enter the precinct with blue in glory, he could see the smile on the fox's face. He could tell he was excited, and funnily enough, Jake was early for once. He approached the fox with a smile, ready to greet his friend.

''Hey, Andrew! I see you made it! It would have been horrible if you were late for your first day!'' The shepherd said, sounding cheerful. If his brother were to hear this, he would have pointed out how fake it sounds. He was never a good actor, to begin with. But in truth, he was indeed cheerful.

''Like, I would be late. You know I'm always on time!'' The fox replied back punching the shepherd's shoulder lightly, going along the banter. The two have been good friends, and Andrew knew he could trust the shepherd. He never felt comfortable talking to mammals that weren't outside his species except Jake.

''I'm just kidding! You know that! I want to give you a small tour around the precinct! So, c'mon!'' The shepherd pulled the fox, dragging him along. The fox resides to his fate, expecting this type of behavior from the canine. The others watched the duo with a raised eyebrows but the two ignored it.

And with that, Andrew was working with the force. At times, Jake would drop by the fox's office to see if he needed help with anything. Since the fox didn't have a partner, he was working alone until he got someone suitable to work with him. Jake was sometimes too busy to drop by since he was working on different cases. At this point, it has been a month after the fox joined the force, and just like his brother expected, the news of a fox working with the side of justice blew up on social media. How did he know this? He sometimes would sometimes slack off during paperwork because he didn't practically enjoy writing down the report. So when he felt bored, he would browse the media, and his brother would be on his case if he catches him. Jake wasn't really impressed by how many mammals were protesting against this. Seriously, the nerves of some mammals saying this is 'unjust'...like they know what justice is. He hoped that Andrew could take this, and if he can't, he can talk to him if he wants.

Three Weeks have passed...

Jake was doing his usual, getting ready to patrol...But he noticed that his friend was getting tense; he could sense that Andrew wasn't doing well. He could assume that the news got to him, and was trying to adjust.

Suddenly, the door burst open and a rabbit ran in while screaming. Andrew approached the bunny, but she declined his help then started to criticize the fox in front of the whole precinct. She was practically screaming:

"Who hired this con-artist!?"

'Foxes are not to be trusted!"

"Get this fox terminated!"

The bunny continued criticizing the fox more and more before an officer escorted her. Jake looked at Andrew, who was in shock. Jake too was in shock. He approached his friend, placing a paw on his shoulder. But the fox shook of the paw on his shoulder as he walked away, clearly not happy. Jake wanted to go after him, but he stopped himself. He convinced himself that he just needed time. So he continued with his work, and left feeling concerned.

Ten more days had passed, and that was when he noticed something. He couldn't see Andrew anywhere, nor find him. He wasn't at the precinct for one week. He kept telling himself that he was taking a break if he didn't see the fox anywhere. But he then received the news when his old man has called him to his office.

''He just left?!'' The younger shepherd exploded, completely forgetting about protocols. The older shepherd was calm, expecting this kind of reaction.

''I don't want to repeat myself, Barkin. He handed me his badge, and stated his reason why he left.'' The older shepherd explained calmly, but it didn't really help the younger shepherd. Instead, it might have worsened it. Jake growled as he turned to leave. ''Where are you going, Barkin?'' The chief inquired.

''Isn't it obvious?! I'm going to his place!'' The shepherd replied, annoyed.

''You don't want to hear what you're friend has to say? He left a personal message to you, and it has every reason why he left.'' The older shepherd pulled out a folded paper, handing it to the younger shepherd. Jake stared at the paper as he rudely grabbed it. The message reads as followed:

"Hey Jake, If you are reading this I'd like to say sorry...I know you've encouraged me to become a police officer and everything. But…I mean... A fox is not trustworthy. Why would a fox become an officer...if they aren't trustworthy? A fox can't become a police officer, and it will always be like that. Don't blame yourself for this...You are a good friend. I had a good time being in the force. I'd like to ask you is that you don't come to find me. I'll cut off all contact with you, because I don't want you digging your hole deeper. As much as it pains me, I still consider you a good friend. I'm forever leaving town, and you would have less chance of finding my location. Please take care of yourself.

Sincerely, Andrew Redwood

The younger shepherd had a hard grip around the paper, crumbling it. He pulled out his phone, not caring if he was in front of the chief. He checked his messages, and sure enough, below Andrews's name had the word 'Blocked'. He wanted to throw his phone...He wanted to throw it bad! But before he could even stretch his arm, he could feel a strong grip around his wrist. He could tell it was his dad since he was the only mammal besides him in this room. ''Let me go.'' He said trying not to sound so angry, but failing at it.

''And let you destroy your device? I don't think so.'' Luke said calmly, but serious as well. He tried shaking the paw off, but it wasn't effective. ''Stop fighting! You should have known this would have happened eventually!''

''Damn it! This just isn't fair! Mammals criticize foxes for being con-artists, and yet they think that their acts are justified?!'' The shepherd replied sharply.

''Jake, calm down," The older shepherd said. ''I understand, but your brother already explained that society isn't what it seems. Do you really think society would just accept a fox in our ranks? The majority of our cases revolve around thieves. Many mammals have been scammed or tricked into giving their money," Luke calmly explained. Jake looked away, not answering. Luke sighed. ''I know...It isn't fair...But this is how society views foxes, and you can't change that. You'll understand when you grow up a bit more.'' The younger shepherd didn't appreciate that and gave his old man a glare.

''I'm just kidding," Luke said with a laugh trying to lighten the mood. He placed his paw on his son's shoulder, showing a kind smile. ''I want you to know it isn't your fault, alright? You'll grow out of it. Now let's head to the bullpen, you are already 10 minutes late.'' And with that, Luke led his son outside his office. But Jake couldn't keep his mind away from the message...

Those nights were really stressful. After being discharged from the hospital, Jake was waiting patiently for Amalia. He couldn't still believe that he told his boss about it with such an attitude. He didn't like that this new feeling was getting in his way, and it shouldn't, but it was getting in the way. In a way, he also feels glad that Amalia was safe. It might be natural for him to worry, but seeing Amalia in danger it suddenly triggers this feeling to go in full defense mode. It was like nothing mattered except for Amalia...Describing this new feeling was very difficult for the poor shepherd to understand. But he was getting a grasp on it, and it was slowly developing.

He wouldn't know what to expect from this visit, so he waited for Amalia to finish her check-up, even though she wasn't hurt to begin with. That is, unless Amalia has a type of sickness that he was not aware of. He was starting to get anxious waiting for the girl. He wanted to burst through the room to check, but he knew he will be kicked out of the hospital if he forced his way in. Before he could even think about approaching the nurse, Amalia was discharged. Finally leaving the hospital, Amalia was silent. They both were, it was a hectic day for both of them and they needed to calm down.

The shepherd glanced at his wristwatch, and realized it was already late, It should've been obvious because of the lack of mammals and the night sky...He thought of the possible situations that could occur if he were to spend the night at a nearby hotel, and he didn't like the many ideas popping in his head. There was a possibility of goons appearing outside the place and bust in, or coming in, shooting ablaze if they have those illegal weapons. His house isn't an option, since the panther knows where he lives and his partner did spy on him; it would make sense that his partner told him. So he would need to head to the not well-known place...Somewhere they won't expect...

He frowned the longer he stood. More time is being wasted. He turned to the girl and based on her expression she seemed tired. He too is fatigued, and sore as well because of the injury he received. It wasn't his first time to have some gauze bandage covering his wound. However, it certainly felt really weird, and it's something he might never get used to. This wound was significant, and the cuts would heal, but it can always be visible; a scar. It didn't sit right with him...Having cuts that can always be seen. He shook those thoughts away. Right now, they need to head to a hotel, or at least a motel to stay for the time being. From there, he'll need to figure out what to do. They cannot keep hiding. He needs an actual plan to catch this fox...

Facing the girl, he knelt down and asked. ''Are you okay? You're not hurt or anything?'' He asked. Jake knew that was a dumb thing to ask, but she just witnessed a huge fight and saw the mammal that killed her father. He still couldn't help but worry. The girl shook her head, and Jake knew that she was still scared. He decided to not push it, and just let her recover. ''Alright, I'll tell you now before I forget. We are not going back to my apartment. We are going to have to stay somewhere far where they might not find you...''The shepherd explained.

The deerling nodded in understanding. She was still scared fruitless. ''Okay...But where are we going...?'' She asked weakly almost as if she wanted to cry. Hearing her scared, it made him feel a slight feeling of protectiveness...It was slowly triggering. He would have jumped straight to comfort her, but he was holding back. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable. So the best thing to do was try and soothe her as best as he can.

''Shh...Calm down...There's no need to be scared. I'm right here.'' He said calmly, trying to soothe her. But it didn't work, instead, she didn't answer and looked away. The shepherd sighed. Sometimes, he wished he had a way with words...''To answer you're other question...I'm not really sure.''

Hearing this filled the girl with hope. ''Then can we go to a place I wanted to go to? I haven't been there in a long time...'' She asked, with the shepherd tilting his head in confusion. It looked like he wanted to know where this place is. ''Well...It's outside of here. It separates this place with a bridge...Me, Mommy, and Daddy used to live in Happy Town.''

The shepherd frowned. Happy Town...Why hasn't he heard of this town? ''What is Happy Town?'' He asked with curiosity.

The deerling rubbed her hooves feeling nervous. ''I-It's a small little town...I-It's almost connected to Zootopia, but you need to drive or take the train there. I-It's kinda like an empty place? B-But there are some mammals living there...It's not completely empty...It's just by the river...'' The deerling explained, though what confused the shepherd was the 'empty' part...Unless if she meant it was a rural area, then maybe...

''So rural...'' He mumbled. ''Can we get there by driving? How well known is that place?'' The shepherd asked. He making this like an interrogation especially with the expression he was making.

The deerling looked uncertain. ''I-I don't know...We took the train when we were moving here...'' The shepherd sighed, because that was not helpful. ''Not a lot of the adults or kids knew what Happy Town is, s-so I-I guess not a lot knew?'' The shepherd thought about this. He can see this place can be a good area to stay...But since it is kind of rural as she makes it out to be, then they can be easily seen and probably get outed by others. Seeing the hesitation on the canine's face, she asked pleadingly ''Please! I-It's somewhere I really wanted to go! I-I know there's a motel...I think?''

''A motel...I guess that can work...'' He mumbled. He could see the pleading eyes, and he was hesitant, but knowing as this was her old home place, he thought it might be a good place to start. ''Well, Alright. But we're only going to be there for four nights. C'mon, let's go.'' Amalia looked happy as she followed the shepherd. He certainly didn't want to spend all his cash on one trip and he doesn't know how far this 'Happy Town' is...He would have returned home and rest, but he didn't want to risk that.

For some reason, the chief decided to drop his vehicle here. He would have not brought it, but since he didn't want to spend all of his cash, he would rather take this option rather than go broke. The shepherd opened the door for the deerling to enter the car. The deerling entered the vehicle as Jake closed the door. The shepherd entered from the other side as he began to start the engine. ''I need to know where Happytown is...'' He mumbled to himself, he opened the map app and typed HappyTown. Sure enough, there was a result, and the drive would take at least three hours at best. He started the engine as he began to drive to the location. However, he would need to stop at the nearby gas station.

The drive itself wasn't too interesting, the two of them were silent, and neither of them was prompt to start a conversation. No one could blame them. It was one of hectic day and they were tired. While the shepherd was driving, Amalia was staring outside, but fell asleep. The Shepherd followed the pointer that was marked on the map. Right now, he was gonna cross a bridge, but he did notice a gas station. He didn't need to refuel on gas, but maybe the girl would want to use the toilet or something. So using his right hand, he shook the girl. He heard a slight groan. ''Hey, Kiddo, we approaching a gas station. Do you need anything? I'll only be stopping by once, so get anything you want.'' The girl slowly nodded as she sat up groggily. The Shepherd pulled over right next to the gas station. Both of them got out of the vehicle, and Jake observed the area. It sure was empty, as Jake noticed only a few cars were here. He turned back and saw Amalia approaching the bathroom with a suspicious-looking mammal. Here's hoping this mammal isn't a pedo. He approached the mammal warily as he heard.

''Sorry, kid. You need to pay up if you want to use the bathroom," The mammal said. The girl whined. She clearly wanted to use it.

''How much?'' The mammal turned to the shepherd with a look as the mammal stated his price. The shepherd paid it as he brought his attention to the girl. ''Is there something you need? I'll be in the store.'' The shepherd told.

''I-I want something to drink...'' Amalia said in almost a whisper. The shepherd raised his eyebrows. If it were him, he would have bought some snacks to go with it so he wanted to be sure.

''Is that all you want? An apple juice?'' The shepherd asked. He was aware that the girl didn't specify what type of drink she wanted. He was just making a joke about how she hated apples with a passion.

''I don't like apples!'' The deerling whispered-yelled. What is causing her to be like this? Maybe she was uncomfortable with the mammal.

''I know, I'm just kidding. You don't have to worry about my allowance. Just take whatever you want, as long as it is not a soft drink,'' he said. He remembered the last time he was on a trip, he bought some soft drinks and he was ever hyper because of the sugar...He was a hassle to deal with when he was on sugar. The girl nodded. ''Alright, off you go. I'll wait here for you.'' The girl rushed in the bathroom closing the door behind her. The shepherd sighed.

''What is a girl like her doing with you officer?'' The mammal asked mockingly. Ah, this is his favorite part. Not the part where he was asking in a mocking tone, but the casual small talk...Nothing better to do, than have some small talk with a stranger about a kid. Life is certainly fun when you're being chased... ''You know, even if you are an officer, it's still suspicious for a kid her age to be around you. How would I know you didn't kidnap the girl?'' Alright...This guy is starting to get on his nerves.

The shepherd almost growled, but refrained. ''I may look 'suspicious' to you, but whether you believe or not, I intend to protect her until her mother picks her up.'' He flashed his badge at the mammal, proving his point. He didn't like this mammal one bit; Jake wanted to get away from this creep.

''Fair point, I suppose.'' The mammal said, giving up so easily. The shepherd put away his badge as he waited in silence. He was lucky this mammal took the hint since he didn't want to talk in the first pla- ''Where are you headed?'' And... speaking of the devil...Why is he asking that? He would have thought it was just curiosity, but with the events that lead up to this...he can't help but feel uneasy about this. He was already having the 'What If's' symptoms. Don't make it worse!

''Not relevant.'' The shepherd answered.

''Not relevant? You look like you are from outside of town. You rarely see mammals come here, and most of all you rarely see canines like yourself in Zootopia.'' The canine didn't answer. ''Fine, where are you from?'' Still no reply. The mammal frowned, he received the hint. Jake didn't want to talk in the first place. This guy made him feel like he was prying for information even though it might not be his intention, or he wanted to have someone to talk to. But would you speak with them, if they were the ones who called you suspicious?

After what seems like hours. The girl finally came out of the bathroom, and with that, they entered the store and bought whatever the girl wanted. It's gonna be at least an hour before they arrive in Happy Town. Just like he predicted, Amalia ended up buying more than what she asked. An orange juice, a candy bar, and some small snacks. Jake only ended up buying a water bottle for himself, as he wasn't the least bit hungry. He could tell the girl was hungry because she was munching down on some of her potato snacks as he was driving. The shepherd would need to contact Clawhauser about his location soon, so the Chief could send him his backup. He has a bad feeling that the panther would follow them and find them very soon.

As he continued to drive, he glanced at the map. Only a few blocks to go...Looking back at the road, he couldn't see that well in the dark, but he could make out a building in the distance as well as a sign that reads 'Happy Town'. He was getting closer and closer, until he was close enough that he stopped. Scanning the area, he could see that this place was run down.

''So, this is Happy Town...''