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9. High-Strung Conversation

==Judy==

A faint scratching reached my ears the moment Koslov closed the door behind him. It had been Nick's claws, scraping over the table as his fingers cramped from the nerves. In my opinion, he exaggerated too much. The huge bear said nothing to us as he passed us by nor did he even look at us. His gaze was, as always, fixed on the horizon. Being in his presence emphasized how small I was in comparison to some Zootopians. Normally that didn't bother me much - I was perfectly satisfied with my size - however with Koslov towering before me, I felt smaller than ever. I instinctively checked if the tranquilizer gun was present on my gear belt. It was a habit, a reflex to facing such a large and intimidating posture. Not that I had reason to fear him, he was just as his boss, a friend of mine. Still, as he silently walked to the other side of the Oakwood table, a primordial unrest settled itself in my veins, advising me to be careful around such a grand and powerful animal.

Koslov unfolded his hands and put down the chair with his boss. He finalized his actions by doing a step back and folding his hands in front of his belly, transforming himself into a motionless, black and white statue. It had me wonder whether he ever spoke at all. A thought which was a little strange since I knew nothing about him. Maybe he was very talkative at home?

"Ah, my friends. When I heard you were here, I came as soon as I could." Big spoke kindly.

Big clearly choose his furniture to match the room he would in which he received his guests. In contrast to the original brown leather, his current fauteuil had an upholstered, maroon seating, the edges pinned with two dozen silver beats, a pattern matching his former chair. The armrests appeared to have been molded from the same noble metal as the beats, curving down the front, creating elegant whirls that shined flamboyantly under the light of the two chandeliers above us.

"Mister Big, I'm glad you were able to receive us even though we hadn't properly announced our arrival."

He gave me a careless wave of his paw.

"Don't be so formal. We're all family here."

I accepted his words with a smile. I glanced at Nick, hoping that Big's warm manner of welcome had eased his mood. It didn't seem to have had any impact. Then again, it was never readable if something had gotten to him; he had perfected the art of the poker face like nobody I knew of. It is that I was aware of his anxiety. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have been to call it.

The door slammed open a second time, letting in another polar bear. This one was two third of Koslov's height and adapted the same detached attitude. He wore the same black suit, but with a white shirt underneath and a tie instead of a necklace. He carried with him a silver platter, which he gently put down on the unused side of the table. On it were a bottle of red liquid, two medium glasses and one small one. Koslov, though being present, seemed not allowed to drink with us. As the butler poured in the glasses, I read the label. It was a Chateau Marmot from the year 1787, a type of wine worth more than two years of my salary.

"Please, have a drink with me." Big invited.

The polar bear placed three coasters on the table a covered each with the appropriately sized drink. Big thanked him and the bear left the room again. I stared at my wine tentatively. I wasn't a fan of alcoholic beverages, nor was I allowed to consume any during duty hours. Nick had similar issues. At least, that is what I thought at first. When Big himself took a sip, Nick realized he wouldn't be poisoned and followed the mob boss in taking in the liquor. I snorted disapprovingly witnessing him take more swigs. I noted that Mr. Big eyed my hesitance and I pinned my gaze quickly to my glass. We were trying to get Big to give us some info, so it would be rude to turn down his offering. Besides, what we were given was so expensive that I wouldn't dare to decline it. I placed the glass at my lips and carefully drank some of the wine. It tasted sweet and fruity, like the grape juice at home, but with a burning hint of alcohol, leaving a strange taste in my mouth afterwards. My mind was ambiguous whether I liked it or not. The rodent nodded satisfied.

"To business then. Why are you here?"

I remember Nick having told me to address the matter subtly, yet I didn't quite know how to do that.

"Well, sir, it regards a recent incident that took place in Sahara Square."

"You mean the accident with one of my limousines? So I heard. Most unfortunate. Does the ZPD have any idea on what happened?"

"Well, it appears that someone placed a bomb underneath the car."

"Really?" the shrew let out surprised, putting down his glass, "Then I am glad nobody died."

I confirmed with a sad nod.

"And James?"

I guessed James was the driver of the limo.

"He's still at the Albert Schweizbear. He's badly injured, but I've been told he'll make it."

"I also heard that it could've ended a lot worse if you two hadn't saved him."

I looked down shyly, honored by receiving compliments for my actions a second time.

"…How were you so quick to the rescue?"

"Nick and I were working another case there when the bomb went off."

"You were there? Then praise God you were spared from harm."

"Actually…"

My ears perked up. This was the first time since we entered the mansion that Nick said anything.

"… she has sustained bruised ribs. I'm seeing to it that she doesn't perform to much activity as she's too eager to do so herself."

This raised concern with our host. He wondered if I wasn't in a lot of pain as he too knew people that had had the same injury. I avoided Nick's eyes as he was likely to enjoy the fact that yet another animal agreed that I underestimated my condition. At length, Big approved Nick watching over me.

"You should be at home resting."

"Honestly, I'm fine. It's not –"

Koslov intruded as he whispered something to Mr. Big. The shrew consequently pulled out a golden pocket watch from the inside of his tailor-made suit. They exchanged a few words so silent, even I couldn't hear them with my sensitive ears. When their discussion ended, Big apologized to us for having to leave. That's when I realized that thus far he had been the only one asking questions. It had to have been the other way around. I hadn't been given a single clue and if I couldn't get any info from him, the case was at a dead end. With that thought, came also the comprehension that if I wouldn't be able to solve this, a mob war would unfold in Zootopia. I had to get Big to help us out.

"Before you leave, sir, do you have any idea who could've done this?"

"I have an appointment to attend." He ignored my question. "Go home, take some rest."

Koslov picked him up and started walking to the door. I leaned forward, feeling Nick's paw on my arm. He knew what I intended to do. His eyes begged me to stay put. I couldn't. I decided to push my luck to get the intel I needed. I jumped up from the chair and rushed over to block Koslov's path. Disturbed, the bear looked down at me with stern eyes, supported by a few rows of bags underneath. He glared at me as if he was going to walk straight over me, however he halted in front of me.

"Mr. Big, please. I need to know who is targeting you."

"Targeting me? What are you talking about?"

In the background, Nick gestured me to abort my actions. I paid no attention to him.

"This attack, it is not the first time someone assaulted your business, is it?"

Big's bristly eyebrows hid every form of emotion that could otherwise have been derived. I had no idea if my words angered him or got him to think. I had to press on to achieve the latter.

"Please, sir, I have to ask you for your help. If you fight this threat on your own, it might plunge Zootopia into chaos and war. Let the ZPD help you work this out. Let me help you work this out."

==Nick==

I bit down hard, tasting blood as a part of my cheek got caught in between my teeth. What the heck was she doing. Judy was trying to force Tundra Town's biggest crime boss into cooperation, amidst his own villa! It was just like when she threatened him during the Nigh Howler case. She had sealed our fate then, only reverting it by incidentally having saved his daughter earlier. It wasn't likely we'd be able to use that trump card a second time. Mr. Big tapped his chin. The fact that he hadn't burst out in anger could mean two things. He was considering what she had said to him, or he thinking of a terrible punishment for speaking out of tone. I feared it the worst and mutedly prayed his feelings towards Judy weighed stronger than his pride. As the lull continued to chew on my nerves, I hid my face in the palms of my paws.

"Hmm… Alright."

I peeked through my fingers.

"Koslov." Big spoke.

The subject understood the message, subsequently returning Big to the table, and pulling out a phone to text Big's delayed arrival at the next meeting. Judy also resettled herself onto her seat. I was delighted that she had managed to persuade him, but after this I needed to have a word with her about weighing the risks of her spontaneous decisions. This time her perseverance had paid off. Well, that and a little good fortune, cause let's be honest, if she hadn't saved Fru Fru on that particular day, our future might have been a lot colder.

"I think you are right, Judy. Somebody appears to have it in for me and my associates."

"Do you have any idea who it might be or why?" She asked.

Big shook his head in disappointment.

"Thus far, my resources haven't been able to answer either question. All I can say is that it is probably a 'colleague' of mine who secretly aims to attain my position. I'd rather see all of my work go up in flames than to let it fall into the hands of someone else." He uttered spitefully.

"Don't worry. You have the ZPD's finest police officer on the case." I said, placing my paw on Judy's shoulder.

She blushed and pushed it away. Mr Big on the other hand, saw some truth in my remark.

"Hmm, I have to say that I was indeed impressed by how you solved Otterton's case…" He rubbed his chin with index finger and thumb. "Okay. I'll give you a shot at unravelling this mystery."

"Thank you, sir." Judy answered enthusiastically.

"However," Big continued, pressing his fingertips against their mirror counterparts "if you can't solve this before it gets out of hand, I will deal with it myself. Agreed?"

Judy gulped by the thought of how exactly he planned to do so. I could tell from experience that she was right in thinking his method of action wouldn't be pretty. Regardless, this deal was better than I had reckoned we'd be able to accomplish and I gave Mr. Big our word that we had an understanding.

"Good. Then I should tell you that I have a gala planned tomorrow. My business partners and I will celebrate a successful take-over of a smaller affiliation. I trust most of my 'colleagues' will be there. If you'll attend it, you'll have the possibility to make up a list of suspects."

I nodded gravely. Judy, on the other hand, seemed not so sure if it would be a good idea if we were to throw ourselves into this proverbial snake pit. I assured her that nothing could go wrong, since Big's security would be all over. Moreover, the shrew had a valid point. All Zootopia's crime lords gathering in one place was an excellent opportunity to see who disliked who and to pick up our first clues.

"Then that's settled. I'll expect you tomorrow at eight."

"We'll be there."

We said our goodbyes and left the room, preceded by the same bear that had guided us on our way in. I let my paw slide over the smooth railing as we walked down the white marble stairs. Judy's worried demeanor made it evident that something troubled her. Where she had previously enjoyed every detail of Big's vast welcome hall, she was now preoccupied solely with her own feet.

"What's the matter, Carrots?"

"Hmm? Oh nothing."

Too bad for her I could read her like a book. She bit her lip, her ears drooped down and her nose wiggled. These traits summed up that something was on her mind. Funnily enough, there was an easy way for me to manipulate her into coming clean. I simply furrowed a brow. That always made her realize she wasn't able to hide anything from me. It merely took a few seconds to affect her.

"Don't look at me like that!"

I let my quizzical gaze rest on her nonetheless. The moment we reached the bottom of the stairs, she succumbed to my persistent stare.

"Fine. If you want to know so badly…" She took a deep breath, "I… I've never been to a gala before."

"Now Carrots, that's not so problematic, is it?"

"It is! I don't know what's customary, I'll stand out amongst the others in an instant. Heck, I don't even know what to wear!"

"It sounds like my field of expertise is called upon!" A high-pitched voice squeaked.

We looked back to see tiny Fru Fru standing atop the stairs. She was dressed in a purple dress, dotted with glittery stars that sparkled as she moved towards us. She waddled clumsily with her round, pregnant tummy, yet despite her condition refused to be carried around like her father. She reminded me of Judy, who was similarly stubborn regarding her own physical state. The lady rodent stopped ten treads above us, at the proper height to address us face to face.

"I promised you at your birthday that we'd go shopping together remember? So you'd pick your own present."

"I remember." Judy beamed.

"Well, then I believe the time has come to honor that promise!" Fru Fru smiled back.

"Oh great. Now I get to go shopping with two fashion fans." I sighed.