"You never wanted my friendship." Mr. Big spoke. "And now you fear to be in my debt."
Nick said nothing, nor did he give his head a nod or a shake.
"Is that why you won't talk?" Mr. Big asked.
Nick remained silent. All he could see in front of him was Honey lying in a pool of dust and blood, a hole in the middle of her back. Even the polar bears that surrounded the room like a jury of executioners were paid no heed, nor the wolf and fox that stood on either side of the desk.
The shrew sighed. "Still in shock, I see. Vito, lend a paw, will you?"
Vito the Vulpine, a short fox with slicked back fur and a cobalt blue suit, walked to the middle of the office and slapped the disheveled, bandaged fox sitting silently in a chair. Noticing the sting of the blow, Nick looked around at the stony-faced bears before locking eyes with the deceptively diminutive shrew, despite seeing nothing but bushy black eyebrows above a long snout.
"Let's try this again." Mr. Big said. He tapped a foot on the edge of the fake Gazelle CD lying on the desk by his swivel chair. "What is so important about this disk that you and your friends would almost lose their lives for it?"
Nick bit his lip, feeling the bandages covering his torso. Honey was still being seen to by Mr. Big's personal surgeon in an undisclosed location. For all he knew the badger had already died on the table.
"Nicholas." Mr. Big said sternly. "As per your and Mr. Corroux's request, I agreed to have your friend taken care of in exchange for the truth. I'm still waiting."
Nick opened his mouth and told the truth. What else could he do? "It's a long story, sir, and it might take a while to get to the disk bit."
"I'm patient mammal, Mr. Wilde. Start talking."
Nick told him everything. He started from what they knew about the savage attacks, and the fake wolf behind it. He told them that Assistant Mayor Woolton had been the first wolf, and was replaced by an assassin called Doug Ramses after his death. He told the shrew about Dr. Slothfeld, and the true nature of the unmarked blue disk resting inside the CD case.
"The disk is encrypted, and Slothfeld is the only one who knows how to get in." Nick finally said. Mr. Big continued to listen, having said nary a word since the fox began. "Our friends went to go find him, but we lost contact nearly two days ago."
"And this Doug Ramses." Mr. Big said, giving no indication as to whether he believed Nick's story. "He assaulted your friend's bunker in an attempt to retrieve this disk?"
Nick swallowed a lump in his throat. "I don't know if he knows we have it. It's more likely he was trying to silence me because I know too much."
"What about your friends? The badger? The bunny? Finnick? The children? Do they know too much?"
Nick nodded. "What have you done with them?"
"They're safe." Mr. Big said, his reassuring tone not assuring Nick at all. "My friends are questioning them as I am questioning you now. You can see them when I decide you can see them."
Nick curled his tail around his legs. "Yes, sir."
Mr. Big's eyebrows shifted slightly, as they would when one narrows their eyes. Nick shivered, dreading whatever was going to happen next. "Now that we've got the truth out of the way, let's decide what to do with you. Vito, tell us of his transgressions."
Vito read out loud from a notebook. "Transgression One: Two bears were sent to discuss a business deal with you, but were sent back with broken noses and fractured ribs. They reported that your bodyguard was responsible for those injuries." Nick felt another wave of nausea surge through his gut. Vito kept talking. "Transgression Two: In the process of escaping the police, you and the bunny cut a swathe of destruction through the streets of Little Rodentia, endangering the lives of the boss's daughter, son in law, and granddaughter." Mr. Big nodded slightly, never taking his hidden eyes off the terrified fox. "Transgression Three: you and Finnick led a group of Koslov's soldiers straight to a gathering of the Don's top enforcers. All of them were whacked in the firefight that ensued." Vito tucked the notebook away, his face impassive. "That's everything, boss."
Mr. Big's collar beeped yellow. "Thank you, Vito. Go check on Miss Ryder's condition while I deal with this fox."
Vito left, giving Nick the slightest look of pity on his way. Nick thought of how he would get iced for the crimes the other fox had listed. Would he get an ice pick in the vital organs, or did the shrew have a more literal icing in mind?
"Well?" Mr. Big said coldly. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
Nick swallowed again. Between him and the desk lay a vintage red rug that felt colder beneath his feet than it ought to be. If he couldn't hustle his way out of this, perhaps his friends would stand a better chance.
Alright, Sir Con-a-Lot. This is it. Give it all you've got.
"Sir, while I understand your displeasure at the injuries your two bears have suffered, it isn't fair to hold me responsible for what happened at the clinic."
Mr. Big cocked his head. "And why is that?"
"My security guard arrived right after your… employees did. She tried to get them to leave peacefully, which I must stress is part of her job. In fact she didn't even technically work for me. She worked for my investor, Mr. Pottermass from Zoocell. Anyway, they started getting aggressive to her. She acted in self-defense and drove them off before I even had the chance to respond to their offer."
The wolf frowned, leaned over and spoke curtly in Mr. Big's ear. "They did say they never got an answer from him, Boss."
The shrew made a quiet noise of contemplation. "Let the fox continue."
Nick sucked in air. Round One to me. Don't screw this up, Nick. "As for what happened in Little Rodentia, me and Carrots-"
"Who?"
"Sorry, nickname. Me and Officer Hopps never intended to endanger your family, sir. We didn't even know they live in Little Rodentia."
"They don't. They had been visiting friends at the time of the incident." Mr. Big said. "The only reason I'm letting you live long enough to state your case is that none of them had been harmed. As for the bunny that will be discussed…"
"Forgive her, sir." Nick beseeched, staring at the shrew. "Officer Hopps never intended any harm to them. She's the last mammal in Zootopia who would hurt them."
For just a moment, Nick saw a flash of grey iris beneath those thick eyebrows. "For a fugitive, you seem very keen on having the officer's life be spared."
"Sir, we need her." Nick said, switching tactics. He had to be careful not to sound too slick. Be confident, but show respect, just like you did to get Koslov's investment. "Zootopia's going to hell, and she might be our best shot at fixing things."
"She's a rookie regarded as little more than a token. What good could she do?"
"The Red Queen seemed to disagree."
He heard subtle sounds surrounding him and looked up at the bears. They were trading glances and whispers, having evidently heard of this Red Queen. Mr. Big suddenly leaned forward in his chair. "I've heard of this woman. Rumors say that Sedor Valentino has allied with her. They have killed my men. What do you know of her?"
"Not much, only that she's behind the terrorist attacks." Nick said. He didn't want to think what Alyssa would do if he gave away the Red Queen's name and possible location to a vengeful mob boss. "She helped me escape the police and Koslov's hideout. I've had no part in the attacks, so I don't know why she did it. But she seems to think that me and Hopps stand a chance of exposing the truth behind the savage attacks and putting an end to the TAME Collars. That's why she's doing this, to reveal the truth. She's given demands for the Mayor to confess before she poisons the city's water supply, but it doesn't seem like those demands are going to be met."
Mr. Big's lips twisted in his agitation. "She sounds certifiable."
"You don't know the half of it, sir." Nick said. "Let me ask you a few questions."
The wolf scowled, but Mr. Big gave him a stern look to keep him from responding. "Ask."
"How did the Red Queen kill your men?"
Mr. Big paused. "Single handedly."
"And did you know that she and Sedor not only killed a psychiatrist working for Dr. Slothfeld, but the Assistant Mayor of Zootopia himself?"
"… I did." Mr. Big talked and looked cool as ever, but there was an undercurrent of unease that Nick swooped in to take advantage of.
"Then you know the position we're in. She's a one-woman killing machine, and she's got friends who are just as dangerous-"
Mr. Big waved a paw. Nick felt the chair disappear as a bear lifted him into the air, agonizing the wound beneath his bandages. "Just as dangerous as you, who is responsible for the deaths of my top enforcers. Do you think I am a fool? You tried to misdirect me away from your own offences, and you failed. The Red Queen is a matter that I will handle myself."
Jaw set with pain, Nick watched as the wolf pulled at the rug, revealing a trap door. "No, you can't!"
Mr. Big leaned back in his chair. "And why not? What you've done cannot go unpunished."
Nick actually felt the blood drain from his face. Finnick… Honey! "You can't handle the Red Queen!" He yelled. "Not with the losses you've suffered! Sure, I got a few enforcers killed, but Koslov has killed dozens of your men already! The Red Queen used a literal army to commit her attacks, so what the hell makes you think you can take her on? You don't even know who or where she is, or if she's capable of doing far worse than terrorizing an entire city!"
Nick clenched his fists. His chest heaving. Mr. Big actually looked stunned. Nick had to calm down, or Mr. Big might just ice him for shouting in his office. "I have no defense for what I did to your enforcers. I used them to distract Koslov's bears while I made my escape, and they died for it. But with Officer Hopps and that disk, I may be able to make it up to you, just a little."
"Go on." Mr. Big said simply.
"That disk contains the truth the Red Queen is after. The Red Queen thinks me and Hopps can help her unlock it. I don't what she'll do to you if you kill us."
"That's it? You ensure she spares my life in exchange for my sparing yours?" Mr. Big sounded skeptical.
"That's not all." Nick said, his voice inhibited from his collar digging into his throat. "If the truth is exposed, the government will likely have the TAME Collars abolished, just like Ewerope did a few years back. Your family won't have to worry about getting shocked anymore, and your granddaughter might never wear a collar at all. You can't deny that would be one hell of a bonus."
Mr. Big scratched his chin. "It would." He admitted.
"It could also give you leverage against Koslov. We both know you didn't make Valentino disappear. You could prove it and negotiate a ceasefire. No-one else would have to die."
Mr. Big looked around at the gangsters in the room.
"And you might even learn the identity of the Red Queen." Nick felt sick with guilt even before he said it. He hoped to God Alyssa never found out. "If you let us go, we can stop her before she follows through with her threats. Zootopia's your home, Mr. Big. Two thirds of it is your empire. Is killing a few mammals worth jeopardizing everything you've ever cared out?"
Mr. Big gazed down at the Gazelle CD. For a while, he said nothing. The jurors surrounding him remained silent as well, holding their defendant high above the floor. The wolf remained beside the trapdoor, which appeared to be emanating a frigid draught. Every eye was on Mr. Big, waiting for judgement to be passed.
"How long until the Red Queen makes good on her threat?" He asked.
"Two days. The deadline is midnight."
Mr. Big drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair and made a decision. "Put him down."
The bear lowered the fox and released him before getting back in line with the others.
"I always wondered what Gabriel was up to when he wasn't working for me. I am happy to finally get the truth." Mr. Big said. "I will allow you and Officer Hopps to go and rejoin him, so that we may finally be able to straighten out this pazzia."
Son of a bitch, I did it! "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down!"
"However…" Mr. Big held up a finger. "Finnick, Honey and the children will stay here. As insurance. Make good on your promises before the Queen's deadline, and they will be returned to you."
"Gabe won't like you keeping the kids, sir." Nick tried to look on the bright side as he spoke. With one of Zootopia's biggest bosses watching his friends, it would make it harder for Doug to get to them.
"That is for him and me to discuss. I will have the bunny brought to you, and then you will be free to leave." Mr. Big said.
"Sir, I can't leave until I know if Honey is okay." Nick said.
Mr. Big squinted at Nick, or at least the fox thought he squinted. "Then you may not be leaving for quite a while. I heard she was hurt very badly."
The cold gnawing sensation in Nick's stomach lingered as he sat back down on the chair, no longer able to hold back the memories of that horrific event. He'd collapsed to his knees, clutching what at the time everyone had assumed to be a lethal wound to the abdomen by a 7.62×54mmR bullet fired by a Dragugnaw sniper rifle, seeing nothing but Honey lying crumpled in a bloody heap in front of him. He remembered nothing else, not even the bullets flying around him or baby Lance screaming in Judy Hopps's arms. He did remember being dragged into a black car afterward, jammed into the backseat in between two wolves along with Judy, Finnick, Lance and Sherry. Judy had passed Lance into Sherry's arms so she could help Nick, and it turned out that the bullet had grazed his ribs, mercifully missing all his vital organs. Sherry, sobbing in fear, had asked where Honey was… and Nick lost it. He'd spent the entire drive to Mr. Big's mansion sobbing in Judy's arms, barely feeling her paws patting his head and applying pressure to his wound. He did remember her soothing voice, even if he couldn't remember the words.
Benjamin was hurt, missing, possibly dead. Honey was hurt, missing, possibly dead. And Nick was partly responsible.
The door opened, and Judy was escorted into the office, unkempt but unharmed. Nick watched silently as Mr. Big spoke with her, explaining the arrangement he had made and calmly warning her what would happen if she said anything to the ZPD. It was some time after that when Vito returned. Nick stared intensely at the other fox, reading his expression. Vito was infuriatingly composed as he stepped up to Mr. Big's desk.
"He said that the badger should make it, but..."
"But what?" Nick demanded, cutting Mr. Big off. The shrew paid no mind, waiting for Vito to finish.
"… the bullet hit her spine when it passed through her. She'd have to go to a real hospital to know for sure, but she'll probably never walk again."
"Ah." Mr. Big said. He looked first at the stunned bunny, then the emotionally devastated fox sitting on the chair. "That is unfortunate."
Nick managed to keep it together as he gained permission from Mr. Big to see Finnick and the kids to tell them what was going on. Judy did Nick another favor by taking it upon herself to tell Finnick what had happened to Honey. "Huh. Well, shit. She didn't do a lotta walking anyway." The fennec managed to keep it cool, but Nick knew it wouldn't last. Finnick's collar shocked him twice before they left him to see the kids. They didn't tell Sherry the details of Honey's condition.
"Will she be okay?"
"Er… I… yes, yes she will." Judy said, holding back tears. "We need to go now, sweetie, so we can help Gabe find the bad sloth."
"You'll stop the other bad guys too, right?" Sherry asked, hugging Lance as he gurgled in her arms. "Promise."
Nick managed to smile. "Promise. We'll be back with Gabe soon. You'll be a good girl and look after his baby until then, right?"
Sherry nodded. "I'll be the best babysitter ever."
A few minutes later their stuff was returned to them, along with the disk, and then they were escorted to a waiting car. Nick stared out the window at the large mansion as the car took off through the snow-shovelled road, and promised himself that this would be the very last time he made a deal with a devil.
