The Evening's Entertainment
No one had spoken on the walk from the apartment, or the elevator ride; the tension still palpable. Nick and Judy were both unsure what had happened in the apartment, or what the implications could be, the feelings too new and untried, uncertain of the others intent. Justin could tell something had changed, but what, exactly, he wasn't sure, so he wisely stayed quiet and aloof. Judy held Nick's arm all the way to the elevator car, but dropped it silently once inside. Each mammal was keeping their thoughts to themselves, though glances were stolen with abandon between the officers, ears flicked, tails twitched.
George was waiting for them with the Duesenberg Model J parked next to the elevator. He was leaning against the tire with his shoed paw, much like Justin had earlier, his muzzle buried in his phone, his fluffy tail worked under his right arm and across his body. When the door opened to reveal his dinner guests, he looked up and smiled, his deep blue eyes exposed with his glasses stored in his suit pocket, his tail flicking behind him. His only change to attire had been the replacement of his blue tie for a shimmering silver one, matching the wedding band on his left paw. He removed his rear paw from the tire and greeted them all with a gesture toward the open door of the antique automobile. "Justin, perfect timing, as usual. Are you, Judith and Nicholas, prepared for the evening's entertainment?" George's smile and demeanor spoke volumes of his apparent good mood. He seemed almost celebratory. Justin's quick intake of breath was near inaudible, and was to all but Judy, who was between the fox and badger. She glanced at him involuntary, with questions in her eyes.
Before Judy could voice her concern, or investigate, Nick responded to George's query. "You bet George, I'm famished." His grin was a poor attempt to cover the awkward ride, his eyes containing a touch of worry. Nick's mind had been running double speed to pick at the knot of concern over their location for dinner. He wasn't certain what bothered him about it, but something felt off. He didn't like surprises, especially when the mammal in question was so well connected. And dangerous. But, it could have been the exclusive nature of the club and five star restaurant that had him a bit nervous. Or he was trying to ignore the new feelings rolling around his fox gut for his long eared partner and the accompanied questions those feelings queried.
"Then we shouldn't keep you officers waiting. After you Judith." George could sense something was amiss between the two, but decided to wait for a more opportune moment before tackling this new development. He offered his paw to assist the rabbit's entry into the car. She took the offered paw with a hint of uncertainty and ears falling behind her back, questions still looming in her violet eyes, nose twitching slightly. George offered a reassuring smile, and, with a shrug and settling sigh, she hopped inside after returning George's smile. George then motioned for Nick to enter, and followed after the fluffy fox tail; Justin took his place at the helm of the large vehicle. Asher Jones, the black panther from earlier in the day was already seated in the front passenger seat. He nodded politely, but was silent, his eyes scanning the area. Even in the base of power, he was alert. Once everyone was settled, Justin started the car, engaged the transmission, and set the vehicle in motion. Rounding the final curve to exit, two black SUVs pulled out, one in front, the other behind, in parade fashion. The entourage exited the parking garage, and hit the street, turning left. No one spoke, George looking out the window, a look of contemplation across his muzzle, his tail comfortably under his right paw. Nick and Judy glanced at each other, then quickly looking out opposite windows. Nick grew puzzled, noting the landmarks and realizing where they were.
"Aren't we going to The Silver Note? Isn't it the other way? Like right beside where we just were?" Judy looked around, but her time in Zootopia hadn't given her a perfect map like Nick's years of experience had.
George looked at them, and smiled reassuringly. "You are correct, but one must always arrive from the correct side and enter with a certain style. It's about appearances and entrances Nicholas. " As he spoke, the vehicle train made a series of turns, putting them on the path to the red carpet entrance of the high end establishment. George said nothing more, but wore a slightly smug look implying 'Trust me' to the uncertain officers. Justin piloted the stylish Duesenberg expertly so the rear door opened in line with the spotless red carpet. A small crowd of mammals gathered near the entrance looked at the antique in awe as the black panther exited the front and approached the rear. Once the door was opened, George deftly exited, and turned to assist Judy from the vehicle, accompanied by a few flashes from the ever present paparazzi. The Silver Note was one of the finest restaurants in Zootopia, the best in the downtown area. Rising starlets and singing divas were common sights, so the media always had a presence. Judy wasn't ready for the attention, her muzzle awash with uncertainty. Asher respectfully held the door until Nick had also made his exit to a flood of flashes. He hid his surprise at the attention better than Judy had managed, though a slight tug from the arm she still held of George's brought her back quickly. Feeling her body close to his, he could tell she was more tightly coiled than what he had learned was her normal. With a self assured grin, he patted her paw for reassurance, and properly escorted her to the door of his club and restaurant. "Judith, Nicholas. Welcome to my place, where my table is always set for friends." George said quietly. A small din of questions arose once someone recognized George in the reporter retinue.
"Mr. Coldart, is this your elusive wife?" Judy's eyes bulged slightly at this, and all the implications behind it. Her mouth ran a little dry, her ears stood erect. Had George not been guiding her, she might have missed a step.
"George, who will win the upcoming fight between Blackhoof and Thompson?"
"Mr. Coldart, do you know anything about…"
George simply smiled and answered nothing, just continued at a stately walk with Judy to the front doors with a smiling and waving Nick behind. The click and flash of several cameras followed the trio while a large brown bear in a black suit with a red boutonniere opened the door respectfully, a similarly attired moose opposite him. "Thank you Mr. Locke. It's good to see you at the front entrance, making yourself visible." George stated as he escorted Judy across the threshold.
"Thank you Mr. Coldart. Just doing my rounds, checking everything out. Will Mr. Jones or Mr. Kinford be joining you tonight?" George quietly shook his head to the negative."Or anyone else, sir?" Jesse Locke had a deep and gravelly voice, but was surprisingly quiet. Judy doubted anyone outside five feet could hear him, barring exceptional hearing. His undivided attention was on the small gray wolf at her side, which was returned in kind.
"Yes Mr. Locke, these two fine mammals will join me as well as Heather in a moment. She had an errand to attend that could not wait. She should be arriving momentarily." After a moments pause, Nick, who had followed closely, cleared his throat. "Oh where are my manners, this is Judith and Nicholas, possible new recruits. They have level three clearance, and should be treated as such." Gesturing to the large bear, "This is Mr. Jesse Locke, head of security at The Silver Note. If you need something here, he is the mammal to see." Jesse nodded at the compliment as Nick and Judy greeted him warmly. Paws were exchanged, and pleasantries completed.
"I better get back to work Mr Coldart. I'll send Heather up to your table when she arrives. Is she in her usual ride, and will it be just her or plus two?" Jesse asked politely.
"Just her. And I believe she took the orange one, it is her favorite color on an exotic." This brought a smile to his muzzle and a short chuckle to the bear. "Thank you Mr. Locke. Have a good night."
"You as well, Sir. I'll watch for Heather's S7."
George nodded, and entered The Silver Note's reception room with the two officers. The walls were painted cream, the carpet was a deep blue with intricate silver designs surrounding a large eighth note centered on a black circle emblazoned in the center of the dining hall entrance, just in front of the maitre d's desk. The room had groups of various mammals waiting for a table, most talking in hushed tones, a few sipping from wine glasses. They were all well dressed, mostly suits and dresses. It was the first time Nick and Judy felt comfortable in their finery. George lead them purposely toward the maitre d, an officious looking middle aged snow leopard clothed in a black dress with a permanent frown on her muzzle that she wore like a badge of honor. She wore a matching boutonniere to Jesse's, marking the staff as such with a delicate, feminine touch. She gave a slight nod to George as he strode toward her, he waited for her to finish helping a well dressed squirrel couple follow a waitress through the doors to the sounds of a Sammy Davis Jr tune, "Too Close For Comfort". Hearing the song put a large smile on George's muzzle, even going so far as exposing the tips of his teeth. Finishing off the last few steps to the snow leopard, George nodded deeply, giving an almost theatrical bow by way if greeting. "Good evening Claire. How are you tonight? And how's the place doing?"George's tone had changed to one dripping with honey, almost saccharine.
Completely unphased, Claire simply responded, "Hello George. I'm doing fine, and so is the Note. I assume you would like a drink sent to your table while you decided what you and your guests would like to dine on?" Her tone was total business, and brooked no nonsense.
George gave a little chuckle and head shake. "No, Claire, I'll order my drink with them. Thank you. Heather should be along in a moment, but we'll head up now. Have a pleasant night." George began leading the pair of officers through the same doors the couple had just entered, toward the music. The room the portal exposed was dimly lit, most the light coming from stylish lamps placed at each table. The dining hall itself was set similar to an amphitheater, a stage in the center with ascending tiers surrounding it. Each tier contained the dining tables with stairs set occasionally to go between tier levels. The dining hall was at capacity, with mammals of all shapes and sizes enjoying the experience, the clamor lively and entertaining. The aroma coming from the kitchen gently reminded Nick and Judy that they hadn't eaten in several hours.
The pair followed George up a few short stair flights to an exclusive table sat inside a small dining room with windows and glass doors. A boutonniere wearing black suited llama silently opened the door, her facial expression unchanged. George nodded to her politely as he lead the pair inside his private room. Sky blue walls greeted them warmly assented by dark blue musical notes and designs. The color scheme continuing to the carpet which was similar in design to the front entrance. The large note emblazoned here was centered and stretched over a deep blue background instead of black. The room had pictures along the blue painted wall without windows, showing famous singers and other momentous times for the Note. The main table, made from carved mahogany, could easily seat twenty mammals with matching chairs flanking the sides. An additional table, sized for a smaller mammal, was set to the side of the main table, easy to retrieve if needed. The subtle scent of thousands of smoked cigars from ages passed invaded Nick's more acute nose, but the effect wasn't choking, more relaxing, the old spices and flavors causing his mouth to water for a craved smoke. Oddly it was the same scent he'd smelt on George when they first met at the police station, and his nose pointed to an ornate humidor against the picture wall with a multitude of visible cigars protected behind the heavy glass. As he looked inside the humidor, George opened one of the windows slightly, enough to let in the sound of the live band playing on the stage as they began another jazz tune.
Judy had settled into one of the plush chairs, just getting comfortable as a waitress walked through the door holding a platter with several ice waters. The young caribou smiled warmly, her white shirt perfectly pressed and her black vest and slacks, flawless. Her boutonniere was the only odd thing about her, it was purple instead of the more formal red. With several menus in hand, she handed one to Judy, placed two more on the table, and offered one to George, who took it with a return smile. "Good evening Mr. Coldart. Glad to see you brought some new friends to dine tonight, since Chef Holder has been working on some special dishes for the Jazz routine." She continued smiling as she passed out ice water and a dish of lemons, sliced. Nick quickly found a seat next to Judy.
"Good evening to you Ms. Hartly. You seem happy this evening, and yes, new friends are always good additions to a dinner table." George sat opposite the pair and placed his menu on the table, unopened. Turning from the waitress, George looked at the settled officers and asked, "Are you two ready for drinks? I have a bottle in mind, if you don't mind a sweeter blend of merlot grapes and blueberries?" Hitting Nick in his weak spot for blueberries, he nods quicky. Judy also nods while looking over the menu, making George smile warmly, turning to the waitress. "Two bottles of my usual please Ms. Hartly." She returned the smile and left without a word.
While the two officers poured over their menus, George glanced at his ever present phone while the band played "Ain't that a kick to the head". "Nicholas, I have Chef Holder testing a special dish tonight, a shrimp roasted sea bass over rotini noodles with a buttery white wine alfredo sauce. It smelled amazing last time he made it with chicken, but sea bass sounds scrumptious. If that peaks your interest, please let Ms. Hartly know. If a few mammals find it up to par, we might add it as a normal offering, or a chef special perhaps." George looked up from his phone and smiled at the fox sitting across from him.
Taking a quick sip from his water, he considered it. Sounded like a delicious dinner, just right to help settle his nerves. "Sure George, that sounds exciting. Thank you." A grateful smile touched his muzzle for a moment. He was about to add more when he felt his phone vibrate, a message inbound. Setting down his menu, he casually retrieves the phone from his suit pocket, punching in the pin with practiced ease to gain access. A text message from Chief Bogo made his eyebrow peak, but before he could answer or even look, George cleared his throat, glancing up with his muzzle still pointed at his phone.
"That would be Chief Bogo asking what Hopps and yourself are doing having a night out on the town I would guess?" George asked politely but pointedly.
"How the hell did you…" Nick never got to finish.
"Know?" A new feminine voice ventured from the open glass door.