Chapter 8: Palm Hotel & Casino Royale - Part 1

Judy's thoughts were as bouncy as her steps as she carried a grocery bag up the six flights of stairs to Nick's apartment. All throughout the past few days, flashes of that movie scene occasionally jumped to the forefront of her mind. A fox and a bunny together. Granted, it was just a movie, those were actors playing out a scene, and they were a buck and a vixen, not a doe and a tod. She didn't know exactly what she had felt when she kept that lingering gaze towards Nick. They both hadn't said a word about it after the fact. Perhaps she was just being silly and it was her imagination playing with her when she saw how Nick looked back at her before he bolted off the couch that night.

She hadn't seen him for three days since her siblings ended up staying an extra day and she was called in for additional shift at the station. Normally, she didn't mind the extra work because she loved her job and the satisfaction she received from helping others never felt like a chore. Judy only wished she could have spent those days on the beat alongside her partner. Nick would finally be returning to work tomorrow from his suspension and this made her gleefully happy.

The bunny reached the door and a mischievous smile formed on her muzzle. She took out the spare key that Nick gave her and decided to surprise him. Opening the door, she hopped in and made her entrance known, "Surprise Slick!"

However, there was no fox in the living room or the kitchen. Suddenly her ears turned towards the side wall when she heard what sounded like some swearing, some shuffling, a drawer being hastily shut, and her best friend emerging from his office while closing the door behind him.

"Hey, it's Officer Fluff!" he exclaimed with a big grin while readjusting his tie. Today he was wearing his usual green shirt and his dad's tie.

Judy raised a suspicious eyebrow and teased him, "Doing something sly back there, Nick?"

"Moi? Well, I do believe I'm innocent before proven guilty in a court of law, Officer," he mockingly gestured with a paw in the air then changed the subject. "What's in the bag?"

Rolling her eyes at his theatrics, she headed to the kitchen and set the grocery bag onto the counter, "I saw you had some baking cookware last time I was here, so I bought some ingredients for us to bake a pie together! I called my parents to see if they could ask Gideon Grey for his blueberry and rhubarb with vanilla pie recipes and he was happy to share. My brothers brought it with them when they came to visit. You get to pick which one we'll make!"

Now it was Nick's turn to eye her curiously, "You bake?"

"What? Think I can't handle baking? You're worried I'm gonna burn and ruin the pie?"

"I'm worried you might burn and ruin my new oven," he paused to smirk. "And the whole building with it."

She glared at Nick before launching herself at him. He saw it coming and tried to put the couch between himself and Judy. The two circled around a few times when the bunny simply jumped over the sofa in one hop, caught him, and gave him a light tap.

"No, no, no, ow… that's not fair!" Nick rubbed his arm in exasperation. He needed to stop underestimating Judy's bunny agility

"Life's not fair, sweetheart," she mocked him with the same phrase he used on her at the park on their first day of work together when Nick refused to share his middle name.

The fox chuckled as he followed the bunny back into the kitchen, "A bunch of your brothers came over, is that what you said?"

"That's right. They didn't tell me it was going to be a bachelor party until they were already here," she said while unpacking the ingredients.

Nick was leaning against the counter and his ears perked up, "Whoa now. A bunny bachelor party? What's that like? You all sit around getting drunk on carrot moonshine and then draw carrots on the muzzle of the poor rabbit getting hitched after he passes out while taking incriminating photos for the bride to be?"

Judy stared at the ceiling as she sighed and couldn't help but laugh at Nick's ridiculous assumption.

"Har. Har. No. They wanted to go out and have some fun in the city. We went to a few bars. I was basically their babysitter, making sure they didn't overdo it and get into trouble. I teased them that I would arrest them if they did anything bad."

"Sounding like a party pooper there, Carrots. You should have taken them to the Mystic Springs Oasis. Those boys would have gotten a real kick out of that," he winked, making Judy shoot him another icy glare. Nick was tempted to start an internal glare counter for the night. He was already up to two and counting.

"No. And my brothers love me thank you very much. I actually get along with them better than my sisters. We played soccer all the time as kits. I thought it was a great way to stay in shape once I knew I wanted to be a police officer. I was even on the Bunnyburrow High School Doe's Varsity team," Judy smiled with pride.

"While I was sixth string and a benchwarmer on the track team." Nick playfully wiggled an eyebrow at her, making Judy chuckle, as he reached over to grab the pie recipes, "So these recipes are from that fox who lives in Bunnyburrow? The one you went to school with?"

"Yup."

"Seems like you have a thing for making friends with the mammals in red. We are irresistible after all," he smirked.

The bunny broke eye contact for a moment with a chuckle but the subtle split second shift in body language and the ever slightly nervous laugh did not go unnoticed to Nick. His expression softened and he leaned closer. Normally, he would let it go but he felt compelled to prod further this time.

"Carrots? Did I say something wrong?"

Turning back to face him, Judy scanned his face with her eyes. Leave it to Nick to pick up on the smallest change in anything. She knew he could be incredibly observant and perceptive when he really wanted to be. "No. It's just that… there is one thing I never shared with you."

Nick straightened up and it was his turn to scan her face while he patiently waited for Judy to speak.

Taking a breath, Judy met his gaze before continuing, "Remember when I told you and your Mom how I knew I wanted to be a Police Officer by the time I was nine at the Carrots Day Festival school play?"

The fox nodded and gave her a small sincere smile.

Smiling back, Judy clasped her paws together, "Well, some of my classmates thought that was the dumbest thing they ever heard, especially Gideon Grey. It was the first time my parents found out about my big dream too. Imagine their shock. After the play was over, they tried to talk me out of it. While they were encouraging me to be a carrot farmer, I saw a few of my friends heading away from the fair with prize tickets. Then I saw Gideon and his ferret friend, Travis, follow them. I got suspicious and snuck away to keep an eye on them."

"Starting your career early, I see," Nick quietly teased.

Judy smirked for a moment. "I caught up to them as Gideon bullied my friends and took their tickets. I stepped in to stop him and demanded he give those tickets back. He didn't take too kindly to me standing up to him so he shoved me to the ground while he and Travis laughed. I was scared for a moment but then I kicked him in the face. He attacked me with his claws, slashed my left cheek, and shoved my face into the dirt. Told me I was never going to be anything more than a 'stupid carrot-farming dumb bunny' and left. I managed to steal the tickets back while he was taunting and hovering over me."

The bunny looked back up to her partner. Nick didn't realize he was holding his breath for awhile and exhaled. His eyes were wide and mouth slightly open, mixed expressions of shock, sadness, and anger passed through his face. Judy could see he was struggling with his thoughts. It was a rare sight to see Nick Wilde so speechless.

Still at a loss for words, Nick slowly raised his right paw and reached over to Judy. She let him gingerly brush his finger pads across her left cheek where he could feel the remnants of the three claw marks hidden underneath her soft gray fur.

The fox finally found his words seething with disgust, "How could anyone do that to you? This explains so much. No wonder you had that fox repellent..."

Watching his ears flatten and his expression sour at the thought of another fox attacking her, she quickly grabbed his paw with both of hers and held it, "No, no, Nick. I should have never taken it with me. I thought I had gotten over it at the time but maybe subconsciously I never did. My dad gave it to me because he was so concerned when I was leaving for Zootopia and I took it so he would stop worrying. But that's no excuse. I should have thrown it away."

"I'm surprised you never told me. And now we're baking this jerk's pies? Why?" a rare moment of rage briefly flared up in Nick's voice.

She squeezed his paw in the hopes of calming him, "It's not like I never wanted to tell you, Nick. It just… never came up? You know… I actually bumped into Gideon three months after the Missing Mammal press conference, after I had quit the ZPD and went back to Bunnyburrow, at our roadside produce stand. He sincerely apologized for everything he had said and done back then. And I forgave him." Judy began to gently brush his paw with her own while smiling. "Would you believe that it was because of him and my parents, I made the real connection about what Nighthowlers really were? He happened to mention that's what his family called the plants since my Dad actually used them to keep bugs away from the crops. Once I knew, I immediately drove back to the city looking for you."

Nick looked away, letting his anger slowly evaporate. He closed his eyes and sighed. Dwelling on the past wasn't going to get them anywhere. Part of him still wished he had known what happened earlier. Perhaps he would not have stormed out of the press conference. It wasn't becoming of him to let all this show how much it was getting to him. He let it go.

"Okay Carrots. If you forgave him, then I won't say anything more," he quietly replied with downcast eyes.

Judy released his paw, moved closer, and wrapped her paws around his waist and hugged him.

Nick moved his paws behind her back and returned the squeeze, "This better be one hell of a rhubarb pie or I'm driving to the burrows myself and making him eat it."

His partner laughed into his shirt and squeezed him once more before letting go. Judy was glad to hear the humor return and looked up, "Sounds like we're making rhubarb pie with vanilla!"


Two hours later, despite both of their best efforts, they somehow managed to ruin the pie. Judy was disappointed. They were eating what they could salvage. It wasn't completely terrible. Maybe a little. She eyed Nick, waiting for the onslaught of 'a country bunny who can't cook' jokes but they never came. He was sitting next to her, chin on one paw, humoring her by eating the pie quietly. His portion was layered in extra vanilla to help cover some of the burnt after taste.

"Well, I guess we won't be going on any cooking shows anytime soon," he quipped while giving her a half-lidded smirk after swallowing another bite.

"Next time we'll get it right," she chuckled in between chews.

"As long as we aren't actually practicing to burn the place down. Arson gets you three years in the slammer."

This earned him another glare and a tap on the shoulder which he took in stride. Luckily, Nick had a bunch of snacks stocked in his pantry, so they were able to eat their fill and not starve for the night.

Later in the evening, the bunny found herself sitting on the couch replying to some family texts on her phone while Nick was in the kitchen cleaning up their baking mess. She had insisted on helping but Nick would have none of it and scooted her away much to her chagrin. Judy decided to fire up their word game. It was her turn in the final round. Nick was still in the lead. She furrowed her brows in determination for one last word play. She had five letters left and scanned the board for the best scoring opportunity. After several minutes of brainstorming, she almost felt defeated, when at the last moment she saw a word she could extend into a double point tile. Judy bit her lip, entered four letters, and hit the accept button. The game played a music chime as she scored seventy-eight points and the victory jingle sounded off.

"YES!" she whooped as she literally jumped several feet into the air off the cushion with a victorious fist pump.

Nick's ears twitched as he turned around to see what the commotion was about when his own phone beeped and diverted his attention back to the device. Picking it up, his eyes grew into saucers, and he had to laugh while gesturing into the air with his free arm. Leave it to Judy to be the first mammal to best him by three whole measly points. "WHIZBANG, huh? Well, Officer Fluff, I am impressed. You outfoxed a fox."

She scampered over, saving a screenshot of her victory on her phone, "See Slick, looks like I ended up on top." she taunted with the slightest hint of a sultry tone and a teasing scowl while pointing an accusatory finger at him. "Don't think I wasn't aware of your innuendos when we started playing."

He eyed Judy while scratching his chin and tried to play it cool. Nick raised his paws pretending to lift an imaginary crown off his head and placed it on the top of hers, "And announcing our new champion, Jude the Gude!"

"Hey! Don't call me that… wait, Gude?" she paused.

Nick winked before returning to wash the last set of dishes while she pondered the word he just said. She looked up words that could rhyme with Jude and found it, "Clever fox."

The rest of the evening passed by with the two of them watching a Paw and Order marathon on TV. Nick couldn't understand how Judy never got tired of anything cop or crime related, though, it did seem to make sense considering how passionate she was about being a police officer. At some point Nick nodded off and woke up later staring at his ceiling. The living room was dark with nothing but the TV light illuminating the space. Stretching his neck forward off the back of the sofa, he glanced at the clock, and nearly started when he saw the time. 2:26AM. Then he suddenly became acutely aware of a small weight on his lap.

His partner had also fallen asleep and she was using his right leg as a pillow. At least this wasn't as bad as accidently being used as a personal body pillow so many weeks ago. Nick slowly slid off the couch while cradling her head onto the cushion. He gently nudged at her shoulder and whispered, "Carrots. C'mon, it's late…wake up, sleeping bunny… Carrots!"

All he got in return was a shift to her other side and a small groan. Judy was out like a rock. Not having too many days off to rest lately, she must have been really exhausted. Scratching his ears, Nick contemplated what to do. He felt bad about trying to wake her but he didn't want to leave her on the couch either. Even if he let her sleep here, her police uniform was back at her apartment. After a moment, the fox leaned down to gently scoop up the bunny and carried her into his room. It was amazing that she didn't wake up. Once she was tucked in, he quietly grabbed a bunch of spare blankets and a pillow and headed back to the living room. His couch was large enough to become a makeshift bed.

Seeing her phone and keys on the counter, another idea popped into Nick's head. Grabbing the keys, he decided to head over to her apartment and pick up her uniform and bring it here so she could get her rest. Hopefully, she didn't think this gesture would be weird with him going inside her apartment without her. Once outside, the early morning air was chilly but refreshing as the quiet sounds of the sleeping city lulled him into a peaceful state of mind as he sauntered north down the sidewalk with paws in his pockets.

Returning back home over an hour later, Nick silently hung Judy's uniform over the office door and tossed a pillow and the spare blankets onto the couch. Nick lay there with arms crossed behind his head, staring at the ceiling, thinking about what Judy shared earlier in the afternoon. Sighing, his thoughts meandered on how the two of them shared a similar experience at practically the same age, even though it was eight years apart. He allowed his experience to taint his personal and world view and lead him down a negative road in life. Judy used her experience to further fuel her dream through stubbornness and determination and kept pushing forward. Meanwhile, he was the one who had stumbled backwards and fell. Despite being a predator and twice her size, she was really the strong one. The one who hadn't let others get to her, the right way.

A half grin formed on his snout. What a funny turn of events, that he fulfilled his old Junior Ranger Scout oath twenty-five years later, through a chance meeting with a country bunny girl from the burrows, and becoming a police officer. Stretching his crossed arms out one last time, he placed his paws across his stomach and closed his eyes.


It was approaching 5:30AM, when Judy's biological clock tugged her violet eyes open and she raised herself up onto her paws. She was in a very large bed. A non-rickety, comfortable, and soft bed. Her ears perked up and her nose began to twitch as she took in her surroundings before her mind could catch up. She was still in Nick's apartment and sleeping in his bed. The bunny threw the covers off and bolted for the door. The rising sunshine through the window informed her it was still very early in the morning and she remembered her uniform was back at home. And where was Nick?

Swinging the door wide open, the bunny was greeted with two unexpected sights. First, she saw her uniform hanging off a clothes hanger from the open office door to her left, and to her right, was Nick, completely curled into a ball, dozing on the couch.

"Oh…," Judy smiled, her paw finding its way over her heart. Nick had gone to get her officer's uniform and moved her over to his bed. She thought that was so sweet of him.

Judy tip toed over to him. She leaned over to look at his sleeping face. He looked so calm with traces of a small smile tucking away at the back of his lips. His deepened breathes created a very low sort of rumbling growl. Instinct should have made her scared of that sound but instead she found it endearing.

The bunny reached out to gently caress his right ear and quietly sung into it, "Nick. Nick, wake up, sleepy fox. You actually have to go to work today. Nick…"

"Ugh…" was the response she got as he stirred awake and let out a great big predatory yawn, following by smacking of his lips, and his eyes barely opened. Slowly scanning the room, his eyes soon settled on a pair of large violet irises just inches from his face.

"Whoa, Carrots!" he muttered as he practically jolted straight and soon found himself off the couch and onto the floor at her feet.

It took a lot of effort for Judy not to laugh at his reaction, "I'm so sorry Nick, I was trying to wake you gently." She had kneeled over him and offered to help him up.

"I'm awake… I'm awake… thanks. Still better than one of those awful alarms," he said as he took her paw and stood up and stretched.

"You went all the way to my place to get my uniform?"

He scratched the back of his neck, "Yeah, I hope you don't mind. I tried to wake you, but I swear Carrots, I think you could sleep through the apocalypse."

"Not at all. That was sweet of you, Nick," she chuckled while hugging the fox. "Let me make you some coffee. We will finally be together on the beat again today!" Judy hopped excitedly into the kitchen.

"Wouldn't miss it," Nick smirked as he sleepily headed into his room to change.


The two officers entered the large reception area of the ZPD to be greeted by an ecstatic Clawhauser. The bubbly cheetah was really happy to see Nick again. He was even happier when Nick produced a small box of donuts for him.

"Here you go big guy, thanks for the gifts," he winked at a gasping Clawhauser while handing over the baked goods.

Clawhauser picked up on the plural use of the word and showed his appreciation, "Oh Nick, anytime buddy." He immediately began to stuff his muzzle with the fresh pastries.

Judy and Nick entered the noisy bullpen which became even rowdier once Nick stepped in behind her. Several of the officers cheered and whistled for his return which he acknowledged with some winks and nods. They took their usual shared front row seat.

The bunny noticed that Higgins was standing by the podium this morning, going through some papers. Usually this meant something important might be going on. Chief Bogo's silhouette soon appeared on the other side of the door.

"Atten-hut!" the hippo ordered as the Chief entered the room.

The bullpen began to chant, "Hut! Hut! Hut!" as Bogo made his way to the podium and took the files from Higgins, who took his seat in the middle row, while the Chief silenced the room.

"Alright, that's enough! I have a special annoucement to make this morning," Bogo began.

"Don't worry, I missed you too, Sir!" Nick jabbed in there.

Judy pawpalmed and was ready to smack Nick but ended up having to leave her paw over her mouth to keep herself from laughing too hard. The rest of the bullpen erupted in laughter and snickering.

Bogo narrowed his eyes at Nick and a vein popped on his forehead, "Wilde. You will shut it right now or you'll be on parking duty for a month!"

Everyone quickly quieted down and waited for the Chief to continue, "This morning I received a call from an Agent with the Mammal Bureau of Investigation. Several of you have been requested to participate in a very important undercover mission. The following Officers will report to the conference room in one hour: Officers Fangmeyer, Wolfard, McHorn, Trunkaby, Hopps, and Wilde. We have another officer arriving from Precinct Two who will also be assisting in this mission. I will meet you all again at 9:30."

The six officers exchanged glances while Chief Bogo finished handing out the day's assignments to the rest of the bullpen and dismissed everyone. They all gathered in the lobby for a short time pondering what this secretive mission could be amongst themselves. After decided to take the opportunity to eat some extra breakfast in the breakroom, the small group was lounging around the conference room waiting for the hour to pass. Most of the gathered officers had also been there for the poker night fiasco, so Nick took the opportunity to thank them for the gift they bought him.

Bogo arrived before the hour hit and called for everyone's attention, "Alright. The officer from Precinct Two has just arrived. Allow me to introduce Officer Brian Ardwulf." The buffalo moved away from the door frame to reveal a small gray timber wolf with amber eyes and a friendly smile.

Nick immediately removed his aviators and a huge grin formed on his snout, "Nose!?"

His former ZPA classmate saluted and came into the room, "Nick! Buddy! So good to see you again!"

The fox and wolf came together in a bro hug and patted each other on the shoulders. Nick crossed his arms and gestured to his buddy's snout, "They trying to make this little op easier by having you sniff the bad guy out for us?"

"Hah. If only it would be that easy, right? Did they bring you to hustle the guy into pleading guilty?" Brian grinned. "That would make it even easier."

The two shared a chuckle while Judy made her way next to Nick and glanced between the two predators. Nick placed a paw on Judy's shoulder, "Brian, I'm sure you remember my partner, Officer Judy Hopps?"

"How could I not? She did give us our badges after all! Hi Judy, I heard a lot about you from Nick at the Academy," he extended his paw towards the bunny.

Shaking his paw, Judy smiled. "Hi Brian! I remember you from the ceremony too. I didn't realize you and Nick were friends!"

"Yup. Ol' Red here kept eating all of my Grandma's cookies because I was dumb enough to keep challenging him at our poker nights," the timber wolf laughed.

Judy scowled at her partner, "Nick…"

Her partner pretended to look innocent and pointed back at Brian, "What? I gave him every chance to win them back!"

"It's okay, Officer Hopps. It was all in good fun. He won them fair and square."

"See!" Nick made sure to add in.

The bunny rolled her eyes and was about to ask Brian another question when Bogo interrupted the chatter, "Quiet down all of you. The Agent has arrived in the station. Take your seats."

Everyone including Bogo took a seat in the front row. The conference room had better seating accommodations for mammals of all sizes. Brian sat next to Nick who was sitting next to Judy. The door opened once more and a brown horse with a dark mane entered the room and made his way to the front next to the large projection screen. He removed his hat and sunglasses, placing them onto a small table, alongside a large docket, and turned to face the room.

"Good morning, Officers, my name is Agent Edward Coltson. You have been recruited for a special joint undercover mission by the MBI and ZIA. Our target is a margay named Arthur Elliot Felisky."

Despite paying acute attention, Nick's mind wandered to the Savage movies, he and Judy watched recently upon hearing the words: MBI, ZIA, and undercover. Naturally, he was ready to make a snide remark, "So do we get to have cool gadgets like exploding pens and x-ray goggles, Agent Colts? I've always wanted a car with ejection seats myself."

The clydesdale paused from bewilderment and glared at the fox officer before turning to face Bogo, "Chief, would you please advise Officer Wilde to maintain his professionalism. Thank you."

For the briefest of moments, Chief Bogo smiled, and then glared back at Coltson with arms crossed, "You recruited him, Agent Coltson. He's your problem now. That includes the mouth that comes with him."

The other officers were comically failing at keeping their snickering in check. Judy kept bouncing back and forth between glaring at Nick and having to curb her own laughter by biting her lower lip. Brian was amused, and not at all surprised, while using his paws to clamp his snout shut. Coltson, however, was not amused and stared at the fox one last time before turning around and reaching for his docket. Nick simply sat back with an elbow on his chair with his usual half lidded eyes and smug grin. The fox observed that Chief Bogo apparently did not like this agent at all which meant he didn't like him either.

Clearing his throat, Coltson continued his brief, "As you see here, our target has a long list of suspected felonies ranging from insider trading and sabotage to several illegal underground businesses and investments." The horse began to pass around copies of Felisky's bio to every officer. "He is a very cunning and wealthy individual. Our continued successful covert operations at his businesses have nearly bankrupt him and put him in trouble with his investors, to whom he owes several millions. We have tracked his travels back here to Zootopia. The ZIA believe he will be staying at the Palm Hotel & Casino in Sahara Square and hosting a high-stakes poker tournament to attempt in recouping some of his losses."

Judy raised a paw.

Coltson stopped for a moment and acknowledged her, "Yes, Officer Hopps?"

"Sir, if you know where he will be, can't we just arrest him?"

"I wish it were so simple, Officer. Felisky is very good at keeping his own personal record looking squeaky clean while covering his tracks. He also has exceptional lawyers and political pull amongst several high ranking government officials. We need to put him up against a wall so that he is forced to surrender, plead guilty, and cooperate with us so that we can use his information to go after his investors and creditors."

"Now this sounds like a good old fashioned hustle," Nick interjected.

Agent Coltson didn't even bother to look in Nick's direction and spoke to the group, "You will all be attending his party with aliases and special attire that we have provided alongside several of our agents. We will work with the Hotel to provide you with cover jobs during the tournament. Officers Fangmeyer, McHorn, and Trunkaby will be acting as hotel security and provide additional muscle if the need arises. Officers Wolfard and Ardwulf will be our trackers. The two of you will be working the bar areas so you can always keep a visual on our target without him getting suspicious. You both came highly recommended by your precincts and aptitude tests for finding scents. And of course, we have Officers Hopps and Wilde, who will be dealing directly with our target."

This time Nick raised a paw.

Closing his eyes and taking a breath, Coltson begrudgingly acknowledged the fox's inquiry.

"Sir, do I get to be the good cop or the bad cop? I think I make a better good cop. You should see Officer Hopps when she's angry. Perfect bad cop."

Judy elbowed her partner in the ribs. Once again, the rest of the group had to fight back tears from breaking their professionalism due to Nick's snark. Despite the fact that Bogo was secretly enjoying Nick harassing Coltson, he still stuck his face into his hooves. This fox was going to be the end of him one day.

Coltson strolled up to Nick and pointed a hoof at the fox, "Officer Wilde, if you weren't an instrumental part of this operation, I would have you locked up to wipe that smug grin off your snout. Don't think we haven't learned about your past dealings before becoming a police officer."

Nick wasn't showing Coltson that he could get to him but decided to finally play nice and not say anymore silly commentary for the time being.

"As I was saying… our margay is quite the card shark, but I have been informed, so is Officer Wilde. It will be up to him to beat our target at his own game." The Agent began to pace back and forth in front of the fox and bunny while gesturing to them. "However, only special types of mammals appeal to his interests, that he allows in his presence. Which is why you two will be masquerading as a wealthy married couple who are up and coming entrepreneurs in the Zootopian food industry. We have created several shell accounts, distributors, suppliers, and businesses for your front."

Silence fell upon the room and all eyes were on Nick and Judy who were now wide eyed and glancing at one another with mouths open. Judy's nose was twitching while both of their ears perked skyward. Both mammals blushed under their fur. The room was suddenly feeling very hot. Chief Bogo was now harshly glaring at the clydesdale while Nick broke his own promise to stay silent, "Did you just say married couple?"

Now it was Coltson's turn to be smug, "That's correct Officer Wilde. A predator and prey couple. Very rare. A fox and a rabbit, who are often stereotyped by mammal society, showing that you can break cultural norms and seize opportunities. Just as you both have with your real careers. According to my reports, you both seem to have a very close rapport with one another, on and off duty, which I hate to admit, makes you perfect candidates for this part of the mission. Felisky will find you two intriguing and irresistible to not make your acquaintance."

Pausing for a moment, Coltson gestured a hoof at them, "Naturally, you both will need to go through a bit of extensive make-up, especially you, Officer Hopps. You are too recognizable and well known here in Zootopia, but it won't be an issue. Our staff is top notch in temporarily altering any mammal's appearance." This caused Nick and Judy to exchange another set of glances.

The agent turned around and removed the final set of documents from his docket and concluded, "Here are all of your new aliases along with information on your backstories. Study them well. Any slip ups could cost us this operation. We will hold another briefing before the mission in a few days." He walked up and down the row, handing each officer their personal alias file. "I'll be in touch with Chief Bogo to contact each of you directly as we prepare, especially you, Officers Hopps and Wilde. Thank you all in advance for your participation. Good day."

Coltson gathered his materials, tipped his hat, and trotted out from the conference room. Once he disappeared the small group of mammals burst into chatter.

Nick peeked at his new fake bio and raised an eyebrow. "Daniel Pawson? Great, I always did want to be a Dan," he sarcastically drawled. "Seriously though, who comes up with these names? What did you get, Carrots?"

Judy was still reading over her bio before lowering it and looking at Nick, "Looks like I get to be… Elena Pawson."

Brian chimed in with his alias, "And I'm… Nathaniel Howlton."

The fox frowned, "No fair, you get a cooler name. Wanna trade?"

Before any further conversations could proceed, Bogo called everyone's attention one last time, "You heard the Agent. Go home today and study your files. It goes without saying but do not disclose any of this information with family, friends, or any other officers. Report back here tomorrow for normal duty until we hear otherwise from Coltson. Dismissed!"


Nick and Judy were back at his apartment after making a pitstop at Judy's place to pick up a few of her things. Before leaving the station, Nick procured a whiteboard and corkboard to bring home and turn his office into a study room for the mission. They both had changed back into their casual clothes. Judy was sitting on the edge of the work desk, feet dangling, with Nick's laptop, relaying any additional public information she could find online about their suspect while Nick was jotting down the information on the whiteboard. The corkboard contained a few printed pictures of Felisky, along with doctored photos of the Pawson's so-called fake food industry empire.

Looking at Felisky's photos, Nick made an observation, "You know, I've never actually met a margay before. He looks like a mini-leopard with huge eyes to me."

"Is that so Mr. Pawson? I thought you knew everybody," Judy teased. "Or should I say Daniel? Dan? Danny? How about Danny-poo?"

"Ugh. How dare you. You are having way too much fun with this, Elena," he made sure to stress her new name. "Should I add sweetheart to the end? Dear? How about honey? Oh, I know.. .honey bunny!"

"Hmm, no," she replied with a sweetened glare. "So according to this, 'Daniel' your family started out as small time farmers in Deerbrooke County, expanded to real estate, and then decided to get into the global food industry. How nice, you get to be a country mammal just like me!"

"Yee-haw! Do I get to wear a cowboy hat with my suit? It'll really sell the story."

Judy really hated to admit how much her irritating partner could make her laugh as she guffawed at his commentary, "Nick… just stop." Then she looked over at what he was doing.

Nick was now making some very poorly drawn bunny and fox stick figures with little hearts above them on the whiteboard. He looked over his shoulder, "Just getting into character, Carrots. So, what's it say about my darling wife's humble beginnings?"

Looking away for a moment, Judy could feel a blush coming on, his playfulness and hearing him say those words, were having such a surprise impact on her. She shook it off, picked up her fake bio, and scanned down the page.

"Looks like I… am still from Bunnyburrow, from a much smaller family, who are fruit farmers that sell their produce in the tri-burrows and the city. I went to Zootopia to study business, accounting, and marketing to help grow the family farm but still helped at the local roadside fruit stands, which is where you met me one day while scouring for new produce partners and apparently… swept me off my feet. Later, I also became your business partner and together, we expanded both of our family businesses into a new empire."

"Is that right? Sounds like lazy writing to me. At least they got one part right. I am a lady's mammal." Nick mockingly grabbed his tie, he was wearing the violet one today, and pretended to adjust it. "You know what they say Carrots, once you go red… you never leave the bed!"

"Oh my god, Nick!" she rolled her eyes and playfully threw a spool of thread at him. "I hope you've never actually used that line on some poor girl."

The fox put his paws up to block the thread and then took a bow for his corny pickup line, "First off, you still throw like a bunny. Secondly, this coming from the little bunny who once told me how good she is at multiplying," he finished with a wink.

This earned him another flying spool which he ducked away from with a chuckle. A short moment of energized tension hung in the room as the two stared at one another with raised eyebrows. Nick was feeling a bit hot and decided to deflect the growing thoughts in the back of his mind by walking past Judy, gently squeezing the base of her left ear, and headed out to get something to drink. This caused her to furiously wave her paws to swat his larger one away and shifted her mood.

"Hey, where are you going?" she blinked as he disappeared into the living room.

"Small break. Getting a drink. Want one?" he asked from the fridge.

"Got any apple juice?"

"Yup. One apple juice coming right up!"

She hopped off the desk and joined him in the kitchen area where he handed her the juice. They both gulped their drinks down and felt refreshed.

"Hey Carrots, wanna go for a walk and stretch our legs a bit before we continue?"

"That sounds great, Nick. Let's go!"

The fox grabbed his keys while the bunny followed him. He opened the door for her and the pair exited the building. They playfully bantered while walking down the busy and scenic Walnut Street.


The following day, Nick asked the other officers, including Brian, to come over to his apartment after their shifts so they could go over their mission information together. Nick also wanted to get some practice games in while he still had the chance.

Fangmeyer and Judy went out and brought back pizzas and beers for everyone to enjoy. The officers moved the couch and everyone was crouched or sitting indian-style around the large coffee table while Nick began to shuffle the deck.

Judy was sitting very close to Nick's left so she could observe the game and see how he played. She never played any card games and was very curious to learn a little bit. Brian sat to Nick's right, followed by Wolfard, McHorn, Trunkaby, and finally Fangmeyer, who was next to Judy.

"This brings back some nightmares," Brian chuckled while taking a sip of his beer. "Thank goodness we're just playing with these chips and not food… or money. My girlfriend would kill me."

"You're afraid of Wilde's card game too, huh?" Fangmeyer asked while also gulping a drink.

"Now, now. This fox isn't that scary," Nick smiled while he finished masterfully shuffling the deck and turned to look at Judy. "Normally the mammal to my right would cut the deck, Carrots. But go ahead and do the honor tonight."

She smiled and cut it right down the middle. Nick scooped up the deck and began to deal. Being the sly fox that he actually was, he still remembered all of their habits including Brian's, and won the first game easily.

The officers laughed and shared some friendly grumbling at being stomped so handily right off the bat. Judy was pretty impressed at Nick's cunning gameplay. She wondered why he hadn't played poker professionally instead of hustling.

They began another round. The others tried real hard to mix up their tactics and sit as stone faced as they could but this strategy was only short-lived as Nick picked up on everything all over again halfway through and swept the second round.

Several more games were played and they all ended with the same result. Fangmeyer was the last one out on the sixth game. The tigress flicked her cards down and let herself roll onto her back on the floor while laughing, "There's just no hope! We can't beat Nick. Now I have to wonder how skilled that margay must be if they need someone like Wilde to take him down."

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Steph. You did great." Nick said while reshuffling again and playfully took out what looked like a giant carrot pen and waved it in front of Fangmeyer. "Though would you mind repeating that first bit again?"

"Oh stop it," Judy piped up and stole her pen back from him. "Your ego is big enough as it is, Slick."

"Shall we briefly go over our new names and occupations one last time?" Nick suggested.

Everyone nodded their heads and Brian raised his paw first, "I will be Nathaniel Howlton and they have me assigned as a bartender. I used to bartend at nights during college, so it makes sense."

Wolfard went next, "Marcus Eyolf, I'll be next to Brian as one of the cocktail servers."

McHorn cracked his knuckles, "Eddie Hornsworth. They put me on security at the main entrance."

Francine waved her trunk in the air, "Leslie Ivorick. Looks like they'll have me as one of the security guards stationed by the room where this poker tournament will be hosted.

Fangmeyer rolled back up off the floor and gestured to herself, "I get to be Felicia Tiggsky. I'll be near the main room as well with Francine. Though, you're right Nick, who comes up with these terrible names?"

Nick winked at Fangmeyer and put on a paw on Judy's shoulder while he gestured between the both of them, "And we get to be Daniel and Elena Pawson. Sly food barons, millennial entrepreneurs, and ridiculously good looking mammals."

The room snickered while Nick leaned back on his arm with a smug grin looking to Judy who rolled her eyes at him. They all shared a few more laughs and drinks before heading out for the evening once it became late.

Judy was helping Nick clean up once their co-workers left. The bunny remembered that thought she had earlier and looked up at her partner.

"Nick?"

"Hm?"

"Where did you learn to play poker like that?" she turned to face him while drying a glass.

"Finn and I used to run with this group of guys from Happytown that were quite the card sharks. Didn't just learn about the mechanics of the game from them but how to read other mammals, verbally spar, and that the best hand doesn't always win," Nick answered.

"From the bluffing?" the bunny inquired.

"That's right. You don't always play your hand, Carrots, but the mammal across from you."

"How come you didn't play cards professionally instead of hustling? I've heard some of those champions take home some pretty good earnings," Judy asked while putting the dry glass away.

"Because I'm a fox," he replied casually while wiping a plate. "They always accuse me of cheating."

Her ears instantly fell and intense fury began to bubble inside, "What? That's not fair! How can they just assume that? You let me watch you play tonight and I know you don't cheat."

"That's just how it is, Fluff. After awhile I just didn't want to deal with it," he answered with a reserved tone.

"What about online?" she pointed out.

"Same thing. Those leagues validate your information and still some mammal in charge assumes I'd find a way to game the system and they make any excuse to reject my entry."

Judy grunted in disgust. She always knew about backward attitudes towards foxes, having been slightly guilty of them herself, but this really ached her heart. She reached up to put a paw on Nick's arm. He looked down to smile at her before returning to the task at hand.

Soon they were done and it was time for her to leave as well. They both felt a little sad but kept their thoughts to themselves. The bunny was in the hallway while the fox leaned against his front door.

"You have a goodnight, ya hear, Mrs. Pawson," Nick said with a terrible accent and tipped an invisible hat in her direction.

"You too, Mr. Pawson. Don't get into any trouble with me," Judy mock courtesied and then waved as she hopped down the stairs.


Several days passed. Judy and Nick spent the end of each day at his place relaxing and going over the details to keep everything fresh in their minds. They enjoyed one more night of cards with the other officers again. Nick cleaned house as usual and won every single match.

During their next shift with their cruiser finally restored, Bogo had them patrolling Downtown when Clawhauser radioed in.

"Dispatch to Z-240, come in Z-240. Over."

Nick reached for the com, "Z-240. Wilde here, go ahead Claws."

"Officer Wilde, Officer Hopps, you are requested to return to the station for your special assignment preparations. Over."

"Roger that, Dispatch. We are heading back. Wilde out."

The two exchanged glances and Judy drove them back to headquarters.

The fox and bunny entered the lobby to see Agent Coltson waiting for them at the reception desk. Coltson removed his hat and nodded towards the two officers.

"Officers. This way please," he ordered while motioning with his hoof for them to follow.

The trio went to the third floor and into a special meeting room. Chief Bogo was already waiting inside along with a group of mammals all dressed in gray suits. The cape buffalo stood when they entered and nodded to his officers who saluted back.

"Let's get this started, shall we?" the agent said without wasting any time. "Today, my staff will be here to alter your appearances. If you please, they will start with your measurements."

The staff quickly sprang into action and took the pair's measurements. Nick was tempted to quip about his attendant's measuring technique but decided to remain quiet.

A female cheetah came up to Judy and began to look her over, "Hello Officer Hopps. My name is Nina. I'll be styling you today."

"Hi Nina! It's nice to meet you. You can call me Judy," she said while giving her a small wave.

Nina smiled at the little bunny's perkiness and kneeled in front of her, "Here is what we plan to do, Judy. I will be dying your fur, attaching a small hair wig, and giving you special contacts that will change the color of your eyes."

"Yes Ma'am."

"Excellent, this won't take too long. Come with me," the cheetah placed a paw on her shoulder and they went to an adjacent room followed by two more staff. Judy stole a glance at Nick and raised her eyebrows before they disappeared.

"So, do I have to get all modeled up too?" Nick asked the other staff that were still in the room.

Coltson was leaning against a nearby wall with arms crossed and answered, "Your alterations will be more simple Officer Wilde. You haven't had the same public exposure as Officer Hopps."

Before Nick could say anything else, a pig introduced himself, "Hello Officer, my name is Wilbur and I will be taking care of you." He extended a hoof to the fox.

"Is that right? Alright, Wil, let's go make me as pretty as Officer Hopps then," he joked and returned the shake.

The pig laughed and escorted Nick to another room with his assistants.

After two hours, Nick emerged, from his styling room. His red fur was a few shades darker, he was wearing contacts that turned his irises into a more golden amber color, and they added a few tiny patches of gray here and there. He was told it would make him more distinguished and added character. Naturally, he quipped that it made him look too old, like he was now robbing the cradle, considering he was already a little bit older than Judy.

Bogo and Coltson both looked him over with amused expressions. Nick busied himself with his phone. Might as well take a few pictures as souvenirs for this little adventure. Another hour passed and the door to Judy's room opened and the bunny stepped out. Everyone directed their eyes to the new Mrs. Elena Pawson. Judy's gray fur was gone including her dark ear tips, replaced with a solid lighter tan and creme coloration. She was given a small wig of wavy white hair and her contacts turned her violet eyes to green.

Nick raised an eyebrow. He could tell it was still Judy but she certainly did look like a brand new bunny. She looked his way and raised her own eyebrow before turning to the whole room. "So, what do you guys think?"

Chief Bogo just nodded his approval, while Coltson spoke up, "I must say Nina did an excellent job. I can't even recognize you, Officer Hopps. Looks like we are done here for today. Felisky set up his tournament for tomorrow evening. Tomorrow morning you'll receive your formal attire and be outfitted with covert add-ons to wear beneath your clothes. Same for the other Officers. We shall go over final details and you will arrive at the Palm Hotel & Casino in the provided transport with your invitations. Have a good day Officers." The agent nodded and let himself out.

"Alright, Hopps. Wilde. Go home and be rested for tomorrow. I'll see you at the final briefing. Dismissed," the Chief ordered and left the room.

The two thanked the rest of the staff and headed out of the building. Clawhauser nearly had kittens at the sight of their new make-overs and demanded they take some pictures together. As they approached the rotating door, Judy tapped Nick on the arm to get his attention.

"So Slick, you haven't said anything yet. What do you think? How does Mrs. Pawson look to you?" Judy tried to strut a model pose for her pretend husband.

Nick feigned to be lost in deep thought, resting his chin in his paw, as a big grin formed on his snout, while he contemplated his answer. "Well, she looks okay," he finally said.

Judy scoffed with both paws out, "Just okay?"

"Yup," he said as he put a paw on the rotating door and was halfway through the exit without her when he leaned back, "I think Judy Hopps is way cuter." His smirking face then slinked away into the exit.

The bunny blinked a few times at his answer and then ran after him, "Hey!..."


The morning came and all of the Officers were gathered back in the conference room, fitted in their undercover outfits. Brian and Wolfard were dressed in very nice formal bartender attire with black vests, slacks, white collared shirts and bowties. Francine, Fangmeyer, and McHorn were outfitted in the hotel's official security uniforms. The stars of the show were the most glamorously decorated. Nick was dressed to kill in a tailored Predrioni dinner jacket with a button one front, grosgrain silk trimmed peak lapels, jetted pockets and no vents, along with matching dress pants and a black bow tie. He would have preferred a regular tie but didn't argue with the fashion staff.

Judy was sporting a beautifully elegant Camelli backless purple evening dress with a plunging neckline and it hugged her tightly in all the right places. A simple silvery diamond necklace adorned her lithe neck. She felt a little exposed and bashful with how much fur was showing. However, Francine and Fangmeyer were gushing over how gorgeous she looked. Even Nick couldn't stop from constantly glancing her way every so often. Little did he know, Judy was occasionally stealing glances of her own towards him.

Coltson arrived for his pre-mission briefing along with several other MBI agents. He instructed the ZPD team that he will be leading and overseeing the operation remotely. After they had gone over the final details, the officers were outfitted with state-of-the-art mics and everyone was given specialized miniature tranquilizer guns. Judy had to strap hers along the inside of her leg to conceal it.

Hours later, Nick and Judy found themselves sitting in a fancy black limousine that was transporting them through Sahara Square on the way to the famous Palm Hotel & Casino.

Judy was looking out the window when a sudden memory hit her as they passed a block she recognized, "Nick! This is where I caught you and Finnick melting that Jumbo Pop!" The bunny pointed to the roof of a two story adobe building.

He looked over and chuckled, "Did you now? I blame Finn for being a terrible lookout. You'd think with those ears of his, they'd be as good as yours."

"Well, in retrospect, I'm glad I caught you, Mr. Pawpsicle hustler," she smiled.

"Ex-pawpiscle hustler, Madam," he pointed out. "Enjoying our fifteen minutes of fame, living like the rich and famous so far, Carrots?" he joked while playing with the expensive shot glasses next to him.

"Well, I don't think it would be the life for me. I'm happy being a cop. But I won't say 'no' to one night of glamour," she replied while watching him play with the fancy cups. "You might want to be careful about calling me 'Carrots' in there, Nick."

"Why? Did they change more than your fur color back there? Are you not a bunny anymore?" he winked.

"Oh shush," she replied by putting her paw to his snout and playfully shoving it away. "You have to be serious… oh my gosh, Nick, look!"

The fox and bunny looked ahead in awe to see the famous giant palm tree approaching as the limo carried them closer on the main strip that approached the hotel. The artificial jeweled palm sparkled magnificently in the night sky lit by several colorful spotlights from the large mammal made pond and park grounds that surround it. Judy looked around to see a flurry of nightlife activity with crowds of mammals going in and out of several shopping stores, entertainment venues, and fancy restaurants littered around the hotel strip.

Their limo pulled into the VIP drop off area, in front of the grand lobby, and a valet appeared to open their door. The elegantly dressed duo stepped out and took in the features of the richly designed oasis themed hotel. Several mammals were already turning their heads at the sight of this unusual pair.

Nick extended his elbow to his partner. She smiled and hooked her arm gracefully into his.

"Ready to hustle, Mr. Pawson?" she asked smiling to her partner.

"I was born ready, Mrs. Pawson. Let's do this," he flashed a devilish smirk.

Both officers looked forward with determination and proceeded to enter the lobby with purpose in their steps. Nick narrowed his eyes and his smirk grew wider. This was going to be their biggest hustle yet. It was show time.