*Author's Note* Alright this is gonna be a big chapter. The policeman's ball, and possibly the event after, which is a big one. Also, I do request some critique reviews if you want to. I've been told this story is good but I wanna know what I can do to make it better. Read and Review!
It was finally Friday. The night of the policeman's ball. Leon had not bothered Nick or Judy the entire week with any tasks or harassment. Only having them do their regular jobs. Occasionally, Bogo would contact Judy to ask questions about Snowly and his activities, but they had come up short on any information.
The night of the ball had come. The celebration was being held in Sahara Square at the plaza. Just outside of the ZPD. There were a few night patrols out on the city tonight, but almost all of the officers were going to be at the event. A few celebrity guests were to make an appearance as well. The Mayor, and Gazelle being the most notable.
Nick was waiting in the living room for Judy to get ready. Nick had to wear his policeman's uniform during the celebration so people could identify him as a member of the ZPD. Despite all the stressful events the past few weeks, Nick was glad that this night had come. Hoping that Leon wouldn't make any requests during the event. Nick wanted to make this a good night to remember. A chance to wind down and relax.
Judy finally came out of the shower dressed in her uniform. "You look great, Judy." Nick could smell her lilac shampoo coming off of her fur.
Judy smiled and folded her hands over her front. "Aw. Thanks Nick. Ready to go?" she asked. Eager to go have a bit of fun as well.
Nick smiled and stood up. Nodding lightly. Nick put his phone, wallet, and apartment keys in his pocket. "Yep. Let's go." he said enthusiastically.
Judy followed Nick out of the door. Nick locked the door behind him and walked down the hall. Judy followed next to Nick. Wrapping one of her arms around his. Nick smiled and let her. His paw holding one of hers as they walked. They got outside and followed the sidewalk towards Sahara Square.
Judy and Nick could hear the bustling of the crowd before they got near the square. Also the scent of grilling food washed over them as they grew closer. Smelling a mixture of synthetic meats, vegitables, and many herbs and seasonings.
Nick's eyes brightened up as he smelled the synthetic meats. "Oh wow they got the synthetic food? That's high dollar stuff." said Nick cheerfully.
Judy looked up at Nick with a nervous smile. "Synthetic meats?" She asked curiously.
Nick nodded. "Yeah. Don't worry it isn't real meat. Its a combination of tofu, edible fibers, and proteins to make a false meat. It's as close as you can get to real meat." Nick explained.
Judy smiled and nodded. Continuing to walk with Nick. "Good. If they were serving up grilled rabbit meat I would probably leave." stated Judy.
Nick gave a mischievous smile. "I dunno... I might stick around for a bite." he said jokingly. Judy looked up at Nick rather frightened. Nick looked down and shook his head. "Relax, Carrots. I'm only joking. I would never do that." said Nick.
Judy smiled lightly but still felt a little nervous at Nick's remark. After a few minutes, they had finally reached the square. There were several festive lights hanging around the square on strings to light up the square more. The fountain in the center having colored lights on it to show a more colorful display when the jets would go and make a show. Along the sides of the square were several stands with games, and food. Almost looking like a carnival scene.
They noticed a white limo in the back. Figuring it was Gazelle's limo. Nick and Judy walked into the square to be greeted by Clawhauser. Of whom was wearing a pink button up shirt and blue jeans. Clawhauser waved them down and walked over to them. His rather large gut swaying as he walked. "Hey you two! Glad you came!" greeted Clawhauser in his usual cheerful tone.
Nick smiled at Clawhauser. Putting his hands in his pockets and leaning back on his heels a bit. "Still got that chipper personality even after work huh?" said Nick.
Clawhauser nodded and pointed a finger at Nick. "Always. You should try it sometime. You always seem so relaxed and such a downer. Get giddy!" Clawhauser said as he poked Nick lightly in the chest.
Nick rolled his eyes and smiled more. "Not my style kitty cat." Nick said casually. Clawhauser waved his hands downward and smiled.
"Oh hush you. Have you guys met Gazelle yet? She's walking around here somewhere you guys should totally meet her!" Clawhauser said excitedly. Looking around the crowd as he spoke.
Judy smiled and looked around as well. "Yeah we'd love to! Wouldn't we Nick?" Said Judy as she looked up at Nick.
Nick smiled down at Judy. "Well I suppose a quick hello wouldn't hurt." he said with a smirk.
It was pretty easy to find Gazelle in the square. All you had to do was look for the largest crowd of people. Judy and Nick walked towards it to find Gazelle sitting on a bench by the fountains. A small crowd of people around her, praising her and saying how much of a fan they were.
Sitting next to Gazelle, were two large muscular male tigers. Each wearing a black tshirt and black pants. These were Gazelle's body guards. Gazelle herself was wearing a red sleeveless shirt that sparkled in the surrounding lights, and similarly colored red shorts.
As Clawhauser walked up and caught Gazelle's eye, she smiled at him. "Back for more?" she asked amusingly. Not sounding rude, but more rather that Clawhauser had talked to her before and she enjoyed his company.
Clawhauser shook his head and held his hand back to show Judy and Nick. "No. I wanted you to meet Officer Hopps and Officer Wilde." he said.
Gazelle looked down at Judy then to Nick. Smiling a bit wider. "Oh. The two who stopped the Savage Attacks? It's an honor to meet you both." she said cheerfully.
Judy walked up and smiled. Her eyes bright as she gazed on Gazelle. "Nice to meet you too Miss Gazelle. I'm a big fan of your music. It's so great how you are so accepting of everyone despite everything." Judy said rather ecstatically. A little giddy from having met a celebrity.
Gazelle smiled at Judy. Very happy to have received such a compliment. "Zootopia is a wonderful city where our differences don't decide what we are. Both you and Officer Wilde protected what this city holds most dear. It's citizens." said Gazelle.
Judy and Nick both smiled. Nick spoke from the back. "Thank you, Gazelle."
Gazelle smiled at Nick and nodded. Judy stayed near Gazelle to talk to her for a while longer. Nick watched for a while before looking around the area. The crowd was bustling and active. Nick recognized many of these people as fellow officers. The rest being citizens, or family members. Nick looked to some of the game booths around the square. Most of them being simple enough. Dart throwing, throwing rings on sticks, knocking over stacks of cans with baseballs. The typical stuff. The prizes mostly being stuffed animals or designer art.
Nick's concentration was broken when he felt a heavy hand rest on his shoulder. Nick looked up to see Cheif Bogo standing over him. Bogo wearing his usual police uniform. Nick rolled his eyes and smiled. "Do you ever wear casual clothes?" asked Nick.
Bogo smiled amusingly. "Yes. At home. Enjoying yourself?" he asked.
Nick shrugged off Bogo's heavy hand and looked around. "Yeah more or less. You guys do this every year?" asked Nick. Looking around the area again.
Bogo nodded and crossed his arms. "Yep. Gives the community a chance to thank the ZPD."
Nick nodded and smiled a bit. Feeling rather proud to be a part of the ZPD. "Bet it does good for the other officers too. To feel appreciated, and feel like they're making a difference." added Nick.
Bogo smiled and raised his eyebrows. "Never thought I'd see the day when a fox would become a police officer."
Nick smiled amusingly and looked back over at Judy, who was still with Gazelle. Both of them carrying on a conversation. "Or a bunny."
Bogo looked over at Judy and Gazelle before looking back down at Nick. His light smile never fading. "Do you care for her, Wilde?" asked Bogo.
Nick paused before nodding lightly. Not saying any other words. Bogo let out a light chuckle. "Well I wont say anything till you two go public." said Bogo. Causing Nick to blush a bit and look forward embarrassed.
Bogo let out a light sigh. His smile going away. "You should know, Snowly's giving a speech at the end of the event. He's requested that all officers be present for it." said Bogo. Sounding slightly worried.
Nick looked up at Bogo. Having to crane his neck a bit to look past Bogo's thick arms. "What are you getting at, Sir?" asked Nick.
Bogo looked around a bit before leaning down. "Hopps told me about your situation with Snowly. I want to help you." said Bogo in a soft tone before standing back up.
Nick looked up at Bogo rather surprised. Eventually Nick nodded and smiled. Looking out to the crowd again. Bogo didn't say anything further about it. Instead just walking away to mingle with the crowd. Nick back at Gazelle to find Judy, only to see she wasn't there. Nick looked around for her, wondering where the bunny could have gone.
After a few moments, Judy reappeared in the crowd walking towards Nick. Holding two plates in her hand. On one plate was a decent sized cut of the synthetic meat. And in the other was a stir-fry of mixed vegetables. Judy handed the plate of the meat to Nick. The smell of its many herbs and seasonings filling Nick's nose. A strong, and bold smell to fit grilled meat.
Nick smiled and took the plate. "Thanks Carrots. Hope that didn't cost a lot." said Nick as he cut a chunk of the meat off.
Judy shook her head. "Nope. All officers get one meal for free tonight." Judy said as she stuffed a fork full of vegetables into her mouth.
Nick nodded and took a bite of the meat. Compared to real meat, this synthetic meat had a much softer texture. And of course did taste marginally different. However, it would still satisfy a predator's need for protein. And to others, the sensation of consuming meat.
The taste was mildly salty, and bold. Also surprisingly juicy despite being fake meat. Nick quickly ate the rest of it. Clearly enjoying the food. Nick finished his plate and smiled. "Mmm. Man, who made this? I gotta find a restaurant that makes this."
Judy giggled at Nick's comment. Eating her food a bit slower. "They say it sells for thirty dollars a cut." said Judy.
Nick's eyes widened a little and he chuckled nervously. "Oh well... It tastes great but not THAT great." said Nick humorously.
Judy eventually finished her food. Nick offered to take her plate to throw it away, which he did. Judy found a bench and sat on it, and Nick joined her shortly after. They both watched the crowd go on. Occasionally talking to another officer, or citizen who recognized them.
Judy kept looking around the crowd when she spotted a familiar couple that she had not seen for a while. Mr. and Mrs. Otterton. Judy waved at them and called for them. They both saw her and walked over, both of them brightly smiling. Judy hopped down from the bench and Mrs. Otterton pulled Judy into a hug. Emmitt Otterton smiled at Judy.
"Oh my gosh I didn't expect to see you two here!" Said Judy excitedly.
Mrs. Otterton let Judy go and smiled at her. "Well we wanted to thank the ZPD for all their hard work. And also you personally Miss Hopps." she said. Her little paws holding Judy's in praise.
Emmitt smiled and patted Judy on the shoulder. "Miss Hopps I never to the chance to thank you for finding, and saving my life." said Emmitt. A thankful smile on his face.
Judy shook her head and smiled at Emmitt. "I didn't really...save your life." said Judy skeptically.
Emmitt shook his head and held up one of his fingers. "If you didn't find out about Bellwether, I never would have gotten the antidote for going savage. You did save my life, Miss Hopps."
Judy smiled and drooped her ears a bit. Very happy to hear this. Her ears perked up as she remembered Nick. She walked over to Nick and grabbed his paw, pulling him down off the bench. "Well I couldn't have done it without Nick's help. I wouldn't have even found you without his help." said Judy.
Emmitt smiled and reached his paw out to Nick's. "Then we thank you too Nick."
Nick smiled lightly and shook Emmitt's paw. "My pleasure, Sir. I'm just glad that things worked out in the end for everyone."
Mrs. Otterton smiled up at Nick. "Well it most certainly did. And the city is a better place now because of it." she said happily.
Nick and Judy smiled at each other. Knowing there was still work to be done before the city was really safe, but not wanting to worry the Otterton's about it. "Yes, it is." Said Judy.
Emmitt looked down at his watch. His face showing disappointment. "Well, it's getting late. We should be heading home now, dear." Emmitt said to his wife.
Mrs. Otterton nodded and hugged Judy one more time. "Take care you two. Have a good night!" said Mrs. Otterton as she left with her husband.
Nick smiled as they walked away. "Moments like that make this job really worth it." said Nick. His chest swelling with a bit of pride.
Judy smiled as well as she watched the Ottertons leave. "My first case. So far, my most memorable one. So much good came out of it. I got to prove that I could be a cop. I showed that anyone can make a difference if they try to." Judy blushed a bit as she thought of one last thing to add to that. "And I also got to meet you." Judy said as she looked up at Nick.
Nick smiled down at Judy. He let out a light chuckle and kissed Judy on the forehead sweetly. "Way to prove me wrong about what you could be." said Nick.
Judy smiled and looked around again. She noticed that there were a few road blocks around a few manholes. Large, metal vents extending upwards about 5 feet from the open manhole. Curious as to what they were for.
Judy looked around at a few of the games and smiled. Grabbing Nick by the arm and pulling him. Nick grunted in surprise but followed with her. Judy lead Nick to a carnival game where you were given thick plastic rings to throw onto sticks pointing up from the ground. Nick smiled at Judy. "Gonna try your throwing arm?" he said.
Judy smiled and placed two dollars on the counter. Which was enough for three rings. "I used to play these kinds of games all the time when I was a kid." she said cockily as she picked up the rings.
She tossed one towards the center. The ring hit its mark and slid slowly down the stick. The man at the counter smiled and watched. "Nice throw bunny." he said. Sounding rather scripted. The people who run these games would often encourage the player to get them to play more and make more money.
Judy gave a confident grin and tossed another ring. It bounced off the top of one of the spikes before barely hitting the mark on a stick farther back, it rolled around the stick before reaching the bottom. Nick laughed. "Luck shot!"
Judy smiled at Nick and smiled cockily. "Or maybe I'm just that good." she sneered,
Nick shrugged and smirked. "Get the last ring in and I'll believe you." coaxed Nick.
Judy picked up the last ring. The man running the game cheered on as well. Judy tossed the ring underhanded, causing it to flip slowly in the air up high. The ring came down and hit its mark on the center spike, sliding straight down to the bottom of it.
The man behind the counter clapped his hands. "Nice throw! Alright we got an assortment of prizes here. Everything's fair game." he said as he held his paw back to the stuff behind him. Most of it was stuffed animals and stuffed props. A few giant plush carrots to name a few. Judy tapped her chin as she looked over the assorted items. Seeing the plushies, a couple of glass mirrors with smokey art etched into the sides of the glass. Several small picture frames with designer art, or pictures of certain themes like celebrities, race cars, popular TV show banners, and more.
Judy spied a small bunny plushie. An unevolved feral bunny. Certain animals had plush forms made for children, or collectors. Such as rabbits, canines, bears, and other creatures. Judy pointed at the bunny and the man handed it to her. Judy smiled and tucked it under her arm. Nick chuckled. "Surprised you didn't go for the carrot." he said.
Judy shook her head and smiled. "Nah. I got more of those back at the burrow. That's the only prizes they had when the fair came along there." explained Judy. Looking down at her adorable plush.
Nick looked around at a few of the other games around. Noticing a ball throwing game. Nick smiled and walked over to it. Judy followed. Nick looked at the booth. It was a simple stand. A long pathway down each section with a stack of festive cans in a 10 can pyramid. Nick smiled and payed two dollars for three baseballs. Nick gave a confident smile to the man behind the counter. "If I call my shot and knock out one can, can I pick whatever I want?" asked Nick.
The man behind the counter, a male squirrel, scratched his chin intrigued. He looked at the cans and smiled. "Fine. But you can't call the top can." thinking it was impossible for Nick to make a shot like that.
Judy raised her eyebrows and watched. Interested to see what Nick would do. Nick smiled wider. "Alright. In the row of three, the middle can." said Nick.
The squirrel nodded and stepped away. Letting Nick have his throw. Nick tossed the ball upwards to catch it as it came down. Nick turned and smiled at Judy. "Watch this." he said as he pulled his arm back. Nick narrowed his eyes a little and focused. After a few seconds, he flung his arm forward and threw the ball. The ball whirled through the air and struck the center can on the row of three. Pushing right through it. The remaining cans leaned inward but stopped as they propped up on each other except for the bottom row.
The squirrel paused then rubbed his eyes before looking again as if he didn't believe it. He looked over at Nick with a smile. "Alright hotshot. Waddaya want?" he said as he pointed up to the prizes overhead.
Judy smiled up at Nick. "Wow. How'd you do that?" asked Judy.
"I used to throw rocks at cans all the time when I was a kid. I learned a few tricks." said Nick as he looked over the prizes. Like the booth that Judy played at, there were many assortments of plushies, and other things one could use to decorate their house. Nick noticed a fox plush similarly made like the bunny that Judy got and pointed to it.
The squirrel climbed up the wall of the booth and grabbed it. Falling back down to the ground and handing it to Nick. Nick thanked the man and began to walk away with Judy. Judy smiled. "Copycat...copyfox." she said, then corrected herself.
Nick shook his head and smiled. "No I didn't get this for me." Nick said as he handed Judy the plush. Judy smiled up at Nick and took it. Hugging it lightly.
"It's like the stuffed animal versions of us huh?" said Judy as she looked over the bunny and the fox.
Nick looked as well and shrugged. Noticing the fox had darker black fur on the tips of his ears and his tail just like himself. The bunny was gray with white on the chin, and down the belly. Both of them were made like feral animals. If you sat it down upright, it would be on all fours. "Yeah...maybe. The fox is better looking though." Nick said with a smirk.
Judy rolled her eyes and smiled up at Nick. Punching his arm lightly. "Yeah right slick. The bunny's way cuter!"
Nick smiled and ruffled the hair on Judy's head with his paw. "You gonna lug those around the rest of the night?" gesturing to the two plushies.
Judy thought for a moment. If Judy ran the whole way, she could put the plushies in the apartment and be back in a matter of minutes. She held out her paw to Nick. "Keys. I'll be right back."
Nick smiled and reached into his pocket. Pulling out the apartment key and handing it to Judy. "See you soon!" Said Judy as she darted through the crowd. Once she was out in the open, she took off sprinting. Moving very quickly down the sidewalk.
It took Judy only a few minutes to reach Bookerlight. She ran up inside the building and to the apartment door. Taking the stairs was actually faster than the elevator when she was in full sprint. She quickly went into the apartment and set both plushies on her bed. Judy stopped just before she left her room and smiled. She picked up the bunny plush and took it to Nick's room. Setting it on his bed before leaving the apartment and heading outside. She quickly slid down the stair railing to get to the bottom of the stairs. Cheerfully greeting anyone she passed as they watched humorously at the energetic bunny.
As Judy ran back towards Sahara Square, she noticed a manhole just a short distance away that was also uncovered, and blocked off with road blocks. Able to hear someone climbing up the ladder as they came out. Judy spotted a nearly car and slid behind it. Looking over the side of it to watch two figures walk out of the manhole.
First to come out, was Artie McCoy. Wearing a black turtleneck shirt and black pants. Looking around carefully as he came out of the manhole. Judy dropped her ears and ducked behind the car out of sight. Judy leaned down and looked under the car to see the next person come out. Leon Snowly. Wearing a white button up shirt, and brown slacks.
Leon got out of the manhole and stretched a bit. "Alright. Wait near the ZPD garage. We'll have about three minutes to pull this off." said Leon. Keeping his voice low as he spoke. Judy was just barely able to make it out. Artie nodded and walked over to the same car that Judy was hiding behind. Judy looked around frantically before spotting a nearby dumpster still behind the car and out of view. The gap from the ground to the bottom of the dumpster large enough for Judy to fit under. Judy quickly and quietly slid under the dumpster.
Under the dumpster was dirty. The ground was sticky and foul smelling. Judy quickly pinched her nose shut to avoid gagging. The car started and drove off. Judy saw Leon walking down the street towards the square.
Once Leon was out of sight, Judy got out from under the dumpster. Sticky green garbage juice on her uniform. Judy sighed and got her phone out. Texting Nick quickly. "Something's up. Head to manhole on Weasely Street."
Judy pocketed her phone and stood at the manhole. Looking down into it. Within a few minutes, Nick appeared around the corner. Lightly jogging towards Judy as he came around the corner. "What's up?" Asked Nick as he panted lightly.
Judy pointed down the manhole. "I just saw Artie and Leon come out of this manhole. Let's check out what's down there." Judy said as she went into the hole. Climbing down the ladder. Nick followed her, sniffing the air as they went down. "Uhhh. Hey carrots, why do you smell terrible now?" Nick remembering the pleasant lilac shampoo that Judy had used before leaving.
Judy sighed and lowered her ears. "Don't worry about it." she mumbled.
Judy reached the bottom of the ladder and jumped off. Giving Nick room to come down as well. When Nick landed, he placed his paw on Judy's shoulder only to quickly withdraw it as his paw was coated with the garbage slime. "Ick! Did you go dumpster diving?" Nick asked disgusted.
Judy glared and dropped her ears. "I had to hide under a dumpster so Artie and Leon wouldn't see me." explained Judy.
Nick nodded lightly and wiped his paw off on his pant leg. "S...sorry." he apologized.
They both walked down the tunnel they had entered. Dimly lit with old fluorescent lights along the walls. Nick looked around as he recognized the tunnel. "Wait...this is maintenance tunnel 6-B." said Nick.
Judy looked up at Nick. "The same one that Leon sent you to with that crate?" asked Judy.
Nick nodded. "Yeah. Up ahead should be a clearing. Leon had a construction crew working on something there." said Nick as he walked down the hallway. Judy followed, looking along the walls. Judy noticed a small security camera tucked away in corners. Plugged into the main power lines to stay on. They weren't normal cameras, but cameras the ZPD would use when they would place those cameras in secret.
They eventually reached the clearing. Sitting squarely in the center, was a large metal device. Reaching about 8 feet in height with a small console attached to the base. The base was a large metal circle to house the electrical wiring and mounting of the device. At the sides of the base, were eight copper u-bend tubes that were about 6 inches thick. These tubes curled up just above the base to a small cylindrical container. Above that container, was a second one that was much longer. The first container being roughly 6 inches tall, and roughly a foot in diameter. The second container being 12 inches tall, and also a foot in diameter. The second container was filled with a strange light blue liquid.
The second container reached up to the top of the device which was a metal cube with four exhaust ports. Each of these ports had a large metal exhaust tube attached to it, save for one that was totally open and exposed. Nick and Judy followed the metal tubes to see them extend down tunnels that reached the clearing. Judy went down one of the hallways to see the tube lifted and mounted to the ceiling before reaching a manhole outside. From here, Judy could hear the sound of many people above it.
Nick walked around the room and noticed the same wooden crate that he had delivered opened up. The inside was only filled with molded foam to fit something snugly inside it. Nick looked at the larger cylindrical tube holding the light blue liquid. Figuring this is what was inside the crate.
After quickly smelling the air, Judy could smell the pleasant odor of the grilled food served at the event in Sahara Square. The clearing was directly below Sahara Square. Judy ran back to the open room with Nick. "These are the vents that are all around Sahara Square. What could Leon be doing with this?" Judy asked.
Nick, who was standing next to the console, looked down and pointed to the ground next to the console. There was a large speaker with a wire leading up one of the vents to reach outside. "I don't know, but someone's probably gonna tell us." said Nick.
Almost on que, Leon's voice came over the speaker. "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, and fellow officers. And thank you all for joining tonight."
Nick and Judy stopped and listened. Nick knowing this must be Snowly's speech that Bogo had mentioned earlier.
Bogo was just above where Nick and Judy were. Watching Leon as he gave his speech. A podium had been set up at the foot of the stairs to the ZPD. Standing next to Leon, was a white canvas screen and a projector a couple of feet in front of it. Listening to Snowly do his speech.
"I'd like to personally thank everyone for being here tonight. Thanks to the many efforts of the brave men and women in the ZPD, we have successfully made 23 arrests in relation to the Growler Drugs. However, the mastermind behind it remains at large." Leon paused and smiled lightly as if amused.
"And I have a surmountable stack of evidence as to who that is. A few weeks ago, I spoke to a certain rookie officer about this case. Since then, I have had him followed. This officer was oddly enough, cracking down on Growler safe houses much faster than other officers before I came to the ZPD. And I believe this officer is responsible for the Growler Drug." said Leon.
Leon walked to the projector and turned it on. After a few short seconds, the screen showed a picture of Nick Wilde.
"I believe Nicholas Wilde is behind the Growler Drug Incidents." said Leon.
Bogo glared and moved the crowd aside as he walked forward to stand in front of the podium where Leon was at. "You better have more proof than just your word Snowly. If not, you are in very hot water." explained Bogo.
Nick's ears flattened as he heard Leon say Nick's name. His eyes lowered as he thought about had happened over the last few days. Going to Lavvy Farms, where Leon was making the drug. And delivering the crate to this exact location. Leon intended to frame Nick for the drugs. Leon had successfully shut down all of the Growler safehouses to show he was making great progress. But since his last few busts, no more Growlers had appeared in Zootopia. After Leon would have Nick arrested, Leon would cut off the Growler Drug entirely to make it seem like the mastermind was shut down.
Leon pulled up a small remote for the projector behind the podium on a shelf. He pressed a button to have it go to the next screen. "Just watch, Chief Bogo, I would not make such a claim without proof to show you." said Leon.
The crowd muttered as Leon pointed to the screen. "I have a video here of Nick meeting with Artie McCoy, Leah Maire, and Doug Ramses. Doug is the one who created the formula for the Night Howler Serum a few months ago."
The video played to show Nick talking to the three. There was no audio on the tape. Leon knew when and where this happened. Earlier in the week when he had Nick come to Lavvy Farms, and after Leon left the room to leave him alone with Leah, Artie, and Doug. The video kept going before it started to cut out. "Unfortunately the video corrupted before I could get the whole thing. I data-mined this video from Zootopia's security cameras. Note the plant containers filled with Night Howlers. As well, Nick talked to three major criminals, and did not turn them in immediately. Despite being a police officer." explained Leon.
Leon pressed the button again to go to the next clip and played the video. It showed Nick walking down the maintenance tunnel carrying a crate. "This video was captured in the same day a few hours later. I had been personally overseeing the installation of a signal tracker under Zootopia to track cell phone texts and calls in the underground, as well as the ground level of the city. At this time, we had the power shut off in area 6-B for safety reasons. Now, after a few short minutes..." Leon said as he fast forwarded the video. It showed Nick leaving without the crate. "The package he was carrying is gone. My allegation is that it was a Growler Drug dropoff. Several of the men and women I arrested can vouch for that being a common practice for the underground tunnel networks due to lighter security cameras. And he just 'so happened' to drop this box off while the camera's were turned off. How convenient." The last two works being spoke in a sarcastic tone. "Of course this calls Officer Hopps into question as to HER involvement as well. Due to her being Nick's direct partner."
Nick's head lowered more and his eyes widened. Judy drooped her ears as well and glared. "Come on. We gotta get up there and settle this now." said Judy as she grabbed Nick's paw.
Nick nodded and started to leave. Just then, the console on the device beeped loudly and turned on. On the console was bright red letters reading 'ACTIVATING' and flashing quickly. The device began to hum lightly. Nick and Judy watched as the smaller cylindrical tube began to fill with water. After a few moments, the copper tubes began to steam with heat as the water evaporated and pushed up through the blue liquid. Within a few seconds, a blue steam began to pour from the exhaust ports. Quickly pushing its way up to Sahara Square above them. And the one open vent starting to fill the room up with the same blue steam.
Nick and Judy stepped back away from it. Fearful as to what the steam would do. Coming from the tunnels, Nick and Judy could hear people start to react to the steam coming from the vents surrounding the square. After a few more seconds, people began to scream and panic.
Judy's eyes widened, as did Nick's as they realized with this was. "They turned the Growler drug into a gas weapon!" yelled out Nick. The room now completely filled with the blue steam from ceiling to roof. Nick and Judy had retreated back to the hallway they came in. Judy narrowed her eyes and tensed up. Nick saw what she was doing and shook his head. "Judy, no! Don't even think about-" Nick was cut off as Judy ran back into the room and into the gas. "JUDY!" Nick called out as she ran in.
Judy could barely see through the gas but could make out the device. She went up to the console to see if there was a way to turn off the device. There were no buttons, or switches. Only a glass screen blinking ACTIVATING in bright red.
Judy began to cough lightly as she breathed in the gas. Her fur standing up on end and her muscles in her body tensing up and flexing. Judy felt a rush of adrenaline, as well as anger. She was not intending to get upset, but the drug was making her get angry and tense her muscles in her body. Judy looked around frantically for anything that looked like a power source. She found a large wire coming off of the back of the device and plugged into the wall. However it was bolted into the wall and was impossible to remove without the proper tools.
Judy started to let out a light growl as she became increasingly agitated. Baring her teeth and moving to the front of the device. She tried to crawl up onto it to reach the glass container only to burn her paw on the very hot copper tubes coming up from the base.
Judy fell to her knees and growled deeper as the drug settled in. Her muscles continuing to tense and her blood pumping. Judy began to breath faster and more raggedly. Her eyes stinging and feeling slightly light headed. Just then, Judy looked up to see Nick holding a rather large chunk of concrete that had broken off during construction work. Nick was clearly holding his breath, his cheeks extended a bit.
Nick lifted the concrete overhead and hurled it at the device. The block smashing through the two center pieces that held the water, and the blue liquid. After a few moments, the device stopped billowing out the blue steam. Nick picked up Judy and ran down the hallway they came in. Judy was slightly incoherent. Growling and panting hard uncontrollably. Her body shaking as Nick carried her to safety.
Nick finally got out of the gas and took in a deep breath. Panting as he continued to run down the hall. Though the gas had stopped coming out of the machine, it was still flowing down the hallway. Nick reached the ladder with Judy, knowing he had no chance of climbing it while holding Judy with one arm. Nick set Judy down and stood her up. He squatted in front of her and pulled her by her arms so she was piggybacking him. "Judy, listen to me. Just clench your paws. Clench them and do not let go okay?"
Judy, who was still growling and shaking, could barely make out the words that Nick was saying. She understood he was trying to help, but her body wouldn't react in any other way but to growl, pant, and shake. "Clench...paws." Judy repeated. Her paws gripping Nick's uniform from the front. Her claws digging into the fabric.
Nick smiled. "That's it. Now don't let go!" said Nick as he began to climb the ladder. The gas had just reached the bottom of the ladder as Nick climbed up. Nick scurried up as fast as he could, the gas hot on his heels. Nick reached the top of the ladder and got out. Judy still clinging to him. Nick spotted the manhole cover and quickly pushed it over the manhole just as the gas reached the top. Light plumes of the gas came around the edges as he covered the manhole. Small flumes of the gas coming from the opening on top of the manhole cover.
Nick quickly moved away from the manhole. Nick grabbed Judy's paws that had dug itself into Nick's uniform. He could feel the sharp points of her claws digging into his skin as he tried to pull her paws off of him. After a few moments, Nick managed to free himself from her grip. Tearing his uniform in the process. Nick lay Judy down on the ground on her back slowly.
Judy kept shaking and tensing. Her growling still sounding through her voice. "N...Nick..." she choked out with a growled voice. Nick held her paw and petted her head lightly.
"Just keep still, Judy. I'm not gonna leave you." Nick said supportive and calmly. Judy's paw gripped Nick's tightly. Her claws digging into his pads a bit. Nick winced from the pain but didn't protest. After around 5 minutes, Judy's breath began to slow and her muscles release. Her claws retracting back into her fingers.
After a few more minutes, Judy slowly sat up. Placing her paw on her head. "Nngh. I'm...I'm fine now...just a little nauseated." Said Judy as she began to stand up. Nick helped her to her feet. Not letting go of her paw the whole time.
Nick let out a small sigh and smiled. "You really are a crazy bunny. You know that?" Nick said.
Judy smiled back at Nick. Her panting easing up. "And you're a crazy fox. You saved me back there Nick." she said lightly.
Nick grinned lightly and looked towards Sahara Square. Able to hear growls, and screams coming from different people. "Ready to go? We gotta stop this."
Judy nodded and stood up straight. Her breathing returning to normal. "Let's go."
Chief Bogo just before the gas attack
Bogo listened to Leon wrap up his accusations. His eyes narrowed and he pointed at Leon. "We also have reason to believe you are behind all of this, Snowly." Right as Bogo finished, the citizens and other officers began to mutter loudly. Bogo looked around to see the blue gas coming from the exhaust vents coming out of the manholes. Quickly flowing over the crowd in a cloud.
Bogo glared as he saw the gas coming out. Those are supposed to be pumping out the carbon monoxide from earlier this week... Bogo thought as he looked over the crowd.
Bogo noticed Officer Wolford walk out from the gas. His fur standing on end and growling. Panting hard and tensing up. His fangs exposed and snarling. Another officer, James McHorn the rhino, went up to Wolford. "Are you alright?" asked McHorn as he pulled Wolford away from the gas.
Wolford shook his head, Growling more. "No...get...get away!" called out Wolford. McHorn continued to pull Wolford away. After a few seconds, Wolford bit down on McHorn's upper arm hard. His fangs piercing the flesh. McHorn let out a groan of pain and pushed Wolford to the ground. Wolford growled more and curled up on the ground. "Stay...away... I feel..." Wolford growled louder and lay there as the gas washed over him.
The gas surrounded the square, and the people inside. Some managed to get away before the gas had fully surrounded the square. Including Gazelle, who was being pushed into her limo before driving away quickly.
Bogo watched as more citizens and officers were overcome by the effects of the gas. The predators growling loudly and yelling at people to stay away while prey would growl and become immobile. Several screams sounded out as people were bitten, and attacked. However, some of the larger prey animals such as McHorn, and Francine Trunkerby the Elephant, were still very mobile, however were still slightly affected by the gas. Helping to subdue and handcuff anyone that was attacking another.
Bogo turned around to look at Snowly. Snowly was standing at the door of the ZPD with a smile on his face as he watched what was happening. Bogo huffed loudly and charged at Leon. Leon pulled out a knife and swiped his card to enter the building, which was mandatory at night. Before Leon closed the door, he stabbed his knife into the card reader to make it malfunction. Leon closed the door and it locked.
Bogo ran up to the door and tried to swipe his card. Only to not get a response at all. Bogo grabbed the door handle and tried to open it, only for it to not budge. Leon smiled from inside the ZPD and ran towards the armory in the back.
Bogo huffed again, slightly steaming up the glass. Knowing Leon had the code to get into the armory. But not the weapons truck. Bogo walked down to the bottom of the stairs at the edge of the gas and charged forward, his horns pointed at the door as he rammed right through the glass door. Getting light cuts on his arms and head, but not seeming to affect him all that much. Bogo ran to the armory and punched in the code. He flung the door open and ran inside, the door closing behind him quickly.
Unknown to Bogo, Artie walked out from behind the corner of the wall as Bogo walked in. Holding his laptop open. Artie quickly activated his bug inside the ZPD's computer system that he had placed in a few weeks ago. Soon, Artie was inside the ZPD's mainframe system. Artie quickly found the passcode to the armory and changed it. Once he did, he pressed in the old code on the keypad. Giving a light smile as it failed to open the door. Artie continued to look through the system to see if he could find the code to the Weapons Truck. However, he could not find any such file. Not even in Bogo's personal database. Artie quickly closed the laptop and ran towards the door leading to the garage.
Artie ran to the locked garage door and opened it using the passcode on a small keypad. The door opened to let in Leah and Doug. Doug wearing a welding mask, and carrying a gas powered metal cutting torch. Artie pointed to the back where a single shutter door sat. "Doug, the code is 8849hbo2n3. That'll get you to the truck but you gotta get the door off the truck to get inside. That's what Leon said." said Artie to Doug. Doug nodded and ran to the back. Artie jumped up on one of the police cars and sat on the hood. Opening up his laptop again and bringing up the ZPD security cameras.
"Leah, I'll keep watch of the building. Get one of these cars ready. Keys should be hanging up on the rack over there." Artie said as he pointed his thumb over his shoulder to a cabinet.
Meanwhile with Judy and Nick
Judy and Nick had made it back to Sahara Square. The blue gas still clouding the plaza. Nick looked at Judy. "Hold your breath." suggested Nick.
Judy nodded and breathed in deep a few times before holding it. Nick did the same and they both charged into the gas. Many of the citizens were collapsed and panting hard. Growling loudly and tensing repeatedly due to overexposure of the gas. Many of the predators were snarling loudly. Drool dripping from their jaws as they lay there. They looked ready to pounce and maul whatever was in front of them, but they seemed to still hold back enough to stop themselves.
After about 20 seconds of sprinting while holding their breath, Nick and Judy made it to the front of the ZPD. Nick and Judy panted loudly and caught their breath. As they were catching their breath, the large form of Officer Francine Trunkerby walked towards them. Her breath ragged and shaking slightly. Clearly a bit affected by the gas, but still mobile and coherent. Francine walked closer menacingly. "Nick...Why? Why did this happen? Are you behind all of this?" she said raggedly. Sounding tired, and traumatized.
Nick looked around. Able to see several people pulled out of the gas. Most of them laying on the ground growling and panting. Some of them bleeding and unresponsive, having been attacked by the predators affected by the gas. Nick shook his head. "No. I swear to you that it wasn't me. Snowly's behind this." said Nick.
Francine glared and slammed her trunk down on the ground. Making Nick and Judy jump a bit from the force. "Then prove it. Bogo went after Snowly in the ZPD. Find them!" shouted Francine.
Judy nodded and patted Francine on the shoulder. "Get as many as you can out of there. The gas wears off after a few minutes." Judy said to Francine.
Francine nodded and stood back up. Heading back into the gas to get as many people out as she could. At this point, more officers arrived, as well as the fire department. Judy could hear Francine and McHorn calling out to them to not enter the gas. Only to tend to those outside of it.
Judy and Nick turned back to the ZPD. Going through the shattered door to get inside. Judy ran inside and looked around before hearing someone shouting from the Armory. Nick followed Judy as she ran up to the door. Quickly punching in the passcode she knew, only to have it rejected. She tried it a few more times before slamming her fist on the keypad. "The code's been changed!" she shouted in anger.
Nick stepped back and looked around the room. He noticed the vents hanging above them lead into the armory. A short way down from the vent, was an opening to let the air out. Nick tapped Judy on the shoulder and pointed to opening. "We can use that. Can you get up there?" Nick suggested.
Judy looked over at the opening then looked around. She nodded lightly and moved Nick to stand near the second floor balcony. Judy ran back a few feet. "Nick, give me a boost." Judy called out as she ran towards him. Nick nodded and held up his paws as he braced himself. Judy hopped to Nick's level. Nick flattened his paws against Judy's feet and pushed upwards.
Judy used the momentum to leap up towards the second floor balcony. She placed her feet against the railing and turned her body to face the opening in the vent. Judy jumped again with the same momentum and managed to grab the bottom of the vent. Judy hung there for a moment before bouncing her arms to knock the opening loose. The vent opened to swing downwards, causing Judy to cry out a bit in fear of falling, but managed to hang on. Judy climbed up into the vent and looked down at Nick. "Can you get up here?" She asked.
Nick looked around, knowing he cant jump off walls like her. Nick noticed a few desks and chairs, hatching an idea. "Yeah give me a second!"
Nick ran around the lobby, pulling a desk under the vent, Followed by a large office chair used by Francine, followed by a stationary chair used by civilians when they had to wait in the lobby. Making a slightly wobbly makeshift ladder.
Nick looked up at Judy from the bottom of it. "Better be ready to catch me." Said Nick as he started his climb. He got onto the elephants chair with no issue. Nick then climbed onto the stationary chair when it all started to wobble. Nick caught his balance. Judy watched with worried eyes. "Careful Nick. Don't hurt yourself." said Judy.
Nick nodded and panted a bit as he tried to reach up to Judy. Being just less than a few feet away. Nick put his foot up on the top of the chair and stood up on it. The tower began to wobble as Nick stood on the top of the chair. Nick swung his arms around a bit to try and balance himself. Judy slid down a bit more and extended her paw. Nick saw her paw and jumped up off of the chair to grab it. The tower falling just after he jumped up.
Judy grabbed Nick's paw and pulled him up as much as she could. Her other paw holding onto the side of the vent to keep her from falling off with him. Nick quickly grabbed the ledge of the vent and pulled himself up with Judy's help. Both of them panting as he finally got in. Nick smiled as he panted. "See? Piece of cake." he said sarcastically, and also happily.
Judy rolled her eyes and smiled. "Come on. We got to stop Leon."
Just then, an explosion rattled the building, and smoke filled the vent. Hot air rushing down the vent after the explosion rang out. Nick and Judy looked down towards the armory to see part of it fall off, the red light of fire shining down the reflective steel walls of the vent.
Bogo confronting Leon
Bogo stopped and glared as he saw Leon at the back door of the Weapons Truck that was mounted into the wall by detachable pistons. Leon had rather quickly taped up what appeared to be home made pipe bombs. Each of them having a long fuse. They were taped up to the pistons on the walls.
Leon smiled at Bogo as he walked in. "Man you're slow, Chief. Losing your touch?" Said Leon with a vicious grin.
Bogo huffed and stomped forward loudly, the equipment on the racks shaking as he slowly walked forward. "You ARE behind all of this. Wilde and Hopps have been telling me about what you've been doing. I'm here to place you under arrest, Snowly."
Leon chuckled and held his arms out as if challenging Bogo. "You're gonna have to overpower me first. Because I will not come quietly." said Leon.
Bogo huffed again and charged at Leon, his horns pointed right at Leon. Leon held up his arms and braced himself, grabbing Bogo's horns and bracing his legs. Despite being smaller than Bogo, Leon had prepared eight years for moments like this. His strength matching Bogo's. Leon stopped Bogo in his tracks and pushed back against Bogo.
"ALL of this, because you wouldn't let me take in a single little fox. How does it feel Chief? To watch your own police force turn on itself and its citizens." Leon said with a chuckle. "You failed, Chief Bogo. You failed to protect the city from me!"
Leon heaved his arms to the left, causing Bogo's center of gravity and force to change. Bogo tripped up and fell to the ground. Leon did not let go of Bogo's horns and heaved his knee into Bogo's snout. Bogo grunted in pain as he tasted blood.
Leon went in for another kick, only to have his knee grabbed by Bogo. Bogo used his other arm to trip Leon's leg that he was standing on. Leon fell hard on his side and let go of Bogo. Bogo quickly reached into his belt to pull out his taser. He turned it on and pressed it to Leon's neck.
Leon let out a groan and lay still for a moment. Bogo thinking he had successfully stopped him. Leon then grinned and laughed as he grabbed the taser by his paw, pulling it off his neck. Leon's paw directly over the shock point of the taser. Leon and Bogo both slowly stood to their feet, Leon's paw never leaving the taser. The fur on his paw and arm standing up on end.
Leon grinned and laughed at Bogo's confused look. The taser was set to maximum. Leon grinned a viscous, fanged grin at Bogo. "You're gonna need WAY more than that!" Leon said as he crushed the taser in his hand, causing it to turn off. Bogo let go of the taser. Leon threw it to the other side of the room.
Bogo glared at Leon. "You're right. I should have let you take Nick Wilde in for questioning. But that doesn't justify what you're doing now!" Said Bogo as he swung at Leon with his left arm. Leon stepped and leaned back to avoid the blow. Bogo continued. "This is drug distribution, sabotage, and now attempted murder!" Said Bogo as he swung his other fist. Leon back stepped it again to avoid it. Getting closer to a wall with shelves of security cameras.
Bogo lunged forward with his left arm in front of him. Managing to pin Leon to the wall with the shelves hard. Causing some of them to knock loose and fall to the ground. Bogo glared at Leon, huffing loudly and making the fur around Leon's face flutter from the huff. "You are becoming something far worse than what you are accusing Wilde of!"shouted Bogo.
Leon grinned and grabbed Bogo's arm with his right paw, sinking in his sharp claws and growling loudly. "You think this is because of JUST Wilde? The ZPD refused to let me find out what happened. Wilde refused to come into questioning to get his story. The CITY shunned me when I petitioned for a warrant. ZOOTOPIA...FAILED...ME!" cried out Leon as he raked his claws down Bogo's arm. Leon had grabbed one of the security cameras with his left hand. One of the ones you would find at a mall. Having a large bulky frame and a long mounting brace. Leon swung the camera hard and struck Bogo on his right cheek. Bogo retreated back and spun from the momentum of the swing. Feeling a few of his teeth crack from the impact.
Bogo fell to one knee to stop his momentum. His cheek stinging from the strike. Leon struck at Bogo's back and head repeatedly with the camera. "After EVERYTHING I did to help this city! I was DAYS away from bringing down the biggest crime boss in the city. AND THAT'S HOW YOU AND THIS CITY REPAY MY SERVICE!" shouted Leon as he repeatedly struck Bogo's back and the back of his head with the camera. Eventually breaking it off entirely over one of Bogo's horns.
Bogo saw the camera break and quickly stood up. His back split open in several places. Feeling blood trickle down his back. Bogo turned fast and tried to grab Leon. Leon sidestepped and Bogo fell onto the wall. Struggling to move from the pain in his back, and being dazed from a few strikes to the head.
Leon growled and quickly walked over to the shelf holding the taser guns. Leon pointed the taser at Bogo and fired. Bogo grunted and tensed, but was still trying to stand. Leon chuckled. "You're a tough one to bring down."
Bogo stood up and huffed loudly. "Like you said, It'll take more than that." Bogo said as he gripped the taser cords and pulled them out. Leon smiled and grabbed a taser gun in each hand, firing them both at Bogo. Both of them hit Bogo and he tensed up. Stopping in his tracks. Leon dropped those two taser guns and grabbed two more, shooting him with those as well.
Bogo let out a loud yell as he felt the electricity of four tasers course through his body. His muscles, hands, toes, and jaw locking. Bogo used all the control of his legs he still had to keep standing upright. Leon smirked and walked to the door where the truck was. He tied all the fuses together and pulled out a lighter.
Bogo watched him. His body shaking and fur standing on end from the immobilizing tasers. "Those doors...are the highest security...we got...you wont...open the doors...with those pipe bombs." Bogo managed to say. Having to force the words out as each breath became a challenge.
Leon lit the fuses and grabbed the desk that held the work order sheets. Quickly moving it back towards the entrance and turning it on its side. Hiding behind it to shield himself from the blast. "They aren't there to break the doors open." said Leon.
Bogo turned his head to the bombs to see they weren't taped to the door, but taped to the pistons that held the truck to the wall. Bogo figured now that he must have someone ready to drive the truck away. And Bogo was a few feet in front of four pipe bombs that pack enough power to blow a mounted steel door off its moorings. Bogo gritted his teeth and forced his arm to move, grabbing hold of three of the taser wires and pulling them free. Now having three times less electricity running through him, he pulled out the last taser and ran at Leon. Having only a few short seconds to react.
Bogo reached behind the desk and grabbed Leon by the throat with both hands. As Bogo lifted Leon up, the bombs detonated.
The explosion rang out, filling the room with fire and throwing both Leon and Bogo to the wall. Bogo hit the wall hard and immediately fell unconscious from the force of the explosion. His uniform burnt and smoking.
The force of the explosion sent the camera's near the door flying towards the back wall that Leon and Bogo were thrown to. Leon in particular was practically buried under the cameras after he fell to the ground. After the explosion, one of the vent tunnels that went along the corner of the wall fell off.
For a moment, no sound came from the room except for the flames that lit the walls on fire. After a few brief seconds, the pile of cameras that Leon was under stirred. Leon stood up from the pile of destroyed cameras. His face bloody, bruised, and cut. His shirt torn in multiple places.
The bombs had blown open the wall to free the truck. Large gaps on the sides that showed the small garage that held the truck
Leon walked out from the pile of cameras and fell to his knees. Panting and groaning from the pain. Eventually Leon stood to his feet and looked back at Bogo. Bogo was starting to wake up. His eyes opening slowly and trying to sit up. Leon then heard a rustling and banging coming from the vents. He looked up to see Judy Hopps slide out of the vent onto the ground, followed by Nick Wilde.
Judy looked to see Bogo in a bloody and beaten mess. Nick glared at Leon. Leon smirked lightly and started to limp towards the truck. Nick charged after Leon while Judy went to Bogo's aid.
A gunshot rang out and Nick felt the bullet just barely touch his fur close to his left ear. He stopped dead in his tracks to see Artie walk in from the newly formed opening in the wall. His pistol raised up and aimed at Nick. "Don't move, Wilde. And remember what happened last time I warned you." warned Artie.
Nick stopped in place and glared. Leon looked at Artie and nodded as he continued to limp quickly towards the newly formed hole. Leon looked back at Nick and grinned maliciously. "Hope you enjoyed the evening." Leon teased as he jumped down. Nick watched him get into the passenger side of the truck, only to hear it start up. The truck pulled away and drove out of sight.
Artie stepped back and jumped down into the garage. His pistol still raised. "Don't follow us, Wilde. You either Hopps!" Artie said as he took off into the garage. Nick started to chase when Bogo called out to him. "Wilde! Come here."
Nick turned around quickly and ran over to Bogo. Bogo sat up and winced a bit. One of his legs having a deep cut. "Do you have a pen and paper?" he asked.
Judy reached into her pocket and pulled out her carrot pen Nick pulled a small notepad out of his pocket.
Bogo took both of these items and wrote on one of the paper pads. "I, Chief Bogo, authorize any and all use to bring Leon Snowly to custody, or justice. Lethal Force is authorized. Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps are authorized to use any and all equipment necessary to complete this task." he wrote on one of the papers. He tore it off and folded it before putting it in his pocket. "That's for the rest of the ZPD to know. And for you to know."
Bogo then wrote on the next piece of paper. "0979bogo1997" Bogo wrote on it and tore it off. Giving it to Judy. "This is the passcode to get into the Weapons Truck. Whatever you do, do not let Snowly have whats in it. Grenades, assault rifles, C4 bombs, ammunition, and more. He'll tear the city apart with those at his disposal."
Nick looked at the code and raised his eyebrow. Noticing the 'bogo' in the center. "Was that intentional, Sir?"
Bogo smiled lightly through his pain. "My month and year of birth, 09, the month. 79, the year. The last four numbers, is the year I joined the ZPD." said Bogo.
Nick nodded and Judy folded the paper and put it in her pocket. "We'll stop him, Sir. I promise."
Bogo nodded and looked at Nick again. "I'll do everything in my power to keep your name clean. Good luck."
Nick and Judy both nodded as they ran out towards the garage. They cautiously entered as the truck drove out of the garage. One of the cars had Leah sitting in the front seat as she turned on the engine. Artie, who was on the way there, looked back and spotted Nick and Judy. He let out three shots from his pistol. Nick and Judy both ducked as the bullets flew over their heads. Artie hesitated before taking off to the car Leah was in. Sitting in the passenger seat. The car took off out of the garage, the tires squealing as the car tore out of the garage.
Nick looked over to the key rack and grabbed the key for the car they always use. "Let's go!" said Nick.
Judy nodded and followed Nick to the car. This time, Nick drove. Nick and Judy both buckled in and started the car. Nick looked over at Judy worried. "You ready? Partner?" Nick asked with a calming smile.
Judy smiled back at Nick. "Ready. Let's go!"
*Author's Note* Whew that was an intense chapter. I didnt even realize how long it was till I finished it lol. Anyway we're getting pretty close to the end here. I estimate about four more chapters. Next chapter is Nick's Punishment. And as I did say earlier, I really want some critique on my overall progress with this. Not just the usual 'good job' things. I wanna know what I can do to make it better. More details? Explanations? Personality in the characters? Whatever you think I can do to improve. Read and Review!
