*Author's Note* Alright gonna move the plot forward. This one may have a few time jumps. Thanks for being patient everyone! Read and Review!
Judy and Nick were both getting ready for work. Nick having to wear a dress shirt with his badge on it due to the damage his uniform had received on the arm, he was unable to wear that one till it was either fixed or replaced.
Judy was just finishing breakfast as Nick was in the shower. She looked back at the wall of pictures that Nick had hung up the night before. Smiling as she recalled memories of each one. She wanted to add more as time went on. Like a collage of sorts.
Nick stepped out of the shower with only a towel around his waist. Walking to his bedroom quickly. Judy had already showered when she woke up, and Nick had already eaten. Judy put her plate in the dishwasher and waited.
Nick eventually walked out in his dark blue police pants and a white dress shirt. His usual blue tie with red stripes. Having a smile on his face. He had been out of work for five days at this point and was ready to do something other than lounge around the house all day.
Nick and Judy left the apartment and walked their way to the ZPD. Passing through the large courtyard that was the Central Square. The fountains going in the center, and the large tower of City Hall just across the square to the ZPD.
Nick and Judy walked in, Clawhauser talking to a few passerby's about a new app on his phone. He turned and saw Nick and his face lit up, smiling widely. "Nick! Heyyy good to see you buddy!" Said Clawhauser quite ecstatically.
Nick waved and smiled back. "Hey Claws. Glad to be back." Replied Nick. Nick walked up to the counter, followed by Judy. Clawhauser ruffled Nick's hair lightly.
"Chief Bogo is gonna wanna see you to ask about your arm. Judy I think you're still on reception duty with me." Clawhauser informed the two. Judy nodded and jumped off Nick's shoulder and over the counter. Nick grunted and smiled as she did.
Nick turned towards the staircase leading up to Bogo's office. He climbed up the several flights, due to Bogo's office being on the third floor. Nick knocked on the door lightly. There was a moment of pause before Nick heard Bogo's rough voice. "Come in."
Nick opened the door and closed it behind him. Bogo was looking over some papers appearing rather frustrated. Bogo looked up and saw Nick, a light smile touching his lips. "Ahh Officer Wilde. How are you holding up?" He asked.
Nick walked in and sat on a chair in front of Bogo's large desk. Having to jump up a bit to reach it. "Just fine. I'm fit enough to work, but not out in the field. Here I got a note from my doctor." Said Nick as he reached into his pocket and handed Bogo a small yellow paper.
Bogo opened it and read it over, putting on his rather small, half-moon glasses. "Wound has closed, and must not do strenuous physical labor for another week. Alright I can work with that. We have a new member of the team to help with the Growlers. He's an old associate of the ZPD and is now back. His title is Drug Investigator. D.I. for short. He has some files that we had on previous animals we have arrested for this sort of thing. You can help with that." Explained Bogo.
Nick nodded. "Alright. But why hasn't this new guy gone through the files himself yet?"
Bogo sighed and leaned back. "He says he will be out in the field today gathering what information he can."
Nick nodded again. "Alright. I can use Judy's computer to look through the system."
Bogo stood up, his chair squeaking loudly as he did. Heading towards the door. "That's fine with me. He has his own email directory as ZPDDI so you should be able to find it easily." Bogo said as he walked out.
Nick walked out soon after and back down to the desk where Judy and Clawhauser were. Judy bragging about the selfie wall. Clawhauser doing his adorable squeal when he heard about it. Nick walked up and knocked his fist on the desk. "Knock knock." He said to get their attention.
Judy turned to Nick and smiled. "Oh hey! So what did Bogo say?" She said cheerfully.
Nick leaned on the desk with one arm. "Since we have a new Drug Investigator, and I can't do any hard labor yet, I'm to search through our arrest files for anyone arrested for anything related to the Growlers. Drug use, firearms, distribution of controlled substances. Stuff like that. But I need to use your computer."
Judy nodded. "Oh yeah sure! Here's the password." Judy grabbed a post it note and wrote down her password before giving it to Nick. Nick read it and pocketed it. "Alright. Thanks Carrots, and come get me when you're ready for lunch." Said Nick.
Judy smiled and nodded lightly. Clawhauser waved as Nick walked away. Nick waved back to him. Nick made his way to the offices in the back and made it to Judy's cubicle. Her cubicle was rather small for Nick but he could manage. Nick searched through the computer system to find any individuals. While Nick did know everyone, one face did stick out more than others.
Doug Ramses. The ram that would create the Night Howler Serum for Bellwether before Nick became a police officer. Thinking he would be important, Nick included his file, as well as a small handful of others, and sent it to ZPDDI's mailbox.
Surprisingly, there were many files to look over and a lack of a detailed filter system made it take a long time for Nick to find all of these files. Right as he sent the files, Judy popped her head around the corner. "Hey!" She said rather suddenly.
Nick jumped and nearly fell out of the somewhat small chair. "Cheese and crackers, Carrots! Clear your throat or something next time you scared the daylights out of me." Nick said. His hand on his chest.
Judy giggled and made an adoring face. "Aww did the bunny scare the big bad fox?"
Nick stood up and narrowed his eyes. Smiling lightly "Ha ha. So I guess it's lunchtime?" He asked.
Judy nodded and smiled. "Yup! We can keep it simple today, Fast Food is fine."
Nick thought for a moment then began to walk towards the door. "Bear John Silver's then? They got a good selection of prey and predator food." Suggested Nick.
Judy smiled and followed alongside Nick. "Gotta get that meat fix huh?" She said.
Nick shrugged. "Yeah well...five days of eating potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables got me wanting some protein."
Judy giggled and walked with Nick. The rest of the day went pretty straight forward. Nick finding a few more files to send to the D.I. All the while, Judy remaining at the front desk for the remainder of the day.
Later that night
Artie sat at his computer searching through Mr. Big's IP for any specific websites. He eventually landed on a very exclusive bank to Zootopia Tundra Town citizens. Heavily secured and very difficult to crack. However, the program Artie installed allowed him to see what was typed in to access anything on any website.
All it took was a few simple keystrokes to gain access to Mr. Big's bank accounts. He had multiple accounts across multiple banks. Each of them high security banks. Something like this is what Artie used to do all the time before he got arrested. But this would be considered a jackpot.
In a matter of minutes, Artie had transferred all the money from Mr. Big's accounts and sent them to one single bank account that Leon informed him to transfer them to. Leon was already waiting at the bank to take the money once it entered the account.
Once Artie had finished his work, he sent a message to Leon. "All yours."
Leon, standing in the lobby of the bank, received the message and walked to the receptionists counter. He smiled at the female otter. "Evening miss. I know you're about to close but this is very urgent." He said calmly. Showing a ZPD badge.
The otter looked at the badge and nodded. "It's fine Sir. What can I do for you today?"
Leon pocketed his badge and smiled. "I am on the lead of a key player in this Growler drug spread. However I think my account may have been compromised, and I would like to clear it out before someone else does. I trust your bank, but this is more of a precaution on my part. I would feel more safe if I had the money with me." Leon explained.
The otter nodded. "Alright, the account number, and your social security number please?"
Leon quickly gave the information needed. Once the otter pulled the account up, her eyes went wide and she froze. "Oh...oh my uhh...quite the rich fellow aren't you?" She asked with a nervous chuckle.
Leon smiled and shrugged. "I made some good investments. Also a hefty life insurance policy due to a family tragedy. But yes I would like that account completely cleaned out, and the cash with me."
She nodded. "Let me go get my manager." She hopped out of her chair and walked quickly to her managers office. Soon after, a male pig walked out and looked at the screen. His eyes went wide as well. "Alright Mister Snowly, please follow me."
It took roughly an hour to get all the money out. And five suitcases full of cash discreetly escorted to Leon's car. Once business had finished, Leon left the bank and started to make the drive back to Lavvy farms. Leon got his phone out and sent a text to Leah. "Go to Lavvy Farms tomorrow after 8pm. It's time you met me."
Snowly silenced his phone and looked at the paper receipt for this transaction. Smiling as he saw he had withdrawn $43,000,000 dollars from the bank today.
The next afternoon, Zootopia Prison
Doug sat in his cell and relaxed. Right now, it was free time and he chose to just stay in his cell on his bed. Doug eventually stood up and walked to the railing across from his cell, letting him see the open area below. His cell was on the third floor of the prison. Going up to twelve in all.
Doug turned and walked down the stairs to get to the bottom floor. Walking around with his hands in his pockets. Not wanting to get involved with anyone today.
The heavy iron bar door creaked loudly and got the attention of everyone. Several guards walked into the room and looked around. The one in the center, the Warden. Of whom was a tall, stern looking brown bull. He cleared his throat and called out. "Doug Ramses. The ZPD wants to see you." his voice low and commanding.
Doug paused and walked up to the warden. The prison guards handcuffed Doug and began to escort him out of the cell block and down the hall. Doug remained quiet as he walked. The guards escorted him to a small interrogation room.
Leon Snowly was inside, however Doug didn't know who this was. Doug sat down at his chair across from Leon. Leon smiled lightly. "Good afternoon Doug. I am Leon Snowly and I would like to ask for your assistance." Leon said.
Doug scoffed in irritation. "And what do you need my assistance for?"
Leon opened up a file and handed it to Doug. The file was about the Growlers and their relation to the Night Howler Serum. Snowly spoke as Doug looked it over. "You made this serum correct? Well we have a new kind of drug that is related to this one. You have experience in chemicals and I would ask your assistance to find its chemical makeup so we know what to look for when searching through suspicious character's purchases."
Doug eventually closed the file and handed it to Leon. "And what do I get for helping you?" he asked.
Leon smiled confidently. "A reduced, or nullified sentence. You could go from 20 years to 20 weeks if you help us track down the guy making this stuff."
Doug crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat. His handcuffs rattling a bit. "How would I even go about helping you? I don't have my equipment and I cant leave the prison."
Leon smiled more. "You will be granted leave till the case is solved, or we have no further use for you on the case. You will be under my direct supervision due to me being Zootopia's Drug Investigator. So, do we have a deal?" Leon outstretched his hand.
Doug thought on it for a moment then remembered Bellwether's words in the yard. Testify with the ZPD. Doug reached forward and shook Leon's hand. Sealing the deal. Doug was quickly out of the prison with Leon after getting some civilian clothes.
Doug and Leon got in Leon's car and they began to drove off. Doug in the passenger seat. Leon sighed as he drove. "I hate doing that. You aren't out to help the ZPD. I need your help personally."
Doug looked over at Leon intrigued. "I take it you're the one that gave that message to Bellwether?"
Leon nodded. "She worked with me in the past but branched off for her own thing. You created the serum, now I want you to recreate it differently."
Doug's ears flicked a bit. "Doing the same as Bellwether huh?" said Doug.
Leon shook his head. "No. As I said she was doing her own thing. It's a long story and you will get the whole thing tonight. By now, my associate Artie has gotten into the Zootopia Prison's files and fixed it so it shows you as an inmate to anyone looking in. However, the prison guards and warden will see you listed as Police Leave."
Doug listened before giving a chuckle. "You're friend sounds talented."
Leon let out a light chuckle. "He's very talented. I will give you the details on what we're planning to do once we are at Lavvy Farms. That's where you will be working and staying. Its outside Zootopia's city limits, and well covered as a private farm.
Doug raised his eyebrow. "And they wont suspect us doing whatever we're doing there?" he asked.
Leon smiled again confidently. "They will. Just later. It's all part of the plan."
That night. 8Pm
Nick and Judy were just settling down for the night. Having just ate dinner and now watching a movie together on the couch. Nick leaning against the side arm of the couch while Judy leaned against him. Nick's arm wrapped around her side.
Nick gave a light chuckle as he pet Judy's side. "I never knew how cuddly you bunnies can be." teased Nick.
Judy giggled and crawled up on Nick a bit more. Wrapping her arms around him and squeezing him tightly. Nick laughed and pushed on the top of her head to push her away. Judy didn't let go and kept squeezing. Nick eventually stopped and relaxed. His arm still hooked around Judy.
Judy let up her squeezing, but kept her arms around Nick. Enjoying the feeling of his warm body resting against hers. Noticing he had a slight, pleasant musk coming off of his fur.
Nick smiled mischievously and grabbed Judy tightly. Laying down on the couch with her in his arms. Nick laying against the couch, while Judy lay in front of him closer to the edge. Judy's back to Nick's chest. Judy blushed a bit but snuggled in. Getting comfortable. "Sly fox." she muttered. Nick smiled and kept watching the movie.
The movie went on for another few hours. Once it was over, Judy looked up at Nick to see him sound asleep. Judy smiled as an idea hatched in her head. She slowly turned so she was facing Nick and rested her head against his chest. Judy got her phone out slowly and raised it over them. Taking a pic with Judy resting her head on Nick's chest and Nick sleeping.
Another picture for the wall. Judy thought as she saved the picture.
Meanwhile
Leon brought Doug into the house at Lavvy Farms. He asked Doug to stay at the door as he went to Artie's room. Knocking on the door. "Artie come out. I need to show you something."
Within a few moments, Artie walked out. He noticed Doug and raised his eyebrow. "New guy?" he asked.
Leon paused for a moment. "Yes and no. He knew Bellwether. This is the man who perfected the Night Howler Serum."
Artie nodded and walked over to Doug, shaking his hand. "Artie McCoy. Professional Hacker."
Doug shook Artie's hand. "Doug Ramses. Chemist and sniper."
Leon began to walk outside. "Doug, allow me to show you where you will be working." Leon making his way outside. Outside of the house there were two things. A greenhouse, and a large silo in the back.
Leon opened up the Greenhouse and walked inside. Inside was a collection of certain vegetable plants and fruits. However, there was a cellar door in the back. Leon opened it up and went down the ladder. Artie and Doug followed.
The room they had entered was pitch black save for the light coming from the hatch. Leon turned on a light to show a large room filled with square growing pots filled with Night Howlers.
Doug's face brightened up as he saw this. "Wow. This is more than five times what I had going on." he said ecstatically.
Leon nodded. "It was a chore getting it set up like this, but this is a fully functional greenhouse. The foods upstairs acts as a cover for it."
Leon then left the greenhouse along with Artie and Doug and headed to the silo in the back. There was a small keypad at the door and Leon punched in a code. "9bitl412f3. That's the code." said Leon.
Doug scratched his head a bit. "Right... I might need to write that down."
The doors slid open and the three walked inside. The silo was hollow inside save for a railing up to a second floor level that went around the whole wall in circle. There were few lights, but in the very back on the second floor railing, was lit up brightly.
Leon, Doug, and Artie made their way there. Under the light, was a large amount of non assembled chemistry equipment. Beakers, tubes, hot pads, and more. Doug walked up and looked over it all. "This is some high quality stuff. Where do you get the money for this?" Doug asked.
Leon crossed his arms and glared as if remembering a sour memory. "Life insurance policy from a family tragedy." Said Leon. Not being entirely wrong.
Doug nodded and kept silent for a moment. "Well I cant get this set up till I know what you want me to make." said Doug.
Leon almost answered when his phone went off. Leon looked at it to see Leah texting him. "I'm at Lavvy. Where do I go?" she said.
Leon answered quickly. "Just go to the silo in the back. We're all there."
Leon closed his phone and vaulted over the railing to reach the floor below. Unphased by the 10 foot drop. Artie and Doug walked down using a staircase. Within a few moments, Leah walked in. Wearing her usual black low cut shirt and tight pants.
Leon walked up to her, offering a friendly smile. Leah looked him up and down. "You're SBoss?"
Leon nodded lightly. "Yes I am. I am Leon Snowly."
Leah looked at Artie, then Doug. "New guy?"
Leon chuckled and shook his head. "In a way. He worked with Bellwether. Now that we are all together, I have something for you all."
Leon reached into his pockets and pulled out three stacks of dollar bills. Handing a stack to each of them. "First paycheck." said Leon casually.
Artie counted over the money then quickly pocketed it. "So. What do we do now?" asked Artie.
Doug looked around for a moment. "Yeah even once I get operations going here, wont we be pretty easy to spot? How do you know the ZPD wont find us?"
Leon smiled at Doug. "I plan on it. It's all part of the plan."
Leah crossed her arms and glared. "Your plan is to get caught by the ZPD?"
Leon shook his head. "No. My plan is for them to know about what we are doing with the Growlers. This wont be for a week or so. I'll keep them off the trail till then."
Leon then turned to Doug. "Now, here's what I need from you..."
Five Days Later
Nick and Judy were waiting patiently in the Briefing Room. Nick still couldn't do any field labor yet but Bogo had requested for Judy and Nick to attend this meeting. Nick wore his usual sunglasses and trademark smirk.
Chief Bogo walked in and the crowd began its usual wooping and howling. Bogo sighing as he went through this daily ritual. Once he was at the podium, he spoke. "Shut it! Now, as you all know, we have a new department at the ZPD. The Drug Administration. This consists of a small handful people dedicated to tracking down where the Growlers are coming from, what is in them, and who is making it."
Judy was always surprised with how loud and clearly Bogo spoke. Fairly confident that any near the door outside could hear him. Able to feel his words go through them as he addressed the group.
Bogo picked up a file and opened it. "Over the last week, the head of the branch, Leon Snowly, has been researching and cracking down on this case. He has a few files dedicated to our teams to investigate areas."
Just then, the door opened to show the male snow leopard walk in. Wearing brown pants with suspenders and a white button up shirt. Judy guessed that this was Snowly. "Thank you Bogo I'll take it from here." Leon walked to Bogo and took the files before walking around the room. Handing each file to the appropriate person. "McHorn and Wolford. Sahara Square. Delgato and Fangmeyer, you will take the Rainforest District. Grizzoli and Francine you will take Tundra town."
Judy looked over at Nick to see his smile had gone, and he was rather rigid as if nervous. Bogo looked at Nick and paused. The look on his face showing he knew something. "Wilde and Hopps, you two are on records and reception. I think you two should switch today. Wilde can be at the front desk for now." said Bogo. His voice showing concern.
Judy looked at Nick again to see him still a bit rigid. His head lowered a bit. She could tell something was bothering him. The other officers left soon after. Leon walked to the desk where Judy and Nick was. Nick became more rigid as Leon stood over them. Judy looking between them a little nervously. "Judy since you are on records today, I have a few things I want you to dig up for me. Should be pretty straight forward." Said Snowly as he handed her a sheet of paper.
Leon then turned to Nick. Pausing for a moment before sighing. "You and I will need to talk sometime today. We'll need to clear the air." Speaking as if he was trying to remain calm. Like he was holding something in his chest.
Nick paused for a moment before nodding silently. Leon turned and walked out of the Briefing Room. Judy looked over at Nick. Her eyebrow raised. "Nick, are you okay?" she asked concerned.
Nick didn't speak for a long time. Appearing to be struggling to find words. Eventually he muttered out. "I'm fine." Nick then took off his sunglasses to show his eyes were fearful. As if he saw something, or someone he never wanted to see again. Nick quickly stood up and walked out of the office. Judy looked up at Bogo, who watched Nick leave the room.
Bogo let out a deep sigh and shook his head. "Right foul mess this could turn out to be." he muttered. Letting out a breath to make his nostrils flare and shake.
Judy hopped off her chair and ran under the desk, being short enough to dart under it. "What could be a problem Chief? Nick seemed...terrified for some reason." said Judy.
Bogo nodded and scratched his forehead with his thumb and index finger. "I know why. But you don't need to know. You got your job for today Hopps. You're dismissed." ordered Bogo.
Judy nodded lightly before leaving the room. Nick had gone to the center counter with Clawhauser. Both of them just chatting. Judy made her way to her computer. The only other times Nick got like this is when she mentioned Snowly. Figuring that this Leon Snowly must be the same man.
Judy sat at her computer and began to go down the list of case files that Snowly gave her. Almost all of them were related to drug trafficking. Figuring he must be trying to catch onto any routes of sorts. The list was rather short and Judy had it finished in a matter of a few short hours.
Judy finished the last one and printed it off. Having a somewhat large stack of organized case files next to her. Just before she got up to go give them to Snowly, something peaked her curiosity.
Judy went back to the computer and typed in the name 'Snowly' in the system. Within a few moments, two case files came up. One relating to a Ricky and Tracy Snowly, and the other relating to Leon Snowly.
Judy opened the file on Ricky and Tracy, Tracy being Leon's wife and Ricky being Leon's son, first due to those happening first. There were a few photos of a destroyed car frame, and a copy of a newspaper that explained that this car was found destroyed after driving off of a bridge. Inside were two people, Tracy and Ricky Snowly. Both of them perished in the crash. The cause was ruled an accident.
Judy then went to Leon's file. This file included Leon's history as an officer for the ZPD. Showing exceptional skills in tracking and figuring out routes. Able to predict where one would go next after watching their patterns for a while.
The case file showed that after the crash, Leon became obsessed with trying to find the cause. Not believing it was an accident. The file mentioned that Snowly was almost constantly tailing Nicolas Wilde under suspicion that he was involved in his wife and son's accident. Soon, his obsession caught the attention of Chief Bogo. Of whom tried to force Snowly from investigating the file further. One week after, Snowly resigned and vanished.
Judy paused as she recalled a file she read earlier a week prior with Nick as they were going after Hammond. Remembering the words 'Snowly Estate.' Judy typed that into the system and found one property file. The house was rather large and elegant. Looking over Tracy's file again, Judy found out why. Tracy was the CEO of a distribution company for Zootopia. Easily a very very wealthy job.
Judy continued to look over the records and saw that the estate had been destroyed, and rebuilt five years after Snowly left the ZPD. The property's legal name was now 'Lavvy Farms.' It has now been Lavvy Farms for three years. So eight years total since Snowly left the ZPD.
Judy kept searching for any other information she could find. Her foot tapping in irritation as she did. Her train of thought was suddenly interrupted by someone clearing his throat. Judy jumped up in surprise and twisted around in her chair. She twisted too fast however and fell out of it as the chair rolled out from under her. Causing her to let out a small scream and fall on her side. Standing at the entrance to her cubicle, was Leon Snowly.
Leon offered a hand to Judy after she fell. Judy took his hand and let him help her up, finding his grip to be very strong. Leon looked at Judy's computer, seeing the case files and leaning in. "Did you get those files yet?" he asked. His tone showing he knew what she was looking at. Judy straightened out her uniform and nodded cheerfully. "Yeah. Here you go Sir!" Judy grabbed the stack of files.
Before Leon could take them, he leaned in closer and clicked on one of the case file tabs. Bringing up Tracy's and Ricky's file. Leon paused for a while, a discerning look on his face before turning to Judy as if asking for an explanation.
"Uh...well you see... Nick always gets so upset when your name comes up so... I wanted to find out why..." Judy tried to explain. Stuttering with her words and moving her hands around in an erratic fashion.
Leon sighed and closed all the files off her screen. Picking up the stack of case files that Judy had ready for him. "That's not your business Hopps. I know you are concerned for your friend, but this isn't something you need to be concerned about." Leon said as he walked his way out of the office rooms. Heading for his own office a few doors down.
Judy stood in her cubicle alone. Not knowing what she should do now since she was caught. She couldn't shake this feeling that Snowly wasn't to be trusted. Judy made her way back out to the lobby to go find Nick. Seeing him at the counter again. He seemed to be rather introverted at the moment. Not really interacting with anyone despite Clawhauser being his usual, cheerful self. Clawhauser trying repeatedly to get Nick to talk to some passerby's by something he found entertaining, but never really quite getting his attention.
Nick remained mostly silent through the day. Judy eventually convinced him to join her for lunch. Just getting something from the vending machines. Nick had a Styrofoam cup of water and a candy bar while Judy had some water and a granola bar.
Nick kept quiet as they had their break. Occasionally sipping his water and taking a bite from his candy bar. Judy went on to talk about the files she was searching for but paid careful attention not to mention the files she saw on Snowly's family. Nick would occasionally nod or say something short like "That's interesting."
Judy eventually stopped. Looking concerned up at her good friend Nick. Judy reached her paw out to his, grasping it lightly. "Nick... Are you alright?" asked Judy.
Nick sighed and didn't retreat his paw from the table. "I'm fine." He said as if trying to just diffuse a conversation. A tone that Judy had taken before to her parents before she went back to Zootopia to find Nick again.
Judy pet Nick's paw lightly. "No you are not fine. I can tell something's really bothering you. Do you need to talk about it?" she asked. Part of her curious about what his connection to Snowly was, but she was more interested in making her friend feel better.
Nick didn't say anything for a long time as if contemplating the words to say. He eventually gave a light smile to Judy and looked up at her. "It's fine, Judy. You don't need to worry about it." His smile was a fake smile. His eyes showing sadness and regret.
Judy kept her paw on Nick's. Looking up into his eyes. "I'm always here if you need to talk. You can tell me anything. You know that right?" Judy trying to show Nick that she would listen to anything he would have to say. To be there for him when he needed it.
Nick lowered his eyes a bit and his ears dropped lightly. He turned his paw around and held Judy's. Nick lifted his gaze to meet hers and took in a breath as if he was about to talk.
Just then, Snowly walked into the break room and looked at Nick. "Ah Wilde. Come with me please." Snowly said as he turned on his heel and left. Nick looked at him, then to Judy. A look of apprehension, and fear. Judy gave Nick a confident smile and patted his paw. "It's probably relating to the case." she said. Trying to calm Nick down.
Nick gave a nervous sigh and stood up. "I hope so Carrots." Nick followed Snowly to his office. His heart beating fast in his chest. Many thoughts and questions running through his head.
Nick walked into Snowly's office. It was pretty standard. A desk in the back with several filing cabinets lining the back wall. A dresser to the side with a few odds and ends on the top and a few pictures of peaceful scenes. Two chairs in front of Snowly's desk. On the desk was a few things. A cup filled with pens and pencils. An electric pencil sharpener, and computer with accessories like the mouse and keyboard.
Nick sat down in a chair as Leon sat down at his desk across from him. Leon let out a long sigh and clasped his hands together. Interlocking his fingers. "The air is so tense with us, even the civilians walking in have noticed." Leon said. Trying to break the ice.
Nick kept his head low. Finding difficulty to even look at Leon. Lean leaned forward, putting his interlocked hands on the desk. "Nick, I'm not here to badger you about what happened. And you KNOW what I mean by that."
Nick gave a light nod and muttered low. "Eight years ago." Recalling an event that happened on that day.
Leon kept his hands on the desk. Speaking in a calm manner. "I didn't call you in here to ask anything about the Growlers. I've already seen all of those case files. I want to clear the air...per-say."
Nick slowly looked up at Leon. Staring into his fierce, and focused orange eyes. Nick nodded lightly. "I'm... I'm sorry." Nick said lightly.
Leon gave a light smile back. "I just want one thing. This has been hanging on my mind since I found out your involvement. I want you to say it. Tell me what you are sorry for." His tone darkening and growing hurt. Nick saw his own hands shaking lightly from his stress and high emotions over this.
Nick looked up at Leon and took in a deep breath. Holding it in for a while. Leon leaning in and eyes widening as if he's watching a movie and the big secret was about to be revealed. "I'm sorry for causing the deaths of your wife and child." said Nick as he forced out the last few words. His eyes welling up with tears but managing to hold it in.
Leon paused for a long time. Not saying anything. Only staring at Nick. Leon eventually reached behind him and pulled a plug out from behind his chair. The plug lead up to the pencil sharpener. As Leon reached over to grab it, Nick's heart sank as he saw that instead of a hole where you insert the pencil, was glass camera lens.
Leon popped off the top frame of the supposed pencil sharpener and pulled out a small camera. Nick could see the fiber cover over a small microphone attached to the camera. Nick's eyes widened in fear as he realized what had happened. He just confessed to causing the deaths of two people, and was video and audio recorded. His heartbeat quickened and his hands trembled. Leon pulled out the small SD card and put it in his shirt pocket.
"Since you told me your biggest secret, I'll tell you mine. The Growlers? The Arctic Fox and Leah? The handgun in the fox's hands? All of this, is my doing. And I intend to do much, much more." Leon patted his hand against his shirt pocket. "I have your confession. If Bogo, or the mayor, or anyone begins to question me, this tape will go out. And you will get convicted for it. You will lose your job, all of your regained credibility, and WILL go to prison for a minimum of 20 years for Intentional Homicide." his tone growling and deep. His words shaking Nick to his very core.
Nick began to pant hard and shake. Not knowing how to react to what had just happened to him. He was being hustled, and there was nothing he could do to. Unlike Judy's hustle around when they first met, this would absolutely destroy his life.
Leon stood up and walked towards the back corner by the door. Picking up a rather heavy box of files and setting it on the edge of the desk. "Stand up." ordered Leon.
Nick got up rather quickly. His head lowered. "Why? Why are you doing this?" asked Nick. His voice quaking in stress and fear.
Leon growled lightly. "You got away with it. The ZPD let you, and so did the city. I was abandoned and my family died without retribution. In time I will make you pay for what you did. But step out of line, and you'll face prison time instead. Now, give me your arm. The one that got shot."
Nick hesitated. "Why?" he asked. Slowly raising up his arm. His arm shaking a bit in fear.
Leon grabbed his arm just above where the scar was. "You'll need some time to think about all of this and take it in. And you also have two days off after today. I'm letting you go home early. The day after tomorrow, go to Lavvy Farms. Alone. Now be a good boy and play along." Leon then knocked over the heavy box and twisted his paw around Nick's wound. Causing the muscle to twist around violently. The tissue under the skin had not fully healed yet and Nick could feel it split open painfully under his skin.
Nick let out a loud yell of pain. Leon called out loudly after letting go of Nick's arm. "Oh shoot Nick! Sorry about that are you alright?" said Leon acting concerned.
Nick stumbled back a bit and clutched his arm. The intense pain blinding his vision a bit. The wound had not opened up at the skin, but was already starting to swell a bit around the scar. Just then, the door flew open to show Judy standing there with a concerned face. Nick saw her and hesitated before remembering Snowly's threats. "Y..yeah. I think it opened up again though. I might need to go home." said Nick.
Judy walked up and looked at Nick's arm. Noticing the red swelling then looking up at Leon. "What happened?" She asked alarmed. Noticing the fallen box on the ground filled with heavy files.
Leon sighed and scratched the back of his head nervously. "Uhh my fault actually. I had this box on the desk and accidentally pushed it. Nick went to grab it and now that happened." said Leon as he pointed to Nick's arm.
Judy looked back over at Nick. Rubbing her paw lightly over the swelling. "Is it bad, Nick?" she asked concerned. Worried that he may have damaged his arm further.
Nick winced in pain as Judy rubbed over the swelling. Retreating his arm back a bit. "Ah! Feels like it. Hurts like crazy." he said. While it did hurt, it wasn't truly blinding pain. A facade so he could leave as Snowly instructed.
Leon nodded. "Yeah go ahead, Nick. Take the rest of the day off. I'll clear it up with Bogo." Leon walking out of the office and heading up the stairs towards Bogo's office.
Nick watched him leave then looked at Judy. He felt the urge to tell her what had just really happened but lowered his head. "I'll... I'll see you tonight when you get home okay?" he said nervously. Eager to get as far away from Snowly as he could.
Before Judy could say anything further, Nick walked out to the front door. Leaving the ZPD for the day. Judy stood there in Leon's office as he walked out. Surprised, and slightly confused as to what had just happened. Something seemed off though.
Why would Nick be so nervous about seeing Leon. And once Leon called him into his office for the first time, he just happened to get an injury? It didn't seem right to Judy. She looked around Snowly's office. Seeing the case files in the box. All of them relating to the Growlers. Even recognizing a few of them as the ones she pulled a few days prior.
Judy looked up at Leon's desk and saw there was a lone camera sitting there, and a disassembled pencil sharpener. Judy peeked out of the office to see Leon just now entering Bogo's office. Judy quickly got her phone out and ran up to the desk. Taking a quick picture of the camera and sharpener. Noticing that one could fit the camera inside of the sharpener.
A sudden vibrating inside of the desk drawers made Judy jump in surprise. Her heart beating fast before she calmed down. She opened the desk to see Leon's phone lit up, sitting perfectly in the center of the drawer. On the screen, a text was displayed from a 'Doug'. The text simply read, "Got it made. It's ready."
Judy closed the desk drawer quickly, causing the phone to jump in the drawer and slide to the side of the drawer. Judy walked out of the office and back to the circular desk. Judy could hear Bogo yelling at Leon over the 'accident'. Clearly not happy he would have to fill out another incident report.
The rest of the day went calmly, though Judy kept worrying about Nick the whole day. Knowing that Nick is pretty upset, Judy decided to get a little surprise going for him. She called up a local printing company and sent them the picture she took a few nights ago of Nick sleeping and Judy against his chest. She paid to have a larger picture made and framed. Judy was told it would be ready within an hour, and she said she'll pick it up after work. Clawhauser, curious as to what Judy was doing, looked over at her. "Watcha doin' Hopps?" he asked cheerfully.
Judy smiled and told Clawhauser about the picture wall. Getting an adorable squeal from Clawhauser. "Awww you two are just so precious!"
Judy smiled more and showed him the recent picture. "I'm getting this one on the wall today. That should cheer Nick up."
Other officers kept asking about how he was doing after they heard what had happened. Despite being on the ZPD for only a short while, Nick and Judy have both earned a positive reputation among the other officers. It was 5pm when Judy finally got her chance to go home, which she took earnestly.
Judy stopped at the printing company on the way back, picking up the picture which was neatly packaged in a brown box. Judy eager to get home and show it to Nick.
Judy made it to the apartment. Hearing the TV as she entered the living room, but Nick was nowhere to be seen. As Judy walked in, she saw a receipt laying on the table. Before Nick went home, he stopped at the store and picked up bottle of Crown Lion Whiskey. Judy also noticed a cabinet door was open where they kept their cups.
Judy looked down the hall and saw Nick's door cracked open. "Nick?" she called down the hall. There was no response. Judy walked to Nick's room and opened the door. Nick was sitting at his desk. His elbow on the desk and his paw in his face. Holding up his head. A half empty bottle of whiskey and a small glass filled with the football colored alcohol.
Judy walked in, really concerned now, and placed her hand on Nick's shoulder. "Nick...what's going on?" she asked. Her ears drooping.
Nick paused for a while before shaking his head. Letting out a few sobs and shaking lightly. "No...It's my fault...I can't..." Nick muttered lightly. His voice shaky and showing that he had been crying for a while now.
Judy put both of her paws on Nick's arm comfortingly. "Nick, I'm here for you. I want to help you right now in any way I can. I can listen to you, be a shoulder for you to cry on, and support you every step of the way. We're partners, and more importantly, we're friends. I will always be here for you."
Nick moved his face off of his hand and looked at Judy. The fur around his eyes damp and matted from the tears. His eyes slightly bloodshot and hazy. "Even if I was a murderer?" he barked angrily.
Judy widened her eyes and kept her paws on Nick's arms. Not saying anything in response to that. A murderer? She kept repeating in her head. Nick looked back to his glass and took it in hand. Drinking another mouthful of the strong alcohol. "Judy you don't know everything about my past. And you don't want to...I don't want to." said Nick. His words slurred and sloppy from the intoxication.
Judy, having remembered she set the new picture on the table, patted Nick's arm. "I have something to show you." Judy darted down the hall and opened up the brown paper package that held the picture frame. It was framed in a simple dark brown wood. The picture just as large as the others hanging on the wall.
Judy darted back down the hall into Nick's room. Nick had just finished off his glass of Whiskey and was starting to pour another. Judy walked up and moved the bottle away from him and handed the picture to Nick. Nick took the picture and looked over it. His eyes softening a bit as he saw it. Judy smiled and held one of Nick's paws in both of hers. "I will always be here for you Nick."
Nick gave a light smile and tears began to streak down his face. Panting lightly and sobbing gently. Judy smiled comfortingly at Nick. "Bring it in, dumb fox." holding out her arms to Nick.
Nick set the picture down on the desk and pulled Judy in close. His head resting on her shoulder as he sobbed into it. Judy gently petting Nick on the top of his head, and the back of his neck. "There you go Nick. Let it all out."
Nick kept sobbing for a long while. Occasionally muttering something Judy couldn't make out. Judy resting her head against the side of Nick's just below his ear. Nick's sobbing eventually stopped and his breathing eased up.
Judy patted Nick on the back of the head. "Let's get you to bed big guy." she said as she helped Nick up. Nick leaned on her with most of his weight due to being unable to stand up very well. The dizziness of the alcohol at its peak. "Are you gonna be able to hold it in, Nick?" Judy asked.
Nick nodded and stumbled with Judy as she helped him across the room to his bed. "Yeah...I should be fine..." he muttered.
Judy finally got Nick to his bed and helped him onto it. Nick stumbled a bit as he fell onto the bed, landing on his side on the bed. Nick closed his eyes after a few moments. Letting out a long sigh. "Thank you...Judy." Nick muttered.
Judy smiled and quickly ran into her room, changing out of her work clothes and into something more comfortable before coming back into his room. In that time, Nick had completely fallen asleep. Judy climbed up into the bed with Nick and lay against him. Nick wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Judy blushed a little and pulled the covers over them. Knowing Nick would sleep much better tonight like this.
*Authors Note* Whew that was a long one. I didn't plan to make it this long actually but I tried to fit in a few more details in there. Next chapter is gonna be a really long one too then, and that's because its the chapter that will explain EVERYTHING that happened between Snowly and Wilde. Lemme know how I'm doing guys, tell me how you like this plot! Read and Review!
