A/N || So... Here is yet a 7th installment. Hope you enjoy.

As is normal for my Muse, the unrepentant ass that he is, he has found something he likes and isn't going to be letting me go any time soon. At least he's also letting me work on my original stuff too.

The events here take place a year or two after the movie. I'm not actually sure how long, but it has been enough time that Nick and Judy are officially together.

Note: I am going to use an internal dialog technique here that I am totally stealing from another author. I loved it so much I'm test driving it here in hopes of using the same technique in my original works.

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

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tuesday - Mall of Zootopia, Vivian's, fitting room

After a few test fittings, Lizz had a brand new, custom made, cotton sundress in hand and the promise of four more dresses once she had her cubs. Another sundress, and three formal dresses, one of which was going to be a full-on gown with a side split for the leg and open back. She didn't know where she would ever wear such a thing, but she would own one, and she knew where she would be getting her wedding dress made. Not that Vivian had really given the impression that she had much choice.

The thing that concerned her was the fact that she had not been told a price, for any of it, and when she asked, both Judy and Vivian waved it off or ignored the question. A quick stop for some lunch and laughter at the food court, and then they headed to the spa. Carry had arranged an appointment for all of them; massages, manicures and pedicures, fur-styling, the works, and as Carry was paying, Lizz was left with no way to really refuse.

Leaning back in the chair as her claws and paws were worked on, Lizz sighed, glancing to the chair next to her containing Judy. "Okay Judy. I give. This is amazing."

"Told you. I was you the first time Carry, Joan, and Elli dragged me here."

"At least now I get why you and Nick never seem to worry about money. Always happy to cover lunch if I'm short, Mike says the same about you guys. We'd both wondered what it was and concluded that Nick still had money left from his hustling days and you were just from a rich farming family. There was even talk about you being linked to Big's organization, given your friendship with Fru Fru. Bogo shot that down quickly though, which surprised everyone."

Judy laughed lightly with a smile. "Yeah, there are reasons for that, but while Fru is a good friend, who her father is limits how much we get to interact, even if she herself is completely separate from her dad's businesses. As we all know, there is no evidence that Stephano is anything but a businessman and real estate owner in Tundra Town and Little Rodentia. The suspicion however, makes it hard for her to have friends, especially if one is an officer, such as myself."

Lizz chuckled. "Something tells me that you and Nick both know more."

Judy shook her head with a wry smile. "What I know is that Francesca is my friend. Anything else is speculation left to those who are assigned to such things. Given both my and Nick's association with Fru and her father, we will be forever precluded from involvement in such things. Something I'm actually quite happy for."

Lizz nodded. "I can get that. So what about Nick and his hustling days? Surely he had something left."

"Well, Nick does have some money left from that, but it isn't as much as you think. There was a reason he never had a record, because, other than his taxes, which was an oversight, everything he did was technically legal. Questionable, sure, but still legal. We've invested it and are keeping it, like the comics, as an investment in our future and retirement, as well as the future of our kits.

Other than that, since we've been a couple, we have carefully sold a few of the comics and collectibles, as you know, to put ourselves in a better spot. Our pay now does a good job of covering everything we need, though with the kits coming soon, I think we will have to sell a few things to make up some initial deficits as we buy any of the things we have missed. I've gone over it a hundred times, but experience with my family tells me that I'm missing one or two major items and a hundred little things. All of which will reveal themselves only when we actually need them.

As for me coming from a rich family, not so much. If you just calculate the value of the land, burrow, etc... I suppose you could make a case for that. Thing is, it is a working farm, with all the expenses that come with it; feeding everyone, repairing the tractors and other equipment, maintenance on the barns and the burrow, and hundreds of other things.

One of my jobs during the summer between Junior and Senior years in high-school was doing an audit of the books. I also converted everything over to computer, with supply tracking, budgeting, and other stuff. No one else wanted to do it, and I guess my parents figured that if I got to see the books, then maybe that'd help me see the virtues of giving up on my dream and becoming a farmer. Didn't work out that way, obviously."

Lizz chuckled. "Clearly."

"Instead, as part of converting things over, I found some really awesome freeware, but it wasn't perfect. I could get it to scan in the standard forms, and then audit the spreadsheets it created, but it didn't have all the functionality needed to really handle all the little details. So... I got in contact with the mammals that wrote it. I worked with them, and over the summer, I tested their updates and reported back any issues I saw and new functionality I needed. We built what is now used by most farms in the Tri-Burrows and beyond for tracking and managing their books.

Since we were the test bed for it, and still are, we get a small percentage from the sales, and an unlimited license with all the updates. We run two sets of the software, the actual books, which runs the most current stable release, and then the test system that has all the unfinished and untested code on it. I turned all that work over to a few of my more computer nerd siblings. Their work on the software has earned two of them jobs with the company directly and a few others have work with other firms. It's the reason our burrow has high-speed internet. Had to have it to support the nerds."

Judy shook her head with a wry smile and chuckled. "Have a fiber line laid all the way to the junction box on the north end of the property, and then a fiber repeater that runs to the house itself. Even with all the streamlining and everything, the farm usually makes only a bit over break-even, and when I say that, I mean enough to cover some communal presents during the holidays. Things like bigger TV's in the lounges, books for the library, a new playground structure for the younger kits. Things like that."

"Well, when you put it like that..." Lizz was quiet for a second. "Wait... communal presents?"

Judy nodded. "It's a big family thing. I say I have 300 siblings, and that is true in a technical sense. There are 338 bunnies living in the Hopps burrow. However, most of those are cousins, nieces, nephews, etc... My parents, the leaders of the Hopps burrow, have 35 living kits, including me. So, you can imagine how expensive it would be to buy individual presents unless you're only going to buy stuff from a dollar store."

Lizz looked at Judy with wide, surprised eyes. "Wow. Okay, yeah... I can imagine. So not all actually brothers and sisters, but still, growing up around that many other mammals. That's something I have a hard time wrapping my brain around."

"It helps that bunnies are so big on cuddling and such. Most of us live in dorm style rooms of six to twelve others until we're in our early teens, between twelve and fourteen, depending on the bunny, and then move into semi-private four bunny rooms."

"That sounds better."

"It is. Your bed is in a small alcove and you can put up a curtain for extra privacy. There is a small communal lounge with desks for homework and personal projects, and a couch. Even then, there are still plenty of us that like our privacy, so once we get to a certain age, we have the option of moving to more private rooms, including single rooms. Which is where I ended up."

Lizz nodded. "That doesn't surprise me. I guess you could get your fill of other bunnies during the day and at night, you just wanted your space."

Judy nodded enthusiastically. "That's exactly right, plus with my goals, I needed it. After the first few times some of my manuals and training books got taken, along with other things, I demanded it. Even then, there are also private rooms for when you just need to get away, listen to some music, read in peace, etc..."

"Oh, that sounds like a story. I'll file that one away for a girls night and you can tell me what brought that on. I'm guessing that you got your private room much earlier than most." Getting an embarrassed nod from Judy. "Ha! Yeah, going to get you to tell me that story at some point. But back to the money question. You and Nick have put yourselves in a really good position. You have all this stuff of value, but you have invested it or stashed it to ensure that you'll never be in a bad financial spot. I wish I had that option. It's like Delgato. He's an actual, cash in the bank, millionaire."

Judy looked over at Lizz with a knowing smirk that Lizz missed. "No kidding?"

Lizz shook her head. "Not kidding. Showed me his bank balance once. He does stock trading and such on breaks, and he's good at it. He could retire and be set for life, but like you, he just loves the job. Has a really nice condo, car, etc... Always has cash in pocket, but just loves what he does. From what I gathered from Joan, you and Nick could retire now if you wanted."

"Sure, and do what? We discussed it, and even if we sold it all, made all the money from it we could, we'd end up with a job of some kind. Probably become PI's like I thought about back in the BA days, maybe private security. Nick always wanted to create his own amusement park. Even had a name for it. Wilde Times. That said, we have made sure that we've improved our equipment."

"Ha! I can believe that. Funny though, when I asked Delgato, that was pretty much the same answer he gave me." Lizz looked over to Judy. "What do you mean, improved equipment?"

"It's because we're the smallest. There aren't any other officers in our size class, so what we have for equipment is one-offs created by the armorer. Nick and I therefore got authorization to get our own equipment. It cost a lot, but we have top of the line size-class weapons, and our uniforms are actually a high-tech polymer that is stab, cut, and generally puncture proof. With our vests in place, we can take a wolf round without being blown in half. It'll put us in the hospital, but probably won't actually kill us. Not that we're out there trying to get shot."

Lizz blinked a few times and shook her head. "That makes a lot of sense, and I'm glad you guys did that. I've wondered where you got some of the equipment I've seen you guys using. I mean, that pistol of yours."

Judy grinned. "Oh yeah. That is a custom piece. Same company did both Nick and my weapons, both our lethals and our dart guns. The rifle he uses during SWAT missions, like the one that revealed you and Mike, is another custom piece just for Nick."

"Ah! Okay, a lot of puzzle pieces are falling into place now." Shaking her head, Lizz grinned. "I have to say, Judy. Despite all the heavy conversation. The weird revelations about things, such as your and Nick's past escapades. I feel more relaxed than I have in a very long time. I am not even worried about tomorrow and my parents. I am golden. Really. Thank you. Truly. Thank you. Thank both you and Nick for showing us that we are not alone. I really hope we can do this again."

"Hopefully without all the heavy stuff."

"Maybe, maybe not. What are friends if not someone we can vent about our problems to, share a few tears, and help each other be better mammals? I had a few friends like that in school, but we long ago drifted apart. I think I see just one of them, once a year, and it might have been more than that since we last met up."

Judy looked over to Lizz with one of her million candle power smiles. "I would really like that. I haven't really had that since my friend Sharla moved away in junior high."

"I think... No. I know I would too." Lizz paused and looked towards the salon where the other girls were, then back to Judy. "I know you call them friends, but I get the feeling that none of them are people you can fully relate to."

Judy laughed, picking a brighter purple from the offered options for her claws this time, Lizz picking an emerald green. "They are my friends, but you are also, right? I love Joan, but she and Nick have more in common, as he is a far bigger nerd than I am. I enjoyed my comics, he still reads them. Joan is actually a distant cousin of his, from his fathers side. Elli is a good friend, but we don't hang out, outside of stuff like this. Carry and Bill are really good friends, but there is a difference of experience between us, along with another barrier that is much harder to overcome, since Bill was a subject in one of our cases. Pay attention to the card she pays with the next time you get a chance and you'll understand what I mean.

With you... I feel like we can relate more, despite our differences, we have a similarity of experience due to being cops in interspecies relationships with our partners. My parents know that Nick and I were dating, and that has honestly strained our relationship. I don't however want to get into that, because we have had quite enough of Judy the over-emotional bunny bringing up all the stuff that is messed up in her life."

Lizz gave Judy a warm smile. "Well, I appreciate it all the same, and when you want to talk about that, just let me know. We could both probably use a session of movies and ice cream, and just lay it all out there."

"I think we really could. I know I could, as that has become abundantly clear. So, tell me this then. What's been your weirdest craving?"

Lizz chuckled at the change of subject, but welcomed it. "For you, it probably wouldn't be that weird, for me, as a tiger, it was down right bizarre."

"Oh, come on. I'm a rabbit that eats shrimp and fish on the regular, so it can't be that weird."

"I had Mike get me fresh grass clippings, alfalfa, and lemon, and used that, with some cracked pepper and chili flake, as a side to some fish."

"Oh, that actually sounds pretty good."

"It was, and that's what bothers me. The following day I couldn't keep anything down but carrots for a week. I swear my ears were going to grow. I ate so many of them that week."

Judy laughed. "Yeah, I understand that feeling. Nick is convinced that I'm going to grow fangs. Fact is, when we talked to the doctor, she advised that having the extra protein from the fish and such in my diet already might have been the catalyst to me getting pregnant. She was initially trying to figure out why my muscle density had gotten so much higher than normal. All the extra protein apparently had unexpected side benefits."

"No kidding."

"Yeah, and she said that I had to keep eating like that, because the kits would need the extra protein due to who their dad is."

"Makes sense. So what was yours?"

Judy thought for a moment. "Well, I'd suggest the whole meat thing, but I was already doing that, and it might be why I'm pregnant in the first place. So... I suppose it was a bit more normal of a craving. Before, while I eat fish, shrimp, etc... I couldn't stand chicken. Just the thought of it got to me with a typical prey mammal response. Yet, there were several days where I was eating fried chicken, dipped in peanut butter, or chili sauce, or both... usually both."

"Okay, yeah. That's kinda normal for a pregnancy craving, if you were a predator. Though as an already meat eating bunny, I suppose it does land in the semi-normal category. You still like chicken?"

"Yeah. Nick makes this spicy chicken pasta that is to die for. I'm kinda worried that I won't like it anymore after I have them."

"I'll have to try it some time." Lizz paused and looked at Judy for a long moment. "Judy... Can I tell you something? I know we're trying to keep it light, but.."

"Lizz, after all the stuff I've laid down, I think you've banked a few somethings with me at this point."

Lizz smiled briefly. "Thanks..." After a long sigh and pause, she turned fully to look at Judy. "I am terrified to meet Mike's family. I really am, despite everything else, and with us being open, we need to meet with them sooner than later. They're going to find out. There's so much expectation put on wolves by their families. I know his mother, she likes me, I think. But… I mean, it isn't that I haven't met them before, it's just. I was just his partner on the force."

"But, will she accept you as a daughter-in-law? Will she freak out? How is she going to react to you having Mike's cubs?"

"Exactly."

"Well, you know her. Have you had a meal over at their home?"

"I have."

"That's good. From what I understand from Joan and Elli, that's really good, but we have some experts here." Sitting forward slightly, Judy yelled deeper into the salon. "Joan, Elli, you two done?"

Joan walked over a moment later. "I am, just drying, what's up Judy?" A new purple streak in her head-fur.

"Lizz has some concerns about meeting with and explaining their relationship to her mate's parents."

"He's a wolf, right?" Getting a nod from Lizz. "Okay, do you know what pack?"

Lizz's ears folded back in embarrassment and a nervous chuckle. "I should know this. I guess I need to study. It's one of those things where if we don't talk about it, we don't have to think about and deal with it. I know it is the big one."

"Yeah, I get that, but you definitely can't ignore it at this point. The largest pack in Zootopia is the Wolford pack, is that it?"

"Yeah, that's his name."

Joan blinked and snorted hard with a sharp exhale that was half bark half cough and a deep frown, her ears folding back flat to her head. She looked to Judy and got a confirming nod. "This has got to be a getting. No clue what I did to deserve it. First The Bunny Avenger, Crimson Gazelle, and Vengeful Vulpine stuff, then the comics and collectibles, now this‽ No. If this were a getting, I'd have been let off the hook at this point. Hang on a second. In the terms of a comic book hero. This is a job for, Elli." She walked away and dragged Elli back."

Elli was complaining as she was dragged along. "Joan, what the heck?"

"You can get your hooves buffed and tinted next week. I'll even pay, but right now, your expertise is needed."

Sighing, Elli pulled up a chair. "Okay, what's up."

Lizz looked between Joan and Elli and then sighed. "I'm worried about meeting Mike's parents. He's from the Wolford pack, and that's his last name, so I guess he's related or something?"

Elli groaned and wiped her face with a hoof. "Now I get why Joan dragged me over here. You're telling me that your mate is Michael Wolford?"

"Uhm, yeah... Is that a problem?"

"What's his middle name?"

"Arron. After his dad and great great grandfather."

Elli put her face in her hooves and gave a few small chuckles before looking up. "Well... That explains a lot. There is absolutely no way Eddy is going to believe this." Pulling out her phone and starting to send a text.

Lizz suddenly looked worried. "But I know his mother. I've had dinner at their place many times."

Elli looked up suddenly. "Did Mike invite you, or did she?"

"Mike the first time, and his mother did the last few times. Is that important?"

Elli nodded with a grin, her phone and unfinished text forgotten. "Very! In that case, sis, you officially have nothing to worry about."

Lizz looked at Elli like she had grown a second head. "I'm sorry, what?"

Elli's grin widened showing off her long water deer fangs. "My mate is Edward Wolford, one of Michael's younger brothers, and I'd say the one he's closest to. So, through our mates, we're sisters. His siblings have a running bet that you and Mike are an item, but apparently you have managed to cover up the scent good enough that they are not sure. His mom won't say one way or the other what her opinion is, but based on your meal plans, it's a pretty sure thing that she thinks you are his mate and accepts you as such."

"Oh. That's reassuring, I guess... I really need to learn more about wolf culture, but it's always been something for later, because we were keeping it a secret. One thing I haven't done is meet Mike's siblings. It was always just us and his parents."

Elli nodded. "Yeah, that's about right. It will stay that way until you come out into the open with them. Mike should know this. He's probably just scared that what happened to Ed and I, will happen to you guys. Let me get your number. We'll meet up sometime next week and I'll give you a crash course."

"That sounds great. Thank you so much." Thinking for just a moment, Lizz frowned. "What happened with you and Ed?"

"No problem. If I can save you and Mike from some of the mistakes Ed and I made early on, I'm doing us both a favor, and Mom will appreciate both our efforts. As for what happened, that's a long conversation that would be better covered over a meal."

Lizz nodded. "I can get that, and thank you. Anything to make it go smoother. I know how important the pack and family is to Mike. Well, I guess pack and family are synonymous."

"Generally, yes, but there are distinctions. Complexities based on position and rank. Mikel, Joan's mate, is also Wolford pack, but on a sub-family line. Because of that, Mikel and Ed wouldn't normally interact except at big pack gatherings, were it not due to our friendship and the fact that they are both in interspecies relationships. But we'll cover all those things when we meet up." Standing, Elli gives Lizz a big hug. "It'll be nice to have another non-wolf at the next meet."

Lizz smiled, still a bit nervous, returning the hug. "Look forward to it. Now, any wolf specific tricks I should know?"

"Are you flicking his ear?"

"Do what now?"

Elli laughed evilly along with Joan. "Oh sister, that mate of yours is in so much trouble. Let me tell you..."

Judy sat back and listened as Elli and Lizz talked, smiling the whole time. She was happy that, despite all the heavy emotional stuff she had let slip out, Lizz was herself clearly happy and relaxed, and getting the support she so clearly needed. As that was the whole point, it made the whole thing worth it. Still, as she sat and listened, she was also giving herself a hard time about several things that had gone on that day. Things she was going to need to deal with and talk to Nick about that night. Judy found that she was very disappointed in herself.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Well. Lizz is clearly in a good place, and it's so good that Elli came. She's really going to be able to help Lizz out.

Yeah, she really is.

I cannot believe I brought up all that stuff though.

Lizz seems fine with it.

Still, I shouldn't have unloaded on her like that.

She's cool, and probably going to dump a bunch of stuff on us tomorrow. Besides, considering our baggage, you really didn't even scratch the surface.

Maybe, and also not the point. It'll make me feel better if she does.

So, we really going to do... that... tomorrow too?

Yes. We need to. And talk to Nick tonight.

But...

NO! We are not going to keep doing this, and this is not a discussion.

Meh. It's not like we're doing it deliberately. We're small, she's huge, it just lines up.

Doesn't matter. We are going to do it. End of discussion.

I'll remind you again that you are in fact arguing with yourself.

Yes, and I've made a decision. I am not that mammal. I don't care if it is in my line of sight.

Bah! You're no fun.

Nick would dispute that.

Who you going to believe, Nick or yourself?

Nick.

Huh... Fine. I'm done with you. Find a different inner voice to argue with.

Whatever. I'll be better off with one that is more reflective of me.

I am you!

Yeah, but not a part of me that I should be giving any more power to, so this discussion is over.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

By the end of the day, Lizz had a small load of bags, mirroring the much larger loads of Joan, Elli, and Carry; as well as the smaller sized, but equally large number of bags carried by Judy. Looking over these new friends, including a sister-in-law that she didn't know she had, and the rabbit she was finding herself to be so much closer to than just a simple friend; Lizz found a huge grin on her face.

She now had a lovely sun-dress to wear, and by the time they finished in the spa, she also had a really nice one that she could wear on a date with Mike after the cubs were born. Vivian had apparently decided to use her measurements as a teaching moment for her apprentice, the young raccoon. The nice thing was, there would be no tailoring needed, because it had a belt, and bunching at the waist was a feature, not a bug, for that one. And she still had more on the way. Actual dresses. She shook her head at that thought.

Glancing at her paws, and the emerald green hints of her painted claws in their sheaths, her grin grew. She never understood the allure of the whole spa treatment, until a rabbit, lynx, fox, and water deer, dragged her into that spa. Now she had an appointment for just her and Judy, set up for next month, and was very much looking forward to it. With Elli essentially being her sister-in-law, she expected that they would also be getting together more, and she was looking forward to that as well.

Then there was the special something to surprise Mike with, one of the teddies Judy had bought her was going to be used that night. Their discussions had come up with a couple of possible positions that would work despite her condition and she was intent on trying them. At the very least, she was going to take some of Judy's suggestions on things they could do, and put them into action. She and Mike hadn't been intimate in far too long, and that was ending, one way or another, that night.

Still, the idea of being able to go out in public with her mate scared her, but also thrilled her. They had been so scared about it for so long, the whole change left her reeling, and feeling a bit overwhelmed, but in a good way. She realized that the rabbit that she now found herself so close to, held many of the answers she needed to assuage her fears. They were going to meet early the following day for breakfast at Therus so they could talk before her family showed up.

After the spa, and hitting a few more shops, which had added to the number of bags she had, they separated with Elli and Joan; the two-heading home at that point. Joan promising to call and arrange the tour with Nick in the morning, and Elli to call and work out some time with Lizz to teach her about their mutual family.

Once back in the car, Lizz looked to the front seat. "Judy. How have you and Nick managed? I know the whole scent thing, but you have gone on dates, haven't you? How'd you pull it off?"

Judy looked back at Lizz. "We got lucky, plain and simple. A few times we would get a reservation somewhere and then get turned away when they realized that we were there together. Even when Nick used his connections, called in a favor or two, and made triple sure. It was disheartening and really upset Nick. If anything, he has ended up with more favors owed to him then when we started."

"Favors?"

Carry chuckled and pulled them out into traffic as Judy continued. "And this is why Nick and I get certain cases. A favor is more valuable than any money in the world of the legally gray, at both the top, the rich and powerful, and bottom, the legally gray area of things. In the end, we kept ending up at my cousin's dinner, or one that Nick knows in Happy Town. Then we found the community, or rather, it found us. We picked up a rumor of a few inter-species friendly places on a case about interspecies hate crimes at a Dinner on the edge of Happy Town. Once we got done with the case, we checked them out and found the community."

"I think I remember that one. There were like six foxes charged by the prosecutors. I don't remember any actual convictions though, what happened?"

Judy nodded. "Yep, and not a single one was guilty of anything except being a fox."

Lizz's ears folded back. "Oh no."

Judy glanced back with a weak smile. "They were actually the family of the restaurant owners. The actual culprits set them up, but the arresting officers just took the reports at face value, and besides, they were foxes, so they must have been guilty of something. It was so bad that I had to go to Bogo and demand he put in a request for an IA investigation against the officers. If he hadn't, I would have filed it myself. I hated to do that, but what we found wasn't just egregious, it was malicious.

Worse, it led us to more abuse. The officers turned out to be members of the anti-interspecies hate group that we were investigating from a separate case and were using their position as officers to give cover for the group. They would also help frame one or both mammals in a relationship if they could. It has become one of Nick and my current long-standing efforts. It spider webbed out as we worked it, finding more and more instances of abuse and wrongful convictions brought by those officers, and others, because of those officers. It hooked into more and more cases, both active and closed, and touched more and more otherwise good officers. Convictions were being called into question, evidence became suspect, and we've had to reopen dozens of cases, going back through them, redoing interviews, checking evidence. We've had to work closely with IA and the DAs office as well, since it means every involved officer, every prosecutor, judge, and city employee, is being looked at.

We had just finished the last one where the mammal was still in jail when I went on leave. Of fifteen cases we re-investigated before I went on leave, we found that fourteen got the wrong mammal entirely. The fifteenth, he deserved a fine, at most, for jaywalking in order to try and avoid the cops, as he was walking while a fox. He wasn't even involved in any way, just walking down the wrong street at the wrong time."

Lizz had her ears back and eyes wide in shock. She knew the officers in question and had supported them. They were good cops, or so she had thought, but no one was allowed to know the details. Everyone had wondered why the union had dumped representing them, and it had just suddenly become terrifyingly clear. "Oh my god." Her mind was racing. Everyone knew that cases were being re-examined, no one is sure by who, though it was assumed to be Detectives from the Investigations Division.

"You know who it was. The union stopped representing them after the fifth case, turned on them after the seventh. It triggered a review of every case they touched since joining the force. Nick and I are doing our best. Yet, there are so many that are now in jail for crimes they committed later, after they got out, couldn't get jobs, lost families while they were in..." Judy tearing up. "And worse. The subject of one of the last cases we worked on was recently let out on parole, but we can't find him. We are just praying he shows up at his next meeting with his PO." Sniffing and shaking herself. "Damn it! I'm sorry Lizz, I gotta stop. This is too emotional, especially in my condition. What I can promise you is that we will protect you and Mike. All of us."

Lizz reached over to the front seat. "That goes both ways, Judy. I don't want to believe that another officer could do that, but there were nearly a dozen that worked, knowingly, for and with Bellwether. Though, I am kinda surprised that it's you and Nick doing it and not some actual Detectives. No offense."

Judy smiled at that. "Oh. None taken. We've been working closely with Chromest and Ghalt, four IA investigators, and three prosecutors, after Nick and I, per Bogo, cleared them of any involvement. None of them ever touched a case involving those two officers, or others that we've turned up. They've all proven themselves to be as serious about it as Nick and I. Ghalt was so angry when we met with them and Bogo and he found out what we were going to be working on."

"I can imagine. I've worked with Chromest before, he's really honorable. I expect he'd take such things as a personal insult."

"Pretty much."

"So why tell me?"

"Well, you've been cleared, and I know you can keep it to yourself. I figure you'll probably tell Mike, but I know both of you won't spread it. That, and we're planning on proposing a task force, because it is simply too much work for just us."

"You have my word. I guess Mike and I being in a long-standing relationship kinda precludes us from anti-interspecies hate group membership. So, aren't you both Sergeants at this point? Do you think you'll go for Detective?"

Nodding, Judy sniffed again and wiped her eyes. "Thank you, Lizz, and yes, Nick and I are both Sergeants because of all the cases we have worked. Never wanted the fame, but when you take down two mayors and three city council members, a mass murder, two assassination plots against another mayor, and our success rate at closing cases in general, you tend to get an accelerated promotion cycle."

Lizz laughed. "Don't worry Judy. No one holds that against either of you, because you have earned it. There is no-one in the precinct that doesn't think that."

Judy sighed. "That's good to hear. I've worried about it."

"I'm going to guess that you and Nick are going to try for Detective then?"

Laughing, Judy shook her head slowly. "Oh, no question about that. We've both been acing the practice tests, but we can't take the actual test for a while yet and need another promotion at least. I mean, sure you can make Detective as a Sergeant, but you have to be one for a lot of years and get a waiver. I'd rather be a lieutenant and then do it."

"Makes sense. With you and Nick, I expect to see you with your own office in a few years."

"Thanks Lizz." Judy turned to look at Carry. "What's next?"

Carry grinned with a glance to her passengers. "Next is dinner. We're going to Geetha's."

Judy gasped. "Carry, no! There is no way I can afford that, and I know Lizz can't either."

Laughing, Carry gave Judy a look. "Well, we all know now that you could, if you wanted to, and had time to sell a few things. Though, in this instance, you don't have to. It would seem a mutual friend has heard about you taking another couple under your wing and helping them get out there safely. So they are paying, as long as we eat with them."

Judy put her face in her paws. "Oh no... I'm so sorry Lizz. I should have expected this. I really should have." Glaring at Carry. "I blame you." Lizz looked between the two in confusion, not sure what to make of the change in Judy's demeanor.

"Good person to blame, as I am the one to blame. Your mates should be getting off soon, right?"

Judy looked down, pulling out her phone. "Yeah, unless something came up, and Nick would have messaged or called. Lizz?" Looking back at the tiger.

Lizz checked her own phone. "Nope. Nothing from Mike except a few kisses."

Judy nodded and pulled up a secure, silent text app. She and Nick switched to using that app as it needed a password to access and didn't alert directly, but did put up a notification for a fake game as a signal that a message had come in. That way they could text each other safely, but not cause risk if they were undercover or in a meeting. The interface even looked like a game chat, and the place to enter the actual password protected private chat was hidden in the design of the text messaging area. They had often used it to send each other PDA on the clock with no one else the wiser. Looking back at Lizz and showing her the app. "You and Mike really should download this. The paid version is so worth it."

Lizz started looking up the app. "What's the app Name, and what is it?"

"Search for Private Game Master, Pro. It is a secure, private messaging app, that is disguised as a game messenger. Nick and I have used it since we got together. We may, or may not, have used it to pass PDA on the clock."

"Huh. I'll check it out." Humming in the back seat. "Interesting. Pretty useful for undercover work too."

Judy nodded as she opened the secure section of the app. "Yep. Used it a few times for that too."

Message via private app.

J: Hey, you almost done?

Near immediate reply on normal text.

N: Yes. Just finished paperwork. We're waiting for the clock to tick.

J: Cool. Dinner plans have changed slightly.

N: Oh no. What happened?

J: Bill happened.

N: /confused fox emoji/

J: Just meet us at Greetha's.

N: /shocked fox emoji/ Oh...

J: Like I said. Bill happened. We're on our way there.

N: Okay, but we're not going to be remotely dressed for that.

J: Neither are we, but it's Bill, so...

N: So... The rules don't apply. Does Lizz know?

J: She knows where we're going. Does she realize who Bill is?

Judy glanced behind her and saw the confused look on the tiger's face.

J: No. No, she does not, and I'm not telling her.

A new text came in, and Judy switched threads. Nick replying in the background.

M: JUDY! I just heard from Bill that you're going to be at Greetha's tonight! Why didn't you tell me?

J: Because I literally just found out. Why, are you in town?

M: Yes! OMG! We were in the studio recording a new single. I needed to text you anyway. I need you on this track.

J: Uhm... Can I say no?

M: Nope! I need both you and Nick. Not giving either of you a choice. Guess I know where I'm having dinner tonight. Will Nick be there?

J: Yes, along with a new couple that we recently met and are helping out.

M: NO! That's awesome! You're awesome! I can't wait to see you. We'll discuss getting you guys in the studio tonight then.

J: /Exhausted rabbit emoji/ Really not going to give us a choice?

M: Nope! you're perfect for it.

J: Fine. We'll discuss it. It'll be nice to see you anyway.

M: I need to tell Jarvis!

J: See you there.

M: YES! I'm so excited! Love you!

J: Love you too. You are such a nerd.

M: I learned from the best.

Judy put her head down and switched back to Nick.

N: Okay...

J: Maria just invited herself and Jarvis.

N: Oh gods. Are you going to tell Lizz?

J: No, and you are not telling Mike either.

N: Lips are sealed. I don't need Bogo or Ben hearing that.

J: Good. Love you, see you soon.

N: Love you more. I am in desperate need of some bunny. I have been severely deprived of my vitamin Bun.

J: That's so corny!

N: Only because you are vitamin Fox deprived.

J: Maybe. So don't make me wait long.

After a moment Judy realized that she needed to tell him something else.

J: Oh, one more thing.

J: Actually, a few things...

N: Why am I suddenly scared.

J: Joan now knows about BA, CG, and VV.

N: Oh...

J: Yeah. She is going to take you around tomorrow to do a formal insurance evaluation for everything.

N: Shit

J: Oh, it's worse. She knows about and wants to see the SW#1

N: Of course, she does. So, this is happening?

J: I think we can keep it contained to just this small group of friends. Though I think we can at least have some fun and reveal to Maria that you were VV.

N: /grinning fox emoji/ Finally!

J: Such a kit. Also, Maria wants us for her new single and will be trying to talk us into it at dinner.

N: Oh, that'll be fun. Not taking no for an answer.

J: You know she isn't.

N: Figures. Are we going to give in?

J: Haven't Decided.

N: Okay.

J: Anyway. Something to toy with Mike with.

N: Do tell.

J: Elli's mate, Ed, is Mike's younger brother.

N: /Laughing Fox emoji x10/

N: No way!

J: Yep. Do with that what you will. Also, Lizz knows about our IA files from then.

N: But of course. Does she know what is in it?

J: No, not really. I've given the 10,000-foot view. Not so great news. Bogo does. She saw mine on his desk right after I was reinstated. Apparently, he spent the entire meeting with a grin and chuckling every time he looked at the file on his desk.

N: That... Crap.

J: My thoughts exactly. See you at Dinner.

N: Love you.

J: /Kissing rabbit emoji/

Looking over her shoulder to Lizz, Judy's ears dropped. "Sorry Lizz, we're going to have a very busy dinner. Nick and Mike will meet us there."

Lizz smiled back. "No worries, Judy. Not necessarily in your control, and we have decided to be out about it now, so it is to be expected. I've always wanted to go to Greetha's, but it is so exclusive. Who is Bill? Wait, Carry... Didn't you say that Bill was the name of your mate? Is that who Bill is?"

Carry nodded with a grin as Judy groaned. "Yes, Bill is my mate, and yes this is the same Bill. Come on Judy, I had to tell him what I was up to today. I wasn't expecting him to be done with work."

Judy sank into her seat as much as she could. "Lizz, don't think too hard on it... Carry, as soon as he knew you'd be spending the day with me, he pushed things around so this would happen, and you know it."

Carry laughed as she made a left turn. "I do know that."

Lizz looked to the front seat, shaking her head. "Hold up. A coyote, named Bill, who can just get reservations at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Zootopia, whenever he feels like it." Looking down at herself. "I'm not even remotely dressed for such a place."

Carry laughed. "Not to worry. Bill will have taken care of that. Besides, it is his standing table."

Lizz scratched her chin. "Coyote, rich, someone Judy knows well... and seems embarrassed by. Has a standing table at Greetha's."

Judy chuckled. "I wouldn't say embarrassed, just... This is what he does. You have no idea how hard I had to fight to prevent him from making our wedding the social event of the millennium. He still wants to do it."

Carry chuckled. "Yes he does, and all you need to do is say the word, with Maria doing all she can to just add on."

Judy looked up at Carry, a pleading look in her eyes. "I've already explained. We cannot accept it. It's against the rules. Dinner like this is pushing the line. He knows that."

"He does, and he does it anyway because he loves you."

"No. He loves you. He enjoys torturing me." Judy crossed her arms with a huff, staring out the window.

Lizz suddenly gasps as she realizes who they're talking about. "No! Your Bill is William Ekarts‽"

Carry grinned even wider. "That's my Bill. Judy, what he wants to do for you, and what he can do are different things. He is still trying to convince the council to let him give a gift to you and Nick."

"First. It wasn't just Nick and I that solved that, or did the follow up. There are a lot of officers that helped us, evidence tech's, etc..."

"Yes, and yet, if it wasn't for you and Nick pushing the point, how many more would have been hurt, lost their freedom, even their lives? Not just my Bill and I, our cubs, but the Firfoxes, the Andreas, the Horns, and so many others. You have done so much, you deserve some recognition for it, both you and Nick."

Judy pulled her ears over her face. "I don't do it for that. Nick and I don't do it for that. We do it because it is the right thing to do. We didn't do the Night Howler cases for the fame, and we didn't do those other cases for it. None of those mammals deserved what happened to them and no one else was going to do anything. Even for Bill, because he was rich."

"Which is exactly the point. Also, we're here." Carry said, pulling the car into a parking spot.

Looking up, Lizz and Judy could see a young, maybe late twenties, well dressed coyote waving to them.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N

Obviously, more to come.

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: dcballard dot com and then select Scribblings Blog.