Proposal in Blue

"Yes, Heather. Everything is going perfectly...No, I don't believe that to be necessary…Yes, yes that will probably do. Have Gamma execute plans three, five, and eight...Yes, in that order. I expect to be done here momentarily, and will be back to the office in a few hours. Please call Margery and inform her I will be dropping by with two new operatives, if she would have her team ready in half an hour...Hold on...Justin is calling...No, I'll just see you after I'm through with all of this. *Beep* Yes, Justin?...No, maybe half an hour?...Yes, tell Mr. Rondlick that he and Mr. Jones should have ample time to get fresh coffee and be back before we are ready to leave. When we go, we'll drive straight to Margery's. She should be expecting us...No, I'm fine. Mr. Holder's breakfast spread was filling. I'll text when we are ready to wrap up so you can bring the car around. Please call your brother and tell him it is exquisite for me...Yes, it exceeds all my expectations. Thanks, Justin…*Click* A bluish burst of smoke filled George's vision as he exhaled the cigar fumes. Not normally a smoker this early in the morning, the events of the day warranted one. 'Anytime I get to drive around in that car, is reason enough to enjoy life's finer qualities.' George thought, with a smile to himself. Another quick pull of the short Corona filled his tastebuds with an intoxicating mix of flavors, from the heady taste of peppery filler tobacco, to the notes of peach and, curiously, a buttery blueberry tinted ending. Finishing the delicate Corona short with one more final pull and subsequent exhale mingled with a lone growl of satisfaction, rising from the lower gut. George extinguished his smoke in the styrofoam coffee cup he's gotten from the ZPD lounge, and made his way back inside the main entryway. The obese cheetah glanced at him, taking a large bite out of what must have been his tenth doughnut, this one with white frosting and sprinkles. George put on his easy smile at the glance, and walked to the waste bin to deposit his cup. Readjusting his already perfect tie in precise movements of his gray paws, George's tail curled unconsciously around his body, under his right arm. Satisfied with his tie, his phone vibrated once. Reaching for it, his tail returning behind him automatically, the screen informed him that plan three was completed, and Margery would be delighted to see him when he finished at the…

"Mr. Coldart?" came the muted call from the doughnut slaying cheetah. When George turned to him, he waved him over, a new pastry in his opposite paw. George's smile changed slightly to one of self assuredness. Walking directly, but with measured grace, he reached the cheetah's desk in short order, redepositing his phone with a quick slip of his wrist to the waiting pocket. A bright, inviting smile filled the cheetah's wide muzzle at the approaching wolf, "The Chief is ready to see you again, Sir." Clawhouser stated politely.

"Thank you, Officer Clawhouser. And thank you for the cup and coffee. Even if it was 'Weak Judy Tea' as you described it." An engaging smile gave the large cat free reign over his chortle.

"Yeah, she tries, but her coffee is a little lighthearted. It's infamous enough to be called her own brew of tea!" the extra chins rolled with a heartfelt laugh in good nature about one of his favorite officers.

"I think spirit counts for something. Have a nice day, Officer." George turned from the feline, and started for the Chief's office. He reached into his pocket for both his phone and his customary after cigar mint. Clicking efficiently, he finds his new text and encrypted file he wanted. Pulling it up, and running a decoder through the message, he was greeted with a case file and picture. Reading a few lines, he memorized the wanted information quickly, as he rounded the corner to the sight of the lovely vixen he'd seen minutes ago. Looking up from her computer, she gave a slightly surprised look, not hearing the exchange between her boss and Clawhouser.

"The Chief is expecting me, Mrs. Feltrain. And since I missed the chance to say so before, you have two lovely kits." George's smile was warm and engaging, encouraging Rachel's own to warm the room at mention of her little tykes, with a wide array of pictures surrounding her desk and office furniture. This vixen seems to rarely miss a picture perfect opportunity.

The smile stayed in her voice as she gently pressed the intercom to allow the wolf entrance. "Mr. Coldart is back. Shall I send him in?" She maintained eye contact until the wolf turned to place his overcoat and Fedora on a coat stand next to the Chief's door. He turned back, still waiting for the affirmative to enter. As the seconds passed, George asked, conversationally, "How old are they?"

"Brooke is six and little Patrick is four." a mother's pride ringing in her voice, sparkling her golden eye's. "They are little handfuls, but I love…"

"Ok Rachel, please send him in." the Chief's booming voice loudly interrupting her.

"Alright Mr. Coldart, please proceed." she smiled with a slight turn of her head towards the imposing door.

"Thank you." George stated simply, his smile never wavering. Armed with his briefcase, he opened the door to find the expected additional officers. What was surprising was a light gray bunny in blue parked next to an orange fox in the same hue. Purple and green eyes regarded him with unabated excitement in one and mild curiosity from the other. As George began to cross the floor, his shoes again making a light clacking, the smaller officers rose politely, well, hopped out of their shared large chair would be more accurate. George removed his shades, as efficient as last time, revealing his cool blue eyes. With a grin fixed to his muzzle, he gained the last few steps with paw extended toward Judy.

Seeing the motion, Bogo stated simply, "Officers Hopps and Wilde, this is George Coldart." Paws were shaken and polite nods exchanged. "They know little, and I haven't explained your…'conditions' to them yet." The last was delivered with slight disapproval. While the Chief was speaking, all the mammals took seats. "I would rather the details come straight from the source. They are also under strict confidentiality orders, regardless of what they choose."

Unfazed, George sat comfortably, and turned from the large bovine to the pair much closer to him. "Alright. I'm a representative of Mr. Cards, and he has the ability to confirm Ms. Gazelle's safety. You all understand the strict need for secrecy?" Seeing the nods, he continued, "Just a normal precaution. The aforementioned conditions are simple. Mr. Card needs two officers to...join him, like new recruits. This will give the illusion that you belong in the area Ms. Gazelle is safely hidden. I won't elaborate more, but the plan is almost a covert op inside his own organization. Layers inside layers inside layers. To cut to the chase, the best way for this to happen is for you two agreeing to the terms, mostly of non-disclosure of locations and business structure." At three sets of raised eyebrows, George quickly added, "Nothing illegal, just a little different." George clears his throat before continuing. "Officer Hopps will interact with her and video proof will be delivered to Chief Bogo. For Mr. Card's safety and the integrity of Ms. Gazelle's safety and rights, this will need to be handled delicately and stretched over time. This will take place over two to four weeks, so that the safe house can be reached inconspicuously. And to build some trust between those placed in my care, so the ZPD trusts Mr. Card if he comes forward with information in the future."

"Why the time frame? And all the cloak and dagger stuff?" Nick questioned. "It would be much easier for all involved to turn Gazelle over to authorities and let us provide her protection. Or, barring that, simply drive to her with a handy news crew and let her speak herself. None of the missing mammals have come up dead or even harmed, just missing." Nick asked, pointedly.

Listening politely, George's tail wrapped unconsciously around his right side, he absently thumbed the fluffy appendage. "Good points Officer Wilde, but there are a few problems I'm sure we can reason through. First, the obvious. Ms. Gazelle came to Mr. Card asking for protection. She feared for her life and wanted to go into hiding. Either she trusted him more or thought he could keep her safer by going underground, so to speak. So the 'cloak and dagger' stuff, as you put it, is highly necessary. She wants to be hidden and safe, and she is." His tail slips back behind him, his ears intent while speaking, "Mr. Card plans to keep her that way, until she changes her mind. She isn't a prisoner being held against her will. As for the news crew, that's a terrible idea. The last thing someone being protected wants is for her whereabouts to be broadcast to the world after a news interview. Even taking her somewhere is a risk she herself is unwilling to attempt. I've been over this plan with her, and have her whole hearted approval. As a side note, the news crew would destroy any chance the Chief has of enjoying the gains the video would be, and any twist he chooses to put on it, as per the agreement we discussed earlier." George turned from the pair he'd been addressing to look at the imposing Chief, which gave an approving nod.

"That's right, Wilde. You know this will be good for the ZPD's public image, with the added bonus of being the one to break the story in a press conference." Understanding filled both the smaller officer's eyes as the positive possibilities ran through their thoughts.

"And you get to spin it to make us look good, Chief." Judy supplied, her normal enthusiasm breaking into the open, her ears straight up in rapt attention. "Then the news anchors can eat their words when you have solid proof you're not just capable, you are the best Chief the city could have." she added brightly. Her smile was endearing.

"Nice, Fluff. You caught that quick." Nick's smile was incorrigible. It did earn him a rabbit elbow to the fox ribcage. And the appropriate 'Oof'

"Wilde, Hopps! Knock it off!" The Chief barked.

His smile widening to an amused grin, George started, "Oh no, Chief. They are perfect. You have found the perfect pair for this mission. The energy and fire will be radiant on the video, making it even more convincing and intriguing." George's tail twitched back under his arm for a moment before settling back behind him, the vision of innocent rabbit mingling with perfect gazelle making for a masterpiece.

Judy's ears sank in front of her eyes to cover some of her sudden embarrassment at the intent look from George. His grin, to her, held an almost predatory twinge. After catching his breath, Nick cleared his throat to help refocus the older wolf.

Noticing the pained looks, George realized his intense gaze had disquieted the normally animated female. With an apologetic drop of his chin, "I'm sorry, I got lost in thought for a moment. Where were we? Hmm, ah yes." Turning back from his thoughts, George turned to the pair with seriousness evident in his eyes. "Mr. Card needs a signed non-disclosure agreement from the two officers, should they decide to do this." Pulling his right arm out slightly, the sleeve moving to expose a silver wristwatch, the sapphires catching the light to flash blue sparkles around the room. "Though I will note that time is of the essence, since Mr. Card has imposed a two week wait for their return at the minimum." Returning his gaze to the officers in the room, "I should also make it known you won't be paid through the ZPD during your time with us, should you choose to proceed. You'll be paid like contractors, and on unpaid leave with the department. This maintains legality and gives Chief Bogo immunity from what may happen. You and the department will be spotless." After looking in the eyes of the officers, George opens and reaches inside his case for the wanted legal papers, and hands them to the fox, bunny and bovine. "This will let you move as free agents in the city, and strengthens the cover story." After some hurried glances at the document, purple and green eyes regard him with a tint of suspicion. "Remember the layers on layers. It's for your safety, and ease, I promise you."

The air grows thick in the office as silence presses in as the pair reads and rereads the non-disclosure. Nick's tail twitches slightly, his ears lowered while he reads; Judy's tail twitches just as slight, though her ears are straight up, showing her undivided attention. Bogo watches intently, not moving, even holding his breath in apprehension. George settles in the chair, like he is having a chat with old friends.

Getting to the end at about the same time, Nick's eyes widen at the lawfirm logo attached to the bottom while Judy looks at him as he speaks. "Reaflint and Sons, the old horse himself signed this." Looking up, slightly impressed. "I'd almost sign it just to say my signatures next to his." He added with a light laugh, almost a chuckle. "You know your stuff, hey George?" Nick turns to him, using every bit of charisma in his belt of tricks. His eyes intent but friendly, his ears watching the fellow canine.

Returning the look with the slightest nod, "You have no idea, Officer Wilde." Turning to regard all the rooms occupants, "I trust Mr. Card's lawyer knows how to make an air tight legal document?" Noting no descent, George continues, "I only need Officers Hopps and Wilde to sign. You may keep your copy, Chief, though I would recommend you use your safe to keep any possible prying eyes from it." Bogo's expression darkens, but he finally nods once. "Any questions I can answer?"

Judy looks at the small wolf, "How will we explain our absence? To our friends and family?" Her purple eyes worried, thoughts of her family being denied her. She still calls weekly, and two or three weeks would be remiss with the Hopps clan.

"Tell them you are on an official police training retreat and are unable to call during your mandatory training." Chief Bogo offered. "It happens now and again, though usually for advancement in special groups like SWAT."

"That's great! Thanks Chief. And I can look at this like undercover training for becoming a detective, so I won't even be lying. Oh that's such a relief." Judy burst out.

Looking at his passionate partner, Nick interjects, "Are we to stay with you? Or are we allowed to go back to our apartments nightly."

"I think you would gain more acceptance with the others if you stayed with us." George responded after a moment's thought.

"Where is that, exactly?" Bogo pressed.

With a self assured smile, George looks up to meet the Chief's eye. His voice changing slightly from stuffy to innocent, almost mocking. "I told you it was a secret Chief." His bushy gray eyebrows rising suggestively, several times. The built tension released between the confident wolf and the miffed bovine when Judy couldn't hold back her laughter anymore, her feminine chortle filling the office completely. Even Nick couldn't hold back a slight chuckle at the sight of this overdressed, almost pompous wolf's comical expression.

"Alright, that's enough you two." The irritated Bogo huffed indignantly. The pair's laughter leveled off and quickly died.

"Sorry Chief, but you did ask for it." The laughter in George's voice was thick. Leaving the offended Chief to brood, George looked back to the pair in the oversized chair. "Have you made a decision yet? Like I said, time is of the essence."

"After that, I'm almost obligated to say yes." Came the most enthusiastic response George had seen yet from the green eyed fox. He nodded a quiet thanks, then turned to regard the little rabbit. She seemed a little less sure.

"Let me get this straight. I get to not only meet Gazelle, I get to talk to her and interact with her?" Judy quizzed seriously.

"Yes, that's all correct, Officer Hopps." George confirmed.

"Ok, I'm in."

"Excellent choice. None of you will regret it." George beamed. A loud ding from his pocket draws his phone out, almost by magic. Quickly swiping and searching, the playful expression drains from his muzzle like water from a jug. Making a quick decision, he looks up from his phone and looks the Chief in the eyes. George's tail wrapped around him, almost like a friend offering comfort.

"I have just learned something that I feel I should share, about your final point, Officer Wilde. About the stars not being in any confirmed danger?" George added, his voice quiet and sober. "I again have to stress the sensitivity of this information, and let it remain on a need to know basis. Also, I'd like this to be regarded as a token of Mr. Card's good will toward the almost completed understanding between himself and the ZPD." Three sets of eyes looked questioningly at him, awaiting him to continue.

"You have our attention and our discretion, Mr. Coldart. What do you know?" Bogo stated, curiosity evident in his tone.

"May I use your television?" With an open indication in the affirmative, George reached into his suit pocket and removed something small, about the size of a dime. Approaching the still muted, but on TV, he placed the object on the side, and pulled his phone out. "Grant, TV." he stated simply, his screen turning dark as numbers and letters flashed quickly across it. In less than five seconds, the transmission displayed on the screen flickered, and was replaced by the much smaller screen in George's paw, with the numbers of the unlocked interface of the TV, 17492, in erie white. With efficient swipes on the screen, the file he had seen before entering the office with the additional facts just received came into view on the screen, complete with the picture arranged in the corner around details similar to a police report, almost military in appearance. The picture revealed a large bear, nude and shaved of hair; beaten. With a clean slit in his throat, laying in a pool of his own blood. The former buoyant ease in the room drained quickly away, replaced by thick apprehension, questions thought almost loud enough to be heard.

A stifled,"How…" from Bogo, who was silenced by the direct look on George's muzzle, followed by a disapproving frown.

"Please bear with me, this is the first missing mammal, at least so far as I know. Bronson Keelick, also known by the stage name Triple B, was found not ten minutes ago by a group I am in contact with. They sent me this information, and I am relaying it to you, Chief Bogo. Triple B was a rapper, the first missing star in this ordeal, his name deriving from his species and size, big black bear. Mr. Card took an interest, and began a small search of his own, and this is what turned up. From the picture, you can see that these missing stars are in grave danger. Lethal danger." George looked at the Chief, his expression one of harsh anger. "This report will be forwarded to your ZPD e-mail after I finish, to ensure the team's privacy, Chief Bogo."

"What team, and how did they find him? I've had officers and detectives looking all over the city for him, even calling in a few military investigators through various connections, and your group of amateurs found him in, what, a week?" Bogo demanded.

"36 hours, Chief. And you won't know who or what they are, but I will tell you they are far from amateurs, no disrespect to the ZPD or this cities fine resources. They just knew better where to look." George held the hard eyes of the Chief.

"Knew where to look because they did it?" Nick quipped before the anger in Bogo could find it's voice. This drew the cool blue eyes to green, the ears trained on the sounds direction, as an involuntary shake came from George's head, followed by a slight smile.

"No, Officer Wilde, my mammals did not do this. Mr. Card deals in much information, and gave a few favors to find what he wanted. Some motivations are greater than honor and duty, like your own, and greed will always find a place at information's table. Though you are quick on your feet, Mr. Wilde." A look of approval on his muzzle, George turns back to the agitated Bogo. "In the private industry, we can talk to who we want and pay for what we need, a little more freely than in the public eye. No one cares if I speak with a drugged up hyena in Savannah Square, but a few gents in blue, and no one can be found to talk to, unless they've been busted and the officers know where to look. But put the right price for information, and let the mammals come to you." Turning back to Nick, "You already knew that, Officer Wilde." George said softly, but pointedly.

Nick's eyes betrayed his normal cool reserve, and a small bead of sweat ran down the side of his face. His ears perked and his tail twitched, though from agitation or fear, even he wasn't sure. 'What does this runt know?' he thought to himself.

"Nick is a good cop, Mr. Coldart, and I'll not have you insinuate anything about my partner!" Judy stood in her chair, her eyes smoking dangerously. Her ears were low, ready for a fight.

Before Judy could speak again, or jump off the chair, George spoke, his paws held up in supplication, "I'm not insulting anyone or insinuating anything, Officer Hopps. Only stating the truth." Turning his gaze from hard purple to offended green, George held Nick's eye for two heartbeats. Returning his gaze to meet the Chief's, "There isn't much more to tell, and I'll provide the address so your forensic team can go through their work." Looking at the other three mammals, "Look, this is a gift. Not always pretty and perfect like at Christmas, with all the answers and details included in the box. It's a peace offering to help build trust." Glancing at his phone, he pulled a muffled text message showing only the text and time stamp, the image of sender and name was blurred. "I only got this information just before I came back in, and waited for more confirmation and proof." The date and time stamp confirmed it. Gently pulling the little device off the TV, it flickered back to ZNN, muted, like nothing had happened. The room was pulled into an uneasy silence as George regained his chair, absently swiping and clicking on his phone for ten seconds. After which, he replaced his phone in his pocket, and looked at the three officers in the room. "Are there any other questions I can answer?"

Bogo was about to speak, when his computer screen flashed a newly received message, from an unknown sender. Flashing a quizzical look at George, he got a gray muzzled half smile and slight nod. The message detail line simply stated 'You're welcome'. He opened the message to see most of what had been on the TV, and it included the address. A stunned look was all Bogo could muster, and the thoughts of how were replaced with all the work he needed to do in the missing, now homicide case.

"What else do you need, George?" Bogo asked flatly. He liked getting help, but didn't like the flash and tech wizardry.

"Just a signing of non-disclosure agreements, and their oath as officers to hold to it. That will satisfy me, which will satisfy Mr. Card. And I was hoping they could change into street clothes before leaving the ZPD, just for the ease of movement. Less conspicuous." George stated, easily.

With a pointed look confirmed by his officers, "Done. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a forensic team to gather." With that, the Chief rose and started for his door, uneasily, for the second time in less than an hour. "And George?"

"Yes, Chief?"

"Keep them safe. Bogo stated flatly.

"I will, Chief."

"And thank you for the information." A nod followed by a door shutting, not quite a slam.