Chapter Eleven: The Past Comes Back

Pre-Chapter Author's Note: It isn't uncommon for police officers to get a second opinion from outsourced experts. Usually this helps confirm or deny certain findings before going to court. Interestingly, in some cases, you'll find an expert witness giving testimony in one field doesn't have anything to do with that field. For example, there was a case where the expert witness was explaining blood spatter, but it turned out they were an abstract painter who did spatter painting. There's also one where a taxidermist was called to give testimony regarding the skills required to perform surgically precise carving of a human being. Sometimes, fields have overlap.

I've noted the pure hatred aimed at Bernhard Hotch, and some wondering how he's remained under the radar. The answer may surprise you. See link: [ 2012 / 11 / professions – most – fewest – psychopaths / ] take out spaces and brackets, copy, paste, and go.

Strictly speaking, psychopaths have a chameleonic nature, blending into their environment. Sociopaths are similar but differ in certain aspects. Psychopathy is mental. Sociopathy is behavioral.

Bernhard is a psychopath. One who also narcissistic, egotistical, and a few other things. In his mind, he's the primary example of absolute perfection. He also has a superiority inferiority complex that feeds into it. You'll see something about it this chapter.

We see Samantha, Job, Wolford, Fangmeyer, Marcus, and two familiar muzzles. Which two, read on.

Bunnyburrow

Ever since Judy had gone and proved that a bunny could defy the typical stereotypes, many of the other Hoppses went forth to do the same. One select group, known as the Lab-Buns, was comprised of the more scientifically inclined. Utilizing one of the farm's old storage units as their lab, they operated with the best interest of the farm in mind. So far, only five Hoppses made up the Lab-Buns: Cindy, with a degree in bioengineering; Jacob, who possessed a degree in agricultural mechanics and equipment/machine technology; Bo, with his certification in soil science and agronomy; Ned, who had a certification in plant sciences; And Joyce, who handled all things medical.

Judy had requested that the Lab-Buns examine the evidence she and Nick had collected, as well as the evidence provided from the package containing the original case. Since they each had knowledge that could prove useful, and they were family, it only made sense to outsource the process to them. So, the Lab-Buns had isolated themselves within their lab, scrutinizing every iota with keen eyes.

Cindy peered into the microscope at the tiny speck of dried, coagulated blood Joyce had discovered, trying to think of a way to analyze it without risking its integrity. It was so miniscule, the chances of pulling it off were impossible. Hopefully, Joyce would be able to find another sample, if only for the sake of having one on file for comparison.

Bo, for his part, was busy studying the trace of soil under his own microscope. "Red clay? Where in Zootopia would there be red clay?" Pulling up a soil map of the city, Bo blinked in surprise. There were quite a few areas where red clay could be found. Including one particular area within the Nocturnal District. "Hm. Interesting."

Joyce stared at her computer monitor, looking at the enhanced image onscreen. Switching her focus to the article of clothing underneath the high-resolution camera, the doe grabbed a pair of tweezers and, with one last glance at the computer monitor, carefully extracted a strand of fur. "It would appear we have DNA after all." Joyce murmured to herself.

At another table, Jacob was examining the photographs of the various wound types which the victims possessed. He also had multiple serrated, blunt, and unorthodox items which could be used as weapons. Looking from one photo to his assembled armaments, Jacob selected a penknife then held it up to the wound. "Close. Really close, but not close enough." Setting the knife down, he selected another. "Still not an exact match."

Ned, sitting by himself in a corner, studied a readout he recently printed. "Midnicampum holicithias? Oh, cabbage patch. This isn't good."

Entering the lab with a tray of foodstuff, Bonnie said, "I've brought y'all something to eat. I also come on behalf of Chief Bogo, who wants to know what you've found. I don't think he's too pleased knowing evidence left his station without sanction."

A ding alerted everyone that one of the machines was done processing its contents. Cindy leapt up, grabbed the printout, and scrutinized it. "Mom. I need you to contact Chief Bogo and tell him to be on the first train out. This isn't something you say over the phone."

Zootopia Surgical Center

The first thing Bernhard Hotch registered upon regaining consciousness was the fact he was secured down onto a hospital bed. The second was the repetitive beeping from the machines to which the diodes on his chest were attached. The third was a very irked, menacing Chief Bogo glaring down at him from his bedside. Painfully gulping, Bernhard Hotch, in a voice hoarse from disuse, asked, "Did you get him? The Apex Omnivore?" The hare turned his head towards the other figure standing next to Bogo. Seeing his union rep, a sense of dread filled him.

"Officer Bernhard Hotch," Chief Bogo stated. "You are hereby under arrest for the murder of 25+ mammals in the first degree. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you by the court. With these rights in mind, are you still willing to talk with me about the charges against you?"

Hotch stared at the buffalo in confusion. "What the hell are you babbling about, Chief? What is this? A joke? Because if it is it's not funny."

"Oh, this is no joke. I can guarantee you that, Mr. Hotch." Elkridge stated. "I know you know who I am. I know you know that when I get involved it's not a prank." Laying his copy of the file against the hare before Bernhard, he added, "I'm simply here because until you're convicted you're still considered a police officer. Not that it'll last considering the evidence against you."

Hotch didn't even have to glance at the file long to know what it contained. "Who provided you with this? The Apex Omnivore? What makes you think any of it is real?"

"The fact that I went to every one of your warehouses myself." Bogo seethed. "What you left behind at each consisted of journals, recordings, and various other things which identified you as the culprit. All the evidence gathered pointed squarely at you without fail. We spent hours verifying the validity of each piece of evidence. Nothing was tampered with in the slightest."

Expression hardening, Bernhard gave Bogo a death glare. "You know what I loathe the most? Those who think like you. I did my job. I cleansed this city's streets of the worthless trash and malignant tumors threatening it. You, and those like you, should be thanking me, awarding me. Instead, you treat me like him? You stupid, fucking retard! Don't you dare treat me like a criminal. I'm doing what you refuse to do. Those like Hopps and Wilde, interspecies lovers, they're a disease that needs to be eradicated. You simply let them continue such abhorrent deviancies rather than quell it like necessary. Take me to court. I'll reveal their secret and have the public rally against them and those like them."

"I'm afraid that won't happen, Mr. Hotch." the stag replied, sounding bored. "I've taken great pains to research a few things. Do you know what I discovered?" He continued without giving the hare a chance to answer. "I found a large percentage of those living in Zootopia don't actually mind interspecies relationships. Sure, they act as though they do, but only to protect themselves. Truth is, everyone thinks everybody else is against it, yet very few truly are. Even the judge assigned to your case is pro-interspecies, and secretly married to someone of a species different from her own."

Bogo then spoke before Hotch could respond. "As for the Apex Omnivore, he left a message for you." Setting down the cassette player he had in his pocket, he pressed play. The Apex Omnivore's voice emanated from the speaker, making the room seem a whole lot colder.

"Ah! Bernhard Hotch, the bastard of Precinct One. I must admit, I had hoped you wouldn't survive, but in the words of the infamous Buck Jaeger you can't always get what you want. Regardless, you're probably wondering why I chose to target you. It's simple. You irk me. It's those like you who make me sicker than the fucking plague. I know all about you Bernhard Hotch. I know all your darkest secrets. Don't believe me? Well, I do. I know that you're a hypocrite. Your family are purists, but you want a bunny doe rather than a hare doe. What would mommy and daddy say?"

A harsh snarl escaped Bernhard Hotch. However, since it was merely a recording, it did nothing.

"You act all superior, but deep down you know how weak you really are. You try and cover it up by playing Top Dog. You lied on your ZPA application, too. You have been arrested before. You were 16 when convicted of murder over in Hareshire. You had killed the 15yr old doe you impregnated when she refused to get an abortion. Of course, mummy and daddy never learned that your victim was pregnant with your kits."

The heartrate monitor was blaring alarms. Bernhard Hotch was thrashing around, tearing stitches. He was determined to break that damn tape player.

"Oh, and let's not forget your drug habit. How much of your paychecks have gone towards purchasing those narcotics? Over half? Then the fact you were married once, but it ended in divorce after your wife left you for another buck. Got tons of kits now, doesn't she? Why don't you have any kits, Bernhard? Oh, that's right. You're sterile thanks to your drug addiction."

The maniacal laughter that was heard from the tape player had Bernhard Hotch howl in rage. Doctors raced into the room, brought by the alarms. They found themselves struggling to get the hare under control.

"I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU ALL!" Bernhard screeched repeatedly. Suddenly, he seized, his body going into shock.

Bogo and the stag exited the room leaving the recording of maniacal laughter playing. They walked down the hall towards the elevator. Stepping inside, Bogo asked, "What of my shooting? Have I been cleared?"

"You have, but they're keeping your firearm temporarily. It'll be returned within two weeks." Folding his hooves across his chest, the stag stated, "When do you leave for Bunnyburrow? I happened to overhear a bit of your cellphone conversation."

"I'm heading to the office then the train station." Bogo replied. "I'm not thrilled about what Hopps' decision, but I'll admit that if I were in her position I'd've done the same. No chance of anyone even considering the evidence is there."

"If Hotch survives, he'll probably be catatonic. Even then, any jury would still call for the Death Penalty." the stag informed. "I'll take care of everything here. You get to Bunnyburrow. From the sound of it, what they found is important."

Nodding, Bogo stepped off the elevator as the door opened, leaving the stag alone. When the elevator doors closed, the stag pulled his phone out and dialed a number. "It's me. Officer Hotch probably isn't going to make it. … Yes, I understand." Hanging up, he prayed.

Across Zootopia, the mammal on the other end of that same call set her phone aside tossed it away before cuddling with the other mammal in the bed. He had slept for a long time after returning to her, not that she blamed him. After all, it was a miracle he could do anything physical. Unfortunately, Samantha had to wake him.

"Job? Sweetheart? Time to wake. You've got work to do." Samantha whispered, gently rocking him.

Cracking an eye open, he groaned. "What time is it?" he mumbled questioningly. Although, he had planned to leave yesterday, his visit to Sam's den resulted in him staying in the city awhile longer.

"Almost noon." Samantha replied. "If you're going to arrive on time, you'll need to leave in ten minutes." Laying a kiss on his scarred cheek, she got out of bed.

"You don't have to, you know." Job informed her. "I'm not forcing you to do anything you don't want to do. You can still walk away from all this."

"Hell no! I'm not letting you do this solo." Samantha growled out. "We'll do this together. Got it?"

Huffing, Job sat up and got out of bed himself. "Yes, dear." Hearing a soft chuckle from her, Job smirked as best he could at Samantha. "You remember what you need to do?"

"Yep. Not overly excited, but I've got it down." Samantha told him. Buttoning her pants, the vixen checked her appearance in the mirror.

"Lovely."

Turning towards Job, Samantha smirked. "You're just saying that to get back into my pants." The grin he gave her made her smirk become a smile. "Thank you."

Humming, Job pulled on his cloak. "Now then. I'll be off. Don't forget to keep me updated." Giving her a kiss as he departed, he said, "Love you, Sam."

"Love you, too." Samantha called after him. Locking up her place, the vixen hailed a cab to the train station. Her role right was to reestablish contact with Nick and Judy. They needed to know the whole story. Job had told her everything, and she needed to relay it to them. Problem was she didn't know where they were. She had an idea, but it had to be confirmed first. Which is why she was following Chief Bogo.

Marcus stood in the ZPD's morgue, gazing at the corpse of Thomas Catlahan. He was still trying to wrap his mind around it. Before him was the body of a friend. One of his best friends at that. His girlfriend had offered to come with him, but Marcus felt this was something he had to do alone. Now, staring at the body, he felt like an idiot for not having accepted her offer.

"He didn't feel anything." the coroner reported. "The headshot killed him instantly. The shot to the chest was likely a result of firearm training."

Nodding his understanding, he asked, "Anything else?"

Shaking her head, the coroner said, "Not really. His personal effects were examined earlier. Nothing out of the ordinary. Other than that cellphone anyway."

Grunting, Marcus inquired, "Any idea why?" He watched as the coroner sighed sadly.

Walking over to the storage wall, she opened two drawers. Pulling out the bodies, she answered, "Meet his parents. Originally, we suspected the Apex Omnivore was responsible for their deaths, but evidence revealed it was Bernhard Hotch."

Swallowing, Marcus replied, "Guess I would've tried to kill him too." A thought occurred to him. "How did the Apex Omnivore even get in contact with Thomas in the first place?"

"No idea." the coroner answered. "Then again, that's not for me to find out. I just tell you how victims died."

"Right. Thanks." Marcus walked out of the morgue and towards his office. He had work to do.

Sitting in the breakroom, Wolford and Fangmeyer watched as the other officers went about their business. In truth, they were waiting for a chance to slip away unnoticed. Finally, their opportunity came, and they didn't hesitate to take it. Escaping to the basement bathroom together, they locked the door.

They threw themselves at each other. Too long had gone by without them having a moment to enjoy such intimacy. A knock on the door caused them both to growl. "WHAT!?" They hollered.

"The Chief needs to see you." Clawhauser's voice was conspiratorial. "It's important."

Groaning, Wolford and Fangmeyer exited to follow the cheetah. Upon entering Bogo's office, they found themselves facing the precinct's psychotherapist.

"Where's the Chief?" Wolford questioned.

"On his way to Bunnyburrow." the sand cat answered. "I need to speak with you two about something. The fire at the Asylum all those years ago."

Ears perking at the sand cat's words, both leaned in to listen.

Setting a large file down, the sand cat explained, "I used to work there in records. However, what we did was never made public. Yes, we took in mental patients, but that's not the whole truth either. The faculty never made it clear what they did. Ten years prior to the fire, we were bought by a private investor who proceeded to reform what we did. The horrors of what took place there can be found in that file. It's the only copy you'll ever find. I only managed to save it thanks to Mr. Wolven."

"Mr. Wolven?" Fangmeyer inquired.

"He ran the place. I don't know what happened to him after the fire, but I know he survived." Pushing the file at them, she added, "I have the feeling my days are numbered. So, I wanted someone to have this. You two were the first who came to mind."

"If you were in records, why would he come after you?" Fangmeyer asked, while Wolford skimmed the file's contents.

"Because this file contains everything he could ever hope to know about himself." Wolford answered for the psychotherapist. "We've considered the possibility he has a fractured psyche. He's probably struggling to remember anything about his life prior to becoming who he is now."

"That's right." the sand cat confirmed. "I probably know who he is, but I doubt I remember. There were hundreds of names, and not all of them memorable."

"If you can't remember, he'll kill you for not giving him what he wants." Fangmeyer surmised.

"Exactly. I've memorized each name in that file. Hopefully, I'll be able to put a name to him. However, if not, I want that to be safe."

In Zootopia's sole supermax prison, Dawn Bellwether sat in her cell reading a novel. Glancing at the clock, she sighed wearily. It was only 12:30 in the afternoon. It would soon be time to eat, but she wasn't hungry in all honesty. The resounding 'CLICK' of the lock disengaging drew her attention. Dawn blinked as the ewe watched Leodore Lionheart entered her cell.

The two stared at each other for a short bit before Lionheart sat at the far end of the ewe's cot. The lion looked tired, worn out beyond belief. His once brilliant mane was disheveled, oily. He looked a lot older than he was.

"I need your help, Dawn." Leodore admitted. "Before you say anything, please hear me out. We both know between the two of us, you were the better one. I didn't give you enough credit. However, right now, I'm facing a crisis, and I could really use your help."

A beat of silence.

"About damn time." Dawn muttered. Getting into a sitting position, Dawn stated, "If were exchanging confessions, I'm sorry for what I put you through. Not that it's a defense, but if you had simply listened to what I would tell you, none of what happened would've come to pass. However, what's done is done, and we can't change the past. Therefore, let's focus on the here and now. What do you need help with?"

"Have you heard of the Apex Omnivore?"

A nod.

"You've been keeping track of the investigation?"

Another nod.

"I don't want you as an assistant mayor. I want you as my equal. However, I need something from you before I spring you from here."

"What would that be, Leodore?" Dawn inquired. He could ask for anything, but he was giving her the power to accept or deny. It was an interesting shift in power between them.

"You'll have to agree to a list of conditions decided by the city council. I've managed to limit it to three, but they aren't negotiable." Extracting a sheet of paper, he read: "Condition one: A military-grade tracking chip implanted in neck. Condition two: Remain within the designated areas. Anywhere else is to be accompanied by…yours truly, Leodore Lionheart. Condition three: If even one mistake is made, immediate return to prison."

"I can agree to those conditions." Dawn stated.

"Great. I'll let them know. I'll collect you tomorrow. We'll talk about your duties then." Leodore got up to leave, but he stopped before exiting the cell. "I did listen by the way. I just…I was too prideful in myself to even consider any of it. You were right though, about what you said way back when. I'm a coward acting tough. I've always been like that even when we were kids. You were the one who defended me all the time. I wanted to be better, but it cost me so much. Including our friendship. It isn't worth anything, I know, but I'm sorry." He then left.

Dawn sat there staring at the door of her cell. She remembered when the two were younger how Leodore was always a scaredy-cat, frightened by his own shadow. The ewe had seen it happen but hadn't fought the change he underwent to become who he did.

"You're still an idiot, Leodore. I had a reason to defend you. You just never realized it." Dawn climbed up to peer out the cell window. "So, you want to kill in my city, do you? Sorry, but I won't let you continue."

Bogo grumbled as he squeezed his way into the large-to-a-bunny storage building. Taking a seat, he said, "What have you discovered?" The five lagomorphs stood in a straight-line, side-by-side, almost militaristically.

"Your killer is a mongoose." Cindy began. "One that's been exposed to Midnicampum holicithias repeatedly to the point he gained an immunity. He's been residing within an old church in the Nocturnal District. One made primarily out of red clay. He's got a number of health issues based on our blood analysis. His constant exposure to Midnicampum holicithias has resulted in frying his pain receptors. It's also given him increased speed and reflexes. If you're wondering how we know this, it's from the blood analysis. Blood can tell you a lot."

"You're sure he's a mongoose?" Bogo questioned. There weren't many in Zootopia, less than a thousand in total. If they were right, it significantly limited their suspect pool.

"Yep. The genetic markers don't lie." Joyce answered. "DNA proves it. Your killer is a mongoose."

"This church? Do you know where in the Nocturnal District it stands?"

"I've narrowed it down to a three-square city block area." Bo replied, giving Bogo the chart. "It's made primarily out of red clay, but I did find traces of ash as well. I'd guess the church had a fire at one point."

"There's only one church in the Nocturnal District that ever had a fire. St. Luci's. Over a thousand casualties." Bogo murmured.

Jacob then began to speak. "His extremities are somewhat damaged. His claws have been altered, and not by choice. They're serrated and forcefully extended. Either that, or his fingertips were removed for the same effect."

"You're saying that they removed a portion of his digits to 'lengthen' his claws?" Bogo questioned, receiving a sideways nod and shrug. "Okay, but why do I get the feeling your holding something back?" The silence was deafening.

"We decided to see if the DNA was registered in CODIS. No match. So, we ran it against the database of missing mammals. That time, we got a match." Cindy explained.

Joyce passed the buffalo a sheet of paper. "I personally triple checked the validity for verification. It's no mistake."

Bogo stared at the information sheet, a sense of dread settling over him. Gazing back at him was the photograph of a young mongoose. Not just any young mongoose either, but the most famous missing mammals case, second only to the fourteen missing mammals the Night Howler Conspiracy involved. Jay Ichneumon, male, age 5.

The case harkened back to before Bogo was even on the police force, but he knew the story. Jay's father was former military and stumbled into the Precinct carrying his deceased mate, covered in blood. Jay's father was rushed to the hospital. Along the way, he informed that his son was taken by their assailants. He died on the operating table. For 8 years, practically every resource was diverted towards finding Jay. Ironically, it was also around that time another JTR Mauler copycat was at large. With the ZPD desperate to end the reign of terror, Jay was all but forgotten by a hoofful of officers who continued to search for him. However, nothing ever came of their investigation, and they had no choice to shelve it in the Ice Box with the rest of the cold cases.

"Oh, fucking damn it."

Post-Chapter Author's Note:

Oh, fucking damn it indeed.

The character of Jay Ichneumon, or "Job", is based on a cold case from a long time ago. Still unsolved, too.

Young Maxwell Kavanaugh age 8 was kidnapped during a home invasion in which his parents were murdered. Years later, the kidnapper stumbled into a police precinct bleeding out slowly onto their floor. In his last moments, he told the story of how he killed a family, took their only son, and over time discovered he had sealed his fate. He died en route to the hospital.

During that time, a serial killer was on the loose that constantly taunted and toyed with law enforcement. Maxwell would "pretend" to be many different people to evade detection. Psychopathic personality, sociopathic behavior, uber-genius level intellect, highly intuitive, adaptive, and possessing an immensely powerful sense of self-preservation, Maxwell remained at large for years before revealing himself. Even then, there was nothing law enforcement could do. For reasons unknown, no records were kept concerning the case. Either due to the sheer absurdity of it, or to "save face" and kept their reputations intact, those involved turned the tale into a legend shrouded in myth. Maxwell was never convicted. Also, there is no record of his death anywhere. Many questions still remain unanswered concerning the case.

Next Chapter will focus on the Zootropolis investigation. We'll also see the team encounter Jay/Job, who'll reveal a secret concerning Nick's past.

As you've guessed, the stag Police Union rep is in league with Jay/Job. However, to see just how deeply, you must wait a little bit longer.

The sand cat psychotherapist will meet her end in two more chapters.

Although it seems Samantha and Jay/Job both have the same mission, there's a slight difference. Can you figure it out?

Lastly, I've got a question. Anyone want to guess what happens to Bernhard the chapter after next?